MINUTES OF THE LYNEHAM AND BRADENSTOKE ANNUAL/PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 2008
AT LYNEHAM VILLAGE HALL

Printable version: You can download a PDF version of the Lyneham and Bradenstoke Parish Council minutes click here. If your computer has not got an Adobe PDF Reader to download the approved software click here

Chairman M Petch, Cllr F Ball, Cllr S Palmer, Cllr J Webb, Cllr P Lightowler, Cllr D Potter, Cllr J Jardine ( Vice-Chair), Cllr D Bunney, Cllr D Turner, Cllr T Webb Aileen Murphy - Parish Clerk

Cllr R Bullock

Wing Commander Collinson, Wing Commander Snell, Lisa Mitchell, PC Brown, PC Porter, Dist Cllr Bucknell, Dist Cllr Still, Jude Gregory and Jo Curzon - Greensquare and 15 members of the Public. MP James Gray (from Agenda Point 14)

The Meeting started at 7.15pm.

1. Apologies:

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Bullock

2. Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 12th August 2008:

Minutes of the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 12th August 2008 Signed and agreed a true record of the meeting. (there was one spelling mistake, which has been rectified)

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

4. RAF Matters:

Wing Commander Collinson is to be replaced by Wing Commander Snell.
Manhole cover at Bradenstoke, previously reported on March minutes, not repaired, as ownership determined to be Wessex Water.

Chairman Petch mentioned that a member of the public has commented on the noise of the Camp dogs on a night, as per July minutes, it has been suggested that a proper noise survey is conducted - to be decided at the October meeting, if there are any further complaints by residents.

The disposal of the NAAFI site is scheduled for this financial year, future of Church and the Scout Hut is still to be determined. The land at Pintail Court Field will be put for sale in the next financial year, 2009/2010. It is possible that there will be planning approval prior to point of sale. Chairman Petch asked the public present if the land were to come available, should the Parish Council look to purchase for use as an open space, 6 people were in favour.

Cllr T Webb advised the RAF that his fencing at Lancaster Square has not been replaced.
Cllr Palmer asked if the grass and hedging along the camp at the Bradenstoke junction could be maintained, as it is affecting visibility for oncoming vehicles.

Andy Humm asked when the Definitive Mapping exercise would be completed, therefore boundaries would be easily identified - mapping exercise part of UK project, timescales not available.

Cllr Bunney asked about the handrail over the little bridge between 101 & 102 Slessor as it has deteriorated - this has been passed onto Defence Estates, and also the ditch between 47AD has not yet been cleared.

It was noted the MOD Police Officer Brown has been commended for his work with the repatriations.

5. Greensquare- Proposed Pound Close Planning:

Presentation made by Jude Gregory,  have been looking at this proposed site since August 2005, and have agreed to take on the land subject to planning permission and approved grant funding.  The planning has been agreed in principle by NWDC Planning Office, however there has been no formal application yet.

Greensquare  have re-looked at the proposed development following the open session in Lyneham Village Hall last year, have  made some changes. There are 12 units planned, consisting of shared ownership and rental accommodation. The proposed development timescale starts July 2009, with completion March 2010.  Funding will be determined by the standard and quality of the build, Jo Curzon stated that numerous builders have been contacting them to advise of vacant plots, however funding would not be available for these plots as they do not meet Greensquares standards.

Cllr Lightowler said that although he was supportive of the concept, with the RAF disposing of the NAAFI, a brown field site, surely this should be looked at rather than a green field site. It is Government policy to regenerate brown field sites, rather than destroying another green field area. Jo Curzon, stated that Greensquare would explore all opportunities.

Mr T Blundell asked with the planned closure of RAF Lyneham in 2012, there may be a number of military houses becoming available, - could this not also be an option? Cllr J Webb advised that some of the Military housing would be in use until 2016.

Mr N Bussey stated that he was concerned about the affect the development would have on the village, there is already access, parking problems in Pound Close/Webbs Court entrance, and with additional construction traffic. With the current market slump and the number of houses available on the market, should there be another new development ?

It was agreed that  Greensquare will look at concerns raised, and attend another Parish Council meeting. The Clerk has kept the proposed plans, should the public wish to look at.

6. To Receive Public Questions:

Mr T Blundell mentioned that there was a noticeable amount of Dog Poo outside school, Clerk advised that on NWDC Website, there is a link to report such matters.

A Humm asked about the grass cutting outside Chippenham Motor Company, Clerk to write to Mr Andrews.

Mr T Blundell mentioned that another tree on Victoria Drive has died, following the bark being removed.

7. Police Matters:

Bus stops have been cleared of graffiti by offenders. Play park closure times have caused some confusion, the sign at the Aeropark will state a 9pm closure, in line with Byelaw and all other Play areas in the Villages.

8. Matters Arising from Previous Meeting:

Bylaw advertised in Gazette and Herald by Clerk, on view in Lyneham Library, completed paperwork to be sent to Government Department - Clerk
Bradenstoke shelter to be relocated - Cllr T Webb and R Harper
Church End Bench to be reinstated and secured - Cllr T Webb and Cllr Potter
Tree Preservation Orders - Pintail Playing Field - type and number of trees has been established by  Chairman Petch, Clerk will contact NWDC to seek order approval.
Cllr J Webb has started the Photographic register for audit purposes, Clerk to confirm outstanding pieces of equipment to be recorded.
Speed signage - Clerk to look into further and update at next meeting.

9. Public Toilets:

Cllr Lightowler updated progress to date on toilet transfer. Updated transfer document received, which covers PC requirement.  NWDC to be contacted in respect to the revenue grant that has been reduced due to the delay in transfer. Once financial figure agreed, transfer can proceed.

10. Planning:

11. Highway Matters and Transport:

a) Bus Shelters (Slessor Road, Preston Lane)  - no update
b) Seats

1.Bradenstoke Bus shelter  - Cllr T Webb on going
2.Church End Bench to be reinstated and secured - Cllr T Webb and Cllr Potter

c) Maintenance Issues in Pound Close ( including Ditch)
Westlea will clear ditch later in year, tried to clear this month, however grass cuttings have been dumped from properties in Webb’s Court, and the fence has been broken on the Pound Close side to enable storage of tyres etc.
Chairman Petch raised that there has been resident complaints regarding the hedging and trees between Pound Farm and The Mallard. Clerk to write to properties again.
Cllr Lightowler asked if the transfer of Webbs Court from Persimmon to NWDC has taken place, Dist Cllr Bucknell to check.

d) Other highway and Transport matters
Speed advertising Boards - ongoing, to make contact with NWDC.

12. Play Area & Open Spaces:

a) Lyneham Green - No issues
b) Pound Close Play Area - Maintenance Issues  - Chariman Petch has repaired damaged equipment.
c) Bradenstoke Play Area - No issues to report.
d) Aeropark Play Area - Toddler swings to be repaired as to specification. And Post installation Rospa inspection certificate required. Signage has been  installed by Proludic.
e) Grass Cutting Contract and Issues - Lock at Playing field in Bradenstoke has been replaced, Clerk to contact Envisage regarding the standard of grass strimming in the Villages, especially between Webbs Farm and the Mallard. Area of land at Church end Farm needs grubbing out in Autumn, quotes to be obtained.
Grass cutting contract up for renewal, Clerk to draw up advertisement for next meeting approval.
f) Cllr Play Park safety inspections to be re- instated 
Lyneham and Bradenstoke play area checks to be split down by villages, and councillors to make monthly checks, and report back to Parish Council meetings.
g) Victoria Drive Open Space - public opinion sought, proposal made to take on and keep as an open space, possibility of placing goal posts? Clerk to contact NWDC to start process. Proposed by Cllr Lightowler, seconded Cllr T Webb.

13. Allotments:

There are 10 people on the waiting list. Cllr Palmer has distributed  the Allotment Tenancy agreements, monies received to date will be banked.
Pea grit and ditch clearance to be looked at in October by the Allotment holders., water logging with the current rain fall.

14. Finance and Administration:

a) Accounts and Budget Review:
External Audit has been completed, with all accounts for the financial year 2007-2008 properly accounted for. Certified copy on view at Lyneham Village Hall.

b) Payment of Invoices -

c. Correspondence received – to review the list

15. Councillors’ Observations & Items for Next Meeting:

Cllr J Webb - Fencing broken at Bradenstoke play area - Clerk to get quotations
Cllr Jardine - clearance of hedging, nettles and footpaths to be looked at
Cllr Ball - Road slippage on Lyneham Banks.
Cllr Bunney - Signage on main road still not replace, Clarence to be contacted.
Cllr Lightowler stated that there has been no trouble with children in the parks, unlike other areas of the country. Should the Parish Council look to do something with Pintail Court Playing field to commemorate Raf when they leave in 2012
Cllr Potter - stated that the condition of the gravel dump on Chippenham road needs clearance.
Chairman Petch distributed the Good Neighbour Link Area meeting flyers, it was also raised about another PC distributing Careful driver stickers to motorists. Cllr Lightowler to get quotes.

James Gray MP stated that he was trying to get to as many Parish meetings over the summer, that there would be significant change for Parishes, with the Unitary Council, the need to prevent losing village identity, and the significant change in Lyneham when the RAF pull out.  Cllr Potter asked Mr Gray to raise our concerns regarding the safety of Lyneham Banks and the resurfacing required to prevent further slippage., and the volume of heavy freight using this B road.

16. Date of Next Meeting:

Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 14th October 2008, at 7.15pm - Lyneham Village Hall

The meeting closed at 9.15 pm