CHIEVELEY PARISH COUNCIL

CHIEVELEY PARISH COUNCIL Present Minutes of the Meeting of Chieveley Parish Council held at Chieveley Village Hall & Recreational Centre, High Street, Chieveley, Berkshire RG20 8TE on Tuesday 14 February 2017 at 7.30pm Cllr R Crispin (Chairman) Cllr M Taylor Cllr D Cowan Cllr M Belcher (Vice Chairman) Cllr H Cole Cllr D Ffrench In Attendance 10 members of the public 1.02.17 Apologies and Acceptance of Absence Apologies were received from Cllr McGuire, Cllr Wood and the Clerk Mrs Snook. All of them were unanimously accepted. 2.02.17 To remind Councillors of the need to record the existence and nature of any Personal, Disclosable Pecuniary or other interest in items of the agenda, in accordance with the Parish Council s Code of Conduct and to receive any requests for dispensations. Dispensations already approved for the Parish Council term and confirmed at the meeting. A Dispensations Guidance handout including the list of existing dispensations was available for the public present and confirmed as read. HSA DPD/Local Plan for Cllr Crispin, Cllr Cowan, Cllr Belcher, Cllr Cole, Cllr McGuire and Cllr Wood. Council Tax/Precept for Cllr Crispin, Cllr Cowan, Cllr Belcher, Cllr Cole, Cllr Wood, Cllr Taylor, Cllr Ffrench and Cllr McGuire. Curridge Playground Charity Land for Cllr Crispin, Cllr Wood, Cllr Ffrench, Cllr Belcher, Cllr Taylor, Cllr Cowan, Cllr Cole and Cllr McGuire. A statement made by Cllr Cole. I wish to make it clear that any views expressed in relation to planning applications under consideration at this meeting are based upon the information available to the Parish Council. Further, I am not prejudging the way I may vote when the matter is considered by West Berkshire Council. At that time, I shall assess all the evidence available and weigh the considerations material to that decision. Cllr Cole declared an interest in item 5 on the agenda, as a District Councillor who had supported the West Berkshire Council budget which included the Home to School Transport Policy and Fare Paying Scheme. Cllr Ffrench declared an interest in her neighbouring property Ashdene and confirmed she had not taken part in any consultation or decision making for that property. 1

3.02.17 Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 10 January 2017 to be agreed and signed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman The minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 10 January 2017 were agreed as a correct record and the Parish Council resolved that the Chairman of the Parish Council could sign them. 4.02.17 Public Participation and Neighbourhood Policing Public Open Forum Emma Jane Bailey spoke, representing parents of school children attending The Downs School who must pay 703 for school transport from September 2017. There is no public transport option. She stated that at least 28 families from Chieveley will be affected. Concerns are: Increased traffic dropping children to The Downs in private cars will compromise the safety of children. It is already at crisis point. The issue divides the village as some children must pay the fare and some will get their transport for free. For parents with more than one child, the fare is considerable Despite parents putting together a petition and publicising the issue widely, West Berkshire Council seem set in upholding the policy. The parents recognise the budget constraints that the Council are working under and need to work on a solution quickly before September when the fares will need to be paid. Consequently, they want to approach churches, Parish Councils and other organisations to support a village bus. They want to try to reach a solution to make savings for the parents and lower the risk to children through increased traffic. Councillor Cole expressed that planning for a private school bus was laudable. Parents had the following questions: If all the children affected decide to go to Trinity would there be enough places? The route the bus takes to Trinity is longer than the route to The Downs so would there be much of a saving to the Council? As more and more year groups pay their own fare would the fare get cheaper? Are the children paying subsidising those who are not? How is it that 703 is more than a children s bus pass to use all buses? 5.02.17 West Berkshire Council Home to School Transport Policy and Fare Paying Scheme. To discuss and agree action The Parish Council, having listened to the residents, realised there continues to be a conflict between the Admissions Policy and the Transport Policy and Fare Paying Scheme and resolved to write to West Berkshire Council to ask for this conflict to be sensibly resolved. Councillors were reminded that the Parish Council submitted a robust objection to the July 2015 consultation for years 2015/16 and 2016/17 and a clear conflict between the policies. 2

6.02.17 Planning Schedule and Planning Matters for discussion and action (Appendix I) 16/03608/FUL Foxkings, Curridge Road, Curridge. Part change of use from residential front garden to commercial for a new cattery premises. The Parish Council confirmed objections to the above planning application on the following grounds: - The site is too close to the highway The height of the new buildings is 2.5m which is taller than the fence and would be out of keeping with the neighbouring properties and street scene The proposed structure is in front of the building line. The plot is near a hazardous bend and any parking or stopping outside the property would be dangerous. The Parish Council approved the planning schedule. 7.02.17 CRC/CPC Liaison Group. To receive information from the Parish Council CRC/CPC Liaison Group representatives to include; - 7.02.1 A review of the MUGA Fund and Maintenance Plan conditions. The Parish Council proposed the following changes to the original agreement between Chieveley Parish Council and Chieveley Recreational Centre: The projected contractor s maintenance and repair schedule for the MUGA is to be used as a guide and the Chieveley Village Hall Committee may use its discretion when the works are required. The MUGA to be maintained in a good condition. The Parish Council will continue to provide 1,500 per annum towards the ongoing maintenance and repair schedule as supplied by Safe & Sound Playgrounds for the expected life of the MUGA raising to 1,600 per annum as projected in the maintenance and repair schedule from 2018. The Recreational Centre are required to ring fence the MUGA maintenance fund provided by the Parish Council in their accounts and only use the funds solely for the MUGA projected maintenance and repair projected schedule. The Recreation Centre can spend a maximum of 20% per annum of the MUGA allocated funds provided by the Parish Council each year without prior approval of the Parish Council on necessary maintenance of the MUGA outside the contractor s schedule. The Recreational Centre is to provide a report including a detailed receipts and payments summary associated with the MUGA maintenance fund to the Parish Council when requested. The Recreational Centre to notify the Parish Council of significant damage to the MUGA. 3

The Recreational Centre to seek prior approval for unforeseen expenditures not included in the projected maintenance and repair schedule and in excess of 20% of the annual MUGA fund allocated. The other conditions in the original agreement dated 29 March 2011 remain unaltered. The clerk to write to Chieveley Recreational Centre to confirm the revisions of the conditions. Action: Clerk 7.02.2 Agree the use of the MUGA Fund for the reinforcement of the north goal end fence section The Parish Council agreed to the Chieveley Recreational Centre s use of MUGA Funds for the reinforcement of the north goal end fence section and replacement basketball hoop by Safe & Sound Playgrounds. 2,425.00. Proposed: Cllr Belcher, Seconded: Cllr Crispin. Unanimous. 7.02.3 Clarify the Children s Playground Fund use The Parish Council were asked to clarify for the record the Children s Playground Fund use provided annually to the Chieveley Recreational Centre. A five year replacement plan is provided annually to the Parish Council by the Recreational Centre for the children s playground. A discussion took place. The five year plan has some inconsistencies in it including the age of the modules. Clarification required from the Chieveley Recreational Centre which figures are right. Cllr Hilary Cole confirmed that an agreement was reached during her time as Chairman of the Recreation Centre that the Parish Council funds paid annually are specifically towards the replacement of the playground modules. Not for a new surface. The Recreation Centre need to raise or use their own funds for the resurfacing project and repairs. This was noted. After a discussion, it was agreed that the clerk should write to the Recreational Centre to confirm the children s playground funds paid annually to the Recreational Centre are to be used towards the replacement of the playground modules. Unanimously agreed. Action: Clerk 8.02.17 S106 application. To consider a request from Chieveley Recreational Centre for S106 public open space improvement funding towards an outdoor multi gym. To discuss and agree action Chieveley Parish Council received a S106 public open space improvement fund request towards the installation of an outdoor multi gym, copied to Councillors prior to the meeting for consideration. Overall project cost 11,841. Match funding has been secured by Chieveley Recreational Centre for 8,400 from Greenham Common Trust Reactive Grant and Vibrant Villages towards the project. Chieveley Recreational Centre are seeking support and request 1,720 S106 public open space improvement funding. No other projects in the Parish currently for consideration for this type of funding. This application is now a retrospective application for funding. 4

The Parish Council resolved to provide 1,720 S106 public open space improvement funding towards the outdoor gym project at Chieveley Recreational Centre subject to the following condition: All future maintenance and any replacement costs will be the full responsibility of Chieveley Recreational Centre and Village Hall Committee. Proposed: Cllr Crispin, Seconded Cllr Belcher. Unanimous. Clerk to write to Chieveley Recreational Centre to confirm the condition. Action: Clerk 9.02.17 Curridge Road between Carbrook Corner and Oaklands. To consider the option to ask West Berkshire Council to carry out a safety audit A car has gone off the road and into a rut by the side of the fence. A decision was made to write to West Berkshire and ask if they would consider carrying out a safety audit considering measures such as a white line at the edge of the road, reflective markers or a soft verges sign. There may be the possibility of using Highways budget S106 monies. Action: Clerk 10.02.17 Vine Cottage earthworks and impact on Curridge Road condition. To receive a report from Cllr Wood, to discuss and agree action The creation of a pond and embankment is under construction to reduce flooding and aid drainage. In fact these works to date have exacerbated matters by removing trees and vegetation. West Berkshire Council have advised that a planning application is required along with the necessary engineering assessment of the viability of the attenuation pond and associated facilities. The earth deliveries causing mud on the road have been suspended by the landowner until the weather improves. He wishes to not lose the support of the community. 11.02.17 SID. To receive a report from Cllr Belcher on SID placements in the Parish during January 2017. Appendix II SID analysis report attached. Worryingly the highest percentage of cars speeding was outside Curridge School after school pick up time. The Parish Council needs to repeat the exercise for accuracy. Cllr Rob Crispin will bring up the matter at the Curridge Residents Association meeting Tuesday 21 st February 2017. 12.02.17 Risk Assessment. To consider ROSPA quotation to carry out risk assessments for 2017 at Oare Pond, Marsh Pond and three bus shelter Historically risk assessments or Oare Pond, Marsh Pond, Curridge Playground and the bus shelters have been carried out by the clerk. This matter is being brought to the Parish Council for review. ROSPA Play Safety can carry out risk assessments. It is being proposed that the risk assessments should be carried out by a professional body and by suitably trained people. ROSPA carry out their Berkshire visits in April to offer these reduced rates. The bus shelter reports will help the Parish Council plan for future repairs. 5

The ponds and Curridge Playground reports will assist the Parish Council to plan necessary works for safety purposes. It was proposed by Cllr Cole that the Parish Council use ROSPA to carry out the risk assessment Oare Pond, Marsh Pond, Curridge Playground and three bus shelters and provide reports from 2017. 66.50 plus VAT for each pond and open space, 66.50 plus VAT for first bus shelter and 20.00 plus VAT for each subsequent one. Seconded by Cllr Belcher. Unanimous. Action: Clerk 13.02.17 Boundary Commission Electoral Review: Warding Arrangements. Preliminary discussion to prepare for response The Boundary Commission has opened its consultation inviting proposals for a new pattern of electoral wards for West Berkshire Council. The Commission is minded to recommend that 42 councillors should be elected to West Berkshire Council in future. The Commission now invites proposals from West Berkshire Council, Parish Council, interested parties and members of the public on a pattern of electoral wards to accommodate those councillors. The consultation has begun and will end on 3 April 2017. The Parish Council agreed to discuss at the next meeting. 14.02.17 Clerk s Report (including correspondence) Doctors Lane West Berkshire Council have instructed Volker Highways to carry out the drainage improvement works. District Parish Conference The Parish Council have been invited to attend the District Parish Conference on Tuesday 21 March 2017. Devolution Prospectus, Planning Enforcement and an open forum is on the programme for the evening. Please let the clerk know if you wish to attend by 28 February 2017. Library Service Review West Berkshire Council have invited Parish Councils to attend a meeting to discuss the library service review and community involvement but no date has been agreed Fly Tipping Fly tipping along FP15 has been reported to West Berkshire Council. The team will remove the items when the ground conditions improve as currently too muddy to get access. Fly tipping has also been reported by FP9 near the entrance to go up and over the equestrian bridge and the highways agency s compound. 6

15.02.17 Report of the Responsible Financial Officer, Cheque Signing and other Financial Matters The clerk tabled year to date financial statement 2016/2017 with budget figures and a Receipts and Payments summary for Parish Council consideration and information. The Receipt and Payments record book was presented at the meeting for inspection. Bank reconciliation presented for information and signing. It was proposed by Cllr Belcher and Seconded by Cllr Cole and the Parish Council resolved to pay the accounts for February 2017. Payments Cheque Payee Description Amount No 1271 G Snook Bus shelter cleaning 40.00 1272 T Snook Clerk salary 607.28 Expenses & Allowance 2173 Berkshire Pension Fund Pension contributions Feb 168.80 816.08 NB PAYE Employee, Employers and NI contributions are accrued and paid quarterly Receipts BACS Royal Bank of Scotland High Business Interest Account 0.21 Total Receipts 0.21 Financial Position as at 14 February 2017 Balance carried forward 31/03/16 (incl S106 contributions) 59,610.25 Receipts for year to date including April/Sept precept received 32,265.47 Less payments for year to date 36,026.18 Total 55,849.54 15.02.1 Other Financial Matters None 16.02.17 District Councillor s Report (Information only) Parking restrictions in Chieveley High Street and outside Curridge School have been approved. The markings will be carried out in the spring when the weather improves. 17.02.17 Councillors Report (Information only) Doctors Lane Cllr Taylor reported contractors started work on Doctor s Lane today. 7

18.02.17 Any other items which the Chairman decides are urgent (Information Only) None 19.02.17 Date of the next meeting Tuesday 14 March 2017 at Curridge W I Hall, Curridge, Berkshire RG18 9DZ at 7.30pm. Part II Due to the confidential nature of the information to be disclosed in the following agenda item the Parish Council resolved to exclude members of the public (Public Bodies (Admissions to meetings) Act 1960 Section 2). 20.02.17 Co Option The decision was unanimous to co-opt Mr Maurice Beard as a Chieveley Ward Parish Councillor. Cllr Belcher will inform him verbally and the Clerk will follow up with a formal letter. There being no further business the meeting closed at 9:00pm. Signed and dated by the Chairman on 14 March 2017 8

Appendix I Planning Applications, Appeals and Enforcement Notices for consideration at the Parish Council meeting on 14 February 2017 Planning applications can be viewed by the public on West Berkshire Council's website www.westberks.gov.uk under planning applications on line Planning applications for consideration at meeting Reference Type Location Description Observations 16/03608 FUL Foxkings, Curridge Road, Part change of use from residential front garden to Objection Curridge commercial for a new cattery premises 16/03581 HOUSE Micawber, Curridge Road Proposed two storey extension No objection Chieveley Parish Council Consultee Decisions Reference Type Location Description Observations 16/03474 COMIND Hermitage Village Hall, To erect a free standing heavy duty multi use games area No objection Pinewood Crescent, measuring 19m x 31m in floor area with eternal fencing 3m Hermitage high on 3 sides, 4mm high on the side facing the village hall. No external lighting to be at site. In addition gym equipment and zip wire to be installed 16/03428 FULD Langley Hall Inn, Worlds End Erection of 1 no dwelling with car park (adjoining parish No objection consultation) 16/03511 FUL Langley Hall Inn, Worlds End Construction of a double car port (adjoining parish No objection consultation) 16/03637 LBC2 Langley Hall Inn, Worlds End Construction of a double car port (adjoining parish No objection consultation) 17/00041 FUL Land south of Rose Agricultural barn No objection Cottage,Beedon Common 17/00056 HOUSE Brooklyn, Curridge Rear single story extension with side porch No objection 16/03535 HOUSE Ashdene, Chapel Lane, Two storey side extension and front extension to form new No objection Curridge entrance hall, double garage, and bike store with games room over. Convert existing garage and study and boot room, change render on external elevations and re-roof the main roof West Berkshire Council Planning Application Decisions and Planning Inspectorate Appeal Decisions Reference Type Location Description Decision 16/03123 HOUSE 16 Sowbury Park, Chieveley Proposed single storey rear extension, porch, garage, Approval conversion and associated internal alterations 16/03210 HOUSE Islares, Long Lane Proposed side/rear single garden room, new garage Approval carport 16/03303 FUL Stables adjacent to Curridge Use of land as a gypsy and traveller caravan site consisting Refusal House, Curridge Road, of 2 no pitches each with 1 no mobile home and 1 no touring Curridge caravan, conversion of existing stables building into utility dayroom and farriers workshop 16/03384 FULD Land adjoining New Farm, New dwelling (replaces application 16/02998/FULD Approval School Road withdrawn due to technical reasons for certificate of ownership) For Information Reference Type Location Description 16/03468 MINMAJ Copyhold Farm Quarry, Section 73 - application for removal of variation of condition Withdrawn Curridge 2, Details of approved 02/02268//RELAX relaxation of conditions to enable the original landform to be replicated at the western end of landfill site, with amended time limits to 9

Appendix II "SID" Analysis Date Start Duration Location Direction No of Vehicles No 15% % over limit Over limit 24/1/17 15:30 1h 15m Curridge Road towards B4009 Eastbound 135 15 11 25/1/17 15:05 1h 40m Oare by pond Northbound 28 0 0 27/1/17 14:50 1h 40m Curridge Road by WI Hall Westbound 28 11 39 28/1/17 09:20 1h 20m High Street Chieveley by bus shelter Southbound 74 2 3 28/1/17 15:30 1h 30m B4009 Long Lane by Curridge Rd turn Northbound 348 37 11 30/1/17 07:30 1h Oare by Church Southbound 5 0 0 31/1/17 07:30 1h 20m Oare by Church Northbound 18 0 0 30/1/17 15:00 1h 40m Graces Lane, by Red Lion Westbound 181 2 1 10