Minutes of the full council meeting of Bursledon Parish Council
held on Wednesday, 24th March 2010 at the Village Hall,
Long Lane, Bursledon at 7.00 p.m
Present :
Cllr Millar
(Chair)
Cllr Allen (up to and
including item 15)
Cllr Holes
Cllr Misselbrook
Cllr Moneypenny
Cllr O’Sullivan
Cllr Woodhouse
In attendance: Mrs Jennifer Whittle (Parish Clerk)
9 members of the public
1. Apologies for absence
Apologies had been received from Cllr Clarke, Cllr Craig, Cllr House,
Cllr Lippold and Cllr Milne.
2. Declarations of interest
Cllrs Misselbrook and Moneypenny declared an interest in item 7.4.
3. Minutes of the meeting of 24 February 2010
Cllr Allen proposed, Cllr Moneypenny seconded and Members voted
unanimously to agree and sign the Minutes.
4. Matters arising from the minutes of meeting 24 February 2010
Cllr Misselbrook wished to raise a matter concerning enforcement in
exempt business.
5. PRESENTATION BY ROBERT ACKLAND OF CLEAR GENERATION REGARDING
FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR WIND TURBINE IN BURSLEDON
Robert Ackland introduced himself and the work of his company Clear
Generation, which is a not for profit company with no shareholders.
His company wants to help communities take control of their energy
supply, to generate energy locally, decide how and where energy is
created (i.e. type, size, location), provide low cost energy which the
entire community benefits from with long-term isolation from price
changes. There would be no up-front cost to the community, but
rewards for hosting renewable generators.
Cllr Misselbrook raised the matter of associated costs and where the
finance would be raised and how planning permission would be obtained.
Mr Ackland confirmed that these were issues that his company would deal
with, should their bid be successful. Cllr Moneypenny queried why
Mr Ackland had chosen Bursledon and asked where any wind turbine would
be sited? Mr Ackland confirmed he lived in Hampshire and knew the
area well. He felt Bursledon was an ideal location; the wind
turbine would be placed where residents wanted it or them. Cllr
Misselbrook questioned whether this would be economically viable.
Cllr Moneypenny commented that she had seen an article which suggested
that only 2% of overall energy requirement was generated from wind
turbines. Mr Ackland confirmed that the average was 27%. Cllr
Woodhouse asked what size the wind turbines would need to be and how
many would be needed. Mr Ackland confirmed that higher wind
turbines generally performed better, as the wind was stronger, but it
may be beneficial to have several smaller ones.
Mr Nicholls, a member of the public asked who would maintain these wind
turbines and pay the cost, as this was expensive. Mr Ackland said
that his company Clear Generation carried out all the maintenance.
Mr Nicholls then handed out questionnaires and asked all Member and
members of the public if they would kindly complete these, to assist
their investigations.
6. Public Session
Mr Nicholls from Kingsfield Gardens advised that were currently 2 grit
bins at Kingsfield/Kingsfield Gardens, one at the junction of the road
and one half way up at the start of Kingsfield Gardens, but questioned
whether a grit bin could be positioned at the top of Kingsfield Gardens,
as this road is extremely steep and used by many residents; the current
grit supply is never enough to clear the whole road. Cllr Millar
asked the Clerk to add this to HCC Highways’ list. ACTION:
CLERK.
Mr Nicholls queried whether Cllr Millar had inspected the allotment
clearance with regard to the roots that had been left on site.
Cllr Millar confirmed that he had and that the roots left were minimal
and would have to be cleared by new allotment tenants. Mr Nicholls
then queried why people who turned down allotment plots were not removed
from the waiting list or move to the bottom of the waiting list, as two
people on the list had declined plots. The Clerk confirmed that
she had discussed this matter with the Chair and this matter had been
rectified by moving these two applicants to the position they would be
in, had they been moved to the bottom of the list when they refused
plots. Mr Nicholls then queried why he had been quoted different
positions each time he enquired what position he was on the list, he
should now be in fifth position. The Clerk advised that applicants
do not get moved around on the waiting list (without an extremely good
reason and/or consultation) and advised Mr Nicholls that he would not
have been moved around, but she could not confirm what position he was
in without consulting the waiting list.
7. Planning applications received from Eastleigh Borough Council
7.1 Riverside Chinese Restaurant, Bridge Road, Bursledon – Ground
Floor extension to restaurant, internal alterations to form second
kitchen for takeaway service, elevational alterations & provision of 2
no. additional car parking spaces & cycle racks. Case officer:
Andy Grandfield. Case ref: C/10/66707.
Cllr Misselbrook introduced this application and described the planning
history of this site to Members and felt that the current application is
very similar to the original application made, which was turned down on
basis of over development, parking and river scene.
Geoffrey Churcher the Architect advised that all applications but the
first had been approved and that the new application was for the layout
of the restaurant and in no way affects the domestic area. Cllr
Misselbrook objected to this on the basis that the current planning
application applied to close in the terrace of the domestic area.
Cllr Moneypenny proposed TO OBJECT on the grounds of inadequate parking
and access, over development and not in keeping with the street scene
and the river scene. Cllr Allen seconded. 5 Members voted in
favour, with the 2 LAC Members Holes and Millar abstaining.
7.2 Fairport Cottage, Lands End Road, Bursledon – Single Storey
rear extension. Case officer: Siobhan Strand. Case
ref: C/10/66735.
Cllr Millar introduced this application and advised that it was a
minimal extension.
Cllr Allen proposed DO NOT OBJECT, Cllr Moneypenny seconded. 5
Members voted in favour, with the 2 LAC Members Holes and Millar
abstaining.
7.3 Hamull, High Street, Bursledon – Crown reduction of 1no. Ash,
1no. Monterery Cypress & 1no. Willow tree. Case officer:
Tessa Judd. Case ref: N/10/66814.
Cllr Woodhouse proposed DO NOT OBJECT, Cllr Moneypenny seconded and
Members voted unanimously in favour.
7.4 Shoal Haven, Salterns Lane, Bursledon – First Floor side
extension, two storey rear extension, single storey rear and front
extensions, 2no. front balconies & detached double garage. Case
officer: Andy Grandfield. Case ref: C/10/66815.
Jim Chadwick-Williams, the applicant, advised that part of this
application was a renewal of a previous application that had lapsed and
part of it was for additional extension work to improve the bedroom
sizes and add en suites.
After discussing this application in detail Cllr Millar, as Chair,
supported by Members requested that the Clerk advises EBC Planning
Department that BPC were unable to make a decision on this application,
as the Council was not quorate, having had two declarations of interest
and 2 LAC Members abstain. Cllr Millar would also request this
application to go to the LAC. ACTION: CLERK.
8. Finance
8.1 To approve and sign the payments list and bank reconciliation
and to approve the monthly accounts, summary income and expenditure by
budget heading, and balance sheet. (Papers previously circulated to
Members).
Cllr Holes proposed, Cllr Moneypenny seconded and all agreed to approve
and sign the payments list.
9. DEVOLVEMENT OF COUNCIL SERVICES
9.1 Pilands Wood Play Areas – to approve Declaration of Merger and
Deed of Release of Covenants relating to Chamberlayne Road, Bursledon
and to approve the revised Transfer incorporating these terms for
signature by the Chair on behalf of the Parish Council.
Cllr Holes proposed to approve the Declaration of Merger and Deed of
Release of Covenants relating to Chamberlayne Road for signing by the
Chair on behalf of BPC, Cllr Misselbrook seconded. 6 Members voted
in favour with Cllr Woodhouse abstaining. ACTION: CLERK.
10. TO FINALISE DRAFT AND APPROVE INITIAL VIEW POINT SITE PLANS
The Clerk asked for this item to be deferred to the next meeting, as she
had had to take emergency leave, as her son had been into hospital.
Consequently, she had not had time to finalise the draft plan.
ACTION: CLERK.
11. TO CONSIDER DISCONTINUING BPC TRADE WASTE BIN COLLECTION AT
THE VILLAGE HALL
The Clerk advised Members that due to the recession and BPC’s endeavours
to make cost cuts she had investigated the trade waste collections for
BPC. Currently BPC had one wheelie bin collected from the Village
Hall and small industrial bin collected from the Recreation Ground.
Having discussed this matter with the Assistant Groundsmen, it was felt
that BPC could cancel the wheelie bin at the Village Hall, as BPC’s
waste would all fit into the Recreation Ground bin, saving BPC in the
region of £400 per year. Cllr Moneypenny queried how this would
affect the Village Hall. The Clerk advised that the Village Hall
had its own bin.
Cllr Holes proposed to cancel BPC trade waste bin at the Village Hall,
Cllr Moneypenny seconded and Members voted unanimously in favour.
ACTION: CLERK.
12. MOTION BY CLLR MONEYPENNY THAT THE PLANTING OF TREES BY
RESIDENTS SHOULD ONLY BE EXECUTED WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL
Cllr Moneypenny advised that she would like the Council to support a ban
on residents planting trees in public open spaces without consulting
BPC. The Clerk advised that BPC could only consider open spaces
belonging to BPC, as Members could not define what planting took place
on open spaces owned by EBC or HCC.
Cllr Allen proposed that any future tree planting on BPC land would only
be allowed with the prior consent of BPC and that any trees planted
without permission could be removed by the Groundsmen. Cllr
Moneypenny seconded and Members voted unanimously in favour. Cllr
Millar asked for an article to be placed in the Parish Newsletter.
ACTION: CLERK.
13. MOTION BY CLLR WOODHOUSE TO ESTABLISH WAYS TO ASSIST NON
SUCCESSFUL GRANT APPLICANTS
Cllr Woodhouse requested that this item be removed from the Agenda, as
she had not appreciated that when it was deferred at the last meeting it
would be on a future Agenda.
14. MOTION BY CLLR WOODHOUSE TO DISCUSS WAYS TO REDUCE BPC’S
EXPENDITURE
Cllr Woodhouse advised that she had asked for this item to be added to
the Agenda as a consequence of the 3% increase in BPC’s precept.
Cllr Woodhouse felt that costs could be cut by not giving so many
grants. Cllr Millar advised that anyone was entitled make a grant
to BPC, but that did not mean that BPC had to give a grant or that their
application would be successful. The Clerk advised that the grant
process in no way affected BPC’s precept and that all Members had been
made aware of the reasons for the increase of the precept, which were
out of BPC’s control and were confidential and so could not be discussed
again in the public session.
Cllr Woodhouse also felt that costs could be further cut by Members
preparing the editorial for BPC’s Newsletter, instead of paying the
Clerk to do this work. Cllr Millar felt that this would not cut
costs, unless a Member volunteered to do the whole newsletter, as the
Clerk would still be required to do the remainder of the Newsletter.
He also felt that editorials must be non political and informative about
what BPC were doing. Cllrs Moneypenny and Woodhouse felt that they
would like to share the duty of doing the editorials and that the
remainder of the Newsletters should not represent too much work, as the
format seemed pretty standard. Cllr Millar advised that this item
could be discussed further at a specific meeting aimed at Members
reducing BPC’s costs. Cllr Millar asked for Members to diary a
short meeting after the next Planning Meeting at which this item could
be discussed in more detail and other cost saving measures put forward.
Cllr Millar asked for the Clerk to send an email to all Members
confirming this meeting. ACTION: CLERK.
15. TO CONSIDER POSSIBLE CIP PROJECTS
The Clerk advised Members that in view of a reduction in crime
experienced at the Recreation Ground, she felt that the CCTV in force
was currently adequate to obviate the need to spend in excess of £20,000
on upgrading the CCTV as a CIP project, with this of course being
reviewed, should vandalism increase again in future. The Clerk
felt that more pressing projects should be put forward by Members.
Cllr Millar asked Members to all give serious consideration to what
projects could be undertaken within the Parish, as CIP funds would be
lost if projects were not identified as a matter of urgency.
Members voted unanimously in favour of withdrawing the CCTV upgrade
project at the Recreation Ground and confirmed that they would each give
urgent consideration to this matter and report any possible projects to
the Clerk. ACTION: MEMBERS/CLERK.
Cllr Moneypenny confirmed that she had put forward a project to purchase
boats for a small rowing club run by Mr Chadwick-Williams. Cllr
Millar confirmed that this would be a suitable project. The Clerk
asked Mr Chadwick-Williams (who was present) to provide BPC with three
quotes, in order that she could provide the relevant information to EBC.
CLERK.
Cllr Allen left the meeting.
16. TO CONSIDER A DATE FOR THE PARISH PLAN PUBLIC MEETING
The Clerk reminded Members that BPC had postponed setting up a public
meeting in relation to the Parish Plan, until the Spring/Summer, when
hopefully the weather would be improved, as BPC needed as many members
of the public as possible to attend, in order to set up a steering group
consisting of members of the public, who would oversee and manage this
project (with relatively little input from BPC, as per legislation).
She also advised that this meeting needed to be widely advertised within
the Parish, i.e. in the Newsletter, on notice boards, etc to get the
public involved. Members discussed this matter and it was decided
to hold the Parish Plan meeting prior to BPC’s AGM on Wednesday, 26 May
2010, from 6.30 to 7.30 pm, with AGM starting at 7.30 pm. Members
asked the Clerk to advertise the Parish Plan Meeting in the Newsletter,
on notice boards, in the Scene and in the Echo. ACTION:
CLERK.
17. GRANT APPLICATIONS
17.1 Bursledon and District Community Association - £975.00.
Cllr Misselbrook proposed to make a grant of £975.00 to Bursledon and
District Community Association. Cllr Holes seconded. 4
Members voted in favour, with 2 Members (Cllrs Moneypenny and Woodhouse)
voting against.
17.2 Bursledon Lunch Club - £500.00.
Cllr Moneypenny proposed to make a grant of £500.00 to Bursledon Lunch
Club. Cllr Holes seconded and Members voted unanimously in favour.
18. Correspondence
18.1 EBC has sent notification of Tree Preservation Order no 681
relating to Thorn Knoll and Gulls Way, Salterns Lane.
18.2 EBC had written to advise that the base rate on BPC’s
investment will remain at 0.50% until a change in the UK base rate is
announced.
19. Clerk’s report
The Clerk reported that she had concerns regarding the costs relating to
the dog bag dispenser in the recreation ground, as the bags were being
used rapidly and several unused bags had been thrown around the
Recreation Ground. The bags are very costly at £31.95 plus VAT for
a box of 800 and the Parish Council was already on the second box.
Cllr Holes proposed that an article to this effect be placed in the BPC
Newsletter and for the bin to be monitored by the Groundsmen, with a
view to removing this facility if it was abused. Cllr Moneypenny
seconded and Members voted unanimously in favour.
20. Chairman’s report
Cllr Millar advised Members that there were two large containers in
Church Lane, which the public may complain about. These bins
belonged to the Environment Agency and were being used by them in
conjunction with work being carried out on the footpath to Station Car
Park and would be removed when this work was completed.
21. Councillors’ Questions
Cllr Moneypenny queried why the CCTV at Lowford did not cover the Post
Office, but covered the charity shop, as the Post Office was a higher
risk. The Clerk advised Cllr Moneypenny that this camera was
directed at the whole area in general and also covered the road, as
youths used to gather up the track. Cllr Misselbrook advised that
he was not happy that this item had been raised in the public session,
as this should be confidential information.
22. Exempt Business
22.1 Planning Enforcement. The items were noted.
22.2 Approve new Assistant Groundsman’s draft Contract.
22.3 Certificate of Honour nominees.
The meeting closed at 9.13 pm.