Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 5 February 2008

PRESENT
Mr T Hughes (Chairman), Mr I Owen (Vice Chairman), Mrs F Hughes, Mrs K Law,
Mrs B Sharpe, Mr P Davies, Mr C Savery, Mr C Carter, Mr W Davies.
Mr Paul Sutton, South Shropshire Housing Association.
15 members of the public.

PRESENTATION BY MR SUTTON, SSHA

The Chairman introduced Mr Sutton, who explained the parameters of the recent Housing Needs Survey. The “civil parish of Bucknell” was as defined in the 2001 Census. The time scale from the initial survey to completed houses was around five years. Mr Sutton tabled copies of the survey for interested parties.
Mr Sutton agreed to take questions from the floor.

Concern was expressed that as the civil parish was so large, how could truly local people be sure houses would be provided in their immediate locality. Mr Sutton answered that this was taken into account.

Mrs Evans said that some people who moved into the village did not send their children to the school, which was regrettable. Mr Sutton said the SSHA had no influence on this.

Mr Cornes asked why The Gochians (not Redlake Place) had fallen by the wayside. Mr Sutton said this option ran out of time, but the Housing Association was now investigating a site in Weston Road.

Concern was expressed by several people that any houses must be for local residents only, and with the five-year delay, village requirements could have changed quite considerably. Mr Sutton replied that the housing survey was a starting point, local residents would be offered houses first, and those from further away in later stages, having regard to those with special needs of various kinds.

Mrs Fraser reminded Mr Sutton that she had asked if any SSHA development could include approximately one acre for allotments. Mr Sutton confirmed that if the housing association could help, they would.

The Chairman thanked Mr Sutton, who then left the meeting.

OPEN DISCUSSION
Mr Cornes was concerned that the pumps in the sewerage system were inadequate. Mr Hartin would be meeting Severn Trent representatives together with other authorities, next week and would raise this subject. Clerk also to write to Severn Trent.

Mr Hogg said that the retaining wall at the Baron of Beef urgently needed repair or rebuilding. Chairman to speak to the owner.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD 8 JANUARY 2008
Page 2 under “Correspondence” first item to read “Letter from Mr Graves and the Chairman’s reply as discussed under “Parish Plan” above.”

Page 3. Second paragraph to read:
“Highways Maintenance Plan. Chairman had telephoned Highways Department today and had been advised that there had been a heavy demand on funds due to the floods in June and July and the work schedule had had to be curtailed.”

Page 3 Fourth paragraph to read:
“South Shropshire Housing Association had issued a new survey of housing needs. This was flawed as it stated “. . . the civil parish of Bucknell incorporates Bedstone, Hopton Castle, Twitchen, Aston on Clun, Clungunford, Hopton Heath, and Shelderton”. This was not correct, and the Chairman would correspond with the Managing Director of South Shropshire Housing Association. Mr Graves was on the Board of SSHA and offered to take back any comments from the Parish Council.”

The Minutes had been reissued, and these were approved unanimously and signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

MATTERS ARISING
Allotments. Mrs Fraser confirmed that she would be attending the West Midlands Allotments Society meeting in Birmingham later this month.

Land opposite The Tyndings. Mr Chambers was invited to speak from the floor, and said he had spoken to Mrs Caldebank at the District Council today, and had confirmed with her that the land had been bought by a Mr Tim Davies, who had worked in their legal department. Mrs Caldebank was trying to trace Mr Davies.
 
PLANNING
There were no planning applications for consideration.

The following applications had been granted:
No. 1/07/20164/F Village hall, parking and accesses at land at Daffodil Lane.
No. 1/07/20080/LB Replacement of windows at The Weir House, Bucknell.

PARISH PLAN
The Chairman submitted a written proposal that Bucknell should not create a parish plan. This to be considered by Councillors and discussed at the next meeting.

DAFFODIL LANE DEVELOPMENT
Mrs and Miss Edwards confirmed the receipt of planning permission for the site.
Application had been made to the Multi Use Strategic Investment Fund.
Phase 1: Design and Planning had been paid for.
Phase 2 was the plans going out to tender.

The playing field entrance warning sign had been ordered, also the 20mph and No Through Road signs for Bridge End Lane. The Chairman asked about 20mph signs for the road past the school. Mr Hartin said advisory signs could be obtained fairly easily but enforcement was the problem.

FINANCE
Account Balances were reported as: