BAYDON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD AT THE BYPA HALL ON
15th October 2007 (Subject to approval at the meeting on 26th November 2007)
PRESENT: Mr K Barnes (Chair), Mr Haythornthwaite, Mrs S Grove
Also in attendance: Mrs E Carmichael (Clerk) and 3 members of the public.
1. APOLOGIES
Apologies received from Mr Carmichael, Cllr Humphries and Cllr Findlay
2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest in any matter on the agenda.
3. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
The minutes of the meeting on 24th September were agreed to be a correct record and signed at the end of the meeting.
4. CLERKS REPORT
The Clerk advised the meeting that another application for Parish Councillor had been received. Kennet District Council had confirmed in writing that structures on the allotments such as sheds, greenhouses etc may require planning permission.
5. ITEMS FoR CONSIDERATION
5.1 To consider the co-option of Heather White
The Parish Council resolved to co-opt Heather White. Heather White signed the acceptance of office and took her seat on the Council.
5.2 To discuss the BMX Bike Track project
Steve Webb advised the meeting that the BMX bike track designer had agreed that the plan could be modified to fit into the area of land agreed with the allotment committee and that access would be by the fence with Mrs Betteridge’s property. It was noted that the final track design has yet to be agreed and that the project team may decide to go for an S shaped track. A £5,000 WYPOFF grant has been obtained but more fund raising has to be done. Likely commencement date for the project is June 2008.
5.3 To discuss the provision of allotments
The Parish Council noted that due to the increased numbers of people interested in obtaining an allotment land further up the field will have to be cleared and more trees than planned will have to be removed. Also the size of plots will be reduced to 120 sq yards, with the possibility of there being a few smaller allotments. It was agreed that the Parish Council should review the proposed site plan. The Parish Council noted that £100-£150 may be required to move the trees. Mr Gribble from the allotment association agreed to get a quote for the next meeting. The Parish Council agreed that land on the Parish Field could be used for allotments. It was also agreed that the millennium trees could be moved to alternate suitable locations but should not be just dug up. It was resolved that the relationship between the Parish Council and the allotment association, and other matters concerning the allotments be discussed at the next meeting. Mr Gribble agreed to produce a draft tenant’s agreement for review by the Parish Council.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
6.1 Wiltshire County Council, Prioritisation of Applications for Modification Orders – It was agreed that none of the modification orders were a priority.
6.2 Kennet District Council, PAWS brochure – Noted
6.3 Kennet District Council, Conservation Guidance Note: Thatching – To be kept on file and item to be put in Scene in Baydon.
6.4 Marlborough Community Area Strategic Partnership, Agenda and Summary Report – Passed to Heather White for review
6.5 Swindon & Marlborough NHS Trust, Consultation & Membership Forms - noted
6.6 Leaflets from Co-operative Futures - noted
6.7 Pound Arts Trust brochure – Passed to Heather White
7. PLANNING
7.1 The Parish Council noted that application K/56971/F for alterations to the existing wall and gateway at Baydon House and the associated diversion of bridleway 11 had been refused.
8. SUSPENSION OF THE 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.
9. FINANCE
9.1 The Parish Council approved payment of the following:
Baydon St Nicholas Primary School invoice 04/07 for £53
Heart Internet Invoice/Mark Austen invoice 11-91-0017 for £37.46
Sodexho Land Technology, invoice 9050487852 for £350
Parochial Church Council, £450 donation towards grass cutting
9.2 To consider making a donation towards the costs of this year’s firework display
It was agreed that if the firework display could be covered by the Parish Council’s public liability insurance then a donation of £100 would be made towards the cost of fireworks. If however it could not be cover under the Parish Council’s insurance policy then a grant of £230 would be made to cover the cost of insurance for the event.
9.3 To approve the annual return for 2006/2007
The Parish Council approved the annual return. The form was signed by the Chair at the end of the meeting.
9.4 To consider the first draft of the budget for 2008/2009
The Clerk presented the draft budget for the next financial year. It was noted that no allowances had been made for any projects. The Parish Council agreed that there was likely to be expenditure on a number of projects e.g. the Parish Plan, the allotments and provision should be made for these. It was also proposed that the grass cutting contract for 2008 should be put out to tender so that a more accurate figure could be obtained for the budget.
10. ITEMS TO NOTE / ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
It was noted that the grass cutting contract should include a bi-monthly cut of the brambles on the corner of Manor Lane & Ermin Street, and that the triangle of grass near Barleymead should be cut monthly.
It was noted that the street light by the grass triangle (near Baydon House) is still on 24 hours a day.
It was noted that the Parish Lengthsman had not removed the weeds from Downsmead. The Clerk advised the meeting that she would arrange for another visit.
The hedge near Beech Terrace needs attention, however its ownership is not known. Even if it is public amenity land, left by the builder, ownership should have been transferred to the Parish, District or County Council or a homeowner. It was noted that a land registry search could be carried out for a small fee.
The meeting ended at 9.35pm
Signed : ________________________________ Date : _______________