Author Archives: heatherbourner

Parish Council Minutes

by heatherbourner

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 9th July 2023, 7.30pm at Thruxton Village Hall

Present: Cllr Mike Cleugh – Chairman    

               Cllr Hugh Corroon -Vice Chairman

               Cllr Cathy Barbone

               Cllr Camilla Elwell

               Heather Bourner – Parish Clerk                  

               0 Members of the Public

Apologies:

Apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Rupert Staines.

 1.WELCOME.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. Register of interest forms.

All Councillors present confirmed there were no amendments required to register of interest documents.

3.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

There were no members of public present.

7.MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The Chairman agreed to sign the minutes of the previous meetings of 14th May 2024 as a true record. All agreed.

4.VILLAGE HALL REBUILD UPDATE

Cllr Cleugh summarised progress with the project as follows

The windows have now been fitted

The oak beams have been sand blasted which has removed all the black water marks.

The internal frame for the kitchen and toilets has been erected

The pipe works for the underfloor heating has been installed and the floor has been screeded.

There is still a shortfall of funding and efforts continue to fund raise. The Clerk will meet with hall trustees to discuss finance shortly.

The Clerk summarised the village hall management finance as below

Village Hall Bank Reconciliation

Held in Barclays account-

Current account £3635.41

Savings account £35.72

It was noted that the balance of funds raised from previous fetes had now been donated to the re build of the hall. In addition, funds from a recent fun run event were also to be allocated to the rebuild fund although the final sum was as yet unknown.

No progress had been made to engage new committee members including a new treasurer which was currently being dealt with by the Parish Clerk. A Monxton villager has stepped forward to research a bookings system for the new hall.

5.PLANNING.

Applications since previous meeting: –

  1. 24/01233/FULLN- erection timber outbuilding for use as home gym and guest bedroom- the Lodge, Monxton Nurseries-no objection

Applications to be considered

  1. 24/01447/TREEN- fell 1 conifer-Whitmoor, Chalkpit Lane-no objections
  2. 24/01453/TREEN- tree works, Middle Orchard, Green Lane-no objections

Confirmation of outcome from TVBC

  1. 23/02579/FULLN- change of use to residential, Black Swan, High Street-permission

6.SUNNYBANK & FOOTPATHS

Cllr Barbone reported as follows

Sunnybank-an issue has arisen with traffic speeding at Sunnybank. A villager from Sunnybank who has raised concerns has been asked if he would be prepared to monitor the traffic speed data, a response is awaited.

Footpaths -Public paths have been strimmed and will be cut again at the end of July. HCC has been asked for assistance in cutting the long grass on hook lane as this is out of the Parish Council designated cutting area.
The farmer has been asked on several occasions to cut the hedge around the horse paddocks at Manor Farm. Requests have been ignored and the area is becoming impassable and dangerous. HCC confirmed that the land owner is responsible for ensuring hedging on their land is cut back in public areas.

7.TRAFFIC MONITORING

There was no data to review, Cllr Elwell will share the software she has been able to locate with Cllr Cleugh. A full discussion took place about what can be done to help reduce speeding traffic. Over the years all the initiatives possible have been tried and it was agreed downloading data from the speed machine was the best option as repeat offenders can them be reported to the police.

8 ENVIRONMENT

Cllr Cleugh reported the bulk of the work by Southern water to reline sewers has now been complete and a volunteer group (Pilhill Brook Association) are now regularly testing the local streams and rivers. Data will be shared with Councillors and the community once the PBA website is online.

9.FINANCE

To note balance in Lloyds bank as at 14/05/24

Treasurers account £962.02

Instant online £108614.79

Resolved: that the following payments be approved and transactions authorised

Payments to agree-

Clerks’ salary £154.93 per month and HMRC £38.80 payments by SO July, Aug & Sep

Shaun Rushton £490.00 & £247.50

Do The Numbers £400.00

Janet Wright £6.25

Mike Cleugh-Monxton Matters website £97.33

Payments to be made

Clerks’ expenses (May & June) £15.00

Cllr Cleugh proposed applying for a bank debit card for the Parish Council bank account. The matter was discussed and it was agreed Cllr Cleugh should make an application.

Audit Action Plan

Following the internal audit a report compiled by the auditor had been circulated along with an action plan drawn up by the Clerk. The most pressing matter was the lack of a suitable website on which Parish Council documents should be published in order that the Parish Council meets the requirements of the Transparency Regulations. The matter was discussed at length and the Clerk gave details of a website provider used by several Parish Councils, a site could be supplied and operated with ease by the Clerk at a cost of £9.99 per month. After some discussion it was agreed, the Clerk should proceed to set up a functioning website

The internal audit also recommended all Councillors used dedicated email addresses for Parish Council business in order that the obligations of the Data Protection act were met and to avoid difficulties should a request be made under the Freedom of Information Act. The Clerk said she had organised specific email solutions for other Parish Councils and could put one in place for Monxton with an approximate cost of £100 per year. This was also agreed.

Submission of the audit return to BDO had also resulted in further questions from the external auditor along with the need to alter the 2023/24 governance statement. The Clerk explained the issue and it was agreed a fresh statement answering no to questions 2 and 4 should be signed by the chairman. Proposed Cllr Cleugh, seconded Cllr Barbone. All agreed. The Clerk will arrange for this to be re submitted to BDO.

14.BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

HCC Chris Donnelly was not present.

TVBC Councillor Maureen Flood was not present.

15. CORRESPONDENCE

The Clerk noted the official notice to re-enrol for The Pensions Regulator which needs to be complete by October 2024.

A letter from Lloyds bank regarding funds not being covered by the Financial Compensations Scheme.

An email requesting a bleed control kit be fitted at the new Village Hall

An appointment with Octopus Electricity to fit a smart meter at the Village Hall has been made for Wednesday 7th August

16.Items for next meeting

There were no items noted for the next agenda

17.CLOSE OF THE MEETING

The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.

18.DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 8th October 2024, 7.30pm Thruxton Village Hall

Monxton Parish Council-Agenda

by heatherbourner

MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL

There will be a meeting of Monxton Parish Council at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 9th July 2024 at

Thruxton Village Hall. All Councillors are requested to participate. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting alternatively they can email items for discussion to the Clerk, Heather Bourner

For further information please contact The Clerk

Heather Bourner

Clerk to Monxton Parish Council

Heather.bourner@googlemail.com

01264 773976

  1. Welcome & Apologies for Absence Welcome
  2. Members of the Public (Pre-booked slots if requested) 
  3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting – sign off & matters arising
  4. Reports:- 

Village Hall update

           Finance -to agree payments to be made

 to discuss and agree action plan from audit

           Environment & Footpaths

           Traffic

           Sunnyside

  • Applications since previous meeting: –
  • 24/01233/FULLN- erection timber outbuilding for use as home gym and guest bedroom- the Lodge, Monxton Nurseries-no objection
  • Applications to be considered
  • 24/01447/TREEN- fell 1 conifer-Whitmoor, Chalkpit Lane
  • 2401453/TREEN- tree works, Middle Orchard, Green Lane
  • Confirmation of outcome from TVBC
  • 23/02579/FULLN- change of use to residential, Black Swan, High Street-permission
  1. County and Borough Councillors’ Report
  1. Correspondence
  1. Date of Next Meeting- 7.30 pm on Tuesday 8th October 2024

Monxton Parish Council

by heatherbourner

MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL

There will be a meeting of Monxton Parish Council at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 14th May 2024 at

Thruxton Village Hall. All Councillors are requested to participate. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting alternatively they can email items for discussion to the Clerk, Heather Bourner

For further information please contact The Clerk

Heather Bourner

Clerk to Monxton Parish Council

Heather.bourner@googlemail.com

01264 773976

  1. Welcome & Apologies for Absence Welcome
  2. Election of Chairman & Vice Chair, adoption of statutory documents and Declaration of Interests
  3. Members of the Public (Pre-booked slots if requested) 
  4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting – sign off & matters arising
  5. Reports:- 

Village Hall update

           Finance

           Environment & Footpaths

           Traffic

           Sunnyside

  • Applications since previous meeting: –
  • 24/00162/TREEN-tree works, High Trees, Abbots Ann Road- no objections
  • 24/00389/TREEN- reduce Beech, Hutchens Cottage, High Street-no objections
  • 24/00596/LBWN & 27/00595/FULLN-conversion & repair of Coach House- Bec House- No comments
  • Applications to be considered
  • 24/01046/FULLN-formation of swimming pool-Bec House
  • Confirmation of outcome from TVBC
  • 23/02945/VARN- variation to conditions to allow for minor relocation of boundary wall-Monxton Manor-permission
  • 24/00490/VARN-vary conditions Westwell and Well Cottages-High Street-permission
  • 23/03272/treen-tree works Corner Cottage-no objections
  • 24/00162/TREEN-tree works-High Trees, Abbots Ann Road-no objection
  • 24/00470/TREEN-tree works, Langley, Green Lane-no objections
  1. County and Borough Councillors’ Report
  1. Correspondence
  • Date of Next Meeting- 7.30 pm on Tuesday 9th July 2024

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 18th July 2023, 7.30pm at Abbotts Ann Village Hall

by heatherbourner

Present: Cllr Mike Cleugh – Chairman    

              Cllr Hugh Corroon- vice chair        

               Cllr Cathy Barbone

               Cllr Rupert Staines

               Cllr Camilla Elwell

               TVBC Maureen Flood

               Heather Bourner – Parish Clerk                  

               2 Members of the Public

Apologies:

Apologies for absence had been received from HCC Chris Donnelly & TVBC S Hasselman

1.WELCOME.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS.

There were no declarations of interest.

3.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

The planning advisor on behalf of the owners of the Black Swan in attendance confirmed they have submitted Planning and LBC applications to TVBC to allow the owners of the Black Swan to stay for 1 year

(refs: 23/01104/FULLN and /01105/LBWN). No decisions have been made.

A pre app has also been submitted to understand what will be required for a permanent change of use. The property remains for sale with no offers so far. Three reports have been sent to TVBC explaining what has been done to market the pub. Builders estimates for work required to repair the building are in the range of £300,000 to £350,000. Only one potential purchaser has visited the pub but no offer has been made. The agent is trying to set up a meeting with TVBC to try and find a way forward. He said the Parish Council could be invited to attend if they wished.

4.MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The Chairman agreed to sign the minutes of the previous meetings of 9th May 2023 as a true record. All agreed.

5.VILLAGE HALL REBUILD UPDATE

Cllr Cleugh reported the hall has been demolished however there is a problem with the lack of foundations. Expert advice is being taken and reports are awaited. The additional costs are likely to be substantial and additional funds may be required.

The Clerk summarised the village hall management finance as below

Held in Barclays account-30/06/2023

Current account £944.57

Savings account £35.72.

6.PLANNING.

Applications since previous meeting: –

23/01398/TREEN- coppice sycamore-Monks Foyle Cottage, Green Lane-no objections

Applications to be considered

23/01741/FULLN-demolish 7 replace garage-Old Hoyles, Abbots Ann Road-no objection

Confirmation of outcome from TVBC

23/00784/FULLN- remove old and replace solar panels-Hutchens Cottage, High Street-permission

23/00925/FULLN-replacement gates Monxton Manor-permission

23/00220/LBWN-regularise repairs and renovations to Coach House-Monxton Manor-permission

22/02006/FULLN- change of use, Black Swan-refused

23/00138/FULLN-erect garden shed, The Old Cottage, Abbotts Ann Road-permission

23/00423/TREEN-tree works, Lilac Cottage, Andover Road, no objections

23/00599/TREEN- tree works, Monxton Manor, no objection

Amport house
An objection has been submitted to TVBC in relation to the Amport Parish Council report on traffic signage. A discussion at the fete highlighted that Amport Parish Council had not consulted Monxton Parish Council before submitting these comments. Confirmation of the date of the northern area planning meeting is awaited.

7.SUNNYBANK & FOOTPATHS

Cllr Barbone reported the road will be closed shortly as work to clear drains at Sunnybank are carried out.. She said she has established who the farmer is who owns the bridleway at the top of Monxton and will approach him to trim back some of the trees for the horses to pass. The landowner has cut back some of the hedge and footpath around the paddocks and beyond.
The footpaths are normally only cut twice a year due to funding and other requirements, however the Lengthsman is due to give the footpath by the grain store an additional strim towards the end of July due to the wet weather and adverse growing conditions.

8.TRAFFIC MONITORING

There is currently no Councillor in charge of the speed awareness machine which is currently located at Sunnybank. However, this could be a useful tool to monitor traffic users to the hotel. Cllr Elwell agreed to take on the task of reviewing data.

9. ENVIRONMENT

Cllr Cleugh reported Southern Water works are ongoing in Fyfield and Thruxton to reline sewers and private laterals. This should benefit the catchment lower down the valley including Monxton.

Southern Water are studying using a wetland project in the catchment, to act as a filter for any over pumping required in the future which will remove the need for tankers, subject to regulatory approval. The example being considered is Langford Lakes in Wiltshire, which has regulatory approval for use of the technology.

10.FINANCE

To note balance in Lloyds bank as at 30/06/23 £84632.24

Resolved: that the following payments be approved and transactions authorised

Payments to agree-

Clerks’ salary £133.52 per month and HMRC £33.20 payments by SO July, Aug & Sep

Shaun Rushton £380.00

Shaun Rushton £240.00

Payments to be made

Clerks’ expenses (May to July) £22.50

Shaun Rushton £180.00

Clerk lengthsman admin £320

Additional HMRC £80.00

Clerk additional hours re V Hall £95.76

Additional HMRC £23.94

Audit return year ended 31st March 2024

The internal auditor used in previous years has now retired and the Clerk reported details of a quote by a new auditor to carry oy the review for 2023/24. In view of the additional work required as a result of the Village Hall rebuild the quote was £400.00 for 23/24. In following years, the quote was £200.00 Cllr Cleugh proposed the quotes be accepted. This was seconded by Cllr Corroon. All agreed.

The Clerk agreed to make an in-year VAT claim given the volume of VAT paid on the village hall rebuild.

14.BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

HCC Chris Donnelly had sent apologies

TVBC Councillor Maureen Flood confirmed TVBC is working on initatives where TVBC support the rural communities- meeting on 2nd August at Test Valley School to which parish councillors will be invited

15. CORRESPONDENCE

None.

16.Items for next meeting

There were no items noted for the next agenda

17.CLOSE OF THE MEETING

The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.

18.DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 10th October 2023, 7.30pm Abbots Ann Village Hall

NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF UNAUDITED ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN

by heatherbourner

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2023

Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 26 and 27

The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)

NOTICE
1. Date of announcement 20/04/2023(a)
2. Each year the smaller authority’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) needs to be reviewed by an external auditor appointed by Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd.  The unaudited AGAR has been published with this notice. As it has yet to be reviewed by the appointed auditor, it is subject to change as a result of that review. Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested.
For the year ended 31 March 2023, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to:   (b)   Heather Bourner, Tanglewood, Stanbury Road, Thruxton, SP11 8NR Heather.bourner@gogglemail.com   commencing on (c) 03/07/2023     and ending on (d) 11/08/2023
3. Local government electors and their representatives also have:   The opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and The right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.   The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.
4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is subject to review by the appointed auditor under the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the NAO’s Code of Audit Practice 2015.  The appointed auditor is:   BDO LLP Arcadia House Maritime Walk Ocean Village Southampton SO14 3TL * councilaudits@bdo.co.uk  
5. This announcement is made by Heather Bourner  

MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL

by heatherbourner

There will be a meeting of Monxton Parish Council at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 18th July 2023 at

Abbotts Ann Village Hall. All Councillors are requested to participate. Members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting alternatively they can email items for discussion to the Clerk, Heather Bourner

For further information please contact The Clerk

Heather Bourner

Clerk to Monxton Parish Council

Heather.bourner@googlemail.com

01264 773976

  1. Apologies for Absence Welcome and Apologies. 
  2. Declaration of Interests
  3. Members of the Public (Pre-booked slots if requested) 
  4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting – sign off & matters arising
  5. Reports:- 

Village Hall update

           Finance

           Environment & Footpaths

           Traffic

           Sunnyside

  • Planning
  1. Applications since previous meeting: – 23/01398/TREEN- coppice sycamore-Monks Foyle Cottage, Green Lane-no objections
  1. Applications to be considered- 23/01741/FULLN-demolish 7 replace garage-Old Hoyles, Abbots Ann Road

Confirmation of outcome from

  1. TVBC-23/00784/FULLN- remove old and replace solar panels-Hutchens Cottage, High Street-permission
  2. 23/00925/FULLN-replacement gates Monxton Manor-permission
  3. 23/00220/LBWN-regularise repairs and renovations to Coach House-Monxton Manor-permission
  • County and Borough Councillors’ Report
  • Correspondence
  • Date of Next Meeting- 7.30 pm on Tuesday 10th October 2023

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) Project.

by heatherbourner
There is good and bad news this month, but I will start with good news
The civil engineering work is just about been completed in Monxton and the whole area has been cabled up with fibre, most is live, but not all yet.
The on-going technical issue in Dunkirt Lane in Abbotts Ann appears to have been resolved and Openreach has informed me that Dunkirt lane should be live by the end of June which is the main area in central Abbotts Ann that needed to be completed.
Openreach has also stated that they expect ALL areas of our project to be live by the third week in July. Please remember this means live “Infrastructure to the nearest pole or manhole of every property” not to your property.
The bad news is that Openreach still lack the trained manpower to connect properties to the installed infrastructure in a timely manner.
The following are the key issues many householders have struggled with when upgrading to FTTP:-
  • Openreach not turning up on the pre-arranged date to install the connection.
  • Openreach doing a partial installation and the householder having to wait for another appointment for it to be completed.
  • Internet Service Provider not transferring the householder landline phone number.
  • Openreach installing their fibre modem in a different location than the router. This means the router has to be moved which causes the WI-Fi range to no longer cover the areas it previously did. A particular issue in the thick walls of many cottages in the village.
  • Openreach and Internet service providers show property available for FTTP upgrade, but when you try and upgrade by phone they say its not yet available.
If you are with BT and are having a problem, then do not accept the answer from the first responders of your phone call as they almost always cannot resolve your problem. If your problem is related to the transfer of your land line phone number, then ask to be put through to the “number porting” department who’s sole job is to transfer phone numbers. If it is any other problem get transferred to the “BT loyalty” department who appear more proactive in resolving issues.
To help understand the real progress that is being made I would please would ask that once you have had your FTTP connection installed and it is working correctly, then PLEASE HELP US BY REGISTERING HERE so we can get a true picture of the progress and understand if there were any problems encountered. It also means pressure can be put on Openreach where we have factual data.
Community Communication
It is important that EVERYONE can find information about what’s going on in our community and there are many resources available to you including:-
If you have any questions , then please send your question to broadband@abbottsann.com
Keith Saunders
Abbotts Ann FTTP Fibre Upgrade Project Team

Monxton Parish Council Minutes

by heatherbourner

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 09th May 2023, 7.30pm at Abbotts Ann Village Hall

Present: Cllr Mike Cleugh – Chairman             

               Cllr Cathy Barbone

               Cllr Rupert Staines

               Cllr Camilla Elwell

               TVBC Maureen Flood

               Heather Bourner – Parish Clerk                  

               2 Members of the Public

Apologies:

Apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Hugh Corroon.

1.WELCOME.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

Cllr Barbone nominated Cllr Cleugh to be Chairman for the forthcoming year. This was seconded by Cllr Elwell. All Agreed. Cllr Cleugh signed an acceptance of office form.

3. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN

Cllr Cleugh nominated Cllr Corroon to be Vice Chairman for the forthcoming year. He had submitted agreement to accepting this position in writing to the Clerk This was seconded by Cllr Barbone. All Agreed. Cllr Coroon will be asked to sign an acceptance of office form.

4. Acceptance of office, register of interest forms and GDPR declarations.

All Councillors were provided with the necessary forms for completion and return to the Clerk.

5. REVIEW and AGREE STANDING ORDER, FINANCIAL REGULATIONS & CODE of CONDUCT

All documents had been circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting. These were all based on NALC model documents and the Clerk confirmed no amendments had been published.

Cllr Cleugh proposed all documents were re adopted for 2022-23. This was seconded by Cllr Barbone. All agreed.

All Councillors agreed to adopt the General Power of Competence in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 S1-8

6.PUBLIC PARTICIPATION.

The planning advisor on behalf of the owners of the Black Swan in attendance confirmed they have just submitted Planning and LBC applications to TVBC to allow the owners of the Black Swan to stay for 1 year

(refs: 23/01104/FULLN and /01105/LBWN).

They further confirmed

Marketing of the pub started on 16/12/22. The property is genuinely for sale or rent, offers invited

with a guide price of £300k – or rent c £17k pm. Solicitors have issued a letter

confirming there is no overt or covert business agreement between the current and

former owners.

An Interim Marketing Report has been submitted to TVBC on 25/04/23.

The sales details confirm the owners are seeking pub, restaurant, similar hospitality or

community operators, but there have been no offers so far. There will be an Open Day at the pub for

potential operators, soon. The property is advertised in national hospitality press.

A Structural Report is due to be completed in June.

A Viability Report is also due in June.

A Request for Pre-Application Advice from Officers about what to do next is being submitted to TVBC along with Marketing, Heritage, Ecology and new Flood Risk Assessment Reports.

Cllr Cleugh asked what the rationale was behind submitting a further application given that two previous applications had failed. The planning advisor confirmed TVBC enforcement are reviewing the case and a further application helps with this process however while the process in underway enforcement could issue a notice at any point. The process of marketing a pub and how this links to a possible change of use was explained. The current owners are in the process of discussing the case in a pre-application which will inform how to proceed.

A discussion regarding the history of the sale of the pub and the deterioration of the building took place and further discussions about how things could move forward. The real concerns of the Parish Council are about the car park and village green which are no longer part of the pub estate, along with the deterioration of a grade 2 listed building in the centre of the village.

After some further discussions Cllr Stains suggested he attempt to have an open and honest conversation with the owner of the car park and Village Green to determine his intentions.

All Councillors will review the application in light of the further information and submit their comments to The Clerk to collate for onward transmission to TVBC by 23rd May 2023.

7.MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING

The Chairman agreed to sign the minutes of the previous meetings of 10th January 2022 as a true record. All agreed.

8.VILLAGE HALL REBUILD UPDATE

Cllr Cleugh reported Asbestos removal was completed in March 22 and the demolition of the hall completed in April 23.

The west and north wall remain for use in the new building subject to the final design and works on the new foundations. SSE have provided a new reduced quote for removing the current pole and laying new cable under the road. Quotes reflecting the various changes are awaited.

Accounts in respect of the demolition and rebuild had been circulated and were discussed. The Clerk reported the Village Hall has now been successfully registered with Land Registry.

The Clerk summarised the village hall management finance as below

Village Hall Bank Reconciliation

Held in Barclays account-

Current account £960.62

Savings account £35.72

Accounts for the year ended 30/04/2023 had been circulated and were reviewed. These were agreed and the Clerk will now submit the necessary Charity Return.

9.PLANNING.

Applications since previous meeting: –

  1. 23/00134/TREEN- tree works Abbotts Mead, Chalkpit Lane-no objections
  2. 23/00220/LBWN- structural works to coach house-Monxton Manor-no objections
  3. 23/00131/TREEN tree works, Red Gables, Monxton Road-no objections
  4. 23/00138/FULLN-erect garden shed, The Old Cottage, Abbotts Ann Road-no objections
  5. 23/00423/TREEN-tree works, Lilac Cottage, Andover Road, no objections
  6. 23/00599/TREEN- tree works, Monxton Manor, no objections
  7. 23/00925/FULLN-replacement gates Monxton Manor-no objections
  8. 23/00784/FULLN- remove old and replace solar panels-Hutchens Cottage, High Street-support

Applications to be considered

  1. 23/01104/FULLN-change of use Black Swan, High Street, Monxton- see public participation.

Confirmation of outcome from TVBC

  1. 22/03008/TREEN-tree work and adjacent Black Swan Car Park- no objection
  2. 22/03166/TREEN- tree works Brookside, Andover Road- no objection
  3. 2201178/TREEN- tree works, Meadow View, Abbots Ann Road-no objection
  4. 23/00134/TREEN- tree works Abbotts Mead, Chalkpit Lane-no objections
  5. 22/02006/FULLN- change of use, Black Swan-refused
  6. 23/00138/FULLN-erect garden shed, The Old Cottage, Abbotts Ann Road-permission
  7. 23/00423/TREEN-tree works, Lilac Cottage, Andover Road, no objections
  8. 23/00599/TREEN- tree works, Monxton Manor, no objections

10.SUNNYBANK & FOOTPATHS

Cllr Barbone had nothing to report regarding Sunnybank. She confirmed the lengthsman had now started to cut the green, areas around sunny bank and around the gates. He will strim the footpaths towards the end of May. He still needs to undertake the TVBC mandated 1 day course and awaits a date from HCC.

11.TRAFFIC MONITORING

There is currently no Councillor in charge of the machine which is currently located at Sunnybank. A local resident has contacted Kit Malthouse MP regarding speeding in the village.

12. ENVIRONMENT

Cllr Cleugh reported on the latest developments from Southern Water in relation to the ongoing works to address the drainage issues in Monxton & surrounding villages.

  • Re-lining work on sewers and private laterals has been suspended due to high ground water levels
  • Volunteers in Monxton are taking weekly measurements
  • Bi-weekly meetings continue to be held which now includes Abbotts Ann
  • Quarterly meeting held in April
  • No tankers in Monxton this year thanks to the previously successful relining work last summer
  • Work to re-line the sewers and private laterals will commence in Kimpton, Fyfield and Thruxton as soon as ground water levels drop

13.FINANCE

To note balance in Lloyds bank as at 08/05/23 £95374.08

Resolved: that the following payments be approved and transactions authorised

Payments to agree-

Clerks’ salary £133.52 per month and HMRC £33.20.52 payments by SO May, June, & July 2023

Payments to be made

Clerks’ expenses (Feb to April) £27.90

Shaun Rushton £180.00

Abbots Ann Hall Hire £96.00

Huttons Builders £32824.54

Accounts and audit return year ended 31st March 2023

Accounts for the year ended 31st March were discussed and agreed. The Audit return was reviewed. Section 1 was reviewed and agreed followed by section 2 which was also reviewed and agreed, both were signed by the Chairman. The internal audit was complete and all agreed the return should now be submitted.

14.BOROUGH & COUNTY COUNCILLOR REPORTS

HCC Chris Donnelly was not present

TVBC Councillor Maureen Flood confirmed both she and Susanne Hasselman were elected as Borough Councillors for Anna Ward at the recent elections. She confirmed there will be a full cabinet meeting shortly which will determine roles and responsibilities.

She also confirmed TVBC had made a further £2500 grant for a support worker to work at the Andover food bank.

15. CORRESPONDENCE

The Clerk highlighted a letter she had received from TVBC rates department regarding the demolition of the Village Hall

The Clerk reported an ongoing issue with flooding and blocked drains on Chalkpit Lane and Abbots Ann Road. She had been corresponding with a resident and asking HCC to assist with the problem. An agreement by HCC to carry out work by 31st March has not come to fruition. HCC Cllr Donnelly has been asked to investigate.

16.Items for next meeting

There were no items noted for the next agenda

17.CLOSE OF THE MEETING

The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.

18.DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 11th July 2023, 7.30pm Abbots Ann Village Hall

Vacancy Amport Almshouses

by heatherbourner

There is a vacancy for a new resident of the almshouses in Amport, close to the village green. Each resident has a single person property, owned by the Sheppard Almshouse Trust. To be eligible for this accommodation, you need to be in need, of good character and over 50 years of age. You should be an inhabitant of one of the Parishes of Amport, Monxton, Thruxton, Penton Grafton, Quarley, Grateley,  Abbotts Ann or Over Wallop. All enquiries please to sheppardstrust@gmail.com