Links
Please note: Copythorne Parish Council is not responsible for the content of external internet sites
Minutes of the Parish Council 23 February 2010 held at Copythorne Parish Hall (7:00pm - 9:36pm)
23 February 2010
PDF file size 16Kb
PRESENT:
Cllr Lady Kara Hawks (Chairman); Cllr G James, Cllr I Mansell, Cllr M Moriarty,
Cllr J Samways and Cllr G Stenson
County Councillor E Heron - by invitation
County Councillor M Mans - by invitation
District Councillor L Puttock - by invitation
Apologies for absence were received from Cllrs Milsom, Forse and Tipp.
153. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A local resident expressed concerns about the validity of the application for a lawful development certificate at Newbridge Island Farm, Newbridge (planning application 10/94909). In addition, no notice was posted on the site (Clerk to pursue). It was proposed that this application be deferred to the Planning meeting on 9 March (see minute 165).
154. MINUTES
The minutes of the meetings held on 26 January and 9 February 2010 were approved by the Council and signed by the Chairman.
155. MATTERS ARISING
GIS system: Software still not installed on Cllr Moriarty’s computer as this would require leaving the laptop with NFDC for a period of time.
Speed indicator devices: Further discussion on possible financial aid from County Councillor devolved budgets for purchase of a SID. Cllr Mans confirmed that the prospects would be improved if the facility was shared with other parishes. If e.g. Bramshaw was included, Cllr Heron could also consider a contribution.
156. COUNTY COUNCIL MATTERS
Councillor Heron confirmed that the County Council element of the council tax would increase by 1.9% for 2010/11.
Cllr Samways thanked Cllr Heron for pursuing the issue of inadequate local Registrar facilities, albeit the outcome had been unsuccessful.
Councillor Mans referred to the New Forest HAT meetings and the opportunities for funding group projects. On highway maintenance generally, there was a need to secure additional funding to achieve more timely repairs. It was reported that the new ‘Slow’ warning sign near Bartley crossroads was not working and it was agreed to report this to Highways.
157. DISTRICT COUNCIL MATTERS
Councillor Puttock reported on £4m savings achieved by NFDC, allowing the council tax rise to be contained to 2%. Services such as bus passes and free swimming for the elderly were still in place but an example of savings was the deferral of new leisure equipment.
Members enquired whether the change of venue from Appletree Court to the Lyndhurst Park Hotel for the New Forest Consultative Panel was a savings measure. However, Cllr Heron confirmed that this was a health and safety issue.
Cllr Puttock also referred to the New Forest Access for All Awards for improved access for disabled people. The overall winner was Blashford Lakes nature reserve.
158. CORRESPONDENCE
Members noted the following:
- January crime figures for Copythorne
- details of the Age Concern Computer Club at Copythorne Parish Hall from March to May 2010 (details to be published in Stanleys Own)
- an invitation to the Chairman and Councillors to attend the Netley Marsh Annual Parish Meeting on Friday 9 April 2010
- other correspondence, as shown in the list accompanying the agenda
159. MATTERS PENDING
Members reviewed the outstanding items list and agreed the following:
497 (Road drainage, Chinham Road/New Inn Road): Cllr Mans was pursuing but potholes were taking priority following adverse weather. However, it was noted that, if highway surface dressing works were scheduled, it was important for the drainage repairs to be completed first.
506 (Splitwind Pond): Quotation received from Alex Catt in the sum of £187.50 for maintenance work at the pond (1-year contract). Agreed, accept.
513 deleted
160. HIGHWAY SALT BINS
Members considered possible locations for highway salt bins in the context of the recent letter from Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council.
Members also noted a letter from Tim Lawton, Hampshire Highways, to Mr Stephens of Spring Cottage, Winsor Road, concerning the junction outside his property. The letter confirmed that Winsor Road was on a Priority 2 route and was not routinely treated but suggested the provision of a salt bin at the junction to allow it to be treated in icy weather.
The Parish Council may need to contribute to the purchase cost and it was also unclear who was responsible for spreading the salt. It was agreed that, subject to Mr Stephens’ response, the Council would request a salt bin for the Winsor Road/Pollards Moor Road junction.
161. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Further to discussion under minute 122/12/09, members considered the following:
- responses from Diana MacLean, NFDC, to the various queries raised about affordable housing
- copies of the section 106 agreements for phases 1 and 2 of the Rockram Close development
- a sample housing needs questionnaire
Further discussion took place on whether additional provision was needed for Copythorne and the operation of the rules governing affordable housing. Members still had concerns about the application of the ‘local connection’ criteria and were unconvinced that the housing needs questionnaire would provide positive evidence of need. It was therefore agreed to take no further action at this time.
144. FINANCE MATTERS
(a) Training:
Agreed, Chairman to attend Chairmanship Skills training course at Fleming Park Leisure Centre, Eastleigh on 18 June 2010 (£25)
(b) Campaign to Protect Rural England:
Agreed, renew annual subscription at £29
(c) Current balances:
Deposit A/c £5926.28 Current A/c £1000.93
(d) Payments:
Payments were authorised as shown in appendix 1 in the minute book.
163. STANDING ORDERS
Standing Order 4(ii) was invoked to allow the meeting to deal with the business in hand.
164. MEMBERS’ REPORTS
Councillor Moriarty:
New Forest Consultative Panel meeting scheduled for following week. Cllr James asked Cllr Moriarty to enquire if the results of the equestrian survey were available.
Cllr Moriarty reported that he had received documents at his home address in Riverside Close to register for flood alerts.
Councillor Mansell:Query regarding situation at Golden Meadows (scrap metal operations etc). Clerk has received information from NFNPA confirming that notice has been served by Environment Agency requiring site to be cleared by 8 March. NPA are also preparing separate enforcement notice for unauthorised structures. Clerk to pursue further as necessary.
Councillor Stenson:Large stones causing highway hazard outside ‘Crossways’, Newbridge. Agreed, refer to Surveyor.
Councillor Samways:Fencing works etc being undertaken at ‘Riverside’ Newbridge Road. Clerk to refer to NFNPA re need for enforcement.
A-board opposite The Compass advertising mobile field shelter, causing sightline obstruction. Agreed, refer to Surveyor.
165. PLANNING MATTERS
Current applications: Members agreed the following responses:
10/94864 Petlyns, Winsor Road, Winsor (Replacement of garage flat roof with a pitched roof). Object (4)
10/94909 Newbridge Island Farm, Furzley Road, Newbridge (Application for certificate of lawful development for existing building as residential and associated works). Defer to 9 March meeting.
Decisions etc: Members noted recent planning and appeal decisions and current enforcement matters, as shown in the list tabled at the meeting (appendix 2 in the minute book).
Forest Central North Conservation Area: A letter from the NPA referred to proposed work to formulate Management Plans in this Conservation Area. The Authority had employed a specialist Building Conservation Consultant, Kevin Stubbs, to carry out the initial survey work which would involve taking photographs and preparing notes.
CHAIRMAN
DATE
