EAST WOODHAY PARISH COUNCIL
HELD ON TUESDAY 5th NOVEMBER 2002
The Parish Council has agreed to join forces with Highclere Parish to oppose applications to build 6 or 11 houses at the old Hitchmans Yard site in The Mount, Woolton Hill. Both Councils feel the proposals are totally unacceptable and will present their views at the forthcoming Development Control Meeting.
With regard to the proposed development of Harwood Paddock, the intention to move the Settlement Policy Boundary was not made clear in the Local Plan, and the Council will be investigating this. Clarendon Properties intend to appeal against the Borough Council’s decision to refuse them permission to develop a corner of the Paddock for light industrial use. Several Councillors expressed their dismay at this, particularly as there are units currently standing empty which could be used. However, it appears that there is no onus on the developer to prove a ‘need’ for development of this kind. A letter expressing the views of the Parish Council in response to the proposed development of the Paddock under the Local Plan has been sent to the Borough Council.
A proposal has been received to build a new entrance to Yew Tree Garden Centre. However, as this would be built directly opposite a private house this does not seem appropriate, particularly in light of the traffic around Christmas time with Christmas Trees. The Parish Council sees no need to move the existing access, and the owners of the private property are very unhappy about this proposal.
Forms have been received to enable the Parish Council to apply for funding to develop and improve the grassed area opposite Masons Court. A small plaque will be erected on the new Bus Shelter acknowledging donations from local businesses. Provision has been made in the 2003/04 budget for replacement of the rubber matting at Woolton Hill and provision of safety equipment at Heath End.
The Parish Council is to be represented on the newly formed Village Transport Working Party, who will look at traffic issues in the Parish, in particular in Woolton Hill between the two schools. It is a concern that parents are parking across the newly installed dropped kerbs. The idea of installing pinch points was raised, but this would entail having street lights as well so as they could be seen in the dark.
The 2001/02 accounts were formally adopted. These have been audited by the internal auditor, and will now be send to the District Auditor for acceptance. General reserves have been reducing over the last few years and are currently rather low, something which the internal auditor raised concern over. He was informed that this reduction was carried out purposely as it was felt reserves were getting a little high. However, contingencies have been built in to the current year and 2003/04 which should rectify things.
The proposed 2003/04 budget was presented to the meeting and was accepted. The Clerk’s salary was increased in accordance with the National Joint Council for Local Government Services recommendations.
Next year’s Senior Citizens Party will take the form of an outing and will take place on Saturday 11th October.
The Parish Footpaths Officer has decided to resign and the post will be advertised in the Parish Magazine.
The Chief Executive of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council will be leaving shortly to take up a post in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office.
The Village Design Statement Committee is up and running. They have split into two teams – one will compile a VDS for Woolton Hill and the other for the rest of the Parish. Workshops will take place early in the New Year.