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Annual Report 2008
ROMSEY EXTRA PARISH COUNCIL ANNUAL REPORT 2008 Contents: Introduction Council Members and Officers 2.1 Members 2.2 Officers Councillor Activities 3.1 Council Meetings Attended 3.2 Internal Duties 3.3 Representation on External Committees 3.4 Representation on External Bodies Work of the Council during Year 4.1. Planning 4.2. Projects 4.3. Grants 4.4. Council Administration 4.5. Footpaths and Roads 4.6. Parish Amenities 5. Finance 5.1 Accounts for 2007/8 5.2 Grants for 2007/8 5.3 Precept and Budget for 2008/9 ANNUAL REPORT 2008 1. Introduction The Annual Report seeks to provide you with the information you need to understand something about our activities during the year. If there is other information that you would like to see in future reports do please let us know. Because of the Election last May We lost 3 sitting councillors and gained 3 new ones. We were sorry to lose our Chairman of 4 years Rod Simpson Vice Chairman Jeanette Kell and Councillor Julian Gee all of who worked really hard for the Parish Council. Our new councillors all bring to the council their different strengths and we are all working together to make sure the Parish Council runs as smoothly as possible. Council Members and Officers 2.1 Members Chairman Teresa Hibberd 2 Church Cottages Lee, Romsey Tel: 02380 732247 SO51 9LG E-mail Hibberd67@aol.com Vice Chairman Alison Johnston Lee Manor, Lee Lane, Lee, Romsey Tel: 02380 740179 SO51 9LH E-mail: ali.m.johnstone@btinternet.com Members: Sally Leach Troy House, Salisbury Road, Shootash Romsey Tel: 01794 522156 SO51 6FB E-mail: sf_leach@hotmail.com John Parker Cornerways Highwood Lane Romsey Tel: 01794 515257 SO51 9AF E-mail: parkerjsxx@aol.com Jean Bonney 1 Cowslip Way, Romsey Tel: 01794 523938 SO51 7RR E-mail: colin.bonney@moeller.co.uk Ruth Harper-Adams 2 Home Farm Cottages, Broadlands, Romsey Tel: 01794 517617 SO51 9LB E-mail: taacl@btinternet.com Jenny Mills 15 Campion Drive, Romsey Tel: 01794 516374 SO51 7RD E-mail: campion@waitrose.com 2.2 Officers Parish Clerk Carol McFarland Cowesfield Lodge, Romsey Road Whiteparish Tel: 01794 884826 SP5 2QY E-mail: carol_mcfarland@hotmail.com This Parish Council thinks very highly of our Parish Clerk Carol, and as always she is very professional in her approach to matters that arise and all the administration that comes with the her job. Carol carries out a huge task behind the scenes preparing for Meetings and dealing with the day to day, running of our Parish Council. What's more is she has a sense of humour which is very important. Hon. Tree Warden John Chambers John is an honorary officer of the council, we value his long standing knowledge and advise on tree planning applications that are presented to the Council. Hon. Rep. to Rod Simpson Romsey Youth Council 3. Councillor Activities 3.1 Council Meetings Attended We met as a council for our normal 12 monthly meetings and 1 extra ordinary meeting. Councillor attendance at these meetings is summarised below: | | | No. of Meetings | % Attendance | Held during Year | 13 | | Members | Teresa Hibberd | | 85% | | | Alison Johnston | | 85% | | | Sally Leach | | 69% | | | John Parker | | 77% | | | Jean Bonney | | 54% | | | Ruth Harper-Adams | | 92% | | | Jenny Mills | | 77% |
3.2 Internal Duties Public Transport - Jenny Mills Internal Audit Panel - Teresa Hibberd, Ruth Harper-Adams & John Parker Website Administration - Rod Simpson (Honorary duty) Website Editor - Clerk Newsletter Editor - Clerk Grant Co-Ordination - Jenny Mills & John Parker TVBC Planning User Group - Ruth Harper-Adams & John Parker 3.3 Representation on External Committees Woodley Village Hall Management Committee - Teresa Hibberd, Jean Bonney Montfort Hall Community Association - Jean Bonney STVVTS Management Committee (Dial-a-Ride) - Sally Leach Romsey Town Allotments Committee - Teresa Hibberd & Alison Johnson Squabb Wood Liaison Panel - Sally Leach 3.4 Representation on External Bodies Test Valley Association of Parish Councils - (TVAPC) - Teresa Hibberd, Alison Johnston & Clerk TVAPC Representative on the Test Valley Borough Council Standards Committee - Alison Johnston Romsey Forum - Teresa Hibberd, Ruth Harper-Adams 3.5 Local Authorities (model Code of Conduct) Order 2007 Was adopted by the Parish Council in June 2007. 4. Work of the Council during Year 4.1. Planning 4.1.1 Planning Applications Our role in relation to planning applications is as a statutory consultee. In the year we have considered 80 applications. When one considers that last year's figure of 69, it shows an increase over the two years. Minerals and Waste Roke Manor We objected to this application in November on the grounds that it was unacceptable as it introduced a processing plant which was contrary to that stated in the County Minerals and Waste Local Plan. Ashfield Tyre Recyclying The Parish Council considered this application in June 2007 and objected to it as it would constitute unwarranted development in the countryside. We felt that the potential of this operation causing adverse effects from noise and unpleasant odours over a long period appeared marked. There were also concerns about adverse environmental impacts on the adjacent SINC and seepage into the water course. We objected strongly to the fencing it was totally unsuitable for its rural setting. It is important to retain a countryside gap between Romsey and Southampton. We strongly urged the County Council to commence with enforcement action against the owners of this site which was operating without permission. However, the County Council's Regulatory Committee considered this application in October 2007 after hearing the deputations from objectors granted permission subject to 21 conditions. We can now only monitor the situation and hope that the Waste Planning Authority does so also. Abbotswood Outline Planning Application for 800 Houses We held a special meeting at the end of March to look at this application and to hear comments from the public. There were also representatives from the development consortium at Abbotswood to answer any questions. At our following meeting in April we objected to the outline planning application on a number of grounds. 4.1.3 Local Development Framework Core Strategy The Parish Council was consulted on this document earlier this year. Whilst we were generally in agreement with the contents of the document there were a few notable exceptions. We regretted the proposal by SEERA in the Draft South East Plan to require 3910 additional homes in Southern Test Valley by 2026. This was because it allocated this additional housing to such a small and constrained area as the six parishes that make up Southern Test Valley. We felt that Romsey should not be targeted for housing that is required to support the employment aspirations of Southampton. In relation to Romsey Extra, in particular West of Romsey we agreed that this was obviously untenable because of its location on the flood plain. North of Romsey, Abbotswood was already identified in the current Local Plan and was, therefore, accepted. Ganger Farm should be used only for leisure and recreation facilities as planned and should not become a further location for housing development. East of Romsey we agreed that this was not acceptable as it breached the well identified local gap separating Romsey from North Baddesley, impinged upon the Emer Bog SAC and would potentially sterilise whatever gravel was there. It was not currently a preferred area for gravel extraction nor was it proposed that it so become one. We objected to the plan for 1500 houses south of Romsey as Whitenap was good quality agricultural land. It represented an important open aspect on the approach to Romsey. Locating development there would significantly increase pressures on peak time local traffic. We agreed that Lee Park was not an appropriate site for development as it would be an isolated settlement and it currently provided an important buffer between Broadlands and Southampton. We continued to stress the need for local gaps to separate settlements and, in particular, the need for local gaps to separate: Romsey from North Baddesley (Highwood/Halterworth); Romsey including Broadlands from Nursling/Southampton (Lee Park) Romsey from Valley Park (Ampfield). 4.1.4 Hampshire Minerals & Waste Development Framework In June we responded to the Issues and Options for Minerals and Waste consultation from the County Council. Broadly speaking we objected to all the sites put forward in Romsey Extra, both new and existing sites. For example, Ridge Quarry we strongly objected to the making of this site a preferred site for a permanent strategic aggregate recycling facility. The land had been worked and it was overdue for return to agriculture and the countryside. 4.1.5 Look at Romsey We were pleased to hear that Test Valley Borough Council adopted the ‘Look at Romsey' - Town Design Statement for Romsey and Romsey Extra in January. 4.2. Projects 4.2.1 Woodley Village Hall As landlord we undertake to do routine maintenance to the borders and fencing around the hall. After a bit of vandalism we organized the repair of 2 trellis panels and our next step is to replace the bark mulching on the back border, which has started to break down. Also, some pruning of trees at entrance to village hall car park has been scheduled. The Village Hall Management Committee has been looking at refurbishing the hall. Toilet facilities need updating, generally the hall facility needs updating along with a new heating system. We the Parish Council as the freeholder of the hall will support the Woodley Hall Management Committee in obtaining funding for this refurbishment. 4.2.2 Footpath Highwood Lane For a long time we have wanted to see a new footway constructed along Highwood Lane to join up with the footway near Stroud School and Footpath 15 which would give a circular route for walkers. Many walkers use this Footway and footpath during the week and at weekends. At our meeting in January with HCC we discussed this again but to date we have had nothing to report on this project. We are also looking into other ways of financing the construction of this footway. We have also asked if the Section 106 on Abbotswood could cover the cost of this. 4.2.3 New Parish Seating A project, which is also ongoing, is to find locations for any seats to put in open spaces around the parish. If the parishioners have a site that they might like a parish seat placed, please let us know. 4.2.4 Bus Shelter Crampmoor In November 2007 the bus shelter at Crampmoor was refurbished. The guttering was replaced and the woodwork painted. 4.2.5 Community Neighbourhood Plan - Halterworth School Ruth and the Chairman have been in talks with Halterworth School to launch a competition. The school is currently working on a project called Transport and Travel. The Parish Council was approached by the School to establish a community neighbourhood plan. This involves the Parish Council working alongside the school and hopefully this will be a yearly competition. The competition is to be called Halterworth Challenge 2008. The whole school will be involved. We have asked the children to come up with ideas in the form of models, essays and pictures. There will be 2 categories: Realistic and Futuristic. The Launch Assembly is on 19 May, the exhibition will be on Friday 20 June and the winners assembly on Monday 23 June. 4.3. Grants The Parish Council gives grants to organisations, groups or individuals in the Parish for a fairly wide range of purposes, which are generally in the interests of the parish and the parishioners. We do ask anybody who feels that they or their group could benefit from a grant for the coming year to let us know. All we need is a written request with a statement of accounts so that we can look at the cause and the financial background of the request. Details of the grants we gave this year are in Section 5.2 of this report. 4.4. Council Administration 4.4.1 Newsletter Each year we distribute 4 newsletters to all our parishioners, updating them on the latest news and issues in Romsey Extra. In 2008 we will be moving our December Newsletter to the beginning of January this is due to postal problems we have over the Christmas period. We are always willing to hear feedback from our parishioners about articles printed. 4.4.2 Website We use the facilities of "The Local Channel" as our Website. This means we, as well as any other local not for profit organisation, group or individual, can directly input content on issues, news and events in the parish. The web address is: www.thelocalchannel.co.uk/romseyextra Here you will find news items and also the content of our newsletters. Topics under ‘Local Council' include ‘Councillors', ‘Minutes', ‘Agendas' and ‘Planning Applications'. So you can look at the past minutes of our meetings, the agendas and a list with details of the planning applications we will be considering at our next meeting. A working party has been set up to look at the Parish Council's web site provision. They are due to report back to the Parish Council later this year. 4.4.3 Quality Parish Council Scheme We are currently awaiting the new criteria for reaccreditation. Our current quality status is for four years and is due for renewal in November 2010. 4.5. Footpaths and Roads 4.5.1 Speed Limits We have continued to urge that certain changes are made to speed restrictions on roads in the parish. Among these are a 40 mph limit in Gardeners Lane and 30 mph limits on School Road and the lower part of Braishfield Road. We are also concerned about the speed of traffic along Belbins. Speed Limit Reminder Sign Romsey Extra joined with the parishes of Nursling & Rownhams and Wellow to operate a SLR (speed limit reminder) sign. This sign will be rotated around the 3 Parishes for approximately 17 weeks per year, per parish. Test Valley Borough Council has only 2 of these SLR signs to cover 56 parishes so Romsey Extra would have seen this sign in operation only occasionally. Our local County Councilor, Roy Perry, offered to fund the purchase of this SLR sign for his division from his local community fund. Therefore, Wellow Parish Council will own the sign and the 3 parish councils together will undertake the running costs of around £250 per year for each parish. Belbins was the first location for the new sign and we will keep you informed of its progress and impact in our area. Highway Safety experts have advised that the SLR signs, that flash when any motorist exceeds the limit, start to lose their impact and efficacy after about 2 weeks, by when motorists become used to them. By rotating it to other stretches of road that already have either a 30mph or 40mph limit they can have more effect. 4.5.2 Resolved Concerns The concerns we have on footpaths and roads are always a strong feature of our meetings. These concerns are all brought to the attention of Hampshire Highways and at intervals we do meet with the Assistant Chief Engineer covering Test Valley, David Irving. These meetings are always productive in the acceptance we receive for our concerns. It is getting promised changes actually underway that does normally take us some time and effort. There have been a number of items that have been dealt with over the year. Some of these are: Short Hill Salt Bin - Two years ago it was agreed that we would fund the provision of a salt bin on Short Hill. Eventually this has now been installed. Woodley Village Hall Car Park Entrance - An agreement was reached with Hampshire Highways in January 2007 that work would be done to lengthen the section of dropped kerb in front of the car park entrance to the Village Hall this was done in December 2007. Footway Braishfield Road and Winchester Road Junction - It was identified in the ‘Look at Romsey' project that surfacing was needed where pedestrians cut across corner. A gravel surfacing was laid in 2007. 4.5.3 Outstanding Concerns We still do have a number of outstanding concerns and some have been so for a long time. We are totally realistic about the financial restraints on the highway authority and have presented our list of concerns in a priority order with the hope that over time at least we could achieve some progress on our major concerns. Some of these are listed below: 1. Footway Highwood Lane - the Parish Council funded the footway along Highwood Lane 10 years ago. We are now pressing the County Council to carry out the necessary maintenance now required. Safety barriers on the approaches to the A27 railway bridge at Ashfield - Seen, by the structures section of Hampshire Highways, as being low on their priority list for such situations. Repair and maintenance work on the parapets of the A3057 bridges over the River Test. - Painting works are due to commence this coming financial year. We will to continue to discuss with Hampshire Highways other items of outstanding concern. 4.6. Parish Amenities 4.6.1 Play Areas We mentioned in our last report that the Woodley Close play area was due to be refurbished in this financial year. However, work has still to be started, we understand that it should start shortly. 5. Finance 5.1 Provisional Accounts for 2007/8 See Appendix 1 (note these are not approved until June) 5.2 Grants given in 2007/8 Organisation | Details | Cost | Homestart | To help with running costs | 150.00 | Hampshire County Youth Band Association | To help purchase new instruments | 200.00 | STVVTS | To help with running costs | 500.00 | Romsey Arts Festival | Further assistance to promote venues in Romsey Extra | 250.00 | Woodley & Crampmoor Friendship Club | To help with Xmas festivities | 150.00 | Romsey Sea Cadets | To help purchase new uniforms | 250.00 | Romsey 2020 | To help with printing costs | 100.00 | Romsey Youth Council | To help with activities | 50.00 | Romsey Town Football Club | To help upgrade electrical equipment | 350.00 | Total | | 2,000.00 |
5.3 Precept and Budget for 2008/9 | | | 2007-2008 Outturn - £ | 2008-2009 Budget - £ | Carried Forward at start | 12,448.66 | 10,035.50 | Precept | 22,000.00 | 25,000.00 | Rest | 667.51 | - | VAT | 641.85 | - | Total | 23,309.36 | 25,000.00 | Administration | 18,657.64 | 21,205.00 | Running | 3,625.30 | 3,515.00 | Projects | 799.68 | 2,000.00 | Grants | 2000.00 | 2,000.00 | VAT | 639.90 | - | Total | 25,722.52 | 28,720.00 | Income less Expenditure | -2,413.16 | -3,720.00 | Carried Forward | 10,035.50 | 6,315.50 |
The new budget figure for 2008/9 is £28,720.00. This compares with £26,550.86 for 2007/8. The difference is almost entirely due to an increase in administration expenditure. This increase in cost arises primarily from the cost of the election for this year plus normal increases in other expenditure. The election cost this year was more than we had budgeted for, so we have decided to try and put some money aside each year to lessen the burden cost in future years. The precept is the element within the Council Tax that is paid to Parish Councils. Since we need to bring the budget spend and precept into balance we decided to increase the precept this coming year to £25,000.
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