Annual Report 2017/2018
As we approach the end of the council’s year, I have pleasure in providing a summary of the matters addressed over the past twelve months.
Neighbourhood Development Plan
Work has continued with the completion of the first round of evidence gathering which took the form of a village questionnaire. The results have been collated and draft policies are in the process of being written.
Highways
We continue to monitor and inform HCC on road maintenance issues that arise from time to time such as potholes. In July we had a meeting with Hampshire Highways to discuss additional traffic calming measures and we await their recommendations.
Development
In the past year the council has considered 21 planning and tree preservation order applications; these included:
Extensions to existing properties, new developments and the pruning of trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders.
Each application is considered in detail and the merits or detriments of each development assessed.
The loss of mature trees remains of particular concern to the Parish Council, and the ability of applicants of new developments to clearly demonstrate that all surface water run-off will be retained and disposed of on site.
The council have made comments on applications to this effect.
In July Council completed an online survey concerning the growth of rural communities in Hampshire.
Footpaths, Bridleways, Community and Environment
The parish council produced a leaflet to promote the village’s footpaths, the colour leaflet was distributed to all the homes in Beech and can be downloaded from the parish council’s website.
We continue to monitor the state and accessibility of the footpaths and bridleways serving the village. Last year Beech PC paid for clearance work on the footpath leading down to the A339. Where necessary we encourage those responsible to undertake maintenance and clearance of footpaths.
At our August meeting council agreed in principle to purchase a defibrillator unit that will be positioned at the village hall.
Finance
We are pleased to confirm that the Council’s reserves remain safe and regular external and internal audit checks are undertaken to ensure correct financial procedures are followed.
Representatives
We thank our EHDC District Councillor, Tony Costigan, and Mark Kemp Gee our Hampshire County Councillor for their work in keeping Beech Parish Council up to date with what is happening at District and County Council levels and for all the lobbying they have done on our behalf.
Acknowledgements
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Beech Parish Councillors and our Parish Clerk for their hard work and support.