BAYDON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AT THE BYPA HALL ON
14th May 2007 (Subject to approval at the meeting on 23rd July 2007)
PRESENT: Mr K Barnes (Chair), Mrs S Grove, Mr Haythornthwaite
Also in attendance: L Knight (Clerk), and 2 members of the public.
1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN & VICE-CHAIRMAN
Mr Barnes was elected as Chairman and Mr Haythornthwaite was elected as Vice Chairman. Declarations of acceptance of office were signed by Mr Barnes, Mrs Grove and Mr Haythornthwaite.
2. APOLOGIES
Cllr Findlay and Mr Carmichael.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
4. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
The minutes of the meeting on 30th April were agreed to be a correct record.
5. CLERK’S REPORT
During the Beating of the Bounds it was noted that the trees along the road towards Swindon are not dead as previously thought and that there is a signpost for the byway by the motorway bridge. Sodexho have been given the contract to cut the grass and work is expected to start soon.
6. ITEMS FoR CONSIDERATION
6.1 To consider a response to the proposal for a unitary council for Wiltshire
The Parish Council discussed the proposal. It was agreed that a letter be sent advising that Baydon Parish Council totally endorsed Kennet District Council’s letter and do not support the proposal for a unitary council for Wiltshire.
6.2 To consider transferring the Parish Council’s insurance policy to Zurich Municipal
The Parish Council noted that a similar level of cover could be obtained from Zurich Municipal at a much lower premium and resolved to take out insurance with Zurich Municipal.
6.3 To consider training for Councillors
It was agreed that it was not necessary to send any Councillors on a training course, instead the Parish Council will at a future meeting considering purchasing the latest copy of the Councillor’s Guide.
6.4 To consider changing the date of the next meeting
Neither the Clerk nor Mr Carmichael are able to attend the meeting on 9th July. It was agreed that the meeting be rescheduled for 23rd July.
6.5 To consider what action to take regarding the application for a wind turbine near Membury
The Parish Council discussed the application and agreed that although public knowledge on renewable energy had increased, local objections to the proposed wind turbine remained. Advice to be sought from the CPRE.
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7. CORRESPONDENCE
7.1 Letter from Kennet Carers Association – To be sent to Mo Lafford for inclusion in Scene in Baydon. Poster to be put on noticeboard.
7.2 Vale of White Horse Core Strategy Sustainability Appraisal Scoping Report, Consultation – The Parish Council had no comment to make.
7.3 North Wessex Downs AONB, invitation to open meeting on LEADER funding – It was agreed that this was not applicable.
7.4 Revised Preferred Options for the Wiltshire & Swindon Minerals & Waste Core Strategies – It was agreed that no action was necessary as it was not relevant to Baydon.
7.5 Invitation to traffic meeting at Fyfield – It was agreed that it was not necessary to attend the meeting, instead PC Batchelor will be invited to future meetings.
8. PLanning
8.1 Bailey Hill Reservoir (K/56437/F) – New service reservoir, pumping station building and access. The Parish Council has no objections to the application.
Starvon Manor (K/56504/F) – Extension to existing conservatory. The Parish Council has no objections to the application.
Baydon Cottage (K/56496/F) - Single storey attached extension. The Parish Council has no objections.
Dacre (K/56453/F) – Copies of letters from local residents to Kennet District Council were reviewed. It was noted that the applicant was trying to build on agricultural land and that a previous application to build on the land had been turned down. Clerk to speak to the Planning Officer.
8.2 The following planning decisions were noted :
Manor Cottage (K/56307/F) – Full permission granted for two storey extension to the rear.
6 Ermin Close (K/56267/F) – Full permission granted to take down conservatory and rebuild to form new kitchen and dining area with lobby and kitchen store in existing garage.
3 Downsmead (K/56103/F) – Full permission granted for two storey garage and kitchen extension.
9. SUSPENSION OF MEETING FOR PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The meeting was suspended to allow members of the public to speak to the Council.
After this period the meeting was resumed.
10. FINANCE
10.1 To consider making a donation to the Parochial Church Council
As the new grass cutting contract covers the churchyard it will not be necessary in the future for the Parish Council to make a donation to the Parochial Church Council. It was noted that no donation had been made since 2005. The Parish Council resolved to make a donation to help cover the previous year’s cost of grassing cutting.
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10.2 To consider renewing the clerk’s membership of the Society of Local Council Clerks
The Parish Council resolved to renew the clerk’s membership of the SLCC.
10.3 To consider making a donation to the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust
The Parish Council agreed that a donation will not be made as it is not believed that the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust gives a direct benefit to parishioners.
10.4 To consider becoming a member of Community First
The Parish Council decided not to become a member of Community First.
10.5 To consider a mileage allowance for travel on Parish business
It was noted that the standard rate is 40p per mile. The Parish Council resolved to adopt the same rate as used by Kennet District Council.
11. VILLAGE MATTERS
11.1 To set the dates for the next litter picks
It was agreed that a litter pick be held on 14th July.
12. ITEMS TO NOTE / ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
The meeting ended at 9.30pm
Signed : ________________________________ Date : _______________
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