Parish Council meeting minutes – 8th April 2025

Cllr Tomblin declared an interest in environmental and biodiversity issues due to his Cabinet position at BDBC.

·         The Clerk will obtain quotes for Yew hedging for the Burial Ground in the next two weeks.

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

·         Nothing further to report.

·         Cllr Munday reported concern about a guard dog running loose at the battery farm site, and there are gaps in the hedge that it could get through.  Cllr Tomblin noted the issue.

·         Cllr Howell noted that there a number of voluntary organisations that do not have a bank account, which makes applying for a BDBC councillor grants difficult as these require a bank account.  This was noted.

·         Food waste bins – final ‘go’ decision will be in June 2025.  Demonstrations to be done at Parish Council meetings.

Cllr Durrant proposed deferring to May meeting, Cllr Flooks seconded, unanimously agreed.

Cllr Flooks / Cllr Oborn

Cllr Howell proposed adopting the 2025 Financial Regulation, Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed.  Clerk to finalise and put on website.

Clerk

T1754 Tree tag: 2265 English oak: crown reduce.

·         Defer to tree officer unanimously agreed.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

Application for permission in principle for the erection of 2 no. dwellings

·         Cllr Flooks noted the recent extensive planning history for this property.  Cllr Oborn (as a Ward councillor) has requested a meeting with the planning officer to discuss this.

·         This application includes a house that is already built, and has been built in a position that was originally granted.

·         The second dwelling being applied for is a large 3 storey dwelling, which would be out of character with the area.

·         Access is proposed to be onto a dangerous, narrow bend on Cufaude Lane, and would be unsafe for both the householder and users of Cufaude Lane.

·         Overdevelopment of the site – use refusal for previous applications for the site.

·         Objection unanimously agreed as above.  Clerk to process.

Clerk

Variation of condition 1 (Application Plans), Condition 6 (Visibility Splays), condition 12 (BNG), and condition 13 (Trees) of reserved matters approval reference 23/02868/RES for 140 dwellings, Class E Community building, public open space, landscaping, drainage, parking, and associated infrastructure works (Part retrospective).

·         It was noted that the changes to part of the layout of the development was due to recent meetings between Redrow and Bramley PC representatives.  Bramley PC welcome this change.

·         Cllr Bell (with full email agreement from councillors) has written to the Planning Officer and senior BDBC planning officers noting that the change in layout is welcome, but that major concerns still remain about the foul water drainage.  Thames Water have now confirmed that the improvements to drainage from Bramley have been delayed until November 2025, with expected completion in May 2026.  This will have a knock on effect to the Stocks Farm development, which has conditions in place surrounding foul water drainage, which BDBC officers need to be aware of and keeping an eye on.

·         Cllr Flooks proposed ratifying the decision to write to BDBC planning officers as outlined above, Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed. Clerk to send in further comment about welcoming the change of position.

Clerk

Outline planning application for the construction of 50 dwellings with all matters reserved except for access

·         Cllr Flooks advised that the new documentation supplied by the developer do not make any material change to Bramley PCs original objections.

·         However, it should be reiterated that the proposals will affect the setting of nearby listed buildings and the Conservation Area.

·         Dangers with access to be reiterated.  Highways have not yet accepted proposals.

·         Further comments as above unanimously agreed.

Clerk

Reinstate existing site access/current building works access to be used as the permanent private residential access and repositioning of outbuilding. Outbuilding to be a garage rather than the previously approved car port (part retrospective).

·         Cllr Flooks advised that due to the short deadline on this application, the decision was taken by Planning Committee members to object on the grounds of the access being on a dangerous bend, which will be dangerous to both the users of Cufaude Lane and to the householder.

·         Cllr Munday proposed ratifying the above decision.  Cllr Wright seconded, unanimously agreed.

Application for Permission in Principle for residential development of a minimum of 5 and a maximum of 9 dwellings

·         Beech Farm is a Grade 2 listed building that has been allowed to fall into disrepair by the landowner. This application will have an overwhelming impact on the listed building.

·         Beech Farm is within a Conservation Area.

·         There are significant views both in and out of Beech Farm which would be harmed by the proposed development.  These are listed in the NDP as vista views.  They are also recorded in the Conservation Area appraisal.

·         Access via Lane End is a single track narrow road and not suitable for heavier traffic than it already receives.

·         Biodiversity – the site has developed a rich biodiversity, which would be significantly harmed by this proposal.

·         Ward councillors should be copied in on objection, and asked to call the application in.

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

Clerk

Application number 24/00407/PIP – Permission in Principle for 2 no. dwellings with separate car port, bin/cycle store and landscaped garden

·         This appeal has not yet been decided.

Application number 24/01966/PIP – Permission in Principle for the residential development of 1 no. dwelling (Class C3)

·         This appeal has not yet been decided.

·         Grays Meadow allotments work – the fencing work is now complete.

·         Grays Meadow path work – all footpath work will be undertaken slightly later in the year.

·         2 of the 5 vacant plots at Grays Meadow have now been let, and it is hoped that the remaining 3 will be let very soon.

·         Inspections are due shortly on the plots at both sites that were given notice to improve.

·         Track – Cllrs question Redrow’s plans on how to actually access the track from The Street.  Clerk to write to the Chair of the Village Hall Trustees.  Clerk also to ask planning officers about change of use of track and whether this needs planning permission.

·         Roof – is the porch roof covered by a builders guarantee?  Clerk to make enquiries.

Clerk

Clerk

·         The Clerk noted the completion of the path work, and receipt of the s.106 monies from BDBC.  She noted that the remainder of the project (£3106) should be paid from CIL funds.  Cllr Durrant proposed that this should be the case, Cllr Howell seconded, unanimously agreed.

Speedwatch – the Speedwatch co-ordinator has been in touch with the Police & Crime Commissioner about using data from the Autospeedwatch camera.  Statutory letters are now being sent to the most persistent offenders

The Speedwatch team have applied for funding from PCC tier one list, and also  from the ASB task force for replacement SIDs.

Nothing to report.

The usual format will be followed for this year.

Cllr Durrant proposed a further grant of £3000, Cllr Oborn seconded.  Majority in favour, one abstention.  This will qualify Bramley PC for an Inscription on one of the headstocks.  The payment will come out of CIL funding as previously.

Clerk

The Clerk noted that the next CIL payment is expected shortly, and will be £10,427.  She noted that more funding is expected later in the year with the commencement of building at Stocks Farm.

The Clerk noted that the first half of the precept is due shortly, along with the Litter Warden grant and the grass cutting grant.

The 2024-25 Q4 VAT claim is also due, and will be £3,610

=>35mph

Vehicles

Location

Exceeding 30mph

Recorded

Installation and operation of a 50MW Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), including access and associated infrastructure.

Objection

Various internal alterations to amend internal layout, bring the annexe back into main property and reinstatement of fireplace.

No objection, comments

Demolition of existing single storey side annex and garden shed. Erection of single storey front and side extension. Widening of dropped kerb and partial removal of hedges to north and west property boundary.

No objection

Double-Storey Rear Extension and Alterations.

No objection

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

Construction of a battery Storage Facility with ancillary development

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.

Outline planning application for the construction of 50 dwellings with all matters reserved except for access

Installation of access track and associated works.

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.

Certificate of Lawfulness for the existing use of land as residential and barn/large shed for ancillary domestic purposes in association with Park Gate Cottage.

Variation of Conditions 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 and 18 of 21/00349/FUL (Installation of a battery storage facility with associated works) – Amendment to site layout and wording of conditions.

Full planning application for Phase 2 at Upper Cufaude Farm delivering 302 residential dwellings, community building, associated infrastructure, landscaping, car parking, and public open space (including a MUGA, LEAP and kickabout area). Access approved under Outline permission: 19/00018/OUT and Phase 1 Reserved Matters permission: 23/02003/RES.

Conversion of 4 no. office units (B1), to 2 no. one-bed dwellings, 2 no. two-bed dwellings. Installation of porch/balcony projections, velux conservation roof lights, high-level windows, formation of garden areas, stores, parking, and landscaping

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

Proposed non-illuminated signage comprising 2 Flag and pole signs, 1 Fascia Sign and 2 stand alone signs.

Lawson Cypress (T1-T5): This row of Cypress trees: crown reduce.

Proposed single storey rear extension.