Minutes of the meeting of Westwood Parish Council held in the Parish Rooms, Westwood at 7.30 pm on Monday 6 February 2012
Present
Cllr. A Parker Chairman
Cllr. T Biles.
Cllr. J Bishop
Cllr. G Edwards
Cllr. S Harding (Part-time)
Cllr. J Johnston
Cllr. R Howard-Evans
Cllr. I Richardson
Mr. R Coleman Clerk
PC Martin Barrett attended (Part-time).
There was one member of the public present (Part-time).
1. Welcome and Introductions.
The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.
2. Apologies.
Apologies for non-attendance were received from Parish Councillor. S Higgs and from Wiltshire Councillor L Conley.
3. Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 9 January 2012.
The minutes of this meeting were signed as a true and accurate record.
4. Adjournment.
In the absence of any members of the public, the meeting continued without an adjournment.
5. Westwood Road Safety.
a. Cllr. Richardson stated that the proposed schedule of road safety improvements had been published in the Westwood Update and the first action is for repairs to be made to the carriageways – especially at Lower Westwood. He commented that two additional metro-counts are to take place at each of the four sites following the installation of the virtual pavement and following the later addition of further signage in order to give a sound statistical basis for judging the effectiveness of the various safety measures.
Cllr. Richardson reported that the recent site survey with David Thomas (Wiltshire Council) was particularly productive and a provisionally agreed list of additional safety measures was produced, all of which represented low cost /quick fixes and able to be financed from the increased CATG/Wiltshire Council Budget of £25,000. He added that the reason for a number of existing road signs, such as the weight restriction signs, was historical and when the Traffic Orders were published to confirm the 20 mph limit – assuming that this was the final decision – then all existing signage would be reviewed and any changes included within the order.
Cllr. Richardson concluded his report by stating that the next CATG meeting is to be held on 5 March and it would be very helpful to review the list agreed with David Thomas before then to enable the CATG to endorse the proposals.
Cllr. Harding expressed concern that one or two of the 20 mph signs at Upper Westwood were badly positioned. Cllr. Richardson replied that he was aware of this, especially in relation to the signs at Chestnut Grove and that they will be improved as part of the road safety programme.
b. Councillors noted and generally supported the proposed road/pedestrian safety measures detailed in the report of the site visit tabled by Cllr. Richardson.
Cllr. Harding commented that a decision had been made by the Parish Council at a previous meeting not to have a pavement at the Iford end of the village but, instead, to create a footway on the existing grass verge. This view was supported by other councillors. Cllr. Richardson noted this for future reference.
c. The Council resolved that no additional ‘dropped kerbs’ were required in the village.
d. Cllr. Richardson and the Clerk commented that a recent consultation request in relation to ‘waiting restrictions’ had given the Parish Council inadequate time to respond and that to impose such tight and unrealistic timescales was totally unreasonable. The Clerk commented that the argument presented by Wiltshire Council that a Parish Newsletter had been the ‘authority’ for requesting comments from the Parish Council was specious. He stated that the Parish Newsletter is simply a source of information and cannot be considered a formal communication with a Parish Council – a view that Cllr. Richardson stated was fully supported by the Trowbridge Council Town Clerk. Cllr. Richardson added that formal communications, especially those involving either statutory or voluntary consultation with Parish Councils, must be by means of a formal letter addressed to the Clerk. This would also apply to comments made at the CATG, even if minuted, where local support and action is required. He continued that the issue is compounded by demands made for answers in short timeframes (by the service provider) when compared to requests made by or responses to letters from Parish Councils (the customer) which are often late, even after several reminders from the Clerk.
The Council resolved that the Clerk writes a letter of complaint to Wiltshire Council and pointing out that the Parish Council will respond to consultation requests at an appropriate time based on its meeting schedule.
The Council confirmed that it had no comments to make in respect of the ‘waiting restriction’ consultation.
6. Neighbourhood Policing.
a. PC Barrett reported that there was little to report except for a break-in at Iford Manor where power tools had been taken from an outbuilding. He added that a spate of thefts from insecure cars had occurred in a nearby parish and he reminded everyone to properly secure their vehicles when leaving them unattended.
Cllr. Harding reported that the manager of the Nursery School had commented to him that a taxi driver was regularly driving at a high speed in the vicinity of Chestnut Grove. In reply to a question from Cllr. Harding, PC Barrett confirmed that he was currently unable to issue Fixed Penalty Notices for motorists exceeding 20 mph, but it was possible that there may be changes to this policy.
Cllr. Bishop stated that PCSO Huntley had been given details of a suspicious vehicle seen in Lyefield Lane. PC Barrett said that he was aware of this but the vehicle and occupants were lawfully employed.
There were no other matters reported.
7. Bradford on Avon Community Area Board.
a. The Clerk stated that he had not yet received a reply from the Area Board Chairman to the Council’s invitation to address the Parish Council on the role of the Area Board. The invitation to the ‘Local Knowledge – Local Action’ event that had been extended to the Chairman and others was noted and addressed under Agenda item 10.
b. Cllr. Biles reported that the Olympic Torch was travelling through Bradford on Avon on 22 May and there was a general expectation by the Community Area Board that nearby villages would organise and participate in a series of celebratory events. He added that there also appeared to be an expectation that inter-village competitions and other events would take place between the Olympic Torch relay and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
Cllr. Biles stated that he had resigned from the Grants Committee that was formed to vet Community Area Grant applications because the recommendations of the Grants Committee were regularly ignored by the Community Area Board and he considered that many of the grant applications subsequently granted did not merit consideration. He added that other members of the committee had also resigned for the same reason.
8. Sub-Committees - Sub-Committee Reports.
a. The Council noted the status of extant planning applications thus:
W/11/02028/FUL Elms Cross/Westwood Agricultural Building Permission
W/11/02757/TCA 1 Chestnut Grove Fell Cypress Tree No TPO
W/11/02742/LBC 48 Lower Westwood Replace Garden Room Pending
W/11/02923/OUT Hudd’s Farm, Equestrian worker’s dwelling Withdrawn
W/11/02924/FUL Hudd’s Farm, Stationing of mobile home Withdrawn
W/11/03304/FUL 9 Chestnut Grove Single Storey Extension Pending
b. The Council resolved to send comments to Wiltshire Council on the following planning applications as shown in italics:
W/11/03311/FUL 2 Staples Hill. Rear Conservatory NEW
The Council resolved that it had no comment on this application.
W/11/03314/FUL Well House Garden Room/Alterations NEW
The Council resolved that it objected to this application because it was an inappropriate development for a Listed Building.
W/11/03315/LBC Well House. Garden Room/Alterations NEW
The Council resolved that it objected to this application because it was an inappropriate development for a Listed Building.
W/11/03318/CLE Magdalen Farm. Cert. of Lawfulness NEW
The Council resolved that it had no comment on this application.
W/11/03319/FUL Magdalen Farm. Temp. Worker’s Dwelling NEW
The Council resolved that it supported this planning application.
W/12/00064/FUL 37 Lower Westwood. Rear Extension NEW
The Council resolved that it had no objection to this application.
c. There were no planning applications received after 30 January 2012.
d. Cllr. Bishop stated that he had researched the background to Neighbourhood Plans and how they
are to be developed and approved and he gave a short presentation on his findings. The Clerk stated that he had received a reply from Wiltshire Council (Jane Scott) to the letter from the Parish Council seeking more information on Neighbourhood Plans. He read out the main points of the letter to the Council and commented that the best opportunity to learn more about Neighbourhood Plans would be at one of the ‘informal meetings’ to be held by Wiltshire Council alluded to in Jane Scott’s letter.
Councillors queried the purpose and value of such plans, especially if they are to be subjected to such a tortuous approval regime and argued that many of the proposals to be contained with a plan are already addressed by the Parish Council on a regular basis.
e. There were no other planning matters.
Cemetery.
a. There was nothing to report from the Cemetery Sub-Committee. The Clerk stated that he had approved an application for an additional inscription on a memorial and that the appropriate fee had been paid.
b. The Clerk stated that he had no more information regarding the Closed Churchyard/Cemetery.
Finance.
a. The Clerk reported the current financial position – details of which are appended to these minutes.
b. The Council resolved that the tender for the grass cutting from S&J Grounds Ltd be accepted. It was agreed that the offer of additional cuts would not be taken up.
c. The Council resolved to make the payments shown under ‘Payments to be authorised’ above.
Open Spaces.
a. Cllrs Harding and Edwards confirmed that there was little to report and that some six or seven fencing slats remain missing from the Play Area fence.
Cllr. Biles confirmed that Neville Day had undertaken an inspection of the trees in Westwood Park and had submitted a report. Cllr. Biles summarised the report for the Council, following which the Council resolved to invite Mr Day to provide a quotation for undertaking the work
Cllr. Johnston commented that the tree in Westwood Park that had been cut was in a generally poor condition. It was agreed that Mr Day should include this tree in his schedule of work and Cllr. Edwards offered to remove the existing cut branches from the park. It was also agreed that Mr Cooke be asked to remove the cut branches and other arisings from the rear of the Social Club that resulted from the action taken recently by Cllr. Johnston to clear an obstruction.
b. There was nothing to report in respect of the Play Equipment inspection for January. The Council noted the revised quotation of £450 from Playforce for laying new mat at the entrance of the Play Area.
Environment.
a. Cllr. Richardson reported on behalf of the Environmental Sub-Committee. He stated that he had been contacted by a representative from Climate Friendly Bradford. He added that he had advised the representative to write to the Clerk.
Cllr. Biles commented that a parishioner had raised the subject of the ditches running down Lyefield Lane and that he had learned from the Clerk that it would be a mammoth task to clear them, even though it was generally agreed that, if cleared, they may alleviate some of the flooding on the Lower Westwood road. Cllrs. Howard-Evans and Richardson each commented on their very poor overgrown condition and it was agreed that the first step would be to ascertain who owns the ditches. The Clerk was asked to contact Wiltshire Council for information.
Councillors reported that the Grit Bin at Staples Hill had been badly damaged and required replacing.
b. Cllr. Edwards reported that the Parish Steward had been requested to undertake a number of tasks on his earlier visit, although he could not confirm that they had been completed. He commented that on his second visit in January he was asked to fill some deep potholes and Cllr. Johnston stated that she had seen him undertaking this task.
Footpaths.
Cllr. Johnston reported on behalf of the Footpath Sub-Committee and stated that clematis was overhanging Path 16.
Cllr. Johnston stated that she had walked Paths 7 and 8 following the invitation to the Parish Council from the Footpath Warden for him install new ‘kissing gates’ on that route. Cllr. Johnston presented a marked-up map indicating where such a gate, or gates, could be installed. The Clerk was asked to discuss this proposal with the Footpath Warden and to make recommendations to the next Parish Council meeting.
Cllr. Biles stated that a new Dog Bin near to Westwood Manor was a necessity and that the National Trust would support this proposal. The Clerk was asked to contact Wiltshire Council.
9. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebration 2012.
Cllr. Biles stated that there are a number of activities planned for this Celebration, including a Picnic in the Park, a Walk and Cream Tea, a lighted Beacon on the Church Tower and various sports. He added that approximately eighty Jubilee Mugs will be required for presentation to the children.
Cllr. Parker stated that he was sponsoring a Cheese and Wine event at his house in support of the Jubilee Celebrations and he tabled an advert for the event designed by his wife. Cllr. Edwards was requested to place it on the Westwood Website.
10. Local Knowledge – Local Action.
Cllr. Richardson stated that this was an event sponsored by the Community Area Board to garner thoughts and opinions from local individuals and communities on a wide range of topics that had been addressed in a recently published document entitled ‘Joint Strategic Assessment’ and that it was to be held on 23 February 2012. He added that a number of councillors, including the Clerk, had been invited to attend. Cllr. Biles stated that he would be attending.
11. Neighbourhood Plans.
This item was covered under Agenda item 8d above.
12. Valley Parishes Alliance (VPA).
Cllr. Parker reported that the next meeting of the VPA is to be held on 9 February and that he would be attending on behalf of the Parish Council.
13. Date of Parish Council Meeting.
The Council noted the date of the next Meeting:
· Ordinary Parish Council meeting – Monday 5 March at 7.30pm.
14. Any Other Business.
Exchange of views on matters not requiring a decision.
Cllr. Bishop stated that Trowbridge Rangers Football Club had expressed an interest in using the Playing Field for football matches. He added that he would obtain further information regarding possible Saturday and Sunday fixtures and asked for the subject to be an Agenda item at the next meeting.
The Chairman reported that a parishioner had enquired whether the Westwood Update advertising supplement could be published more often than annually. Councillors considered this request and decided that it should remain an annual supplement and that the policy of the Council not to accept commercial advertising for the bi-monthly issues should remain unchanged.
The Clerk advised the Parish Council that Wiltshire Council had sent the Parish Council a DVD to encourage more parishioners to put their name forward as possible parish councillors. He added that as the next elections are in May 2013, this campaign was particularly timely. Cllr. Johnston took the DVD to examine.
There was no other business.
The meeting concluded at 10.10 pm.
Chairman 5 March 2012.
ACTION LIST – Meeting 6 February 2012
Action 1 (6/2/12) Cllr. Richardson.
To review list of additional road safety improvements.
Action 2 (6/2/12) Clerk.
To write to WC – Consultations
Action 3 (6/2/12) Clerk.
To write to WC – Planning Applications
Action 4 (6/2/12) Clerk.
To write to S&J Grounds – Accept quotation
Action 5 (6/2/12) Clerk.
To make agreed payments.
Action 6 (6/2/12) Cllr. Biles.
To request quotation from Neville Day.
Action 7 (6/2/12) Cllr. Biles.
To contact V Cooke – To remove debris from behind Social Club.
Action 8 (6/2/12) Cllr. Edwards.
To remove cut branches from Westwood Park tree.
Action 9 (6/2/12) Clerk.
To contact WC – ownership of Lyefield lane ditches.
Action 10 (6/2/12) Clerk.
To contact Footpath Warden – Kissing Gates.
Action 11 (6/2/12) Cllr. Bishop.
To contact WC – Dog Bin at Westwood Manor.
NB. Details of the actions above are contained in the minutes.