Present: Mr J Dickens (Chairman), Dr R Lott, Mr S Norman, Mr S Fraser, Mr B Shaw, Mrs L Shaw & Mrs C Lightfoot (Clerk)
1. Apologies: there were no apologies
2. Declarations of Interest
Members are asked to declare any personal interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting. Any Member arriving after the start of the meeting is asked to declare personal interests as necessary as soon as practicable after their arrival even if the item in question has been considered. None recorded
3. Planning Applications:
i) UPT/12955/5 – proposal for revised vehicular access and driveway at Elms Rise, Chilton Road
Applicants Mr & Mrs Amos. The plans, having been previously circulated, were discussed. The Parish Council had no objection to this application but request that the technical requirements as agreed with Judy Kelly (Highways and Transport Area Liaison Officer) be enforced given the potential road hazards. In particular the access is close to where vehicles have just entered the village, on a downhill road gradient with limited forward visibility due to the natural curve of the road. Clerk to advise the Vale accordingly. Clerk
ii) UPT/20551/2 – proposed change of use from agricultural land to orchard, vegetable garden, private equestrian use on land to rear of Scotlands Ash, Reading Road. Applicant Mr P Mansbridge.
Plans had been circulated to members in advance of the meeting. In addition photographic evidence of the entrance to the site was shown. After discussion the Parish Council agreed to object to this proposal.
The following concerns were raised:
- Safety of Access: concern regarding the movement of slow moving vehicles on and off site onto the fast moving traffic on the A417. The existing access would not appear suitable.
- Impact on the mature hedgerow, existing trees, widlife and boundary ménage;
- No explanation as to how the animal waste would be dealt
- No explanation in the application stating how the surface water from the equestrian building is to be dealt with.
It was noted that in a previous application (UPT/20551) permitted by the Vale the plan of the site showed a proposed nature area and fruit trees. On the current plan this area is shown as “blank”. We note from a site visit that this area appears to currently be in use as a private garden on agricultural land.
The clerk to advise the Vale that the Parish Council object to this application. Clerk
4. Upton News: the Chairman updated the meeting on progress made in finding a new editor. A volunteer has stepped forward and Mr Shaw has held some preliminary discussions with the volunteer and the current editor. Councillors had certain concerns, in particular – if the News is to be on E-mail circulation that hard copies should be delivered to parishioners unless they chose to opt out; Upton Parish Council notes be given precedence when there is a pressure on space; Upton News continues to meet the needs of the community. In line with the minutes of the Upton Parish Council Meeting held on 31st May it was agreed that although a suitable volunteer had come forward a note be placed in the July Edition to establish whether there is anybody else interesting in the production of Upton News. Mr Shaw will liaise on this matter and produce a comment for the July edition of Upton News BS
5. Recreation Ground matters:
Playground Inspection: the clerk advised that the ROSPA inspection of the Playground is due to take place during July. Dr Lott and Mr Shaw will carry out an inspection in advance of this. BS/RL
Tidying Bike Jumps: it was noted that the bike jumps have become overgrown. Dr Lott will take appropriate action. RL
The meeting closed at 10.20 p.m.
Clare Lightfoot
Clerk/Upton Parish Council
25th June 2011