Minutes - 15th December 2009
Page last updated on Wednesday, January 20, 2010
MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15TH DECEMBER 2009
AT THE CHURCH ROOMS COLBURY
Present:
Councillors S. Arnold (in the Chair), D. Bryant, M. Coaker. P. Frost, C Hubbard, K. Kershaw, A. Sturgess and P. Sopowski.
In Attendance:
Parish Clerk L. Griggs, District Councillor D. Tipp and 19 members of the public.
The Chairman opened the meeting and said Good Evening and a warm welcome to you all. At our December meeting we have refreshments afterwards and this really is our way of thanking all the distributors of our newsletter throughout the year, the general public who support this thriving Parish Council, and not forgetting our beat Officer P.C. Andy White and our PCSO Lisa Quinn.
Apologies:
had been received from District Cllr Puttock, who wishes me to pass on his best wishes for Christmas and the year ahead, and County Councillor Keith Manns who hopes to visit this Parish in the New Year.
Disclosure of Interest in an Agenda Item
The Chairman asked if there was any item on the agenda which would warrant a Councillor submitting a Form C. The Chairman reminded Councillors that if any item arose during Public Participation which warranted a Form C they should declare it immediately.
Minutes
The minutes of the last Meeting, which had previously been circulated to all Councillors, were approved unanimously and signed by the Chairman.
Public Participation
a) The Chairman of the Neighbour Watch Group asked if the Editor of the Newsletter would publish articles provided under the heading Watchword which was the nationally recognised title It would also be appreciated if he would acknowledge receipt of articles. The Chairman asked the Clerk to advise the Editor accordingly.
b) A resident asked if information could be provided in the Newsletter relating to the new Councillors who had been appointed. This would help residents to get to know who was representing them. The Chairman asked the Clerk to deal with that matter.
Highways Matters
The Chairman reported as follows:-
a) Bus Survey. When this survey was received I could think of just one person who could properly deal with it, and as you see on the agenda it was former Councillor Mrs Rita Judd. Thank you very much Rita for your time and input.
b) Work requested by residents at the last meeting.
All the work requested by residents has now been carried out.
c) Flooding issues. Contact has been made with the Environment and Southern Water who have agreed to meet with the residents plus Councillor Max Coaker and myself.
d) Damage to street signs. It was reported by the Clerk 16 weeks ago when he was told that it would take 4-6 weeks. The Clerk commented that he had now been advised that the name signs had been placed on the next order to be processed and should be in place in January/February.
Recreation Ground
Cllr Bryant reported that the recent adverse weather had prevented further work on the damaged trees but they would be dealt with as soon as possible. In regard to the Timberline project he confirmed that he would report at the January meeting.
Planning
Cllr Sopowski gave a report on planning applications processed since the last meeting.
The Chairman reported that on the recent enforcements lists from NPA it was stated that the property in Dene Way was in breach of the Section 106 agreement. If this application was subjected to a Section 106 charge surely the application for Foxhills comes under the same jurisdiction. I therefore ask the Clerk to write as this may be the way forward for grants for the park furniture.
This council has received letters of objection for the development of 84 Lyndhurst Road, and they will be taken into consideration when replying to the NPA.
Cllr Frost said that at the meeting of NPA earlier today the change of use at The Willows had been approved.
Cllr Sopowski asked the Council to appoint Cllr Hubbard as a reserve member of the Planning Committee should any member of the Committee not be available. That was agreed.
Accounts
On a proposal by Cllr Sopowski, seconded by Cllr Sturgess the accounts paid since the last meeting were approved.
Grants
The proposal to consider a small grant to the New Forest Centre who provided the glasses for this evening was agreed in the sum of £20.
Reports from Representatives on Other Bodies
Cllr Hubbard attended the NFDC Core Strategy and Planning presentation.
Cllr Sturgess visited the Air Ambulance Unit at Thruxton with Cllr Arnold to present the cheque for funds raised at the village fete.
Cllr Kershaw attended the NFDC presentation on Core Strategy and Planning and also the HCC Transport seminar at Winchester which was informative but not particularly relevant to Ashurst and Colbury
Cllr Frost reported that the NPA Core Strategy had been approved and would now go to inquiry. The Inspectors role was to ensure the document had been produced in a proper manner and it would then go to consultation. The Recreation Management Strategy would be considered shortly.
Cllr Arnold had attended the following:-
23rd November - Training at NFDC – Although Ashurst is in the National Park it was quite interesting to hear the views on planning from NFDC
26th November – Councillor Sturgess and I presented the cheque to the Air Ambulance at Thruxton. They are happy to come and speak to us in the New Year.
27th November - Switch on the Christmas Lights
1st December - Appeal for Oak Lands Nursing home at the National Park. Which ever way this goes either refuse or grant, congratulations must be given to Paul Hocking, who stood his ground and did his best for the residents and this planning committee. A letter of appreciation has been sent to him.
4th December - Meeting of the Park Committee This has been handled under Agenda item 5
7th December - Executive Committee of the New Forest Association of Local Councils. This was mainly in house work to get this third tier of government more active. Ringwood have put forward a business plan for such actions and, subject to members approval, it will go forward in the new year.
District Cllr Tipp said he had attended the Oak Tree Lodge hearing which he felt had received a very fair hearing.
Correspondence
a) The list of correspondence had been circulated and copies were available at the meeting.
b) The routes and timings for the Mobile Library had been received and were in the Notice Boards.
c) A letter of thanks and appreciation had been received from the Air Ambulance.
Community Plan
Cllr Coaker reported on one key point arising from the November and December meetings which was the issue of allotments in Pound Lane. Those discussions were ongoing but also the question of garden share was being considered. The Chairman noted that District Cllr Tipp had raised this issue many months ago and had written an article for the Newsletter to which there had been no response.
It was agreed that other matters and the minutes recently received would be considered at the January meeting.
Christmas Carols
This year will be once again in The Parade. Thanks again in advance to Dave White and Ron Bascombe for controlling the traffic, and not forgetting our Clerk who co-ordinates on the night.
Mace will be selling mulled wine and mince pies.
Residents have asked for the Carols to return to the Park, but due to many difficult situations to overcome this is not practicable.
Other Items Which the Chairman Deems Important
a) The possible withdrawal of Hampshire Association of Local Councils from the National Association.
The Chairman said the Clerk has supplied Cllrs with the letters from Hampshire Association of Local Councils and the National Association of Local Councils, What are your views?
Cllr Sopowski said he was not in favour of breaking ties. It was preferable to make them work. The concerns should be addressed.
After further discussion it was agreed that the Clerk should be authorised to write to HALC saying this Council wishes HALC to continue its membership of NALC.
Police Report
PC Andy White distributed the November Beat Report and noted that the two dwelling burglaries in Ashurst were in Woodlands Road and Peterscroft Avenue.
Their was also an increase in thefts from cars particularly in car parks where a professional gang were watching people parking and putting valuables in the boot.
Parking problems near the schools continued and the police were seeking to get support from Traffic Wardens based in Lyndhurst.
Items for Discussion at the Next Meeting
None
There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 8.17 pm
Signed S. R. Arnold - Chairman
Dated 19th January 2010
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15 December 2009
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