1.

Apologies

Apologies were received from Councillor Haffenden and Councillor I Henderson (NWDC).  Also PC Humphries.

2.

Declarations of Interest

3.

Minutes

Following minor amendments the minutes of the Meeting held on the 14^th December 2005 were signed by the Chairman and adopted as a true record.

4.

Planning Matters

• NWDC Decisions

a)       05/02723/FUL – Erection of first floor extension & Detached single garage at 41 Newtown, Hullavington – Permission granted

b)       05/02589/COU – Conversion of barn for staff accommodation ancillary to main house at Main Barn at Surrendel, Hullavington – Permission granted

c)       05/02588/LBC – Internal & External alterations associated with conversion for staff accommodation at Main Barn at Surrendel, Hullavington – Consent granted

d)       05/02666/FUL – Conversion of barn to three dwellings at Barn C, Bradfield Manor, Hullavington – Permission granted

e)       05/02665/LBC – as above

Village Hall Planning Application

It was reported that an amendment to one of the drawings to show a footpath was requested by NWDC.  Councillor Bawden gave a quick response.  Thanks were relayed to Councillor Bawden for this.

5.

Car Parking & Traffic Matters

None reported

6.

Grass Cutting

The Clerk reported that:

Councillor Hadley had updated the grass-cutting schedule and that a copy had been forwarded to the contractor for consideration.  This has been accepted at no extra costs and the signed contract has been requested.

7.

New Village Hall

Councillor Fenner reported on the following:

a)       Landfill Tax Credit grant application – Successfully secured £15,000 subject to the following key conditions.  First, that planning permission is granted and, second, that the application for a £55,000 loan from the PWLB is successful.

b)       Confirmation of line of authority to sign of the contract with Terrapin was agreed and in order of priority is: Councillors: Stokes, Haffenden, Fenner, Harmer.

c)       Progress – The Technical Specification Sub Group is continuing to work with Terrapin to determine the best solution to car park drainage and surfacing issues and a revised quotation is awaited based on Terrapin’s proposals to deal with these.

d)       Following discussions and as the Parish Council, as Lessees, are Trustees of the Village Hall, it was resolved that: In order to support the operation of the new village hall, the Parish Council may make a donation of up to £2,500 in any one financial year.  This will be reviewed in January 2007 and each twelve months thereafter.

8.

Bench opposite the Public House

The Clerk reported that:

(i)                   Invitations to tender for the re-positioning of the bench has been sent out.  Both parties have expressed an interest in the work.

(ii)                 A letter has been sent to Mr Greenwood informing of the action proposed

(iii)                A letter has been sent to Mr Birlison informing him of the action proposed

(iv)                The police had been informed of the suspected drug abuse in the vicinity of the bench

9.

Lighting at Belfry Drive

A letter from a resident requesting that lighting be installed in the alley between Belfry Drive and The Street was tabled.  It was resolved to: Forward a copy of the letter to WCC for action, and the resident to be kept informed. ACTION CLERK

10.

Community Emergency Volunteer

The Clerk reported that:

Mr Chamberlain had given up the position of Community Emergency Volunteer for Hullavington.  It was resolved to write a letter of thanks to Mr Chamberlain and to put the vacancy on the Parish Council’s website and in the Hullavington News. ACTION MEMBERS AND CLERK.

11.

Financial Matters

The following issues were tabled:

a)       Confirmation of appointment of Internal Auditor – Councillor Fenner as RFO reported that Mrs Green who had expressed an interest in this position, therefore Mrs Green was nominated and appointed.

b)       Confirmation of 2006-2007 precept application – Councillor Fenner as RFO reported that the agreed precept for 2006/2007 was £15,000 and this will be levied to the District Council.

c)       Schedule of payments and cheques to raise

Foxley Road Nurseries £57.00 for the purchase of the Christmas tree

d)       Grant requests from Hullavington News and Genesis Singers

It was resolved to send a copy of the Parish Councils giving of grant procedures in the Standing Orders. ACTION CLERK

12.

Exchange of Information, Reports from Members – as received

a)       Parish Lengthsman 2006/2007 Invitation to a meeting on 24^th January – Councillor Hadley volunteered to attend.

b)      New fencing is being erected at the top of Hill Hayes Lane by Network Rail and the hedge has been greatly trimmed back to facilitate this.

c)       The Clerk was requested to look into the procedure regarding skips for the Village Clean up weekend. ACTION CLERK

d)       Fly tipping and tyre dumping is taking place in the village – reported.

e)       The stiles and footpaths at Oaksey Lane have been checked and seem to be O.K.

f)        The abandoned bus is still being monitored.

g)       Area 1 meeting is on the 25^th January

h)       Development Control will be on the 2^nd February.  Councillor Bawden unable to attend.  Councillor Hadley will if necessary.

i)         The Malmesbury Boomerang transport scheme is now in operation.  For information contact WCC or view their website.

j)         The Clerk was requested to enquire what documents are held with Forrester & Forrester.

k)       Clerk requested to enquire at County Archives for burial maps and records – ACTION CLERK

13.

Correspondence received and circulated

• WCC our budget and our vision information on meeting dates
• Planning for Minerals December 2005
• Emergency Planning Newsletter December 2005
• ODPM – Standards of Conduct in English Local Government: The Future
• WALC News December 2005