Category Archives: Parish Council

Monxton Parish Council Meeting – Wednesday 18 January 2017

by Monxton Matters

MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL NOTICE OF PARISH MEETING

THE MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING IS TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 18th JANUARY 2017
IN THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM.
Everyone is welcome to attend

AGENDA

  1. Welcome and Apologies
  2. Declaration of Interests.
  3. Members of the Public (Pre-booked slots if requested)
  4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting sign that they are correct
  5. Planning
  6. Reports:
    Environment & Footpaths
    Traffic
    Neighbourhood Watch
    Sunnybank
    Financial Report – 2017/2018 Precept
  1. Black Swan/Village Green up-date.
  2. HCC and TVBC reports (if provided)
  3. Correspondence
  4. Close of the meeting

Dates for 2017/18 meetings to be set

 

Andover Business Park: HCV Cap Removal

by Monxton Matters

Removal of HCV Cap at Andover ‘Business’ Park

APPLICATION NO: 16/01512/OBLN
APPLICANT: Goodman Real Estate (UK) Ltd
PROPOSAL: 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
SITE: Andover Business Park, Monxton Road, Andover

Pete Parfrey, as a representative of Monxton Parish Council, attended a meeting of the Northern Area Planning Committee at TVBC Beechurst offices on 17th November where the application by Goodmans to remove the limit of 85 HCVs per hour was heard and considered.

It was interesting to hear Goodmans state that the current figure is only 41 HCVs per hour, and that their projections show they will not reach the 85 limit, despite building ever larger distribution, units requiring many heavy vehicle movements, such as the new ‘Angle 340’. The following statement is taken from their website today, “Global integrated property group, Goodman, can confirm work is underway on a state-of- the-art 336,300 sq ft industrial distribution unit at Andover Business Park”

They stated that they needed to remove the cap because of the way they had (over) allocated HCV slots in their leases, for instance, The Chalkhill Blue had been allocated 7 slots when they only needed one.

There were a large number of well-considered written objections from several local Parish Councils, including Monxton, and a representative from Abbots Ann spoke strongly against the motion. Monxton Parish Council also spoke against the motion. However, a representative from Goodmans dismissed the Parish Councils and residents statements as “not understanding” the application.

The objections were well supported by a number of local councillors, and the great majority of those who spoke were strongly against removing the cap. These councillors pointed out that, in order to secure the original planning permission,Goodmans had freely entered into an agreement with TVBC and thus agreed to the original restrictions.

It is worth noting that Highways England and HCC based their lack of objection solely on figures relating to the strategic highways network, and the only reference to local impact was to say that local villages are protected by the ANPR system. Pete Parfrey was one of a number of those present who pointed out that any system which is out of operation for over a year and a half in order to carry out repairs, cannot be regarded as a reliable or effective safeguard. There is also a lack of transparency, in that the system appears to rely on those who stand to be penalised to implement it.

The application was duly defeated, at which point the planning officer stated that this was both a technical and legal issue, and that councillors had to provide robust evidence that the cap was “serving a useful purpose”. She also, rather worryingly, stated that Goodmans had received planning permission for a “warehouse development”.

This is very different to the original application, which was for for a “Mixed Business Park”, with some warehousing, as illustrated in the Goodmans promotional video shown to councillors by planning officers at that original hearing.

Understandably, the councillors pointed out that they were not legal experts, giving TVBC the opportunity, once more, to refer the matter to TVBC’s Planning Control committee.

This is a re-run of the process which allowed the original application, which was also rejected locally , to be passed at a later date by Planning Control.

There is a very strong feeling locally that relaxing this condition would mark the beginning of a ‘slippery slope’, and seriously undermine trust and confidence in the planning system. What is the point of fighting for and agreeing restrictions, only to see them subsequently removed? If we are to have any influence on the outcome of this, and further applications, (which may well already be in the pipeline), we will need a co-ordinated show of force and support from affected local villages.

The next meeting is at 5.30pm on 20 December in Conference Room 1, Council Offices, Beech Hurst, Weyhill Road, Andover. The meeting is open to the public.

The agenda for the meeting, which includes the officers’ report for this application, will be available from 1.00pm at Customer Services, Romsey 5 clear working days before the meeting, or Customer Services at the Beech Hurst offices in Andover.  Additionally a copy of the agenda is available for viewing on the Council’s website (www.testvalley.gov.uk/view-applications).  Any update report will be available from 5.00pm on the day of the meeting at the committee.

Please speak up and make your voice heard. Get in touch with Pete Parfrey to do so by email (prparfrey@gmail.com) or phone 01264 710516.

 

 

Parish Council Minutes – 16 November 2016

by Monxton Matters

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 16th November 2016 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr P Weston, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, David James NHW, Members of the Public – 1

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.

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

ENVIRONMENT – CLLR J BALDING
SOUTHERN WATER
Cllr J Balding attended a Southern Water Stakeholders on behalf of MPC in October.  Many topics were covered including securing reliable supplies of drinking water, planning for future growth and possible droughts in the future.

FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS
MPC together with a number of other local parish councils, have applied to join the Lengthsman Scheme for 2017/2018 provided by Hampshire County Council.  Each Parish will receive £1,000 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. This is due to start on 1st April 2017 and Penton Mewsey PC has agreed to be the lead PC.

The stile on Footpath 6 is broken again.  We will look in to the possibility of replacing it with a kissing gate.

TRAFFIC – CLLR P PARFREY
Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr S Coke (Amport PC) and County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks met with HCC Highways Officers Stuart Morton and Ben Clifton at the HCC Offices, Winchester on 26th September 2016.

Mr Morton explained that the Hundred Acre Roundabout was ‘over engineered’ at the time of the original development, and that the forecast figures from Goodmans in the new application were acceptable’ and within the design capacity of the roundabout.

We were also informed that the vehicle cap related to the number of vehicles leaving the site, and that no account was taken of the impact of any increased flow on the ‘substandard junction’, (described as such by Highways England to Sir George Young), at the entrance to the roundabout.

There followed some discussion about the ‘real world difference’ between the figures and how poorly the system works in practice.

There are separate cameras around the site, independent of the ANPR system which were used for the application data. The ANPR cameras are now actually functioning and are waiting to be linked to Goodmans system on site. This should be very soon.

We raised once again the poor signage and the unclear instructions given to drivers, and Mr Morton said he would look at that issue for us.

Width restriction—Mr Morton said that if we emailed him re the lack of enforcement, he would take it up. Cllr P Parfrey have since done this, and it has ended up with Ray Alborough, who has indicated that he does not really think there is a problem.

Cllr P Parfrey reported that the extension to the 30mph speed limits is ongoing.

PLANNING
NOTIFICATION OF COMMITTEE  – 17TH November 2016
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.

Cllr P Parfrey reported that a paper has been put together objecting to this application and a 3 minute slot has been booked to speak at the planning meeting.

Alpine Group
The Chairman reported that the Alpine Group are not answering emails and that he intends to pay a visit to the Alpine Group.

VILLAGE GREEN
The Chairman reported that an offer for the Village Green was submitted to Enterprise Inns and it has been rejected on this occasion. An interest in purchasing the Black Swan has been registered.

SUNNYBANK – Report submitted by Cllr P Weston
Cllr P Weston reported that there is an issue with an over grown hedge at one of the properties. It has been noted that there is an increase in dog fouling on the footpaths.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – Mr David James
Rural Crime
Non-dwelling burglaries and thefts of plant and equipment and more recently horse boxes are still the main cause for concern.

Scams
Telephone scams continue to be a problem, including bogus calls from banks and the police. These are now getting increased coverage in the national news. Most recent was a case of bogus “heir hunters” who conned a significant amount of money up front with a promise of a legacy.

Rogue Traders and Cold Callers
An item on this subject appeared in October’s Parish News and the problem does not go away. Useful information and advice can be found on the Hampshire Police website: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/

FINANCE – Parish Clerk
ACCOUNTS – 1st April 2016 – 16th November 2016

INCOME.
Opening Balance BF              = £4,232.74
Precept                                = £5,700.00
=£9,932.74

EXPENDITURE
Wages                                    = £1,600.00
Insurance                                 =  £384.78
Village Maintenance                 = £1,620.00
Administration                         =   £156.00
Queen’s Birthday Celebrations     = £500.00
= £4,260.78

BALANCE IN BANK       =  £5,671.96

PRECEPT
The Chairman stated that the Parish Council intend to increase the precept to allow for more maintenance in the Parish. The Parish Council also intend to reduce the number of Parish Council meetings to 4 in the next financial year. The Clerk has agreed to take a cut in wages to reflect the reduced meetings. This will be proposed at the January meeting.

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

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING
18th January 2017

Monxton Parish Profile

by Monxton Matters

Interested to see information on Monxton and the surrounding villages?

For the past few months TVBC have been working to create a set of Ward and Parish profiles for Test Valley. Ward profiles have been developed for each of the 24 ward areas in Test Valley. Additionally, parish profiles have been developed for the borough’s parishes. The profiles aim to provide consistent information about local communities across the borough. It is hoped that these profiles will allow a greater understanding of your local area and help to identify priorities for the community.

‘Ward’ is a term used by the Council and other public sector bodies to define an area represented by one or more Borough Councillors. These Councillors have been elected by the people who live in that ward to represent their views. A parish is represented by a number of Parish Councillors, and is usually smaller than a ward.

The profiles for Monxton, Amport, Grateley and Quarley are now online, alongside the Amport Ward profile. The ward of Amport covers 3,382 hectares on the western edge of Test Valley. The ward is rural with housing focused in the six main settlements of Amport, East Cholderton, Grateley, Monxton, Quarley and part of Weyhill.

Click this link to see the Ward Profile and also each parish profile:
http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/resident/communityandleisure/workingwithcommunities/mylocalarea/amport/amport-ward-profile/

There is also a 2016 Test Valley profile for the borough as a whole:
http://www.testvalley.gov.uk/aboutyourcouncil/corporatedirection/about-test-valley-the-facts-and-figures/boroughprofile/

 

Black Swan Car Park – update

by Monxton Matters

Monxton Parish Council has received a notice this week from TVBC, which confirms that the Asset of Community Value application for the Black Swan Car Park, has been successfully appealed by Enterprise Inns, which has been upheld. This means the Car Park is no longer an ACV.

Monxton Parish Council has no intention of counter appealing as the car park is part of the Black Swan package currently for sale, and as such it makes no difference in the short term.

Enterprise Inns have advised that they have tolerated the use of the car park by residents and others as an act o goodwill and that there is no right to entry. They have confirmed that signs prohibiting use of the car park by non-patrons of the Black Swan will be re-erected together with a barrier and prohibition will be enforced.

In the event that the pub is purchased for development it will almost certainly be the case that the car park will see a planning application for a new property. However, in the event that Monxton Community group, with the support of villagers, succeeds in buying the pub plus the car park and the village green, it will be at the discretion of the new Black Swan management as to whether villagers are allowed to park going forward, as has been the case in the recent past.

 

Black Swan updates

by Monxton Matters

Monxton Parish Council are pleased to announce that formal confirmation has been received that the Black Swan pub has now been registered as an Asset of Community Value (ACV). This extends the time for the village to raise the funds required to purchase the pub to the 13th April 2017, with a further protected period to 13th April 2018. This will prevent the property being sold to another party during this period.

It is hoped that the community  will be able to acquire the Black Swan to safe guard its position as Monxton’s only pub. There has been great support from Monxton, Amport, Abbotts Ann and further afield and £10,000 has now been raised for the fighting fund.

The Monxton Community committee met on the 19th October at the village hall and are progressing well with the various work streams. The committee is now in the process of developing the business plan and will be organising a village meeting in the coming weeks to present the business case and plans for the pub. Check the Monxton Matters Black Swan web pages for news or sign up for the newsletters.

Please let us have your views as usual either via the Comments section below or to monxtonmatters@gmail.com.

Parish Council Minutes – 21 September 2016

by Monxton Matters

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 21st September 2016 in the Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr S Dowding – Vice Chairman, Cllr P Parfrey, Cllr J Balding, Richard Waterman – Parish Clerk, County Councillor Mrs Z Brook, Members of the Public – 1

Apologies: Cllr P Weston 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 – Cllr S Dowding signed the minutes of the previous meeting as a true record.

PLANNING
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 Support this application.

The Chairman gave an up-date on previous planning applications.

  • 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.
    • Application passed by TVBC but no recent activity – possible access issues to the site from the track.
  • Barn Cottage 16/00284/FULLN: Demolition of existing double garage and erection of a double garage & accommodation
    • MPC objection
    • Application withdrawn
  • Issues with Nelsons lorries going through Monxton
    • No major feedback from villagers over last 3 months
    • It was reported that Nelsons have been using the Grateley Route to enter Fox Farm.

Alpine Group
The Chairman reported that he had no up-date from the Alpine Group despite several requests. It was reported that there has been an increase in large lorries visiting the Alpine Group, there have been reports of damage to hedging in Chalk Pit Lane and an increase in cars visiting the site. The Chairman stated that he will pay a visit to the Alpine Group.

BLACK SWAN – Cllr M Cleugh
The pub has been successfully listed as Assets of Community Value. A recent Village Meeting to discuss the possibility of purchasing the Black Swan as a Community Pub was well attended. Support for the project was overwhelming.

Cllr S Dowding proposed that Monxton Parish Council appoint Steve Oxley of Wilson Solicitors of Salisbury to do the work related to the ACV’s on the Car Park and Village Green. This was seconded by Cllr M Cleugh. All agreed.

The Parish Council agreed to open a second bank account to enable the collection of donations towards the legal costs.

Mr David James wished to thank Cllr M Cleugh and Cllr S Dowding on behalf of the village for the work they have done on the Black Swan, Car Park and Village Green.

ENVIRONMENT – Cllr J Balding
Southern Water

  • Infiltration Reduction Plan
  • The EA has approved the IRP subject to four further items of information being supplied. The further information which the EA has requested will be submitted to them at a progress meeting this month.

The Environment Agency

  • The EA has basically agreed with what Southern water proposed to change to the IRP.  Southern Water need to amend the plan to a final version which can then be published.
  • Water industry study of national water resource availability
  • This assesses England’s long term water needs and the options available for meeting them.
  • Some key findings were that:
  • Droughts will be more frequent and more severe than previously experienced – with the South East of England particularly at risk
  • Taking gradual action now will reduce the risk for future generations and greater resilience could be provided at a relatively modest cost of about £4 per household per year
  • Southern Water reports that they have already taken steps to increase the resilience of our water supplies including:
  • Undertaking a universal metering programme with customers now using, on average, 16% less water/day
  • Proactively tackling leakage in the system

Footpaths & Bridleways

  • A tree has come down partially blocking Hook Lane Bridleway.  This has been reported to Amport Parish Council.

TRAFFIC – Cllr P Parfrey
Speed Watch: Unfortunately there have been no further sessions with the speed watch equipment. The possibility of using the equipment at a deterrent in other areas of the village will be looked into.

Traffic Regulation Order (TRO): A site meeting with Highways to discuss the speed limit extensions & village gateways was very productive, several changes were agreed to the scheme for Monxton and it was agreed that there will be an additional gateway. Unfortunately due to further consultation for the changes, implementation will be delayed until the spring of 2017.

Cllr S Dowding voiced her dismay that the project is to be delayed again, if implemented in the Spring it is nearly four years since the project was first discussed.

ANPR Cameras
Cllr P Parfrey reported that a meeting has been arranged to discuss the ANPR Cameras with Hampshire County Council Officers. Cllr Z Brooks confirmed that she will also be attending. It was noted that the Cameras are still not working.

Cllr Mrs Z Brooks was asked if she could investigate who signed off the proposed project for a footpath/cycle way from Weyhill to the Fyfield/Appleshaw junction. Cllr Mrs Z Brooks confirmed that she would.

SUNNYBANK – Report submitted by Cllr P Weston
The Play Area is now repaired. I am pleased to say it did not take too long to sort out, it was just a shame that it ran into the summer holidays so it was out of action over the time. I am now in direct contact with Sean Craig of Sovereign Housing so we have direct contact for any further issues.

Cllr P Weston has received correspondence on the matter of responsibilities for   maintenance of the communal areas of Sunnybank.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH – Mr David James
Vehicle Crime

  • Police reports of thefts from motor vehicles and thefts of motor bikes and mopeds in the Gosport area together with advice on security were posted on Monxton Matters.

Rogue Traders and Cold Callers

  • Several instances of cold callers trying to sell goods door to door in Monxton were reported to me at the same time as a Police alert was issued. An alert regarding rogue traders, particularly selling gardening services was issued by the Police and posted on Monxton Matters. An item on this subject will appear in next month’s Parish News.

Scams

  • Telephone scams continue to be a problem, including bogus calls from banks and the police. These are now getting increased coverage in the national news.

FINANCE – Parish Clerk
ACCOUNTS – 1st April 2016 – 21st September 2016
INCOME
Opening Balance BF              = £4,232.74
Precept                                = £5,700.00

=£9,932.74

EXPENDITURE
Wages                                    = £1,200.00
Insurance                               =    £384.78
Village Maintenance                 = £1,380.00
Administration                         =   £156.00
Queen’s Birthday Celebrations     = £500.00

= £3,620.78

BALANCE IN BANK       =  £6,311.96

AUDIT
The Clerk reported that Audit have signed off the Accounts for the Year 2015/2016 and have not raised any issues.

VILLAGE MAINTENANCE COSTS FOR 2017
The Parish Council discussed Village Maintenance for 2017. Clive Hutchinson has provided a quote for 2017. Cllr J Balding will get quotes from other contractors for the village maintenance so that best value can be obtained.

The Parish Clerk reported that he is meeting with HCC in October to discuss the forming of a Lengthmans Scheme with neighbouring parishes.

WEB SITE – CLLR S DOWDING
An up-date on visitor numbers was given – 97,114 visits to date.

CLLR MRS Z BROOKS
Cllr Mrs Z Brooks briefly spoke about HCC and Devolution and again made the comment that with the recent changes in Government this may not happen.

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

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING – 16th November 2016 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Cllr S Dowding gave her apologies for the next meeting.

Monxton Parish Council Meeting – 21 September

by Monxton Matters

 MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL
 NOTICE OF PARISH MEETING

THE MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING IS

TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 2016

 IN THE VILLAGE HALL AT 7.30PM

                                         AGENDA

  1. Welcome and Apologies
  2. Declaration of Interests.
  3. Members of the Public (Pre-booked slots if requested)
  4. Minutes of the Previous Meeting sign that they are correct
  5. Planning
  6. Reports:-
  •                 Environment & Footpaths
  •                 Traffic
  •                 Neighbourhood Watch
  •                 Monxton Web Site
  •                 Sunnybank
  •                 Financial Report
  1. Black Swan/Village Green up-date
  2. Village Maintenance – Cutting programme for 2017
  3. HCC and TVBC reports (if provided)
  4. Correspondence
  5. Close of the meeting

Date for next meeting 16th November

Parish Council Minutes – 18 January 2016

by Monxton Matters

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Monday 18th 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 – 1st April 2015 – 18th 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 9th 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
16th March
18th May – AGM
20th July
21st September
16th November

Parish Council Minutes – 16 March 2016

by Monxton Matters

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Monday 16th 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 18thJanuary 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 6thApril 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 – 1st April 2015 – 16th 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
18th May – AGM
20th July
21st September
16th November