Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from:

Julia Cramp - Service Director for Commissioning and Performance

Sue Ezra – Westbury Town Council

Francis Morland – Heywood Parish Council

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 13 June 2013.

Decision

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 June 2013 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

There were no declarations of interest.

To note the following items for information – written briefing notes are available in the full agenda pack, or online.  If you would like the Area Board to consider or discuss any of these items in more detail, please speak with the Community Area Manager or the Democratic Services Officer.

(a)          Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service draft Public Safety Plan 2013-16 – “Have your say”    

(b)          Wiltshire Core Strategy – Consultation on Schedule of Proposed Modifications (including SA and HRA updates); two ministerial statements relating to wind farm development; and national planning practice guidance for renewable energy

The Chairman made the following announcements:-

(a)          Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service draft Public Safety Plan 2013-16 – “Have your Say”

The new draft Public Safety Plan 2013-16 (Integrated Risk Management Plan) was now available to view on the Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service website.  The plan showed what the service had been doing and how it intended to build on that for the future.  Part of this was around how they operated as an emergency service, utilising personnel differently to have greatest impact on local communities.

The service would very much welcome the public’s thoughts and opinions on its plans for the future. The consultation period was running from 10 June until 1 August.  Although the consultation period had technically finished, late observations would be welcomed.  Any comments or feedback should be sent to consultation@wiltsfire.gov.uk.  or Sarah Hargreaves, Wilts FRS HQ, Manor House, Potterne, SN10 5PP.

To view the plan please use the following link below or for a paper copy contact Sarah Hargreaves as above.

http://www.wiltsfire.gov.uk/About_Us/Publications/publications.htm

(b)          Wiltshire Core Strategy – Consultation on Schedule of Proposed Modifications (including SA and HRA updates); two ministerial statements relating to wind farm development and national planning practice guidance for renewable energy

The Wiltshire Core Strategy, which provides the planning policy framework for Wiltshire, recently underwent discussion at a public examination conducted by an independent Planning Inspector.

Following the examination hearing sessions the council has published a Schedule of Proposed Modifications (August 2013) containing ‘main’ and ‘minor’ changes to the Core Strategy to give all interested parties the opportunity to comment before the Inspector completes his report.

The consultation will take place for a six week period from Tuesday 27 August to Wednesday 9 October 2013 inclusive.

The council has produced an update to the Sustainability Appraisal (SA) and Habitats Regulation Assessment (HRA) based on the Schedule of Proposed Modifications. Comments can also be made on these updates.

The Inspector has also requested that the council invites comments on the implications tha the two recent ministerial statements relating to wind farm development, and the recently published national planning practice guidance for renewable energy may have on the Wiltshire

Core Strategy.

Details of where you can view the Core Strategy, Schedule of Proposed Modifications and associated documents (including the SA update, HRA update, ministerial statements and planning practice guidance document) will be available on the Wiltshire Council website from 27 August 2013: Core Strategy

Alternatively, copies of the documents will be available to view at the main council offices (see below) and at all libraries across Wiltshire during normal opening hours:

Wiltshire Council

County Hall

Trowbridge

BA14 8JD

A presentation will be given by members of the Community Operations Board and Wiltshire Council officers about the background to the campus project and the options on offer.

The Chairman introduced and welcomed Mike Parker and Tara Huntley, members of the Community Operations Board (COB), together with Lucy Murray-Brown and Ros Griffiths from Wiltshire Council who were attending to make a presentation about the background to the campus project and the options on offer; they would then answer questions.

The Area Board was informed that following on from the first round of consultations the COB had identified which services/facilities should be included in the scope for the campus and following on from this three distinct options had been developed as follows:-

·                Option 1 - a three site campus, based at Leighton Recreation Centre, Westbury Library and the Swimming Pool.

·                Option 2 - a two site campus, based at Leighton Recreation Centre and the Library.

·                Option 3 – a single site, new build campus, site yet to be identified.

Full details of the results of the first round of consultations are available to view on the Westbury Campus page of the Wiltshire Council website at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/westburycommunitycampus

A second round of consultations had been launched with a closing date of 29 November 2013 and everyone was encouraged to complete a consultation form online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk/westburycommunitycampusphase2.htm  

This consultation would also include information sessions at the library, a roadshow, stalls and information in magazines.

During the ensuing debate, which lasted just over an hour, the following points were made in answer to questions:-

·                The total number of responses received to the first round of consultations was a little over 500, which was rather disappointing bearing in mind that copies of the consultation form were circulated to all households.

·                If eventually, following further consultation, there was clear evidence that the people of Westbury favoured either Option 2 or Option 3, thus resulting in the swimming pool being surplus to requirements, then every effort would be made to find an alternative use for the building as a community asset.  It was pointed out that the swimming pool was provided as a gift to the people of Westbury and thus the building could not be rendered surplus to community requirements unless there was 75% agreement following a referendum.  

·                Lucy Murray-Brown and Ros Griffiths explained that any proposal put forward would have to be fully costed including taking into account the capital receipts received from the sale of any building.  A business plan would be produced for consideration by Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet, but it would take very much into account the views of the local people before reaching a final decision.  Thus community consultation was of paramount importance and everyone was urged to complete a consultation form.

·                It was generally considered that campus facilities should be situated as close to the centre of Westbury as possible and certainly within easy access.  A suggestion was made that consideration be given to the use of High Street, Westbury but it was pointed out that properties in that location were owned by a considerable number of people and it would be a major and expensive exercise to identify  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

A report will be given on the recent fly problem in Westbury, together with an update on actions taken.

The Chairman introduced representatives from Hills, the Environment Agency and Wiltshire Council who were attending to present a report and answer any questions about the recent fly problem in Westbury.

A report was tabled at the meeting which:-

·                set out the background to the complaints received,

·                provided details of the investigations which were carried out,

·                listed the causes of the problems, and

·                set out the current situation.

(A copy of the report is attached as Appendix 1)

Ed Dodd, Divisional Director of Hills Waste Solutions, which ran the recently opened plant at the Northacre resource recovery centre in Northacre Industrial Park, reported that new fly control measures had been implemented at the site and a Fly Management Plan was being improved for use during periods of hot weather conditions. He also confirmed that both the Environment Agency and officers from Wiltshire Council were satisfied that the level of flies at this plant had now been reduced to acceptable levels.  In answer to questions put, he confirmed that a vigorous fly monitoring process had been introduced at the adjacent dairy plant.  Representatives from the dairy plant were working with Hills to ensure that there would be no further problems; these representatives attended meetings of the liaison committee and were satisfied with the new arrangements.  

Members of the public confirmed that the level of flies had now reduced significantly and hoped that the new measures as outlined would result in a significant reduction in flies during future periods of hot weather.

The Chairman thanked the representatives from Hills, the Environment Agency and Wiltshire Council for attending the meeting and for clearly explaining the situation.

To receive the attached Partner updates and to receive any further information partners may wish to share:

·         Wiltshire Police

·         Wiltshire Fire & Rescue

·         NHS Clinical Commissioning Group

·         NHS Wiltshire

·         BA13 CAP

·         Town/Parish Councils

·         Community Area Young People’s Issues Group (CAYPIG)

The Area Board received the following partner and community update reports:-

·                Wiltshire Police – Inspector Alan Webb presented his report and was pleased to announce that the overall figures for Westbury showed excellent reductions in crime and anti-social behaviour with the exception being violent crime. The most serious level of violence reported was actual bodily harm with a total of 32 reports during the period.  All other reports totalled 26 with no or very slight injuries.  He reported that in future rape statistics would be recorded separately.

The Neighbourhood Policing Team was continuing to work on the graffiti issue in order to ascertain who was responsible, but the series appeared to have stopped.

·                Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service – Mike Franklin introduced his reports for June and July 2013 and reported an increase in fires by five; three of these were deliberate and the offender had been caught.

In answer to a question from Dr Peter Biggs about the graphical information contained in the reports, Mike Franklin explained that a revised report format was being developed which would be considered by the Fire & Rescue Service Management Team shortly.  The Community Area Manager was requested to write to the Chief Fire Officer requesting that the graphical information provided in the reports to Area Boards be amended by improving the vertical axes in the Non-Fire incidents and also the Death & Injuries incidents attended by WFRS.  

·                NHS Clinical Commissioning Group – The submitted letter dated 27 June 2013 from the NHS Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group was received and noted.

·                NHS Wiltshire – There was no update.

·                BA13 CAP – The minutes of the BA13+ Partnership AGM dated 2 July 2013 were received and noted.

·                Town/Parish Councils – There were no updates.

·                Community Area Young People’s Issues Group (CAYPIG) – An update report was received and noted.

The Area Board received updates on the following issues:-

·                Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty  Anne Dunderdale explained that she represented an Action Group for an extension of the Cranborne Chase & West Wiltshire Downs AONB to include Westbury and that this was being pursued by Natural England.  However, before any further progress could be made, Natural England required the support of Wiltshire Council to this proposal and although a letter had been sent to the Council a reply had not yet been received.  The Community Area Manager was requested to ask the Council for a quick response to be sent in support of this proposal as soon as possible. 

·                Westbury Swimming Pool    The Community Area Manager reported that

Westbury Swimming Pool would be celebrating its 125 year anniversary and would be marking this with a series of events during the weekend of 7^th & 8^th September.  Swimming lessons would be available during this time at one penny a session and there would be a swimming demonstration by members of the Swimming Club in Victorian costume.  It was also planned to hold a public exhibition to commemorate the history of the swimming pool in the Laverton, together with material to commemorate the Laverton Hall’s 140^th anniversary on 11 September.  There would be free car parking in Westbury and also free refreshments available during this weekend and a limited number of commemorative mugs for both the swimming pool and the Laverton would be available to purchase.

To receive an update report.

The Community Area Manager reported that:-

·         £1,000 had been made available for an assessment of the street lighting in Indigo Road, Westbury, which served Matravers School

Decision

To approve an assessment of the lighting in Indigo Road, Westbury at a cost of £1,000. 

·         £6,000 had been allocated at Edington to improve junctions and footpaths. 

·         An improvement to the bus shelter at the Primary Care Centre was being carried out to be funded jointly with Westbury Town Council.

·         Improved access to the rear of the Imperial Charity shop was being undertaken.

To consider the following applications for funding from the Community Area Grants Scheme (copies attached):-

(a)          Matravers School, Westbury – BIG DRAW, National Campaign for Drawing engaging the community – request for £470

(b)          68 Westbury Squadron Air Training Corps – Air Cadets Mini Bus – request for £2500

(c)          Westbury Music & Arts Festival – Imber 70^th Anniversary Service at Edington Church – request for £450  

A report by the Community Area Manager will be circulated at the meeting.

Consideration was given to a report by the Community Area Manager in which councillors were asked to consider applications for funding from the 2013/14 Area Board Grants Budget.  She then explained each application in turn.

(a)       Matravers School, Westbury – BIG DRAW, National Campaign for Drawing engaging the community – request for £470

Decision

To approve a grant of £470 towards the staging of the free community event the Big Draw.

Reason

The Big Draw project is aimed at all members of the community - Families, Elderly and Young People. The project benefits the community by: - Providing an exciting, inspiring and creative day, bringing members of the community together. - Creative teaching from inspiring artists encouraging imagination and exploring possibilities. - Active engagement in the arts brings people together to share ideas, work together and learn from each other. - The opportunity for the community to create a piece of artwork either for themselves or work together to create a piece of artwork for the community. - Engaging the community leading to further Art based workshops extending skills and knowledge - Bringing children and families into the school, promoting the school and breaking down barriers. - Building stronger families.

(b)       68 Westbury Squadron Air Training Corps – Air Cadets Mini Bus – request for £2,500

Decision

To approve a grant of £2,500 towards the purchase of a minibus.

Reason

The cadets will benefit by being able to attend their various activities in the county. The Lions Club usually benefit from using the squadron minibus especially at Christmas for their fund raising events. Other organisations benefit from the cadet's help in the community and they need to be transported to these events eg. Donkey Derby, Corsley Show where they marshal and assist with car parking.

(c)       Westbury Music & Arts Festival – Imber 70^th Anniversary Service at Edington Church – request for £450

Decision

To approve a grant of £450 towards the publication of a commemorative booklet.

Reason

It is part of history and the booklet will be a reminder of the village and what happened to the people there.  It could produce tourism, people coming to see about this long lost village of Imber and the area around it.

To note that the next meeting of the Area Board is due to be held on Thursday 17 October 2013 at Heywood Village Hall, Church Road, Heywood, Westbury, starting at 7.00pm.

It was noted that the next meeting of the area Board would be held on Thursday 17 October 2013 at Heywood Village Hall, Church Road, Heywood, Westbury, starting at 7.00pm.

It was reported that the Planning Inspectorate had announced the Inspector’s decision regarding the appeal against Wiltshire Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for development at Fairdown Avenue, Westbury; the appeal was lost.