Parish Council meeting minutes – 16th July 2024

BRAMLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Council

Date:	Tuesday 16^th July 2024	Time: 7.30pm
Place:	Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall
Present:	Cllr Tony Durrant (Chair)	Cllr Malcolm Bell
	Cllr Chris Flooks	Cllr Jan Wright
	Cllr Sue Howell	Cllr Iain James
In attendance:	Maxta Thomas (Clerk)	6 members of the public
	Cllr Rhydian Vaughan (County)
Apologies:	Cllr Alan Munday	Cllr Chris Tomblin
	Cllr Keith Oborn

		*Action*
1	Apologies for Absence
	As listed above.
2	Declarations of Interest
	Cllr Durrant declared an interest in planning matters due to his position on the BDBC Development Control Committee. He took no part in any planning decisions.
3	Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting
3.1	The minutes of the meeting held on 18^th June 2024 were proposed Cllr James and seconded by Cllr Howell and unanimously agreed as being a true record of the meetings. The Chairman duly signed the minutes of the meeting.
3.2	Matters arising
	None.
3.3	Outstanding actions
	· Yew Tree Close grass cutting – should be carried out this week.
4	Open Forum
	A resident raised the issue of overgrown vegetation on the Cinder Track, and noted HCC reluctance to do anything, and that Bramley PC has previously carried out work. He is very concerned about the vegetation. Cllr Durrant stated that Bramley PC is not responsible for Cinder Track. He also noted that Bramley PC has previously used Parish Lengthsman funds, but that there is little budget remaining for this year. However, Bramley PC will send a contractor to address any dangerous vegetation immediately (this will come from precept funding and remaining Lengthsman funding), and chase HCC Rights of Way for a response to its recent report about the issue. Cllr Bell asked councillors to think about whether Bramley PC should support the VE80 celebrations in 2025 and whether to go forward with the suggested format from the Pageant Master. This will be on the September Agenda.	*Clerk* *Clerk*
5.	County Councillor Report – see appendix A. · Cllr Vaughan has received reports from Bramley and Sherfield about road haunches repairs which are not very satisfactory. He is taking this up with Highways. · Cllr Vaughan noted the Silchester Road closure of from 22^nd July for 10 days for carriageway repairs. · Cllr Durrant noted reports of traffic lights repeatedly not working properly on roadworks in the Parish.
6.	Borough Councillor Report – Cllr Durrant gave a verbal report. · Local Plan consultation – matters raised by the consultation are now on the BDBC website. Responses to those concerns are being incorporated into the next update, which will be the regulation 19 publication of the draft Local Plan due in December 2024. · The ice rink in Basingstoke may need to close as it is dangerous. · BDBC are tidying up the Top of Town in Basingstoke town centre.
7.	Parish Environment
7.1	Land purchase at Longbridge Road update – the legal process for the purchase continues. Information from BDBC is awaited concerning the s.106 agreement on the now defunct planning permission for the land. Cllr Durrant reported that a small amount of clearance along boundary has been carried out to allow a boundary inspection. This is with the current owners permission.
7.2	Parish Christmas Tree – A grant application has been received for a Christmas Tree lighting event at Clift Meadow. The ultimate aim is to resurrect a big community Christmas event, but for this year CMT are looking at a free-standing Christmas Tree (around 7 feet) and lights on the Pavilion with an official lighting event with mulled wine and mince pies, and Christmas carols possibly accompanied by a brass band. Christmas lights will be on a timer and go off at 10.00pm. Proposed date is 6^th December. Cllr Bell proposed giving the grant, Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to take forward.	*Clerk*
7.3	Bramley Green ditches – the Clerk noted that it has become apparent that the ditches at Bramley Green need to be cleared and widened to their original width. This will need to be carried out over the summer. A quote of £3600 + VAT has been received. Cllr James asked that ditch at end of grasslands path be left and not cleared to aid biodiversity. Clerk to check with Stratfield Saye. Clerk to clarify exactly what needs to be done – does the work need a digger, and will arisings be removed from site? Clerk also to obtain a second quote. Cllr Durrant noted that any spring bulbs could be replanted as part of a volunteer event later in the season, with PC support for the cost of new bulbs.	*Clerk* *Clerk*
8	Clerk’s report & Administration
8.1	Parish magazine article – Cllr Munday will write the article for the September issue of the Parish magazine. Copy is due by 15^th August.	*Cllr Munday*
8.2	Biodiversity Policy – as stated at the June meeting, Cllr Durrant has made some minor alterations to the Biodiversity policy to more accurately reflect the PC position on land it may manage but does not own, or land that is managed and owned by a third party. He noted that Bramley PC cannot dictate what landowners may do with their own land, although the PC can advise and recommend when requested. Cllr Durrant noted that a map of open spaces in the Parish showing ownership would be useful. Cllr Bell proposed adopting the changes as written, Cllr, James seconded. Unanimously agreed. Clerk to finalise changes and publish on the PC website.	*Clerk*

9	Reports
9.1	Planning Committee (see appendix B) – Cllr Flooks noted the recent planning committee meeting.
9.2	Allotments and Burial Ground – Cllr Howell gave a verbal report. A full inspection of the entire Grays Meadow site has been carried out. There are 7 plots that need urgent remedial work, and the existing plot holders have been contacted. At least some of these are likely to be ceded to Bramley PC for reletting, and they will need to be cleared ready for future cultivation. It is also apparent that work needs to be carried out on the main path – overgrown vegetation needs to be cleared, and the path itself needs work to make it safe for all users. The access paths between allotments also need work to clear them, although holders have stated that they will complete this in the autumn once fruits such as raspberries have finished producing. Fences around the allotments are in a poor state, and should be replaced. A quote for the above work has been received. Not all the work needs to be carried out in one go – it can be done in phases over the next few months. · Path vegetation clearance – Cllr James proposed and Cllr Flooks seconded that this work be carried out immediately. Approved unanimously. Clerk and Cllr Howell to take forward. · Plot clearance – this should happen once the number of plots that need cleared is confirmed (between 4 and 7). Quote to be reviewed over the summer once the number of plots is established. Clearance will be £380 per plot. · Fence work – deferred to autumn. One gate and fence needs urgent attention as it is dangerous. Clerk to obtain second quote from a fencing specialist. · Path – the land is currently unregistered, and the path is a public footpath and path of an international pilgrimage route. Cllr Durrant suggested exploring grant opportunities. Clerk to contact Rights of Way team. Clerk to obtain second quote. Might be a possible CIL project.	*Cllr Howell / Clerk* *Clerk* *Clerk*
9.3	Village Hall Trust – the AGM was held on 2^nd July 2024. All the existing Trustees stood for re-election, and the committee remains unchanged. Gareth Jones continues as the Chair of the Trustees. The focus for the coming year remains on refurbishment and maintenance – several projects will come to fruition over summer 2024. The roof over the Committee Room and the Main Hall need to be surveyed and may need some refurbishment in due course.
9.4	Clift Meadow Trust – nothing to report. Some questions have been raised about financial position – Clerk to liaise with CMT. Councillors met with Trustees in June – total expenditure on desired projects was over £100k. Bramley PC has asked CMT to prioritise projects. Cllr James suggested that CMT should be purchasing electric tools rather than petrol tools. JW confirmed that CMT are moving in that direction.	*Clerk*
9.5	Highways/Footpaths – The closure of Silchester Road from 22 – 30 July was noted. The road will be closed between 8.00am – 4pm for carriageway repair works; however, the road will remain open for access for residents, businesses, and the Church.
9.6	Chairmans Report – nothing to report. Cllr Durrant welcomed the new MP for North East Hampshire, Alex Brewer.
10	Consultation documents requiring consideration
	None.
11	Grant Applications
11.1	St James Church – a grant request for £2000 has been received from the PCC for a contribution to the St James Church bells fund. Whilst the bells themselves are mostly sound, the wooden support structure for them is not, and needs to be replaced. The Clerk has verified that Bramley PC is able to give a grant for this item should it wish to. Cllr Durrant proposed giving a grant of £2000, Cllr Flooks seconded, unanimously agreed. To be revisited in Autumn 2024 after a PC finance review – the grant may be increased to £5k to allow PC sponsorship inscription on the headstock.	*Clerk*
11.2	Bramley School Association – a grant request for the annual fireworks event for £2k has been received. After some discussion, Cllr Bell proposed giving the grant as requested, Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to process.	*Clerk*
12	Finance
	Expenditure against budget – the Clerk and Chair will be examining expenditure against budget over the summer recess. This will be on the agenda in the autumn.
12.1	Approval of payments (see appendix C) – the Clerk has circulated the list of payments for approval. Cllr Durrant proposed and Cllr Howell seconded that the July payments be approved. Unanimously agreed. Clerk to process.	*Clerk*
12.2	CIL Income & Expenditure update – see appendix D.
12.3	Receipts – these were noted.
13	Date of Next meeting
	The next full Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 17^th September 2024.
14	Resolution to exclude press and public from items that may require discussion of possible legal and financial proceedings
	None.
15	Confidential Items
	None
	The meeting closed at 9.25pm.

Signed: …………………………………………………………………. Date: ………………………………………

(Chairman)
Appendix A – July Briefing notes

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH

SIDs – The SIDs were in partial operation in June as they will be in July due to holidays. (See Table 2)

Recent Local SpeedWatch Activity – 3 manned Deployment were undertaken during June. A total of 50 vehicles were reported to the Police from the 484 vehicles checked – hit rate 10%. Top speed recorded 45mph.

Equipment:

AutoSpeedWatch Camera – The Camera is providing a lot of useful data and discussions have taken place with the local police to whom we send monthly tailored reports.

Table 1: Camera Data (June)

The Camera trigger and reporting speed are set at =>35mph.

The integration software provides very tuneable (temporal) comprehensive reports. I can supply these reports if requested, however the data falls within the scope of the GDPR and must be treated as such.

The following camera data was downloaded on the 30th June 2024.

Month/Year	Verified Speeders =>35mph	Max Speed Recorded	Highest number of offences committed by one vehicle	Fastest Hour
May 2024	2752	58	15	7pm
June 2024	3338	60	17	10am
Total Verified speeders	6090

Camera statistics for June 2024

Table 2: Speed Indicator Device (SID) DATA June 2024:

SID Location

Days Deployed

Traffic

Direction

Exceeding

30mph

Exceeding

60mph

Max

Speed

Recorded

V85*

Average speed

Farriers

West

50%

The Street by Churchlands

East

47%

*V85: 85% of vehicles are driving slower or exactly this speed.

ALLOTMENTS/BURIAL GROUND

No written report received.

VILLAGE HALL TRUST

No written report received.

CLIFT MEADOW TRUST

No written report received.

BOROUGH COUNCILLOR REPORT

No written report received.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT

The Fire Service Annual Performance Report has been circulated to all councillors.

Appendix B – Planning Committee Minutes

Date:	9^th July 2024	Time: 8.00pm
Place:	Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall
Present:	Cllr Chris Flooks (Chair)	Cllr Malcolm Bell
	Cllr Chris Tomblin	Cllr Iain James
In attendance:	Maxta Thomas (Clerk)	1 member of the public
Apologies:	Cllr Alan Munday

		*Action*
1	Apologies for Absence
	As listed above.
2	Declarations of Interest
	None.
3	Minutes of the Last Planning Committee Meeting
3.1	The minutes of the meeting held on 11^th June 2024 were unanimously agreed to be a true record of the meeting and were signed by the Chairman.
3.2	Matters arising
	None.
4	Planning & Development
4.1	New Applications
a.	24/01367/HSE – 1 Ringshall Gardens Bramley Erection of a single storey side extension to garage · No objection unanimously agreed.
b.	24/01362/RES – Land At Upper Cufaude Farm Cufaude Lane Bramley Reserved Matters planning application for approval of layout, landscaping, scale and appearance for the Phase 2 residential development and Community Building and associated works pursuant to Outline planning permission: 19/00018/OUT · Cllr Tomblin noted that key to street scenes is incorrect. · So called 2.5 storey houses are actually 3 storeys and is contrary to NDP. · Blocks 1, 2 and 3 flats are also 3 storey which is contrary to NDP. Blocks of flats are too urban for the rural setting of Bramley. In particular A4715M has a considerable large roof which makes it three storey and very urban and not in keeping with rural aspect of Bramley. · Slate roofs have been identified – this is contrary to the NDP – Bramley has clay tile roofs. · More treatment needed on coach houses – need barn hipping to keep in with rural setting. F1002M could be barned, as could the maisonette. · A2708M – this is a large terrace, which is out of keeping with Bramley Parish buildings. Length of blocks of houses is not in keeping with a rural setting. · Bramley is in general a dark area. This development is in open countryside, and therefore there are too many streetlights. · The proposals are contrary to NDP policies D1, D2 · Drainage from the site appears to be into the brook, which currently floods into Cufaude Lane due to inadequate run off from the surrounding farmland. This needs to be addressed. · The whole site proposal is very urban, which is not in keeping with the rural and village setting of Bramley Parish. · Members noted with disappointment that houses are shown with the potential for solar panels, but not the provision. If panels are not going to be fitted, then the roofs need to be strong enough that they can be retro fitted. · The community building needs to be energy neutral for it to be viable for communities to afford to run. We also note that the orientation is not ideal for making use of solar panels, and trees also shade it which will reduce the solar gain. · Objection unanimously agreed. Clerk to process.	*Clerk*
c.	Any other new applications 23/02868/RES – Land At Stocks Farm The Street Bramley AMENDED Reserved matters application submitted pursuant to outline planning APP/H1705/W/22/3302752 for 140 dwellings, Class E Community building, public open space, landscaping, drainage, parking, and associated infrastructure works. · Summary states that slate and yellow brick is no longer proposed, but in the drawings for the materials plan it is still included – 1244-23-300. This is dated August 2023 but has been submitted as up to date in June 2024. · Tudor boarding and timber boarding to gables is still included – this is not in keeping with the Bramley area. · The urban design is not respectful of the Conservation Area, which it borders. · Amendments do not appear to materially change Bramley PCs original objections. · Drainage – Cllr Tomblin noted the history of drainage issues in the area, and noted that the owner of Minchens Court should submit this history to the Clerk as soon as possible so that it can be submitted to planning officers as part of the objection. A resident noted that a qualified hydrologist needs to be engaged to look at the plans and comment accordingly as a matter of urgency as there are serious issues with the proposed drainage plans in the light of the history of the site and surrounding area. There is a body of evidence that there are serious sewage issues now, and there is clear evidence that the water drainage plan doesn’t reassure the existing residents that the issue will not get worse. · Objections as above unanimously agreed. Clerk to process.	*Clerk*
4.2	Approvals/Refusals/Pending (see appendix A) These were noted.
5.	Appeals
5.1	APP/H1705/W/24/3342479 – Meadow View, Sherfield Road, Bramley Application number 23/02946/FUL – Erection of 2no semi-detached 2no bedroom bungalows and creation of a new access following the demolition of an existing green house · This appeal procedure is via written representations from interested parties. The deadline for submissions is 19^th July. · It was agreed to put in an extra submission – Clerk and Cllr Flooks to take forward.	*Clerk / Cllr Flooks*
6.	Water Issues
	Bow Brook Farm – Thames Water has submitted comments requesting similar conditions to that of Stocks Farm. Cllr Bell proposed that an additional objection be submitted to Bow Brook Farm noting these comments and the engineer comments. Unanimously agreed. Clerk to take forward.	*Clerk*
7.	Local Plan Update
	No update at present.
8.	Neighbourhood Plan
	No update at present.
9.	Date of Next Meeting
	The next Planning Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 13^th August 2024, to be held at the Bramley Room at Bramley Village Hall. Meeting closed at 9.50pm.

Approvals/Refusals*

23/01897/FUL – Land Adjacent To Ridgewell Cufaude Lane Bramley

Erection of 1 no. 4 bed dwelling and detached garage following demolition of existing outbuildings/stables

Refused

Objection

23/02948/LDEU – Stables At Bow Brook Farm Vyne Road Bramley

Certificate of lawfulness for the existing use of part of an existing stable block as a single dwellinghouse.

Granted

Objection

T/00135/24/TPO – 16 Wallis Drive Bramley

T2 Sycamore in the front garden: pollard.

Part granted/part refused

Defer to tree officer

24/00714/RET – Land At MOD Bramley Training Area Campbell Road Bramley

Temporary change of use of land and buildings for film making with associated temporary sets and facilities vehicles, access, parking and storage.

Granted

No comment

24/00888/LBC – Minchens House Minchens Lane Bramley

Replacement of 3 timber framed casement windows, with slimline double glazed casement windows to match existing finish

Granted

No objection

T/00251/24/TCA – Willow Cottage The Street Bramley

T1 Box Elder tree: reduce crown by 4m to leave a finished height of 9m and a spread of 4m. Thin crown by no more than 10%.

Raise no objection

Defer to Tree Officer

23/03051/FUL – Land North Of Sherfield Road And To East Of Strawberry Fields Sherfield Road Bramley

Proposed development of 20 residential dwellings, vehicular access from Sherfield Road, public open space, landscaping, ancillary works and associated infrastructure on land North of Sherfield Road, Bramley.

Refused

Objection

24/00679/FUL – Cherry Blossom Manor German Road Bramley

Erection of two storey extension to care home, plus garden pavilion and five additional car parking spaces.

Granted

No objection

Pending Applications*

1.	20/03204/VLA – Land At Minchens Lane Bramley Variation of Section 106 agreement attached to 14/01075/OUT to enable the transfer of the Equipped play area, northern kick about and southern kick about areas to the existing management company instead of the Parish Council	No comment as PC has interest in application
2.	22/01703/VLA – Land At The Street The Street Bramley Variation of section 106 agreement attached to 15/02682/OUT to insert mortgagee in possession clause	No comment
3.	23/02051/HSE – 3 Churchlands Bramley Proposed loft conversion with front dormer and creation of front porch	No objection
4.	23/02091/VLA – Land At Minchens Lane Bramley Variation of Section 106 agreement attached to 14/01075/OUT to allow an amended Mortgagee Exclusion Clause	No comment
5.	23/02528/VLA – Land To The North Of Sherfield Road Bramley Variation of section 106 agreement and deed of variation attached to 15/02708/OUT to update the mortgagee exclusion clause (MEC)	No comment
6.	23/02868/RES – Land At Stocks Farm The Street Bramley Reserved matters application submitted pursuant to outline planning APP/H1705/W/22/3302752 for 140 dwellings, Class E Community building, public open space, landscaping, drainage, parking, and associated infrastructure works.	Objection
7.	23/02912/OUT – Boarsbridge House Bramley Road Little London Erection of one detached dwelling and garage access utilising an existing access to the south of Boards Bridge Road on land adjacent to Boars Bridge House, to include access and layout	Objection
8.
9.	24/00075/FUL – Land To The East Of Ash Lane And Ash Park Business Centre Ash Lane Little London Construction of a battery Storage Facility with ancillary development	Objection
10.	24/00446/FUL – Cufaude Cufaude Lane Bramley Change of use of land from Residential to Agricultural with erection of tractor shed on site. Change of use of land from Agricultural to Residential.	No objection, comments
11.	24/00409/FUL – Lantern Courtyard, The Barn The Street Bramley Change of use from Class F2(A) to Class E (for bistro & farm shop use), installation of extractor vent and air conditioner outdoor units. Display of various advertisement signs and lighting.	No objection, comments
12.	24/00410/ADV – Lantern Courtyard, The Barn The Street Bramley Display of 2 no fascia signs with washer lights, 1 no. logo sign and 1 no. non-illuminated wall sign.	No objection, comments
13.	24/00695/FUL – Land At Cherry Blossom Manor German Road Bramley Single storey dental surgery with associated car and cycle parking	No objection, comments
14.	T/00210/24/TPO – 5 Pound Close Bramley T1 Beech: fell, grind out stump/roots.	No objection
15.	T/00216/24/TPO – 4 St Marks Close Bramley 1 Silver birch: fell.	No objection, comments
16.	T/00214/24/TPO – 14 Wallis Drive Bramley Tree in front garden: pollard.	Defer to Tree Officer
17.	24/01149/HSE – 82 Kirby Drive Bramley Installation of air source heat pump to rear of property	No objection
18.	24/01165/OUT – Bow Brook Farm Vyne Road Bramley Outline planning application for the construction of 50 dwellings with all matters reserved except for access	Objection
19.	24/01182/FUL – Meadow View Sherfield Road Bramley A new 3 bedroom detached bungalow to the rear of Meadow View	Objection
20.	T/00273/24/TPO – 3 Taylor Drive Bramley Horse chestnut: reduce height and cut back overhang	Defer to Tree Officer

*Objections/no objections listed are the decision of Bramley Parish Council only, and do not reflect any submissions placed by members of the public or other bodies with Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.

Appendix C – May Finance Statement

The July finance statement can be found here.

Appendix D – CIL statement

The July CIL statement can be found here.