THE MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 13th MARCH, 2018 IN THE KEN STAINER SUITE AT DURLEY MEMORIAL HALL, DURLEY AT 7.30 p.m.
7 Parish Councillors and the Clerk Mrs Anne Collins were present. No parishioners were in attendance.
- APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Apologies were received from County Councillor/District Councillor Humby, District Councillor Miller and District Councillor Mclean.
- ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT. Cllr Watts declared an
Interest in Item 15. (Application 18/00507/HOU) on the Agenda as her husband is currently doing some work at the property.
- THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 13th FEBRUARY, 2018 WERE AGREED AND SIGNED AS A CORRECT RECORD.
- MATTERS ARISING:
(a) Double yellow lines at Beech Corner and end of Manor Road – progress with painting. DC Miller sent an e-mail stating that an Order will be put in and will come into effect on 16th April.
(b) Encroachment onto Parish Council land – update after Inspection on 5.3.18. Councillors walked the area and found that one gate had been removed as requested, compost bins were still in the buffer, the bee hives were still in the buffer along with a gate into the area. The fence which has been moved is still not in line with the original fence-line. A further slip gate is also a concern. Councillors agreed that the bee hives could be moved once the weather warms up, but it would be anticipated that this would be at the latest by the end of May. Individual letters will be written to the owners. The owners who have taken their gate out will be written a letter of thanks for their co-operation. A further site visit will be carried out in early June to check for compliance. It was also agreed to ask Shawn to replace the gate post and re-hang the gate. A lock will also be put on the gate and 4 keys cut.
(c) Traffic count through Durley progress – Cllr Delmege to update on SID sign. Cllr Delmege reported that he had sent HCC a street map of where the SID signs could be placed in Durley Brook Road/Durley Street. There are 5 locations and it was agreed that these should be the positions for the signs as the SID could be placed on top of existing signs. The cost is £75-£80 per post extension and it was agreed to have 5. The cost for the equipment is £3,670 plus vat. Cllr Delmege proposed that we purchase the equipment. Cllr Pitter seconded this proposal and all Councillors were in agreement. Clerk will put in an order. As two locations are each side of the School it was agreed that this should slow the traffic down outside of the School as well as other locations in Durley Brook Road.
(d) Website updating. Clerk has updated the website as far as she can. The photograph was taken before this evening’s Meeting and Councillors have been sent the links for viewing. Councillors were happy with the links and felt that it is now time to update the photograph and go live. Once the photograph is received the Clerk will send it to the Jon for uploading and ask him to make the website live.
(e) Report on Southern Parishes Meeting – 5.3.18. Cllr Charles and the Clerk attended the Meeting and said that the main topics were hearing from the Fly Tipping Officer who has just been appointed, and discussing ways of reducing speeding in villages. Sharing monitoring equipment was also discussed.
(f) Report on Meeting with George Hollingbery MP on 9.3.18 re EBC planning. Cllr Charles and the Clerk said that fund raising is continuing along with engaging with a QC to take on more detailed work. Highways infrastructure is the main concern. Studies need to be available to Officers at HCC before they can make comments on the Plans. George is stepping down from these Meetings for the moment, but will be on hand if required in the future.
(g) Response from BWPC about increase in admin costs for Parish Lengthsman. BWPC have said that the increase in cost is because they did not charge enough in previous invoices.
(h) HCC Town and Parishes Event – 1.3.18 (Cancelled due to snow). This will be re-arranged.
(i) Review and agree any Parish Council Policies which need updating. Clerk read out our current Policies and Councillors agreed that they did not need updating at the moment.
(j) Report on BW Bridleway Meeting (22.2.18). Cllr Watts and the Clerk attended this Meeting, but there was no further progress.
- COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT: CC Humby. No Report was available.
- DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORTS: DC Humby, DC Miller, DC Mclean. No Report was available.
- PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ITEMS BY INVITATION OF THE CHAIRMAN. No members of the public were present.
- CORRESPONDENCE:
(a) E-mail regarding dog fouling along Parsonage Lane. Clerk read out e-mail and Councillors agreed that this is a disgusting problem and will do all they can to catch the owners who do not pick up after their dog. Councillors will keep a watchful eye on dog owners and hopefully residents will report owners who do not pick up after their dog and then the Parish Council can report them to the Dog Warden for a visit.
(b) E-mail from Enforcement Officer regarding a new case. This was noted.
(c) E-mail regarding World War One Commemorations in Durley. Councillors agreed that they would like to be involved in these commemorations and would like an Event at the Memorial Hall as this was built to commemorate those who fell in the First World War. Clerk will inform the PCC.
(d) Loan of a WWI sculpture from resident if we want to use one. Councillors agreed that this was a generous offer and would mention it at future Meetings when discussing events for the weekend of the commemorations.
(e) Play Area Safety Inspection Reports – Recreation Ground/Sawmills. There were no urgent or high safety issues raised. However, some concerns will be looked at in more detail.
(f) South East Water – Draft Water Resources Management Plan Consultation – sent via e-mail.
(g) Affordable Housing Scheme – 15.3.18 from 6.00 p.m. in Kingsworthy. This was noted.
(h) A complaint was received about a vehicle parking opposite 1 Hazeldene which is causing a safety hazard. HCC has replaced the railings and put in a post to stop parking, but this vehicle has parked further out into the road. Clerk will report this to HCC and ask if another post could be put in to stop the parking, or provide an alternative solution before there is an accident. Cars parking on the brow of the hill just up from the Memorial Hall are also causing a safety hazard. This has been reported to the Police previously, but will be reported again.
- SCHOOL REPORT: There was no School Report, but a summary of the questionnaire was sent by the Chair of the School Governors for Councillors to view. After discussion it was agreed that the majority of concerns could be addressed by the parents themselves without the parish needing to spend a huge amount of money. It was agreed that Cllr Delmege will meet with Kirstie and discuss this with her, along with informing her of the progress made with the SID signs outside the School.
- NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH REPORT: Cllr Watts reported that sheds and vehicles need to be kept locked and in driveways, as this appears to be the main problems at the present time. There has been more fly-tipping in Chancellors Lane and Councillors agreed that signs at either end of the Lane warning that offenders will be prosecuted and that cctv is in operation will be put up.
- HIGHWAYS REPORT: Cllr Pitter reported that there are some pot holes in the area, but they are filled with water at the moment so he cannot photograph them. These will be reported as soon as the weather is better. Clerk read out an e-mail from a resident regarding traffic through Durley Street asking if the signage could be changed. Councillors viewed the photograph of the signs and agreed that we would not be able to have these signs as we do not have a ban on HGV vehicles through the village, we can only have advisory signs. Councillors felt that since the newer signs have been put up the amount of larger lorries through the village has decreased. Cllr Clegg said that the roadside edges in Kytes Lane are eroding – these will be reported to HCC. Cllr Delmege said that the area around the manhole at the end of Stapleford Lane is broken in places. Clerk will report this. Peter has cleared the Parsonage Lane footpath.
- FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS: Councillors agreed invoices presented by the Clerk and signed cheques. Agree Financial Regulations – as there was no change in the Financial Regulations these were agreed by Councillors. Clerk reported that the laptop connection to the battery was faulty and it would cost £125 to repair. Councillors agreed that as the laptop is a few years old it would be more cost effective to purchase a new laptop. Clerk will purchase.
- HALL: Hall floor quotes – two more quotes are going to be obtained. Hall Caretaker – Clerk informed Councillors that the Caretaker is unwell at the moment and gave a progress report. Donna Shorney is cleaning the Hall whilst John is absent. Councillors wished the Clerk to send John their best wishes for a speedy recovery. Sound system – Clerk reported that this is booked in to be installed on 21st March. Cllr Smith said that the hoover is not working. Councillors agreed that a Henry should be purchased. Clerk will purchase one.
- RECREATION GROUND: Sawmills play area renovations update – roundabout spindle has been unlocked. Councillors agreed that the Clerk should purchase a new scramble net rather than just the two pieces of rope. Cllr Smith said that she had received a request for a table and bench for the green area. Councillors agreed that this would be a good idea and perhaps the business units could be approached for a donation as it could be used by their employees for their lunch-breaks. Cllr Bartlett offered to speak to the businesses. Painting of Pavilion – this is continuing. Wooden posts around The Sawmills green area – Cllr Smith will ask Shawn when this is likely to be done. Bridge built across ditch at Recreation Ground. A resident has built a bridge across the ditch without the permission of the Parish Council and it was agreed that this is not only a health and safety concern, but also there is no access to the Recreation Ground from this point. Further action will be taken to ensure that the Recreation Ground is safe and no unauthorised accesses are made. Legal advice will be sought. A letter will be written to the resident. Cllr Watts said that the water pipes did burst during the recent snow as the water had not been turned off. DFC have repaired the damage. The new bin has arrived and is now chained to the Pavilion. DFC Manager will put it into the car park when it needs to be emptied.
- PLANNING:
APP/L1765/W/17/3184059. Mr T Keet. Appeal for the use of land as a Gypsy and Traveller caravan site consisting of 4 pitches, each containing 1 mobile home, 1 touring caravan, 2 semi-detached utility building, play area and associated development. Land adj. to Berkeley Farm, Durley Street, Durley. Provisional date for Hearing is 27th June, 2018, but this is not confirmed yet.
18/00507/HOU. Mr and Mrs Nicholls. Conversion and extension of attached garage to provide habitable accommodation, ground floor front extension to dining room. First floor extension over dining room and garage to provide an additional bedroom and bathroom. Single oak framed carport with lockable store. Alem House, Durley Street, Durley. Councillors agreed that no comments would be made.
18/00540/HOU. Mr D Stoneman. Extension to rear and side and addition of first floor. Giles Farm, Greenwood Lane, Durley. Councillors agreed that a comment would be made that this is still a loss of an smaller dwelling in the countryside, but the applicant has tried to make the dwelling have less of an impact on the street scene of Greenwood Lane than the previous application.
18/00400/HOU. Mr and Mrs Manzi. 1 ½ storey rear and side extensions, roof alterations including 2 no. front and 2 no. rear dormers and front porch with canopy. Green Acre, Durley Street, Durley. Councillors agreed that no comments would be made.
- THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE CHAIRMAN REMINDED EVERYONE THAT THE NEXT MEETING ON 10th APRIL, 2018 WOULD COMMENCE AT 6.30 p.m. WITH THE ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY AT 8.00 p.m. HE THEN DECLARED THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.30 p.m.
