Whiteparish Parish Council

PARISH COUNCIL NOTES
From the meeting held 12th May 2005 in the Village Hall

Comments by SDC Head of Development Services - Stephen Thorne
SDC Planning have made big improvements and he thanked the Parish Council for their help. They are now able to concentrate on quality of service. He explained the difference between amendments and variations to planning applications. A student to be employed during the summer to make more progress on compiling a list of properties which have agricultural ties - Whiteparish to be a pilot.

New Parish Councillor
A letter had been received from Sarah Hornby applying to fill the Parish Councillor vacancy; as there were no other applicants, she was co-opted and welcomed by the Chairman.

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
Intelligent bus stop pole on the green opposite the shop - The Passenger Transport Unit at WCC had as promised provided a mock-up of the new bus stop pole painted green in order to minimise its impact. Councillors agreed by a majority vote to leave the pole unpainted.
Painting of railings round pond opposite Courtens Garden Centre - Now completed.
Temporary stock-piling of top and sub-soils as part of the restoration scheme at Biffa Landfill Site, Southampton Road - The Chairman reported that the heights of the stockpiles have now been reduced and thus the planning permission has been complied with.
Damage caused in the village during the diversion of A36 traffic - The Transport Committee had carried out a survey of damage and reported to Wiltshire Highways Partnership. A letter had been received back that loose paving etc. in The Street has been ticketed for repair; the road surface in the vicinity of Bedmin Sprays to be re-examined and that cracks in Common Road are not dangerous. The Clerk to write to ask that Common Road surface be reviewed in the light of heavy pedestrian use, particularly by children and mothers pushing buggies; Bob Twiddy offered to be present at the site visit.

Finance
Mr. Richard Parsons was re-appointed as internal auditor. The external auditors have selected Whiteparish as part of their 5% spot check sample and so require additional information in the audit for year ended 31st March 2005. It was agreed that the Chairman and Clerk carry out a formal risk assessment for the Parish Council and present their findings to the full council.

Rights of Way
A letter had been received from the National Trust about the Pepperbox Byway which runs from the A36 between Grimstead and Whiteparish. Some of the land on either side of this track is owned by the National Trust. The surface had become heavily rutted due to the number of off-road vehicles using this track. Repairs have been carried out but to prevent further damage, the National Trust are seeking to restrict access during the winter months by obtaining a Traffic Regulation Order; the Parish Council fully supported this proposal and will write expressing their support to the National Trust.
The WCC Footpaths Warden has contacted the three landowners over whose land footpath 3 passes and asked for their support for making the path suitable for public use again. This path runs from the old sewerage beds just behind Newton Close, over three fields alongside the hedge bounding Newton Lane, to White's Equestrian Centre. It will be much safer to walk this path rather than the narrow Newton Lane. The Footpath Warden to liaise with the landowners.

Environment
Bus stop outside Newton Bungalows - WCC have new guidelines for siting bus stops; they should not now be in laybys and they propose to move it a short distance. However a planning application for a disabled access parking/turning area in the same place has just been received. The PC decided that if this planning application is successful, a letter should be sent asking that the bus stop in the Newton Bungalows layby be left where it is. Members pointed out that the bus stop opposite has recently been upgraded and is in a layby.

Planning
Some discussion took place on how planning applications for properties in the National Park part of the village would be handled after 1st April 2006 when the new National Park Authority will be responsible. Leo Randall, who is the SDC representative to the NPA, reported that no discussions on this matter had yet been held. It was decided it would be better for Whiteparish if the NPA delegate/sub-contract appropriate planning management to SDC, so that Whiteparish would be under only one planning authority. This point to be put to the SDC Southern Area Planning Committee meeting next week (19th May - see noticeboard).

Next Meeting
Villagers are very welcome to attend the next Parish Council meeting which will be held at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 16th June, 2005 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
The Gatehouse, The Street, SP5 2SG
E-mail DandA.Boakes@care4free.net

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