Category Archives: Parish Council

Tree Works in the Monxton Conservation Area

by Monxton Matters

Residents are reminded that Test Valley Borough Council must have given their approval, in writing,  before any tree work is carried out within the Monxton Conservation Area.

For more information contact the TVBC Planning Department, at Beech Hurst on 01264-368000 and ask for the Tree Department.  Applications can also be completed and submitted online at planning@testvalley.gov.uk.

Parish Council Minutes – 12 April 2017 (AGM)

by Monxton Matters

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 12th April 2017 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 P Weston, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, David James NHW, Members of the Public – 10

Apologies: 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.

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

ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMAN
CHAIRMAN – Cllr J Balding proposed Cllr M Cleugh as Chairman, this was seconded by Cllr S Dowding. 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 P Weston. All agreed. Cllr S Dowding was elected Vice Chairman.

PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY
The Chairman reported that Peter Parfrey, councillor with the portfolio for Traffic and Highways, has resigned creating a vacancy on the Parish Council. Applications from villagers should be made to the Parish Clerk.

The Chairman wished to take the opportunity to thank Peter Parfrey for all that he has done during his time on the Parish Council.

FINANCIL REPORT FOR YEAR 1ST APRIL 2016 TO 31ST MARCH 2017
Results 2016/2017                                            Budget 2017/2018
INCOME
Opening Balance BF              = £4,232.74                       = £1,021.00
Precept                                = £5,700.00                       = £5,700.00
VAT Refund                          = £   875.97
Invoice Refund                     = £     10.20

=£10,818.91                     = £6,721.00

EXPENDITURE
Wages                                    = £2,400.00                    = £1,200.00
Insurance                                =   £384.78                    =    £400.00
Village Maintenance                 = £2,256.49                    = £2,150.00
Administration                         =   £256.00                    =     £250.00
Queen’s Birthday Celebrations   =   £500.00
Reserves                                 = £4,000.00                    =  £2,500.00

= £9,797.27                    = £6,500.00

Budget Surplus                      =    £1,021.62                     = £   221.00

= £10,818.91                    =£6,721.00

Reserves £4,000.00                                               Reserves £6,500.00

BLACK SWAN/CAR PARK/VILLAGE GREEN UPDATE
Black Swan – Summary

  • Community bid to purchase the pub as a freehold deemed not-viable as a community project
  • Report from a RICS surveyor confirmed the valuation was based on a sale for a development site not a pub
  • Renovations costs estimated at £150K with a purchase price of £210k plus VAT
  • Research showed the Monxton community met few of the critical success factors
  • Good news is that there is still the opportunity to purchase the village green using donations and MPC funds

 Black Swan – Critical Success Factors for a Community-Owned Pub

  • Community of +/-2000 required for optimum response
  • Limited or zero competition nearby
  • Local benefactor to act “swing financier”: e.g. “soft” loans
  • Good staff accommodation
  • Limited refurbishments required
  • Enthusiastic support from community
  • Ability to raise an average of £1,000/head (ranges of £500 through to £40,000)
  • Ability to pull together a team with following skills (or free access to these skills): Legal, Commercial, Pubs/hospitality, Financial, VAT, Communications/Marketing

Black Swan Car Park and Village Green.

  • Situation Summary
    • Enterprise Inns own the pub, car park and the village green
    • Enterprise Inns have several options as follows:
      • Sell all three assets 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
      • If they sell the pub, car park and village green as separate units or try to de-licence the pub, several 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’

Village Green History.

  • In 1973, a licence was signed between the Parish Council and Strongs 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.

  • Key points:
    • TVBC already has the village green registered as an Open Space under the Borough Plan
    • Village green registered as a Community Asset
    • Offer made last year to purchase green for £1 plus pay EI legal fees
    • If the assets are sold separately purchase the car park with MPC funds and grants/fund raising activities.

PLANNING APPLICATIONS 2016/2017

  • 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). MPC no objection.
  • Barn Cottage 16/00284/FULLN: Demolition of existing double garage and erection of a double garage and accommodation on a new 1st MPC objected and application withdrawn
  • Corner Cottage 16/01420/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. MPC No Objection. Planning permission granted. Site sold to local builder for house construction.
  • Andover Business Park 16/01512/OBLN: Modify the planning obligation associated with Planning Permission 09/02392/OUTN by removal of Part II of Schedule 6 regarding HCV Traffic Demand Management systems. This asks to remove the traffic restrictions and allow more than 85 HCVs/HGVs to leave the site in any one hour – a large lorry every 45 seconds. Objection.
  • Village Hall 16/01869/FULLN – Erection of side and rear single storey extension, raise roof over main auditorium and construct mezzanine floor, provision of disabled access ramp to frontage, installation of air source heat pump, prune overhanging trees and remove three trees. MPC supported this application. Planning permission granted
  • Notification of Committee – 16/01512/OBLN – Modify the planning obligation associated with Planning Permission 09/02392/OUTN by removal of part 11 of schedule 6 regarding HCV Traffic Demand Management systems – Andover Business Park. MPC objection. Ongoing

 PLANNING MATTERS

  • Issues with Nelsons lorries going through Monxton
    • No major feedback from villagers over last 6 months
    • EA have confirmed that they are pursuing Nelsons and Langdowns to take legal action
    • More news awaited…………….
    • Rumours are Nelsons and Langdowns have parted company
    • Raymond Brown lorries and others now coming through village

Alpine Update

  • Due to the failure to interest developers due to planning considerations Alpine looking to draw up an outline design for a housing scheme funded by themselves
  • This is a long-term plan and we can only trust that they are so successful they must move for their own commercial reasons

ENVIRONMENT
Pillhill Brook

  • Attended a Workshop on behalf of MPC organised by the Test & Itchen Partnership.  A project which aims to tackle changes in land management practices, pollution and other threats to the biodiversity of Hampshire’s unique chalk streams, including The Pillhill Brook, is being proposed by them.  It will endeavour to improve water quality and quantity, to protect and enhance Biodiversity and to educate Riparian owners on how they can preserve their sections of the rivers and not cause damage to the rivers by bad practices.

Southern Water

  • Attended a Southern Water Stakeholders Meeting on behalf of MPC.  Many topics were covered including securing reliable supplies of drinking water, planning for future growth and possible droughts in the future.  All properties in the Village are now on water meters.
  • The final piece of repair works included in SW’s IRP, consisting of repairs to the two sewer river crossings in the Village to protect them from the infiltration of groundwater and river water, have been completed and there have been no issues with the Pumping Station this winter.

Pond Area

  • HCC has completed the Pond clearance works involving de-silting the pond to increase capacity and to expose the existing pipe inlets into the pond, and repairs to the existing headwalls for the inlets.

Footpaths and Bridleways

  • MPC together with several other local parish councils, applied to join Hampshire County Council’s Lengthsman Scheme this year.  Each Parish receives £1000 per year from HCC, but at least 20% of the allocated money must be spent on footpaths. Part of the criteria is that one of the Lengthsman’s duties will be to cut the footpaths of each parish and Penton Mewsey PC has agreed to be the lead PC.  This scheme was due to start in April, but our group of 12 Parishes are still waiting for confirmation of funding, together with 40 other parishes in Hampshire. We hope to have confirmation from HCC in May.

TRAFFIC AND HIGHWAYS

  • Following several years of work and several meetings both on and off site, we have now achieved new signage, speed limit extensions, and `village gateways` at various strategic locations around Monxton.
  • MPC spoke against Goodmans application to remove the HCV cap at the Northern Area Planning Committee. The application was rejected at that meeting, but later allowed by TVBC`s Planning Control Committee.
  • MPC raised the issue of the long-term failure of the ANPR system with HCC, (and other traffic concerns) at a meeting in Winchester, and have recently `kept the pressure on` with a further meeting also attended by several councillors and officers both from TVBC and HCC, facilitated and supported by Zilliah Brooks.

VILLAGE HALL

Cllr S Dowding reported that the Village Hall now has Planning Permission (see above). The building work will now go out to tender and fund raising will now begin. The meeting was shown the drawings for the new hall.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Mr David James reported that there has been an increase in thefts from cars and scams in the area. Mr David James stated that it is now 4 years since he took over the position as Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator and that it was time to take a fresh look at the way things are done. This was briefly discussed.

WEBSITE AND COMMUNICATIONS
Website

  • Average of 2000 page views per month
  • 111,300 page views since 2013
  • 2016: 8,125 visitors & 23,827 page views
  • 2017 (to date): 2,390 visitors & 6,996 page views

Newsletter

  • 19 newsletters in last 12 months
  • 250 subscribers
  • Average of 69.8% open rate
  • Over 80% of residents on newsletter list (94% excl Sunnybank)

SUNNYBANK

  • Councillor – Pete Weston, since summer 2016
  • Play area – Closure due to mid-high H&S risk, work completed swiftly after contact with Sovereign
  • Public land – Query regarding ownership – HCC, TVBC and Aster
    • HCC (maintained by TVBC) – 6 times/year
    • TVBC – Approx every 2 weeks
    • Aster – Between themselves & contractor
  • Remaining issue of dog mess not being picked up on track adjacent to Sunnybank – please pick it up and use the bin

PLANS FOR 2017/18
Planning

  • Purchase village green and possibly car park
  • Continue to encourage Alpine Group too move

Environment & Footpaths

  • Employ a lengthsman for footpath maintenance
  • Village clean-up for spring and autumn
  • Bulb planting for autumn

Traffic & Highways

  • 30mph roundels to be painted on roads
  • Continue to monitor lorry movements through the village
  • Continuation of Community Speed Watch

Village Hall

  • Fund-raising for the building works

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

The speed watch scheme was raised and the need for more volunteers. Making the Village Pond more attractive was discussed and an offer of help to maintain the pond was received.

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

DATES FOR 2017 MEETINGS
12th July and 18th October

Monxton Spring Clean Sunday 7 May

by Monxton Matters

Sunday 7th May 2017
10am to 12 noon

It’s time for a Spring Clean in Monxton so let’s all get together and make our beautiful village look great for summer.

Meet at the Village Green at 10am and we shall provide rubbish bags, gloves and waste paper ‘grabbers’.

We also need:

  • buckets, sponges/cloths, scrubbing brushes for cleaning signs and/or benches
  • garden shears, hedge trimmers & secateurs
  • lots of willing volunteers

We are compiling a list of jobs to do, but if you have a particular job you’d like to do, or you think should be added then please email monxtonmatters@gmail.com

Jobs so far:

  • All sign posts cleaned
  • Litter picking
  • Hedge or verge trimming
  • Ivy cut from trees, bridge, walls etc
  • Village Hall exterior to be tidied
  • Village green area to be tidied by the electricity sub-station

Please let us know if you’re coming so we know many to cater for. In return for your efforts hot and cold drinks, and bacon butties will be provided for all helpers in the Village Hall from 12noon.

We would love to see as many people helping as possible, and children and families are most welcome.

THANK YOU!

 

Monxton Parish Councillor Vacancy

by Monxton Matters

MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL

CASUAL VACANCY FOR A COUNCILLOR

Notice given under Rule 5 of the of the Local Elections (Parishes and Communities) (England and Wales) Rules 2006

  • There is a vacancy on the Parish Council caused by the resignation of Peter Parfrey.
  • A by-election to fill the vacancy will be held if, not later than 9 May 2017, ten electors for the parish give notice in writing, claiming such an election be held, to the Returning Officer. If no such notice is given the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option
  • The address of the Returning Officer is:
    Test Valley Borough Council, Council Offices, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover, SP10 3AJ

Notice given this 19th day of April 2017

Richard Waterman

Clerk of the Parish Council

Should you be interested in joining Monxton Parish Council then please contact Richard Waterman on richard.waterman150@btinternet.com

Black Swan Update: Project Cancelled

by Monxton Matters

We regret to announce that the meeting tomorrow evening (Wednesday 22nd March)  has been cancelled. The team has reviewed the information received from the survey and from research &  investigations with other community pubs, the team has concluded that the project does not meet enough the key success criteria to be a viable project as a community-owned pub.

However, should an individual, or group of individuals, want to buy the pub, then there is enough evidence to suggest that the Black Swan could easily ‘fly’ again, especially as a free house. The team are very willing to share the red book valuation, our business plan and suggested forecasts. We would all be delighted if the Black Swan were to remain as a pub.

Critical Success Factors for a Community-Owned Pub

  • Community of +/-2000 required for optimum response
  • No or limited competition nearby
  • Local benefactor to act “swing financier”: eg “soft” loans
  • Good staff accommodation
  • Limited refurbishments required
  • Enthusiastic support from community
  • Ability to raise an average of £1,000/head (ranges of £500 through to £40,000)
  • Ability to pull together a Team with following skills (or free access to these skills): Legal, Commercial, Pubs/hospitality, Financial, VAT, Communications/Marketing

We would like to thank those people who donated money to the fighting fund, which we partially used to fund the ‘red book’ survey/valuation. If you would like the balance of your donation (approximately 50%) to be donated to the Village Green possible purchase, or Village Hall renovations please let us know. Otherwise the monies will be returned by cheque.

Monxton Parish Council will continue to try and purchase the village green on behalf of the parish, and potentially the car park, subject to costs and any conditions imposed by Enterprise Inns.

The team would like to thanks villagers for the support provided to date. If anyone wishes to discuss any aspect of the project please contact Sarah Dowding on sarah@classictravelling.com or Mike Cleugh at mikecleugh@hotmail.com

Black Swan Update Public Meeting 22nd March

by Monxton Matters

Whilst news appears to have been quiet on the Black Swan, a few local residents have still been working hard behind the scenes to work on a business proposal for the possible community purchase of the pub.

The moratorium period (triggered by Monxton Parish Council due to the pub being an Asset of Community Value) ends one month today – at 5pm on Wednesday 13th April 2017. If we are to put in an offer, we’d ideally like to do so before this date.

There will be a public meeting in the Village Hall at 8pm on Wednesday 22nd March 2017.

The current team will:

  • Present an overview of the business proposal
  • Ask for financial pledges for the project
  • Ask for help with the project – looking for committee members for the Community Benefit Society

IF there is not enough support for the proposed community purchase then we shall withdraw from making an offer and Enterprise Inns will be free to sell the Black Swan pub, car park and village green to whomever they wish, with the most likely outcome that both the pub and the car park will be redeveloped for housing.

At the very least Monxton Parish Council has offered, and will continue to offer, to purchase the village green for a nominal sum. However, it must be noted that this may or may not happen, and there is a possibility of the electricity sub-station being moved onto the village green before the transaction is completed.

SHOULD YOU WISH TO SAVE OUR SWAN THEN PLEASE COME TO THE MEETING AND/OR PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT.

For any information please contact Sarah Dowding on 710375 or sarah@classictravelling.com. Please let us know if you can attend the meeting.

Village Gateways

by Monxton Matters

After a long three and a half years since we first proposed village gateways, we now have a date for their installation. Works will be on 13th, 14th & 15th March 2017.

There will be gateways and new signs on all roads into Monxton village, apart from Amport Road, which will have just a new sign. There will also be extensions to the 30mph speed limit zone on both Broad Road and Green Lane.

Please click the links below to see the maps, sign and speed limit locations, and gateway and sign designs.

monxton-signing-and-gateway-design-plan-sheet-1-of-2

monxton-signing-and-gateway-design-plan-sheet-2-of-2

Parish Council Minutes – 18 January 2017

by Monxton Matters

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