Minutes CPC Meeting 19/4/22

1.2   Apologies:

As I write the hedgerows are coming into leaf and flower and so I thought I’d briefly mention wildflower verges and cutting hedges. We have been trying for some years now to establish wildflower verges that can be a haven and food source for wildlife and importantly provide for bees. This has often been a little contentious as some people like to have everything cut back whilst others are full of support for our pollinators and other wildlife. We are fortunate to have some of the wild orchids, violet helleborine growing in our villages which we need to protect carefully. It’s also nesting time so a little reminder not to cut hedges until the baby birds have fledged. In the last week there have been reports of two accidents on the A31 on the approach to the villages. This piece of road seems to be so dangerous and yet people drive so fast there. We have had deaths in the past and more would be awful, let’s try to all slow down a bit, we have been trying for a long time to get further traffic calming near the Shrave but so far have not succeeded. Applications are currently causing much concern and upset to many of both long time and new residents. We as district councillors are trying to ensure that the local plan and neighbourhood plan are respected by developers. When the new local plan is ready then is the time for developers to apply not right now. Once again, we are seeing crazy suggestions for access to sites. This is a major concern for many residents, who can recognise the dangers and want any development to take note and respect them. Development should be about making good homes in the right places that enhance our villages not cause trouble and dissent. Plans are gaining pace for the celebration of the Jubilee which I hope will be much enjoyed by many people please make sure you are aware of what is happening. The grant funding that district Councillors have available for village projects that benefit residents are once again open for applications. If you are involved with a suitable project that needs funding please talk to one of us. The projects we supported last year were very varied and came from all parts of the villages. If we can be of any help to you on District Council matters please contact one of us. Ingrid Thomas Diana Tennyson and Jonathan May.

SDNP/22/00978/LIS – The Dovecote, Gosport Road, Chawton, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1SJ

Listed building consent – Relocate new door openings in the walls of the Grade II Listed Dovecote and adjacent kitchen area.

Council have no objection

*-The Parish Council can make observations regarding the Parish as a whole and comment on applications made but there is no guarantee that these comments will impact the ultimate decision.

6.2 Jubilee Celebrations – Cllr Whittock is taking the lead on the organisation for the jubilee celebration which will take place on the lawn of Prowtings on Friday 3^rd June 2022 from 12-4pm. This will be a ‘Bring your own’ picnic with the village hall available for toilet facilities and as a standby should the weather be inclement. Anyone wishing to help please contact Cllr Whittock jaynewhittock@chawtonparishcouncil.org

6.3 Annual Parish Meeting and Annual General Meeting dates – both meetings will take place on Tuesday 17^th May at 7pm – everyone welcome.

6.4 Speed limits within the village – carried forward to next meeting.

6.5 New gates & Fencing and info boards for Mingledown – The clerk will be meeting the fencer to complete the last installation of the info boards and finger posts.

6.6 New mandate for HSBC banking to be signed – a new mandate has been supplied for signatures from new councillors.

6.7 Grant for School – A grant has been requested from the school towards the new playground, this has been agreed over email but needs to be authorised in the minutes.

School will be informed that in future years ant such requests will need to be put forward early so as the budget can be amended accordingly – A grant of £3000 was agreed.

The clerk will arrange for 2 new signs to be made for the coach parking bays advising that these are for coaches only.