Abbotts Ann Parish Council

Rosenary Groves

THE chairman, Cllr Bernard Griffiths, welcomed Paul Jackson, Head of Planning at Test Valley Borough Council, to the December meeting of Abbotts Ann Parish Council meeting to explain the new planning ‘notification procedures.

‘Notifications’ did not follow normal planning rules. The local authority could only consider location and construction.

Cllr Stan Oram asked about the archaeological impact of construction work on woodland paths near Dunkirt Lane. Paul explained there was no legal obligation to consider this.

The chairman thanked him for his very helpful talk, and said the council would welcome further meetings with him.

The following items were then discussed:

Test Valley Borough Councillor’s report: Cllr Graham Stallard, reported on the appeal to remove transport restrictions on Andover Business Park. The inspector's decision was awaited.

Footpaths: Cllr David Paffett said there had still been no action on the trip-hazard roots in the Upper Drove. The clerk would write to the estate.

Trees: David Paffett and Julie Moon of the countryside group would start the photographic record in the spring.

Abbotts Ann Vision: Ray Lucas, facilitator, hoped to present the ‘Village Action Plan’ to the next council meeting.

Fete: The committee had apologised for the state of the field after the very successful fete. The clerk asked about distribution of profits. Cllr Rebecca Bone explained that each village organisation was represented on the committee, and could submit an application for funds.

Nursery school: Councillors were invited to the nursery school's nativity play. The chairman was most appreciative, and delighted that a good rapport was developing.

Sports field: Stan Oram said that any schemes for a new pavilion should be submitted to the council, who would be the owner. Tree warden: The clerk had spoken to the borough council about tree stumps left on private land bordering the highway. He requested the chairman to try again to meet the owners to ascertain any planned remedial action.

War Memorial Hall: The chairman thanked the clerk for his sterling efforts in clearing the drain in the War Memorial Hall grounds. He had helped to remove six tons of sludge, accumulated over many years. A maintenance contract had now been arranged with Dyno-Rod.

Playground: Councillors had taken professional advice when planning the playground and RoSPA had praised the construction. However, European Union regulations were involved. The play area was temporarily closed whilst full compliance was checked.

Rebecca Bone reported on the donation of a memorial bench for the playground. The council decided it should be kept safely in storage until it could be erected after Christmas. Councillors were very grateful for the kind gesture.

Churchyard: The cost of a public lavatory would be £40,000. The clerk suggested this was excessive and that the Parochial Church Council should investigate further.

Defibrillator: The clerk distributed a proposed schedule of actions, including an operators' course. He suggested two more defibrillators should be acquired. The present one was in the Eagle public house, which was easy to find. Cllr Graham Whyte suggested there should also be one at Burghclere Down.

Parish council recruitment: The Hampshire Association of Local Councils wanted councils to promote more interest in their activities and to encourage participation. The clerk asked councillors to state whether they proposed to stand for re-election in May so that suitable replacements could be approached. Councillors objected that they did not have to declare their intentions until the election. Stan Oram said he now dreaded council meetings. A frank exchange followed. The clerk rose to leave and the chairman said that in the absence of the clerk he was closing the meeting.

Next meeting: The next meeting will on 8 January at the War Memorial Hall.