Parish Council meeting minutes – 18th January 2022

Date:

Tuesday 18^th January 2022

Time:                                    7.00pm

Place:

Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall

Present:

Cllr Tony Durrant (Chair)

Cllr Chris Tomblin

Cllr Steve Day

Cllr Malcolm Bell

Cllr Chris Flooks

Cllr Colin Shimell

Cllr Keith Oborn

In attendance:

Maxta Thomas (Clerk)

0 members of the public

Apologies:

Cllr Liz Capel

Cllr Bruce Ansell

Cllr Nick Robinson (Borough)

Cllr Simon Mahaffey (Borough)

Cllr Rhydian Vaughan (County)

1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above.

2

Declarations of Interest

·          

3

Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the full Council meeting on held on 21^st December 2021 were proposed by Cllr Tomblin seconded by Cllr Oborn and unanimously agreed to be a true and accurate record and duly signed by the Chairman.

3.2

Matters arising

·         Noticeboard planning application – BDBC has stated that the proposed location for the noticeboard is actually just outside the parish border.  The Clerk is to inspect a nearby site and amend accordingly. 

·         Brocas Hall issues/expenditure – the Clerk is liaising with the Clift Meadow Trust (CMT) on this.

·         S.106 funds – the Clerk has submitted an FoI request to HCC.

·         Brocas Hall survey – the Clerk has contacted a number of surveyors and is awaiting responses.

·         Training – Cllr Shimell is booked on the February introductory course for Cllrs.  The Clerk is awaiting confirmation.

·         Upgrading existing benches – for discussion at February meeting.

Clerk

Clerk

4

Open Forum

Cllr Durrant invited comments and questions from the public. 

None.

5

County Councillor Report  – see appendix A

Cllr Shimell asked if the PC should be publicising HCC support for vulnerable households on the PC website and other avenues.  It was agreed that this was a good idea.  Clerk to put on website and social media, and look at including an item in the Parish Magazine.

Clerk

6

Borough Councillor Report – Cllr Tomblin gave a verbal report:

·         Full Council on Thursday at the Haymarket. 

·         Local Plan – Following the last Economic, Planning & Housing (EPH) committee meeting there will be an opportunity to consider the updated draft policies.  In March the EPH committee will study and debate new draft policies, some of which are quite different from existing policies.  There will be a further report on the spatial strategies, which will be discussed in early June.  This will delay the publication of the draft Local Plan Update, which give members an opportunity to wait for the complete consultees reports.  Public consultation is now likely to be later in the year.  Unfortunately the delay is likely to increase the period of time where BDBC cannot demonstrate a 5 year land supply.  Cllr Tomblin noted that the leader of the Council and the portfolio holder have been tasked with pushing back on the housing numbers to central Government.

7

Parish Environment

7.1

Update on Jubilee event – Cllr Bell gave an update.

Bramley PC has registered with the Pageant Master, Bruno Peek, to light the beacon at the desired time, to have a Piper, possibly a Town Crier and a Choir.  A holding deposit has also been placed for a hog roast for residents and drinks.

Original Schedule –

·        Town Crier proclamation: – 1pm.  It is felt that this could be done         before the events leading to the lighting of the Beacon

·        Piper Playing “Diu Ragnar” at 09.09pm – Francis Woods from         Swindon has been booked.

·        Beacon Lighting:- 9.15pm accompanied by choir.  The choir was         suggested to be the School Choir, and Cllr Day indicated that they         would be interested.  The chorus is available now.  Alison Cox         OBE, Chair of “The Commonwealth Resounds” has said that the         chorus available could be as a single melody or in any form that         absolutely any choir could sing, and that a children’s choir would         be lovely and easily able to perform the chorus.

Costs – 

·         Piper £230 including all expenses

·         Hog Roasts through “Hampshire Feast”, sufficient for 500, 4 hog roasts. £3,030

·         Bar by Steve at Sherfield, no costs except for agreed costs of free drinks.

Latest update- due to Media pressure, Bruno Peek has recommended a change in the timetable as follows –

·         Town Crier at 2.00pm.

·         Piper at 9.35pm

·         Bugler to play a unique bugle called ”Majesty” at 09.40pm

·         Beacon Light at 9.45pm accompanied by the Choir singing the chorus.

Cllr Bell has written to Bruno Peek asking the reason for changes and noting that School Choir may not be able to participate at that hour.  His response was that pressure from the media had prompted the change in timetable, but he also stated that Beacon could be lit at 9.15pm as originally planned with Piper also playing as originally planned at 9.09pm, and the bugler if required at 9.13pm.

Decisions required –

1)      Schedule – Cllr Tomblin proposed keeping the original timings.  This was unanimously agreed.

2)      Will the school choir be available?  If not, is there an alternative to the school choir?  Cllr Day to speak to school to see if they are still interested in supplying the choir. 

3)      Is a bugler required?  It was agreed that Cllr bell should investigate obtaining details from Tadley Brass.  Cllr Day also has a possible contact. 

4)      Are Cllrs happy to continue with the Hog Roast? A holding deposit of £50 has already been paid.  It was unanimously agreed that this should be as planned.

Bruno Peek has further suggested that planting 7 trees in the Parish would be a long term commemoration to the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Cllr Day

Cllr Bell / Cllr Day

7.2

Grounds Maintenance contract – the Clerk noted that the first year with the new contractor has not been without issues, although the work carried out has largely been satisfactory once teething problems were dealt with at the beginning.  The main issue has been with communication, and this continues to be difficult at least by phone – email contact is more reliable.

Cllr Durrant proposed remaining with existing  contractor, Cllr Tomblin seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to continue to monitor work and communication.

Clerk

8.

Finance

8.1

2022-23 Budget & Precept – the Clerk has distributed a draft budget.  She noted that any discussion at this meeting is exactly that, and that no decision on the precept can be made until the EGM on 20^th January as this decision cannot be made under delegated authority. 

Key points highlighted were:

·         There are no election costs budgeted – even if BDBC do pass on these costs in 2022-23, Bramley PC is not due an election next year.

·         Staff costs – the costs for the Clerk have risen in line with the NALC recommended scales for this year (next year’s pay scales have not yet been agreed).  It was noted that the Clerk has not had a pay increase since 2018, and Cllr Durrant recommended that this should be rectified from April 2022.  This was unanimously agreed.

·         Litter Warden costs have also increased in line with the cost of living increase.  This is offset by the grant from BDBC.

·         It was agreed that grants for Clift Meadow and the Village Hall under the fixed I&E tab should be moved variable I&E.

·         Youth Worker grant – numbers for the last year at the Youth Club have been lower than previously, mainly due to Covid issues, and there was some discussion as to whether this represented value for money.  Numbers pre-Covid were approximately double what they are at present.  It was agreed that the item should remain in the budget for the present, but that this should be thoroughly reviewed when the contract comes up for renewal in March/April 2022.  Clerk to invite Youth Club leaders to give an update and thoughts for the way forward at the February meeting.

·         General maintenance – it was noted that HCC funding for the Lengthsman scheme in 2022-23 is unlikely to happen, and therefore £1000 has been included in the Bramley PC budget to account for this. 

·         St James Park allotments – a holding figure of £5000 has been placed under variable I&E to allow for possible work at this site should the lease and work from Persimmon be resolved satisfactorily.  It is likely that the capital needed will be approximately £20,000 – the rest will need to come from grant funding.

·         Precept – the projected figure of £101,475 for 20222-23 is based upon a 0% increase per band D household, and takes into account the promised 1.7% correction after the error made for this year. 

·         Income – it was noted that the BDBC grants for the Litter Warden and grass cutting may not be forthcoming.  BDBC officers believe that they will remain, but the BDBC budget will not be agreed until February 2022.

In summary, based upon a precept figure of £101,475, the Bramley PC budget for 2022-23 is balanced.  Cllr Tomblin stated that he felt that this was a sound basis for moving into next year, and that he supported it.  The decision to adopt the amended 2022-23 budget and to agree the precept will be taken at an extraordinary meeting on Thursday 20^th January, at 7.00pm in the Bramley Room at Bramley Village Hall. 

8.2

Payments and reconciliation approval – see appendix C

The Clerk noted the payments for January.  Cllr Durrant proposed approving the December payments, seconded by Cllr Shimell and unanimously approved.  Clerk to action. 

Clerk

8.3

Acknowledgement of Receipts – see appendix C

The receipts for January were noted. 

9

Clerk’s report & Administration

9.1

Parish magazine article – The next deadline will be 15^th February for the March issue.  Cllr Bell to write the next article. 

Cllr Bell

10

Reports

10.1

Planning Committee report (appendix B) – Cllr Flooks outlined the decisions of the January Planning Committee meeting.

         i.            Any new applications – none.

10.2

Allotments & Burial Ground – the Clerk confirmed that the invoices for 2022 rent have been issued, and that most holders have now paid.  The remainder will be chased by the end of this week.

Cllr Durrant noted compliments from the community via social media for the recent hedge cutting at the Burial Ground. 

10.3

Village Hall Trust – see appendix A. 

Cllr Oborn noted that the proposed solar panels are now fully funded.

10.4

Clift Meadow Trust

·         Cllr Oborn noted that he has assisting CMT with a grant application of £10,000 to National Grid.

·         Drainage work at Brocas Hall is now complete. 

·         The Pavilion needs some roof tiles re-hanging.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

10.5

Police & Neighbourhood Watch – no report.

10.6

Highways & Footpaths – Cllr Tomblin  noted the lack of verge cutting on country lanes, which in some areas is becoming dangerous.  He suggested writing to Highways and copying in the County ward councillor.  Cllr Tomblin to draft letter. 

Cllr Tomblin

10.7

Road Safety Project – Cllr Durrant has again written to the project engineer highlighting the ongoing issues. 

10.8

Chairman’s Report – Cllr Durrant noted the recent investiture of the Rev. Mark Anderson as the new vicar at St James Church, and took the opportunity to formally welcome him to Bramley. 

11

Consultation documents requiring consideration

None.

12

Grant Applications

None.

13

Date of Next meeting

The next Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 15^th February at 7.00pm, venue tbc. 

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 8.48pm

Date:

11^th January 2022

Time:                    7.00pm

Place:

Online via Zoom

Present:

Cllr Chris Flooks (Chair)

Cllr Chris Tomblin

Cllr Keith Oborn

Cllr Malcolm Bell

In attendance:

Maxta Thomas (Clerk)

1 member of the public

Apologies:

Cllr Liz Capel

1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above. 

2

Declarations of Interest

Cllr Tomblin noted his position on the BDBC Development Control Committee, and took no part in the decisions on planning applications.

3

Minutes of the Last Planning Committee Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the meeting held on 9^th November 2021 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.

21/03628/HSE – 6 Churchlands Bramley

Erection of a replacement front porch (part retrospective)

• No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process. 

Clerk

b.

T/00616/21/TPO – 4 North Row Bramley

1 Oak: prune.

• Concern was expressed about the lack of detail in the application.  However, defer to tree officer unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

c.

21/03654/FUL – Stocks Farm House The Street Bramley

Replacement of derelict three bay corrugated iron clad barn with wood clad, tile roofed, three bay barn

• Cllr Bell noted that there is no indication on materials (roof tiles, etc). 
• Members noted that any listed building consent should be looked at carefully.
• No objection, but request confirmation that there is nothing significant in building that will be removed.  Clerk to process. 

Clerk

d.

20/03403/FUL – Site At Minchens Lane Bramley – AMENDED APPLICATION

Installation of renewable led energy generating station, comprising ground-mounted photovoltaic solar arrays, battery-based electricity storage containers together with substation, inverter/ transformer stations, site accesses, internal access tracks, security measures, access gates, other ancillary infrastructure, landscaping biodiversity enhancements including a Forest School, associated car parking and Nature Area

• Cllr Flooks has circulated a paper to all members detailing the previous PC response and whether the concerns raised have been addressed by the applicant.  He stated that it is apparent that the applicant has not addressed all the PC concerns by any means.
• Cllr Bell supported comments that the site is greenfield, and this should be built on a brownfield site. 
• Members also noted inconsistencies and inaccuracies in the new documentation. 
• It was noted that National Grid have stated that it should not be built underneath their powerlines. 
• Objections to be submitted as per circulated document unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

e.

Any other New Applications

21/03714/HSE – 32 Farriers Close Bramley

Erection of a single storey rear extension

• Precedent has been set by a similar extension at a neighbouring property.
• The proposed extension is not visible from the road.
• No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process. 

Clerk

4.2

Approvals/Refusals/Pending (see appendix A)

These were noted.  The Clerk particularly noted that BDBC has responded to the PC objection to 21/02791/HSE for Haldene, Bramley Lane.  The applicant has agreed to use red clay tiles to keep the extension in keeping with surrounding properties.  Clerkt o contact officer. 

In addition to the approvals/refusals already noted, the Clerk noted the following decisions made in the last few days:

• 21/00521/FUL – Locksbridge Farm Cufaude Lane Bramley

                Erection of 1no. dwelling and associated parking – Granted.

• 21/03379/ROC – Land Adjoining The Well House Cufaude Lane Bramley

                Variation of condition 1 of 21/02426/RES to amend plan numbers to                 allow for alterations to external materials and window casements. –                 Granted.

It was noted that the Ward Cllrs had not received notification of the Locksbridge Farm application.

Clerk

5.

Planning Appeals

21/00349/FUL – Land At OS Ref 464762 159811 Minchens Lane Bramley

Installation of a battery storage facility with associated works

• The BDBC refusal of this application has been appealed.  There are no details as yet on either the BDBC planning portal or the Planning Inspectorate portal.  The Clerk will update members as soon as further details are forthcoming.
• Cllr Bell proposed that Bramley PC make a submission to the Planning Inspectorate at the appropriate time.  This was unanimously agreed.

20/01097/OUT – Land Adjacent The Street Bramley

Outline planning application for the erection of 4 dwellings including access

• The appeal hearing for this application was in December 2021, although Bramley PC received no notification of the date.  Bramley PC made representations to the appeal in June 2021.  The appeal was allowed by the Planning Inspector

Clerk

6.

Update on Stocks Farm proposals

The Clerk confirmed that there is no firm planning application to comment upon at this stage.  She will update members and the residents as soon as there are.

7.

Water Issues

Cllr Bell has touched base with the senior engineer at Thames Water, requesting and update on timescales.  He has also asked if Bramley PC can be involved with the Thames Water meeting with Wates re Stocks Farm.

Pollution at North Row – Thames Water has stated that this was not a Thames Water issue, and have passed this on to the Environment Agency. 

Thames Water has reiterated that no development should take place until the necessary upgrades to the sewage system have been completed. 

8.

Minchens Lane s.106 issues

Cllrs and officers from BDBC and Bramley PC met with Persimmon representatives on 30^th November.  Persimmon have stated again that will address the various outstanding issues.  Of particular note is their commitment to tidy up the allotments site.  The Clerk has been in communication with Persimmon, and there may be movement on the lease issue in the near future.

9.

Local Plan Update

Cllr Bell attended and presented at the recent online Economic, Planning & Housing (EPH) Committee meeting at BDBC.  Cllr Durrant also attended.  Unfortunately, the meeting was less than satisfactory for attendees who were also presenting to the Committee, since the link was via audio only for them.  Members of the Committee were also advised by BDBC officers that they could not ask questions of those who were presenting, which was less than ideal.  However, Bramley PC has again stated its case on new development in the Parish, and noted that one of the major issues with the Local Plan Update is the insistence of the Government of a 5 year land supply figure. 

Cllr Tomblin stated that Members Advisory Panels have now been stopped, and members are reviewing the policy documents remotely.  There is a ‘wash up’ meeting scheduled to summarise this next week. 

New SHELAA – Cllr Tomblin noted that Festival Place and BDBC Offices are now in the SHELAA tagged as possible sites for residential development.   Bramley sites are all as before. 

10.

Neighbourhood Plan Update

No update at present.  Bramley PC needs to look at possible sites for building the Bramley allocation of new houses in the next iteration of the Local Plan. 

11.

Date of Next Meeting

Tuesday 8^th February, provisionally to be held online.

Meeting closed at 7.56pm

1.        

21/02396/HSE – Barefoot House Olivers Lane Bramley (see also 21/02397/LBC)

Two storey side/rear extension to provide games and loft room

Granted

Objection

2.        

21/02650/ROC – Upper Cufaude Farm Cufaude Lane Bramley

Variation of Condition 1 of 20/01608/ROC to amend the plan numbers to make elevational and revised internal amendments

Granted

No objection

3.        

T/00563/21/TCA – Peregrine House Sherfield Road Bramley Green

T5 Indian Bean Tree & T11 Service Tree of MWA Arb Report

Works: Remove both to near ground level and treat stumps to inhibit regrowth.

Reason: Clay shrinkage subsidence damage at the property.

Raise no objection

Defer to tree officer – actively support app.

4.        

21/03285/HSE – 3 Ellen Gardens Bramley

Conversion of garage to living accommodation and further loft conversion for additional Bedroom with rear dormer window

Granted

5.        

21/03449/TWRN – Laurel Lea Cottage Bramley Green

Fell 4 trees.  Prune 5 trees.

TWRN split decision

Objection

6.        

T/00607/21/TCA – Cedarwood Silchester Road Bramley

Reduction work to trees as per annotated photos.

Raise no objection

Objection

1.        

T/00583/20/TPO – Middle Farm The Street Bramley

T1, T2, T3 – Western Red Cedars: prune.

Defer to tree officer

2.        

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

3.        

21/00521/FUL – Locksbridge Farm Cufaude Lane Bramley

Erection of 1no. dwelling and associated parking

Objection

4.        

21/01219/HSE – Clover Cottage Silchester Road Bramley

Conversion of loft to habitable space, including extension of existing hipped roof and addition of roof lights to the front and rear elevations

Objection

5.        

21/02588/TDC – Land Adjoining Clift Surgery Minchens Lane Bramley

Technical Details Consent for the erection of 6 no. residential units with associated access, parking, and landscaping, pursuant to Permission in Principle Approval Reference 19/01470/PIP for 4-6 no. residential units

Objection

6.        

21/02744/HSE – Rose Cottage Sherfield Road Bramley Green

Erection of single storey front and two storey rear extension following removal of existing conservatory

No objection

7.        

21/02765/HSE – Middle Farm Cottage The Street Bramley

Erection of single storey side extension, two storey front extension following demolition of single storey front extension, upgrading of external insulation, new fence and gate to front driveway plus changes to fenestration

Objection

8.        

T/00436/21/TPO – 22 Wallis Drive Bramley

1 Sycamore: prune

Defer to tree officer

9.        

21/02791/HSE – Haldene Bramley Lane Bramley

Erection of two storey rear extension, single storey rear extension with conversion of garage to living accommodation, demolition of single storey extension and erection of a front porch. Alterations to external facade of house and replacement windows and doors

Objection

10.    

T/00508/21/TPO – 24 Wallis Drive Bramley

1 Sycamore: prune.

Defer to tree officer

11.    

T/00520/21/TPO – 10 Wallis Drive Bramley

1 Sugar Maple: prune

Defer to tree officer

12.    

21/03224/FUL – Cedarwood Silchester Road Bramley

Erection of 2 bed dwelling following demolition of stables/home office and associated landscaping and access

Objection

13.    

T/00556/21/TPO – 53 Coopers Lane Bramley

T1 – Mature Oak: prune.  T2 – Mature Oak: prune.

Objection

14.    

21/03384/HSE – 17 St James Close Bramley

Erection of single storey front extension and conversion of garage to living accommodation

No objection

15.    

21/03379/ROC – Land Adjoining The Well House Cufaude Lane Bramley

Variation of condition 1 of 21/02426/RES to amend plan numbers to allow for alterations to external materials and window casements.

No objection

16.    

T/00595/21/TPO – 5 North Row Bramley

T1754 Mature English Oak: prune. T1756 English Oak: prune.

Defer to tree officer

17.    

21/03604/HSE – Orchard House 5 Tudor Close Bramley

Erection of single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory and extension to existing patio

No objection