Minutes for Full Council Meeting - 10th December 2018

Talk and Q&A from the Wiltshire Police & Crime Commissioner- Angus MacPherson.

Cllr Brady introduced PCC Angus MacPherson and thanked him for attending the meeting.

He mentioned the challenges from last year and challenges for the new year; and listening to residents’ concerns for policing in the county.

He touched on 2018 problems faced at Salisbury. Every day police go to the aid of people collapsed – due to various reasons, age, illness or mental health situation.

10.5 million spent on the investigation in Wiltshire. 7.5 million came from local precept police funds. 9.5 million has come back from the Government already. 4 million was the original amount estimated for 2018 funds needed.
Assured the Wiltshire rate payer than none of the funds came from precept and were not refunded. Major undertaking looking after the extra officers drafted in.
Will have affected community policing as hours lost locally to the Salisbury incident. Full report will be in the current years’ annual report.

Most information in response to residents’ questions is available on the Wiltshire police website.

Kier Pritchard took over as temporary chief constable during this year. After the post being nationally advertised, Mr Pritchard has been appointed as permanent chief constable of Wiltshire.
New management team will be in place in early 2019.

For 2018/19 precept, he was given permission to consult on increase to precept of £1.00 per household per month on a band D property. Results showed that most people saw the need for this increase. As a result there were no cost savings by reduction of officers.
Moving on to 2019/20 precept: considered a further increase of another £1 or £2 per household per month.
Hasn’t yet received funding info from central government.
Pension contributions are also increasing so this will cost the force more money per year.

Will circulate the proposed figures as soon as they are available, so the public and Parish Councils can comment.

Questions raised:

Why are there not as many as people on the streets as there used to be?

The simple answer is that there are enough people available like they used to be. Officers need to work on cyber-crime which is not a visible presence on the streets.
Cyber-crime and child sexual exploitation are massive crimes at the moment.

Community communication: 101 number for non-emergencies. Gov. rolled this out and then withdrew the grant so the police have taken this over.
10% of calls to call centre are about mental health issues. There is now a mental health nurse in Devizes 24/7 who can give advice to officers dealing with someone in crisis and give information from their medical records as the police do not have this access.

Policing in the UK is by consent. Won’t see high police presence in towns and cities. Please use 101 to pass on information.
101 currently answered within 1 minute 30 seconds approx.
Community Messaging:
You sign up and get appropriate messages specific for your postcode from police and other trusted agencies such as Fire service.
Leaflets were left and are available from the Parish Clerk.

Funds for next year are not yet known. Central gov. central grant is £20 per household less than the average across the country. Changing crimes doesn’t respect local boundaries. Needs the portion of gov. funds to reflect this. The PCC has spoken to local MP’s about this to urge them to try to get this changed.

Wiltshire police has new technology that other forces would like. All officers have laptop and smart phone. Can do all their work on these devices. Don’t have as many physical locations as before as don’t need to return to station to write up a report. This doesn’t mean the police force has been reduced.

Specials: Around 275 specials in Wiltshire. Specials are now part of the police force. They report to a Sargant and are part of the community policing team and manage the drone technology for Wiltshire police.

Wiltshire has less constables per head of population than any other area of the country. Less people with a warrant card now as not needed for a lot of police work. Will probably be questioned by a civilian now if you are arrested. This shows on the stats as less constables.

Swindon South Community Safety forum: SBC runs this with the Chief Constables and Parish Councils attend to raise local matters.
Recent local patrols have increased due to Rec hall issues. PCSO Emma Turner has met with the Clerk for the Parish Council.

Residents questions:

Mr Huggins – A while ago he was involved in project “PLOT” with Hampshire Police which raised awareness and provided a liaison officer for the deaf community. Wiltshire doesn’t have one of these, are there any plans to introduce this?

A: No, we don’t. He will take this away and see what they can do. Wiltshire has just achieved the outstanding mark for disability employers confidence. They do employ at least one person in the control centre who is visually impaired. 2 people in the call centre have Downs Syndrome. Do try to offer employment to people with disabilities.

Mr Huggins – A few years ago he went to police headquarters to help to launch “True Vision” which was working against hate crime. What is happening with this?

A: Still have a group that meets regularly and recognises disabilities and differences. Black and Asian community are well represented on this board. Not so well represented in the police community from the Black and Asian community.

Cllr David Hill – 1. Cost of Tri Force agreement failing. 2. If it’s being re-structured for Wiltshire only, how much will it cost for the residents of Chiseldon Parish? 3. What is being done about knife crime in Swindon?

A: The Tri-Force plan was designed to do things the same way across neighbouring forces. Armed response vehicles all look the same, and uniforms the same etc.
Avon & Somerset were the exception to this purchasing consortium for this plan.
Forensics should be done together, with less labs – have moved forward but Gloucestershire didn’t want to join this part of the plan.
This was amended later into smaller groups of forces to work together.
Recently Devon, Dorset and Cornwall wanted to merge to one force. One commissioner ruled this out as it was thought to be an impossible job.
Wiltshire situation is similar, some systems work the same but some are still separate. Key issue under section 22 agreement was that Avon and Somerset withdrew as they wanted to be responsible for all firearm incidences themselves without reporting to the PCC. Angus MacPherson said this was a step too far. This is why the Tri-force agreement failed.

Cllr David Hill – is there now a need for further recruitment?

A: There is still an agreement in place but need to work through how it will work now. Expects the cost to Wiltshire to be around 1.9 million as need to recruit possibly 24 new fire arms officers.

Q&A ends and Cllr Brady thanked PCC Angus MacPherson for his time and information.

(No break in the meeting was required)

Cllr Brady began by advising Cllrs on the conduct for the forthcoming agenda item – the public recess
The public were advised that they are legally allowed admission to Parish Council meetings however there is no legal requirement for the public to address the council. Most Parish /Town councils include a public recess – Chiseldon Parish Council allocate 10 minutes at the start of the meeting, 3 minutes per person to allow as many people to have their say.
Rules for public recess are: Address all questions /issues to the Chair only, Questions will not be answered during public recess, however will be noted for any related agenda item.
If the question is not related to an agenda item the issue will be referred to the appropriate council committee or to the Clerk to answer later as required.
Once public recess is over, the public revert will assume the status of observers only – the public are requested not to interrupt or comment on proceedings.
The Chair confirmed that the Parish Council have prepared well for the SHELAA debate. All Cllrs have received and reviewed a 90 page SHELAA information briefing pack; met with experts from both AONB and SBC planning, reviewed and considered all relevant case law , received a briefing on the changes to planning law e.g. the revised 2018 National Planning Policy framework.
The Public were advised that all resident comments and statements received to date by the Parish Clerk in relation to the three Chiseldon SHELAA sites have been reviewed by the parish Council – it was therefore requested that residents confine their comments on the 3 SHELAA sites during public recess to main points or new points and not duplicate what we already have.

Cllr Brady addressed the Parish Council – to remind all Councillors that the Council are obliged to observe the Code of Conduct during tonight’s proceedings. (See Code of Conduct document)
Ref Standing Orders – item 30 –
a. The ruling of the chairman on a point of order or on the admissibility of a personal explanation shall not be discussed.
b. Members shall address the chairman.
c. A member desiring to speak shall indicate such desire by raising an arm and shall not speak until and unless permitted to do so by the chairman.
d. Whenever the chairman speaks during a debate all other members shall be seated and silent.

Public Recess

Approx. 30 members of the public.

Mrs F Allen – Would like to know how the discussion will go tonight for Cllrs – are you following personal opinion or talking on behalf of the public. Are there any policies that are followed?

Cllr Brady – This will be clarified at the appropriate agenda item.

Mike Smith and Catherine Henderson who are part of the Chiseldon Community Group – Presenting a summary of their findings.
Representing around 300 residents.

Key points they want to make are: Chiseldon is fully within the AONB. Any building work within the AONB requires the 2018 Revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) to be adhered to. Within this are the special tests that Developers needs to adhere to, for example meeting – exceptional circumstances and requirements of the public. They do not think that any of the proposed sites in the SHELAA meet these 2 tests.
In regards to exceptional circumstances, the site is in the AONB, SBC have a duty to manage this protected land, SBC should also look for other suitable areas to build.
Shortage of housing in its own right would not be seen as an exceptional circumstance.
In regards to public interest, the CPC Parish Plan of 2016 showed that rural village location of importance.
1500 signatures recent public petition supporting no building here.
Facilities offered are already replicated within the village.
To conclude they believe there is no public interest and no exceptional circumstance. They recommend the PC reject the sites on all three SHELAA sites. They want the public to lobby decision makers as well.

Mr E Jones Requested copy of last minutes of the public meetings. Hasn’t had these yet, when will they be available?
Cllr Brady – these are currently being shared with SBC to ensure accuracy in the answers they provided to the public . They have just come back as accurate so the Clerk will share them on the website shortly.
Mr E Jones – Are these minutes up for discussion or can they be changed?
Cllr Brady – Minutes taken at a Council meeting by the Clerk are not debatable, apart from a review of accuracy/errors raised by individual councilors or one of the relevant committee.

Mr S Thompson – He believes that Cllrs have been told not to discuss the SHELAA until the council has met which he understands is the correct and proper action.
Have the developers been given the opportunity to speak to Cllrs prior to this meeting?

Cllr Brady – the answer to this is no.

(It should be noted that the last communication with a developer relating to any potential development on any of the SHELAA sites was 2015/ start of 2016 in relation to Hodson Road. Cllr Brady confirmed in Council that there was no discussion with developers referring to matters relevant to the proposals in 2018)

End of Public Recess.

Cllr Brady reminded the public that they are welcome to stay for the remainder of the council meeting however they would be Observers and requested not to interrupt Council proceedings

Apologies: None (Cllr Costigan was noted as apologies but shortly after arrived)

Absence without apologies: None

18/76. Declarations of interests.

None

18/77. Approval of minutes from 12th November 2018

Page 1 – Cllr Clarke missing from list of attendees.

Page 3 – Cllr D Hill questioned a Ward Cllrs report – are we having one?
Cllr Brady advised that Ward Cllrs not attending tonight but will have a written report from them as an update.

A proposal was made by Cllr Hill that these minutes be therefore accepted; Cllr Rawlings seconded this and all Cllrs were in favour.

18/78. Matters arising and action points:

Matters arising:

None

SUMMARY OF NOV ACTION POINTS.

All Actions to be completed by the next Full Committee meeting unless otherwise specified.

Clerk

17/76 Ask Ward Cllrs to chase cutting back of trees obscuring sign on A346 Plough Hill. ONGOING, WAITING FOR HIGHWAYS. Cats eyes and white lines to be renewed as well.

18/59 Investigate CCTV for Rec Hall carpark – Ongoing

18/71 Clerk to share Ogbourne St George petition details on FB, website and Ridgeway Bell.DONE

18/72 Increase 2019/20 allotment lease costs by 10% on renewal letters. DONE

18/73 Request joining information & invoice from WALC. DONE

18/75 Add living wage employer to Jan 2019 agenda. DONE

ALL COUNCILLORS

17/68 All Cllrs to do on-line GDPR training.

Cllr Brady

18/61 Submit ACV for Calley Arms to SBC

Ward Cllr Foley & Mattock

17/133 Request information from SBC on what constitutes a breach of safety specific to Highways. ONGOING. Clerk to re-send info to Ward Cllrs. Clerk to send replies to all P.Cllrs DONE

18/79 Vote on SHELAA draft SBC Plan. Votes separately on sites:

Cllr Brady read out the premise of the SHELAA- for SBC to identify potential housing and economic land sites and assess if the sites are developable.
Confirmed that SBC do not have a 5 year housing land supply – they currently have between 2.7 – 2.9 years.
SHELAA can also provide further evidence for any future development of Neighbourhood plans (NHP).
Important to stress that potential SHELAA sites would not necessarily mean that SBC would grant planning permission for development. All applications would be considered against SBC planning policy and the 2018 National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) together with other material considerations.
Likewise exclusion of a site from the SHELAA does not mean a landowner /developer cannot submit an application.
This review is a pre-statutory phase. The statutory consultation will be Spring 2019 and the final stage in Autumn 2019.
CPC negotiated an extension of replies to 12th Dec. This is to review each of the 3 proposed sites.
Cllr Brady then explained the 3 sites (as listed below)

Sites will be assessed individually. All areas are within the AONB.
CPC met with AONB representative to discuss the 3 SHELAA sites. AONB representative emphasized that each area should be looked at individually.

Following the debate each site will be voted on separately.
CPC will follow the 7 Nolan Principles. Principal 1 states that the Council must act in public interest, but it also states that the Council must also follow the other 6 rules including a need to remain objective and make decisions fairly, on merit and using the best evidence without bias or discrimination. (The Nolan principles can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Committee_on_Standards_in_Public_Life)

CPC does not have a Neighbourhood Plan (NHP). Until recently – 2017 – Badbury Park development formed part of Chiseldon Parish and thus already provided a substantial housing supply within this area. SBC changed the parish boundaries in 2017 and removed this development from the Parish.

Karen Phimister the SBC NHP expert has advised there would be no point starting a NHP now whilst SBC has less than a 3 years housing land supply. Currently all live NHP’s across the Borough have no statutory power whist the housing land supply remains below 3 years. It was advised to wait until SBC has a 5 year housing land supply before considering NHP

Discussion commenced on item 5 of the agenda – each SHELAA site was considered in turn

Cllr Hill – Wanted to note the email the Clerk had sent out on other areas on the SHELAA where SBC have changed the decision recently. Have all Cllrs read this document? Will there be any effect from this on the PC’s decisions this evening?
Cllr Brady – what this means is that SBC are going through phases of evaluation. There were huge numbers of bids for sites coming in around the Borough. They look at the proposed sites in phases, some sites are now being removed from the SHELAA map. The current Chiseldon SHELAA Sites will be evaluated by SBC in due course as part of the next phase, this communication however, does prove that SBC are evaluating sites. Not all sites entered at stage 1 will remain and other sites may be included later.

Cllr Sunners – Thanked Cllr Brady and the Clerk for the excellent information provided.
Also thanked to the Chiseldon Community group for their work.
5 year housing land supply is significant. As SBC cannot demonstrate a 5 year plan – why not? Does it in fact assist SBC? SBC lack of land supply is jeopardizing areas of AONB. This is a significant village history event.

Cllr McDonald –Quoted – Mark Campbell principle planner formally at SBC commented on the lack of the 5 year housing supply and the lack of other housing land restrictions. As all of Chiseldon has a “land based restriction” ie the AONB, SBC should look elsewhere. However looking at what the AONB say – They advise the AONB actively supports sympathetic development on AONB land. AONB also specified a response to each of the 3 SHELAA proposed sites.
SO0028 – opposed on significant adverse effect of character appearance of AONB.
SO0027 – as above
SO078 – No objection to a sympathetic development of 40 houses which offer local benefits.

Whilst he believes SBC priorities should be in other areas, even the AONB are not completely opposed to all development.

Cllr Brady – The PC met with the AONB and spoke to Rebecca Davies and can concur this is it exactly what she said.

Public member Mr M Spreckley challenged this statement and then left the meeting after twice being advised he was not to interrupt a council meeting.

Cllr Michelle Harris – Confirmed the statements that were given by Rebecca Davies of the AONB.
Cllr Harris is in general open to development. She also asked Rebecca how much of Swindon Borough was in the AONB. The answer is 7% and it is made up of Chiseldon land.
This % is very small. She feels they should then look elsewhere as the land is special.

Cllr Rawlings – If one area of land is opened up, where will it stop? This is his concern.

Cllr Clarke – Grew up in the village but had to move away to afford a home. Luckily could then come back.
He disagrees with the volume of houses on New Road. Should also look at the ability to be able to offer something. We cannot say no all the time. He feels Hodson Road, developed properly, with a suitable amount of housing would fix a problem that does exist. Sensible well planned design – should not be against this.

Cllr Brady steered conversion to the smaller New Road site SO0028, plus site SO0027.

Cllr Rogers – Wanted to offer a different view to Cllr Rawlings. Went to visit the New Road site and what is behind it. Around it there are business units. It adds a natural buffer to any further developments.

Cllr Bates – Has to think about the developments together. If all were said yes to, it would double the houses in the village. We don’t have the road capacity for extra traffic. Would question whether SBC doesn’t have enough sites as Wichelstowe has only had East Wichel built on and none on West Wichel. Nothing built yet on the New Eastern Villages. (NEV)

Cllr Matt Harris – Ref 5 year land supply. The answer to why SBC doesn’t have this supply was given in the public meeting. The NEV formed a large part of this supply. When the last plan was put to the inspector SBC said they were not sure if this land would not be delivered in the next 5 years. The planning inspector overruled their concerns. In this case, this wasn’t SBC’s fault, it was down to the inspector.
Ref the small New Road site which has an application in place. Design ok, but not in the right place. Thinks the New Road boundary should be maintained.

Cllr Mills – In policy documentation – States the tests of sustainability, strategic environment and public participation. All of Chiseldon is in AONB, the Chalk Downs are unique.
Previous application for New Road was rejected. Infrastructure cannot support further developments.
The consultant for the developer has stated that more storm water drainage assessment needs to happen.
Ref affordable housing – should be supplied to maintain vitality of the community.

Cllr Walton – When New Road site was last submitted for planning and rejected, CPC pushed SBC to go to appeal which was won.
Those were different times, significant change has occurred with different government housing rules. This involves much bigger battles including , fighting government policy. Having said that, he confirmed his disappointed with SBC on this site, as they have been slow to develop their structure plan to achieve 5 year land supply.
Have to be mindful that developers are getting more planning permission on AONB land.
In regards to sustainability there are lots of areas that a developer can get over. Cannot however get over J15 traffic issue . More houses will mean more traffic to this junction.

Cllr Jefferies – ref this site need to be aware that the 2 New Roads sites are too large for this village expansion.
Even if we vote “no” and go to SBC for planning permission, SBC cannot afford appeals and developers will keep trying to get permission. So if it should be accepted in the future we should be involved, to ensure it develops how we want it to get as much out of it for the parish as possible. Otherwise it will be built in small sections with no public benefit.

Cllr Clarke – thinks 2 New Road sites are almost a pair for consideration.

Cllr Brady – SBC are looking at this tactically. Developers can still go for sites changed red on the SHELAA. AONB argument is powerful but still requires to be boosted by other sustainability issues such as J15 traffic impact.
AONB doesn’t always have full power when housing land supply is less than 3 years and there are numerous examples in case law, where the Planning inspectors on behalf of the secretary of state have granted permission and approved appeals to build on AONB land – these cases have been marked in the last couple of years particularly where Councils have not been able to demonstrate 5 year housing land supply.

Cllr Hill – When SBC made all of Swindon Parished and moved Badbury Park into a new parish, it wasn’t good for CPC. Social housing didn’t happen in Badbury Park after developer said they couldn’t improve it.

Cllr Brady noted that if a planning application was submitted, the developers must meet conditions over the planning.

Cllr Sunners – Doesn’t think the landowner should be solely in charge of what happens to their land.

Cllr Brady – We don’t have a NHP but if we were to start one Karen Phimister at SBC stated that one isn’t done to stop development, it is to be pro-active for new development. This is a challenge for a NHP, as it will have to include AONB land, but under our own terms.

Cllr Jefferies – In 2020/21 SBC should have their 5 year plan sorted so any NHP will then hold weight.

Cllr MacDonald – Replying to Cllr Sunners about finding it hard to determine between the 3 plots of land. AONB didn’t find it hard as they have commented separately on these 3 plots. They use their own expertise and criteria to make these decisions so he feels the best way to preserve the AONB is to respect the AONB’s decision about the land.

Cllr Sunners – Also, AONB roles isn’t one to block development, but would want to work in collaboration with a local authority.

Cllr MacDonald – Yes, Rebecca Davies said they would actively support a sympathetic development on this land.

Cllr Sunners stated he couldn’t remember this conversation and believes there is evidence that she wasn’t so specific.

Several other Cllrs who were at this meeting with Rebecca Davies confirmed this was what she said.

Cllr Sunners also stated that his concerns over a vote is that CPC are prepared to roll over based on the perception of a small group of people that think this is what the AONB rep said.

Cllr Walton stated to the Chair that he takes exception to this comment from Cllr Sunners and stated that this was not a perception it is in fact what Rebecca Davies actually said. He asked for a show of hands for those who heard Rebecca say this at the meeting. Several Cllrs who were present at the meeting with AONB including Cllr Brady confirmed that this is what Rebecca said. The Clerk was also present and confirmed this is what was said.

Cllr Mills – These matters are academic until 5 year housing plan is in place. Need clear definitions from SBC on dates for this for a deliverable housing supply.
Who determines what is deliverable? Seems to be that it is the developers. Developers can say costs have gone up and so they have no funds and can then challenge the infrastructure costs.
Need to tell Ward Cllrs we cannot wait for 2020.

Cllr Matt Harris – The reason why NEV isn’t deliverable as the land is owned by many landowners and they are not agreeing. This was explained by W.Cllr Sumner is the public meeting.

SBC desperately need a 5 year housing supply as it gives them back power over decisions.

Cllr Rawlings mentioned the lack of GP health services and the numbers of vehicles in the village in rush hour.

Cllr Brady – referred to the NPPF Para 109 – Development should only be prevented on highways ground if there was a negative impact on highway safety or the cumulative impact on road network was severe.
Developers are smart, so objections cannot just rely on the AONB as the only reason to put forward a rejection particularly in light of recent case law. Each of these SHELAA sites must be considered separately as they will have different obstacles to overcome apart from AONB- such as J15 and traffic pressure re New Road sites

Hodson Road site:

Cllr Clarke re-iterated his comments from earlier in the conversation – doesn’t interrupt Ridgeway site lines. Is already enclosed by other developments. Could be similar to Home Close development. As Football Club coach, the young kids are now teenager, where will they go when they buy homes? Losing good local people. Let’s try to control good local development and not say no to everything.

Cllr Walton – Highways issues exiting the development – a roundabout could be established to sort this, but there are engineering works that could control this.
If agree to Hodson Road, it would be a good defense for New Road. Would be showing that the sites were looked at pro-actively. Gov. Inspectors do not look favorably at areas that just say “no”.

Cllr Rogers agrees with Cllr Clarke.

Cllr Matt Harris – local houses prices show no local properties under £225,000 and there are only 15 houses available in total at the moment.

Cllr Mills – Thinks the entry road at the village is dangerous and a roundabout would not work as doesn’t have suitable sight lines. Infrastructure for highways isn’t suitable for further development.
Thinks that a development of 40 houses would only have around 6 affordable houses anyway.

Cllr Michelle Harris – If you look at other sites such as Wharf Road in Wroughton. The road has been opened up from a cycle track and appears to be safe.

Cllr Brady quoted from the NPPF – Greenbelt proposal. Inappropriate development is by definition harmful to the greenbelt and should not be approved unless in exceptional circumstances. One of the exceptions refers limited in-filling in villages.

Cllr Sunners – NPPF also says that great weight should be given to conserving and enhancing landscapes and scenic beauty on AONBs which share the highest protection on these issues. The extent of development on these areas should be limited. Hodson Road site is pretty. Thinks development here would have a very different environment.

Cllr Brady – Home Close development was actually built on 2 beautiful meadows –within close proximity to Home Close SHELAA site

Cllr Henderson – Refer to Cllr McDonalds comment from AONB on development on Hodson Road site. Thinks SBC should look elsewhere first, but however an expert wouldn’t say no to sympathetic development here.

Cllr Jefferies – as Home Close is so near, it would be hard to argue the AONB status for this site.

Cllr Matt Harris – pointed out that all of the area is on AONB land so the argument of where to build and not to build can get muddied.

Cllr Michelle Harris – Need to pick our fights, allowing one site may allow a balance to put weight behind another site.

Voting:

Cllr Matt Harris proposed that all 3 votes were to be held by closed ballot. Cllr Rawlings seconded this.
Cllr Brady advised that standing orders allow this to take place, via a proposer and seconder. It does not need a vote to be approved.

Cllr Sunners thinks a reason should be given for this and invited Cllr Harris to explain why.

Cllr Matt Harris said he believed a number of Cllrs wouldn’t want people to know how they voted.

There was a disagreement voiced from the audience and Cllr Brady advised that due to P.Cllrs being intimidated by the public prior to this meeting, it would be prudent to protect them from further harassment.

The Clerk advised on the procedure of a closed vote. Cllrs will indicate their vote on paper which the Clerk will collect. The Clerk will count the vote with a member of hotel staff to verify the count.

It was confirmed that the results are immediately read out and recorded.

Most members of the public had left the meeting at this point.

SO028 New Road smaller site

Council voted on whether to approve or reject the inclusion of the site 0028 in the draft SBC SHALAA document.

The result came back 15/0 votes in favour to reject this site on the SHELAA.

SO027 New Road larger site

Council voted on whether to approve or reject the inclusion of the site 0027 in the draft SBC SHALAA document.

The result came back 15/0 votes in favour to reject this site on the SHELAA.

SO078 Hodson Road

Council voted on whether to approve or reject the inclusion of the site 0078 in the draft SBC SHALAA document.

The result came back 10/5 votes in favour of keeping this site on the SHELAA.

18/80 Vote on approval of 2019/20 precept and budget figures

No questions on circulated precept and budget.

Cllr Matt Harris proposes that the precept and budget for 2019/20 be approved. The precept set at £139,000 which is a 2.9% increase on last year. Cllr Brady seconded. 13 Cllrs in favour.
Cllr Hill voted against as he believes we have enough reserves, and Cllr Bates abstained as hadn’t received the figures as hadn’t been checking his Cllr email address. Cllr Matt Harris will re-set the password for this.

18/81 Vote on Councils reserves policy

Finance committee have supported this document.

Most other parish councils have a policy and most have 50% of precept held in unallocated reserves, which is £69,000.
The amount set aside will correspond to 50% of each year’s precept.

Proposed by Cllr Rogers, seconded by Cllr Jefferies and all Cllrs in favour.

18/82 Vote on planning application S/HOU/18/1877 24 Carisbrook Terrace – 2 story rear extension & conversion of garage to habitable space.

Proposed by Cllr Rawlings, seconded by Cllr Matt Harris and all planning committee Cllrs in favour.

18/83 Community Safety, Cllr Sunners reporting. Plus Memory Café.

Nothing to share. The stats are on the Wiltshire Police website. The Oct stats are available. 16 crimes in the area.
2 Cllrs go to the South Swindon Community meeting each time it is held and report back on local issues.

First café was very successful. Church hall now booked for last monthly Friday until June 2019.

Have free literature, and a local musician went down well and will come back for the next 6 months.

Still working towards being Dementia Friendly.

BIOS still running weekly.

18/84 Ward Cllr reports.

Nothing to report

18/85 – Committee reports

Finance from Cllr Harris:

The November complete figures had been circulated prior to the meeting.

Cllr Matt Harris proposed this as an accurate representation of the figures for November 18. Cllr Brady seconded and all Cllrs were in favour. Cllr Bates abstained.

Environment, General Purpose and Amenities (EGPA) from Cllr Rawlings:
Speed camera purchase voted on. Need to talk to Highways about the location for it. Need post installed for it.

Transport report from Cllr Hill:
Wiltshire have sponsored the last bus back on Xmas Eve and NYE, X5 6.30 service. SBC have added a park and ride bus to the outlet village for the weekends. All Rodbourne parking full over Xmas weekends so please use park and ride. Runs until 30th Dec.
A car is £2 and is every 20 mins.

Planning, Transport Development and Highways from Cllr Brady:
Last meeting at film studio at Badbury. A number of Badbury residents attended. The brownfield site at Badbury has been approved by the PC following developers meeting the request to lower the height of the houses.

Risk Assessment from the Clerk:

Waiting for 1 assessment back on November from Cllr Walton who will send over ASAP.

18/86. AOB

Cllr Hill – Poppy appeal raised nearer £4000.
£29.6 million allocated by Gov. for GWH to create a proper place in A&E for through traffic.
Scanner appeal for GWH has met its target.

Cllr Mills – Landfill grants – can a sub-committee be created to investigate these?

Cllr Sunners – LED street lights in rural areas in Butts Road. He is following up with W.Cllr Mattock who is making enquiries as these lights are very bright. New stands are being added – removing concrete and adding metal.

Cllr Jefferies – handyman contract – Sue Frawley a fellow Clerk is also a HR consultant – Clerk will contact them.

Cllr Michelle Harris – thank you to Cllrs and Clerk for the Xmas lights. The Committee were also thanked for their offer of mulled wine and hot chocolate. The Sports and Social Club committee were happy to work with the PC in future.

Meeting closed at 10.45

SUMMARY OF ACTION POINTS.