Agenda and minutes

To welcome those present to the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed those present to the meeting.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence received.

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2016.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2016 were presented.

Resolved:

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2016.

To receive any declarations of disclosable interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive the following chairman’s announcement:

·         Health and Wellbeing Group

The Chairman drew attention to the announcement on Health and Wellbeing contained in the pack.

To receive any updates from the following partners:

(a)  Wiltshire Police

(b)  Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

(c)  Health Services

(d)  Town and Parish Council Nominated Representatives

(e)  Corsham Community Area Network (CCAN)

(f)   Chamber of Commerce

(g)  Schools

(h)  Corsham Community Engagement Manager

The Chairman drew attention to the written updates contained in the pack.

A verbal update on Fire and Rescue was provided by Mark Unwin from Corsham Fire Station. Mr Unwin informed those present that the merge between Wiltshire and Dorset Fire Services was steadily moving ahead and would be live from 1 April 2016. Mr Unwin noted that he was confident that the Fire Service could still supply a good service to the people of both Wiltshire and Dorset. Cllr Tonge commented that it was important that the services worked together, in order to help save on costs.

Simon Burrell from NHS CCG detailed that there was a new provider of community care in place for Corsham. He also drew attention to the fact that how the health service was to deal with the more urgent side of care was being discussed and encouraged those present to use the Area Board as one arena in which such discussions could take place.

Anne Keat from Healthwatch Wiltshire updated that youngsters were being trained, in order to help be involved in the healthcare process.

Mike Kern, Box Parish Council, provided a verbal update on the 231 bus service. Cllr Macrae added that the previous operator of the bus service had chosen to discontinue the provision, however, the cabinet member, Cllr Whitehead, had agreed to increase the number of buses provided on the x31 route; in order to ensure that those who relied on the service, would still be able to access a suitable bus route. It was noted that there would be 1 bus through Corsham every half an hour and that the new service provider, Faresaver, had invested in double decker buses to accommodate for increased passengers during rush hours. The members highlighted that they had been working to ensure that bus services would be protected for Corsham.

Cllr Tom Hall, Colerne Parish Council, informed the meeting of the death of Cllr John Bull and commemorated Cllr Bull’s sterling service to the community, as well as his adventurous attributes; such as his climb of Mount Everest at the age of 75. Cllrs Tonge and Macrae also paid their respects to Cllr Bull.

A representative from Lacock Parish Council updated that 12 months after the clearing of the flooding had been completed; a flood plan was now in place. He also noted that there had been 2 fatalities on the A350 and that he would be writing to Wiltshire Council in this respect. Attention was also drawn to the fact that the Netflix production of ‘Young Shakespeare’ was being filmed in the area.

Sue Stockley, Corsham Chamber of Commerce, informed those present that the event ‘Corsham means Business’ had attracted over 300 visitors.

David Martin, Corsham Town Council, drew attention to the update provided in the pack.

Larry St Croix, Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, provided a verbal update on the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Fellowships. Mr St Croix relayed that that Trust sponsored individuals to partake in expeditions and encouraged those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To receive an update from 2 groups who have previously been successful in obtaining Area Board grants:

·         The Golden Oldies Charity: Abbey Rakes will be in attendance to provide a short update on the charity and work undertaken in Corsham

·         The Corsham Twirlers: a 10-minute performance from the group

Abbey Rakes, from the Golden Oldies Charity, was in attendance to provide an update on the charity and the work that had been undertaken by the Golden Oldies. Ms Rakes outlined that a monthly session for the ‘Golden Oldies’ was held at the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham and that these sessions included songs from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Ms Rakes explained that with the Area Board’s grant money the group had been able to buy new equipment, such as a new docking station and an ipod and that these purchases had helped to enhance the group’s sessions.

Ms Rakes highlighted that the group was intended for isolated members of the community and the Area Board was thanked for their financial contribution to the group. Richard Rogers was applauded for his effective advertising of the group to the Corsham Community Area and it was noted that both the contributions from the Area Board and Mr Rogers, had helped to ensure that the lives of those living in the Corsham community area could be enriched.

The Corsham Twirlers were in also attendance and provided a short performance for the meeting; the group showcased a short piece from their carnival routine and performed their special ‘warm-down’ routine to those present.

Tim Martienssen, Head of Economic Development, will be in attendance to provide an update on Mansion House.

Tim Martienssen, Head of Economic Development, was in attendance to provide an update on Mansion House. Mr Martienssen noted his support of the ‘Corsham means Business’ event and congratulated the Corsham Chamber of Commerce on the event’s success.

Mr Martienssen outlined that the Mansion House was a grade II listed building and therefore, one had to take extra care over how the building was to be developed; indeed partners, such as English Heritage, had to be in agreement with the development plans of the building itself. The meeting was informed that the public would be involved in any future consultation processes.

It was highlighted that the Corsham Institute had been working very cooperatively with Wiltshire Council in the development of the premises and that the working relationship had been profitable. Mr Martienssen detailed that there would be no canteen within the Mansion House, as there was a desire for the existing catering facilities within the town to be complemented and not replaced.

The Project Management Team were noted as having ensured that the building would be able to serve its purpose; for example, the team had been working to ensure that Mansion House’s new design would fit with the surrounding area and therefore, maximise the building’s chance of acquiring planning permission.

It was explained that budget testing had been completed and that officers were confident that the project could be delivered on the £2.5 million budget offered. It was outlined that, provisionally, construction would be due to commence in December 2016 and it would terminate in July 2017.

Mr Martienssen confirmed that there would be a small amount of car parking to the front of the building and encouraged those present to use more sustainable forms of transport, wherever possible.

It was noted that, because of the digital connectivity hub that Corsham rested upon, such a pronounced digital service was able to be provided through the project and the project was deemed to be relatively straightforward, because it mainly consisted of refurbishment. Cllr Tonge provided his support for the project and assured that, as the Council had worked on similar projects elsewhere, he was confident that Digital Corsham would be a success.

Claire Alexander, a representative from the Corsham Institute, will be in attendance to provide an update on Digital Corsham.

Claire Alexander, chief operating officer from the Corsham Institute, was in attendance to provide an update on Digital Corsham. Ms Alexander presented a video which explained that Corsham is one of the biggest data centres in the UK and thus, it was important to take advantage of the advanced network that Corsham rested upon.

Ms Alexander explained that the community was in favour of utilising skills to create a successful digital community for Corsham; both on a personal and business level. It was highlighted that increased engagement with the community had been seen; especially during election time and that this was due to the introduction of Corsham TV.

It was outlined that Digital Corsham was helping to create increased employment and a skilled workforce in the area and that university modules, such as community journalism, were being developed in collaboration with Bath Spa University. The meeting was informed that Digital Corsham was designed to support all areas of the community and to increase digital activity in Corsham; special attention was given to ‘Kik Radio’, who live streamed the Corsham Area Board meetings.

Mary Hardwidge, from the Big Energy Saving Network, will be in attendance to provide information on the simplicity of switching Energy Supplier.

Mary Hardwidge, from the Big Energy Saving Network, was unwell and therefore, unable to attend the meeting and present on the simplicity of switching energy supplier.

Janet O’Brien, Head of Housing – Strategy and Assets, will be in attendance to provide a presentation on the demand for affordable housing in the Corsham community area and will discuss how work can be undertaken with the Area Board to ensure that the delivery of new housing will meet the local need.

Janet O’Brien, Head of Housing – Strategy and Assets, was in attendance to provide a presentation on the demand for affordable housing in the Corsham community area. Ms O’Brien highlighted how work could be undertaken with the Area Board, to ensure that the delivery of new housing would meet the local need and provided some statistics on the housing profile for Corsham, in comparison to the average for Wiltshire as a whole.

Ms O’Brien outlined that central government wanted to increase the supply of housing within the UK and were attempting to encourage individuals to purchase their own home and live independently. For example, housing was being adapted to fit the needs of certain individuals and care support services were being created; in order to ensure that independent living could be achieved for as many as possible within the community. She also explained that it was important for Wiltshire to be aware of how to respond to such a national policy directive.

It was noted that social housing was being targeted at the most vulnerable within the community and that, within 2 to 5 years, the needs of individuals within social housing were being re-assessed; with those whose needs had decreased being encouraged to move into private accommodation. Ms O’Brien stated that need was being assessed from a range of sources, such as from some of the following; the Core Strategy, Town and Parish Surveys, occupation and overcrowding data and demographic trends. Ms O’Brien drew attention to the fact that the housing register was purely a snapshot in time and therefore, could not be solely used as an accurate projection of the future.

In terms of the Corsham area, Ms O’Brien detailed that Corsham was the 9^th most expensive community area within Wiltshire and that smaller properties were most in demand in the area, however, unfortunately these properties were in short supply. Parishes were advised that Corsham was in need of affordable housing and that Parishes could complete a rural needs survey; this survey could help to lead to a greater collaboration between housing and the Parish itself.

Those present were informed of how housing was commissioning research across all community areas; in order to develop a new housing strategy, which would invite consultation in the next few months.

Cllr Whalley raised the point that the aspiration of the Core Strategy for Corsham was that 30% of hosing should be affordable and, yet, only 7-8% of new housing in Corsham was affordable. Ms O’Brien confirmed that there was an issue of viability and that planning legislation documented that a planning application could not be refused solely on the grounds that it did not provide for the 30% of affordable housing. However, she highlighted that, since the Wiltshire Core Strategy had been established, there had been greater success at ensuring that appropriate affordable housing was delivered.

To receive an update from the LYNMG and to consider the following recommendations:

·         Colerne Village Community: £4750

To note the expenditure of £1150 to procure ‘Relate Mind’, to undertake workshops with young people on mental health.

Emma Drage, Community Youth Officer, was in attendance to provide an update on the Local Youth Network (LYN) and to introduce the application from Colerne Village Community for £4750 for their project, ‘Positive Activities for Young People’. It was noted that there was a desire for the group to raise further funding through fundraising events and work with The Prince’s Trust and English Heritage.

Those present were informed that the process to procure ‘Relate Mind’ had been hugely successful. It was formally noted that the expenditure to procure ‘Relate Mind’ was £1150.

Having been put to the meeting, it was

Resolved:

       i.          To award £4750 to Colerne Village Community for their project ‘Positive Activities for Young People’

     ii.          To formally note the expenditure of £1150 to procure ‘Relate Mind’

The Wiltshire Councillors will consider the following applications to the Community Area Grants Scheme:

·         Lacock Cricket Club: £3000

·         The Brunel Shed: £4000

·         Corsham Town Football Club: £700

·         Springfield Art Group: £1000

To consider a member-led initiative from Cllr Parker of £4000 to support older people within the community.

To consider a member-led initiative from Cllr Macrae of £3000 to support activities related to ‘Legacy Events’ in Corsham.

Richard Rogers, Community Engagement Manager, was in attendance to introduce the 4 Community Area Grant applications; he noted that all 4 applications met the grant criteria.

Ron George, a representative from Lacock Cricket Club, introduced the group’s application for £3000 to improve the club’s facilities. Mr George explained that the club only had 1 shower and that they were seeking to improve upon this. He noted that the total cost of refurbishment was £9000 and that £5000 had been secured for the refurbishment from The Whitehall Trust, with a further £100 from Wiltshire Cricket. The Club were optimistic that, should their grant be approved, the improvement to facilities could be completed in time for the next cricket season. 

Mr Rogers highlighted that there had been an error on the Area Board grant application system’s database and that the application listed on the agenda as from ‘The Brunel Shed’, had correctly been submitted by ‘Box Village Hall’. The meeting was informed that there had been no change to the grant application itself, or the original sum of money requested and therefore, the application could be considered by the members as usual.

A representative from Box Village Hall explained that the Village Hall had very high running costs and that there was a need to access the Hall’s upstairs rooms, in order to ensure that all parts of the Hall were to be used effectively. As a result, a stair-lift was needed to access the upstairs’ rooms and the removal of the existing stair-lift and its replacement would cost approximately £17,000. The representative commented that, should the grant application be approved, the Village Hall would generate the rest of the funding required through fundraising events and the Hall’s reserves.

Mr Rogers introduced the application from Corsham Town Football Club and detailed that the Club wished to improve the quality of their football pitches. Wiltshire Council and the Football Association had granted Wiltshire football clubs some funding, in order to help improve the County’s football pitches. Mr Rogers highlighted that, should the grant application be approved, there would be a huge improvement in the Club’s sports facilities, with minimal investment from the Club themselves.

Representatives from Springfield Art Group introduced their grant application and explained that there were a range of older people within the Corsham area who could feel isolated and therefore, the Art Group was an attempt to positively counteract isolation. Cllr Parker noted her approval for the scheme and Cllr Macrae requested that some of the Group’s work be displayed in the Springfield Campus.

Cllr Parker then introduced her member-led initiative to support older people within the community and reiterated the need for such a support, as Richard Rogers had detailed earlier on in the meeting.

Cllr Macrae then introduced his member-led initiative to support activities related to ‘Legacy’ events in the Corsham community area and highlighted that such activities would help to further engage the community.

Having been put to the meeting, it was

Resolved:

       i.          To award £3000  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

For the Area Board to approve that this item can be delegated to the Community Area Transport Group (CATG).

The Chairman drew attention to the report contained in the pack.

Having been put to the meeting, it was

Resolved:

That the Local Highways Investment Fund 2014-2020 be delegated to the Community Area Transport Group (CATG) for consideration

To note that the CATG have not met between the last Area Board and thus, that there is no update to be provided.

It was noted that the CATG had not met between the last Area Board and therefore, there was no update to be provided at the meeting. Cllr Whalley commented that the next CATG meeting would be held in early April and that there would thus be a report for the next Area Board.

The next meeting will be held on 18 May 2016 at Lacock Village Hall.

The next meeting was confirmed as 18 May 2016 at Lacock Village Hall.

Any items of business which the Chairman agrees to consider as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items.