Chawton Parish Council Zoom Minutes Jan 2021

1.2   Apologies: Donal O’Connell, Keith Murray (technical difficulties)

51759/003 | Two detached dwellings to rear, replacement garage following demolition of current garage. | Stonehaven, The Shrave, Four Marks, Alton, GU34 5BH – Council objects to this application

Veolia application for an AAERF (Waste Incinerator) on the A31 near Alton the second public consultation that closes on 15 February 2021.

Chawton Parish Council objects to the proposal on the grounds that new developments (except for a very specific purpose) outside the Settlement Policy Boundary and in the SDNP are detrimental and should be primarily opposed on the grounds on preventing settlement expansion. Chawton Parish Council believes there is not an essential need for workers to live permanently on this site which would be the only basis for a new dwelling in National or South Downs policy.

*-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.

Visitor numbers to the village during the Christmas holiday period were exceptionally high and social media remarks have been noted regarding visitors allegedly travelling some distance to meet and congregate on the Village Park.

The Clerk has been in contact with EHDC and taken advice from local Police and we have been informed that there are 2 dedicated officers on patrol for such occurrences (Thurs/Fri/Sat/Sun) and they will be advised that this is a current hotspot to pay attention to.

Residents are also encouraged to report any breach of Covid guidelines/restrictions using the following link:

https://www.hampshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/c19/tell-us-about-possible-breach-coronavirus-measures/

The Covid Marshalls that are found in our town centres have been redeployed from other jobs, their numbers fluctuate depending on need and they work in pairs. They are focused on the town centres and are checking in with businesses, answering questions and offering advice when needed. They are being interactive with residents too but do not have any enforcement powers. If there is a situation where crowd dispersal for example is needed, you would need to call the police, they also pass on information to the police.

The Clerk will issue an email with the above information to the village.

Play Areas.

Government guidelines have stated that ‘Play Areas’ can remain open, although the play area in the village is not regularly cleaned it was decided to keep it open and to place signs stating this and that it was to be used at your own risk. The Clerk would also arrange for temporary larger signage throughout the village reminding visitors to Stay at Home or Stay Local.

Litter

Cllr Simper has spoken to Cassandra’s Cup regarding the possibility of placing a levy on the recyclable coffee cups which have caused some littering in the village over the Christmas period. Customers would pay extra and receive this back when they returned the cups to the café, therefore reducing the litter in the park bins and also helping the environment.

The Council will also consider a recycling bin on the park, the Clerk will contact ID Verde regarding the collection service.

Currently, with the government restrictions in place it would be unrealistic to organise a group litter pick however, if anyone would like to help keep the village clean then we recommend picking up litter whilst out on your daily exercise, the Clerk has a number of litter pickers, please contact Mandi if you would like one.

Tree Felling

The whole Park will be closed from 26^th – 30^th January for essential tree works to take place. The entrance to Mingledown Woods will be closed from the park but access will still be available from the footpath adjacent to Rose Cottage. The lower car park will be closed to all but residents.

Zoom x 3 months

·         The period of time designated for public participation at a meeting shall not exceed 10 minutes and a member of the public shall not speak for more than 3 minutes unless directed by the Chairman of the meeting.

Please inform the Clerk at least three days prior to the meeting providing any relevant paperwork for the Council if you wish to participate during this session.

The Council undertakes to listen to the speaker and may ask questions of clarification they are not required to answer questions raised during the same session.