Author Archives: Monxton Matters

April Parish Magazine

by Monxton Matters

The April edition has been printed but the safe distribution is not easy to achieve and stay within the Government guidelines regarding our movements at this time.

The boxes of magazines have been delivered and remained outside in a car-port for 48 hours thereby hopefully allowing any virus present to be destroyed: subsequent distribution cannot be safely achieved by asking distributors to hand deliver all copies…..so we have decided to place all copies in the bus shelter (Monday March 30th) alongside what was the Black Swan car park where individuals (ie those who have already paid the annual subscription fee)  can collect their own copy and get some exercise in doing so!

 

Coronavirus Support Network

by Monxton Matters

In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, we have set up a network of local volunteers to ensure that Monxton residents who are self-isolating can access practical and moral support where needed.
We can help with:
• Picking up urgent supplies e.g. from the chemist or Abbots Ann village shop
• Posting parcels
• A friendly phone call

So please see the leaflet here (Monxton Village Coronavirus Support ) which will arrive in your letterbox in the next day or so, plus a map of Monxton with “zones”, each of which will ideally be covered by 2 volunteers.


Monxton & Amport Village Hall – Update

by Monxton Matters

Over the last few years the Village Hall Committee have looked at and tried to drive forward various proposals to try and ensure we have the best possible community asset well into the 21st century.

Recent History

Over 4 years ago we canvassed villagers as to what you might want from a village hall.   The outcome of this was planning permission to renovate the current hall (16/01869/FULLN).  To finance this, you supported fundraising events and our project fund stands around £65,000.  Build costs for this renovation were estimated to be in the region of £350,000 with eligible grant funding of around £100,000. As a committee, we felt that trying to fundraise £200,00 might be a step too far.

Three years ago, the sale of the Black Swan pub in Monxton, including the car park and village green, presented us with a unique opportunity.  Following initial discussions with the new owners and TVBC, there existed a potential option to build a purpose-built village hall on the existing car park in conjunction with two small roadside cottages. Build costs for a new community hub were estimated to be in the region of £400,000 with eligible grant funding around £350,000+; new builds attract additional grants as part of TVBC’s drive to create community assets fit for the future.

This main fund is called CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) which was introduced in 2016. Currently, TVBC is holding CIL funds of approximately £1.2m and we are confident that our bid stands a very good chance of success. More information on CIL can be found here: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/planning-and-building/cil/bidding-for-cil-funds

As a community, you were again asked to provide feedback on the options available both on the online survey (July – Nov 18), paper surveys and various consultation events including a large stand at the Amport Village Fete in July 2018. The results for all of these shaped the proposals and design of the community hub which we gave to the developer.

In December 2018, this option was considered non-viable as the developer’s heads of agreement proposal proved to be too high risk. The village green would not be sold to MAVH / MPC and the proposal the developer suggested (build the hall first to their design and specification and then sell to us) would not meet CIL guidelines, so no funding would be available. Therefore, this option would no longer be viable.

In Jan 2019, a few keen members of the village undertook to see what could be done to refurbish the current hall within the budget of the existing funds. Using the results of all the previous surveys, they sought to design a refurbished hall within budget. In September 2019, they presented their suggestions to the VH Committee and, having received quotes for the work, all came in over budget and would not be eligible for CIL funding (as it’s not a newbuild or re-build). It was decided to put this option on hold.

In September 2019, the MAVH committee looked at a proposal to demolish current village hall, whilst keeping the foundations and services (water, sewage and electric) and on the current site build an oak framed building with windows on the south and front aspects and an entrance to be refashioned and glass-fronted. The design of the project would use all the information from previous surveys and as it would be a re-build, it would be eligible for CIL funding, an absolutely key element to any suggested project. It would have an air source heat pump and solar panels to ensure maximum eco credentials and low running costs.

The Future

Local architect, Luke Rose, has very kindly offered his services free of charge, in order to drive this forward and create a functional but aesthetically-pleasing building which uses the latest technology. (See proposed designs below)
Having delivered the first draft proposals to the Monxton Parish Council January meeting, with the chairman and members of Amport Parish Council invited to comment along with all locals in attendance, the architect has made some amendments and the planning application which will be submitted following the consultation. The internal layout will be firmed up in consultation with Monxton & Amport residents at a later stage.

Once we have obtained planning permission, we will look to apply for CIL funding for the proposal (April to June 2020), if successful (notified in December 2020) we then hope to start the build early in 2021.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support over this rather long process, but we are confident that we will soon be able to deliver to our villages, a community space that will meet your needs well into the 21st century.

There will be an open evening on Tuesday 25th February from 7.30pm to 9pm in the village hall. The architect, Luke Rose, will be in attendance to answer any questions, along with the Parish Council and Village Hall Committee. Please come along to find out more!

If you have any comments on the proposal, design or any other aspect, please do add your comments below in the ‘Have Your Say’ box. It is critical that we receive feedback (good and bad) from Monxton & Amport residents as this will be a key part of our bid for CIL funding.

Penny Kitson,
Chairman of Monxton and Amport Village Hall

Draft Designs

 

East Elevation – from the road. The yellow line shows the outline of the existing building.

South elevation – as viewed from the field. Glass windows and bi-fold doors maximise light and views.

North elevation – backing onto the wall of Bec House

West elevation – backing onto a wall and trees with Bec House

Proposed internal layout – this can be one large space, or split into two parts, depending on requirements. We are proposing a flexible, multi-use space.

 

 

 

Village Hall – a proposed new era?

by Monxton Matters

Over the last few years the Village Hall Committee have looked at and tried to drive forward various proposals to try and ensure we have the best possible community asset well into the 21st century.

Recent History

Over 4 years ago we canvassed villagers as to what you might want from a village hall.   The outcome of this was planning permission to renovate the current hall (16/01869/FULLN).  To finance this, you supported fundraising events and our project fund stands around £65,000.  Build costs for this renovation were estimated to be in the region of £350,000 with eligible grant funding of around £100,000. As a committee, we felt that trying to fundraise £200,00 might be a step too far.

Three years ago, the sale of the Black Swan pub in Monxton, including the car park and village green, presented us with a unique opportunity.  Following initial discussions with the new owners and TVBC, there existed a potential option to build a purpose-built village hall on the existing car park in conjunction with two small roadside cottages. Build costs for a new community hub were estimated to be in the region of £400,000 with eligible grant funding around £350,000+; new builds attract additional grants as part of TVBC’s drive to create community assets fit for the future.

This main fund is called CIL (Community Infrastructure Levy) which was introduced in 2016. Currently, TVBC is holding CIL funds of approximately £1.2m and we are confident that our bid stands a very good chance of success. More information on CIL can be found here: https://www.testvalley.gov.uk/planning-and-building/cil/bidding-for-cil-funds

As a community, you were again asked to provide feedback on the options available both on the online survey (July – Nov 18), paper surveys and various consultation events including a large stand at the Amport Village Fete in July 2018. The results for all of these shaped the proposals and design of the community hub which we gave to the developer.

In December 2018, this option was considered non-viable as the developer’s heads of agreement proposal proved to be too high risk. The village green would not be sold to MAVH / MPC and the proposal the developer suggested (build the hall first to their design and specification and then sell to us) would not meet CIL guidelines, so no funding would be available. Therefore, this option would no longer be viable.

In Jan 2019, a few keen members of the village undertook to see what could be done to refurbish the current hall within the budget of the existing funds. Using the results of all the previous surveys, they sought to design a refurbished hall within budget. In September 2019, they presented their suggestions to the VH Committee and, having received quotes for the work, all came in over budget and would not be eligible for CIL funding (as it’s not a newbuild or re-build). It was decided to put this option on hold.

In September 2019, the MAVH committee looked at a proposal to demolish current village hall, whilst keeping the foundations and services (water, sewage and electric) and on the current site build an oak framed building with windows on the south and front aspects and an entrance to be refashioned and glass-fronted. The design of the project would use all the information from previous surveys and as it would be a re-build, it would be eligible for CIL funding, an absolutely key element to any suggested project. It would have an air source heat pump and solar panels to ensure maximum eco credentials and low running costs.

The Future

Local architect, Luke Rose, has very kindly offered his services free of charge, in order to drive this forward and create a functional but aesthetically-pleasing building which uses the latest technology. (See proposed designs below)
Having delivered the first draft proposals to the Monxton Parish Council January meeting, with the chairman and members of Amport Parish Council invited to comment along with all locals in attendance, the architect has made some amendments and the planning application which will be submitted following the consultation. The internal layout will be firmed up in consultation with Monxton & Amport residents at a later stage.

Once we have obtained planning permission, we will look to apply for CIL funding for the proposal (April to June 2020), if successful (notified in December 2020) we then hope to start the build early in 2021.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support over this rather long process, but we are confident that we will soon be able to deliver to our villages, a community space that will meet your needs well into the 21st century.

There will be an open evening on Tuesday 25th February from 7.30pm to 9pm in the village hall. The architect, Luke Rose, will be in attendance to answer any questions, along with the Parish Council and Village Hall Committee. Please come along to find out more!

If you have any comments on the proposal, design or any other aspect, please do add your comments below in the ‘Have Your Say’ box. It is critical that we receive feedback (good and bad) from Monxton & Amport residents as this will be a key part of our bid for CIL funding.

Penny Kitson,
Chairman of Monxton and Amport Village Hall

Draft Designs

 

East Elevation – from the road. The yellow line shows the outline of the existing building.

South elevation – as viewed from the field. Glass windows and bi-fold doors maximise light and views.

North elevation – backing onto the wall of Bec House

West elevation – backing onto a wall and trees with Bec House

Proposed internal layout – this can be one large space, or split into two parts, depending on requirements. We are proposing a flexible, multi-use space.

 

 

 

 

 

Groundwater Levels

by Monxton Matters

To all who may be affected by rising groundwater levels and especially to those with cellars and basements.  This is for information only and there is no need for concern at the moment  

Villages Surrounding Andover

Groundwater is average for the time of year. The level has risen by 2.4 metres in the last month. It is just stabilising. It needs to rise by a further 6.6 metres before we would be concerned about flood impacts in the communities.

This message has been issued by the Environment Agency and
contains information on the groundwater situation in your area
This information is for Areas at risk of flooding from groundwater in Hampshire.

In the last 3 months, 155% of the long term average rain has fallen in Hampshire. Groundwater has risen in all communities. As the geographic distribution of the rain has differed across the county, sites are either below, at or above long term average for the time of year. The weather outlook over the next 10 days remains unsettled, with further rain, blustery winds and showers expected. Long term forecasting is difficult, but there is some indication that this winter could be wetter than average. The extent of groundwater flood impacts (if any) is now dependant on the weather over the next 5 months. However, with average rainfall throughout this time, it is not unrealistic to expect groundwater flooding in some communities this season. We will update this Briefing Note by Friday 17th January 2020.
The attached briefing note provides further information on the current groundwater situation and the forecast risk of flooding.  It also gives you advice on actions you can take.

Keep an eye on local water levels and weather conditions.  Visit the GOV.UK website for groundwater levels and flooding information.

·         Call Floodline on 0345 988 1188 for up-to-date flooding information.

Customer service line   03708 506 506    www.environment-agency.gov.uk    Incident hotline0800 80 70 60

Amport PTA Quiz: February 7th 2020

by Monxton Matters

Amport PTA Quiz Night – Friday 7th February

The annual Amport School PTA Quiz night is taking place on Friday 7th February in the Monxton Village Hall, from 7.30pm to 11pm.

Tickets are £12.50 and as always they include a delicious meal, a mind-puzzling and fun quiz and a great raffle. Plus there’s a pay bar all night.

You can either organise a table of 8 people, or we can help put one together for you.

A brilliant evening and school fundraiser, please book your tickets now by emailing annaduvoisin@gmail.com