Parish Council
Parish Council minutes May 2006
KING’S SOMBORNE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Parish Council
held in the Epworth Hall, King’s Somborne
commencing at 7.00pm on Monday 8 May 2006
Present: Cllr D Bidwell (Chairman)
Cllr R Bevan
Cllr R B W Dyke
Cllr A Gannaway
Cllr S Geary-Harwood
Cllr R Harwood
Cllr R Lane
Cllr G Pearson
Cllr R Pidgeon
Cllr D Room
In Attendance: Mr P J Storey (Clerk to King’s Somborne Parish Council)
Public Session: Three members of the public were present. Friday night nuisance caused by youngsters leaving broken glass and associated debris in the Village Hall car park was raised and the Chairman undertook to discuss a police presence in the hope of deterring a recurrence.
Action: Chairman
1. Apologies for absence
1.1 There were no apologies to receive.
2. Election of Chairman
21. Proposed Cllr Dyke, Seconded Cllr Lane, RESOLVED unanimously that Cllr Bidwell be re-elected to the Chair.
3. Election of Vice-Chairman
3.1 Proposed Cllr Lane, Seconded Cllr Bevan, RESOLVED unanimously that Cllr Dyke be re-elected to the Vice-Chair.
4. Election of Chairman of the Planning Committee
4.1 Proposed Cllr Lane, Seconded Cllr Dyke, RESOLVED unanimously that Cllr Room be re-elected to the Chair of the Planning Committee.
5. Appointments
5.1 The following appointments were made:
Appointments:
a. Footpath Warden – Joy Hunt
b. Tree Warden – Colin Matthews
c. Village Hall Liaison – Sharon Geary-Harwood
d. Council for the Protection of Rural England – Gordon Pearson
e. Neighbourhood Watch – David Bidwell
f. Tarmac Liaison Group – Gordon Pearson
g. Flood Watch – David Bidwell
h. Cubs/Scouts liaison – Roy Pidgeon
i. Test Valley Planning Users Group – David Room
j. Compton Estate liaison – Dick Dyke
k. Horsebridge liaison – Jo Finch
Lead Councillors:
a. Farming community liaison – Richard Harwood
b. Three fields site liaison – Ron Bevan
c. Road Safety – David Room
d. Sport – Andy Gannaway and Richard Harwood
e. Young people – Andy Gannaway, Ron Bevan, Roy Pidgeon
f. Transport – David Bidwell
g. Up Somborne liaison – Robbie Lane
h. TVBC Environment Action Group – Richard Harwood
6. Announcements by the Chairman
6.1 The Chairman reminded everyone that 101, the new non-emergency telephone number for the emergency services was now live, the aim being to reduce the number of non-emergency calls using 999.
7. Reports from the Tree Warden, Footpath Warden and others
7.1 The Footpath Warden reported a very successful recent walk with 31 persons attending. No other reports were received.
8. To approve the Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 3 April 2006
8.1 Proposed Cllr Pidgeon, Seconded Cllr Lane, RESOLVED unanimously to approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 3 April 2006.
9. To consider any Matters Arising from those Minutes
9.1 Kissing gate. A decision on the application for a grant from the Countryside Access Forum towards the costs of the new gate was awaited.
9.2 Youth shelter. None of the youth in the parish had turned up to a meeting organised to discuss the need for a youth shelter as recommended in the Parish Plan. The matter would be reconsidered in a year’s time.
9.3 Skate ramp. Cllr Gannaway commented that sound deadening work would soon start on the Deeping St James skate ramp utilising Leisuremark, after completion of which a decision would be made on appropriate noise deadening work for our skate ramp.
9.4 Villages Facilities Development Committee. Discussion was still in progress on the need for this Committee.
Action: Cllr Bidwell
9.5 Tennis facility. A small group of interested people was researching the feasibility and would submit its recommendations in due course.
Action: Clerk to liaise
9.6 Highway repairs. Cllr Pearson reported that the order for repairs to the stream wall and local drains had been placed with the Hampshire Highways’ contractor.
10. Declarations of Interest
10.1 No declarations of interest were made.
11. To consider Correspondence Received
11.1 Details of correspondence received since the last meeting had been circulated with the agenda; the actual correspondence was available at the meeting for Members to peruse, as required. Stockbridge Council had circulated a questionnaire seeking comment on the town’s facilities and the Chairman encouraged members to complete it in their own right as they wished.
12. Report on Planning Applications Considered
12.1. The following responses had been made on recent planning applications received:
06/00591/FULLS – Highbank House, Up Somborne – erection of two storey side extension, two single storey extensions to rear, single storey side extension, double detached garage with study/bedroom and en-suite facilities over a new covered walkway linking house and garage – no objection. TVBC refused but subsequently approved an amended application without the covered walkway which would have affected a tree with a TPO.
06/00860/FULLS – 4 Railway Cottages, Horsebridge Road – erection of rear and single storey extensions to provide additional living accommodation – no objection
06/00899/FULLS – land adjacent to 25 Nutcher’s Drove – erection of three bed dwelling – objection on the grounds that the plot was of insufficient size
06/00901/FULLS – 1 slate cottages, Up Somborne – erection of single storey bay window to front – no objection
06/1036/FULLS – Pear Tree Cottage, Romsey Road – erection of two storey rear extension to provide hall and wc on ground floor and en-suite bathroom on first floor – support
06/1037/FULLS – demolition to give effect to the above – support
13. RFO’s Report and Budget Monitoring
13.1 No formal report was tabled as only one month of the new financial year had passed.
14. To adopt the Financial Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2006
14.1 The Clerk presented the audited financial accounts for the year ended 31 March 2006 and the completed Annual Return, copies of which are attached to these minutes.
14.2 Proposed Cllr Room, Seconded Cllr Lane, RESOLVED unanimously that the audited financial accounts for the year ended 31 March 2006 be adopted.
14.3 Proposed Cllr Pidgeon, Seconded Cllr Dyke, RESOLVED unanimously that the Chairman and Clerk be authorised to sign the Annual Return.
15. Payment of Accounts
15.1 Proposed Cllr Dyke, Seconded Cllr Lane, RESOLVED unanimously that the 7th edition of Arnold Baker’s Local Government Administration be purchased for the Clerk at the discounted price of £48.
15.2 Proposed Cllr Dyke, Seconded Cllr Bevan, RESOLVED unanimously that £10 be contributed towards Mrs Week’s costs of providing refreshments at the Parish Assembly.
15.3 Proposed Cllr Lane, Seconded Cllr Bevan, RESOLVED unanimously that £100 be contributed to the Methodist Church for use of the Epworth Hall for Parish Council business during the year 2006.
15.4 Proposed Cllr Lane, Seconded Cllr Dyke, RESOLVED unanimously that the following accounts be paid:
Bishopstoke PC Consummables/subs 26.79 26.79 1204
Mr P Storey Salary/expenses 417.00 417.00 1205 HM Revenue & Customs Tax 246.78 46.78 1206
Mr Rebbeck Misc works 594.00 594.00 1207
LexisNexis Butterworths Arnold Baker 7th edition 48.00 48.00 1208
G&G Signs Cemetery sign 45.00 VAT 7.87 52.87 1209
Mrs J Weeks Assembly refreshments 10.00 10.00 1210
Methodist Church Epworth Hall hire 100.00 100.00 1211
Southern Water JoG field standing charge 15.94 15.94 1213
HAPTC Local Council Review
annual subscription 14.00 14.00 1214
Cancelled cheque 1215
16. Reports by Members on External Meetings at which they have represented the Parish Council or have attended in any other capacity
16.1 Cllr Pearson informed Members that a legal challenge had been made to plans for the New Forest National Park
16.2 Cllr Bidwell gave a brief update on neighbourhood policing and the introduction of Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), expressing the opinion that the Parish could probably justify one third of a PCSO in financial terms and, if agreed, that officer’s time would be ringfenced to our advantage. PCSO training had been started in other areas of Hampshire and until the scheme was fully operational the existing beat officers would continue to provide cover from within their available resources.
17. Parish Plan
17.1 Work was progressing on implementing the recommendations contained within the Parish Plan and some encouraging responses had been received from external agencies. Cllr Bidwell would produce a short article for the Gauntlet inviting interest in the provision of a private hire car facility.
Action: Cllr Bidwell
18. To consider the Test Valley Borough Council Core Strategy Development Document
18.1 This item was deferred until the next meeting.
19. To consider the Quiet Lane Initiative
19.1 Cllr Pearson introduced the background to the Government’s Quiet Lane initiative stating that the intention was to develop a network of minor roads across the country which paid special attention to walkers, riders and cyclists, enabling them to enjoy the countryside. Vehicles would be limited to a maximum of 20 miles per hour and appropriate signage would be installed. Hampshire County Council would lead on the initiative for our area with funding provided by the Government, EU and miscellaneous other agencies. However, the legislation was now in question as the trials had not been as effective as anticipated. As a result, new guidelines were awaited and no action was required by the Parish Council at this time.
20. To consider contributing towards the cost of returfing the goal mouth areas on King’s Somborne recreation ground
20.1 The goal mouths of the full size pitch on the recreation ground were now in dire need of repair and estimates had been obtained by Cllr Gannaway on their reseeding (£200 plus VAT) or returfing )£380 plus VAT). Michelmersh and Timsbury had agreed to contribute one third each of the cost of returfing. Some discussion took place on repairing the goal mouths of the junior pitch but with the constant usage made and the cemented posts it wad decided to defer this until a later date after consideration of the associated problems.
Action: Cllrs Bevan, Dyke and Gannaway to consider actions necessary for returfing the junior pitch goal mouths.
21. Clerk’s Report
21.1 The Clerk reported that the website was progressing and that the Webmaster had been successful in getting the Google search engine to list the site in sixth position on page one. Effort was being expended to get links to/from the websites of TVBC and HCC. Parish Council matters were now routinely included on the Parish webpage.
21.2 A Tree Preservation Order had been imposed on a Willow in the grounds of Highbank House, Up Somborne.
21.3 HAPTC had called for resolutions from councils for debate at the AGM to be held on 7 October 2006; none was forthcoming from Members at the moment.
21.4 HAPTC was hosting a seminar on legal matters on 30 June and Cllr Bidwell expressed an interest in attending.
21.5 Proposed Cllr Dyke, Seconded Cllr Lane RESOLVED unanimously that the HAPTC attendance fee for Cllr Bidwell of £20 be paid by the Parish Council.
21.6 ODPM had issued a discussion paper on Local Authority Byelaws in England and Members noted the Clerk held a copy for reference.
21.7 The Clerk had completed the TVBC questionnaire on play areas, complete with photographs, and would be submitting it upon receipt of the most recent inspection report by RoSPA on play equipment in anticipation of receiving grants to fund further upgrades from Lottery money now available.
21.8 HCC had initiated a Parish Path Poll to determine who uses countryside paths and why. Expressions of interest were required at this time and it was thought appropriate to confirm our interest with the Footpath Warden taking the lead.
.
22. Highway Matters
22.1 Cllr Lane reported further damage to the signs on the corner of Winchester Road and reporting action would be taken accordingly.
Action: Clerk
22.2 Cllr Pearson had received confirmation from Hampshire Highways that the drain in the area of Tanner’s Pond would be cleared to alleviate the flooding problem, Southern Water would replace the loose manhole cover in Winchester Road and that attention would be given to redesigning the turning point at the top of Muss Lane to prevent vehicles from churning up the grass verge.
23. Test Valley Borough Council Matters
23.1 Cllr Bidwell reported that it was TVBC’s intention to introduce the alternative bin collection programme into the Parish in September.
24. Recreational Facilities
24.1 Mr Brooke-Webb had produced a plan for the installation of a Trim Trial on the Three Fields site in response to comments in the Parish Plan. The Trail would entail a marked half mile track with 27 stands at each of which there would be a detailed exercise to be undertaken. The only equipment required would be small bench-like structures made from forest poles. Estimated total cost would in the region of £10,000 and external grant monies were available. Cllr Gannaway would review a similar installation in Kings Worthy and Cllr Pearson would submit an article for publication in The Gauntlet. The concept would be discussed in greater detail at the next Parish Council meeting.
Action: Cllrs Gannaway and Pearson
24.2 A folder of policies and risk assessments was being maintained by the Clerk with risk assessment proformae being devised to suit our circumstances. To this end, an appropriate form was given to Cllr Pidgeon to record his monthly inspection results of the Cemetery for future reference. Similar forms would be used for the recreation areas at Kings Somborne (Cllrs Bevan and Lane), Muss Lane (Cllr Bidwell) and Up Somborne (Cllr Lane) enabling the Council to meet its duty of care.
25. Date, Time and Place of Next Meeting
25.1 The next meeting of the Parish Council would be the Annual General Meeting and would be held on Monday 5 June 2006 at 7.00pm in the Epworth Hall, King’s Somborne.
There being no further business, the Chairman closed the Meeting at 8.55pm
Clerk to the Council