March 2006
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BARKHAM PARISH COUNCIL

 

Minutes of meeting of the Barkham Parish Council held on 14th March 2006

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, Dr. R. Loader,

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

 

Apologies:

 

06/769 Meeting with Sergeant Cull to discuss any problems / issues within Barkham

Finchampstead and Barkham Neighbourhood Action Group.

For policing purposes the garrison has been placed in the Arborfield group along with Langley Common Road .  The purpose of the scheme is to ascertain the priorities of the residents in order to achieve a better quality of life.  Andy Roberts will be our designated police constable.  It is noted that Barkham has a very low level of crime.

Rubbish is being continually dumped in Commonfield Lane , there would appear to be large quantities of cans which would suggest that the offenders are drink driving, unless the culprits are caught red handed there is little that can be done, the police cars do make regular visits in this location.
Cars driving into Coombes Lane late at night, local residents feel uneasy and find it disturbing.  Police patrol cars do make regular visits and would approach any parked car at night.  It is considered that the residents of Coombes Lane are not at risk.  The local police have now purchased some bikes in order that they ride into The Coombes to monitor the youths who are causing damage and not riding in the permitted areas.
Speeding cars along Bearwood Road in the early morning between 6.30 – 7.30 a.m.  Several radar guns have been purchased by the police which BPC can borrow and use to act as a deterrent to speeding motorists. If offending vehicles are caught by the gun recording the registration plate then a warning letter will be sent from the police.
Problems of underage drinking.  Mrs Stubbs continually finds empty bottles and cans in the bins at the Post Office which would imply that the persons concerned are unable to take the rubbish home.  The onus here must be on the on the parents to monitor the behaviour of their children..

 

It was agreed to meet with Sergeant Cull on a quarterly basis and to have this item at the beginning of the meeting in order not to detain Sergeant Cull.

 

06/770 Minutes of meeting held on 14th February 2006 were approved and signed as a true record.  The Planning Meeting which was due to be held on 28th February did not take place due to insufficient planning applications.

 

06/771 Matters arising

06/761  Reply received from Mr. Bedingfeld (Traffic Management) at WDC regarding the new post and sign erected outside 46 Bearwood Road .  The contractor carrying out the work has assured WDC that the new post will have the illumination unit connected on 2nd March and the old post removed from site.  The sign has been relocated as it was felt that it would be beneficial to increase the advanced warning of the double bend system and increase the size of the sign so drivers could approach at a suitable speed.

 

06/772 Public Session

Mrs Wicks reported that the drains had been cleared along the Barkham Road in the vicinity of the bridge.  A recent burst water main in School Road had resulted in much water and debris being washed down the hill.

 

06/773 Planning

 

F/2006/6874                           3 Whitebeam Close                                                                              Delegated

                                                Proposed erection of a detached garage and                                  No Comment

                                                conversion of integral garage to family room

                                                and utility room.

 

F/2006/6921                           Land Adjoining Downshire Lodge, Commonfield Lane                 Proposed

                                                Proposed change of use of land to Romani gipsy site for            Opposed

                                                two homes.  Retrospective.

                                                Adjoining Parish Consultation.

Clerk to write to WDC opposing this application on the grounds that this will be a change of use of land and is outside the development area.

 

F/2005/6491                           12 Somerville Close                                                                              Approved

                                                Proposed single storey side and rear extensions to dwelling.

 

F/2006/6654                           6 Silver Birches                                                                                     Approved

                                                Proposed single storey rear extension to dwelling.

 

F/2006/6716                           18 Aggisters Lane                                                                                Refused

                                                Proposed two storey side extension to dwelling and

                                                front porch extension.

Reason:  The proposal by reason of its bulk and design is not considered to respect the character of the host building.  It is considered to have overbearing impact on the amenity of the neighbouring property, no. 20 Aggisters Lane .

 

F/2006/6690                           30 The Lilacs                                                                                         Approved

                                                Proposed conversion of existing garage to kitchen and

                                                dining room.

 

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

                                                Proposed erection of 8 flats plus one A1 retail unit.

                                                Demolition of existing dwelling and shop.

Reason: the proposal is considered to conflict with the sustainable development criteria for housing in that future residents would have few opportunities for means of transport other than the private car, the design is unsatisfactory, it harms the character of the area and the living conditions of adjoining residents.  The proposal is considered to constitute overdevelopment of the site at an excessive net residential density, the site is a category B settlement location where only limited infilling and small windfall development is appropriate.  The bulk, massing, height, siting and depth and proximity of the proposed building to the north and south site boundaries will result in a harmful visual appearance being over dominant and out of character with its surroundings.  It will have an unneighbourly relationship with 52 Bearwood Road with loss of light and 46 Bearwood Road and 1 The Lilacs by over looking and loss of privacy.  The accommodation is unsatisfactory as there is no usable outdoor amenity space either private or communal.  The proposal makes inadequate provision on site parking of vehicles associated with the residential units.  The layout for the on site parking associated with the shop is unsatisfactory as space 4 is unusable and no provision has been made for vehicles of people with disabilities.  The proposal will harm traffic flows and road safety, it has not been demonstrated that visibility from the proposed rear car park access onto The Lilacs is acceptable.  There is no provision for affordable housing either on site or through off site financial contribution.

 

AG/2006/6830                       Barkham Manor Farm                                                                          Permitted

                                                Proposed erection of 4 buildings for agricultural use

                                                associated with an organic turkey farm.

Mrs Stubbs advised that she was unable to list this application for the Development Control Meeting as the proposal constitutes “agricultural permitted development”.  The applicant has already demolished the stile and widened the track in order to transport building materials.  WDC Countryside Services have been notified, the applicant (Mr. Maslin and Mr. Seymour) have agreed to replace the stile and maintain the track with planings provided by WDC.  Concern was expressed that if the turkeys are to be slaughtered at the site if this was regarded as an abattoir.

 

Coppid Hill

Clerk to contact Mr. Lettin the Enforcement Officer at WDC, requesting that he visit the site and insist the field is put back to agricultural use, the houses are now complete and occupied.  The field should now be cleared of all building materials and restored to its former use of agricultural land.  BPC also wish to know when this should be done in order that we can moniter the progress.

 

28 – 30 Langley Common Road

Clerk to contact Mr. Lettin, the Enforcement Officer at WDC by telephone immediately requesting that he visit the site with regard to the two oak trees which are being damaged.  The owners of the land have already cut off branches, damaged the trees with fires and piled up clay against the trunks.  This is a breach of condition 8 which states that tree protection measures for the two oak trees at the front of the site shall be implemented in accordance with the “Recommendations for Tree Protection”.  Clerk to also notify the Countryside Services.

 

06/774 Highways

Notification from WDC that there is a proposal to introduce a “no waiting at any time” restriction on a section of The Junipers.  The proposal has come about from a request from the Neighbourhood Officer at Thames Valley Police, the area has suffered from problems with youths parking and gathering at the hammerhead late at night, causing a nuisance to nearby residents.  It is hoped that these restrictions will force the youths to park their vehicles away from the houses that are subjected to nuisance. Mr. Clark declared an interest and did not participate in the discussion. It was decided that these measures were not needed as it would prevent the skip and the lorry from parking.  It would also result in cars parking further down the road outside residents houses.  It would be more effective if the new community policing could occasionally keep an eye on the proceedings.  The youths gather at this location as they have no where else to go, this problem is being addressed by BPC with the new youth club aimed at the older children 13 – 16.  Clerk to write to WDC opposing this plan.

Cars continue to park outside the garage along Langley Common Road , thus forcing cars passing the obstructions to cross the double white lines in the middle of the road.  It was suggested that double yellow lines be painted on the road outside the garage to prevent this happening.  Clerk to remind Kate Fuller (traffic management) that this matter is still outstanding.

 

06/775 To Discuss the Parish Boundary of Barkham

 Letters were sent out to the neighbouring parishes of Winnersh, Arborfield, Finchampstead, Swallowfield and Shinfield requesting support to review the parish boundaries.  No replies have yet been received.  This item to be placed on the next agenda and Clerk to contact the parishes to remind them that a response is required.

 

06/776 Finance

WDC – 1 skip at the Junipers & 1 refuse lorry at Old Village Hall               984          £238.53 (£203 exc VAT)

British Telecom                                                                                                    985          £14.65 (£13.21 exc VAT)

 

Standing Order for Clerk’s salary for March                                                                   £426.23

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

for month of March  (Employee & employer contribution)

 

The new pay scale from NALC for the clerk comes into force as of 1st April 2006, it was agreed in the Precept to award the Clerk SCP 22 based on experience and performance in the role.  The Council agreed to two new standing orders, one for the Clerk’s salary £496.76 (this includes £28 travel allowance and use of home as office) and a new standing order to the pension fund for £ 59.84 (the contribution made by BPC has risen to 12%, the employee contribution will remain at 6%).

 

To date 803 books have been sold, an income of £4205.74 thus leaving 197 unsold, and the Council is now in credit to the amount of £240.07.

 

06/777 To Amend the Standing Orders to add the Finance Committee

Amendments agreed unanimously to Standing Orders changes as detailed in Addendum A.  Clerk to update the section regarding Interests which is now regulated by the Code of Conduct and agreed at the next meeting.

 

06/778 Affordable Housing in Barkham – presentation from Arlene Kersey the Rural Housing Enabler of CCB

Arlene Kersey spoke to BPC about the Rural Housing Project and exception sites which can be developed for this scheme.  It was decided to proceed with the project to ascertain whether there is a need in Barkham.  The next step is to distribute the questionnaires to every house in Barkham, this to be done by BPC, questionnaires will be prepared by CCB, the plan is to distribute them by mid April in order that they can be returned by mid

Page 06/468

 

May.  Ballot boxes will be placed in the Post Office and The Bull and Bramshill Hunt public houses.  Mr. Newman to request permission from the publicans.  The questionnaires will be grouped into 3 geographical groups:-

Group A – Elizabeth Park, Barkham Road , Bearwood Road

Group B – Old Barkham ( Barkham Street , Langley Common Road and School Road )

Group C – The Barkham part of the Garrison.

 

Mr. Newman to inform Arlene how many questionnaires we need in each category.

 

06/779  Unitary Authority Councillor's Report.

Mrs Stubbs was pleased to report that the Council Tax set by WDC at 2.9% was the lowest in the country.

She had also had success in helping a handicapped person in Bramshill Close who needed regular hospital visits and the ambulance was unable to park near to her property, WDC will now be installing a dropped kerb to assist the ambulance services.

 

06/780 Correspondence

WDC Campaign Against Waste Spring Meeting 27.3.06.  Mr. Clark, Dr Loader, Mr. Postlethwaite and Mrs Stubbs to attend.
Calor Village of the Year Competition – Berkshire .  BPC do not wish to enter this year.
Joint Strategic Planning Unit – Joint Minerals & Waste Plan is being produced by the six unitary authorities in Berkshire .  No Comment.
Wokingham District Community Conference to be held on 29.3.06.  No one was able to attend.
R. Ferguson WDC  - email reply received confirming support from WDC for the youth club aimed at children aged 13 – 16.  Suggest a questionnaire is compiled to ascertain their needs and interests, this to be distributed through the schools.  Mr. Newman has compiled a questionnaire which he is waiting for Mr. Ferguson to study and alter if needed.   Mr. Postlethwaite has volunteered to print the questionnaire for which BPC are most grateful.  The Holt School have already said they will distribute the questionnaires, The Forest has not yet replied.

 

Distribution

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Development Control Committee on 22.2.06.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Executive on 23.2.06.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Council on 23.2.06.

WDC A321 Finchampstead Road , Wokingham – Temporary Prohibition Of Driving & Waiting Order 2006.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Standards Committee 1.3.06.

Local Council Review March 2006.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 13.2.06 – 17.2.06.

WDC Staff Bulletin Issue 4.

WDC Corporate News Issue 1.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Licensing and Appeals Committee.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 20.2.06 – 24.2.06.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Highways Consultative Board 13.3.06.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Development Control Committee 15.3.06.

WDC Agenda for meeting of the Scrutiny Committee 16.3.06.

WDC Staff Bulletin Issue 5.

WDC Corporate News Issue 2.

Wokingham Volunteer Centre Trustees Digest.

WDC Agenda for Meeting of the Council Executive Committee 20.3.06.

WDC Planning Applications Input & Decisions Issued for the period 27.2.06 – 3.3.06.

 

At the end of the meeting the Chairman read out a statement expressing her personal views regarding her recent planning application which was refused by WDC.

 

Meeting closed at  10.00 p.m. .

 

Next meeting of full Council will be held on 11th April at 7.30 p.m. followed by the Annual Parish Assembly at 8.00 p.m.    The Planning Meeting will commence at 7.00 p.m.

Next meeting of Planning Committee will be held on 28th March 2006 at 7.30 p.m.

 

Addendum A

b. Finance Committee (Original version 3.0)

 

Members and decision making

i)                     There shall be a Finance Committee of four members, appointed by the Council

 

ii)                   In addition to appointed members of the Finance Committee, any other members of the Council will be entitled to join the Committee for any of it's meetings as members.

 

iii)                  A quorum shall be three members. Finance Committee members should indicate to the Clerk at least two days in advance of their attendance or non-attendance, to make sure that a quorum is available.

 

   iv)          In the event that a meeting should be inquorate; then the meeting shall be postponed until a future date agreed by the Committee.

 

v)                   The Committee shall elect its own chairman by a simple majority vote of all members attending that meeting and at each meeting.

 

vi)                 All decisions on financial matters will be resolved by a simple majority vote. The chairman will be entitled to a casting vote, if voting is equal.

 

 

Meetings

 

vii)                The Committee shall usually meet twice a year on dates and at times to be specified from time to time by the Committee. Members would be notified of the cancellation or postponement of any meeting one-day in advance.

 

Responsibilities

 

viii)        The Finance Committee is responsible for providing support and guidance to the RFO in the       carrying out of their duties. Tasks are likely to include: initial  preparation of the  (insert) Council annual  budget and precept, review of Auditor's comments; 6 monthly review of financial transactions and commitments.

 

  ix)     All decisions shall be minuted and reported to the Council. Once these minutes have  been         accepted as a true and accurate record at the next committee meeting they will form part of  the official council record.          

 

          x)        The Committee shall have power to act on behalf of the Council and shall report to it on financial matters accordingly.

 

    xi)       If any member of the committee has a direct or indirect interest in any financial decision, they shall declare it. They shall not take part in the discussion and they shall not vote on this matter.

 

   

b. Finance Committee (New version 3.1)

 

Members and decision making

iv)                 There shall be a Finance Committee of four members, appointed by the Council

 

v)                   In addition to appointed members of the Finance Committee, any other members of the Council will be entitled to join the Committee for any of it's meetings as members.

 

vi)                 A quorum shall be three members. Finance Committee members should indicate to the Clerk at least two days in advance of their attendance or non-attendance, to make sure that a quorum is available.

 

   iv)          In the event that a meeting should be inquorate; then the meeting shall be postponed until a future date agreed by the Council.

 

viii)              The Committee shall elect its own chairman by a simple majority vote of all members attending that meeting and at each meeting.

 

ix)                  All decisions on financial matters will be resolved by a simple majority vote. The chairman will be entitled to a casting vote, if voting is equal.

 

vii)            All decisions shall be minuted and reported to the Council. Once these minutes have been accepted as a true and accurate record at the next committee meeting they will form part of the official council record.

 

 

Meetings

 

viii)              The Committee shall usually meet twice a year on dates and at times to be specified from time to time by the Committee. Members would be notified of the cancellation or postponement of any meeting one-day in advance.

 

Responsibilities

 

ix)         The Finance Committee is responsible for providing support and guidance to the RFO in the       carrying out of his/her duties. Tasks are likely to include:  preparation of the draft annual budget for consideration by the Council; review of Auditor's comments; 6 monthly review of financial transactions and commitments.          

 

          x)        The Committee shall have power to act on behalf of the Council and shall report to it on financial matters accordingly.

 

    xi)       If any member of the committee has a direct or indirect interest in any financial decision, he/she shall declare it and shall not take part in the discussion nor vote on this matter.