BARKHAM PARISH COUNCIL

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Minutes of meeting of the Barkham Parish Council held on 13^th December 2005

in Barkham Village Hall at 8.00 p.m.

Present: Mrs P. Stubbs (in the Chair), Mr. M. Clark, Mr F. A. Scott, Mr.J.Shepherd, Mr. R. Newman,

Mr. D. Oxbrough, Mr. F. Postlethwaite, thirty five members of the public and the Clerk.

Apologies: Mr. S. Goldring (work commitments)

05/736 Minutes of meeting held on 8^th November 2005 were approved and signed as a true record.  The Planning Meeting which was due to take place on 22^nd November was cancelled due to insufficient planning applications.

05/737 Matters arising

05/445 A letter has been received from Ms Fuller at WDC regarding the issues raised at the presentation given last month.  Issues were discussed regarding the Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) on Barkham Road , a report is enclosed which states why Barkham Road was considered for VAS.

“There have been a total of thirteen personal injury accidents recorded in the last three years between 1 August 2000 and 31 July 2003, four of which resulted in serious injury.  Two accidents are recorded at the junction with Barkham Street with a further six between the river bridge and the road leading to Barkham Manor.  Five of the recorded accidents cited inappropriate or excessive speed as a contributory factor.  Two speed surveys were undertaken in April 2004.  The first location was at the bridge between the junctions of Barkham Street and School Road within the 30mph speed limit.  The results indicate 85^th percentile speeds of 38 mph eastbound and 37 mph westbound.  The second location was at Coppid Hill within the 30mph speed limit.  The results indicate 85^th percentile speeds of 37 mph eastbound and 34 mph westbound.  VAS are likely to result in an accident by reducing vehicle speeds between the bridge and the road leading to Barkham Manor.  It is proposed to implement VAS at two locations.  One sign is a 30 mph roundel with a “Slow Down” legend and the other is a double bend warning sign with “Slow Down” legend.  Consideration will need to be given when locating the signs so that they do not cause distraction to drivers in an area where high attention levels are required.”

The views of BPC are requested.

The issue of speeds along Bearwood Road was discussed, Ms Fuller will speak to Thames Valley Police about Police enforcement there and in Barkham Street .

With regard to the Elizabeth Park estate, it is suggested that we may want to consider undertaking a “speed watch” campaign, our views are requested.  Clerk to request help and guidance from Ms Fuller to progress the scheme.

A plan of Langley Common Road has been enclosed for BPC to mark where the double yellow lines should be introduced to stop obstructive parking.  The map has been duly completed, at the eastern end the double yellow lines should extend to the start of the double white lines.  At the western end they should extend beyond the entrance to the caravan site.

The lining at the junction of Bearwood Road/Barkham Road and the illumination of the 30 mph signs have been reported and remedial action should be taken in the near future.

The concerns of BPC have been noted with regard to the alterations at the junction of NewRoad/Bearwood Road , the situation will be monitored.  Also, concerns have been noted with regard to the priority on the bridge, a petition has been received by WDC regarding this issue.  Mrs Stubbs will speak to Ms. Fuller.

05/738 Planning

CLP/2005/5756                      Land Rear Of Barkham Manor                                                           Approved

                                                Application for a certificate of proposed lawful use for

                                                change of use of land from equestrian to agricultural.

F/2005/5222                           Windmill Farm Cottage, Commonfield Lane                                     Approved

                                                Proposed two storey side extension, side wall infill and

                                                single storey rear extension to dwelling to form conservatory.

F/2005/5242                           148 Bearwood Road                                                                             Approved

                                                Proposed change of use of part of dwelling to bed and breakfast.

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Conditions:-  The premises shall be used only for the mixed use of dwelling house and bed and breakfast accommodation and for no other purpose.  Not more than two areas comprising three habitable rooms and a total of four bedspaces shall be used as bed and breakfast accommodation and let to paying guests.  No part of any building permitted shall be occupied or used until the vehicle parking and turning space has been provided in accordance with the approved plans.  The vehicle parking shall not be used for any other purpose other than parking and the turning space shall not be used for any other purpose other than turning.  The bed and breakfast accommodation shall not be occupied until space has been provided within the curtilage for vehicles to turn so that they may enter and leave the site in a forward gear and this space shall be maintained at all times for this purpose.

TP/2005/5743                        Land Adjoining Downshire Lodge, Commonfield Lane                 Refused

                                                Application for temporary permission for the stationing of

                                                two mobile homes.

Reason:-  The development proposes the retention of two mobile homes in an unsustainable countryside location outside defined settlement boundaries.  The mobile homes are considered to be harmful to the rural character and appearance of this part of the countryside.  The development is within a designated Green Gap, the mobile homes are considered harmful to the function of the green gap in maintaining the physical and visual separation of settlements.  The site is within 5 kilometres of the Thames Basin Heaths Special Protection Area, the development has a significant effect on this protected area.

F/2005/6223                           50 Barkham Post Office, Bearwood Road                                          Delegated

                                                Proposed erection of 8 flats plus one A1 retail unit.                           Opposed

                                                Demolition of existing dwelling and shop.

Mrs Stubbs declared an interest and left the room, she did not participate in the discussion.

Clerk to write to WDC opposing this application on the grounds that this development is inappropriate in a rural location, the proposed building will be three stories high with the eighth flat being located in the attic area with large dormer windows (obscure glass) which will overlook the houses to the rear.  The development will be higher than any other building in the vicinity, there are bungalows opposite in Bearwood Road and this development will have an overbearing effect on the street scene.  The plans show eight car parking spaces for eight flats which will be totally inadequate (planning requirements state that 1.5 spaces should be allocated) and hence it is felt that residents of the flats will park in the spaces allocated for the retail unit.  Already cars using the Post Office park in the entrance to The Lilacs making visibility poor when turning in and out of this residential road, it is felt that this development will put more cars on the street which BPC are against.  Barkham is a semi rural locality which is poorly served by public transport with many households having two or more cars.  There are no other flats in Barkham and with considerable opposition from the local residents it is felt that this development is totally inappropriate for this location.  BPC are not against the re development of the site but not with the plans submitted in their present form.

F/2005/5988                           58 – 62 Langley Common Road                                                         Delegated

                                                Proposed erection of 2 dwellings.                                                     No Comment

Clerk to write to WDC as an observation that the proposed development will be close to a stream and that the surface drainage must be adequate.

F/2005/6369                           26 The Woodlands                                                                              Delegated

                                                Proposed single storey rear extension to dwelling to form           No Comment

                                                conservatory.

F/2005/6345                           Land Rear Of Holmewood House, Bearwood Road ,                      Proposed

                                                Sindlesham.                                                                                           No Comment

                                                Proposed change of use of land from agricultural to sports

                                                ground with two cricket ovals, 4 tennis courts, indoor and

                                                outdoor practice nets together with related buildings comprising

                                                pavilion, changing rooms, tea room, scorere facilities, club office

                                                and meeting room, car parking and access from Sadlers Lane .

                                                Adjoining Parish Consultation.

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F/2005/6378                           14 The Lilacs                                                                                         Delegated

                                                Proposed additional fencing to side of dwelling.                           No Comment

05/739 Highways

A public meeting was held at Barkham Village Hall on 6^th December, those present were:

Robert Newman – vice Chairman of Barkham Parish Council  (in the Chair), Pam Stubbs – Chairman of Barkham Parish Council, Judith Neuhofer – Clerk to Barkham Parish Council, Frank Postlethwaite – Barkham Councillor, Derek Oxbrough – Barkham Councillor, Representatives from Arborfield Parish Council, The Police Force, WDC Countryside Services, Keith French – the tenant owner of The Coombes, representatives from local riding stables, members of the public.

The Coombes is an area of private land owned by Kimbridge Trust Fund.  Through this private land there are numerous Public Rights of Way, such as bridleways, byways and footpaths.  The Coombes is also a Wildlife Heritage Area, An Area of Special Landscape Importance and there is an area of woodland which has preservation orders on all the trees.

The local community through the Parish Council has been increasingly concerned about the deterioration of the area over recent years.  Concern is that an accident is waiting to happen with either a pedestrian, child, dog or horse will get hurt if action is not taken.

Problems

The problems raised were-

Burnt cars in Coombes Lane along with rubbish and fly tipping.

Speeding cars especially at weekends and at night time causing noise and nuisance.

Motor bikes using the bridle paths and footpaths, some riders are terrorising dog walkers and other pedestrians and horse riders.  Many motorbikes do not have licence plates or road tax.

Suggested Solutions

Improved signage – it is unclear where horse riders can and cannot ride. – WDC Countryside will update signs with either posts or tree markings.

Greater Police Force Presence – The police have released mobile phone numbers in order that they can be contacted when motor bikes are present or to ring the non emergency number.  To notify the police where the “hotspots” are and the times when motorbike riders are present and they will endeavour to police the area.  Sergeant Cull has requested that BPC compile a “hot spot” report which indicates the most used point of entry into the Coombes and when (day/time) they are most present using the Coombes illegally, in order that he can most effectively use his resources to talk to these people formally.

Kissing gates to be reinstated on all the footpaths which would also act as motorbike prohibiters – WDC will look into this as a possibility but must consider that access must be maintained for any person with mobility problems.

It was agreed that BPC must push this scheme forward to achieve the objectives, the next step must be to get the key parties together who are, WDC Countryside Services who will be able to advise us with the signage and Arborfield PC.  Mr. Newman to arrange another meeting.  This item to be placed on the agenda bi-monthly.

05/740 To Discuss the provision of skip/refuse lorry in Barkham

The Clerk distributed leaflets to every house in The Junipers suggesting moving the refuse lorry on a Saturday, the suggestion was to have the lorry at the Old Village Hall site from 8.00 – 9.30 a.m. and then move it to The Junipers from 9.30 – 11.00 a.m.  Unfortunately the article which was submitted for the BVRA magazine was not published and the standard entry was inserted in error.  However, replies were received from residents in The Junipers, the majority were in favour of having the lorry at two locations.  Clerk to produce two posters, one for each site advising residents of the forthcoming changes which will take place in February.  The lorry will remain at the Old Village Hall site until 9.30 a.m. and then move to The Junipers. The skip which is positioned on the fourth Thursday at The Junipers will remain for the time being.  Clerk also to request that a bin is positioned at the hammerhead.

05/741 To Discuss the Provision of a Teenage Youth Club in Barkham - Starting a Teenager’s Club in Barkham (school years 8 to 13)

Barkham has a successful youth group, which meets Fridays in the village hall. Attendants appear to stop after the first year at secondary school, not unnaturally the children find the pre-teen nature of the club becomes no longer attractive.  Proposal is to start a teenage club in Barkham. The districts youth and community services would run the club. The club would need to have the village hall one evening a week (not Friday, as experiences

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shows this weekday does not work).   The club would require two trained members of staff, and would start by encouraging youngsters to sign up for the Youth Achievement Award, a scheme similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme – but with out the trek. The scheme has Bronze, Silver and Gold levels. Other activities would include Drug awareness, Sexual awareness talks as well as discussions on issues like graffiti.

The annual cost to the parish of the club, would be £6,000 for the two youth workers and the hire of the hall. The district would bare the administration costs, and be responsible for the workers. The Parish council can apply for a lottery grant through the Grants for All scheme that targets lottery funding to local groups, including parish councils. The grant would be for one year and is set at a maximum of £5,000. Grant monies are available till March 2006. From April 2006 the maximum grant will rise to £10,000, and as such it is anticipated applications will have to be refused for lack of funds.  For 2006/7 we would need to find £1,000 plus the cost of higher of the hall, to pilot the club for one year, if we got a grant to cover the balance. If the club were successful the parish would have to fund the full amount from 2007/8 on wards. Further grants may be obtained, but this should not be relied open for planning purposes.  In 2004, 273 10-15 year olds lived in the parish.

It was agreed that BPC apply for the grant, if we are successful with the application then this will progress.  Mr. Newman and Mrs Stubbs will process the application on behalf of BPC.

05/742 To Discuss the Parish Boundary of Barkham

A suggestion has been put forward to include up to and including Highland Ave. down to Sandy Lane within the Parish of Barkham.  This item to be added to the agenda for the meeting in January for further discussion.

05/743 Finance

British Telecom                                                                                                    973          £39.57 (£34.42 exc. VAT)

WDC – 1 skip at the Junipers & 1 refuse lorry at Old Village Hall               974          £238.53 (£203 exc. VAT)

for November

Society Of Local Council Clerks – annual subscription                                975          £84.00

SPISE – annual membership                                                                               976          £30.00

Standing Order for Clerk’s salary for December                                                             £426.23

Standing Order to Royal Bor. Windsor – Pension Fund for Clerk                               £67.77

for month of December  (Employee & employer contribution)

To date 796 books have been sold, an income of £4170.74, thus leaving 204 unsold, and the Council is now in credit to the amount of £205.07.

05/744 Unitary Authority Councillor's Report

Mrs Stubbs reported that finance had been high on the agenda at WDC with Wokingham only receiving an increase of 2.2% from Central Government.  WDC were committed to providing free travel for the elderly and hence the disappointing funding from the Government would result in less funds being available for improved services etc.  The Town Centre Committee were still looking at the regeneration of Wokingham Town with the developer Rockmartin, it is unclear whether the “Town Centre” is just the area around the Town Hall or does it extend down towards the swimming pool?

05/745 Correspondence

Wokingham Area Access Group – Minutes of the AGM held on 18.11.04.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee to be held on 14.11.05.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 24.10.05 – 28.10.05.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Personnel Board to be held on 15.11.05.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Standards Committee 17.11.05.

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WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Development Control Committee 17.11.05.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Scrutiny Committee 16.11.05.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Council Executive Committee 17.11.05.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 31.10.05 – 4.11.05.

WDC Staff Bulletin Issue 20.

BALC The Communicator Issue 47.

WDVSF The Volunteer.

WDC Agenda for Meeting  of the Executive 24.11.05.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Development Control Committee 23.11.05.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 7.11.05 – 11.11.05.

Arborfield News.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 14.11.05 – 18.11.05.

WDC Staff Bulletin Issue 21.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 21.11.05 – 25.11.05.

SPISE News 45 Winter 2005.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Personnel Board 13.12.05.  

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Development Control Committee 14.12.05.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 28.11.05 – 2.12.05.

05/746  Public Session

It was suggested moving the time allocated to the public to earlier in the meeting, thus giving the public the opportunity to speak without having to stay for the duration of the meeting.  Therefore, it was agreed to move the public Session to after Matters Arising, this will commence in January and the public will allocated ten minutes in which to speak.

Meeting closed at 10.05 p.m.

Next meeting of  full Council will be held on 10^th January 2006  at  8 p.m.

Next meeting of Planning Committee will be held on 24^th January 2006 at 7.30 p.m.