DRAFT
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 12th MARCH 2012
Present: Cllr Mrs J. Newman, Chairman
Cllrs R. Bourton, N. Crocker, S. Hinson, Mrs D. Ponting and Mrs V. Stubbings
Also present: Cllr M. Groom. 6 members of the Community Speedwatch Team
Apologies: Cllr J. Pullen
A discussion was held with the Community Speedwatch Team. Decisions are at item 5.
1. The minutes of the meeting held on 13 th February 2012 were signed as being a true record.
2. Planning.
a. 12/00260/S73A. 5 Ham Cottages. (Revision of 11/03363/S73A) The Parish Council is still concerned that a previous application, and subsequent inquiry, which upheld the view that the building work was at variance with the planning permission granted, and should be corrected, is still being pursued. The PC opinion that a deliberate violation of the permission granted should not be allowed to stand remains. Clerk is to write to Wilts Council.
b. It was considered that applications for work on the Parish boundary with Clyffe Pypard should at least be notified to Broad Town PC. Clerk will request this be done in future.
3. Donation. A cheque from the Big Gig for £1200, donation towards the cost of road safety improvements was handed to the Council. Clerk is to acknowledge.
4. Finance.
a. A request from Wilts Council that the sum of £2,000, donation towards the cost of road safety improvements be paid before the end of the present financial year was agreed. Clerk will notift Wilts Council and raise cheque when invoice is received.
b. Two cheques were approved, to be raised on 31st March 2012:
R.J.Davey £208.48, salary and expenses Jan-Mar
HMRC £ 43.42 PAYE
5. Reports
a. Community Speedwatch. CSW expressed concern that the proposed road safety measures already planned may not have the desired result, and some modification should be made to the plan. However, with the plan now approved, any attempt to delay might result in withdrawal of funding, which would negate many years of hard work by the Parish Council. There is no system in place to check the efficacy of the completed work. A further Metrocount, say two months after completion may be the way forward. CSW were requested to pursue.
As a result of these discussions, and in answer to CSW concerns,Clerk is to write to Wilts Highways expressing these concerns and note that the signage at the northern end of the Village, particularly 40/30 near the school, and could be one of the reasons why so many drivers exceed the 30 mph limit. Also to ask what happened with previous requests for the 40 mph stretch of the road to be lowered to 30 mph. Latest report at annex. Clerk
b. Lyneham Steering Group. Cllr Stubbings noted that the RAF would leave the base by October 2012, and the new unit was expected to be operational in 2015. There now seems rto be little use in BTPC being represented. Agreed,
c. Neighbourhood Forum. Nxt meeting will be on 27th March 2012
d. Area Board. Next meeting will be on 28th March 2012
6. Wiltshire Core Strategy. The tome has now been received. Only a small part directly affects this area, but of particular concerns are the future proposals for Junction 16 on the M4.
It was proposed by Cllr Stubbings that, due to time constraints, Clerk is to note these details, take advice from local councillors, and reply to the consultation on behalf of the PC,. with particular regard to these concerns. Agreed Clerk
7. Parish Matters
a. In response to complaints that agenda and minutes contain too many acronyms, Clerk will be more explicit in future.
b. Despite more repairs, the water pipe at Thornhill is still leaking. In view of the impending hose-pipe ban a letter will be sent to Thames Water asking why the leak is not fixed permanently.
c. Water running onto the road at Rayners, Thornhill was developed a 'chemicsal' smell, possibly from the actiovity in the scrap yard. Clerk is to take advice from Environmental Health. Clerk
d. Dog Fouling. Yet again, particularly on the grass area if front of the Pinnocks. Clerk will put another note in the 'News'
e. Next Meeting
As Monday 9th April 2012 is a Bank Holiday, and the Village Hall is not available on Monday 16th April it was proposed by the Chairman that the meeting be held on Tuesday 17th April 2012. Carried. Clerk is to publicise. Clerk
The meeting closed at 21.10 hrs.
R.J.Davey, Clerk to the Council