Agenda item

The Chairman will provide information about:

a.     Core Strategy Consultation

b.     Community Area Joint Strategic Assessments

c.     Road Signs

d.     What Matters to you? Survey launch

The following announcements were made:

a)       Core Strategy

Toby updated the meeting with changes to the Wiltshire Core Strategy. The strategy was outlined as being the document that summarises the planning policy framework for Wiltshire. 

Toby confirmed that following public examination of the document, the council published a Schedule of Proposed Modifications (August 2013) containing ‘main’ and ‘minor’ changes on the Council’s website. Copies of which can also be found at main Council offices.

The consultation period for this was said to remain open until Wednesday 9 October 2013 and would give all parties an opportunity to comment on the changes before the Inspector completes the report.

b)       Community Area Joint Strategic Assessments

The Chairman outlined that the current JSA for Wiltshire 2012-13 was due to be updated. Community Area JSA’s were being updated, and plan to address gaps identified in the previous assessments. The new chapters include Leisure and Art and Culture. The results of the CAJSA’s are expected to be published no later than April 2014 and the date of the community event would be announced shortly. 

c)       What Matters to you? Survey Launch

Simon updated the Area Board on the What Matters to You Survey that was launched at the beginning of September. Simon outlined that residents may receive a survey form if they are a People’s Voice panellist, already on a council mailing list or could be randomly picked from council tax address lists. Paper copies would also be made available from Wiltshire council offices, libraries and GP surgeries.  The survey also features on the council website, partner websites and some parish council sites.

Simon stated that the results gathered from the survey would be used (alongside existing local information) to help the council and its partners make decisions and target resources.  The data would also be fed into the Community Area Joint Strategic Assessment, planned for early 2014, and so encouraged people to respond to the survey.

d)       De-cluttering of Road Signs

The Chairman outlined that the Malmesbury CATG will be contacting town and parish councils asking that they compile a list of traffic signs and road markings that they would like to be considered for removal as part of a programme of ensuring that the country roads are not cluttered with un-necessary signs.  This information will then be reviewed by officers who will make the decision about what can be removed or retained and the costs covered by the council’s central budget.

In future most minor signage requests will be dealt with by the CATG with officer support. The Chairman noted that the community issues process should be used to make a request in future.

e)       Free Poppy Seeds from Malmesbury & Villages Great War Project

The Chairman then outlined the Malmesbury and the Villages Great War Project that is being run in partnership with Malmesbury and the Villages Community Area Partnership (MVCAP) who aim to run events across 2014 - 2019.

The first project is to get poppies blooming across the community area to mark the centenary of the start of the war in 1914. To do this they are giving away one thousand packets of poppy seeds, but asking that you donate something to the Royal British Legion if you can afford to do so. The area Board extended its support to the project and congratulated MVCAP on the initiative.

Poppy seeds were available on the night, and are available from MVCAP Members.

f)        News from the Operational Flood Working Group (North)

Toby outlined the Severe Weather Emergency Seminar being held for flood wardens and parish council representatives on Wednesday 9 October 10am- 1pm at Wootton Bassett Salt Depot. 

This will be a practical and informative session and will cover road closures, severe weather, snow plans, riparian ownership, ditch clearance and more.   There will be a selection of equipment on display and also practical demonstrations such as sandbag and gel sac wall building.

Numbers for this event are limited so please contact: renate.malton@wiltshire.gov.uk if you would like to attend this seminar.

In addition Toby outlined the Annual Flood Warden meeting which would be an evening session for new and existing flood wardens to be held on Wednesday 23 October from 7-9pm (venue to be confirmed).  This is to provide an opportunity for networking, updating on current flood information, and practical information to assist in the role.

Contact : renate.malton@wiltshire.gov.uk if you would like to attend.