Nether Wallop Parish Council March meeting

Planning: James MacDonald-Smith as chairman of planning reported on the construction of two new detached dwellings and associated work, Farley Farm, Farley Street. Plans were circulated to all councillors present and James said that the proposed properties were character appropriate. The village design statement had been quoted and they were not within the curtilage of a listed building. There were no comments from residents at the moment. The pillars show a new access. The buildings would be built from handmade Flemish bond bricks. Ross James agreed that the design is sympathetic. Edward Souter felt that the council must accept that new properties need to be built from time to time. James proposed no objection and this was unanimously agreed by all councillors.

Point from the floor: Simon Tilling had cleared a blocked drain in Bent Street and was thanked.

Neighbourhood watch: The chairman reported that there have been a number of break-ins and thefts from outbuildings and it is probable that criminals also looked at the church roof although no damage was done. He has spoken to the parish’s PCSO and expressed concern that there has been no communication recently. Parishioners are encouraged to get the registration number of any suspicious looking vehicles in the village to relay to the police. Helen James said that there is a theme of tools of trade which are being targeted.

Highways: Ross James reported that he has asked Hants Highways about the missing white lines along Salisbury Lane but had not heard back. He had also reported this on their website.

Playing fields: Ian Carpenter reported that work had been done on the pavilion lavatories. A list of outstanding items to be replaced and painted would be compiled.

The electric sockets were overstretched at a village event and some are not functional. The frost heaters have not been tested for a couple of years.

The car park looks better and one or two more loads of scalpings will be ordered later on in the year.

The two swings require new seats at £75. The annual RoSPA inspection will be carried out shortly.

Village Green: Ian Carpenter reported that Viv Blandford is the new chairman of the committee.

Extra sleepers have been purchased to widen the bridge. Edward Souter reported that a parishioner had commented that the river bank repairs looked a bit industrial. There was some discussion and a plantation of water iris would be considered.

Nether Wallop Village Hall: The chairman reported that a cleaner has been engaged for two hours a week. The bookings clerk’s salary would be fixed in the near future. The trust would resolve an outstanding problem on whether the wooden floor in the hall is water resistant.

Matters raised by councillors: Jon Cotterell reported that two businesses in the Bunas Park Business Estate had sent letters complaining about the poor performance of broadband. He had discussed this with Andrew Gibson.

Jon reported that grass had grown round the bus shelter since it had been tidied up and it was agreed that Simon Tilling go up to check this every few months.

Jon requested a decision regarding the purchase of software to be used on the website for the hall bookings. The bookings clerk would be approached for his opinion.

Jon was delighted that the new village hall has wifi. The chairman confirmed that there is also a telephone line.

Helen James has updated the resilience plan and also recruited a number of new volunteers. County councillor’s report: This had previously been circulated to all councillors.

Further points from the floor: The footpaths officer has prepared some content for the parish council website. He has also spoken to the council’s insurers to make sure he is covered for rights of way clearing duties.

Date of next meeting: The next monthly meeting date will be held on 10 April in the village hall at 7.30pm.

Pippa Grob