Draft - Minutes of the Fittleton cum Haxton Parish Council Meeting On Tuesday 8 November 2022, 19:30 hrs at Phoenix Hall
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| Parish Councillors Present: | Cllr Mrs Dorothea Georgeson (DG) | Chair |
| Cllr Simon Vaughn-Edwards (SVE) | ||
| Cllr Mrs Corinne Gowman (CG) | ||
| Cllr Mrs Victoria Jago (VJ) | ||
| Cllr Mrs Sheila Symes (SS) | ||
| Cllr Paul Cranch (PC) | ||
| Cllr Greg Morgan (GM) | ||
| In Attendance: | Mr Ian Blair-Pilling (IBP) | County Councillor |
| Stephen O’Grady (SOG) | Clerk to the Council | |
| 2 members of the public |
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
No apologies were received.
22/67
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
There were no declarations of interest.
22/68
QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
A member of the public expressed concern about the mowing of verges causing damage to wildflowers, particularly orchids. It was agreed to investigate, with Wiltshire Council, when and how these verges are trimmed, and in particular whether allowance can be made to work the maintenance around the lifecycles of the flora, along the lines of “No Mow May”.
22/69
REPORT FROM WILTSHIRE COUNCILLOR
Cllr Ian Blair-Pilling had three main points:
- Cost-of-living. This item remains high on Wiltshire Council’s agenda, and they will continue to ensure all options are explored to provide support where needed.
- Larkhill Race Course. The Council’s position is that this is rightly a matter for the proprietors and MOD, but they have made submissions saying they support the continued presence of the racetrack.
- Local Highways and Footways Improvement Group. The requested speed limit on the A345 in Netheravon is a matter of priority, and it is understood how important it is to the community. Cllr Blair-Pilling will continue making the case at the political level and provide further updates.
22/70
AGREE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
Minutes of FcH Parish Council Meeting held on Tuesday 6th September 2022 agreed and accepted.
Copy of previous Minutes signed by the Chair.
22/71
REPORTS/UPDATES BY COUNCILLORS
a. Phoenix Hall - SS
The solar panels have been installed. Account balance at the last meeting was £23,816.31. There are a number of ongoing maintenance items, eg purchase of a new Burco boiler and some routine repairs.
It is intended that there will be regular Community Markets held in the hall starting in February 2023.
b. Planning -CG/VJ
Following a site visit by the planning sub-committee, it was RESOLVED that the Council had no objections to planning application PL/2022/07943. Clerk to update tracking website.
It was agreed to launch an awareness campaign in the local newsletter, regarding the rules on cutting down and trimming trees within the Conservation Area and surrounds.
c. Footpaths & Rights of Way – SVE
Gullies have been cleared and drains rodded. SVE will enquire about the Steward’s capacity to conduct additional strimming.
d. Transport & Highways
Speed limits in and around the village remain the main focus, with the situation in Netheravon being closely tracked.
e. Allotments - SS
Nothing to report.
f. Jubilee Committee - SVE
It is likely that the Committee will turn their attention to celebrations of the Coronation in the new year.
g. Stonehenge Area Board – DG/PC
Meetings have been mostly online, with a particular focus on traffic. A meeting of the Avon Valley parishes was held to discuss cost-of-living matters and warm spaces, including liaison with other organisations and agencies able to provide assistance where needed.
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ACCOUNTS
Balance as at 8th November 2022: £9189.35
Transfers since last meeting:
£35 D Georgeson, Floral Tribute
£800 Donation to Fittleton Bells Appeal
£5 Phoenix Hall Rental
£59.98 S Symes, padlocks for the allotments
£35 Information Commissioner’s Office, registration renewal
£15.96 V Jago, Fittleton flower tubs
£92.37 Water2Business
£5 Phoenix Hall Rental
Precept preparations for 2023/24
A forecast for expenditure has been done, and the tax base figures received from Wiltshire Council. The full precept calculation will be prepared ready for the next meeting in January prior to submission. Funding assumptions for any Coronation celebrations will be factored in.
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CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED
Nothing to report.
22/74
PARISH MATTERS
a . The Old School appeal
No significant developments, but the Chairman continues to investigate.
b . Winter Fuel Contingency Plans
There are no warm spaces planned specifically for the Parish at this time, however the situation is being closely monitored and will be revisited should the situation change.
c . Christmas gathering
The lights will be installed on 2 December 2022. It was agreed that the gathering will take place on the evening of 9 December 2022.
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ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
a . Precept for 2023/24
Date of next meeting 10 January 2023, 7:30pm, Phoenix Hall, Netheravon.
*Members of the public are welcome to attend and to bring matters to the Council’s attention at this point in the meeting (max 3 mins per person). If a detailed response is required, it would be helpful for the clerk to receive your questions in advance of the meeting, in writing, preferably 5 days in advance of the meeting.