Annual Report 2014/2015
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.
Speed Limit Reminder Sign
I am pleased to report that our SLR was deployed twice during 2014 at the site adjacent to the bus stop at the village hall.
I am also pleased to report that the problems with the sites on Kings Hill and the western end of Medstead Road appeared to have been resolved, in that new ground fixings have been installed by Hampshire Highways.
Highways
The Parish Council would like to thank the volunteers of the community speed watch scheme for their hard work and dedication in helping to reduce the speed of traffic through our village.
We have been looking into the feasibility of installing gates each end of the village to highlight to motorists that fact that they are entering a community. Hampshire Highways have been very supportive of this initiative and it is something that is becoming quite popular with rural communities across Hampshire.
We continue to monitor and inform HCC on road maintenance issues that arise from time to time such as potholes.
Development
In the past year the council has considered 16 planning and tree preservation order applications; these included:
Extensions to existing properties, new developments and the pruning of trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders.
In May 2014 we held an additional meeting to respond to the consultation by TAG Farnborough Airport for changes to airspace.
Each application is considered in detail and the merits or detriments of each development assessed.
This year the Parish council has objected to 4 of the applications it received, in most cases we have made additional comments expressing the views/concerns of the village.
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.
Footpaths, Bridleways, Community and Environment
We continue to monitor the state and accessibility of the footpaths and bridleways serving the village. This winter Beech PC paid for clearance work and the resurfacing of part of the footpath leading down to the A339. Where necessary we encourage those responsible to undertake maintenance and clearance.
Finance
We are pleased to confirm that the Councils reserves remain safe and regular external and internal audit checks are undertaken to ensure correct financial procedures are followed.
Representatives
We thank Patrick Burridge (EHDC District Councillor) and Mark Kemp Gee (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, Ian Gibson, Ruth Duffin, David Fazakerley, Kevin Lamb, Helen Scott, Bryan Harrison and our Parish Clerk Louisa Thomson for their work and support.
Councillors Helen Scott, and Bryan Harrison stepped down during the year and I am pleased to say that Mr Colin Childes and Anthony Duthoit were co-opted as Councillors in January.