Minutes January 2016

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2016/01

Minutes from a meeting of Cropthorne Parish Council held on Monday 11th January 2016 in the Village Hall at 7pm

  1. PRESENT :

Chairman R Segar Councillor M West Councillor W Clive

Vice Chairman S Smythe Councillor L Stoodley Councillor J King

District Councillor M English County Councillor E Eyre Clerk – L Yapp

Plus 4 members of the public

  1. APOLOGIES were received from Councillors D Furlong
  2. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – Councillor L Stoodley/Councillor J King – Village Hall
  3. MINUTES from the previous meeting were approved – proposed Councillor Clive, seconded Councillor West

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME/PARTICIPATION – thanks were made to Councillor S Smythe, for all of his hard work in securing Baldwins Bank on behalf of the village. This was acknowledged by all members of the public present

  1. PLANNING :
  • W/15/01656 – Sweet Briar, 2 Brook Lane – proposed alterations and extension. Approved by Inspector
  • W/15/02161 – Corran Dean Care Farm, Smokey Lane – Change of use from care farm complex to domestic residential C3 with ancillary use for long term residential care – application withdrawn
  • W/15/02653 – Land off Field Barn Lane – referring to condition 6 on approved application 13/02447 (landscaping scheme) – approved by DC
  • W/15/03103/03105 – Court Thatch, Neigh Lane – awaiting decision by WDC
  • W/15/03134 & 03135 –Avonvale House, Kennel Bank, Cropthorne – proposed door replacing window and proposed dormer replacing roof light – there were no objections to this application

Miscellaneous Planning Concerns: –

  1. Mobile home & hardstanding at The Orchard, Smokey lane – Planning contravention served
  2. Second Mobile Home – Smokey Lane – the enforcement officer at WDC had established that the mobile home was used for seasonal workers and this is permitted
  3. Drainage – an enforcement notice had been served to landowner in Smokey lane, with regard ditch clearance
  4. VILLAGE HALL –
  • Village Hall Minutes had been circulated
  • Overspill car park – Following an email from the landowners, further discussion took place, and it was agreed by all present that this matter would no longer be pursued. It was felt there would be little use for the overspill car park.
  1. COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT – Report received and circulated. Copy available if required

Councillor Eyre had kindly offered £500 from her Divisional Members Fund towards the cost of landscaping Baldwins Bank. The clerk would obtain the necessary paperwork. The chairman agreed to respond to Councillor Eyres request for feedback on the villages ‘Green Gyms’. New small business ideas with

woodlands/countryside/farming themes are welcomed for possible funding. Details to follow from Councillor Eyre

  1. DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT – Councillor M English reported that the ‘door knock’ at the end of 2015 was well received by the villagers visited. It was noted that there was a need, particularly, for company for elderly gentlemen in Cropthorne. Not necessarily living on their own, but just in need of other male company. It was suggested that perhaps, a trip to the pub could be organised for those affected (Buddy System) or events to be organised with older gentlemen in mind.
  2. MATTERS ARISING :
  3. Crime in Cropthorne – Smart Water kits had been received. Discussion took place regarding the signage for the village. It was considered, generally that A4 size signs were all that was required, to be fixed to existing posts, with possibly small stickers for windows or doors.
  4. Lengthsman – The clerk would ask the lengthsman to attend to overgrown brambles at Baldwins Bank. Also to take a look at the VAS sign, as there were concerns it was not working
  5. Baldwins Bank – Following the successful acquisition of Baldwins Bank, it was agreed that the whole area should be professionally landscaped with a two year maintenance programme introduced. It was agreed the area should be as natural as possible and low maintenance. A lot of input had been received from parishioners but it was agreed that in the first instance we get quotes from three landscaping companies (who are experts on soil types, suitable plants etc) – these suggestions will be put to those wishing to be attend a consultation meeting, comments taken on board and a final decision made.
  6. FINANCE
  7. Bank statements/reconciliation were made available to the Parish Council. The chairman and vice chairman had reviewed the accounts the accounts at the end of 2015. All were happy with the accounts presented.
  8. Precept/Budget Requirement 2016/17 – Discussion took place and it was agreed we request from WDC, £5800 – which would mean an increase of 1.94%. Due to the fact that the precept hadn’t been increased significantly in the past, it was felt that in order to meet financial commitments this level of increase was necessary. This was agreed by all councillors
  1. CORRESPONDENCE and emails had been circulated/forwarded to all Councillors either by email or hard copy for Councillor West
  2. DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 7th March at 7pm (unless planning applications deemed an earlier meeting.