BARKHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of meeting of the Barkham Parish Council held on 13^th June 2006

in Barkham Village Hall at 8.00 p.m.

Present: Mrs P. Stubbs (in the Chair), Mr. M. Clark, Mr.J.Shepherd, Dr. R. Loader, Mr. S. Goldring,

Mr. R. Newman, Mr. D. Oxbrough, Mr. F. Postlethwaite, four members of the public and the Clerk.

Apologies: Mr F. A. Scott (ill)

06/808 Minutes of meeting held on 9^th May 2006 were approved and signed as a true record.  The Planning Meeting which was due to be held on 23^rd May did not take place due to insufficient planning applications.

06/809 Matters arising

06/786  Reply received from Heather Thwaites, Head of Planning concerning out of hours planning enforcement arrangements.  She states that members have previously considered the provision of out of hours planning enforcement cover, but given the resource implications this service has not been provided.  However, WDC are undertaking a review of the planning enforcement service and she ensures us that this suggestion will be considered as part of that process.  Clerk to reply stating that BPC wish to be kept informed of any developments in this area.

06/804  Reply received from WDC regarding the highway issues raised.  The pot hole at the junction of Bearwood Road and Coombes Lane has been repaired.  The gullies in Bearwood Road are cleaned twice yearly and this is due to be done within the next two weeks.  The Highways Inspector will visit the area to inspect the leylandii trees, vegetation and the white lining, this would be better left until the Finchampstead Road diversion is finished in mid June before the white lining is undertaken.

06/804 Reply received from WDC Countryside Services enclosing a copy of the letter which was sent to Mr Maslin instructing him to reinstate the horse step on bridleway 2 within 28 days. The horse step has now been replaced. Also, the problems along BA15 / AN14, barbed wire and a very high step will be added to the work program.

06/804  Reply received  from Arborfield Parish Council stating that it was unanimously agreed that A&NPC do not support the idea of WDC  taking over the tenancy from Mr. French with Barkham and Arborfield Parish Councils acting as guardians. Arborfield  PC do confirm that they care about the area and that something should be done but are unsure as to what.  They also raise the point that ragwort is growing in the Scout field, and question whether Mr. French is responsible for removing and destroying it, it is spreading into other fields where horses are living.  Clerk to reply to Arborfield PC stating that BPC are very disappointed with their reply and ask what suggestions they have to protect The Coombes.  Mr Newman will talk with Rebecca Walkley from Dinton Pastures at our meeting on 22^nd June to discuss The Coombes to ascertain her thoughts on the subject. The problems of ragwort were not considered serious enough and no action is to be taken.   

06/810 Public Session

A member of the public complained that the hedge outside Barkham Manor, opposite Sparks Farm is over hanging the pavement, making it very difficult to pass with a pushchair.  Mr. Shepherd apologised and assured her that it would be attended to.

06/811 Planning

F/2005/6962                           14 Bearwood Road                                                                               Approved

                                                Proposed two storey side extension to dwelling,

                                                removal of existing garage and single storey rear

                                                extension.

F/2006/7658                           56 Bearwood Road                                                                               Delegated

                                                Proposed single storey rear extension to dwelling                         No Comment

to form conservatory.

F/2006/7195                           1 Feathercot, School Road                                                                  Delegated

                                                Proposed conversion of existing barn to granny                           Opposed

                                                annexe.

Clerk to write to WDC opposing this application on the grounds that it is back land development.  If this application should be passed then BPC would like to see a restriction added which would restrict the occupancy to family members only, and it should not be commercially let out.  Question 23 of the application form states “fee previously paid” which would indicate that there has been a previous application which BPC are not aware of, Clerk to question this.

F/2006/7665                           51 Sandy Lane                                                                                      Proposed

                                                Proposed erection of a single storey wooden                                 Opposed

                                                detached annexe to dwelling.

                                                Adjoining Parish Consultation

Clerk to write to WDC opposing this application, the annexe will create a loss of privacy to the neighbouring gardens and a loss of light to the property to the north. The proposed annexe will have an over bearing effect and be out of character with the surrounding area.  Also concern must be raised that with a wooden construction there is no access for the fire services to attend in case of fire.

F/2006/7772                           Land At Junction of Park Lane & Hogwood Lane                          Delegated

                                                Finchampstead                                                                                     Opposed

                                                Proposed erection of temporary changing facilities including

                                                canteen, dining area, gym, physio area and relaxation room,

new press room facility, relocation of existing groundsmans store

and inclusion of new groundsmans workshop.  Alterations to

car park.

Clerk to write to WDC opposing this application on the grounds that with the addition of only 5 new players, this hardly warrants all these new facilities which are in addition to what is already there.  Mrs Stubbs had been asked to “list” this application for discussion at the next meeting of the Development Control Meeting.  If this application is passed the buildings are temporary buildings for 5 years which should run concurrently with the existing buildings which have already been there for two years.

F/2005/6503                           Land Rear of 143 – 153 Barkham Road                                Notice Of Abeyance

                                                Prop erection of 11 dwellings with assoc access & landscaping. Of Planning Appeal

The Planning Inspectorate has agreed to the appellant’s request for this appeal to be put in abeyance for 3 months from 7.6.06 and then the position will be reviewed.

ST28                                       Application for new Street Trading Consent – Mr. R. Daniow    No Comment

                                                A mobile ice cream van selling ice cream, lollies, drinks & sweets.

                                                Throughout Wokingham District Monday – Friday 14.00 – 20.45 &

                                                Saturday, Sunday, bank holidays, school holidays 12.00 – 20.30.

F/2005/4452                           28 – 30 Langley Common Road

Clerk wrote to Mr Lettin the Enforcement Officer at WDC querying the siting of plot 30.  Mr Lettin confirmed that it is in exactly the correct position, BPC had concerns that it was encroaching on the access.

AG/2006/6830                       Barkham Manor Farm                                                                          Permitted

                                                Proposed erection of 4 buildings for agricultural use

                                                associated with an organic turkey farm.

Reply received from WDC to our letter requesting an explanation as to why this was permitted development in an area of Special Landscape Importance.  Adrian Ellis the Principal Planning Officer has replied stating that not all planning development requires planning permission, this application was for prior agricultural determination.  When determining this application the proposal related to 4 barns with a total floor area of 464.76 square meters.  The proposed buildings are to be use for organic turkey farming, when considering the application it was determined that the proposal was necessary for the purpose of agriculture and is permitted development under the general Permitted Development Order 1995 Schedule 2 Part 6 A 1.  When a development falls within the permitted Development limits the local Planning Authority is powerless to restrict the development proposed.  In some cases development which may appear to be out of character with its surroundings is in fact permitted development and would therefore not require planning permission.  Any proposal which does not fall within the permitted limits would be subject to the usual planning constraints and considerations, which include the impact a development may have upon the rural setting.  Any application will be judged on its own merits taking into account Local Plan policies which seek to protect the Countryside which is considered to be a national asset.  The policy aims are to accommodate appropriate development which aim to balance the protection of the countryside for its own good whilst also taking into consideration the need to retain economic, environmental and social needs of those who live and work in the countryside.  It is recognised that these can lead to conflicting demands on the countryside, however the local planning Authority aim to make a balanced judgement on all applications which require planning permission.

Clerk to write to Mr. Maslin inviting him to the next meeting of the Parish Council, also Dr & Mrs Firth, in order that all parties can meet and discuss the developments at this location and eradicate any areas of concern.

06/812 Highways

BPC have received correspondence from G. Cowan (the Unitary Authority Councillor for Arborfield) regarding the bus shelter in Biggs Lane which has fallen into disrepair.  It is unclear who is responsible for this shelter, BPC and Arborfield both claim that it does not belong to either of them.  WDC state that the shelter is definitely not theirs, cost of a new one is £4000. WDC state that they have been trying to get the 144 bus rerouted round the whole length of Baird Road if this does happen then the Biggs Lane stop will not be needed and the bus would stop in Princess Marina Drive instead and would consider a new shelter there.  Therefore no further action taken.

Mrs Stubbs reported that she had attended the last Highways Meeting where it was agreed to put a waiting restriction outside the garage in Langley Common Road in order to alleviate the problems of parked cars. 

It was also agreed not to proceed with no waiting at any time restrictions to the area known as the hammerhead at the top of The Junipers.  The Community policeman has been asked to keep a watchful eye on the proceedings.

The sign “ Langley Common Road ” needs replacing at the junction of LC Road and School Road , this has been demolished by a car.  Also the “ Bearwood Road ” sign at the junction of Barkham Road and Bearwood Road has been vandalized.

The pavement outside 69 – 71 Bearwood Road has a large dip in it where the builders have dug it up and not repaired it properly.  Clerk to contact WDC requesting that this is corrected.  Also the pavement along the Bearwood Road between Highlands Ave and Sandy Lane , is particularly narrow which is not helped by the vegetation encroaching on to the pavement.  Clerk to write to WDC requesting that the vegetation is cleared from the pavement.

Barkham Road Bridge – proposed change of priority.  Cost would be £4000 to implement the change. The report which was undertaken by Mouchelparkman states that there are very similar volumes and speeds of traffic traveling in each direction, it is unlikely that changing the direction of the give way will have a positive effect on reducing vehicle speeds, accidents or any queuing that may occur.  If the change in direction of the priority should be implemented, this could result in shunt type accidents in the short term while drivers become familiar with the new arrangements.  The Casualty Reduction Officer who has monitored the traffic flow from his speed camera van which is parked in the entrance to the Old Rectory has recommended that the change in priority would be beneficial.  Mrs Stubbs will discuss the matter with Anthony Pollock the Executive Member for Highways and Transport.

06/813 Finance

Expediture

R. Newman – producing questionnaires for youth club project                  001          £13.96 (£11.88 exc VAT)

Neat Ideas – 2 ink cartridges                                                                              002          £39.93 (£33.98 exc VAT)

WDC – 1 refuse vehicle at Old Village Hall & 1 skip at The Junipers         003          £259.68 (£221 exc VAT)

Citizens Advise Bureau – grant                                                                         004          £300.00

Relate – grant                                                                                                       005          £250.00

Arborfield Junior School – grant                                                                       006          £300.00

Villages Youth Project – grant                                                                           007          £3455.84

St. James Parish Church – grant                                                                        008          £250.00

Barkham Village Hall – grant                                                                              009          £2200.00

Barkham Residents Association – grant                                                          010          £400.00

Standing Order for Clerk’s salary for June                                                                       £485.47

Standing Order to Royal Bor. Windsor – Pension Fund for Clerk                               £89.76

for month of June  (Employee & employer contribution 12% + 6%)

Income

Correction of overpayment (NI and Tax) for April and May 06 for Clerk   £22.58

Closure of Barclays Community and Business Reserve accounts agreed and letter of authority signed.

To date 810 books have been sold, an income of £4247.24, thus leaving 190 unsold, and the Council is now in credit to the amount of £281.57.

The Clerk reported that Mr. Harland the Internal Auditor had audited the accounts and everything was in order. His only comment was about risk assessment.  The Clerk noted that the Council needed to minute formally the discussion regarding risk assessments that had taken place earlier in the year, when the insurance renewal was being considered.  The Council’s annual return included that the Council had considered its risk assessment policies and processes, and further guidance on the ways which risks were identified and then managed was provided in the Practitioners’ Guide to the new audit process.  It was acknowledged that the Council’s annual budget was small and that the Council did not have any public facilities.  Most of its expenditure was on administration and enabling grants to community organisations, and income other that precept, interest and the VAT refund was minimal.  Overall risk levels were considered low.

The Practitioners’ Guide indicated three areas for managing risks:

1.        Using Insurance – the Council was required to have the mandatory insurance cover for public, employer and similar liabilities, and the other principal risk to be covered was property damage to street furniture and office equipment.  Insurance had therefore been effected for these areas.  Fidelity insurance was considered not to be necessary as cash handling was minimal and procedures for approving expenditure and signing cheques were considered strong.

2.        Working with third parties – this was not appropriate for the Council.

3.        Self-management of risks – the Council considered the internal controls in place, notably the approval of all payments by the Council; the accounting systems maintained by the Clerk; the budgetary review process; and the annual review by internal audit.  The Council considered that existing controls and procedures were appropriate for the annual expenditure levels.

Risk management arrangements were therefore considered appropriate.

06/814 Housing Needs Survey – Early Results

The report has now been received from Arlene Kersley, the Rural Housing Enabler at CCB, and the conclusion is that not enough people responded indicating that there was a need for affordable housing.  Clerk to write to Arlene thanking her for her help in compiling the survey.  All felt it was a very worthwhile exercise even though the decision is not to pursue the project.

06/815 Barkham Teenage Youth Club Project – Questionnaire Results

Mr. Newman reported that the surveys had been collected from the two schools which indicated that there was a need for a youth club from both the boys and the girls, both had indicated that they wanted to participate in activities.  Lottery grant of £6000 is to be applied for.  The scheme will be launched in September with an evening which will include the parents, youth workers, police etc.  Advertising is of paramount importance  with possibly another leaflet drop and the local paper. Clerk to also contact the army who have a climbing wall which could possibly be used by the young people.  Also to enlist the help of Malcolm Bryant at WDC who is very supportive of youth facilities.

06/816 Unitary Authority Councillor's Report

Mrs Stubbs reported that she is still sitting on the Licensing and Appeals Committee and will soon have the Gaming and Gambling applications under the jurisdiction of WDC.  She is no longer involved with the Children’s Services but has moved to the Highways Board which deals with parking and any road issues.  She is actively working towards involving the Parishes to contribute to these meetings.

06/817 Correspondence

WDC Staff Bulletin Issue 9.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Audit Committee 18.5.06.

WDC Agenda for The Annual Meeting of the Council 18.5.06.

WDC Minutes of Committee Meetings for the period 8.3.06 – 26.4.06.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions issued for the period 24.4.06 – 5.5.06.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee 23.5.06.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Development Control Committee 24.5.06.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Executive 25.5.06.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 8.5.06 – 12.5.06.

WDC Staff Bulletin Issue 10.

WDC New Chairman for Wokingham District Council – 2006/7  Cllr Angus Ross.

WDC Sport and Leisure in Wokingham District.

Arborfield News.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Personnel Board 31.5.06.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 15.5.06 – 19.5.06.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 22.5.06 – 26.5.06.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Highways Consultative Board 12.6.06.

WDC Staff Bulletin issue 11.

South East Water – Water Mains Replacement Scheme.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Planning Committee 14.6.06.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 29.5.06 – 2.6.06.

There will be an open day on Saturday 8^th July at Barkham Village Hall for everyone to view the progress of the Village Design Statement.  This will be primarily a visual display, with a questionnaire.  Everyone is encouraged to visit.  Posters will be put up advertising the event.

Meeting closed at 9.50  p.m. .

Next meeting of full Council will be held on 11^th July at 8 p.m.

Next meeting of Planning Committee will be held on 27^th June 2006 at 7.30 p.m.