Councillor Bailey reported that parishes will soon be invited to submit bids for Flashing Speed Signs, which are designed to encourage drivers to keep to the local speed limit. Five parishes, including Compton & Shawford, had expressed an interest in obtaining the lights. It was agreed that Councillor Caffyn would invite representatives of the five parishes to a meeting in early January to decide upon the extent of cooperation and to reach agreement upon where the signs should be situated.
Councillor Eleanor Bell reported that Dave Ingram, Environmental Protection team manager had now assumed responsibility for liaison between WCC, Winchester Airport Group and Southampton Airport. The Appeal hearing, against HCC's refusal of planning permission for waste recycling associated with motorway maintenance activity, had opened on 7 October. Councillor Bailey had spoken on behalf of the Parish Council. All speakers were being subjected to cross examination by the Appellant's barrister. Councillor Beckett reported that he had received a number of complaints from tenants in Compton about the Housing Department. He expressed a wish that tenants, encountering difficulties, should contact their local councillor earlier, rather than later, in the process. This could save much anguish. Councillor Eleanor Bell noted that a new Housing Manager, Michaela Kelsey, had been appointed and this should help to overcome some of the problems. County Councillor Bailey confirmed that she had represented the Parish Council's views at the Appeal on the proposed waste recycling plant. She was also working closely with Councillor Caffyn to encourage the Estates Department to undertake a review of footpaths within the parish. This would be led by the Estate Manager, Robin Edwards. Discussions were also taking place with the Highways Department about encroaching hedgerows and undergrowth on parish footpaths.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey advised the Council the cost of purchasing a temporary flashing speed light for the Southern Parishes pilot scheme appears to be in the region of £2500 + VAT. Additional costs, including the purchase of brackets (£60 each),any extra posts (£220 each), the relocation of the sign and replacing batteries (about £120 each time) will need to be met by the Parish Councils, which should budget for around £800 per annum. She also reported that the cattle have left Shawford Down for the winter and will return in the spring.
County Councillor Bailey was pleased to report that Hampshire County Council was making rapid progress towards establishing a pilot scheme to install temporary flashing speed lights in the Southern Parishes. HCC will be purchasing a flashing sign for use in 30mph and 40mph limit areas and encouraging parish councils to share its use. This will ensure that its effectiveness will not be diminished by over-frequent use in one place.
Councillor Caffyn agreed to consult her fellow convenors to what could be done to coordinate the efforts of Compton & Shawford with those of Otterbourne and Hursley.
Councillor Bailey added that the County Council is likely to appoint an external inspector to judge the Bushfield Camp Village Green application. Councillor Martin Bell wondered whether the Parish Council would be consulted on the application, and, after discussion, agreed to give some thought on how the Council could adopt a more proactive policy.
Councillor Bailey indicated that the governors, staff and parents of Compton School had been considering ways in which they could improve the procedures for the arrival & departure of pupils to make them as safe as possible and cause the minimum amount of disruption to village residents and other road users. Councillor Stevens wondered whether the school could stagger the release of children to alleviate the number of parents parked outside waiting to collect them.
Within her report, County Councillor Charlotte Bailey referenced the proposal for part of Bushfield Camp to have "Village Green Status" granted on it. As part of Bushfield Camp is within Compton and Shawford Parish, it was considered appropriate for this Parish Council to be involved in this issue. Accordingly, Councillor Martin Bell was charged with investigating this matter and ensuring that any conclusion conforms with the Parish Council's response to the Local Development Framework consultation put out by Winchester City Council.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported upon several issues covering the Shepherds Lane Junction, the Four Dell Farm meeting, the Tower Arts Centre, the Library, Post Office closures, the Climate Change Commission of Inquiry and the possible withdrawal of funding for the Police 101 contact telephone number.
During County Councillor Charlotte Bailey's report, there was discussion concerning the problem of Car Parking at the bottom of Shawford Down. It is understood that with the increased use of Shawford Railway Station, many Commuters use the Shawford Down Car Park to park their cars all day. Whilst there are currently no restrictions on Car Parking there, it was considered whether some form of restriction should be imposed. However, it was conceded that a restriction on the Shawford Down Car Park would only serve to move the problem elsewhere in the village. The situation continues to be monitored.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported on several issues, including the Winchester Transport Forum, Four Dell Farm Minerals and Waste Applications, Flashing 40 signs, Footpaths/Pavements, Shawford Down, The road to the Malms, the Tower Arts Centre and Climate Change. With regard to Shawford Down, complaints had been received about the Highland Cattle congregating at the top of the Down causing the ground to be covered with mud and excrement, together with the cattle being an intimidation to walkers crossing the Down. Cllr. Patricia Caffyn was charged with seeking advice from the Countryside Services, Hampshire County Council, as to how this matter could be resolved. With regard to the Malms Road, which is designated as a Bridleway, Cllr Bailey is endeavouring to bring the various interested parties together to agree on a solution whereby the Road can be repaired and resurfaced.
County Councilor Charlotte Bailey reported on South Winchester Park and Ride, Four Dell Farm Minerals and Waste Planning Applications, flashing 40 mph signs, Footpaths and Pavements, Travelers at Bushfield Camp, the Tower Arts Centre and Climate Change Lectures. With regard to the "flashing 40mph signs", this was triggered 27,181 times over a two week period - 2,000 time a day. The police are aware that this is an area which would benefit from some enforcement action.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey, whilst not in attendance due to a prior engagement, submitted a written report in which she reported on Shawford Down, Four Dell Farm Minerals and Waste Planning Application, Park and Ride and the Tower Arts Centre.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported on Shawford Down and its management for the rest of this year, the Four Dell Farm Planning Application together with enforcement issues, Park and Ride, Safer Neighbourhood Panels and Community Grants.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported that Hampshire County Council has agreed a budget which will mean a 4.9% increase. Last month Councillor Bailey reported on the cuts to services which were still felt to be necessary in order to prevent an even higher increase. The only reprieve has been for the Study Centres which have now been promised funding for one year only. Hampshire County Council's slice of the Council Tax will add a further £45 for a Band D household.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey also reported on Shawford Down, Street Lighting, Bridleways, 4 Star Status for Hampshire County Council and the Hampshire Action Teams.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported, amongst other things, on the proposed Hampshire County Council Budgets for 2007/8. There is to be some £12 million cuts in the services provided by Hampshire County Council, the most significant of these being £9.3 million being cut from the Adult Social Care budget. This is on top of the £6.4 million cut to this service during the current financial year. The result of these cuts still results in an increase in the overall Budget of 4.9%, just below the anticipated rate of inflation.
It was noted that the major portion of these cuts impact the services provided to the Community, whilst no cut is being proposed to the expenditure on the refurbishment of Ashburton Court.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported on the proposed South Winchester Park and Ride facility, Bus Service Criteria, School Places Plan and Motorway Diversions. Additionally, Councillor Bailey has written to the Leader of Hampshire County Council requesting him to comment in writing on the Budget Proposals for Hampshire County Council and to get his assurances that any increases will where possible be kept below the rate of inflation.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported on the South Winchester Park and Ride, Quality Bus Partnership, Shawford Down, the Local Area Agreement, Village Design statements and Parish Plans, Hampshire Minerals and Waste and requested Questions for the Highways Agency to be provided to the Environment Policy Review Committee.
The Chairman, Cllr. Adrian Walmsley, welcomed Mrs. Charlotte Bailey, the new County Councillor, to the meeting.
County Councillor Charlotte Bailey reported the Itchen Navigation, Shawford Down, Parking in Compton Street, the Integra site in Poles Lane and the request for a new Bench Seat at the Highways Road Bus Stop. In respect of the Itchen Navigation it is estimated that in 10 to 20 years the Navigation will be dry. A project has been established to seek Lottery Funding for necessary maintenance and improvement works. The request for a new Bench Seat at the Highways Road Bus Stop will be investigated by the Clerk, but it is unlikely that such a facility can be provided in this financial year due to budgetary constraints.
County Councillor Ann Bailey was in attendance and she gave her last report to the Parish Council. Ann Bailey will not be standing for re-election as County Councillor in the County Council Elections due in May 2005. She thanked the Parish Council for the support she had received over the past twenty years. The Chairman, Cllr. George Beckett, thanked Mrs. Bailey for all her work on behalf of the Parish.
County Councillor Ann Bailey reported upon the anticipated "regulatory Meeting" being arranged to discuss retrospective Planning Applications covering the Integra site in Poles Lane. Being a Hampshire County Council owned site, it is Hampshire County Council who apply for Planning Permission and it is Hampshire County Council who grant such permissions. The Planning Department of Winchester City Council is only kept informed. Concern was expressed at the expansion of activities at the Integra site that will come about by the granting of these retrospective Planning Applications. The Parish Council will be able to comment at the proposed Regulatory Meeting.
County Councillor Ann Bailey reported on progress of the M3 noise project, developments proposed in Highways Road, a Waste Training Day and proposals for traffic speed limits in Poles Lane. Some Councillors expressed their objection to the imposition of yet more restrictions such as speed limits in Poles Lane. It was stated that such restriction are seen to be costly and unnecessary. The Parish Council would review the situation once they have received the proposals in writing and comment appropriately as Statutory Consultees.
Whilst County Councillor Ann Bailey was not in attendance, she had submitted a written report in which she advised that Budgets had been increased by 7.9% which represented just over £1 per week increase on Council tax band D for County Council Tax. Despite this increase there will be some cuts in services together with increases in the costs of Meals-on-wheels, library charges and fines and Parking charges at beauty spots. Rural bus services could suffer a £400,000 shortfall in subsidy. Councillor Bailey also reported on Potholes in Otterbourne Road and the strengthening of the carriageway resultant from the Traffic Calming scheme, her support for the Parish Council response to the South Downs National Park proposal and the recent requests for Street Lighting in Otterbourne Road. This latter item is to be investigated further by the Parish Council.
County Councillor Ann Bailey advised that invitations were available to anybody whose 50th birthday fell on 6th February, to a Garden Party hosted by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire to mark the Queen's Golden Jubilee. Another tranche of money was available to assist towards Teacher Housing in Hampshire. Mrs. Bailey also mentioned the issue of the proposed South Downs National Park and her desire to include Shawford Down in that proposal, a Green Paper concerning planning and a meeting concerning education where it was learnt that more money is to be made available for Nursery Education.
County Councillor Ann Bailey, although not in attendance and having sent her apologies, had submitted a written report in which she had reported on her attendance at a Police Community Liaison Group meeting, the activities of the M3 Noise Committee and the Proposed South Downs National Park. It was of concern to Parish Councillors that Mrs. Bailey expressed her desire to see the boundary of the Proposed South Downs National Park include Compton Down as well as Shawford.
County Councillor Ann Bailey reported on the extension of Planning Permission of the Otterbourne MRF. A period of a further three years has been agreed and concern was expressed in that Compton and Shawford were not consulted even though this facility necessitated heavy traffic to pass through the Parish. Hampshire County Council will be asked to explain this omission.
County Councillor Ann Bailey reported on the Sub-committees she now serves on since the recent County Council elections. She also reported on the Southdown School development, indicating that up to fifteen dwelling units are being proposed. Additionally, the access proposals to this development have resulted in a change in priority for the roads at the entrance of Shepherds Down School. This is something that the Parish Council is unhappy about and will be taking up with H.C.C. Roads Department.
Due to the current General Election and County Council Election, the County Councillor and City Councillor were both unable to attend on this occasion.
County Councillor Ann Bailey reported on the proposed Structures of Hampshire County Council, Project Integra (Waste Management) and M3 noise levels. It was noted that the resurfacing of the M3 through the Parish with a quieter surface is not scheduled until the year 2011 at the earliest.
Although County Councillor Ann Bailey could not attend the meeting, her report detailed her efforts in getting the verges along Otterbourne Road reinstated, subsequent to the recent Cable Laying work. It was generally agreed that the situation had been improved.
County Councilor Mrs. A.Bailey Reported on the Cable laying that had been set in the length of Otterbourne Road/Main Road, Compton. She had written to the County Surveyor concerning unsatisfactory disruption, rubbish left on the verges, and the overall finished result. She had also had a meeting with the Highways Engineer concerning the new Shepherds Down School access, and had re-emphasised the Parish Council view that access improvement had to be complete before the developers commenced.
County Councillor Mrs. Ann Bailey reported that within the Parish there had not been any serious incidents in respect of Flooding. The Area Office had managed to find some money to stop the flooding at the junction of Place Lane and the Main Road, completion being achieved just before the heavy rains. Due to the Flood alert, all non-urgent road works had been suspended until the weather improves. An up-dated Flood Plain Map has been produced which shows Shawford Park within the Flood Plain area. This is significant when considering the Planning Enquiry for the Polo Centre.
Cllr A. Bailey submitted a written report, including further work on M3 noise, difficulties recruiting police, waste lorry traffic and the Shepherds Down school scheme.
Councillor Anne Bailey. No HCC meetings were held during the summer recess. Clarification of the footprint of the Shepherds Down School has been received and concerns about increased traffic and safety have been expressed.
Councillor Mrs A. Bailey announced that the white line scheme is about to commence on the link road from the M3 roundabout to the Bushfield roundabout. A camera, linked to the CCTV system in Winchester is also to be installed. These measures are intended to slow down the traffic. Councillor Bailey said she has asked Eastleigh Borough Council for a meeting to discuss the result of the traffic calming measures in Hocombe Road, Chandlers Ford. The measures have resulted in HGVs being unable to proceed along Hocombe Road despite it being a designated route for HGVs coming off the M3. This problem may result in more HGVs being routed through Otterbourne and Compton.
County Councillor Mrs A. Bailey confirmed that the traffic calming measures in Hiltingbury/Hocombe roads were going ahead but the lorry ban was in abeyance while Eastleigh Borough Council decide on their financial priorities.
The County Council's plans for reorganising education for children with special needs have been agreed by the DfEE (Department for Education and Employment). Shepherds Down School will become an all through primary school catering for a wider range of learning abilities. Cllr Bailey is keeping an eye on the traffic implications of this proposed change.
Cllr A E Bailey reported that because of the success of the MRF (Material Recycling Facility) in the old Otterbourne Incinerator in Poles Lane, additional recycling capacity would be needed. She hoped that the County Council would shortly agree to a new, larger, MRF on a site near the M27 which would help to stem the growth of traffic to the Otterbourne MRF.
County Councillor Mrs. A Bailey had forwarded a report that one of two proposed cycle routes through Shawford will have to be chosen. The two routes converge behind the Bridge Hotel, Shawford. Consultations have commenced and the Parish Council will receive plans and be consulted.