Category Archives: Parish Council

Monxton & Amport Village Hall – Update

by Monxton Matters

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

Recent History

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Future

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

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

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

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

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

Penny Kitson,
Chairman of Monxton and Amport Village Hall

Draft Designs

 

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

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

North elevation – backing onto the wall of Bec House

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

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

 

 

 

Village Hall – a proposed new era?

by Monxton Matters

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

Recent History

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Future

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

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

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

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

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

Penny Kitson,
Chairman of Monxton and Amport Village Hall

Draft Designs

 

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

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

North elevation – backing onto the wall of Bec House

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

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

 

 

 

 

 

Fly Tipping

by heatherbourner

 

Fly tipping Monxton

Fly tipping- photograph of a recent incident of fly tipping in Monxton on the Abbots Ann Road, if you saw a vehicle and have any details please contact the Parish Clerk heather.bourner@googlemail.com

Fly tipping poster

fly tipping fine poster

 

 

Parish Council Agenda 14/01/2020

by heatherbourner

MONXTON PARISH COUNCIL

There will be a meeting of Monxton Parish Council at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 14th January 2019, at Monxton Village Hall.

Heather Bourner

Clerk to Monxton Parish Council

Agenda 

 

  • Welcome and Apologies.  

 

  • Declaration of Interests & register of interest forms 

 

  • Members of the Public (Pre-booked slots if requested)  

 

  • Minutes of the Previous Meeting – sign off & matters arising 

 

  • Reports:- 
  • Village Hall
  • Planning
  • Finance & administration
  • Environment & Footpaths
  • Sunnybank
  • Traffic
  • HCC and TVBC reports (if provided) 

 

  • Correspondence

Dates for the next meeting 14th April 2020 

Close of the meeting

 

Parish Council Meeting 14th January 2020

by heatherbourner

The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 14th January 2020 when details will be given on proposals for the works to the Village Hall. Make a note in your diary and come along, 7.30pm start at Monxton & Amport Village Hall.

MPC Minutes October 29th 2019

by heatherbourner

Minutes of the Monxton Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 29th October 2019 in Monxton Village Hall at 7.30pm. 

Present: Cllr M Cleugh – Chairman, Cllr J Balding- Vice Chairman, Cllr Barbone, Cllr Bowden, Cllr Corroon, Heather Bourner – Parish Clerk, Test Valley Borough Councillors Mrs Maureen Flood, Hampshire County Councillor Mrs Z Brooks, Robert Hayes – footpaths representative, Members of the Public 14

Apologies: Apologies were received from Cllr P Weston & TVBC David Coole

WELCOME The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS There were no declarations of interest recorded.

RESIGNATION OF 1 COUNCILLOR & CO-OPTION 3 NEW COUNCILLORS
Three villagers had come forward to be considered for co-option to the Parish Council. Cllr Cleugh proposed Cathy Barbone be co-opted which was seconded by Cllr Balding, Cllr Cleugh also proposed Jim Bowden be co-opted which was again seconded by Cllr Balding and finally Cllr Cleugh proposed Hugh Corroon be co-opted which Cllr Balding seconded.

Cllr P Weston has resigned and was unwell so had sent his apologies for the meeting but had given written confirmation that he was happy to co-opt all three proposed. All three joined the Parish Council for the meeting.

Cllr Barbone will become the representative for Sunny bank and Cllr Bowden will take on responsibility for traffic management. Consideration will be given as to which area of responsibility should be given to Cllr Corroon.

Cllr Cleugh gave huge thanks to outgoing Cllr Pete Weston for the time he had spent as a Parish Councillor, in particular for all his work regarding traffic management which had been very successful.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION None

MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING The Chairman signed the minutes of the previous meeting of 9th July 2019 as a true record.

VILLAGE HALL UP-DATE

Richard Pearce reported on behalf of the team working on the project to renovate the village hall. He said they had approximately £60K funding available at present and had proceeded to have a plan drawn up by an architect. The plan includes new electrics & heating, renovated kitchen and toilet facilities, removal of the permanent stage, decorate throughout, and fit a completely new entrance to give more light. A scope of work has been drawn up and three builders have been approached to provide quotes. These will be scrutinised and in due course a proposal provided to the Parish Council on how to proceed. The plan does not propose any structural work and therefore no planning permission is required. It was confirmed that once quotes are received match funding grants can be considered. Work is unlikely to start before March 2020. In view of this, it was proposed that the oil tank keep being topped up to provide heating for the many bookings that were already held.

Richard confirmed the plan is by no means final and should be open to all villagers to consider but budget will always need to be considered. Tree work will be required but necessary applications will have to be made. Cllr Cleugh asked that for the next meeting some plans were provided that could be shared with all villagers including those from Amport to raise awareness and possibly fundraising. TVBC Mrs M Flood will talk to the TVBC CiL funding officer to see if any funds are available. It was proposed that the next meeting to discuss matters should take place at the end of November.

PLANNING

The following decisions by TVBC were noted: – None

Resolved: that the planning advisory committee’s approval on the following applications were endorsed:

19/01851/TREEN – tree works Brookside, Andover Road, Monxton- no objection

19/02314/TREEN- Corner Cottage, Amport Road, Fell 3 trees – no objection

19/02462/LWBN- various works to listed building, Little Cottage, Andover Road, Monxton – no objection (A new application for this building has just been submitted and will now be reviewed) 19/02380/TREEN- Land adjacent Field House Fell 2 x ash trees and 1 – Sycamore-no objection

Update on previous applications

19/01230/LBWN & 19/01229/FULLN

Application for change of use Old Black Swan to dwelling and application to build a new pub and two new houses on old Black Swan Car Park – Decision pending however TVBC planning department advised last week that they would be refusing the application shortly based on the feedback from the statutory consultees.

19/00296/OUTN Alpine planning application for 22 dwellings to replace the current B2 industrial site. Discussions are ongoing with the Environment Agency relating to the impact on the Solent water nitrogen neutrality and issues caused by sewage discharge.

FINANCE 

To note balance in Lloyds bank as at 07/10/19 £29297.78

Resolved: that the following payments be approved and cheques signed

Payments to be made

Clerks expenses                         £.43.73

HMRC                                         £52.20

ENVIRONMENT AND FOOTPATHS

Cllr Balding highlighted a letter of support she has sent to Hants Wildlife trust who wish to apply for lottery funding to improve Pillhill Brook.

Robert Hayes confirmed he has recently walked all the Monxton footpaths and not encountered problems. Cllr Balding said she had been made aware of some high hedges which cause issues for horse riders, however, as the paths are in Amport she will pass the information on.

SUNNYBANK

Cllr Barbone will take on responsibility for Sunnybank and will contact Cllr Weston regarding any ongoing issues.

TRAFFIC

Cllr Weston had produced reports from the data collected by the speed watch machine. The data was presented to the meeting and copies of the graphs are attached to these minutes. Cllr Cleugh asked that any suggestions on sign locations for the machine be passed to Cllr Bowden.

A question was posed about purchasing a second machine but it was felt that drivers might become complacent if a machine was permanent. A question was also asked if anything could be done to stop traffic knocking down bollards by the cottages on the Abbots Ann road. Cllr Cleugh said that large lorries were the offenders and he would contact the companies responsible.

Borough & County Councillor Reports

HCC Brooks reported that HCC are currently considering their budget and have been tasked with saving a further 80million. Each area is considering how to make savings including children’s services, social care and public libraries. There will be staff cuts but mostly by natural wastage management.

She asked that the Parish Council check salt bins now for any repairs required and if new salt is needed. 

TVBC Mrs Maureen Flood said work has started to improve Andover town centre, lots of pop up shops are opening, some temporary repairs are being made to lifts in the Chantry centre and leaf clearance work has started. The consultation regarding regeneration is on-going.

Correspondence None

CLOSE OF THE MEETING

The Chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting.

DATE OF THE NEXT MEETING 

The next meeting will be on Tuesday 14th January 2020, 7.30pm at Monxton Village Hall.

Minutes draft Oct 19

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monxton Parish Council Agenda

by heatherbourner

There will be a meeting of Monxton Parish Council at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 29th October 2019, at Monxton Village Hall.

Heather Bourner

Clerk to Monxton Parish Council

Agenda

Welcome and Apologies. 

Declaration of Interests & register of interest forms

Resignation of 1 councillor and co-option of 3 new councillors

Members of the Public (Pre-booked slots if requested)

Minutes of the Previous Meeting – sign off & matters arising

Reports:-

      1. Village Hall
      2. Planning
      3. Finance & Administration
      4. Environment & Footpaths
      5. Sunnybank
      6. Traffic
      7. HCC and TVBC reports (if provided)

                       

Correspondence

Dates for the next meeting 14th January 2020

 Close of the meeting

 

Join the Parish Council

by Monxton Matters

URGENT!

Monxton Parish Council needs at least one new councillor, and ideally three new councillors, in order to continue. Sadly Pete Weston has had to resign due to work commitments, and with only two parish councillors remaining it is no longer a quorate, and cannot legally function.

So please volunteer for this interesting and worthwhile role in your community. No experience necessary.

Please contact either Mike Cleugh, Parish Council Chair or Heather Bourner, Parish Clerk.

Black Swan Planning Application

by Monxton Matters

If you have already objected to the Black Swan planning application 19/01229/FULLN then please also advise TVBC that you also object to the related planning application 19/01230/LBWN by simply emailing Emma Jones the case office at TVBC (ejones@testvalley.gov.uk) to that effect.

In addition, if you have not already commented either to support or object, please do so as soon as possible, while the application is still under consideration and before the TVBC planning committee meeting expected at the end of August.

This includes ALL the Monxton and Amport villagers and not just the immediate High Street, if you wish to have the Black Swan back as a pub and the village green kept in the current state and not reduced in size with trees cut down by the developer.