Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
On Monday 13th January 2020
At Linton Village Hall at 19:30
Present: Cllr C Crumpton (Chairman); Cllr J Gough; Cllr A Newton; Cllr G Owen; Cllr A Reeves; Cllr J Rudman; Cllr L Watkins.
In attendance: 6 members of public; Parish Clerk Elizabeth Malcolm.
1. Apologies for absence Cllr B Clark
Item 18 was discussed at this point.
2. Declarations of interest: Cllr Rudman and Cllr Gough declared an interest in itiem 12.a.ii; Cllr Reeves in item 12.a.iii. All 3 Councillors signed the declaration book.
3. Co-option of Councillors: None
4. Minutes of the Parish Council it was pointed out that item 16 should read Matthews not Marshall and subject to this amendment it was RESOLVED to agree and sign the minutes of the meeting of 9th December 2019 as a true and accurate record, together with the financial reports and 2020/2021 budget with final agreed Precept amount.
5. Clerk’s Report – Noted
6. Public Submissions
a. Ward Councillor – Not present.
b. Public –
• The Clerk was asked to send a formal letter of thanks to Charlotte Davis of Probation Services for her team’s work on clearly Gorsley Quarry.
• It was pointed out that the condition of Fordings Lane is worsening.
• With regard to application 194320 Hillview at Manse Lane it was pointed out that the road is in a very poor state of repair which will be worsened with construction traffic and increased usage, and members of the public with local knowledge pointed out that the intended land is very damp and is known to have springs in it
Item 12 was discussed at this point.
7. Locality Steward & Highways matters
a. Weekly reports – omitted from packs. Clerk to forward unabridged reports in future to save time.
b. Verges for annual cut only – Cllr Watkins agreed to consider suitable sites and present for discussion at the next meeting.
c. Other issues – An update on Fordings Lane update to be considered at February meeting. Cllrs and Public encouraged to use the Reporting App offered by Herefordshire Council to get issues onto the Balfour Beatty action list as quickly as possible.
8. Road safety working group. The Clerk confirmed that an Assessment Request Form had been submitted to Balfour Beatty. Cllr Owen stated that he felt most requirements at Gorsley Goffs site were met by existing signage, but village gates would be a cost to the Parish.
9. Lengthsman
a. Grass Maintenance – No work undertaken in December.
b. Roads Maintenance – Maintenance on roads and salt bins around Gorsley was noted and subsequent report and invoice to be considered at next meeting.
10. Footpaths – It was RESOLVED to ask Cllr Newton to obtain estimates for work on re-building steps on LTR22 and various stile repairs and other matters for review at next meeting. Clerk to follow up on Letter of Authorisation from BBL for Cllr Newton.
11. Climate Emergency Working Group – Cllr Newton advised that 6 volunteers had come forward join the group and more from Bromsash are being sought. Any interested Parishioners should contact at any point to join the group.
12. Planning
a. New applications
i. 194195 Fairfields, Bromsash – Proposed new access and change of use of agricultural land to residential. Following discussion, all Councillors abstained and no comments were made.
Cllr Rudman and Cllr Gough left the room.
ii. 194320 Hillview, The Manse Lane, Gorsley – Proposed residential development of three new dwellings. Following discussion it was RESOLVED to object to the application (4 objections, 1 abstention, 2 absent) with the following comments:
Overdevelopment of the village: Under CS Policy RA2 – The number of homes that have been built and approved for building in Gorsley and the Parish of Linton already greatly exceeds the proportionate growth deemed suitable for the villages in the Ross on Wye area. By continuing to build well beyond this level it is having a harmful impact on the village of Gorlsey in terms of village and landscape character, road safety. This village which has already seen over 20% growth in its housing numbers (2011-2019) compared to the 14% proportionate growth level (until 2031!)
Does not reflect the housing need: CS Policy RA2 4 – states that schemes should deliver housing “reflecting local demand”. The Local Housing Market Assessment found this to be homes for local residents, first time buyers and the older members of the area who need smaller affordable homes – whilst those proposed here are unsuitable being executive homes of 3 and 4 bedrooms. The LHMA identified no need (-1%) for 4-bedroom homes and only a 28% level for 3 bedrooms and these needs have already been met.
Policy H3 looks for “a range and mix of housing units…” which as stated is not met here.
Damage to landscape impact: CS Policy LD1 requires demonstration of conservation of landscape, and CS Policy RA2 4 requires “a positive contribution to the surrounding environment and it’s landscape setting” This plot represents a last green space in the village, on rare unimproved pastureland with a vital viewpoint to May Hill which forms a key aspect of the location.
CS Policy SD1 – requires new buildings that maintain local distinctiveness. Those proposed are three houses of the same design, whilst the style of housing in this area is of a mixed style from home to home.
Unsustainable development: Also required under this policy SD1 is a duty of care to prevent contamination of ground water. Local knowledge shows that the land on which this development is proposed is known to contain numerous natural springs.
Traffic Management: the application anticipates a further 12 vehicles associated with this development. The lane on which this is located (The Manse / Cockatoo Lane) is very narrow and is much used by pedestrians for access between the Community Shop & Chapel and the Village Hall as well as dog walking and general recreation. Any increase in traffic movement on this lane will increase the danger to pedestrians and in particular children going to and from for school.
The lane is in a particularly poor state of repair and the movement of construction traffic will worsen this very considerably. Upon completion the additional residential traffic will a further burden to the wear and tear.
Cllr Rudman and Gough returned to the room
Cllr Reeves left the room.
iii. 194041 Malvern View, The Line, Linton – Proposed two storey extension. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED unanimously to return no objection and no comments.
Cllr Reeves returned to the room.
iv. 194337 Land adjacent to The Brambles, Bromsash – erection of a pair of semi-detached cottages, garages & shared vehicular access. Following discussion, it was RESOLVED to object to this application (4 objections, 3 abstain) with the following comments:
The settlement boundary of Bromsash has already been over extended with the newly built complex of houses of which The Brambles is one. This proposed development compounds the over development of a small hamlet which has no facilities or public transport.
CS Policy LD1 requires positive influence in design, scale and site selection. By extending the hamlet boundary the scale is disproportionate, the site provides an important view between the ancient landscape of Ariconium and Linton ridge which further development will destroy, and the style of building proposed and in place is entirely out of keeping.
b. It was noted that Application 191155 Barn at Darnells Farm, Linton has gone to appeal against refused consent.
c. It was noted that the Planning office had confirmed that no Section 106 payment would be sought against certain developments in Gorsley.
13. Allotments – The Clerk reported that one of the current tenants had contacted to say that continued lease would be subject to Doctors advice to be obtained later in the month. Currently there are 2 people who have shown interest in obtaining a lease for a plot. Clerk to seek quotes for a further annual contract for maintenance of the external areas.
14. Centennial Yew Tree – Some discussion as to suitable sites that are in the control of the Council took place. The Pound may be damaged by root growth. Some consideration of Talbots Well. Suggestions to be made to the Clerk for discussion at next meeting.
15. Linton Village Hall – application to Marches Renewable Energy Scheme. Following discussion it was RESOLVED to support an application for funding towards Photovoltaic cells on the roof of the hall. (6 in favour, 1 abstain).
16. Neighbourhood Development Plan it was reported that comments to Section 14 consultation have been received and are being reviewed by the Consultant for discussion at the next Steering Group meeting on 27th February 2020.
17. Financial Matters
a. Current Receipts and Payments together with Budget progress report – were noted
b. It was RESOLVED to pay Elizabeth Malcolm, Clerk salary (£275 + £47.67 NDP) & expenses (£15.45) – £338.12
18. Code of Conduct. The Clerk reported that two Councillors had received complaints against their conduct and one against Cllr Watkins had been upheld. The Monitoring Officer had stated that further guidance should be received by all Councillors on dispensation procedure and a document had been circulated to each Councillor who each individually confirmed at the meeting that they had received the document, read it and understood. Clerk to seek similar written confirmation from the absent Councillor.
19. Councillor’s submissions – None
20. Next Meeting – will take place on Monday 10th February 2020 in Gorsley Village Hall.
There being no further business the meeting ended at 21:14