MINUTES OF THE LYNEHAM AND BRADENSTOKE ANNUAL/PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 11th SEPTEMBER 2007
AT LYNEHAM VILLAGE HALL

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Cllr Petch (Chair), Cllr Mrs. Jardine (Vice Chair), Cllr J Webb, Cllr Bullock, Cllr Potter, Cllr Bunney, Cllr Mrs.Turner, Cllr T Webb
Mr M Edwards - Parish Clerk

Cllr Ball & Cllr Lightowler

District Councillors A Bucknell and S Still, Wing Commander Collinson to Item 5, L Mitchell and five members of the public

The Meeting started at 7.15pm.

1. Apologies:

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Ball & Cllr Lightowler

2. Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 14th August 2007:

The Minutes of the meeting held on the 14th August 2007 having been circulated and amended were agreed and signed. Amendment – Item 4a – The footpath was between Pintail Court and Slessor Road

3. Register of Interests under the Parish Councils (Code of Conduct) Order 2001):

4. RAF Matters:

a. RAF Representative - Cllr Petch welcomed Wing Commander Collinson to the meeting. The Wing Commander confirmed that the MOD contractor would be emptying the Slessor Road Youth Shelter area bin. Additional monitoring of the situation would take place. The matter of flooding at Pintail Court was to be dealt with by the contractor under the maintenance agreement. The RAF has no knowledge as to why the footpath from Slessor Road Playing Field was taped off. The path was clear when inspected following the meeting on the 14th of August. There would be a repatriation of four servicemen killed in Iraq on the 12th of September. The Wing Commander expressed his thanks for the sympathy and understanding shown from the community during these difficult duties.

b. To receive questions on RAF Matters (including leased land) - Cllr Mrs. Turner asked if the former NAAFI building was to be sold as it stands. The Wing Commander confirmed that this was the intention of the Defence Estates. Cllr Mrs. Bucknell asked about the increased Jet and Helicopter activity on the base. The Wing Commander confirmed that this was an ad-hoc arrangement and included training exercises.

The Wing Commander was thanked by Cllr Petch for attending and left the meeting.

5. To Receive Public Questions:

Cllr Petch asked the assembled members of the Public their views on whether the Council should make further enquiries about the land at Pintail Court due to be sold by Defence Estates. If purchased the land would be within the control of the Parish Council. Of those assembled it was felt that it was worthwhile for the Clerk to contact Defence Estates.

Cllr Mrs. Jardine asked about the recent advertisement. Cllr T Webb confirmed that it was being advertised first to previous owners and their descendants under the Crichel Down Rules. If they do not come forward then Defence Estates may take the land to the open market. It was noted that it will be sold without Planning Permission.

6. Matters Arising from Previous Meeting: not contained elsewhere on Agenda

a. Resignation of Cllr K Witts & Vacancy. The resignation was noted. Notices have been issued and Electors have until the 17th of September to call an Election. Should an election not be called further notices will be erected calling for applications for co-option to the Council at the October meeting.

b. Council’s own website (Cllr Lightowler) – Deferred to the next meeting.

c. Ditch and Land adjacent to Pound Close – Cllr Mrs. Bucknell confirmed that a response was awaited from Westlea Housing Association

7. Public Toilets:

a. Update – Feedback was very positive about the re-opening of the Toilets.

b. Improvement Works - The Clerk was authorised to seek out two additional quotes for the improvement works required.

c. Transfer from NWDC - It was agreed that the Clerk can contact Bevirs to review the transfer documents from North Wiltshire District Council subject to the receipt of a quotation for the work. The figures relating to the revenue grant would be reviewed at the next meeting.

d. Maintenance - An estimated bill for electricity has been received and will be updated before payment. A copy of cover for Liability insurance has been received from Mr. Cowdry.

8. Planning:

a. Update on recent Planning Applications
The following applications were being considered
07/02184/FUL - Land Adjacent 55 Bradenstoke – New Dwelling – Cllr J Webb had received contact from adjacent neighbours. Issues included overlooking, soakaways and drainage, location of old well and location of the dwelling on the site before 1923.

No comments or objections were raised to:
07/02161/FUL Revised Designs - Extensions at 2 Lancaster Square.
07/02140/FUL Single Storey Extension at 35 Bakersfield
07/02085/FUL Two Storey Side Extension at 9 Elm Close
07/2004/LBC Extension at Thickthorn Farm, Preston
Amended Plans 07/0772/FUL at Brookside Cottage, 3 Preston – Agricultural Building

Decisions were received for Conservatory at 1b Church Park Bradenstoke, Extension and Alterations at 4 The Hillocks, Lyneham and Porch at 4 Lancaster Square.

b. Protocol for Dealing with Planning Applications – It was agreed that all comments on Planning Applications would be submitted with the time limit and where possible discussed at each Parish Council meeting.

c. Visit by Carol Southall – Rural Housing Enabler – It was confirmed that Mrs. Southall would attend the October meeting to discuss general housing need issues.

9. Highway Matters and Transport:

a. Bus Shelters

i. Lillybrook – No progress to report
ii. Preston Lane – Awaiting installation of Lillybrook shelter.
iii. Slessor Road – A signed statement has been supplied to the Police. The Council wishes to receive compensation for the cost of replacement panel from the person responsible. The Clerk in consultation with the Chair and Vice Chair can arrange repair.

b. Items for Parish Steward - The clearing of the White Hart Roundabout and trimming of the trees opposite Southview were welcomed. Items for attention included Preston Lane (hedge and grips), general weeds along pavements, Church End and Pintail Court/Slessor Road footpaths.

c. Preston Lane Seat – This has been temporarily relocated to a site in Bradenstoke.

d. Maintenance Issues in Pound Close – Cllr Mrs. Turner confirmed that Westlea had undertaken work identified for maintenance. The full litter bin would be reported to North Wiltshire District Council.

e. Other highway and transport matters. – The blocked footpath between Slessor Road and Pintail Court was discussed. The Clerk will contact the Rights of Way Warden.

10. Play Area & Open Spaces: (including Lyneham Green)

a. Standards Board Complaints - A total of three complaints and a request to review a decision had been received by the Standards Board. In each complaint case the Standards Board stated that no further action is going to be taken. In relation the request to review their decision they have stated that they have reviewed the decision and agree that it should stand. Copies of the complaint decisions were copied to all Councillors.

b. Complaint letter and email from Mr. Wright were circulated and discussed. In relation to the questions asked the Council confirmed that it was not aware that the recent Fair was on Land owned by the Council and therefore had not received a request or received any payment or advantage. In relation to the question asked about which projects would be stopped following the Auditors investigation the Council confirmed that its position was that this money could have been spent on other projects. No projects have been stopped. A full budget review will take place at the October meeting. The Clerk was asked to reply to Mr. Wright.

c. Cllr Petch reported that an Enforcement Officer from the District Council had visited his property following a complaint about the bushes on the Green. As they have been in situ for over 30 years they do not fall within the jurisdiction of Planning.

d. Encroachment on Lyneham Green – Piggy’s Café - The matter was discussed. The Council continues to be concerned about this unauthorised use and the precedent that it sets. It was agreed to monitor the situation for consideration at a future meeting.

e. Pound Close Play Area (Fencing & Maintenance Issues) – No update received on the fencing. It was agreed to consider the costs for replacing the existing Pound Close litter bin.

f. Untidy Areas - A list of areas that require attention is being drawn up. Cllr Mrs. Turner agreed to contact a resident of Lancaster Square to ask for details of the maintenance company responsible for grass cutting. A further letter would be sent to Annington regarding maintenance of the bank along Calne Road.

g. Bradenstoke Play Area (Maintenance Issues) – Cllr J Webb confirmed that the No fouling sign has been removed.

h. Rospa Safety Inspection – This will be taking place during September.

i. Grass Cutting Contract and Issues. It was agreed to forward on the complaint about leaving grass on the driveways experienced following the cut on the 10th September. The contractor would also be asked to ensure that they mowed/strimmed to the edge of the grassed areas.

j. Stanley Taylor Memorial Bench – Cllr Bunney reported that this was due to be completed by the end of the month.

k. Pintail Court Project. – An update had been provided by Lisa Mitchell during Public Questions.

11. Allotments:

a. Allotment agreements 2007-2008 – It was agreed that Allotment Holder who had not been maintaining plots would not be offered a renewal. New Allotment agreements would come into force from the 1st of October.

b. Maintenance Issues – Cllr J Webb reported that he has to fit the no thoroughfare signs at the Allotments.

12. Finanace and Administration:

a. Accounts & Budget Review – No August Bank Statement has yet been received from the Bank or Ireland. A full review of accounts and budget will take place at the next meeting. Cllr Petch and Cllr Potter signed a letter authorising a change of address request to be sent to the Bank.

b. Payment of Invoices – The following payments were approved and cheques signed by Cllr Petch and Cllr Potter - NWDC £19.00 Election Expenses May 07 (643), Cllr Bullock £1.06 Postage fee (654), Clerk – August – September £329.04 (655), C Cowdry – August £708.35 (656), R Harper (8th Cut) £60 (657), Village Hall Hire August £13.50 (658).

c. Leaving Present for Sue Copp was agreed. A card was signed by all Councilors present and the Clerk was authorised to purchase a voucher to the value of £30 taken from the Chairman’s allowance.

Correspondence Received:

d. To review the list:

30th July – WCC Consultation on preferred options for Wiltshire & Swindon Minerals and Waste Plan
14th Aug Resignation – Cllr Witts
14th Aug – Mr Wright Complaint re Village Green
14th Aug – Apetito Reference – C Cowdry
15th Aug – Standards Board Complaint – Re Encroachment onto the Village Green – Cllr Petch
15th Aug – Rev Fletcher Invite – Harvest Festival and Blessing of Village Organisations incl Parish Council, School etc
17th Aug – NWDC DC Agenda 29th August
17th Aug – NWDC Community Area Awards – Area 2
Aug – WCC Wiltshire Local Transport Plan – 2007 Progress Report
23rd Aug – NWDC Notice of Casual Vacancy
23rd Aug – LynehamVillage.com Maintenance Issues – Preston Lane/Argosy Road. Melsome Road C Site Gate.
24th Aug – WCC One Council for Wiltshire - Parish Meet and Greet Sessions
25th Aug – PC Brown Damage to Slessor Road Bus Shelter – Witness Statement.
31st Aug C Cowdry – Invoice and Copy of Liability Insurance
2nd Sept – Distant Thunder Fireworks Bonfire at Bradenstoke
3rd Sept – Powergen - Toilets Electricity – Estimated Bill
4th Sept – Standards Board Complaint – Cllr Witts, Cllr Petch
6th Sept – Standards Board Request to review Decision on Complaint – Encroachment on Village Green – No further action – process acceptable.
7th Sept – WCC Prioritisation of Applications for Footpath/Byway modification orders
7th Sept NWDC – DC Agenda

d. Actions agreed from Correspondence.
Cllr J Webb will attend The One Council for Wiltshire Briefing.
Councilors to inform Rev Fletcher if they can attend the Church Service on the 30th September at 10am.
The Clerk to reply to Mr. Whichello thanking him for his letter.

e. Items for consideration in 2008-2009 Budget – Cllr Petch asked for costs to extend the lighting of the pavement from Bradenstoke. Costs for replacement bins and any information on the Pintail Court land will be reported the next meeting. Request for consideration for grant support are requested. Forms are available from the Clerk.

14. Councillors’ Observations & Items for Next Meeting:

Cllr Bunney – Blocked footpath between Pintail Court and Slessor Road.
Cllr Potter – State of Lyneham sign before Barrow End.
Cllr Mrs. Turner – Barbed wire on gate along Preston Lane.
Cllr Mrs. Jardine has responded to the consultation document on the Foundation Status for the Great Western Hospital.
Cllr Webb – Offered to represent the Parish Council when the Planning Application 07/02184 is considered by the Development Control committee.
All - Consideration to be given for the use of The Hive as a possible venue for Parish Council meetings. The venue is free of charge.

15. Date of Next Meeting:

Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 9th October 2007 at 7.15pm at Lyneham Village Hall.

The meeting closed at 9.05 pm