Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 18th January 2017 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr P Weston, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, Members of the Public – 2
Apologies: Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chairman, Cllr J Balding, County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks and Borough Councillor Mr B Few Brown.
WELCOME: The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: There were no declarations of interest recorded.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: The state of some of the trees on the village green was raised. Concerns were raised about the safety of branches and a leaning tree, the trees have got so overgrown that they are now dominating the space.
This was discussed and it was agreed that the Parish Council will get quotes to carry out the work. A planning application will need to be submitted to TVBC as village green is within the conservation area.
The over grown and leaning willows trees on the Amport side of the river were also raised. The owner of these trees will be contacted. Cllr P Parfrey confirmed that many of the willow trees are leaning and offered to take pictures for evidence.
Cllr P Parfrey reported that there is an abundance of wildlife in this area of the river and expressed concerns that any work is carried out sympathetically with minimum disturbance to the wildlife. The Parish Council were pleased to hear about the wildlife and noted Cllr P Parfrey’s concerns.
Concerns were also raised about a large unsafe tree that could damage the bridge if it were to come down, The Chairman will speak to the property owner about this tree.
MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING: The Chairman signed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record. Proposed by Cllr P Parfrey and seconded by Cllr P Weston.
PLANNING
17/00043/OUTN – Outline – Erection of up to 61,369sqm of class B1C (light Industrial), B2 (General Industrial), B8 (Storage and Distribution) business park buildings, access, servicing, parking and landscaping; access not reserved – Plot 5 Andover Business Park, Pioneer Road, Andover.
The Parish Council will look at the plans in detail before making comment.
17/00030/TREEN – Fell to ground level – Leaning Cypress. Weeping willow – Reduce height to major fork and balance crown – Brookside, Monxton. NO OBJECTION.
ENVIRONMENT: Nothing to report.
TRAFFIC: CLLR P PARFREY
Cllr P Parfrey reported that the extension to the 30mph speed limits and the Village Gateways still ongoing.
Planning permission has been given for the removal of part 11 of schedule 6 regarding HCV Traffic Demand Management systems – Andover Business Park.
Cllr P Parfrey reported on the 6-day road closure on Green Lane from the 21st January 2017. Cllr P Parfrey has raised concerns with Highways about possible flooding because of any re-surfacing and the various blocked drains. Highways have taken note and will pay attention to these areas when carrying out the work.
VILLAGE GREEN: The Chairman reported that quotes to cut the village green are to be sort before the start of the next cutting season.
SUNNYBANK: Cllr P Weston
Cllr P Weston reported that everything is quiet at Sunnybank and had nothing to report.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH: Report from Mr David James
Rural Crime – Non-dwelling burglaries, thefts of cycles and thefts from parked cars are cause for concern.
Scams – Various scams are still doing the rounds.
Rogue Traders and Cold Callers – The ‘Nottingham Knockers’ were reported in the area over the Christmas period. Useful information and advice can be found on the Hampshire Police website: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/
FINANCE: Parish Clerk
Precept Discussion
Estimated Results 2016/2017 Budget 2017/2018
INCOME.
Opening Balance BF = £4,232.74 = £1,400.00
Precept = £5,700.00 = £5,700.00
VAT Refund = £ 963.00
=£10,895.74 = £7,100.00
EXPENDITURE
Wages = £2,400.00 = £1,200.00
Insurance = £384.78 = £400.00
Village Maintenance = £1,920.00 = £2,150.00
Administration = £256.00 = £250.00
Queen’s Birthday Celebrations = £500.00
Reserves = £4,000.00 = £2,500.00
= £9,460.78 = £6,500.00
Budget Surplus = £1,434.96 = £ 600.00
= £10,895.74 =£7,100.00
Reserves £4,000.00 Reserves £6,500.00
The Parish Council agreed that there was no need to increase the precept as the Councils reserves were at a good level. The Lengthsman Scheme starting in April 2017 will also reduce the amount of money spent on Village Maintenance.
The Monxton Precept for the financial year 2017/2018 was set at £5,700.
BLACK SWAN UP-DATE: The Chairman reported that a surveyor has been engaged to value the Black Swan and give advice on projected revenue of the business.
2017/2018 MEETINGS: The Parish Council are to reduce their meetings from 6 to 4 meetings a year. The Clerk suggested the following dates for the meetings and will check date availability for the village hall.
- 17th May 2017 – AGM
- 20th September 2017
- 17th January 2018
- 15th March 2018
CLOSE OF THE MEETING: The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.
DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING: 14th March 2017
Monxton Matters 