Agenda for the Planning Meeting to be held on Monday the 22nd December 2014

Birdham Parish Council

28 Langdale Avenue, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8JQ

Tel : 01243 790402

Email : clerk@birdhamparishcouncil.org.uk Website : www.birdham.org.uk

Clerk to the Council : David J Siggs

PLANNING MEETING

Your attendance is requested at a Meeting of the Planning Committee to be held on Monday the 22nd December 2014 at Birdham Village Hall at 7pm.

David J Siggs - Clerk to the Council

AGENDA

Declaration of interests.
Correspondence relevant to Planning, if any.
Planning Applications – To be decided.

BI/14/02662/OUT - Mr & Mrs Paul Knappett, Koolbergen & Ramsay, Bell Lane, Birdham

Outline application for the erection of 81 houses, B1 floor space, retail and open space with the retention of 1 dwelling.

Delegated Decisions (If any) – To be noted.

5. Date of next meeting. TBA

THE PUBLIC HAVE A RIGHT TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS

OF THE COUNCIL AND ARE WELCOME

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 17th November 2014

Birdham Parish Council

Minutes of the

Meeting of the Parish Council

held on Monday 17^th November 2014

at 7pm in Birdham Village Hall

Present: Cllr Barker, Cllr Hamilton (Vice Chairman), Cllr Pocock (Chairman), Cllr Cobbold, Cllr Churchill, Cllr Brooks and Cllr Ayton.

Apologies: Cllr Finch.

In attendance: The Clerk, Cllr Montyn (WSCC & CDC), Cllr Marshall (CDC) and 35 members of the public.

Absent: Nil

73-14 Election of Vice Chairman of the Council for the remainder of the Council Year.

It was duly resolved that Cllr Hamilton be elected as the Vice Chairman for the remainder of the Council Year.

74-14 Co-option of Ms L Brooks to the Council

It was resolved that Ms L Brooks be co-opted onto the Council for the remainder of the Council Term. After signing the Acceptance of Office Cllr Brooks took her seat at the Council Table.

75-14 Public Question time in accordance with Standing Orders 1d -1l:

A resident asked if there was any truth behind the rumour that CDC was preparing to use Compulsory Purchase Legislation to purchase the access rights to the site earmarked for the H9 Exception site off Crooked Lane.

A resident said that he had initiated a FOI request concerning the rumour and the progress of the development. To date he had not had a reply.

The Council had not received notification that it was the intention of CDC but, as it was a private matter it was unlikely that the Council would be informed.

It was asked if the Council would write to CDC with the enquiry however, it was felt that if a letter was to be written it should stress this was a private matter and only asking for the rumour to be confirmed or denied.

It was resolved that at the earliest opportunity the Clerk should write to CDC to request the relevant information.

A further question was raised about the promise of inspection holes to be dug in order that water levels could be determined. The question had been raised with the Hyde lawyers who remain silent on the matter.

It was resolved that a further letter should be written by the Clerk in an attempt to gather more information on the water levels at the Crooked Lane, Rowan Nursery and Tawny Nursery sites.

Various comments and remarks from residents were made concerning the legality of the decision made to grant planning permission to the Crooked Lane site. It was suggested that a planning officer should come to Birdham to explain the rationale behind the decision and to answer the questions that residents had.

Cllr Cobbold said that planners were extremely busy with trying to get the Local Plan through the Inspection process.

Cllr Pocock said that in his opinion the decision had been made to grant permission on the Crooked Lane site against the wishes of the Parish Council and that nothing further could be done by the Council to reverse that decision. He then called an end to the discussion and moved on with the agenda.

76-14 Declaration of Interests:

Cllrs Pocock and Brooks declared a personal and pecuniary interest in agenda item 7ii and would take no part in the decision making process.

Cllr Ayton declared a personal interest in item 7ii and would take part in the debate and vote.

77-14 Approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on the 20^th October 2014 and the minutes of the Extra Ordinary meeting held on the 3^rd November 2014.

It was resolved to adopt and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on the 20^th October 2014 and the minutes of the Extra Ordinary meeting held on the 3^rd November 2014 as true and accurate records.

78-14 Matters arising from the minutes of the 19^th November 2012:

Minute 89-12 - Land Bequest. The Clerk said he had nothing to report at this stage.

79-14 Clerks’ Report:

i) WSCC – There was nothing to report.

ii) CDC – There was nothing to report.

iii) Reports from Members of WSCC/CDC – Cllr Montyn said that he was rather pleased to see the activity of the Better Roads Program was proceeding well and he hoped that more and more residents would experience the benefit.

Cllr Montyn went onto say that the examination in Public of the Local Plan had been halted as the inspector had insisted that CDC review its housing numbers in the light of the challenge from developers. CDC has adjusted the numbers up from the existing 410 units to a 433 units per year. The Inspector has said the examination would continue on the 2^nd December.

The appeal by Waites on the Clappers Lane site is progressing and an extensive site visit was carried out by the enquiry. It is expected that the appeal will be completed very soon although the decision may not be made until the challenge to the Local Plan has been decided.

Both WSCC and CDC were currently going through extensive budgetary processes.

iv) Other related matters – The Chairman said that he had attended a number of the Waites appeal days and he could confirm that the Inspector has said that he will not make his decision until a decision has been made on the Local Plan.

80-14 Finance and Corporate:

i) To receive and approve the financial report.

The Clerk presented the financial reports for the month of November (shown at annex a). The current balances for November are as follows;

Balances held at Bank	£44168.99
Designated Funds	£29685.05
Available Funds	£14483.94
Creditors	£ 605.55

The Clerk offered to answer any questions that Councillors may have

It was resolved to adopt the Financial Report.

ii) To consider the application by the BVRA for a grant of £1500.00.

The Chairman and Cllr Brooks left the Council for this item which was then handed over to the Vice Chairman to continue the debate.

The Vice Chairman said that a very comprehensive application had been received from the BVRA and asked Councillors for their views. Prior to the debate progressing the Clerk asked if he could address Council on a number of points that he had become aware of which needed clarification? This was granted and the Clerk went on to brief Council concerning the application and quelling some of the rumour about the constitution of the BVRA. The Clerk also pointed out that there was a little over £100.00 remaining in the budget and if it was decided to award the application then a resolution would be required to use the reserves to fund the grant.

A general debate commenced with various comments from Councillors, from concerns over the fact that the application was retrospective to suggestions of fund raising. Examples of other Parishes were mentioned and how considerable work had been done by residents of those Parishes and the fund raising efforts that paid for work to be carried out with the Earnley Rife was used as an example. The comparison with the application made by the Parish Consortium was raised but it was felt that the money Birdham had paid to the consortium was for a product that could be used in any future planning applications that may well come forward. It was also felt that whilst the BVRA had raised a number of very valid points during the Seward Appeal the spokesman for the Parish Council had also raised a considerable number of points which were equally valid.

When put to the vote 4 Councillors voted against the application and 1 abstained. The Application was therefore not carried and no award was made.

81-14 Planning matters including applications and CDC delegated decisions:

i) To receive and approve the minutes of the Planning Committee of the 29^th September 2014.

It was resolved that the minutes of the Planning Committee held on the 29^th September 2014 should be signed as a true and accurate record.

ii) Planning Applications to be Decided:

BI/14/03574/DOM - C/O Agent Manhood Cottage Birdham Road

Single storey rear extension and two storey side extension. No Objection.

BI/14/03436/ELD - Mr Paul Knappett Kellys Farm Bell Lane Birdham

Used as an office for over 10 years. No Objection.

BI/14/03697/DOM - Mr & Mrs Chamberlain Skylarks Pescotts Close Birdham

New porch, raise existing roof and insertion of small dormer windows and rooflights and rear extension. No Objection.

BI/14/03703/DOM - Mr & Mrs Morelli 11 Greenacres Birdham

Ground floor extension and internal alterations. First floor extension to west facing elevation and internal alterations. Roof converted to provide master bedroom and en-suite.

After much discussion it was felt that the additional height and bulk of this application would detract from the smaller 2 storey house in the immediate proximity. The Parish Council felt that it no option other To Object to this application.

BI/14/03706/TPA - Mr S Apted Pict Fenn Court Barn Lane Birdham

Fell 3 no. Holm Oak trees (T9, T10 and T11) and crown reduce by 6 m on western sector on 1 no. Horse Chestnut tree. All trees subject to BI/01/00040/TPO. As is usual with tree application the Council suggested that this should be left to the expertise of the CDC Tree Officer and would therefore make no other comment.

BI/14/03759/DOM - Other Dev - Householder Developments - 1 Alandale Road, Birdham,

Re-submission of previous application BI/14/00235/COHH Two storey side extension. No Objection.

It was resolved to authorise the Clerk to notify Councils decision to DC Planning.

iii) Delegated Decisions to be noted.

BI/13/00284/FUL Mr John Matuszewski (Martin Grant Homes) Rowan Nursery Bell Lane Birdham

Demolition of existing 2 bungalows and construction of 27 dwellings (including 10 affordable units), access road and associated landscaping. Provision also of an alternative recreational area to the south, accessed via a footpath link. PERMIT WITH S106

BI/14/02543/COU Mr Adrian Howell Tawny Nurseries Bell Lane Birdham

Change of use from certificated touring caravan site to a touring caravan site with 19 pitches and play area. PERMIT

BI/14/02627/TPA Mr Graeme Barnsley Chichester Marina Chichester Marina Birdham

Fell 7 no. Poplar trees (T1, T2, T4, T5, T16, T17 and T22) and 1 no. Hawthorn tree (T28). Crown reduce by 1m and crown lift by 3m (above ground level) on 1 no. Oak tree (T8). Crown reduce by up to 2m and crown lift by 3m (above ground level) on 1 no. Willow tree (T18). All within Group 'B' subject to BI/98/00035/TPO. Crown reduce by 2m height and widths in all directions on 1 no. Oak tree (T29) (TPO no. T1 subject to BI/98/00035/TPO). PERMIT

BI/14/03048/DOM Mr & Mrs M Cole Westlands Lodge Westlands Estate Birdham

Demolition of existing conservatory and accommodation annex. Construction of new replacement single storey annex. Construction of single storey rear and side extensions. Construction of new dormers to the existing upper rooms. New bay unit to the west elevation. PERMIT

The delegated decisions were noted.

82-14 Correspondence – Not previously circulated:

The magazines Countryside Voice and Field Work had been received from the CPRE.

83-14 Reports:

i) Play Area and Playing Field. – Cllr Ayton volunteered to be the Lead Councillor responsible for the Play Area and Playing Field brought about by the resignation of the previous incumbent.

ii) Village Green and Pond – The Clerk reported that although he had written to Church Field Ltd concerning the extension of the Village pond and had received acknowledgement of his letter he had not yet received a response.

Mr Barrington said he felt the pond was in need of extensive refurbishment works and should be carried out with a degree of urgency, funds permitting.

iii) Condition of Village Ditch/Drain Network. – It was reported that a meeting had been held with Langmeads concerning the proposed purchase of land to provide a ditch to the rear of the properties of Walwyn Close. The land was now apparently owned by Mr Langmeads son who was considering the possibility, however it would appear that he would wish to charge market rate for development land. If in the event that Op Watershed would be available to purchase the land it had been suggested that the Parish Council might wish to undertake the maintenance of any ditch.

Currently there are a number of companies who have been contacted to provide a fully costed quotation for the provision of a culvert should the Langmead proposals not happen.

Discussions had been held with the owners of Birdham Pool concerning the blockage at the causeway. It was proposed that a coffer dam be built to resolve the problem and clear the culverts.

Both the Parish Council and residents of Cherry Lane had submitted an Op Watershed application to clear the ditches and although it would appear that both applications might be successful no confirmation had yet been received.

iv) Police and Neighbourhood Watch – There was nothing to report.

v) Communication Working Groups – There was nothing to report.

vi) Other - Cllr Ayton reported that the Finger Sign at Pescotts Corner had been sprayed black.

84-14 Reports of meetings attended by Councillors;

The Chairman reported that he had attended the meetings concerning the Clappers Lane development.

85-14 Items for inclusion on the next agenda:

The Budget.

The provision of a wreath on behalf of the Village and Birdham Parish Council at the Remembrance Service in 2015 and beyond.

86-14 Date of Next Meeting:

15^th December 2014 at 7pm in Birdham Village Hall

There being no further business to discuss the meeting was declared closed at 9.09pm

Signed ___________________________ Dated ____________________

Chairman

Annex a

Birdham Parish Council

Financial Statement as at 12th November 2014

Bank Accounts as at 31st March 2014

21689.56

Receipts to date

46768.45

Expenditure to date

24289.02

Balance

44168.99

Represented by;

Current Account (Barclays Community A/c)

11701.72

Deposit Account (Barclays Premium Business A/c)

25707.16

National Savings

6760.11

Total

44168.99

Less

Reserve @ 50% of Precept

21063.13

Loan Reserve for half year

8591.04

Outstanding Cheque/s -

102203

30.88

Total

29685.05

Available Funds

14483.94

Signed

Clerk to the Council

12th November 2014

Payments to be considered

B Geary (Litter Picking)

70.00

Clerks Expenses (Telephone)

43.31

M H Kennedy & Son (Grass)

432.24

A Dover (Village Green grass)

60.00

Total

605.55

Agenda for the Parish Council Meeting to be held on the 15th December 2014

Birdham Parish Council

28 Langdale Avenue, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8JQ

Tel : 01243 790402

Email : clerk@birdhamparishcouncil.org.uk Website : www.birdham.org.uk

Clerk to the Council : David J Siggs

MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

Members are hereby summoned to attend a Meeting of Birdham Parish Council to be held at 7pm on Monday the 15^th December 2014 in the Main Hall at Birdham Village Hall, Birdham.

David J Siggs - Clerk to the Council

AGENDA

1. Public Question Time: (In accordance with Standing Orders 1d – 1l)

2. Declaration of interests and granting of dispensations if any.

3. Approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th November 2014.

4. Matters Arising

i) Land bequest to the Council

5. Clerks Report including:

i) WSCC Reports, highways matters and correspondence

ii) CDC Reports including correspondence

iii) To receive reports from Division Members of WSCC and Ward Members of CDC as appropriate.

iv) Other related matters

6. Finance and corporate:

i) To receive and approve a financial report.

ii) To consider and approve the Councils budget for 2015/16 and its Precept request

8. Planning matters including applications and CDC delegated decisions.

i) Planning Applications to be decided.

BI/14/04049/FUL - Parnell Homes Ltd Ayton Main Road Birdham

Construction of 3 no. dwellings & associated works including new vehicular access & landscaping.

BI/14/04109/DOM - The Old Bird & Ham, Main Road, Birdham

Detached timber framed garage, entrance porch, boundary and garden walls and brick infill to kitchen door opening.

BI/14/04106/LBC - The Old Bird & Ham, Main Road, Birdham

Detached timber framed garage, entrance porch, boundary and garden walls and brick infill to kitchen door opening.

ii) Delegated Decisions to be noted.

BI/14/03008/DOM Mr & Mrs N Von Schirnding Hammonds Farm Westlands Lane Birdham Proposed 2 no. dormer windows and 1 no. roof light in connection with a loft conversion. PERMIT

BI/14/03009/LBC Mr & Mrs N Von Schirnding Hammonds Farm Westlands Lane Birdham

Proposed 2 no. dormer windows and 1 no. roof light in connection with a loft conversion. PERMIT

BI/14/03186/DOM Mr & Mrs N Von Schirnding Hammonds Farm Westlands Lane Birdham Proposed demolition of existing conservatory and small single storey extension. Single storey rear extension and closing up of existing pedestrian access into Westlands Lane. REFUSE

BI/14/03187/LBC Mr & Mrs N Von Schirnding Hammonds Farm Westlands Lane Birdham

Proposed demolition of existing conservatory and small single storey extension. Single storey extension to rear. REFUSE

BI/14/03054/FUL Premier Marinas Limited Chichester Marina Birdham

Erection of 8No. Wifi masts and associated equipment. PERMIT

BI/14/03135/DOM Mr G Morgan-Watson Field Cottage Westlands Estate Birdham

Demolition of existing conservatory and porch. Single storey extensions: amendments to windows: conversion of garage to living accommodation with pitch roof. Change of colour to external walls. Addition to external walls of cladding (LAP) overlap - finish grey. PERMIT

BI/14/03706/TPA Mr S Apted Pict Fenn Court Barn Lane Birdham

Fell 3 no. Holm Oak trees (T9, T10 and T11) and crown reduce by 6m on western sector on 1 no. Horse Chestnut tree (T12). All trees subject to BI/01/00040/TPO. PERMIT

9. Correspondence - Not previously circulated to be noted.

10. Reports

i) Play area and playing field –

ii) Village Green and pond

iii) Condition of Village Drain/Ditch Network

iv) Police & Neighbourhood Watch

v) Communication Working Group

vi) Other -

11. Reports of meetings attended by Councillors

12. Items for inclusion on next agenda.

13. Date of Next Meeting Monday the 19^th January 2015

THE PUBLIC HAVE A RIGHT TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS

OF THE COUNCIL AND ARE MOST WELCOME

Neighbourhood Planning Documents submitted to Chichester District Council

Basic Conditions Statement Birdham November 2014

Birdham Neighbourhood Plan Consultation Statement October 2014

Birdham Neighbrhood Plan Pre-submission comments and responses October 2014

Birdham Parish Neighbourhood Plan - Submission

Letter of Determination

Agenda for the Parish Council Meeting to be held on the 17th November 2014

Birdham Parish Council

28 Langdale Avenue, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8JQ

Tel : 01243 790402

Email : clerk@birdhamparishcouncil.org.uk Website : www.birdham.org.uk

Clerk to the Council : David J Siggs

MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

Members are hereby summoned to attend a Meeting of Birdham Parish Council to be held at 7pm on Monday the 17^th November 2014 in the Main Hall at Birdham Village Hall, Birdham.

David J Siggs - Clerk to the Council

AGENDA

1. Election of Vice Chairman for the remainder of the Council year

2. Public Question Time: (In accordance with Standing Orders 1d – 1l)

3. Declaration of interests and granting of dispensations if any

4. Approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 20^th October 2014 and the minutes of the Extra Ordinary meeting held on the 3^rd November 2014

5. Matters Arising

i) Land bequest to the Council

6. Clerks Report including:

i) WSCC Reports, highways matters and correspondence

ii) CDC Reports including correspondence

iii) To receive reports from Division Members of WSCC and Ward Members of CDC as appropriate.

iv) Other related matters

7. Finance and corporate:

i) To receive and approve a financial report.

ii) To consider the application by the BVRA for a grant of £1500.00 deferred from the 20^th October meeting.

8. Planning matters including applications and CDC delegated decisions.

i) To receive and approve the Minutes of the Planning Committee of the 29^th September 2014 deferred from the meeting of the 20^th October.

ii) Planning Applications to be decided.

BI/14/03574/DOM - C/O Agent Manhood Cottage Birdham Road

Single storey rear extension and two storey side extension.

BI/14/03436/ELD - Mr Paul Knappett Kellys Farm Bell Lane Birdham

Used as an office for over 10 years.

BI/14/03697/DOM - Mr & Mrs Chamberlain Skylarks Pescotts Close Birdham

New porch, raise existing roof and insertion of small dormer windows and rooflights and rear extension

BI/14/03703/DOM - Mr & Mrs Morelli 11 Greenacres Birdham

Ground floor extension and internal alterations. First floor extension to west facing elevation and internal alterations. Roof converted to provide master bedroom and en-suite.

BI/14/03706/TPA - Mr S Apted Pict Fenn Court Barn Lane Birdham

Fell 3 no. Holm Oak trees (T9, T10 and T11) and crown reduce by 6 m on western sector on 1 no. Horse Chestnut tree. All trees subject to BI/01/00040/TPO.

BI/14/03759/DOM - Other Dev - Householder Developments - 1 Alandale Road, Birdham,

Re-submission of previous application BI/14/00235/COHH Two storey side extension

iii) Delegated Decisions to be noted.

BI/13/00284/FUL Mr John Matuszewski (Martin Grant Homes) Rowan Nursery Bell Lane Birdham

BI/14/02543/COU Mr Adrian Howell Tawny Nurseries Bell Lane Birdham

Change of use from certificated touring caravan site to a touring caravan site with 19 pitches and play area. PERMIT

BI/14/02627/TPA Mr Graeme Barnsley Chichester Marina Chichester Marina Birdham

BI/14/03048/DOM Mr & Mrs M Cole Westlands Lodge Westlands Estate Birdham

9. Correspondence - Not previously circulated to be noted.

10. Reports

i) Play area and playing field –

ii) Village Green and pond

iii) Condition of Village Drain/Ditch Network

iv) Police & Neighbourhood Watch

v) Communication Working Group

vi) Other -

11. Reports of meetings attended by Councillors

12. Items for inclusion on next agenda.

13. Date of Next Meeting Monday the 15^th December 2014

THE PUBLIC HAVE A RIGHT TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS

OF THE COUNCIL AND ARE MOST WELCOME

Minutes of the Extra Odinary Meeting of the Parish Council held on the 3rd November 2014

Birdham Parish Council

Minutes of the

Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council

held on Monday 3^rd November 2014

at 7pm in Birdham Village Hall

Present: Cllr Barker, Cllr Hamilton, Cllr Cobbold and Cllr Finch, Cllr Pocock (Chairman)

and Cllr Ayton.

Apologies: Nil

In attendance: The Clerk, Cllr Marshall (CDC) and 10 members of the public.

Absent: Cllr Churchill.

73-14 Declaration of Interests:

Cllrs Finch, Cobbold, Barker and Ayton declared personal interests as members of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group.

74-14 To receive a presentation of the Neighbourhood Plan by the Chairman of the Steering Group.

Cllr Finch as the lead Councillor and Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group outlined the various methodologies employed to bring the plan to the level it was now at. In doing so she went on to thank members of the Council, residents and the professional assistance from the planning advisor and from CDC Planners for all of the considerable help that had been given to the group.

Initially it had been considered by some that the work could be carried out fairly quickly however, to do the job properly it had taken nearly two years of hard work to reach the current stage and there was still more to do.

Data had been compiled from interviews, surveys and open days, from coffee mornings and data mining. The document that is now before the Council is the culmination of all that work. It now required the signing off by the Parish Council prior to submission to CDC. After the CDC submission there would be one other opportunity for consultation and comments to be made then CDC would propose three names of Inspectors from which the Parish would choose one. If the inspector was happy with the plan he/she would recommend that it be referred to referendum which would be organised and paid for by CDC. Assuming the referendum was successful then the document would be considered a legal document which would be used in all planning applications for Birdham.

75-14 Residents Questions relative to the Neighbourhood Plan.

Q-If there are comments from the Inspector where do they go to?

A-Initially CDC would receive any comments from the Inspector and then feed them back to the Parish Council.

Q-If the Local Plan is not in force how does this reflect on the Neighbourhood Plan assuming it is accepted?

A-Provided there is no direct and obvious contradiction with the proposed Local Plan, there should be no problems. WSCC and CDC have seen the plan and have both been very helpful and complimentary.

Q-There have been various debates about the legality of a Neighbourhood Plan where a Local Plan does not exist. What happens in this case?

A-It has been considered that provided the Neighbourhood Plan is flexible enough to cover the policies in a draft Local Plan then again there would be no problems.

Q-It has been rumoured that the Leader of CDC has suggested that all Neighbourhood Plans in the District should be delayed pending the outcome of the currently disputed Local Plan.

A-The think is that the Neighbourhood Plan has sufficient flexibility built in to cater for any variation in the submitted Local Plan.

76-14 To determine the Parish Councils response to the proposed Neighbour Plan.

Prior to the decision to be made by the Parish Council the Chairman asked all Councillors for their thoughts and comments on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

Cllr Hamilton said that she had read the document and was amazed at the quantity and quality of the work that had been carried out and supported the adoption of the Plan.

Cllr Cobbold said that she would very much like to thank the team who had put together the plan and for the considerable of time and dedication they had put in.

Cllr Ayton agreed with the two previous Councillors comments and wished his thanks to be added.

Cllr Barker agreed with all that had been said and added her thanks to the team.

Cllr Finch said that it had been a lot of very hard work involving lot of people who had put in lots of hours to reach this stage and in the main where unsung heroes.

Cllr Finch went on to propose that the Draft Neighbourhood Plan, as submitted, should be adopted by the Birdham Parish Council and submitted to the Chichester District Council as a matter of urgency.

The proposal was put to the vote and was resolved unanimously.

The Chairman in final summation said that he had been very concerned about elements of the Neighbourhood Plan in the early stages but was very pleased that his concerns had been dealt with and either considered or incorporated. In closing he thanks the various people who had put so much time and effort into the production of such a document.

77-14 Date of Next Meeting:

17^th November 2014 at 7pm in Birdham Village Hall

There being no further business to discuss the meeting was declared closed at 7.25pm

Signed ___________________________ Dated ____________________

Chairman

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 20th October 2014

Birdham Parish Council

Minutes of the

Meeting of the Parish Council

held on Monday 20^th October 2014

at 7pm in Birdham Village Hall

Present: Cllr Barker, Cllr Hamilton, Cllr Pocock and Cllr Ayton.

Apologies: Cllr Cobbold and Cllr Finch.

In attendance: The Clerk, Cllr Marshall (CDC) and 7 members of the public.

Absent: Cllr Churchill.

Prior to the commencement of the meeting the Clerk reported that he had received an email from Cllr Harker resigning from the Council with immediate effect. The reason for his resignation was cited as promotion within his employing company requiring a family move. The Clerk went on to say that an election for the position of Vice Chair which had been held by Cllr Harker would be carried out at the November meeting. Members expressed their thanks to Cllr Harker and commiserated with him on his enforced move.

59-14 Election of Chairman of the Council for the remainder of the Council Year.

It was duly resolved that Cllr Pocock be elected as the Chairman for the remainder of the Council Year. After signing the Acceptance of Office Cllr Pocock took the Chair.

60-14 Public Question time in accordance with Standing Orders 1d -1l:

The Chairman allowed a spokesman from Genesis Developments to address the Council and Residents present concerning their proposals to develop the property known as Ayton. The spokesperson suggested that conversations had been had with the planners at CDC who had suggested that the original number of five units should be reduced to four.

The Chairman said that members of the Council had been invited to a site visit by the developer which they had found to be useful to fully understand the proposal.

A resident asked if there would be any affordable housing. The answer was no. All units would be full market value housing.

Generally residents were concerned over the proximity of the exit from the development onto the busy round-about.

The Chairman said that there were a number of safety related issues and he would be looking to Highways to resolve them. He went on to suggest that should residents have further concerns to let the Council know.

A resident wished it be known that he and many others were grateful to the outgoing Chairman who they considered had been extremely proactive within the Council including the production of the newsletter and the intense amount of work on the Neighbourhood Plan.

61-14 Declaration of Interests:

Cllrs Pocock and Ayton declared a personal and pecuniary interest in agenda item 7iv and would take no part in the decision making process.

62-14 Approve and sign the Minutes of the meeting held on the 15^th September 2014:

It was resolved to adopt and sign the minutes of the 15^th September 2014 as a true and accurate record.

63-14 Matters arising from the minutes of the 19^th November 2012:

Minute 89-12 - Land Bequest. The Clerk said he had nothing to report at this stage.

64-14 Clerks’ Report:

i) WSCC – There was nothing to report.

ii) CDC – There was nothing to report.

iii) Reports from Members of WSCC/CDC – Cllr Marshall said that he had looked at the Cabinet Papers and there appeared to be nothing of immediate importance. However, as most people had already heard complications had arisen at the position of the Local Plan which was being aggressively challenged by developers over the housing numbers. CDC Councillors had also expressed concerns at the possible response from the Southdown’s National Park Authority concerning housing numbers.

iv) Other related matters – There were none.

65-14 Finance and Corporate:

i) To receive and approve the financial report.

The Clerk presented the financial reports for the month of October (shown at annex a). The current balances for October are as follows;

Balances held at Bank	£45342.87
Designated Funds	£29654.17
Available Funds	£15688.70
Creditors	£ 1204.76

The Clerk offered to answer any questions that Councillors may have.

It was resolved to adopt the Financial Report.

ii) The Clerk said he had received notification from CDC concerning the New Homes Bonus (Parish Allocations) 2014/15 – Birdham Parish Council. He went on to say that two applications had been made and a total of £13265.00 had been granted to Birdham in two parts, subject to a resolution by Council of the conditions attached to each application. The first application which was for the supply and installation of sound, projection and communication equipment in the Village Hall for a total of £4765.00 had been granted in full.

The second application for improvements to the Village Playing Field has been agreed subject to the masterplanning being carried out at a cost of £1500.00 with the balance of £7000.00 being retained subject to evidence of the masterplanning being broadly in line with the original application.

It was resolved by Council to accept the conditions of the awards and to thank CDC accordingly.

iii) To appoint a signatory to act on behalf of the Parish Council to deal with the NHB (Parish Allocations).

The Clerk said that it would be normal for the Clerk as the only Proper Officer of the Council to be the agreed signatory to the contractual arrangement’s when dealing with the implementation of the contracts.

It was resolved by Council that the Clerk should be the signatory to all aspects of the NHB (Parish Allocations).

iv) To consider the application by the BVRA for a grant of £1500.00.

The Clerk said as there were only two Councillors able to deal with this application the Council was considered to be inquorate at this juncture, and that this item should be deferred to the next full meeting of the Council.

66-14 To receive an update on the Neighbourhood Plan.

The Chairman of the Steering Group had given her apologies but had let it be known the drafting of the Neighbourhood Plan Submission Document was in the final stages and would be ready for presentation to the Council on the 27^th October 2014.

Some Councillors and residents felt that this was somewhat ambitious and felt that there was little time for the final document to be read and a decision made for the 27^thOctober.

It was resolved that a Council Meeting should be held on the 27^th October with a single item on the agenda, namely the Neighbourhood Plan.

Post Meeting Note. The Chairman of the Steering Group had contacted the Chairman of the Council to re-arrange the meeting for the 3^rd November to ensure that all would be ready.

67-14 Planning matters including applications and CDC delegated decisions:

i) To receive and approve the minutes of the Planning Committee of the 29^th September 2014.

In the absence of sufficient members of the Planning Committee present it was resolved to defer the minutes to the next meeting of either the Planning Committee or Full Council, which ever came first.

ii) Planning Applications to be Decided:

BI/14/03009/LBC - Hammonds Farm , Westlands Lane, Birdham

Proposed 2 no. dormer windows and 1 no. roof light in connection with a loft conversion.

The Council raised No Objection to the application.

BI/14/03187/LBC - Hammonds Farm , Westlands Lane, Birdham

Proposed demolition of existing conservatory and small single storey extension. Single storey extension to rear.

The Council raised No Objection to the application

BI/14/03135/DOM - Field Cottage, Westlands Estate, Birdham

The Council raised No Objection to the application

It was resolved to authorise the Clerk to notify Councils decision to DC Planning.

iii) Delegated Decisions to be noted.

BI/14/02264/DOM Mr And Mrs Timothy Firmston Garden Corner Church Lane Birdham

Erection of single storey lean-to extension on west elevation, and replacement of existing conservatory with new rear of house. PERMIT

The delegated decisions were noted.

68-14 Correspondence – Not previously circulated:

There was none

69-14 Reports:

i) Play Area and Playing Field. – The Clerk said the Council was in receipt of an offer by the MPP & WSCC to provide a rain garden at no expense to the Parish Council.

A debate followed that highlighted the concern of some Councillors as to the viability of such a project and whether it would reduce the flooding in the area of the Scout Hut which had been suggested. It was therefore proposed and resolved that in principle the Council would grant permission for the work to go ahead subject to an explanation by the MPP on the overall cost of the project including, how it would impact on the drainage system, the long term costs and maintenance of the project.

Currently there are a number of companies who have been contacted to provide a costed quotation for the provision of a culvert should the Langmead proposals not happen.

Discussions had been held with the owners of Birdham Pool concerning the blockage at the causeway. It was proposed that a coffer dam be built to resolve the problem and clear the culverts.

Both the Parish Council and residents of Cherry Lane had submitted an Op Watershed application to clear the ditches.

iv) Police and Neighbourhood Watch – There was nothing to report.

v) Communication Working Groups – There was nothing to report.

vi) Other - There was nothing to report.

70-14 Reports of meetings attended by Councillors;

The Chairman reported that he had attended the last meeting of the Peninsula Forum which had been held in Birdham. One of the main topics of discussion had been concerned with footpaths in the area but did not spell out a strategic view. There had been talk of an East West path and one to Medmerry and North to Chichester. The Salterns Way path running from Chichester to the Witterings was certainly not suitable for wheel chairs.

Cllr Hamilton said that more footpaths were required within Birdham and especially along the Birdham Straight which remained extremely dangerous to walkers.

Cllr Hamilton went on to say that in her capacity as a District Councillor she had attended a meeting at which the H9 site in Crooked Lane was said to be not progressing as fast as expected due to legal problems with the access to the site. She also reported that with effect from the 1^st November entrance to the District Museum would be free of charge.

71-14 Items for inclusion on the next agenda:

Election of Vice Chairman of the Council.

BVRA Grant Application.

72-14 Date of Next Meeting:

17^th November 2014 at 7pm in Birdham Village Hall

There being no further business to discuss the meeting was declared closed at 8.40pm

Signed ___________________________ Dated ____________________

Chairman

Annex a

Birdham Parish Council

Financial Statement as at 20th October 2014

Bank Accounts as at 31st March 2014

21689.56

Receipts to date

46768.45

Expenditure to date

23115.14

Balance

45342.87

Represented by;

Current Account (Barclays Community A/c)

12875.60

Deposit Account (Barclays Premium Business A/c)

25707.16

National Savings

6760.11

Total

45342.87

Less

Reserve @ 50% of Precept

21063.13

Loan Reserve for half year

8591.04

Outstanding Cheque/s -

Total

29654.17

Available Funds

15688.70

Signed

Clerk to the Council

20th October 2014

Payments to be considered

B Geary (Litter Picking)

70.00

Clerks Expenses (Telephone)

30.88

M H Kennedy & Son (Grass)

432.24

Southern Electric (Street Lighting)

202.66

Rather Good Productions Ltd (Web site)

144.00

Earnley Parish Council (Preperation to Traffic Report)

324.98

Total

1204.76

Agenda for an Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council to be held on 3rd November 2014

Birdham Parish Council

28 Langdale Avenue, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8JQ

Tel : 01243 790402

Email : clerk@birdhamparishcouncil.org.uk Website : www.birdham.org.uk

Clerk to the Council : David J Siggs

EXTRA ORDINARY MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

Members are hereby summoned to attend an Extra Ordinary Meeting of Birdham Parish Council to be held at 7pm on Monday the 3^rd November 2014 in the Main Hall at Birdham Village Hall, Birdham.

David J Siggs - Clerk to the Council

AGENDA

1. Declaration of interests and granting of dispensations if any.

2. To receive a presentation of the Neighbourhood Plan by the Steering Group.

3. Residents questions relative to the Neighbourhood Plan.

4. To determine the Parish Councils response to the proposed Neighbourhood Plan.

5. Date of Next Ordinary Meeting Monday the 17^th November 2014.

THE PUBLIC HAVE A RIGHT TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS

OF THE COUNCIL AND ARE MOST WELCOME

Agenda for the Council Meeting to be held on the 20th October 2014

Birdham Parish Council

28 Langdale Avenue, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8JQ

Tel : 01243 790402

Email : clerk@birdhamparishcouncil.org.uk Website : www.birdham.org.uk

Clerk to the Council : David J Siggs

MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

Members are hereby summoned to attend a Meeting of Birdham Parish Council to be held at 7pm on Monday the 20^th October 2014 in the Main Hall at Birdham Village Hall, Birdham.

David J Siggs - Clerk to the Council

AGENDA

1. Election of Chairman for the remainder of the Council year

2. Public Question Time: (In accordance with Standing Orders 1d – 1l)

3. Declaration of interests and granting of dispensations if any

4. Approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th September 2014

5. Matters Arising

i) Land bequest to the Council

6. Clerks Report including:

i) WSCC Reports, highways matters and correspondence

ii) CDC Reports including correspondence

iii) To receive reports from Division Members of WSCC and Ward Members of CDC as appropriate.

iv) Other related matters

7. Finance and corporate:

i) To receive and approve a financial report.

ii) To acknowledge and accept the CDC Contracts for the award of the NHB (Parish Allocations).

iii) To appoint a signatory to act on behalf of the Parish to deal with the NHB (Parish Allocations).

iv) To consider the application by the BVRA for a grant of £1500.00.

8. To receive an update on the position of the Neighbourhood Plan

9. Planning matters including applications and CDC delegated decisions.

i) To receive and approve the Minutes of the Planning Committee of the 29^th September 2014.

ii) Planning Applications to be decided.

BI/14/03009/LBC - Hammonds Farm , Westlands Lane, Birdham

Proposed 2 no. dormer windows and 1 no. roof light in connection with a loft conversion.

BI/14/03187/LBC - Hammonds Farm , Westlands Lane, Birdham

Proposed demolition of existing conservatory and small single storey extension. Single storey extension to rear.

BI/14/03135/DOM - Field Cottage, Westlands Estate, Birdham

iii) Delegated Decisions to be noted.

BI/14/02264/DOM Mr And Mrs Timothy Firmston Garden Corner Church Lane Birdham

Erection of single storey lean-to extension on west elevation, and replacement of existing conservatory with new rear of house. PERMIT

10. Correspondence - Not previously circulated to be noted.

11. Reports

i) Play area and playing field –

a) To consider the offer made by WSCC & MPP to provide a rain garden at their expense in an area of the playing field allocated by the Parish Council.

ii) Village Green and pond

iii) Condition of Village Drain/Ditch Network

iv) Police & Neighbourhood Watch

v) Communication Working Group

vi) Other -

12. Reports of meetings attended by Councillors

13. Items for inclusion on next agenda.

14. Date of Next Meeting Monday the 17^th November 2014

THE PUBLIC HAVE A RIGHT TO ATTEND ALL MEETINGS

OF THE COUNCIL AND ARE MOST WELCOME

Annex A

Rain Gardens Project

The Manhood Peninsula is situated south of Chichester. Geographically it forms the Western Streams section of the Arun & Western Streams Catchment area, though it is not officially part of the Arun & Western Streams Catchment Partnership.

The Manhood Peninsula Partnership is exploring projects that satisfy the partners’ aims in the area of flood and surface water management. This is because the peninsula is particularly prone to flooding, and both the Environment Agency and West Sussex County Council are heavily involved in local schemes/plans to mitigate the effects of flooding.

Rain gardens and similar initiatives, such as green roofs and living walls, fit neatly into a project doing just that. Funding is available for local flood mitigation initiatives, and rain gardens are one of the more imaginative solutions proposed.

There are a number of approaches to creating a Rain Garden:

Bio-retention pond, also known simply and more attractively as a Rain Garden. This is the option the Rain Gardens Project will explore.
Green walls and vertical gardens
Green roofs
Storm-water planters
Permeable paving

What is the Rain Gardens Project?

Recent flooding across England and Wales has highlighted the need to think around our rainy reality. Gardens play an important role in absorbing water and providing channels for rainwater to infiltrate back into the earth, however more frequent and intense downpours make their job more difficult. We need to find a more imaginative response to get the most out of gardens and public places in this respect. Hard surfaces are the main culprit, but slow draining soil and a high water table can have a very similar effect, and are a widespread issue on the Manhood Peninsula.

The Rain Gardens Project looks at dealing with excess water by using a ‘soft engineering’ approach. Porous sandy soils help water penetrate the ground initially, where it is retained until it dissipates naturally. Using suitable plants tolerant to varying moisture levels (UK natives Purple Loosestrife and Bog Iris are lovely examples) has a number of benefits. Plants are important aids to water dissipation by transpiration and evaporation through their leaves. They add to the biodiversity and wildlife interest of a garden, as well as being beautiful in their own right.

Project aims:

To create two (or more) Rain Gardens, one on either side of the Manhood Peninsula, to offset existing drainage problems at each site. The gardens will be created using professional, but local, expertise and volunteer groups guided by Dusty Gedge, rain garden expert and co-author of the UK Rain Garden Guide.
To offer 4 workshops showing people across the peninsula how to do similar at home. Workshops to be guided by Dusty Gedge.

Project outputs. The project will aid the development of a stronger community by:

Providing two public rain gardens accessible to people across the Manhood Peninsula.
Providing solutions to water pooling after heavy rain in two public locations.
Increasing community capacity across the Manhood Peninsula to deal with locations prone to repeated small scale flooding.
Increasing awareness across the Manhood Peninsula of how and why vegetation is so important in mitigating the effects of heavy rainfall seen as a result of climate change.
Enabling individual residents to implement small, but important, rain water mitigation measures at home.

What is a Rain Garden?

Rain gardens can be a simple depression in the ground filled with sandy soil, or pockets on a vertical wall. The function is the same in both instances, to act as a sink to retain rain water for a substantial period of time after heavy rainfall, while allowing it to diffuse slowly away. Excess water that can’t be absorbed on a temporary basis also has an egress point leading from the rain garden to the normal drainage system. The aim is to reduce the run off from hard surfaces that overload the more frequently used engineered alternatives.

Rain gardens can be considered the ‘soft engineering’ alternative to SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems). The technical term for a rain garden is a ‘bio-retention pond’. In this instance it is misleading because the objective is make a ‘water sink’ using fast draining soil, not create an open water area. The garden will retain water and allow it to dissipate in its own time, in the same way that many non-flowing ditches on the peninsula do at present.

Planting a Rain Garden

Plants should reflect the sunny or shady conditions in which the garden is located. Best practise is to plant in a sunny area with perhaps some shade, but not in an overcast position. This will maximise the opportunity for your rain garden to lose excess rainwater by evaporation as well as by slow infiltration into the soil. A fast-draining soil mix, ie sandy or loose textured soil, is required to encourage water to sink in and ensure lush plant growth. Soil containing a great deal of clay will have to be mixed with a sandy substrate to create the best texture.

Gardens on level ground should be situated at least 3metres (10 feet) from a house/building and its foundations. A slight slope is preferred to ensure water drains away from where it isn’t wanted, and into your rain garden. A slight berm or bank is needed to account for the slope and keep the water in one place.

The garden should be planted in an area that dries out quickly, rather than in a low-lying saturated spot. When we talk about the plants suitable for this purpose, species that tolerate wet conditions should go in the center, surrounded by those that are tolerate occasional standing water, while the plants that prefer drier soil should be placed at the furthermost edges.

Green Walls and Vertical Gardens

An alternative for a small area is a ‘green wall’ or vertical garden. These fulfil a similar function, but instead of being flat the plant containers form a wall of vegetation. Vertical gardens can be located anywhere, but the wall to which they are fixed needs to be protected from water either by a membrane or by ensuring a suitable space is left between the plant carriers and the walls themselves. The ability of the vertical wall to retain water can be improved by installing a flat, vertical tank behind the display of plants and foliage.

In both cases the garden needs access to the conventional drainage system if built close to buildings. This is because it may not be possible to completely offset the torrential downpours occurring with increasing frequency in the UK.

Solutions for a small garden include combining vertical garden panels with a green roof on the garden shed, with perhaps a large container adjacent the shed to catch excess water from the green roof.

Rain Gardens on the MPP Website: https://peninsulapartnership.org.uk/rain-gardens/

Project aims:

To create two (or more) Rain Gardens, one on either side of the Manhood Peninsula, to offset existing drainage problems at each site. The gardens will be created by local contractors and planted using local volunteer groups guided by Dusty Gedge. This will require funding for:

Consultation fees for Dusty Gedge rain garden expert and co-author of the UK Rain Garden Guide, who is also undertaking a similar project with the RSPB run project Arun & Rother Connections (ARC)
Groundworks by a local contractor to excavate the garden and 4 drainage channels.
Backfill with gravel or other porous medium, and soil
Suitable water tolerant plants
Tools

Matched funding will be provided in volunteer time for the following:

Planting
Maintenance

To offer 4 workshops showing people on both sides of the peninsula how to do similar at home. Workshops to be guided by Dusty Gedge. This will require funding for:

Consultation fees for Dusty Gedge
Materials
Refreshments

Matched funding will be provided in volunteer time by the parishes for the following:

Hosting the workshops

Project outputs:

Provide two public rain gardens – useful and beautiful.
Providing solutions to water pooling after heavy rain in two public locations.
Increased community capacity to deal with locations prone to repeated small scale flooding.
Increased local awareness of how and why vegetation is so important in mitigating the effects of heavy rainfall seen as a result of climate change.
Enabling individual residents to implement small, but important, rain water mitigation measures at home.

Minutes of the Planning Committee held on the 29th September 2014

Birdham Parish Council

Minutes of the Planning Committee

held on Monday 29^th September 2014

at 7pm in Birdham Village Hall

Present: Cllr Barker, Cllr Cobbold, Cllr Churchill and Cllr Finch

Apologies: Cllr Ayton, Cllr Harker

In attendance: The Clerk

P6-14 Election of Chairman.

In the absence of Cllr Harker it was resolved that Cllr Cobbold be elected as Chairman for the meeting.

P7-14 Declaration of Interests.

There were none.

P8-14 Correspondence relevant to Planning, if any.

The Clerk reported that he had received notification from CDC that an appeal has been lodged against the refusal of planning application BI/14/01361/DOM and BI/14/01362/LBC Hammonds Farm. The appeal will be decided on the basis of an exchange of written statements.

P9-14 Planning applications to be decided

i) BI/14/03035/DOM - Mr & Mrs Wright Fir Trees Shipton Green Lane Itchenor

Alterations and extensions. . NO OBJECTION

ii) BI/14/03037/LBC - Mr & Mrs Wright Fir Trees Shipton Green Lane Itchenor

Alterations and extensions. Alterations and extensions.

Whilst no objection was made to the DOM Application it was felt that the increase in size to original building would significantly alter the appearance of this listed building to the extent that the Council feels it must OBJECT.

iii) BI/14/02973/DOM - Mr M Chapple 1 Alandale Road Birdham

Retrospective application for - Erection of two storey extension. NO OBJECTION.

iv) BI/14/03048/DOM - Mr & Mrs M Cole Westlands Lodge Westlands Estate Birdham

The Council raised NO OBJECTION to this application but request that a condition is applied to prevent any disposal of the annex separate from the main dwelling.

v) BI/14/03008/DOM - Mr & Mrs N Von Schirnding Hammonds Farm Westlands Lane Birdham

Proposed 2 no. dormer windows and 1 no. roof light in connection with a loft conversion.

At the date of the Councils Planning Meeting no LBC Application had been received. The Council has therefore made its decision based purely on the DOM Application and whilst NO OBJECTION was raised a great deal of concern was felt at the proposed head room of 1.8mtr over a very limited space.

P10-14 Delegated Decisions were noted.

i) BI/14/02512/DOM Mrs Russell The Hundred House Hundredsteddle Lane Birdham

Conversion of double garage to granny annexe. PERMIT

ii) BI/14/02513/LBC The Hundred House Hundredsteddle Lane Birdham

Alterations to existing double garage to allow use as granny annexe. PERMIT

P11-13 Date of next meeting – TBA

There being no further business to discuss the meeting closed at 8.15pm

Signed ___________________________ Dated ____________________

Chairman