Parish Newsletter June 2006

Extra News

The draft of the South East Plan as submitted to Government and open to consultation until the 23rd June, in principle is the same as previous versions. It contains the same proposals for new development in southern Test Valley up to 2026, i.e. 3,910 new dwellings. This can be interpreted as 1,700 new dwellings on greenfield land including the 800 at Abbotswood within the Local Plan.

We have responded that we consider that this level of development within the arbitrary area of South Hampshire would seriously prejudice the quality of life in the area and is unacceptable. Funding for infrastructure improvements must be guaranteed for any level of growth and a strategic gap should be defined between Southampton and Romsey.

 The return of Ridge Lane to its former state as a quiet country lane is now in sight after the dismissal of the appeal against the refusal by the County Council to grant planning consent for a recycling facility at Ridge Quarry, Ridge Lane.

                     Ridge Lane at Quarry Entrance

The original application was made by Raymond Brown Eco Bio Ltd and involved establishing a permanent facility on the site of the now partially restored quarry and landfill site. This was for the recycling of imported construction and demolition wastes and the batching of concrete.

The Inspector's view was that the site was not to be regarded as previously developed land. The former gravel extraction and its associated activities were temporary uses. This was an important principle and one which we also argued. It meant that any consent for a permanent recycling facility on this site had to be judged on the basis of its viability without regard to its current state as a partially restored quarry site.

The Inspector's decision was broadly that a site such as this on greenfield land in the countryside was not a suitable place for this type of facility. It would not be located close to its sources of supply and its markets and the only mode of available transport would be road. The location was therefore unsustainable and contrary to policy.

We welcome this decision which supports arguments that we ourselves put forward. We now await the full restoration of this site at the earliest possible opportunity.

Government funding is available for projects aimed at improving the environment, accessibility and community facilities that are available in market towns. The funding source has a cut off date of 2011.

The Romsey 2020 Steering Group's purpose is to identify viable projects, arrange the funding and co-ordinate implementation by existing organisations or groups. The identification of schemes will be undertaken against a vision of Romsey in 2020, developed as a result of the Romsey Healthcheck in 2005, and the ‘Look at Romsey' project funding from Government will need to be match funded from local sources.

The first stage has been to carry out a very detailed assessment of the whole of Romsey to set down the degree to which it currently meets reasonable expectations of what a good market town should offer. This needs to include the question as to whether it makes best use of its natural features. The assessments headings are Transport & Accessibility, Social & Community, Environment and Work & Economy.

The next stage will be to hold an exhibition on 16th September 2006 of a short list of suggested schemes for public comment.

Last month we held our AGM and I was delighted to be elected as Chairman for a further year. Jeanette Kell has this year stepped into the role of Vice Chairman and I am sure we will work well together.

For the last three years Alison Johnston has been my Vice Chairman and I am very grateful for the valued support she gave me during this time.

On the 15th May 1986 John Parker was co-opted onto the Parish Council to fill a casual vacancy . This means that John has now been a member of the parish council for 20 years. This does indeed

show his quite remarkable commitment to the parish. His time on the council includes five terms as Chairman. Congratulations John. The parish has much to thank you for all you have done over the years.

The year ahead will certainly present many challenges with the pressures for new housing in the South East coming from Government. We will keep you informed as much as possible. Do please also let us know what you think about any of the proposals as they become known.

The Council meets at 7.15pm in the council chambers at the TVBC Offices, Duttons Road, Romsey. You are always welcome to attend and there is a short section at the start of each meeting which is set aside for public participation.

The dates of our next 6 meetings are:

Thursday 13th July

Thursday 10th August

Thursday 14th September

Thursday 12th October

Thursday 9th November

Thursday 14th December

Each year in September we consider all grant requests that have been received.

Last year a total of £1725 was given in grants to various local groups and charities.

The money has been used for a wide variety of purposes. One worthy of mention is the Hampshire Youth Band who we gave money to help fund a brass trombone. The band went on to come 3rd in the National Brass Band Competition in Manchester.

There is still time this year to get your request in. So if your organisation has a specific need for funds then please do consider applying for a grant.

For further information on how to apply for a grant please contact the Clerk on 01794 884826.

The Local Channel have now surpassed their 2000th adoption from parish councils in the UK and is enjoying rapid growth. You will find on our site, besides the latest news, the full version of our Annual Report and the provisional statement of our accounts for last year.

Do please also refer to the TLC site for details of how your group/organisation can use its facilities to make itself known.

Reflecting on my role as Vice Chairman of the Parish Council, working full time as an IT manager, nurturing two teenage girls, and two erratic cocker spaniels leaves me with very little free time. My home life is shared with my partner, Ian, who seems to think council business should coincide with evenings when there is football on the T.V!

Like my fellow councillors, I am motivated to contribute at some level to public service and seek to influence the raft of decisions taken on local infrastructure, delivery of services, and key planning matters. The learning curve is steep but greatly assisted by the wealth of experience within the council team. Planning is one area that requires some thought at first, to untangle the complex planning regulations and processes. Fortunately, both the Planning Authorities and HAPC offer training at regular intervals to keep us all informed.

As councillors, we operate at many different levels. This brings diversity to the role and a chance to become involved with local organisations or be a voice heard on key decision-making bodies. I am interested in threats to transport provision and to our rural environment.

Attending civic functions, introduces an element of diversity whether it is attending a service at the Abbey or as a guest at a charity evening. These events also provide an opportunity to build a network of local contacts and raise the council's profile.

I hope that the work that myself and my colleagues on the council undertake will continue to make improvements to Romsey Extra and safe-guard the unique nature of this particular parish.

My first working experience was in nursing and for 10 years I worked in Cheltenham. When I married Derek, we moved to Guildford in Surrey and soon after his work took us abroad where we spent 5 years in Japan and 2-3 years in Holland. On our return to England we initially settled again in Surrey but in 1986 moved to Hampshire.

It is hard to believe that we have been married for 40 years. Our two children are now adult and Andrew lives in Surrey and Caroline in Ireland. Caroline is great at giving me computer support and I am definitely improving and have got over my early fears of the mysteries of a computer.

Our first home in Hampshire was in the New Forest and then in 1993 we moved to Romsey. Romsey is a place that I truly love and would certainly now never wish to leave. I enjoy living in a rural setting which means I can easily walk miles exercising my two terrier dogs. With two cats as well you can see that I am an animal lover. I also enjoy cooking, gardening, classical and modern theatre and read avidly, time permitting.

In amongst all of this I have continued working. Since my return to England my work has been in market research and marketing. I now work part time in Romsey in marketing and administration.

I do really enjoy the challenges that being a Parish Councillor brings and also the work on the several committees on which I serve. Countryside issues are very much to the fore in the topics that I involve myself in. I try to see that these aspects are brought out in any discussions on matters that we have to deal with within the Parish Council.

Councillors are supported by our Clerk, Carol McFarland, and tree warden, John Chambers. Carol has put in another excellent year of work and is also to be congratulated on gaining her qualification. John's much valued function is to advise us on tree planning applications.

Councillor's attendance at this year's 13 meetings held has varied. Most have attended 10, whilst the Chairman attended all 13 and two councillors 6 or 7 meetings. The internal duties of the council and external committee work are divided among the councillors.

Planning Applications:

In the year we have considered 69 applications. We did not object to the new teaching unit at Stroud School or the changes at Embley Park School. Other applications were more modest. We did object to several with high wooden fencing on exposed boundaries which were approved either on application or appeal. Concern remains about the site at 1 St Swithun's Close where we fear that planting may not soften the visual aspect.

Borough Local Plan:

Modifications to the Local Plan, which guides development to 2011, were proposed by the TVBC following receipt of the Inspectors' reports. Our main comments about Abbotswood were:

1 Such an edge of town development should not take more than 500 houses,

2 Only technical constraints should prevent burying of the power lines,

3 Naming Sandy Lane as the secondary access should wait for the full reports. Other locations for primary access should be sought which more directly links the site with the rest of Romsey.

The South East Plan:

This government document will guide development to 2026. The draft proposes 3,910 new homes in Southern Hampshire. Some of these will be on brownfield sites. This leaves 2,500 new dwellings on greenfield sites including the 800 at Abbotswood. So 1,700 new homes will have to be sited in the six parishes in Southern Hampshire. Given our rural nature and other planning constraints, we will be the main candidate. Consultation on these proposals ends on 23rd June 2006. We will voice our objections strongly on the distribution of this house building and its impact on Romsey.

Look at Romsey:

We have taken a major role in the Woodley & Ganger and Crampmoor & Highwood areas of this project which prepares design statements to guide planners. The survey showed how people liked the small market town of Romsey and the ease of access to the countryside. This supports our views on new housing.

A common dislike was the overhead pylons. Traffic issues figured highly.

 Three Councillors at the 'Woodley & Ganger' Exhibition

Other Planning Issues:

A concern is the fire risk and unsightly nature of the tyre dump at Ashfield. We are asking all relevant authorities to ensure these tyres are removed.

Woodley Village Hall:

Our work is now routine maintenance.

Footpath Highwood Lane:

Sources of funding are being sought.

Corner of Sandy Lane/ Cupernham Lane:

Planting here would break up the area and deter travellers. To decide if this is an option, we need to resolve any conflicts with underground services.

New Parish Seating:

We are pleased with the two refurbished seats in School Road. New seats in Campion Drive and Crampmoor Lane were feared by some as encouraging unruly youngsters. A site at Mountbatten school is being discussed.

A written request with supporting reasons is needed for us to be able to consider awarding a grant.

Newsletter:

We intend to continue distributing four editions of our newsletter per year and are open to any comments on its content.

Website:

We continue to use ‘The Local Channel'. The web address is given on Page 2. Topics under ‘Local Council' include ‘Councillors', Minutes' and ‘Agenda's'. Under ‘Planning Applications' are a list of those we will consider at our next meeting.

Quality Parish Council Scheme:

Now that our Clerk is qualified we will apply for Quality Status this Autumn under the Quality Parish and Town Council Scheme.

Speed Restrictions:

For several years we have sought changes to some speed limits. Responses to ‘Look at Romsey' have supported changes in School Road and Braishfield Road. We will press for action on these.

Resolved Concerns:

Work was completed soon after the last Parish Assembly on aiding the safety of crossing the A3090 to reach the bus stop on the north side near Crampmoor Lane. The extended footpaths allow this although overhanging trees continue to obstruct views of oncoming buses.

The chevron signing on the sharp bend in Highwood Lane has improved the safety of this bend.

We wanted to create a tourist viewing point at the site of the existing lay-by on the A27 at the top of Green Hill. Some years after we raised this matter, we have been told by Highways that the road alignment will not allow safe access. We have abandoned the scheme as a project.

Outstanding Concerns:

On the top of our list are:

1 Overgrown hedgerow which obscures proper vision at the junction of Halterworth Lane and Highwood Lane. We are hoping to get action on this.

2 Safety barriers on the approaches to the A27 Ashfield railway bridge which Highways regard as of low priority.

3 Painting of the parapets on the A3057 River Test bridges. Little prospect of this currently.

4 Road drainage feeding into driveways in Sandy Lane. Work is starting soon.

Play Areas:

Raised at last year's meeting, the latest news is that the Woodley Close play area will be replaced but not until next year. Work on the Romsey skate park near the Rapids is due to be completed soon.

Provisional Accounts for 2005/6:Synopsis of Annual Report - for the full report see our Website

Precept and Budget:

The budget for 2006/07 is £23,079.75. For 2005/6 it was £24,616.80. With a reasonable balance we can again have a precept lower than budget at £22,000. This is the first increase in the precept for 3 years. We will keep a tight control on the budget to keep to a minimum any precept increases.

                            Canal Railway Bridge

There is a length of canal that remains in Romsey Extra from Greatbridge down to Fishlake. The history of this section of canal is that it once formed part of the Andover to Redbridge canal. This particular canal was constructed in the 18th century to improve transport between Andover and Southampton, seeking to provide a useful link with Southampton and the rest of the country. Whilst first mooted in 1770, construction started some time later.

The remains of the canal enter Romsey Extra from the north in the Greatbridge area and still exist as it moves into Romsey Infra on the south side of Fishlake Meadows. A short distance to the south, within Romsey Infra, the canal disappears under concrete beside the Plaza Theatre. This was the site of Romsey Lock.

In Romsey Extra, the remains of the canal bed can be found on the west side of the high brick walling along Broadlands' eastern boundary near the A27 and then on the west side of Lee Lane. For the next mile to the hamlet of Lee the canal bed in places forms a depression mainly on the west side of Lee Lane although in other places the lane has been built on top of the canal.

As the canal approaches Lee, the bed crosses the lane, passes behind several cottages and then crosses the railway. South of Coldharbour Lane, the canal has been infilled and then joins the line of the railway for about half a mile. It then crosses over the southern boundary of the parish into Nursling and then on to Redbridge.

The canal did not give any financial returns to its shareholders and the company was never able to completely pay off its debts, largely because envisaged links to other waterways were not built. After 65 years of quiet use, the canal was rebuilt as a railway which in turn was not very successful. However, the waterway did arguably fulfil its role as a useful link with Southampton and the rest of the country.

Special thanks to the Southampton Canal Society for information and the picture for this article. Further information may be found on the Canal Society website at www.whitenap.plus.com

Carers Forum & Carers Club -anne@meader.com

Diabetes Aware - 01794 515126

Mobile Library 023 80 267393

NOMADS - amateur dramatics - ticket sales 01794 523578 or 02380 348317

Romsey Acorns Out of Schools Clubs -

02380 735744

Romsey Citizens Advice - 01794 516378

Romsey Dial-A-Ride - 01794 521515

Romsey Sea Cadets - 01794 514387

Test Valley Community Services - 01794 519998

Scouts - Romsey District Scout Council - Mr D Sutton 01794 502817

Woodley Village Hall Booking Mrs Garland -01794 523473

Youth in Romsey - 01794 500581

If you're a woman with a business idea & you want help to progress call 08454 58 85 58 or visit www.businesslinkwessex.co.uk/women

Pay and Play Tennis at Wellow

Hatches Farm Sports Ground

Romsey Road, Wellow

£5 per hour

Ring 01794 323801 or Turn up and play

Public transport to hospitals in the area, particular for the disabled, is arduous. Romsey Good Neighbours operate a car and escort service for medical appointments primarily for the elderly, infirm or disabled in Romsey and the surrounding area.

Operated by volunteers, around 75 clients per week are transported and demand is growing. This stretches the team of volunteers. There is a need for more people to participate in this vital local community service either as driver/escorts or co-ordinators.

If you would like to help please ring Barbara Harper on 01794 522803 for a chat and further details.

Do you know anyone who is blind or partially sighted, who would like to keep up-to-date with local news? There is a cassette produced weekly, containing extracts from ‘The Romsey Advertiser' which can be sent to them. The service is provided by volunteers and is absolutely free. Anyone interested should contact ‘The Romsey Advertiser', 21 Market Place Romsey SO51 8NA. Tel 01794 513396.

Volunteers, particularly male, are needed to read or to record the weekly tape. Tapes are recorded on a Friday morning and volunteers work as part of a team on a rota basis. For details contact Mrs Chris Pashby-Taylor Tel: 01730 890406

Ed Gower's year as Chairman has come to an end and he and a number of the group will this year be moving on to University and the like. Ed is to congratulated on an excellent year's work with the Youth Council.

At this year's AGM on 30th March the new Chairman elected was Fran Hughes and the Vice Chairman Sameer Kumar. We wish them every success for their future time with the group.

Already there has been a film evening at Romsey School on the 26th May when the film ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory‘ was shown. The next event is the Mayor's Picnic on the 2nd July at the Memorial Park when face painting will be the highlight. Do come to this or to one of the group's meetings. For details see their website www.ryc.org.uk

The club meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month in Woodley Village Hall at 2 pm and is open to members over 55. Interest is provided with slide shows, talks, demonstrations, bingo and some social time (chat) at each meeting.

Meetings for the next three months are:

July 5th - Judges Clerk-Mr J Hook

July 19th - Crime & Punishment in Romsey - Mrs Barbara Burbridge

August 2nd - Half Day Outing

August 16th - Half Day Outing

Sept 6th - Bingo

Sept 20th - From Goats to Garments - Mrs Jane-Ann Rogers

We welcome any feedback you might have on any issues raised in this newsletter or any other issues that concern you in the local area. Your feedback will help us to confirm that we are representing the general views of the parish as well as identifying particular problems that we are not aware of. We welcome any comments you might have and your participation in our activities. Please send them to the Clerk at the address on Page 1 or e-mail as above.