Parish Council meeting minutes – 17th February 2026

BRAMLEY PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of the Council

Date:	Tuesday 17^th February 2026	Time: 7.30pm
Place:	Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall
Present:	Cllr Tony Durrant (Chair)	Cllr Chris Tomblin
	Cllr Keith Oborn	Cllr Jan Wright
	Cllr Sue Howell	Cllr Malcolm Bell
	Cllr Iain James
In attendance:	Maxta Thomas (Clerk)	0 members of the public
	Cllr Rhydian Vaughan (HCC)
Apologies:	Cllr Chris Flooks	Cllr Alan Munday

		*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 council meeting held on 20^th January 2026 were proposed by Cllr James and seconded by Cllr Howell and unanimously agreed as being a true record of the meeting. The Chairman duly signed the minutes of the meeting.
3.2	Matters arising
	· None.
3.3	Outstanding actions
	· Bus shelters – one quote has been received, and a further quote is awaited. Once this has been received, the application for the grant will be finalised. This is to replace the two bus shelters near the Campbell Road roundabout. The HCC grant only covers existing bus shelters, so any plans for a new shelter near the Church are on hold for the moment. · Granary survey – a structural survey is being carried out on 18^th February. · Clift Meadow plans – the owner of Minchens Barn, who has the plans, has been invited to the March planning committee meeting for an update on water issues. He will have the plans then.
4	Open Forum
	· None.
5.	County Councillor Report – see appendix A. · Pavement from Barn to top of Cufaude Lane – Cllr Vaughan noted that this verge is used for overspill parking and therefore may not be suitable. However, he is still investigating. · Solar Farm signs in Sherfield – entirely up to Solar Farm developers. · Cllr Vaughan is chasing action on destroyed verges at Ash Lane. · School at Upper Cufaude Farm is not planned for the moment.
6.	Borough Councillor Report · Local Plan – Regulation 18 consultation responses are being assessed. Regulation 19 consultation due in December 2026. · Building at Manydown to begin this year.
7.	Parish Environment
	Parish Green – Cllr Durrant noted that the stretch of path from the bridge to The Smithy (on BDBC owned land) has become very muddy, and that residents have put gravel down to improve this. BDBC has confirmed that they will surface this bit of path to the same standard as the paths on the Parish Green in March or April 2026.
8	Clerk’s report & Administration
8.1	Parish magazine article – Cllr Durrant is due to write the article for the April 2026 magazine. Copy is due by 15^th March 2026. i. Funding for Bramley Magazine for Upper Cufaude Farm residents – there are currently 50 houses occupied at Upper Cufaude Farm. The extra cost of printing magazine to cover these is £24 per month. Cllr Durrant proposed accepting this, Cllr James seconded unanimously agreed. Clerk to take forward.	*Cllr Durrant* *Clerk*
8.2	Policy Review i. Freedom of Information policy – the Clerk has reviewed and circulated this policy. Cllr Oborn proposed adopting the policy, Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed. ii. Publication Scheme – the Clerk has reviewed and circulated this policy. Cllr Oborn proposed adopting the policy, Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed. Both policies to be placed on the Bramley PC website.	*Clerk*
8.3	Review of Risk Assessment and Asset Register – the Clerk has reviewed and updated both documents, and circulated to all councillors. Cllr Howell proposed adopting both documents, Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed. The Chairman and Clerk signed the risk assessment. Both are to be placed on the Bramley PC website.	*Clerk*
9	Planning – Cllr Durrant left the meeting and Cllr Bell took over.
9.1	New planning applications
a.	25/02906/HSE – 4 Flagstone Crescent Chineham Ground floor rear extension with flat roof and roof lanterns · No objection unanimously agreed. Clerk to process.	*Clerk*
b.	26/00116/GPDMA – Minchens Court Minchens Lane Bramley Application for prior approval of change of use from building used as commercial building to 2no, Class C3 dwellinghouses · No objection, but Bramley has enough housing and does not need more. Unanimously agreed. Clerk to take forward.	*Clerk*
c.	26/00127/HSE – Meade Barn The Street Bramley Replacement of garage door with window, external doors and all other windows to be replaced · No objection unanimously agreed. Clerk to respond accordingly.	*Clerk*
d.	26/00156/HSE – 56 Moat Close Bramley Erection of a single storey front/side extension · No objection unanimously agreed. Clerk to respond.	*Clerk*

9.2	Approvals/refusals (see appendix B) – these were noted.
9.3	Water issues – Cllr Bell noted that work has begun on the sewer pipe upgrade. This is due to be complete in April 2026. The constant rain so far this year has caused issues with both sewer flooding and ground water flooding. Issues are being reported to the relevant authorities as necessary.
9.4	Planning Consultant expenditure – Bramley PC has engaged the services of ONH Planning Consultants to carry out some infrastructure survey work on its behalf. Cllr Durrant proposed ratifying the £5,950+VAT expenditure, Cllr Howell seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to take forward.	*Clerk*
9.5	New Allotment and Community Facility responsibility – Cllr Durrant noted that several of the new agreed and proposed developments are putting in a provision for allotments and community facilities. Bramley PC already manage a total of 48 allotments, and the community facilities in Bramley are managed by separate Trustee committees. He proposed that the Bramley PC should not take on responsibility for such items moving forward. This was seconded by Cllr Howell and unanimously agreed.
10	Reports
10.1	Allotments and Burial Ground – see appendix A Allotments – all allotment rents for 2026 are now paid except one. Offers for new tenants will go out in the next couple of weeks. The diseased oak tree at the Grays Meadow allotments will be removed on 10^th March. Allotment holders and neighbours will be informed. Burial Ground – a planning application (T/00055/26/TCA) is in to remove the conifer at the Burial Ground. This should be decided by 11^th March. Memorial Wall – Cllr Durrant suggested a memorial wall would be an idea moving forward for the Burial Ground, since Bramley does now not accept full burials. Clerk to investigate.	*Clerk*
10.2	Village Hall Trust – see appendix A · An issue with Bramley Room roof is being investigated.
10.3	Clift Meadow Trust – see appendix A · Path work will start on 25^th February.
10.4	Highways/Footpaths · The Clerk noted that Silchester Road will be closed from 30^th March – 10^th April 2026 for surface dressing works. Diversions will be via the A33 and A340.
10.5	Chairmans Report – nothing to report.
11	Events
11.1	Update on Parish Community Showcase – Cllr Wright gave an update. The event was held on 7^th February and was very successful. The event brought together more than 15 local organisations for what many described as one of the most valuable networking opportunities the village has seen. The Showcase was attended by both Parish Councillors and Ward Councillors, who were able to meet volunteers and residents throughout the day. The event showcased the wide range of projects and initiatives that have successfully secured Parish Council funding, demonstrating the positive impact grants of varying sizes can have across the village. It also provided councillors with the opportunity to see first-hand how community funding translates into real benefit for local residents. Early feedback suggests there is strong enthusiasm for making the Showcase a regular event in the village calendar. There is also interest in expanding it further, potentially inviting all volunteer groups, not just grant recipients, to take part. Cllr Durrant thanked Cllr Wright and Cllr Howell for organising the event. Cllr Wright proposed that the remaining budget for this event be ringfenced for a future repeat event and used for banners and extra publicity. This was unanimously agreed.
12	Consultation documents requiring consideration
12.1	NPPF consultation – details have been circulated to all councillors. The deadline for comments is 10^th March 2026. Cllr Durrant proposed that a Bramley PC response should be submitted in the form of a letter covering the changes that most seriously affect Bramley. Unanimously agreed. Cllr Durrant and Clerk to take forward. Cllr Durrant noted that there may be guidance from BDBC, but they have not yet submitted their response.	*Clerk/Cllr Durrant*
13	Grant Applications
	None.
14	Applications for CIL funding
14.1	CIL Income & Expenditure update (see appendix C) The Clerk has circulated the latest update on CIL expenditure.
14.2	Little Apples grant request – a late application for CIL funding has been received from Little Apples. Cllr James proposed considering the grant now. Unanimously agreed. Little Applies have applied for £739 for a sliding roof gazebo, which will form the main structure of a new outdoor classroom. Cllr Durrant proposed giving the grant, Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to action.	*Clerk*
15	Finance
15.1	Approval of payments (see appendix D) – the Clerk has circulated the list of payments for approval. Cllr Wright proposed and Cllr James seconded that the February 2026 payments be approved. Unanimously agreed. Clerk to process.	*Clerk*
15.2	Receipts (see appendix E) These were noted.
16	Date of Next meeting
	The next full Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 17^th March 2026.
17	Resolution to exclude press and public from items that may require discussion of possible legal and financial proceedings
	None.
18	Confidential Items
	None.

	The meeting closed at 8.37pm.

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

(Chairman)

Appendix A –Briefing notes

Community Speedwatch

SID – All 4 SIDs were in operation throughout December. One SID (original) is failing.

Recent Local SpeedWatch Activity – 1 manned Deployment was undertaken during January. A total of 2 vehicles were reported to the Police from the 149 vehicles checked – hit rate 1%. Top speed recorded 38 mph.

We are seeing less offenders on the deployments.

Equipment

Camera – AutoSpeedWatch

No issues, the camera continues to work well.
The PC Grant application for yearly camera subscription was approved by the PC and the subscription has been renewed.
I have done some trending of the camera data and manned deployment data at the Village Hall, (see below). The graph shows the percentage of vehicles exceeding 35mph. The dotted line = trend.

Camera % of vehicles exceeding 35mph

14.00%

12.00%

10.00%

8.00%

6.00%

4.00%

2.00%

0.00%

PCC Grant – I have submitted a small grant request to the PCC Grant Award in support of road safety scheme for a set of SID batteries, new high viz vests and 30mph wheelie bins signs. We are 1 of the 60 applications received. Any grant awarded will be paid direct to the PC. Still awaiting the decision if we have been successful. Still awaiting to hear if the grant request has been successful.

A PO was raised by the PC Clerk from the PCC ASF grant for the purchase an ex-demo SID at a reduced price (delivery is due now) and a Calibration of the Laser SpeedGun (due in August) which has used up some of the remaining money. The Failing SID will be removed from service.

PCC Equipment Grant – Still awaiting notification from the DPCC regarding the media shoot. I am somewhat doubtful if this will ever happen.

Table 1: Camera Data

The following camera data was downloaded on the 1st of February 2026.

Month/Year	Verified Speeders =>35mph	Max Speed Recorded	Highest number of offences committed by one vehicle	Fastest Hour	Illegal Vehicles
May 2024	2752	58	15	7pm
June 2024	3338	60	17	10am
July 2024	3104	61	18	2pm
August 2024	2616	59	13	5am	73
September 2024	1087	54	7	5am	47
October 2024	1032	55	11	9am	34
November 2024	749	51	6	11am	20
December 2024	432	53	3	8am	11
January 2025	593	57	5	1pm	21
February 2025	963	50	9	12pm	32
March 2025	1931	55	13	6pm	37
April 2025	2656	56	13	7pm	85
May 2025	3169	57	13	7pm	37
June 2025	2635	57	12	8pm	68
July 2025	1544	60	10	5am	40
August 2025	2560	55	17	5am	78
September 2025	1953	52	15	5am	62
October 2025	1585	50	9	5pm	47
November 2025	793	55	7	12pm	26
December 2025	469	50	4	3pm	17
January 2026	581	52	8	9am	14
Total Verified speeders	36,542

The Camera trigger and reporting speed are set at =>35mph. Illegal vehicles = no tax, no Mot, or no Tax and Mot.

Camera statistics for January 2026

Table 2: Speed Indicator Device (SID) DATA January 2026:

SID Location	Days Deployed	Traffic Direction	% Exceeding 30mph	No Exceeding 60mph	Max Speed Recorded	V85*	Average speed
Bramley Corner	31	East bound	65%	24	85	38	33
Farriers	31	West bound	39%	5	64	34	30
The Street Beaurepaire	31	East bound	30%	9	44	32	29
The Forge**	31	West bound	65%	22	76	36	32

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

** The data from the SID at the Forge is only using data from vehicles leaving the SID, they will all be in the 30mph Zone

ALLOTMENTS/BURIAL GROUND

No written report received.

VILLAGE HALL TRUST

Awaiting quote from stage curtains contractor.
Bookings remain steady.

CLIFT MEADOW TRUST

No written report received.

BOROUGH COUNCILLOR REPORT

No written report received.

COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORT

Thank goodness January is over. Hopefully some end in sight not only to the dark mornings and evenings but also the seemingly endless rain!

The weather has of course impacted our roads. So, a bit of information this month about the work ongoing to repair the inevitable potholes caused at this time of year given the amount of water about.

Highways Information

Winter Weather and Our Roads – Since Christmas, the combination of freezing temperatures and relentless rain has taken a real toll on Hampshire’s roads. The constant freeze–thaw cycle is exactly the kind of weather that accelerates potholes and surface deterioration, and we’ve seen a sharp rise in reports as a result.

Despite this, Hampshire’s Highways Team has already repaired more than 62,000 defects since the start of the financial year — an enormous effort given the conditions.

To keep pace with the extra demand, Highways have secured additional crews and machinery, even as councils across the country compete for the same resources. You’ll now see more Jet/Dragon Patchers out on the network, extra patching gangs already working since early January, and further teams joining in the coming weeks.

Alongside pothole repairs, winter weather is also putting pressure on drainage systems. Extra jetting machines are now available to help manage localised flooding, and a dedicated team is responding to drainage issues as they arise. We’ve also added an extra white‑lining crew to tackle worn markings at smaller sites.

Given the sheer volume of defects, some potholes will need temporary infill repairs to keep roads safe while permanent repairs are scheduled. It’s not ideal, but it’s the quickest way to manage safety risks during peak demand.

How you can help – The best and most effective way to report potholes or any highway issue is through the Hampshire County Council website or the Our Hants app. Clear locations and photos are helpful, but not essential. Reporting via email or social media can actually slow things down, as it bypasses the system our teams use to prioritise safety defects.

Roadworks, disruption and why it matters for Hampshire – The reality we’re facing is that our roads need major investment, but councils like ours are working with budgets that simply don’t match the scale of the challenge. In Hampshire alone, bringing every road up to scratch would cost around £600m, against an annual maintenance budget of about £70m.

There is also a concern many of you share: the lack of control councils have over when utility companies dig up the roads. Too often, “emergency” works are declared with just six working hours’ notice, leaving us little ability to coordinate diversions or minimise disruption for residents.

If you’ve been affected by long-running works or poorly timed closures, you’re far from alone. We will keep pushing for a system that puts residents first.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c23e3d1r17go?fbclid=IwY2xjawPtekVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe-V7Am1sgQICdzjvSKZlrNLl4aMjDjXjpvqJ29btQcRIouFZoMS_Pbbuuvb4_aem_96E9k07CgR2mQKNHfxQ25Q

𝐔𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲 – There is a huge amount of work being carried out by utility companies around Hampshire at the moment. Southern Water are renewing their mains, SSEN are upgrading their network and SGN are similarly undertaking gas main renewal. Add to that the work by super fast broadband providers and it seems there are roadworks constantly taking place.

All this has resulted in quite a number of questions about why and how Hampshire County Council allow utility companies, other public bodies and development companies to work on the roads.

So, I hope it’s helpful to share again this Q&A which helps explain the process for granting permission and what control Highways have over these type of roadworks:

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐂𝐂 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲’𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞? – A: The Highways team is responsible for the coordination of all works and events on the public highway in order to minimise traffic disruption. The Streetworks team also monitors utility Co’s activities on the public highway and checks active work sites and reinstatements for compliance with National specifications.

𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲? – A: Yes, they have legal duties and rights to install and maintain apparatus on the public highway. However, they have to comply with National Specifications and obtain a permit from the County Council for planned works.

Legislation gives them legal rights to install cabinets and masts (up to 15m high) on the public highway without planning permission.

𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐇𝐂𝐂 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐚 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲? – A: No, except under very specific circumstances, for example: where a utility company wants to install new apparatus on a highly important and strategic road that has been specifically designated, by law, as a protected street.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐰𝐚𝐲? – A: The County Council can place conditions on any permit application. Conditions are used to try to minimise traffic disruption. The conditions available as part of the permit scheme are not ‘free form’ and are restricted to controls over works timing, works area, traffic management type and stakeholder engagement. Conditions have to be reasonable and be able to be met by the works promoter.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (𝐓𝐌) 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞? – A: The works promoter is entirely responsible for selecting the most appropriate type of TM. They are the experts in the works they are undertaking and what the risks are. In selecting the TM type they must consider the risks to the workforce, passing traffic (including pedestrians) and relevant legislation and Codes or Practice.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝? – A: The works promoter is entirely responsible for selecting an appropriate diversion route. Best practice is to ensure that the diversion route uses similar roads to those closed. Unfortunately, the existing networks don’t always permit this. Diversion routes are not enforceable.

𝐐: 𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭? – A: The works promoter is ALWAYS responsible for the information they supply. The County Council must assume that it is correct when assessing the permit and determining what conditions to apply.

𝐐: 𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐥 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬/𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧? – A: No, the permit relates ONLY to the works and its impact on traffic. Approval for installing apparatus is given either by a utility company’s legal rights or via the local Planning Authority.

𝐐: 𝐈’𝐯𝐞 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐚 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐚 𝐟𝐥𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞. 𝐈𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝? – A: Yes, utility companies are allowed to use a temporary reinstatement in order to re-open a road quickly or to give them time to source specialist materials. Normally temporary reinstatements are allowed for up to 6 months, the utility company has to reinstate the original surface within that time. –

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭? – A: Legislation states that a utility company is liable for any ‘reasonable’ repairs for two years.

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬? – A: Legislation requires all works promoters to submit permit applications between 3 working days and 3 months ahead of works starting.

For ‘Immediate works’ (relating to safety or loss of service) there is no advance warning. Works are started and the County Council is alerted within 2 working hours.

𝐐: 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨𝐧-𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞? – A: Yes. There are a range of penalties open to the County Council where works promoters do not comply with permit conditions.

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐝𝐨 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬? – A: Very well. In 2022 Over 95% of site signage and 96% of reinstatements complied with the National specifications. 97% of utility sites comply with permit conditions. 99% of utility sites were completed on time, or early.

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲? – A: The County Council handles all permits via a National IT system. This system automatically publishes all permits on the https://one.network website

𝐐: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐲’𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤? – A: In an average year we process around 52,000 permit applications/changes from utility companies which result in around 36,000 works being undertaken. The last couple of years have seen even higher numbers processed. When you take into account there are 5,500 miles of publicly maintained roads in Hampshire this equals 6.5 pieces or work per mile per year on our roads!

Reporting Highway Problems

Links to report road issues are here:

Potholes: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a –problem/potholes
Tree/hedge problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/treehedge
Flooding/drainage issues: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/flooding
Pavement problems: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a –problem/paving
Broken or missing signs: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/brokensigns
Faulty street lights: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/streetlight
Faded or missing road markings: https://www.hants.gov.uk/transport/highways/report –a problem/road –markings
Problems with rights of way: https://www.hants.gov.uk/landplanningandenvironment/rightsofway/reportaproble m

A £633m Boost for Hampshire’s Schools

At a time when councils up and down the country are teetering on the brink, Hampshire is doing something rather extraordinary: investing hundreds of millions of pounds in the future of our children.

This week, Hampshire County Council approved a £633 million capital programme for new schools, better facilities, and vital improvements to children’s services. Ten new schools — including two special schools — and hundreds of additional specialist SEND places will be delivered across the county.

And let’s be absolutely clear: this is only possible because of the careful, responsible financial management we’ve maintained for years. While others have stumbled, Hampshire has kept its books balanced, protected taxpayers’ money, and ensured we can still invest where it truly matters.

This programme will deliver:

New mainstream and special schools in growing communities
Over 390 new specialist SEND places
Major upgrades to school buildings and early years settings
Investment in Best Start Family Hubs
Support for foster carers and adaptations for children with disabilities

This is long‑term, serious investment — the kind that shapes a county for generations. And it’s being delivered because this council has refused to take the easy way out, choosing instead to plan ahead, spend wisely, and protect Hampshire’s future.

We are proud of what we’re achieving for our young people. This is what responsible leadership looks like — and Hampshire’s families deserve nothing less.

Can you help a vulnerable Hampshire child this winter?

This winter, we’re asking Hampshire residents to consider something truly life‑changing: opening your home — and your heart — to a vulnerable child.

Hampshire County Council has launched a new fostering campaign that shines a light on the difference fostering makes, not just for children in care but for the families who welcome them. One of the most powerful parts of the campaign is a new video told through the eyes of a foster carer’s own child, showing the warmth, friendship and lasting bonds that fostering can bring.

As Cllr Roz Chadd, Executive Member for Children, puts it, every child deserves a safe and loving home. And right now in Hampshire, the number of children who need that stability is growing faster than the number of foster carers available. For every child we find a home for, others are still waiting.

We’re looking for carers from all walks of life — LGBTQ+ carers, people of all faiths, single carers, and those from different ethnic backgrounds. You don’t need to own your home or have previous childcare experience. What matters is compassion, stability, and the willingness to make a difference. In return, you’ll receive excellent training, competitive allowances, and ongoing support from a dedicated social worker and our Hampshire Hive network — a brilliant “extended family” of local foster carers supporting one another.

If you’ve ever wondered whether fostering could fit into your family life, now is the moment to explore it. You can find out more and take the first step here: https://www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/fostering

New friendships. New futures. Happier hearts all round.

https://youtu.be/5_1Socpqt1c

New National Road Safety Strategy Published — Consultations Now Live

The Government has released its first Road Safety Strategy in more than a decade, setting out an ambitious plan to cut deaths and serious injuries on Britain’s roads by 65% by 2035 — and by 70% for children under 16.

A number of the proposals are now open for consultation, including:

Mandatory eyesight testing for older drivers

GOV.UK:https://www.gov.uk/…/introducing-mandatory-eyesight…

A minimum learning period for new drivers

GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/…/introducing-a-minimum-learning…

Changes to penalties for motoring offences

GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/…/proposed-changes-to-penalties-for…

Other elements of the strategy include:

Tougher drink‑drive rules, including a lower limit (especially for new drivers), preventative technology such as alcohol‑interlock devices, and new powers to suspend licences for suspected drink or drug driving.
Work on potential cognitive testing for older drivers.
A new National Work‑Related Road Safety Charter for anyone who drives or rides for work.
Updated national guidance on road safety education and training.
A refreshed Setting Local Speed Limits guide and updated guidance on speed and red‑light cameras.
An updated Manual for Streets, to be embedded in planning policy.
Feedback on introducing penalty points for not wearing a seatbelt.
Measures to tackle illegal number plates, uninsured vehicles and those without a valid MOT.
Mandating 18 new vehicle safety features, including autonomous emergency braking and lane‑keeping assistance.

Oversight will sit with a new Road Safety Board, supported by experts from local authorities, emergency services, active travel groups and road safety organisations.

Tackling Problem Pavement Parking in Hampshire

Pavement parking is one of the issues we hear about regularly — and for good reason. When cars block pavements, it isn’t just inconvenient. It can be dangerous and deeply unfair to people who rely on clear, safe routes: wheelchair users, those with sight loss, older residents, and parents with buggies and prams. It also damages our verges and leaves some communities looking uncared for.

The Government has now confirmed that new legislation is on the way to give councils like Hampshire County Council far greater control over pavement parking. This is something long argued for and is a welcomed change.

Under the new proposals:

Local transport authorities will be able to prohibit pavement parking across their areas, rather than dealing with it street by street.
A new regulatory framework will allow councils to tailor solutions to local needs, including accessibility and disabled parking.

From 2026, councils will also be able to enforce against unnecessary obstruction of pavements as an interim step, giving us more ability to act where parking is clearly causing problems.

Most drivers are considerate, but the small minority who park without thinking create real barriers for others. These new powers will help us protect vulnerable residents, keep pavements clear, and prevent the sort of verge damage that blights too many neighbourhoods.

We will be working with colleagues to make sure Hampshire uses these powers sensibly, fairly and in a way that genuinely improves everyday life for our communities.

Cllr Rhydian Vaughan MBE

Calleva Division

Hampshire County Council

Fb.com/tellrhydian

Appendix B –Planning Summary

Approvals/Refusals*

25/02676/HSE – 8 Farriers Close Bramley

Conversion of garage into habitable accommodation and single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory.

Granted

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.	24/02019/OUT – Land At Goddards Farm Reading Road Sherfield-on-Loddon Outline planning (including access and strategic landscaping for approval) for up to 130 market and affordable homes, a commercial and/or community building, public open space, off-site highway improvements plus access from Reading Road.	Objection
3.	25/00260/VLA – Land At Stocks Farm The Street Bramley Variation of Section 106 agreement attached to 21/03758/OUT to allow an amendment to the occupation trigger associated with the delivery and availability for use of the equipped play space as part of the development	No objection
4.	25/00322/ADV – Land At Stocks Farm The Street Bramley Proposed non-illuminated signage comprising 2 Flag and pole signs, 1 Fascia Sign and 2 stand alone signs.	No objection, comments
5.	25/01019/FUL – Land Frog Lane Little London Proposed Battery Energy Storage System Facility and Substation Compound including ancillary equipment and infrastructure, together with landscaping and biodiversity enhancements	Objection
6.	25/01053/RET – Cufaude Cufaude Lane Bramley Erection of four no. poles with floodlighting and CCTV cameras and 3 no. poles with CCTV cameras. (retrospective).	Objection
7.	25/01291/LBC – Long Barn 1 Razors Farm Doric Avenue Chineham Installation of 20 no. solar panels on the roof at the rear west facing elevation	No objection
8.	25/01609/FUL – Land North East Of Withy Copse And South Of Minchens Lane Bramley Construction of access track to fishing pond, including car parking and associated works.	No objection
9.	25/01892/HSE – La Villetta The Street Bramley Installation of 2 no. heat pumps within the grounds, located on the south facing rear side of building, the other on east facing side	Objection
10.	25/02152/HSE – 50 Longbridge Road Bramley Two storey side extension & single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory	No objection
11.	25/02436/HSE & 25/02437/LBC – Middle Farm The Street Bramley Erection of replacement porch to front; erection of replacement porch to rear with pergola; Increase size of existing aperture to Living room to allow for installation of new doors to rear. Replacement door	Objection
12.	25/02416/HSE – 31 Moat Close Bramley Installation of fence, concrete pillars and metal gate (part retrospective).	Objection
13.	25/02672/HSE – 2 Burlington Way Bramley Proposed single storey side extension to form ancillary accommodation	No objection, comments
14.	25/02934/OUT – Land West Of Upper Cufaude Farm Cufaude Lane Bramley Outline planning application for residential development, with vehicular access to be provided from the access approved under Outline permission: 19/00018/OUT and Phase 1 Reserved Matters permission: 23/02003/RES; and the provision of; cycle and pedestrian accesses, open space, landscaping, SuDS, and other associated infrastructure. All matters reserved except for access.	Objection

*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 –CIL Statement

Please click here for the February CIL Statement

Appendix D – Finance Statement

Please click here for the February Finance Statement