Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Monday 18^th January 2016 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chairman, Cllr J Balding, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr D Bateman, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks, Members of the Public – 8
Apologies: Borough Councillor Mr Ben Few-Brown.

WELCOME – The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr M Cleugh declared an interest in the Planning Application 15/02913/FULLN.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The Clerk reported that he had not received any request to address the meeting.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Chairman signed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record.

PLANNING
15/02913/FULLN – Erection of a single dwelling and detached double garage; with associated parking, turning, landscaping, private amenity space and the creation of a new vehicular access point – Land at Corner Cottage, Amport Road, Monxton.

The Parish Council had NO OBJECTION in principle but commented on the height and the size of the proposed development. Cllr M Cleugh made no comment.

FOX FARM – The Chairman reported that TVBC have completed their survey. The Environment Agency investigation into the operation at Fox Farm is on-going.

THE ALPINE GROUP – Trevor Barry from the Alpine Group has been in correspondence with the Chairman.

Since the original discussions of the possibility of the group getting development at Manor Farm and raising enough capital to enable a move to new premises, they have drawn a number of disappointing blanks, an incredible amount of time in pursuing this possibility as well as running up costs of over £20 thousand pounds of very much needed capital to keep the business running. The Group are on the back end of an extremely tough recession and business has been very hard due to direct dealing with the construction industry.

The group have got to the point of not wanting to invest any more money into the possibility of relocation and must focus money and efforts in keeping the company going and providing jobs and income for the many families that are employed.

However the group are going to try another avenue. Meetings with a couple of planning companies to see who have the best creative ideas of how many and where to best place houses on the site, once a decision had been made on who to go with we will get them to draw up a scheme that can be presented to the planning office. The group hope to have something complete by May/June time.

TRAFFIC – Cllr S Dowding
Following a recent accident in the area of the pond it is planned to install additional bollards around the pond and a scheme of native planting to enhance the area and help soak up water. It was noted that recently the pond has had water in it, due to the clearing of drainage channels the level has been constant, hopefully putting to bed the concerns of the pond overflowing. It was noted that the water in the pond has now drained away naturally.

Cllr S Dowding has been in contact again with Mandy Ware about the Traffic Regulation Order to reduce and extend the speed limit and has again been informed that there is a delay. There is also a delay for the village gateways.

There will be no Speed Watch carried out during January as the Police are not processing the data. It is hoped to increase the numbers of volunteers for the Speed Watch Scheme in the village to increase the amount of times the equipment can be used.

Cllr Mrs Z Brooks stated that she has requested the statistics for the HGV movements for the Co-op site.

ENVIRONMENT – Cllr J Balding
FLOODING – Ground water levels are constantly monitored and are still low according to the readings taken in January 2016. At present there are no Flood warnings for Monxton. Southern Water are to carry out work in Monxton, CCTV footage has identified 83 repairs that are needed to the sewage system, and this work should be completed by the end of March 2016.

Mr A Drage reported that there is still a problem with surface water flooding in the High Street after rainfall due to a soakaway being blocked, this has been reported to Highways and has been a problem for over 12 months. Highways need to clear the blockage and keep it maintained.

It was noted that the water in the weir is flowing freely into the river bed.

FOOTPATHS – The broken stile at Manor Farm has been reported again (5 times now) and has still not been repaired.

SUNNYBANK – Cllr D Bateman
The problem with motorcycles and cars using the byway has got worse since the last meeting. This has been reported to the Police.

There is also a problem with the position of the recently erected road mirror, this has been reported to Highways.

FINANCE – Parish Clerk
ACCOUNTS – 1^st April 2015 – 18^th January 2016
INCOME
Opening Balance BF              = £5,293.92
Precept                                = £5,200.00
Police Grant                          = £1,000.00
Defibrillator Grant                 = £1,381.75

=£12,875.67

EXPENDITURE
Wages                                 = £2,000.00
Insurance                              = £410.44
Play Ground Inspection           =   £65.40
Village Maintenance              = £1,395.00
Dog Bins                               =   £130.08
Speed Watch Scheme            =   £767.87
Administration                      =   £117.80
Chairman’s Expenses             =    £68.77
Defibrillator                         = £1,658.10
Rubbish Bin                          =   £452.14

= £7,065.60

BALANCE IN BANK       = £5,810.07
VAT to be Claimed £527.37

2016/2017 PRECEPT
The 2016/2017 Precept was discussed, The Parish Council all agreed to increase the precept by £500 to assist with Village Maintenance. The Monxton Parish Council Precept for the year 2016/2017 was set at £5,700.

CLLR MRS Z BROOKS
Cllr Mrs Z Brooks reported that she has organised a meeting with all the Parishes in her Ward and Hampshire County Council Highways Officers for the 9^th April 2016 at the Fairground Hall, Weyhill. Chairman and Vice Chairman will be invited and a working lunch will be provided. Cllr Mrs Z Brooks will confirm times nearer the date.

A.O.B.
Cllr D Bateman spoke about a petition to Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to introduce an Accident and Emergency Department locally at Andover War Memorial Hospital. Andover War Memorial Hospital has a “Minor Injuries Unit” which offers next to no support for any injuries that really need immediate attention.

CLOSE OF THE MEETING
The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.

DATES FOR THE 2016 MEETINGS
16^th March
18^th May – AGM
20^th July
21^st September
16^th November

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Monday 16^th March 2016 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.45pm.

Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chairman, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr D Bateman, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, Borough Councillor Mr Ben Few-Brown, Members of the Public – 5
Apologies: County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks.

 WELCOME –The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
Cllr M Cleugh declared an interest in the Planning Application 15/02913/FULLN.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
The Clerk reported that he had not received any request to address the meeting.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The Chairman signed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record.

PLANNING

• Corner Cottage 15/02913/FULLN – erection of a 4 bed Thatched cottage in the rear garden. Objections – various neighbours – on the basis of height, traffic and being overlooked.

Monxton Parish Council commented re Height vs neighbours.

• Meadow View 16/00434/LBWN – construction of a double garage.

Monxton Parish Council had no objections.

• Barn Cottage – 16/00284/FULLN – erection of a double garage with ancillary accommodation over.

Monxton Parish Council strongly objected on the height and size of the new building in relation to the size in comparison to the curtilage, size of the existing dwelling and the proximity to the High Street.

The Chairman invited a neighbour of the site to speak. Concerns were raised about the demolition of an old cob wall that has not been mentioned in the planning application. It was also pointed out that the neighbour’s garden is 3 foot higher.

The Chairman asked Cllr Mr Ben Few-Brown to bring this application to committee and not let it be determined by the Planning Officer.

• Pillhill Lodge 16/00482/FULLN – An extension to the garage to link with the main dwelling; removal of garage door and replace with timber glazing.

Monxton Parish Council had no objections.

The Chairman gave an up-date on the Alpine Group at Manor Farm, who are still looking for an alternative site. A summary of recent communication from Trevor Barry, Corporate Managing Director, Alpine Group was given. The Chairman and Cllr Mr B Few-Brown will make contact and suggest another meeting with Trevor Barry for an up-date.

The Chairman reported that over the last 2 months there have been no issues raised by villagers about the Nelson Lorries going through Monxton.

ENVIRONMENT – Cllr J Balding

Statement from Mike James SW Water:
I said I would keep you updated with the repair work at Monxton Wastewater Pumping Station but, before doing so, please let me apologise for the inconvenience caused by the fleet of tankers in the village during the weekend – up to 13 at the peak of activity although we were able to relieve the congestion by directing some of these to take their loads from Furzedown Lane Pumping Station in Amport.

The work described to you on Friday was completed on Sunday, after some delay in sourcing appropriate piping which necessitated equipment being specially manufactured overnight while Southern Water staff continued to work overnight on site. There were also difficulties in exposing the rising main when groundwater levels are high, resulting in the pit we were digging in the field filling with water which had to be pumped away while we worked. However, we are now successfully over pumping from the wet well into the rising main to maintain levels in the well which gives relief to homes in Monxton. This arrangement will continue until all repairs have been completed. I should repeat that this problem has been caused by an equipment failure – not a groundwater issue.

As previously reported, we shall make good any damage caused by tankers and will re-instate the field as soon as possible. Again, thanks to Mr Hayward for the allowing access to our equipment via his field.

Mr Adrian Drage spoke at length about two major incidents that have occurred during recent months and the effect flooding has had on properties in Chalkpit Lane. It was felt that a long term solution and not yet been found and Southern Water need to address this. It was suggested that Southern Water are invited to a Parish Council meeting to give an up-date on their proposals for Monxton.

It was noted that the majority of the road drains in the village are blocked or silted up, hence surface water ends up in the lowest part of the village at the junction of the High Street and Chalkpit Lane, often causing surface water flooding after rainfall. This needs addressing by Hampshire County Council Highways.

TRAFFIC – Cllr S Dowding

SPEEDWATCH – More volunteers are needed to enable the scheme to operate at different times of the day. A request for volunteers will be in the Village News.

There have been several incidents of damage to parked cars in the High Street by large vehicles. It was also noted that the majority of the verges in the village have also been damaged by large vehicles.

GATEWAYS – After a site meeting with Highways the positions of the gateways has been agreed, a map showing the positions of the gateways will be put on the web site.

The Chairman stated that he was disappointed that he has not received any communication from Cllr Mrs Z Brooks regarding the request for the statistics for the HGV movements for the Co-op site.

Cllr Mrs Z Brooks stated that she has requested the statistics for the HGV movements for the Co-op site.

VILLAGE HALL – Cllr S Dowding
The Architects plans will now go for planning permission, tenders will be sort from builders and fund raising will begin in earnest. It is hoped that the project will start in the summer of 2017.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – Mr David James

• Rural Crime
• Burglaries and thefts from non-dwelling buildings continue to cause most problems. Many of these are opportunistic but there is a clear trend in planned crimes. Here in Monxton at the end of last year there were two thefts of construction equipment from a building site that can only have been planned in advance.
• Scams Presentation
• A presentation was given prior to the Parish Council meeting on 18^thJanuary by Cathy Bonter our local PCSO. It covered telephone and computer scams and also doorstep crime.
• Neighbourhood Watch Meeting
• The next half yearly NW coordinators’ meeting is on 6^thApril when further information is promised on cyber and internet crime. This is a useful forum where local police officers meet with neighbourhood watch representatives to discuss matters of local concern

FINANCE – Parish Clerk
ACCOUNTS – 1^st April 2015 – 16^th March 2016
INCOME
Opening Balance BF              = £8,293.92
Precept                                = £5,200.00
Police Grant                          = £1,000.00
Defibrillator Grant                 = £1,381.75
=£15,875.67

EXPENDITURE
Wages                                 = £2,000.00
Insurance                              = £410.44
Play Ground Inspection           =   £65.40
Village Maintenance              = £1,395.00
Dog Bins                               =   £130.08
Speed Watch Scheme            =   £767.87
Administration                      =   £117.80
Chairman’s Expenses             =    £68.77 (web site hosting)
Defibrillator                         = £1,658.10
Rubbish Bin                          =   £452.14

= £11,550.72

BALANCE IN BANK       = £4,324.95
VAT to be Claimed £527.37

SUNNYBANK – Cllr D Bateman
Cllr D Bateman stated that he was surprised to find out that the Parish Council are responsible for the maintenance of the Play Area. The Play Area is not well used and could do with up-dating, possibly something for the future.

Damage has been caused to one of the pinch points by a large vehicle, this has been reported to Highways who have been on site and carried out an unsatisfactory repair. The state of the verge from Sunnybank to the Red Post Bridge is in a poor state of repair.

The monitoring equipment to record vehicle movements from the Co Op site does not appear to be working. Cllr Mr B Few-Brown will mention this at TVBC.

CLLR MR B FEW-BROWN
Cllr Mr Ben Few Brown had nothing to report from TVBC.

CLOSE OF THE MEETING – The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.

DATES FOR THE 2016 MEETINGS
18^th May – AGM
20^th July
21^st September
16^th November

Minutes of the Annual Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 18^th May 2016 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chair, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr J Balding, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks, Members of the Public – 12
Apologies: Borough Councillor Mr B Few Brown.

WELCOME – The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN – Cllr S Dowding proposed Cllr M Cleugh as Chairman, this was seconded by Cllr J Balding. There were no other nominations. All agreed. Cllr M Cleugh was elected Chairman.

VICE CHAIRMAN – Cllr J Balding proposed Cllr S Dowding as Vice Chairman, this was seconded by Cllr M Cleugh. There were no other nominations. All agreed. Cllr S Dowding was elected Vice Chairman.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS –There were no declarations of interest recorded.

PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY
The Chairman was sorry to report that due to health reasons Cllr Mr D Bateman has resigned. The Chairman wished to thank David Bateman for all that he did during his time on the Parish Council. The Parish Council can now co-opt to fill the vacancy. Anyone interested in joining the Parish Council should contact the Parish Clerk.

FINANCE
The Clerk produced the end of year accounts for the year 1^st April 2015 to 31^st March 2016. Each item was explained. The Clerk reported that the accounts have been audited by Paul Reynolds the internal Auditor. The Parish Council agreed to adopt the accounts and the Chairman signed off the Audit Form. The Accounts will now be sent to District Audit.

Cheques issued in May 2016
N W Adams                         Playground Inspection                      £65.40
Aon Ltd                               Insurance                                     £384.78
CPRE                                  Subscription                                    £36.00

FINANCIAL RISK ASSESSMENT
The Clerk reported that he has carried out the annual financial risk assessment and that the following procedures are in place.

• Three quotes are sort for any project over £500.
• Cheques are presented for signature and recorded in the minutes.
• Two signatories are required.
• No petty cash is held.
• Any money received is banked as soon a practically possible.
• Bank Statements are available at each meeting if a Councillor wished to view them.
• The Precept is discussed at the November/December meeting and a budget forecast statement is produced by the Clerk.
• Insurance Valuations are checked each year and adjusted for new acquisitions.

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – The Chairman signed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record.

BLACK SWAN/CAR PARK/VILLAGE GREEN UPDATE
Situation Summary

• Enterprise Inns own the Pub, Car Park and the Village Green
• Enterprise Inns have several options as follows:
  • Install a new manager and continue business as usual
  • Sell all three assets as a whole as a free house.
  • Sell the Pub, Car Park and Village Green separately
  • De-licence the Pub and then sell off the assets to developers

• In the event that they sell the Pub, Car Park and Village Green as separate units or try to de-licence the Pub a number of scenarios will involve TVBC.
• TVBC will not support any de-licencing of the pub
• TVBC will not support any development on the car park as this will be a back door to de-licence the pub
• TVBC will not support development of the village green as this is a designated Open space

The Chairman reported that he has written to the CEO of Enterprise Inns enquiring of their intentions for the Black Swan and Car Park. The Parish Council are in the process of registering the Village Green and the Car Park as a Community Asset.

Kit Malthouse MP has been lobbied and has said he will give his support.

VILLAGE GREEN HISTORY
In 1973 a licence was signed between the Parish Council and Strong Brewery Co of Romsey Ltd granting the use of the land to provide amenity space for the benefit of the inhabitants of Monxton.

The right to clear the land of shrubs and trees and to lay lawns and flowerbeds and to erect park benches and seats on the land.

The Parish Council agreed to maintain the land and to arrange for public liability insurance.

The licence has been sent to a solicitor to review with a view to understanding our options.

PROTECTING THE VILLAGE GREEN AND CAR PARK
Three potential defence mechanisms:

• TVBC already has the Village Green registered as an Open Space under the Borough Plan.
• Registering the Village Green & Car Park as Community Assets in process.
• HCC have a scheme to register the land owned by Enterprise Inns as a Village Green under Section 15 of the Commons Act 2006. Under investigation and will have legal costs to be considered.

ASSETS OF COMMUNITY VALUE
The consequence of listing land or buildings as Assets of Community was explained.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS 2015/2016
* Oakcutts, Old Stockbridge Road, Middle Wallop – Application for lawful development certificate.
* The Black Swan, Monxton – installation of externally illuminated and no illuminated signage and lights to the exterior of the building.
* Corner Cottage, Amport Road, Monxton – Erection of dwelling, detached double garage and construction of vehicular access.
* Garden Cottage, Chalkpit Lane, Monxton – Crown reduction Beech Tree.
* Pillhill Lodge, Green Lane, Monxton – An extension to the garage to link with the main dwelling; removal of garage door and replace with timber glazing.
* Beechurst, Green Lane, Monxton – Demolition of existing garage and erection of replacement double garage incorporating first floor home office.
* Jevvon, Andover Road, Monxton – Erection of detached double garage and garden store with studio over.
* Abbotts Mead, Chalkpit Lane, Monxton – Removal of existing boot room and the erection of ground floor extension to provide study and reception room and first floor extensions to provide bedroom, ensuite and dressing room with associated internal and external works; and erection of replacement 3 bay garage.
* The Black Swan Car Park – Fell Ash and Norway Spruce.
* Middle Orchard, Green Lane, Monxton – Reduce to 2m and prune back to the boundary on the roadside, overgrown Beech Hedge.
* Monxton Manor – Crown raise Plum by up to 3m. Remove middle stem of one Sycamore. Fell 2 Sycamore.
* Andover Business Park – Modify park 1V Schedule 6 of the planning obligation associated with 09/02392/OUTN to remove cars accessing Plot 1 via Monxton Road from the current regime of restrictions.
* Abbots Mead, Chalkpit Lane, Monxton – Silver Birch – crown reduction 30%. Conifer – Fell. Cherry – crown reduction 30%. Acer – Crown reduction 30%. Silver Birch – crown reduction 30%. Beech – Fell. Silver Birch – Fell.
* Meadow View, Monxton – Construction of double garage.
* Barn Cottage – Erection of double garage with ancillary accommodation over.

CURRENT PLANNING APPLICATIONS

• Meadow View 16/00434/LBWN: Demolition of single garage & construction of a double garage. MPC no objection.
• Pill Hill Lodge 16/00482/FULLN: An extension to the garage to link with the main dwelling; removal of garage door and replace with timber glazing (amended description & plans)
• Barn Cottage 16/00284/FULLN: Demolition of existing double garage and erection of a double garage and accommodation on a new 1^st

MPC objection
Corner Cottage 15/02913/FULLN: Erection of a 4 bed thatched cottage in the rear garden
Objections (various neighbours) on the basis of height, traffic and being overlooked. MPC commented re height vs neighbours. Arboriculture investigation in progress

 ALPINE UPDATE
Work has proceeded to draw up an outline design for a housing scheme working with a planning company to draw up a new scheme.

TVBC has met with the developers outside of the paid for process to review the feasibility of the plan prior to them incurring any expense. Still looking for a site to offload some of the heavy steelwork

ISSUES WITH NELSON LORRIES GOING THROUGH MONXTON
There have been no feedback from villagers over the last 2 months. The Environment Agency have confirmed that they are no currently taking legal proceedings.

ENVIRONMENT – Cllr J Balding   

• HCC
  • The Monxton Flood Advisory Committee had a meeting with the Assistant Highway Manager from HCC on 5th May, with regard to clearing the blocked drains and gullies in the village.
  • Some initial work by their gully cleaning contractor has now been carried out.  These include clearing the gullies outside Monxton Mill, those in Chalkpit Lane and Green Lane.
  • Longer term issues which need addressing with are in the pipeline!
• Southern Water
  • Further to a meeting of the Monxton Flood Advisory Committee and SW representatives, they have confirmed that their IRP has not yet been approved by the EA. The EA responded to Southern Water recently with some feedback which is in the process of being reviewed.
  • Once it has been approved, both parties will be invited to present it to a Parish Council meeting.
• Tree Applications
  • 16/00869/TREEN –  Abbotts Mead, Chalkpit Lane, Monxton Objection to two parts of this application – Permission granted by TVBC
  • 16/01142/TREEN – Kingsbrook, High Street, Monxton
  • T1 Yew – Fell  – No Objection
• Footpaths & Bridleways
  • The footpaths are due to be cut once a month during the summer months.
  • The broken stile on Footpath 5, which has been reported to the landowner and to HCC, has still not been repaired.
  • Hook Lane Bridleway has become overgrown again.  Amport PC are aware

 TRAFFIC – CLLR S DOWDING

• The Community Speed watch needs more volunteers to expand the scheme to various times of the day. Of the sessions undertaken 90% were under 35mph; 9% 37 – 42mph and 1 van at 50mph.
• Large vehicles are causing damage to the village verges and property.
• The Village Gateways are due to be installed late 2016. A Traffic Regulation Order is in progress.
• Lorries visiting the co-op site are still coming through the village due to bad signage and Sat Nav directions.

Cllr J Balding and Cllr P Parfrey spoke about a Highways meeting they had attended on the 29^th April 2016. The issue of HGV’s travelling through Monxton was raised and the meeting was told that the number plate recognition cameras on the barred routes have not been working for over a year.

Cllr Mrs Z Brooks stated that she has raised this with the HCC Chief Executive and promised that she would have answers within a month. Cllr Mrs Z Brooks stated that she will also have statistics for the fines levied.

Cllr P Parfrey will take over the Highways portfolio from Cllr S Dowding.

VILLAGE HALL – CLLR S DOWDING

• Following the questionnaire sent out to the village a second set of improved plans have been drawn up and an Architect appointed.
• Planning Permission and tenders from contractors will now be tackled.
• Fund Raising is underway and Grants will be applied for.
• Works are currently planned for the summer of 2017.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – MR DAVID JAMES

• Burglaries and thefts from non-dwelling buildings continue to cause most problems. Here in Monxton at the end of last month a horse box trailer was stolen from a yard in Broad Road.
• At the half yearly NW coordinators meeting in April presentations were given by the Police on cyber and internet crime and on fire safety by Hampshire Fire and rescue. The fire safety presentation was summarised in May’ Parish News.
• Cybercrime concerns criminal activities carried out using computers and other computerised devices and is one of the most significant criminal threats to the UK. In 2015 there were 4.3 million reported cybercrimes in the UK. More than half the victims suffered a financial loss and of that number only 62% were fully reimbursed. 1 in 3 fraud victims were over 65.

QUEENS 90^TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
There is a joint celebration party organised for Saturday 11^th June 2016. A banner is to go up and there will be a leaflet drop around the village. Tickets are now on sale. It promises to be a good event.

CLOSE OF THE MEETING – The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – A change of date from previously advertised – Wednesday 13^th July 2016 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm