213. Presentation by Peter Balson and Gavin Brown of Scotia Gas
Mr Balson explained the reasons behind the need for Southern Gas Networks to undertake extensive maintenance work in Lyndhurst during the next year in order to ensure the continued gas supply.
It would be necessary to undertake this work from a point near the Police Station to, and across, the High Street.
The work would take ten weeks in total but it would be necessary to have a road closure for approximately two to three weeks.
Mrs Wyeth pointed out that the road was sinking at the corner of the High Street with Romsey Road and wondered if this issue could be addressed at the same time.
An alternative route would be to use Wellands Road and put a regulator in on land at the back of Meridien Garage but it would then be necessary to excavate across the public right of way to reach the High Street.
It was felt that as both options would have the same result Option 2 would be easier from an engineering point of view.
The Chairman stressed that traffic flows in the village must be looked at.
Mr Charlesworth asked if the access used during the New Forest Show could be utilised but Mr Balson said it would be necessary to provide a similar standard of road to the existing route.
The Chairman thanked Mr Balson and Mr Brown for attending the meeting and asked them to give contact details to the Clerk.
214. Report from PC White
PC White reported that there had been an incident in the car park one Saturday involving 25-30 youths but that the CCTV had aided in their dispersal.
There had been a number of small fires started by children and this had involved damage to the Junior Football Club changing rooms.
Glass had also been broken on the skateboard ramp although it was commendable that this had been cleared up by local youths who used the ramp.
PC White felt that the problem had now been addressed.
Attendees at the Beat Surgery had expressed concern regarding the lack of street lighting in Shrubbs Hill Road.
Mrs Wyeth said it would not be possible to provide more lighting. It might be that trees in the vicinity were screening the lights.
215. Public Participation
A member of the public drew the Parish Council’s attention to dissatisfaction that the route into Appletree Court, Gosport Lane was now closed to traffic entering.
It was still possible to leave the grounds by this route.
Mrs Wyeth and Mr Bisson explained that there were health and safety implications that had led to this decision although the Parish Council agreed that it was regrettable.
RESOLVED: That the Clerk write to the Chief Executive of NFDC expressing the Parish Council’s concern at the closure and asking for an explanation as to why the decision had been taken together with statistics of any accidents that had occurred.
ACTION: The Clerk
216. Disclosures of Interest
Mr Abbott, Mrs Wyeth, Mr Bisson and Mrs Butcher declared personal and non prejudicial interests in Agenda Item 9. Mr Charlesworth declared a prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 9.
217. Apologies for Absence
Apologies for absence were received from Mr M Böckle and Mrs H Klaassen.
218. Minutes of Previous Meeting
The Minutes of the meeting dated 12 May 2009, having been circulated, were signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.
219. Matters Arising
a) Graves Requiring Attention
The Clerk drew the Council’s attention to a list of graves requiring attention that had been circulated to all Councillors to see if there was anyone known to the Council who might be responsible for any of the graves.
RESOLVED: That, if contact details were known, these should be communicated to the Clerk within one week of the date of this meeting.
ACTION: All Councillors
b) Headstones Considered Dangerous
RESOLVED: That Mr Alexander and Mr Boyes endeavour to obtain a Newton meter or similar device in order to test headstones for safety.
c) NF NPA
Mrs Wyeth reported that Richard Lemon would be leaving the authority and Steve Avery would be taking over his role temporarily.
Ten NF NPA employees have voiced concerns about the way the Chief Executive was running the authority.
Mrs Wyeth said she was sorry these employees felt they could not go to a member of the NPA before taking this step.
220. Correspondence
NFNPA – National Park Plan – Meeting of Parish and Town Councils – copied to all Councillors.
HCC – Approved Trader Directory.
NFDC – Information regarding Recreation Roadshow – 30 July, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm and 13 August, 2.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
HALC – Email concerning Village SOS a new initiative from the Big Lottery Fund and the BBC. They are looking for six UK villages with a great enterprise idea to benefit their community.
New Forest Business Partnership – Business Connexions Newsletter.
New Forest Community Safety Partnership – Newsletter.
Hampshire Playing Field Association – Newsletter.
NFALC – AGM Agenda – Thursday 18 June at 7.30 pm, ATC.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service – Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service Plan.
221. Minutes of Committee Meetings
The minutes of the following Committee meeting held since the date of the last meeting were received:
(a) Planning Committee
Mr Abbott stated that because he and the Clerk had been the only two attendees at the May Planning Committee it would be necessary to ask the full Council to endorse the recommendations made at that meeting.
RESOLVED: That the Parish Council endorse the recommendations made at the Planning Committee meeting held on 26 May 2009 as follows:
Application No 94111 – Emery Down Post Office, Silver Street
Change of use to two dwellings; external alterations
Recommendation that permission be granted. It is considered that the shop has become unviable and the proposals are in keeping with the area and do not overlook adjoining properties.
Application No 94022 – 1st Floor, Normanton, Gosport Lane
Alteration to fenestration (retrospective application)
Recommendation that permission be refused. The proposals overlook a neighbouring property, thus taking away privacy and there are strong neighbour objections.
Application No 94102 – Cheriton, Pikes Hill Avenue
One and two storey extensions (Amendments to PP 93405)
Recommendation that permission be granted. The proposals do not differ overly from the previously granted permission.
(b) Membership of Committees
Mr Boyes asked whether it was necessary for a Councillor to become a member of at least one Committee.
Mrs Wyeth said she attended Planning Committee meetings in an ex officio role but had decided to leave the Amenities Committee because she could not justify the budget request.
222. Accounts
(a) The Clerk submitted accounts which had become due for payment since the date of the last meeting, as detailed in Appendix A and these were approved.
(b) The Clerk submitted details of Parish Council spending for the period 14 April 2009 to 9 June 2009.
223. Section 137 Grant Allocation
Grant applications had been made as follows:
Lyndhurst Village Decorations Committee
1st New Forest North Lyndhurst Scout Group
Lyndhurst and District Community Association
1st Lyndhurst Brownies
1st Lyndhurst Guides
Swan Green Cricket Club
Emery Down Cottages Trust
New Forest Community Media
RESOLVED: That the following Section 137 grant allocation be made for 2009/2010:
1st New Forest North Lyndhurst Scout Group - £4,000
Lyndhurst Community Association - £3,500
1st Lyndhurst Brownies - £250
1st Lyndhurst Guides - £250
224. Reports from Representatives of Outside Bodies
None.
210. Dates for Future Committee Meetings
Allotments Committee – 1 July - Allotment Gardens, Westwood Road - 6.00 pm
Planning Committee - 28 July - Community Centre – 7.15 pm
Mr Bisson asked that Mr Böckle be requested to hold an Amenities Committee meeting.
211. Items for Discussion at the Next Meeting
Items brought forward from the Agenda for the June meeting.
Any other items brought to the Clerk’s attention by 6 July 2009.
212. Rumour Corner
None.
In the absence of any other business the Chairman thanked those present for attending and closed the meeting.
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