Parish Council Meeting Minutes

The 2008 Annual Report

St Mary Bourne Parish Council

www.stmarybourne-pc.gov.uk

The Chairman’s Report for the Year

April 2007 – March 2008.

Introduction

1. The Report. As usualI am publishing my full report prior to the Annual Parish Meeting (APM). This report is being made available in the Village Shop, on the Parish Council Website and as an insert in the April edition of Hill & Valley.

2. This Year (1^st April 2007 – 31^st March 2008) sees the Parish Council half way through its 4 year term.

3. The Year in Summary.

a. The Weather. A dry spring and a wet summer resulted in a better river flow and a continuously full lake.

b. Sewers. Southern Water completed their survey and work has commenced on renovating the sewage system.

c. Best Village. A recent survey by Savills found that St. Mary Bourne was one of the twenty most sought after villages in England and Wales. Important factors included appearance, accessibility, amenities and community spirit.

d. On the Downside. The state of the Chapmansford – Apsley road continues to give cause for concern as does the slow progress on the refurbishment of the Village Centre access road.

4. Finance and Tax.

a. Audit and Accounts. We are again fully up to date and will submit to the APM the audited accounts for the year ending 31^st March 2007 and the draft accounts for the year ending 31^st March 2008 along with a full financial report and details of Parish Council reserves and strategy. Congratulations to the Parish Clerk and Internal Auditor, John Churchley for their accuracy and promptness.

b. Precept. Last year we increased the Precept by 1% but this year we have had to increase it by 6% (3 pence per week). This was mainly due to a revaluation of our assets and associated insurance costs, fencing the children’s play area and the Lake and the Pavilion repairs.

5. Planning.

a. Vetting Applications. This year we received 42 Planning Applications to comment on and supported 37 of them (B&DBC refused 5 applications) 4 applications were withdrawn during the planning process.

b. New Electronic Planning Regulations. In order to comply with Government legislation, B&DBC intend to replace all ‘paper plans’ with electronic ones during 2008. This will create problems for those wishing to view plans or to process a planning application. It would seem that there is no financial support available to assist with this transition.

c.. The South East Plan. The 2500 houses AT East Anton and the 1200 at Picket Twenty (eastern side of Andover) are progressing through the planning system. We have opposed on the grounds of congestion and access, parking and infrastructure, especially water and sewage. Nearer to home Vitacress Salads intend to seek approval for building improvements at Lower Link Farm.

6. The Recreation Grounds.

a. Play Areas. It is good to see the various play areas being well used.

b. Lights. We are investigating the installation of some low level lighting on the SMB Games Area to allow the junior footballers to practise on winter evenings.

c. The Pavilion. Extensive restoration work has taken place and more is required. We have replaced the chairs and tables thanks to a gift from a local parishioner.

d. Sports Clubs. The Cricket club still runs Saturday and Sunday sides and the Bowling Club continues to flourish. Junior and Senior Football training remains popular but league participation has been disappointing.

7. Community Issues.

a. The Fire. Repairs to the cottages devastated by fire on 29^th January 2007 have still not started as planners and insurance companies agonise over the various renovation options.

b. Events. Please continue to support the Lunch, The Film and Priors Players and our sports teams.

c. Parish Council. May I thank the Parish Clerk and the Councillors for their hard work and support during the year and also Borough Councillor, Horace Mitchell, County Councillor, John Maxwell and our MP, Sir George Young.

d. Further Improvements in 2008/9. These will include:

Completion of fencing projects
Additional anti speeding measures
Completion of the re-fitting of the Pavilion
Finding possible sites for affordable homes

Alan Marsden.

Chairman, St Mary Bourne Parish Council

April 2008.

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This page was last edited on 17 May 2008