Parish Council meeting minutes – 21st February 2023

Date:

Tuesday 21^st February 2023

Time:                                    7.00pm

Place:

Bramley Room, Bramley Village Hall

Present:

 Cllr Tony Durrant (Chair)

Cllr Chris Tomblin

Cllr Chris Flooks

Cllr Liz Capel

Cllr Malcolm Bell

Cllr Steve Day

Cllr Keith Oborn

In attendance:

Maxta Thomas (Clerk)

2 members of the public

Graham Auld, Clift Meadow Trustees

Apologies:

Cllr Colin Shimell

Cllr Bruce Ansell

Cllr Rhydian Vaughan (County)

Cllr Nick Robinson (Borough)

1

Apologies for Absence

As listed above.

2

Declarations of Interest

·         Cllr Tomblin declared an interest in item 9.1, due to his position on the BDBC Development Control Committee.  He took no part in votes on planning applications.

3

Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting

3.1

The minutes of the meeting held on 17^th January 2023 were unanimously agreed as being a true record of the meeting.  The Chairman duly signed the minutes. 

3.2

Matters arising

·         AutoSpeedWatch – grant applications have been submitted.  Still chasing for information about licensing.

·         Replacement tree near Granary – BDBC officers have recommended either an oak or a beech tree to replace the dead elm recently removed. 

·         Grant for kick wall – CMT have been contacted, and are moving forward with funding and advice.

4

Open Forum

Cllr Durrant invited comments and questions from members of the public.

·          None.

5

County Councillor Report – see appendix A. 

6

Borough Councillor Report – Cllr Tomblin and Cllr Durrant gave a verbal report.

·         The Economic, Planning & Housing Committee (EPH) has met recently, and has received from officers their interpretation of the NPPF consultation questions.  BDBC is to write a letter to the Government of their views, particularly surrounding the calculations regarding housing numbers. 

·         An Extraordinary Scrutiny Committee meeting was held to look at the Leisure Park masterplan decision.  The Scrutiny Committee has sent it back to Cabinet to reconsider its decision, and set up a task and finish group to come up with a more imaginative solution. 

·         Full council is scheduled for this week, focusing on the budget.

·         Cllr Tomblin will attend the Manydown Overview Committee meeting this week. 

·         BDBC councillors have been updated re voter id and the need for it for the local elections. More information is on the BDBC website. 

·         Coronation events –  organisers need to register to close roads for any street parties.  There is potential grant funding for events – there will be more information by the end of February. 

·         Cost of living support information is on the BDBC website – https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/cost-of-living-support

·         Climate Emergency – BDBC have help for groups on how to live more sustainably.  Workshop information is on the BDBC website – https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/climate-group-action-support . 

·         BDBC are holding a crackdown on engine idling across the Borough. 

·         Private hire and hackney carriage licensing costs – the system is being overhauled. 

·         Ward councillors are actively considering what can be done about the solar farm decision after being approached by Silchester residents. 

7

Parish Environment

7.1

Air Quality monitor – future usage/positioning – Cllr Day noted that the School is very interested in positioning somewhere in or by the School.  The School has concerns about the viability of the current entrance in the future as it is raising its intake to 450 from next year. 

Clerk to place on March agenda.

Clerk

7.2

Coronation Event – Cllr Bell has circulated information about setting up a ‘Big Lunch’ – this kind of event is being promoted by Buckingham Palace.  The Clerk noted that a resident has suggested setting up an event to showcase volunteering in Bramley.  The following comments were made:

·         A Big Lunch event would take a lot of organisation, and would be very close to the Village Fete, which is on 13^th May. 

·         Cllr Tomblin noted that some parishes are looking at a ‘reserve a table and bring your own lunch’ event.

·         Bramley PC could support a local voluntary organisation if they are willing to organise an event.  Cllr Day to broach the subject with the School.

·         Clerk to contact local existing recognised volunteer groups such as the School Association, Scouts, Guides, etc to see if they are interested in setting up an event. 

·         It was suggested that the village marker stones could be updated to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II and King Charles III.  There might be other ways of doing this. 

·         Clerk to place on agenda for March.

Cllr Day

Clerk

Clerk

8

Clerk’s report & Administration

8.1

Parish magazine article – the next issue will be the April issue, and Cllr Durrant will write the article.  The deadline is 15^th March 2023. 

Cllr Durrant

8.2

Asset Register and Risk Assessment – the Clerk has circulated the 2023 asset register, and a draft of the 2023 Risk Assessment.  It was unanimously agreed to approve both documents, subject to the changes below.  Clerk to put on website.

Benches – there is one at Farriers Close and one at Bullsdown, not both at Farrier Field as stated on the asset register. 

Beacon – this should be added to the asset register

Clerk

9

Planning (see Appendix C)

9.1

i.

New Applications 

Two tree application decisions as outlined at appendix B were proposed for ratification by Cllr Durrant.  This was seconded by Cllr Oborn and unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

ii.

23/00063/ROC – Land At Latchmere Green Ash Lane Latchmere Green Little London

Variation of condition 1 of 21/01147/FUL to amend drawing numbers to allow for change in design and alterations to front porch, additional rooflights and adjustment to elevational window locations

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

iii.

23/00049/FUL – York Cottage Silchester Road Bramley

Erection of a single storey dwelling

·         Application is the same as an old application from 3 years ago that has already been approved.

·         The proposals are overdevelopment of the site.

·         Property is in a conservation area.

·         The objections are very much in line with previous objections to similar planning applications for this property.

·         Objection as outlined above unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

iv.

23/00176/HSE – 2 Minerva Road Bramley

Erection of a single storey rear extension

·         No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

v.

23/00192/HSE – 2 Consort Drive Bramley

Single storey rear extension and First floor side extension over attached garage

·          No objection unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

vi.

23/00279/FUL – Land At Bramley Corner House Bramley Corner Bramley

Erection of a lifetime home and garage

·         The previous permission to convert a barn was noted.

·         The proposed building is sizable. 

·         Together with previous permission, this would be a large overdevelopment of the site.

·         Cllrs noted that this does not look as though it is designed to be a lifetime home.

·         Concerns about overdevelopment, otherwise no objection.  Unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

vii.

23/00283/HSE – Renaire Coopers Lane Bramley

Erection of a single storey rear and side extension

·         Concern about overshadowing neighbouring property.

·         Objection as above unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process. 

Clerk

9.2

Planning Appeals Update

i.

21/00349/FUL – Land At OS Ref 464762 159811 Minchens Lane Bramley – Installation of a battery storage facility with associated works – Planning Inspectorate reference APP/H1705/W/21/3289603

·         The appeal has been allowed.

ii.

20/03403/FUL – Site At Minchens Lane Bramley

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 – Planning Inspectorate reference APP/H1705/W/22/3304561

·         After a lengthy hearing, the appeal has been allowed.  Ward councillors are looking at possible challenges to this decision.

iii.

21/03758/OUT – Land At Stocks Farm The Street – Outline planning permission (with all matters reserved except for access) for the demolition of one dwelling and erection of up to 140 dwellings and a community building of up to 250sqm under Use Class E, together with sports and leisure facilities – Planning Inspectorate reference APP/H1705/W/22/3302752

·         The appeal hearing took place in January.  A decision is expected in due course.

10

Reports

10.1

Allotments & Burial Ground

         i.            St James Park allotments tenders – the Clerk has circulated a summary of the 3 tenders received from contractors.  The tenders have been reviewed by the Clerk, Cllr Shimell and Cllr Durrant, who recommended the third of the three submitted.  Cllr Durrant proposed and Cllr Tomblin seconded that the quote for a total of £4,000 from RC Saunders be the quote accepted.  Quotes have been received from the same contractor for the installation of fencing around the car park, a gate for the car park, and for the installation of an extra trough at the allotments.  The total for the extra work will be £2,750.  This was unanimously agreed.  Clerk to liaise with contractor and Persimmon to take forward. 

Clerk

10.3

Village Hall Trust – see appendix A. 

10.4

Clift Meadow Trust – see appendix A. 

Graham Auld introduced himself to Councillors as the new Chair of CMT.  He stated that there are no major changes planned to the running of CMT.  He greatly appreciates the ongoing support of the PC.

Cllr Capel gave a verbal update.

·         Bramley Fete will be on 13^th May.

·         Old Basing Cricket Club are returning for another year.

·         Various events coming up over the course of this year. 

·         Still waiting for National Grid grant.

10.5

Police & Neighbourhood Watch – see appendix A.

10.6

Highways & Footpaths – see appendix A.  

The Clerk is chasing repairs to bollards at pinch points, and fencing at The Crescent.

The pothole at the triangle at Minchens Lane is again becoming a problem. 

10.7

Chairman’s Report

The Longbridge Village Green area was put up for sale by the owners, unsuccessfully.  They have approached the PC, and Cllr Durrant has approached BDBC for possible assistance in purchasing the land as a community area. BDBC has declined to assist.  The owners are likely to put it back on the market.  There are indications that the village green process was flawed, and can be legally challenged.

11

Consultation documents requiring consideration

11.1

Update on Levelling Up & Regeneration consultation – work has continued on this consultation, with several councillors submitting their views for consideration.  A final  submission is being worked on and will be circulated for final approval.  Any further comments should be passed to the Clerk by the end of the week. 

All

12

Grant Applications

12.1

Bramley Fete grant application – this grant application has been submitted by the Clift Meadow Trustees.  The application is for £4,000, and increase of £500 on last year.  Cllr Bell proposed and Cllr Capel seconded that the grant be awarded.  Unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

12.2

Litter Picking equipment – this grant application has been submitted by the Bramley Scouts, and the equipment is for a litter picking event to be held in March.  The Clerk noted that equipment purchased previously by the PC has gone missing – she is looking into this.  In any case, a greater number of equipment suitable for children will need to be purchased. 

The application is for £425.

Councillors noted that adequate insurance, adequate supervision, and a risk assessment would need to be in place before the funds are released.  Cllr Durrant proposed approval on that basis, Cllr Day seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

12.3

Bramley Coffee Morning – a grant application has been received for £100 for the purchase of refreshments for the Coffee Mornings.

Cllr Day proposed awarding the grant, Cllr Capel seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

12.4

Easter Egg Trail – this grant application has been submitted by the Petite School of Dancing, and is for £500.  The School is a not for profit organisation.  The event is intended for the wider Bramley community – last year’s event was a great success.

Cllr Capel proposed awarding the grant, Cllr Day seconded.  Unanimously agreed.  Bramley PC to be credited on advertising literature.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

12.5

Clift Surgery PPG – a grant application has been received for funds towards setting up a social crafting group, to help with social isolation and mental health in Bramley.  This follows on from the success of the Friendship walks, for which Bramley PC fund the hall hire.  The grant request is for £432, again to cover hall hire.  Materials and refreshments will be sourced elsewhere.

Cllr Bell proposed awarding the grant, Cllr Flooks seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to take forward.

Clerk

13

Finance

13.1

Approval of payments (see appendix D) – the Clerk has circulated the list of payments for approval.  Cllr Day proposed and Cllr Tomblin seconded that the February payments be approved.  Unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

13.2

Receipts – the Clerk noted the receipts in the last month, noting particularly that allotments rents are now mostly all in, and the receipt of the quarter 3 VAT refund.

14

Date of Next meeting

The next full Parish Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 14^th March 2023, with Planning Committee the week before on Tuesday 7^th March 2023. 

15

Resolution to exclude press and public from items that may require discussion of possible legal and financial proceedings 

None.

16

Confidential Items

None.

The meeting closed at 8.52pm

1.        

22/01797/FUL – Land East Of Ash Park Business Centre Ash Lane Little London

Installation of a battery storage facility and ancillary development.

Granted

Objection

2.        

22/02029/HSE – 17 Moat Close Bramley

Proposed two storey side extension and single storey rear extension

Granted

No objection

3.        

22/02956/HSE – Oakdale Silchester Road Bramley

Proposed Porch and Two Rear Ground Floor Extensions, New Windows and Doors. Render of Brickwork Walls

Granted

No objection

4.        

T/00481/22/TPO – Campbell Road/German Road Bramley

Chestnuts: pollard every third tree

Refused

Defer to tree officer

5.        

22/03261/HSE – The Acorns The Street Bramley

Front side and rear single storey extension to accommodate an annexe

Granted

No objection

6.        

T/00553/22/TCA – 4 Churchlands Bramley

Tree works as per schedule to included pruning and felling

Raise no objection

Defer to tree officer

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.        

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

4.        

22/03067/FUL – Land Adjoining Clift Surgery Minchens Lane Bramley

Formation of highway access and erection of 2no two-bed; 3no three-bed; and 1no four-bed houses with garaging, carports, landscaping and associated works

Objection

5.        

22/03076/LDPO – Land Known As Plot 4 Cufaude Lane Bramley

Certificate of Lawfulness for the proposed use of an area of established hardstanding. This is shown on the Block Diagram.

An access has been established to Cufaude Road. This is shown on the Block Plan.

The works took place in about 2017.

The access has been identified as being safe and does not increase flood risk. The hardstanding is not and has not been used residentially, and is semi permeable

Objection

6.        

22/03224/ROC – Land At Silchester Road Silchester Road Bramley

Variation of condition 1 of 20/00319/FUL to make design changes required for ease of maintenance and build costs associated with affordable units and other design changes

Objection

7.        

22/03376/FUL – Meadow View Sherfield Road Bramley

Erection of two blocks of flats (4 no. flats per block) following the demolition of existing detached bungalow.

Objection

8.        

T/00551/22/TPO – 4 Churchlands Bramley

Tree works to include pruning and felling

Defer to tree officer

9.        

T/00552/22/TPO – Middle Farm Cottage The Street Bramley

T12 – Oak (T19 of TPO TTP/BDB/0130)

Crown clean removing any dead dangerous or broken / hanging / dysfunctional branches back to healthy growth.

Reason: To avoid branches falling and address a foreseeable health and safety concern

Defer to tree officer

10.    

22/03407/OHL – Land At Upper Cufaude Farm Cufaude Lane Bramley

Replacement of electricity poles

No objection

11.    

T/00013/23/TCA – 34 Farriers Close Bramley

G1 – A mixture of species including Hazel (To be Coppiced) and Ash (To be Felled) located behind properties 34, 35 and 36. These are council owned tree that overhang the properties gardens.

Defer to tree officer

12.    

22/00744/FUL – Bramley Garage Sherfield Road Bramley

Demolition of existing garage and bakery buildings, erection of two buildings comprising a Class E commercial unit and 9 residential flats, change of use of land to residential use associated with Spring Fields, change of use of parts of residential curtilage of Spring Fields to form part of new development, associated car parking, servicing and landscaping.

Objection