Minutes of the Meeting of Freshford Parish Council

held on Monday March 5th 2007

Present; Stuart Campbell, Chairman Mary Stanhope, Hugh Delap, Pam Cobb, Ray Benfield, Rowena Wood, Richard Blamey, Betty Harris, Gitte Dawson, District Councillor and Stephanie Jenkins, Clerk. Two members of the public were also present.

1 Apologies for absence ; Pam Cobb had advised of likely late arrival.

2 Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting of February 5th were agreed to be an accurate record and were signed by the Chairman.

3 Planning Matters

Village Pump Area; ongoing.

Rectory Orchard/ replacement garage/ window and construction of pergola; HD left the room whilst Councillors discussed this application, then returned to answer their questions. The only concern expressed about the scheme was that, with the increased height of the garage, the gable end, currently appearing on the plans as white, would be very visible both from close to and from the Tyning. The Chairman suggested that this gable could be rendered in a more muted colour and HD agreed . It was agreed to support the application

Alterations to Applications; Councillors asked GD what would be the most effective way to approach the Planning Department with the parish council’s concerns over the use of the “minor amendments” rule to alter often quite substantial aspects of an application after it had been approved. GD offered to raise the matter with B&NES Planning Officer, Lisa Bartlett.Hayes Cottage (adjacent); change of use of derelict farm buildings and new vehicular access; the Clerk reported that she had alerted the Planning department to the inaccuracies in the plans submitted, the lack of neighbour notification and the fact that Limpley Stoke Parish Council should also have been consulted. Since then she had received a letter from one of the neighbours most concerned, explaining his reasons for opposing the scheme and asking to be kept informed of the Parish Council’s views. The Clerk is to send him a copy of the response returned to B&NES. GD asked the Clerk to provide her with a copy of the report on the application by PC, on which the response had been based.Woodwyck House Garage/ appeal against ruling to demolish; the Parish Council had been advised that the owner of the property had withdrawn from appeal.Sharpstone Cottage/ rooflights in conservatory; these had been allowed by the Planners as “minor amendments”.Conservation Area Appraisal Document; the Chairman is to contact Jessica Hunniset (B&NES Planning) to ask for copies of the document. These will be ready by 19/3.Hayes Kop, Midford Lane/ Conservatory; Councillors looked at the plans, but felt they were inadequate to allow a response to be formulated at the meeting. Once again Limpley Stoke Parish Council had not been informed and neighbour notification was incomplete. The Clerk was asked to contact the case officer with these concerns.The Chairman will conduct a site visit before responding.Barker Review of land use planning/ letter to MP in response; Councillors agreed that the Clerk, together with SC and HD should write to Don Foster, supporting the CPRE’s opposition to elements of the report. Action Clerk.

4 Freshford Mill

Meeting with Ypres Rose, Developers; this had been arranged for March 28^th at 3.30pm at the Memorial Hall with the purpose of hearing their proposals for the site.

The Chairman stated that he felt that it was important to establish that, whatever opposition to plans there had been in the past, the Parish Council accepted that this scheme had received planning permission and Councillors were ready to work with the developers to ensure the best interests of the village. He had suggested, following an approach from the developers, that a small group of Councillors should meet Phil Desmond and Richard Chaplin from Ypres Rose so that this initial meeting, which would be to glean information on how the developers proposed to proceed and to express the parish Council position on the conditions of the application, would have an informal, non-confrontational atmosphere. The results of the meeting would be passed to all councillors.

PC expressed very strongly her view that the meeting should be open to all Councillors and that the Chairman should have consulted the whole Parish Council before setting up such a meeting. She stated that she felt the need to have first-hand information to pass on to parishioners who questioned her about the matter. These points were discussed at some length, with Councillors split between the two views. To resolve matters the Chairman proposed open Councillor attendance on March 28^th and at the pre-meeting discussion to be held on Monday 26^th at 10.30 to any Councillor who wished to be there. As a matter of courtesy he asked for the names of those proposing to attend so that these could be passed on to Ypres Rose; SC, HD, RW, PC and RJB indicated that they would wish to attend and the Clerk was asked to be present to minute both meetings.

RW felt that it would be useful to discuss the conditions attached to the planning approval with the developers as these would affect village life during the construction period particularly. Councillors were asked to re-acquaint themselves with the list of conditions placed on the scheme.

Bat House; GD had advised the Chairman that the developers had already been in contact with Ludek Maier (B&NES Planning Officer) to request permission to relocate the bat house onto the island in the river. Councillors expressed concern about whether this would be allowed under a “minor amendment” as they felt that the matter demanded a new application allowing neighbours, anglers and the Parish Council to be consulted. GD was asked to check with Mr Maier about his intentions.

RJB asked that a letter be sent reinforcing the Parish Council’s strong concern that all conditions would be strictly adhered to. RW is to write.

5 Parish Plan

HD reported that progress is slow and rather patchy within the various groups, but that it was still anticipated that a conclusion could be reached by late spring. A further group, dealing with employment had been formed.

One significant factor emerging across all groups is the future age profile of the parish; the demands of a growing elderly population will have to be met, whilst not being allowed to detract from the needs of the younger.

6 Village Shop

Ongoing. The Freshford Shop Committee is active and remains optimistic that shopping can be maintained in Freshford.

7 Affordable Housing

HD reported that Tim Guymer, Planning Officer appointed to provide a link between the Planning Department and those concerned with Affordable Housing within B&NES will visit Freshford on March 13^th, together with Gary Ward, Housing Development Officer to acquaint himself with all the potential sites: both those within the village centre which have been effectively ruled out and those beyond which could now be considered.

In connection with the possibility of a site on the Wiltshire side of Church Lane, Gary Ward has spoken to the West Wilts Rural Enabler, shortly to be undertaking a village housing survey of Limpley Stoke. Based on the outcome of this she will be able to bring Freshford’s suggested Church lane site into her discussions with West Wilts Planners.

8 Footpaths, Walls and Trees

Allotments; ongoing

Limpley Crest Footpath; MS reported that B&NES’ Footpath Officer had inspected the path and agreed that the overhanging hedge encroaches on it. Having taken photographic evidence, he will write to the owners asking them to take action once the official nesting season is over.

Tree Works; notification had been received that pruning etc would take place at Farthings, Rosemary Lane.

9 Highways and RailwaysPotholes; SC told the meeting that Rosemary Lane had been inspected by Highways and would need to be resurfaced. However financial constraints mean that this is unlikely to take place in this financial year. The Clerk was asked to contact B&NES’ emergency pothole service to request that the worst areas are filled even though this will be a temporary measure. Other sites to be reported are outside Tucker’s Cottage, Park Corner, outside Dolphin Cottage, Abbey Lane and on Dark Lane.

Traffic Appraisal Project; RJB stated that Ms Spivach, of the traffic consultants Hamilton-Baillie, hoped to deliver her report on traffic problems and solutions in Freshford within three or four weeks. She had made a second visit to the village, observing and photographing the problem areas and issues and talking to those involved. She had also met with SC, HD and RJB. The report will give an overall view of matters and will cover all accesses to the village, not just the centre.

Ashe’s Lane; RJB reported complaints from Alan Cunningham about the condition of the verges, caused by heavy traffic using an unsuitable road. RJB had discussed the matter with B&NES’ Highways Engineer and one solution would be to make the lane into a one-way road, running up to the A36, which would prevent the heavy traffic using it as an access route. This, of course, would involve expense and would need considerable consultation within the village.

Drain Outside The Old Parsonage; MS reported problems with gravel and other debris being washed into the culvert and Councillors asked RJB to investigate the possibility of persuading Highways to fit a more suitable grille over the drain.

Park Corner; SC reported that residents at Park Corner had asked for a “Park Corner” sign to be positioned by the pump. There was some discussion about the need for and significance of such a sign, but Councillors asked RJB to follow up the matter with Highways and report back. He also agreed to inform Tony White, one of the residents concerned, of the outcome.

Bus and Train Timetables; RW reported that Gordon Edwards had advised her of the new rail timetable (minor timetabling changes and one additional service, both ways, at about noon) which will take effect from May.

A new bus contract starts on April 1^st run by Libra Travel from Trowbridge. The new timetable makes only minor changes on the Freshford route. Gordon requested that the Parish Council write to the Head of Transport at B&NES in appreciation of the work of a member of his department, Andy Strong, without whose efforts supporting the case for the continuation of the service to Wiltshire County Council it might well have been scrapped. The Clerk was asked to write.

Station Planting Scheme; RW reported that work has started in preparing the area.

It now seems that First group are themselves intending to cut back the trees overhanging the Bath bound platform and so she had contacted Jill Wood at Station House to alert her to this.

Timing of Station Lights; despite assurances that this would be done, RW reported that she is still having to pursue the matter with Pete Jobson, Station Manager.

10 Correspondence

Recycle Now; poster and information.

Audit Commission; notice of extension of appointment of Mazars as External Auditor.

Bristol Regional Environmental Records Centre; invitation to Hedgerow Survey Celebration Event.

BTCV; offering environmental project work at £195 per day.

UK Celebrations & Commemorations Ltd; Celebrate St George’s Day Magazine

Society of Local Council Clerks; pamphlet, The Benefits of Membership.

Open Space Society; spring magazine.

B&NES; Fairtrade Directory 2007

Avon & Somerset Constabulary; newsletter and statistics.

B&NES Electoral Registration Officer; notices and nomination papers for the May election.

ALCA; Newsletter, Palace Garden Party Nomination form, Community Empowerment Awards.

Clerks and Councils Direct; Magazine.

B&NES Planning Services; report on Milestone/Turnpike Trust Survey.

11 Finance

Payments needing to be made in MARCH

Ian Croker. Street Cleaning , £189.37

Stephanie Jenkins, Clerk’s final quarter salary, £687.50

DW Windsor, 2 new lamps and brackets, £1538.22 (inc VAT)

Payments needing retrospective approval

Ian Croker, Street Cleaning, £189.37 (19/12/06)

MLD Printers, Parish Bulletin, £83 (16/11/06

Income

B&NES, Street Cleaning Funding, £272.2

Street Cleaning Equipment

PC informed Councillors that the strimmer had been sent for service. Councillors noted the fact that this machine is now ten years old and will need to be replaced fairly soon.

12 May Election

The Clerk gave those Councillors standing for re-election in May nomination papers. Provided these are returned to her by March 30^th, she will take them in for checking at the Guildhall. Various Councillors and the Clerk agreed to approach a total of ten new candidates to ask if they would be prepared to stand for election to the Parish Council.

13 Date of Next Meeting

Normal Parish Council Meeting; .Monday April 2^nd.Annual Parish Meeting; Tuesday April 17^th at 8pm. Councillors discussed possible speakers for this occasion and the Chairman was asked to see if Jessica Hunniset (B&NES Planning) might be prepared to give a presentation on Conservation and Listed Buildings. It was also agrees to invite prospective District Councillors, once they are known, to the meeting. SC to undertake.

The Clerk asked Councillors if they would agree to her altering the date of the July meeting from July 16^th to July 9^th. Councillors agreed.

14 Other Business

RJB informed Councillors that he was currently involved in preparing a bid for “Big Lottery Funding” for the Memorial Hall.

The meeting closed shortly before 10pm and RW congratulated the Chairman and fellow Councillors on this achievement.

Freshford Village Website (PC Minutes 5th March 2007)