Whiteparish Parish Council

PARISH COUNCIL NOTES
From the Annual Meeting held 6th May 2004 in the Village Hall

Election of Officers
The Chairman, Trevor King, was re-elected unopposed. Representatives to PC committees and outside bodies were then elected; the list of councillors on the noticeboard will be updated.

Matters Arising from last meeting
Floral tubs for the village - Clerk to arrange for tubs to be filled. Dumping of hardcore and other works in field at corner of Hop Gardens & Newton Lane - The owner is appealing against the SDC Enforcement Notice. Gritting on Common Road outside the School - Letter received from WCC that "to include all roads where there are schools ... would present a logistical problem, irrespective of policy or financial restriction. However, there will be a major review of the Winter service during the next few months". Dog fouling of footpaths - Plastic dog fouling warning notices have not been successful - to be replaced by metal ones. Rubbish on the old road opposite Brickworth Lodge - now cleared. Missing fingerpost opposite the shop - this has been fitted Railings around pond opposite Courtens - Two jobs now on Clarence list - fixing of loose uprights and crossbars and re-painting. "Intelligent flag" bus pole opposite shop - The PC asked that information for buses in both directions be displayed in the bus shelter so that the pole could be removed. WCC have asked that the PC allow the system to go live and then, if feelings are still negative towards Real Time, further discussion can take place. WCC suggest that the system will develop confidence in the service and create a feeling of safety. It should encourage a reduction in car traffic and so enhance the quality of the environment. They state that it is too dangerous for people to have to cross the road repeatedly to see the arrival time of their bus.

Finance
It was agreed to pay the insurance premium which had increased by 8% on last year. The Wiltshire & Swindon Community Fund are offering grants to disadvantaged members of society in the Salisbury area. See the noticeboard for details. Councillors to consider whether anyone in the village could apply. In answer to a PC query, a letter has been received from the National Advice Service of HM Customs & Excise; it may be possible that the PC can recover the VAT on the planned refurbishments to the village hall. Further advice is awaited.

Rights of Way
A letter had been received from WCC asking the PC view on the proposed moving of footpath 6 within Lion Cottage garden; PC to support.

Planning
The Chairman summarised advice received on how the PC should review planning applications sent to them for consultation. It was decided to make a resolution delegating the making of recommendations on planning applications from WCC and SDC to the Planning Committee. This now consists of five parish councillors, chaired by Trevor King. Any major applications will be brought before the whole PC. Any member can ask for this to happen.
The Planning Committee supported the planning applications on the agenda except that they suggested a limit of 25 horses at White's Park Equestrian, Newton Lane.
Jim Smith and Stuart McWilliam of Hop Gardens attended and spoke before the meeting reminding the PC that the applicant for the proposed development at Sansomes Farm was appealing against the SDC decision to refuse the application. They asked that the PC write to the Planning Inspectorate to remind the Inspector of the fierce opposition to this project in the village (over a hundred letters of objection received) and commenting on the grounds of appeal. The PC agreed to do this. The Hop Gardens residents also asked for support for their attempt to get the designation of the area changed back from "Housing Restraint Area" to "Open Countryside". There had been no consultation with the PC over this change, and the PC agreed to support the campaign.
John LeQuesne thanked Jim Smith for his excellent presentation which strengthens the knowledge of the PC and enables an improved response to be made. Any other villager with concerns about a planning application is encouraged to come forward.

Environment
Some jobs were suggested for the Parish Lengthsmen who will visit on 17th and 18th June 2004. The Clerk to enquire whether they can undertake some of the work. Please let the Clerk know of any jobs such as cleaning signs, clearing ditches, trimming vegetation by the beginning of June. The Clerk had contacted Wiltshire Highways expressing concern that Newton Lane was not included in the list published in The Journal of roads due for surface dressing in 2004. Newton Lane is on the "RMC Programme" for more thorough work to be done, however, no date is set for this. County Councillor Bill Moss, who was present at the meeting, is going to follow this matter up.

Next Meeting
Villagers are very welcome to attend the next meeting which will be held at 7.30 pm on WEDNESDAY, 9th June, 2004 in the Village Hall where they will be able to speak at the discretion of the Chairman. Please contact the Clerk or any councillor if you can't attend and wish to raise any village matter.
Anita Boakes, Parish Clerk, Tel. 884646
E-mail DandA.Boakes@care4free.net
Website www.whiteparish.org.uk
CLARENCE for reporting road and lighting defects
0800 23 23 23
POLICE Alderbury station 01722 710208 E-mail: alan.day@wiltshire.police.uk

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