Minutes
of the Extra-Ordinary Meeting of Sulhamstead Parish Council held in Sulhamstead & Ufton Nervet Village Hall
on Thursday 3 August 2023 at 2pm
The purpose of this Extra-Ordinary meeting was to receive an update from District Councillor Mackinnon with regard to the Four Houses Corner Caravan Site planning application to enable the Parish Council to submit an informed response to the application.
He would also report on progress on outstanding issues from previous meetings.
Present: Mrs Margaret Baxter (Chair), Mrs Liz Penston, Mrs Rosemary Sanders-Rose, Mr Ivan Wise, Mrs Diane Woodward.
In attendance: Mr Ross Mackinnon (District Councillor), Mr David Hannington (Chair of Ufton Nervet Parish Council) Sally Poole (Clerk)
- Apologies for Absence
- Ms Teresa Sosna, Mrs Tess Watson-Smith, Mrs Fiona Jones and Ms Sylke Robinson
- Declarations of Interest by Councillors
There were none. - Briefing from District Councillor Mackinnon
Councillor Baxter explained that the Parish Council had sought an extension to the deadline for their response as this was a substantial application, with potential implications for local residents and she expressed disappointment that the Parish Council had not been consulted earlier, as three weeks was a very short period to submit a detailed response.The main concerns that they had requested further information from District Councillor Mackinnon were as follows:- The actual number of people that would be on the site (especially with regard to the DEPZ (Detailed Emergency Planning Zone) around AWE Sites)
District Councillor Mackinnon confirmed that this was a material planning consideration, but that the WBC Emergency Planning Team had not objected to the application on these grounds as this was a replacement of the previous site, and those residents had already been included in the number of people in the area.
It was noted that whilst the previous site had had 18 pitches, this new application was for 17 double pitches and so there was the potential for twice as many people on the site. District Councillor Mackinnon would clarify this position.
Councillor Hannington stated that when the previous site had closed, it had been proposed that it would be reopened as a transit rather than a permanent site. District Councillor Mackinnon explained that trespassing on a property with intent to stay was now a criminal offence and so the Police now had the legal power to move people on and impound vehicles, but admitted that the Police were reluctant to do so and that a transit site made this easier.
District Councillor Mackinnon was also asked if the previous residents of the site (who had been temporarily given Housing Association accommodation) would be returning to the site. He confirmed that this was the intention, but could not confirm that all residents would return. - Site Security
This was an area of concern due to previous experience of criminality and anti-social behaviour on the former site, as well as intimidation that had led to a reluctance of residents or professionals to enter the site. District Councillor Mackinnon reported that WBC intended to appoint an on-site security company. - The overall cost of the decontamination of the previous site
District Councillor Mackinnon reported that he did not have this information, but confirmed that the overall cost of decontamination and refurbishment was estimated to be £3.6 million.
It was acknowledged that the District Council had an obligation to provide designated permanent sites for Gypsies and Travellers, but it was agreed that this amount seemed disproportionate for the number of people that would be on this site.
District Councillor Mackinnon explained that the site had required decontamination of human waste and dumped industrial chemicals. - The on-going costs of maintaining the site
District Councillor Mackinnon reported that this would be between £100,000 and £200,000 per annum.
Other issues raised by Councillors included the following:- It was understood that the District Council would still need to provide a few other designated pitches as the totals of this site and the one in Aldermaston would not provide the total required number of designated pitches in the District. It was therefore proposed that WBC could source an alternative site elsewhere that could meet the total required, or to make this site smaller if there had to be a third site;
- The current land for the site had been leased from Englefield Estate approximately 50 years ago and this lease had recently been renewed;
- Concern was expressed as to how to protect wildlife in the adjacent area of woodland and to prevent it from becoming re-contaminated;
- It was noted that electric charging points would be provided for each pitch and District Councillor Mackinnon would determine how this would be metered;
- The issue of bonfires was raised with regard to health and safety;
- It was noted that security lighting had been proposed for the entrance, but this was currently a dark sky area.
- District Councillor Mackinnon explained that some of these issues were not applicable points to raise against the planning application, but would be considered when the Executive met to discuss approval of expenditure, which would have to be agreed if the planning application was approved.
Councillor Baxter requested that the Parish Council be kept informed of any site or other meetings. She also confirmed that a joint response of Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet Parish Councils would be submitted the following week.
- The actual number of people that would be on the site (especially with regard to the DEPZ (Detailed Emergency Planning Zone) around AWE Sites)
- Other outstanding issues from previous meetings
- Permitted size of house extensions (under current planning regulations)
District Councillor Mackinnon would research and report back on this.
Action: District Councillor Mackinnon - WBC CIL funding for the playpark
District Councillor Mackinnon would follow this up.
Action: District Councillor Mackinnon - Removal of black bin liners from Island Farm Road
District Councillor Mackinnon would ascertain why this was still outstanding and ensure that they were cleared as soon as possible.
Action: District Councillor Mackinnon - Parish Plan
District Councillor Mackinnon confirmed that there was no statutory requirement for a Parish Plan. - Koi Carp Shop
Councillor Baxter expressed frustration that there appeared to be continual retrospective applications for work that had already been carried out and that the Conservation Officer had not been proactive with regard to changes made to the listed building. In addition, the footpath had still not been reinstated. District Councillor Mackinnon agreed to ascertain the status of any current applications or appeals.
Action: District Councillor Mackinnon - Stables on Shortheath Lane
There was concern that this was now being run as a business due to the large amount of horse boxes and trailers. When the application had been presented to the Parish Council, the applicant had stated that it was just for use by the family and so it was proposed that this be investigated further.
Action: District Councillor Mackinnon
- Permitted size of house extensions (under current planning regulations)
- Review of Post/Any Other Business
There had been a request from the Police to hold a ‘Have your say’ session in the Parish on 19 August 2023. It was agreed that this would be advantageous, but that the date might not be possible as the Village Hall would be the best venue, but there was a Fete that day.
Action: ClerkCouncillor Woodward proposed using the Fete as an opportunity to promote the website.
Next Parish Council Meeting
The next meeting would take place on Thursday 28 September 2023 at 7pm, to be held at Sulhamstead and Ufton Nervet Village Hall.
Mrs Sally Poole (Clerk)
Distribution
All Councillors District Councillor Mackinnon
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