OPEN SESSION: There were 5 members of the public present who were interested in items on the agenda.

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PLANNING, TOWN & ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

Held on Friday 1st July 2016 at 10.00am

PRESENT: Cllr Christopher Treleaven (Chairman) Cllr Tim Ward (Vice Chairman) Cllr Andrew Briers Cllr Philip Day Cllr Christine Ford Cllr Angela Wiseman

IN ATTENDANCE: Jo Hurd, Deputy Town Clerk Nicola Vodden, Meetings Administrator

P/5308 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

The Chairman reported that apologies for absence had been received from Cllr Debee Deane and Cllr Mark Steele.

P/5309 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Cllr Day, Treleaven and Ward declared a non-pecuniary interest in the Highways agenda item as they know Mr Tony Ring, who wished to speak on the matter.

P/5310 MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held on 25th May 2016 and 3rd June 2016, having been circulated, be approved and signed as a correct record.

P/5311 PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Members considered the planning applications as detailed in Annex A, attached, and noted applications dealt with under delegated powers.

16/10548 – 11 Coxstone Lane - Mr Nick White addressed the Committee, objecting to the retrospective application to use car parking area as garden curtilage and the re-siting of a boundary fence. He explained the neighbourly agreement which had existed since 1963 and although the land was owned by each of the houses, he understood from the title deeds that there was a qualifying rite to access the whole area. He detailed the difficulties resulting from the new positioning of the fence and the knock-on effects with parking on the grass verge and safety issues when exiting the area. Members referred to the Planning Officer’s report and concurred that land ownership was a matter for the County Court and it was noted that reports from the Conservation Officer and the Highways Officer were not available. The Committee concluded that the proposal limited

Page 1 of 5 the amenity of neighbours, in that it made the use of the car parking area difficult and had resulted in a compromise of highway safety. The recommendation was to refuse the application, however the Planning Officer’s decision would be accepted.

With the agreement of members, Highways England – Route Strategies agenda item was considered following this application, for the benefit of the members of the public present.

The remaining planning applications were dealt with in list order.

Cllr Wiseman declared a non-pecuniary interest in application 16/10631 9, New Road as her daughter lives in New Road.

RESOLVED: That the observations summarised in Annex A be submitted and decisions made under delegated powers be noted.

ACTION Nicola Vodden

P/5312 HIGHWAYS ENGLAND – ROUTE STRATEGIES

Cllr Day, Treleaven and Ward declared a non-pecuniary interest as they know Mr Tony Ring, who wished to speak on the matter.

The Committee considered the draft response to Highways England’s consultation on route strategies (and an updated version provided at the meeting), which had been prepared by the Deputy Town Clerk and incorporated 45 responses received from the public, following a press release.

Cllr Day thanked the Deputy Town Clerk for producing the draft response and acknowledged the amount of work that had been involved.

Mr Ring spoke as a resident of Hightown Hill, and on behalf of a Better Committee and Hightown Hill Residents Association, making representations in respect of the stretch of A31 that affects Hightown Hill, Hightown Common and junction and a proposal to close the slip road off the A31, which leads across Hightown Common. He requested that concerns were included in the Town Council’s response to Highways England in respect of the safety of the junction, the fact that there had been a number of incidents that were not necessarily reported and how the road across the common is used as a rat-run when the A31 is congested.

The Committee supported the proposal for the closure of the slip road and agreed that this be added to the Council’s response, along with a further note in relation to the consultation necessary in respect of the closure of West Street and an emphasis on the need for a relief road from the south to the east of Ringwood to support future housing proposals and the inability of the current roads network to cope with the increased traffic generated.

RESOLVED: That the Town Council’s response to Highway’s England’s consultation on route strategies be finalised and submitted (Annex B – final version)

ACTION Jo Hurd

Page 2 of 5

P/5313 CHRISTCHURCH ROAD, KINGSTON

The Deputy Town Clerk provided an update to the Committee in respect of correspondence with Mandy Ware, Team Leader, Traffic Management West at County Council and the County Councillor Steve Rippon-Swaine, following the last meeting (P/5297 refers), where traffic control measures for Christchurch Road, Kingston, were requested by residents.

She reported that HCC maintain that detailed responses have already been given as to why a 30mph speed limit and a double white line system cannot be introduced in this location, and that the County Council’s position on these matters remains unchanged. There are funding cuts and the County Council’s capacity to investigate and implement highway improvements has reduced, with remaining limited resources being focussed on addressing the causes of injury accidents to reduce the number of people killed and injured on the roads.

At this stage, they are not prepared to attend a site meeting, as requested. However, the Traffic and Safety Team are in the process of developing a ‘Community Funded Initiative’ that will enable Parish/Town Councils or community groups to fund minor traffic management measures in the future. Details are still being worked up, but the Town Council’s interest has been registered and will be contacted when further details are available.

She explained that the County Council has another initiative that enables Parish/Town Councils to purchase portable speed limit reminder signs and manage an agreed programme of short term (2-3 weeks) deployments over a number of sites. The cost of such a scheme was being looked into and Members were asked if they wished her to pursue this. It was noted however that the likely cost is in the region of £4,000 and this Council has no provision for such expenditure in its current budget but, if supported by members, it could be included as a bid for next year’s budget.

The Deputy Town Clerk had informed Susan Carter, the main contact for Christchurch Road, Kingston residents, of the response received and would keep her informed of future developments.

Members supported further investigations being undertaken in terms of costing and the possibility of sharing the cost of a device jointly with another town, approaching the District Council with a request to locate their speed limit reminder signs in this area and the initiatives, as mentioned. It was hoped that the following agenda item, which proposed a reduction of the speed limit into Ringwood, if implemented, would have a knock on effect and the residents of Kingston would benefit from this.

RESOLVED: That further investigations be undertaken in respect of: 1) options to purchase a portable speed limit reminder sign, 2) approaching NFDC requesting that they locate their devices in Christchurch Road, Kingston, and 3) initiatives that allow Town Councils to fund or obtain funding for minor traffic management measures

ACTION Jo Hurd

Page 3 of 5

P/5314 TRAFFIC ORDER PROPOSAL – B3347 RINGWOOD TO

The Committee was asked to consider making representations to Hampshire County Council in relation to the proposal to reduce the current national speed limit on B3347 between Ringwood and Sopley to 50mph (Annex C). All members agreed to support the proposal.

RESOLVED: That the Traffic Order Proposal, to reduce the speed limit on B3347 Christchurch Road/Ringwood Road from national speed limit to 50mph, be supported

ACTION Jo Hurd

P/5315 FLOOD ACTION WORKING PARTY

The Committee received the notes from the meeting of the Flood Action Working Party on 6th June 2016, and agreed the actions therein (Annex D).

The Deputy Town Clerk reported that the cost of cutting back the hemlock water dropwort would be £300 and the expenditure would need to be approved by Committee.

In respect of Moortown Lane flood relief drain, the mapping had been completed and the pipes across Christchurch Road and down into Hampshire Hatches, which were larger than originally thought, could be brought back into use for under £10,000, subject to no further works being identified by CCTV and level surveys, still to be carried out. As soon as Linden Homes were on site, an application would be made to the District Council for release of funds, from the £50,000 promised for drainage works, in order for this work to be undertaken.

RESOLVED: 1)That the notes of the Flood Action Working Party meeting on 6th June 2016 be received and the actions therein be agreed 2) That expenditure of £300 be approved for cutting back hemlock water dropwort from the Elm Tree to Stocks Green

ACTION Jo Hurd

P/5316 GENERATORS AND SAND BAGS

Members were asked to note the report being considered by Recreation, Leisure and Open Spaces Committee on 6th July 2016 (Annex E), as it deals with flood matters.

RESOLVED: That the report in respect of generators and sand bags to be considered by the Recreation, Leisure and Open Spaces Committee on 6th July be noted

ACTION Jo Hurd

Page 4 of 5

There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 11.57am.

RECEIVED APPROVED 27th July 2016 5th August 2016

TOWN MAYOR COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

Note: The text in the Action Boxes above does not form part of these minutes.

Page 5 of 5

Annex A to Planning, Town Environment Committee Minutes 1st July 2016 Ringwood Town Council - Planning Observations - NFDC

Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments

15/11824 Ringwood Social Club, 19 RE-CONSULTATION: Permission (3) The Committee felt disappointed that a vast West Street, Ringwood. Office building; 1 pair of amount of archaelogical protocol is required BH24 1DY semi-detached houses; 1 to be followed at this late stage. It also terrace of 3 houses; wished to support the Ringwood Social Club demolition of existing club and valued its importance as an amenity, extension & single-storey within the community, and as such the rear extension; external Council recommends that affordable housing window & door alterations; contributions should be waived in favour of parking; access; the sale of the properties, as an exception to landscaping Policy, in order for the club to invest in the renovation of the listed building. 15/11825 Ringwood Social Club, 19 RE-CONSULTATION: Permission (3) The Committee felt disappointed that a vast West Street, Ringwood. Demolition of club amount of archaelogical protocol is required BH24 1DY extension; make good rear to be followed at this late stage. It also wall & insert windows; wished to support the Ringwood Social Club block doors & windows; and valued its importance as an amenity, single-storey rear within the community, and as such the extension; block door; Council recommends that affordable housing remove stud walls; create contributions should be waived in favour of door; lift (Application for the sale of the properties, as an exception to Listed Building Consent) Policy, in order for the club to invest in the renovation of the listed building. 16/10531 Ringwood Fire Station, 67, Hardstanding; cycle rack; Permission (1) Christchurch Road, boundary fence; solar film Ringwood. BH24 1DH to existing windows

1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 01 July 2016 Page 1 of 2 Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments

16/10548 11, Coxstone Lane, Use of car parking area as Refusal (2) Members felt that the proposal limited the Ringwood. BH24 1DS garden curtilage; boundary amentity of neighbours, in that it made the fence (Retrospective) use of the car parking area difficult, and has resulted in a compromise of highway safety. 16/10631 9, New Road, Ringwood. Roof alterations, rooflights Permission (1) BH24 3AU & raise ridge height; single- storey rear extension; front porch 16/10672 35, Hightown Gardens, Single-storey extension Refusal (2) The Committee felt that due to the size of the Ringwood. BH24 3EG proposed porch, there would be a visual imbalance with the neighbouring property. 16/10692 2, Star Lane, Ringwood. Variation of Condition 3 of Permission (1) BH24 1AL Planning Permission 15/10199 to allow opening until 22:00 16/10742 136, Northfield Road, Porch Permission (1) Ringwood. BH24 1SU 16/10746 64, Wessex Estate, Single-storey rear extension Permission (1) Ringwood. BH24 1XE 16/10752 4, Ashburn Garth, First-floor front extension; Permission (1) Hightown, Ringwood. porch BH24 3DS 16/10761 26, Highfield Road, Single-storey front Permission (1) Ringwood. BH24 1RQ extension; windows

1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 01 July 2016 Page 2 of 2 Annex A to Planning, Town Environment Committee Minutes 1st July 2016 Ringwood Town Council - Planning Observations - NFNPA

Number Site Address Proposal Observation Comments

16/00404 Cotton Cool, Forest Lane, Single storey extension; Permission (1) Members supported the Officer's view that Hightown Hill, Ringwood. garage with first floor office the first floor office windows, in the garage, BH24 3HF be changed from dormer windows to velux. 16/00436 The Coach House, Crow Roof alterations including Permission (1) Hill, Crow, Ringwood. dormer window and BH24 3DD rooflights to main house; timber cladding to main house, garage and stables block CONS/16/0605 Amberwood, Fell 1 x Eucalyptus tree Permission (1) Hill, Hangersley, Ringwood. BH24 3JS TPO/16/0582 17, Lin Brook Drive, Prune 1 x Oak tree Permission (1) Ringwood. BH24 3LJ

1 - Recommend Permission, but would accept officer's decision 2 - Recommend Refusal but would accept officer's decision 3 - Recommend Permission 4 - Recommend Refusal 5 - Will accept officer's decision 01 July 2016 Page 1 of 1 Applications decided under delegated powers: to be noted on 1st July 2016 at 10:00 am

Number Applicant Site Address Proposal

16/00340 Mr & Mrs Collins Mannamead, Single storey extension with Hangersley Hill, terrace over; attached 3 bay Ringwood. garage with storage over; BH24 3JN covered walkway; external staircase. RTC Observations:- P(1) Recommend Permission, but would accept Planning Officer’s decision (9/6/16)

Date 1st July 2016 Page 1 of 1

Organisation name Ringwood Town Council Contact name Mrs Jo Hurd Email address [email protected] Phone (optional) 01425 484721

We will not share your contact details with other organisations. Part of this exercise is to ensure we have your correct details so we can keep you up to date throughout the route strategies process, and later to update you on wider Highways England messages. If you are not comfortable with us keeping your name and email address for future activities, please type "X" in this box:

Need help to find 'Easting' and 'Northing'? Click here Start point End point (for linear submissions) submit additional attachments, please list the filenames here, and include with your Feedback category Summary of issue Easting (X) Northing (Y) Easting (X) Northing (Y) submission The following comments are made in the knowledge that a scheme to widen the westbound carriageway at Ringwood to three lanes is to be delivered prior to 2020. The results of this current consultation should not used to further delay this scheme, which has been on the drawing board for many years. Severe congestion at Ringwood (westbound), particularly late afternoon/early evening, and throughout the summer months, with traffic backing up for miles and causing long Congestion (recurring delays) delays 414813 105580 The congestion referred to above leads to drivers looking to take short cuts and using roads through the town to try and Environmental (noise, beat the queues (e.g. Hightown Hill, Hightown Road, pollution and flooding) Eastfield Lane, Christchurch Road, High Street etc.) When congestion is back to M27 J1 (westbound), a Environmental (noise, significant amount of traffic diverts to the north and west on pollution and flooding) unsuitable Forest roads (e.g. Linwood). 428909 113580 When the A338 to the north of Ringwood is congested southbound (as a result of congestion on the A31), a significant amount of traffic diverts via Northfield Road, via Gorley Road, Cowpitts Lane to rejoin the A31 eastbound at Environmental (noise, In Excess (417729, 105768). This route includes narrow pollution and flooding) roads used by children walking to school and Forest roads. 415023 106097 The A31 splits the town of Ringwood in half and traffic noise is an issue for many residents, particularly those living adjacent to the road where there are no noise reduction features (e.g. barriers or surfacing), and on the western fringes due to a reduction in the amount of shrubs and trees alongside the A31. Noise is exacerbated by concrete walls on the stretch between Parsonage Barn Lane and Environmental (noise, Southampton Road (415589, 105553 - 415210, 105608). pollution and flooding) Quieter surfacing and noise barriers should be provided. 416639 105564 414198 105192 The Council receives regular complaints about the amount of litter alongside the A31. We understand this is the Environmental (noise, responsibility of District Council; however, the pollution and flooding) annual litter clearance is not sufficient. Safety (locations with Traffic joining the A31 from Ringwood (westbound) - this is persistent collisions) the cause of regular congestion. 414575 105463 Traffic joining the A31 from (westbound) - the sub- standard slip road is too short and it is very difficult to join the A31 when traffic is travelling at speed. Additional traffic Safety (locations with from the significant planned growth in housebuilding will persistent collisions) add to the pressure at this junction. 416102 105493 Junction with West Street / Fish Inn / petrol station - this is a dangerous junction with 5 access/egress points within a Safety (locations with very short distance. Further consultation is necessary on persistent collisions) whether or not the West Street access should be closed. 414220 105198 Junction at (junction does not conform with current HE standards). There is evidence of 8 incidents in the last 18 months, as well as many unreported incidents Safety (locations with and near misses. The Council recommends closure of this persistent collisions) junction. 418243 105767 Safety (locations with Westbound off-slip at Poulner - traffic travels at high speed persistent collisions) as there is no speed restriction. 416686 105561 Westbound off-slip at Ringwood - traffic travels at high speed as there is no speed restriction. This is of particular Safety (locations with concern as there is a pedestrian crossing across the slip persistent collisions) road. 415044 105621 Lane switching at Ringwood (westbound), particularly at the Safety (locations with last minute, causes delays, danger to road users and persistent collisions) frustration. 414621 105452 413488 104609 Journey quality (locations where the infrastructure or There is evidence that people avoid using the A31 as it is environment compromises such a busy and dangerous road - Ringwood is losing driving experience) business as a result Journey quality (locations where the infrastructure or There is no hard shoulder to prevent breakdowns and environment compromises accidents blocking lanes and causing delays. This happens driving experience) on a very regular basis. Journey quality (locations where the infrastructure or HGVs should be restricted to the inside lane only up environment compromises Poulner Hill (eastbound), or the addition of a crawler lane driving experience) investigated. 416627 105581 418708 105883 A substantial expansion of housebuilding to the east and south east of the town will require direct access from these areas to the A31 via a new road link from Christchurch Road to the A31 at Poulner. Both the town centre/Mansfield Road route and the Eastfield Lane route to the A31 are not capable of handling the large increases in traffic arising Growth (new housing or other form substantial new development. This new link road is developments) vital for the future of the town. Substantial expansion of housebuliding in Christchurch, Bournemouth, Verwood, Wimborne, Ferndown and Growth (new housing or other will put additional pressure on the A31, as will planned developments) development at Bournemouth Airport. There is extant permission for 175 dwellings and 1.5 hectares of employment land at land of Crow Lane and Crow Arch Lane - residents of Hightown Hill are concerned Growth (new housing or other about the impact of construction traffic and future occupants developments) and deliveries. 415926 104650

New Forest District Council is currenlty reviewing its Local Plan. A site adjacent to the A31 (to the south between Eastfield Lane and Nouale Lane) has been put forward with indicative use for 400 homes and 5 hectares of employment land. Direct access to the A31 will be required for this site. A site to the south of Ringwood could provie for a further 750 homes and another to the north 130 homes. Sites in could provide an additional 480 homes, putting additional pressure on the already congested A338 access to the A31. Details can be viewed here: https://democracy.newforest.gov.uk/documents/s3860/Loca l%20Plan%20Appendix.pdf. These proposals emphasise Growth (new housing or other the vital need for an alternative route from the south and developments) east of the town to the A31 at Poulner. The trunk road function of the A31 should be designed and managed to minimise the negative effects on the local Other community needs of Ringwood's residents and businesses. The proposed widening of the westbound carriageway of the A31 at Ringwood should be designed and managed to prevent the need for trunk road traffic to choose to divert to minor roads around Ringwood in their attempts to short circuit heavy congestion on the A31. The effect of "rat running" down Hightown Hill, Crow Hill, Eastfield Lane and through the town centre is seroiusly compromising residents vehicle and pedestrian movements. Congestion in the town is caused by these unofficial diversions and by through traffic queuing from both the north (Salisbury Road) and south (Christchurch Road/Mansfield Road) is defeating the purpose of the town centre providing a safe and enjoyable space for shopping, business activities, socialising and Other relaxation.

Due to the number of sub standard slips roads, the number of recorded accidents and lane switching at Ringwood, the speed limit should be reviewed. The Council has previously recommended a 50mph limit between Picket Post and Ashley Heath. Alternatively, the westbound Ringwood on- slip could operate on a similar basis to that used for the M25 slip road south merging with the M3 south, where a strict lane management with 50mph camera controlled Other section has been satisfactorily operated for some years. 419134 106122 413488 104609 Hightown Hill - the Council has received a number of representations from residents concerned about the junction with the A31 and use of Hightown Hill as a rat run, particularly by larger vehicles. Hightown Hill is a narrow, winding and steep forest lane, never intended for high volumes of traffic, and is completely unsuitable for HGVs (despite a 7.5t weight restriction, there is still evidence of use by these vehicles). It runs through Hightown Common, which is a SSSI, and has become unsafe for residents, pedestrians and animals. The Council supports the many residents of Hightown Hill who are in favour of closing access from/to the A31 and recommends that the Picket Other Hill junction be closed. 418243 105767 416918 104878 When widening the westbound carriageway at Ringwood, the opportunity should be taken to improve the footpath/cycle way, which runs adjacent to the A31 and provides access to the long distance Castleman Trailway and Moors Valley Country Park. The section between West Street and the Verwood off-slip (414239, 105191 - 413943, 105005) crosses access/egress points for the Fish Inn, Avon Dairy Farm and the filling station (5 in total). There is also a section of footpath between the parish church and Other West Street (41456, 105333 - 414233, 105202) REPORT TO PLANNING, TOWN & ENVIRONMENT COMMMITTEE 1 JULY 2016

TRAFFIC ORDER PROPOSAL – B3347 RINGWOOD TO SOPLEY (50MPH SPEED LIMIT)

1. Hampshire County Council (HCC) proposes making a traffic order as follows:

“To reduce the existing national speed limit to 50mph on B3347 Christchurch Road / Ringwood Road between a point 520 metres south of its junction with Hampshire Hatches Lane and a point 511 metres south of its junction with Anna Lane, north-east of Avon, an approximate distance of 4,820 metres.”

2. A map of the proposals will be available to view at the meeting. It can be viewed in advance online at http://www3.hants.gov.uk/pnadetail?noticeUID=6581.

3. The Statement of Reasons for the proposed traffic order are given as:

“This scheme originates from the county-wide review of speed limits on A and B roads.

It covers the section stretching from Ringwood to Avon and proposes the speed limit reduction from the current national speed limit down to 50 mph from the end point of the existing 40 mph at the northern end of Lower Kingston and to the existing 30 mph speed limit through Avon.

To reinforce the proposed speed limits and make them more effective, they have been set as part of a package with other measures to manage speeds, such as gateways, visual narrowing including carriageway lining, signing and surface treatments to raise the driver's awareness of their environment.

As a package, the measures proposed are aimed at enabling the overall road experience to deliver speed limits and driven speeds that are safe and appropriate for the affected section of the road and its surroundings.

The benefits expected from the scheme include accident and casualty reductions as well as reduction in severance by fast moving traffic, reduced emissions plus improvement to the environment, reduction in public anxiety and improved conditions for other road users.”

4. The deadline for receipt of representations is 27 June. However, on this occasion, HCC is prepared to give the Council until 4 July to submit a response.

5. It is RECOMMENDED that Members consider whether or not the proposed traffic order should be supported.

For further information, please contact: Jo Hurd Deputy Town Clerk 01425 484721 or [email protected] Notes of Flood Action Working Party held at 2pm on Monday 6 June 2016

Present: Cllr Mark Steele Dr Peter Street Hallam Mills, Bisterne Estate Richard Bastow, HCC Highways Jo Hurd

Apologies: Cllr Chris Treleaven Cllr Angela Wiseman Norman Light

PS had produced a report on matters to be discussed at this meeting (Appendix 1).

1. Crow Stream Improvements

All agreed that the works carried out to date had increased the flow capacity and had a significant impact on the amount of flood water in the area; any flooding that did occur was draining away very quickly.

PS had previously prepared a list of pipes that require jetting and this work will be carried out in conjunction with the Crow Hill drainage project.

The banks of the stream were infested with hemlock water dropwort, and it was agreed that this should be cut back as soon as possible to prevent it seeding, and treated with herbicide in early Spring to prevent regrowth. This will encourage the growth of shorter plants and native species.

The Town Council has a budget for maintenance of the Crow Stream Improvements, and JS agreed to action this.

ACTIONS: JS to source a contractor to cut back the hemlock water dropwort (from the Elm Tree to Stocks Green (noting that the Crow Crossroads area has already been cleared by PS) in the next two weeks.

JS to apply to the Environment Agency for agreement to use herbicides near water, and to arrange for RTC groundstaff to carry out spraying in early Spring if possible, using an appropriate herbicide that will not harm fish.

It was noted that the ditch in Crow Lane alongside the Linden Homes development site, from the Elm Tree to Crow Arch Lane, was blocked with vegetation and the hedge was in need of a trim.

2. Moortown Lane Flood Relief Drain

RB presented a report following an initial investigation by HCC of the inoperative Moortown Lane flood relief drain (Appendix 2). The system has now been mapped, and it was reported that there was a continuous linear pipe, no less than 450mm diameter, running from the junction of Moortown Lane and Crow Lane all the way to Hampshire Hatches Lane to an open ditch to the river.

Further investigative work was needed by way of a full level survey and a CCTV survey of the pipes, but it was thought that it would be possible to bring the system back in to use for

Page 1 of 2 under £10,000, assuming no maintenance issues were identified. RB indicated this survey work could be carried out in the next 6 weeks.

There was some discussion as to whether the ditch in Hampshire Hatches Lane should be piped to the river to prevent any possible flooding of properties. RB stated that HCC’s preference would be to retain the open ditch. In order to ensure the ditch would have sufficient capacity, it would be necessary to calculate the maximum volume and flow of water that could come out at Hampshire Hatches Lane if the system was brought back in to use.

If piping was to be considered, consent would be required from the Environment Agency, which had previously indicated they would not support a pipe in this location.

ACTION: RB to arrange for level and CCTV surveys to be carried out.

3. Crow Hill Drainage Project

Work had now started on this project, with 220m of ditch already cleared and about the same still to do. June Kelly at The Gatehouse had given permission for the ditch in her garden to be cleared and waste would be removed via the adjacent field.

ACTION: RB to provide a precise date for works in June Kelly’s garden so that access could be made available.

RB to ensure June Kelly is kept informed.

RB to supply 6 verge markers for use north of Briar Thatch where the roadside has been damaged.

There was some discussion about the possible existence of a pipe in a culvert underneath the old signal box (now demolished) south east of the old railway line, however it was not known who owned this land.

4. Linden Homes Development

It was noted that Linden Homes was currently consulting on Phase 1 of the development on land off Crow Lane and Crow Arch Lane.

PS had met with representatives of Linden Homes to discuss the drainage strategy and emphasised that it was important to ensure that the drainage conditions in the outline planning approval were met.

The Linden Homes legal agreement allows for “up to a maximum of £50,000 (of the total transport contribution) to be spent on drainage works to alleviate flooding on surrounding roads”. It was hoped therefore that this could be used to bring the Moortown Lane Flood Relief Drain back in to use.

ACTION: JS to speak to Chris Elliott about the use of Linden Homes transport contribution.

Page 2 of 2

REPORT TO BE CONSIDERED BY RECREATION, LEISURE AND OPEN SPACES COMMITTEE ON 6 July 2016

GENERATORS AND SANDBAGS

Introduction The Town Council has successfully obtained a grant of £4000 from Scottish and Southern Electric under their ‘Community Resilience’ programme which is about assisting residents who may suffer as a result of flooding or power cuts. Looking at the options available the Town Clerk made an application for generators and sand bags which were key areas that SSE are eager to support. It is intended that there is no charge to residents for this service other than the requirement to purchase fuel for the duration of their loan of the equipment.

Usage The generators can be used to support households which have been cut off from power by providing minimal power for what people might consider essential services, including but not exclusive to the following:

i To run fridges to keep food fresh or for medication such as insulin for diabetics. i To run TV’s, radio or computers so people can stay informed about their situation and seek additional support where necessary. i To run small heaters, blowers to keep warm and dry clothing or even run a washing machine. i To run lighting such as lamps and spotlights for safety and security of movement. i To provide support to local community events

Sandbags The remainder of the funding must be used to provide sandbags for residents in areas where there is known flooding or where burst pipes may have caused flooding. They might also be used in support of other works such as providing a barrier or re-directing the flow of water to a better drained area.

Storage Once purchased the generators will be owned by the Town Council with available storage space at the Cemetery and Carvers for all these items, under control of the grounds team.

Promotion It is recommended that the Council promote this resource on its web site and social media pages and that the allocation of these resources be under the control of the Grounds Manager and are issued in discussion with the Town Clerk or Deputy Clerk.

Recommendation To note the report and agree allocation criteria

For further information, please contact: Steve Nash, Town Clerk on 01425 484720 or [email protected]