Agenda and minutes

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from:

Councillor Keith Humphries – Cabinet Member

Mike Franklin – Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

Gill Stafford – Wiltshire Police Authority

To approve and sign as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 1 December 2011.

Decision

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 1 December 2011.

Matter Arising

Minute 6(g) – Community Operations Board Update

Christine Reid, representing the Community Operations Board and CCAN requested that the CATG look at a wider range of transport initiatives than simply diverting traffic from Pickwick Road past the leisure centre to Springfield Road.

It was also noted that the Community Area Transport Group (CATG) would meet to discuss transport issues relating to the campus and other matters on 16 February 2012.

Councillor Alan Macrae declared a personal interest in the Community Area Grants item (Agenda Item 11) relating to the applications from the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Scheme and Revolution Arts.  Cllr Macrae was acquainted with the applicants for these grants.  Cllr Macrae remained in the meeting and voted on the grant applications.

To receive the following chairman’s announcements:

(a)  DVD – Do you have the X Factor?

(b)  Help to Live at Home Update

(c)  The Localism Act 2011

(a)  DVD – Do you have the X Factor?

The Councillor Development Group has produced a DVD aimed at encouraging people to become involved with democracy in their local area.  Copies of the DVD are available from Marie Todd marie.todd@wiltshire.gov.uk or tel 01225 718036.  The DVD is also available to view using the following link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y_CvgVAgvY

(b)  Help to Live at Home Update

Wiltshire Council was continuing to work with the NHS, selected providers and residents of Wiltshire to implement the “Help to Live at Home” service.  The service would, upon full implementation, improve the experiences of people and their carers who require support, whilst ensuring that the changes are sustainable in the future.  If anyone has any concerns about services that they or someone else is receiving then they should contact 01225 712553.

(c)  The Localism Act 2011

The Localism Act received Royal Assent on 15 November 2011 although the Act contained a number of important measures most of these are not yet in force.  A briefing note was circulated with the agenda papers.

(d)  Draft Wiltshire Core Strategy

On 17 January Cabinet considered a submission draft Wiltshire Core Strategy.  Full Council will now be asked on 7 February 2012 to approve this draft for publication and to agree a six week statutory consultation period commencing on 20 February 2012.

Copies of the Core Strategy can be viewed in all local libraries.  All the consultation documents will be made available on the Council’s website and at the council offices at Bradley Road and County Hall, Trowbridge, Browfort, Devizes, Monkton Park, Chippenham and Milford Street, Salisbury.  Comments can also be received on line or in writing but must be received by Monday 2 April 2012.

The draft Wiltshire Core Strategy details a spatial strategy for Wiltshire and related policies to deliver that strategy.  The core strategy incorporates a strategy for each community area which identifies specific development sites where appropriate and highlights specific considerations in each area.

The Chairman confirmed that support for the re-opening of Corsham Station was mentioned in the document.

To receive an update from Hannah Guy on the dance project which was funded by the Community Grants Scheme.

Hannah Guy attended the meeting to give an update on the Infusion Dance Project which had received community grant funding from the Area Board.  The Area Board viewed a DVD relating to the project and noted that the group would be involved in the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in June.

To receive any updates from the following partners:

(a)   Wiltshire Police

(b)  Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

(c)  NHS Wiltshire

(d)  Town and Parish Council Nominated Representatives

(e)  Corsham Community Area Network (CCAN)

(f)   Chamber of Commerce

(g)  Shadow Corsham Community Operations Board (COB)

(a)  Police Update

The Police Authority was currently writing the Policing Plan for 2012/13.  This would be the last Plan before the election of a Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon in November.  Consultation would be undertaken in as many places as possible, (in addition to the public survey, meeting with MPs, Councillors and Youth Parliament), and feedback from Area Boards was key to understanding the issues that affect communities.  If people wanted to raise an issue of concern suitable for a strategic approach through the plan they could do so via the Police Authority on 01380 734022 or by emailing angus.macpherson@wiltshire.pnn.gov.uk

The Service to the Community Award recognises the exceptional service made by individuals within a Neighbourhood Policing Team.  This could be a Police Officer, Police Community Support Officer, Special Constable or volunteer.  Nominations were currently being sought for the award.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 2 March 2012 and nominations could be made using the following telephone number or email address:

Tel: 01380 734022

Email: police.authority@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk

Wiltshire was now officially the safest County in England.  In the Corsham area violent crime was down by 41% and dwelling burglary was down by 33%.  Total crime was down by 15%.

(b)  Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service

A written update was circulated with the agenda.

(c)  NHS Wiltshire

A written update was circulated with the agenda.

(d)  Box Parish Council

The Parish Council was currently undertaking a rolling programme of works including buildings; work to the cemetery and to the recreation ground.  The community payback team were now clearing the pond on the recreation ground. 

(e)  Colerne Parish Council

At the last Area Board meeting a grant was awarded to the Football Club which would be meeting on Saturdays at 11am.  Currently 28 children (both boys and girls) were participating.  Plans for the Jubilee celebrations were now underway.  The snow clearance plan was also progressing well.

(f)   Corsham Town Council

Corsham Town Council was currently seeking nominations for the Community Awards and would particularly welcome young people nominations.  The Town Council was very pleased to see that arrests had been made in relation to metal thefts in the area.

(g)  Lacock Parish Council

A Steering Group had been set up at the History Centre to consider how to proceed with the Lacock Abbey archives.

(h)  Corsham Community Area Network (CCAN)

CCAN was continuing to work with the Community Operations Board on the campus project.  Planning for the JSNA community planning event was also taking place.  People were being invited to the event to talk about how Corsham could be developed in the future.  The feedback would then be analysed and would help in developing the community plan.

(i)    Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber was planning an event in conjunction with the Town Council entitled “Corsham means business”.  The event would be taking place in May or June and aimed to promote less well known businesses in the area and to provide help and advice to businesses.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Richard Brown, Planning Consultant, will give a brief update on the Copenacre development.

Richard Brown, Planning Consultant, gave an update regarding the Copenacre development.  Consultation had now taken place in the community and most people were in favour of a mixed use development and job creation.  The public exhibition had been attended by 250-300 people.  60% of those involved in the consultation process had preferred Option 1 which consisted of residential and mixed use development.  Some small business units would also be incorporated in the development.

The site was very prominent within Corsham and 96% of those taking part in the consultation supported the redevelopment of the site.  The design at the moment was at outline stage.  The design would include pockets of open space, a central spine corridor, tree planting and avenues of housing.  Plans were available to view at the meeting.

The plans circulated at the meeting are attached as appendices to these minutes.

The following questions were asked:

(1)  Would there be any retail development on the site?

A supermarket had been considered for the scheme.  The Core Strategy for the area did not favour out of town retail development.

(2)  Would there be employment opportunities?

The proposed hotel and nursing home would provide employment opportunities.  There would also be a courtyard area comprising small business units.  Residential development would also provide employment opportunities.

(3)  Would the developers support the campaign to provide a railway station in Corsham?

It was not within the remit of the developer to comment on such issues, however, sustainable transport opportunities were welcomed.

(4)  How much office space would be provided?

About 3,000 square feet.

(5)  Had any comments been received regarding the design of the development?  This could be a mix of housing more like a village than a large housing estate.

No real concerns had been expressed regarding the design of the development.

(6)  How many almshouses would there be and who would they be for?

The term “almshouse” had been used to describe the design of the houses only and they were not actually almshouses set aside for certain groups of people.

(7)  It was confirmed that the plans had been amended to ensure that domestic properties rather than business units enjoyed the views from the North Eastern corner of the site.

(8)  Would there be a pedestrian crossing across the A4?

Highways consultants would look at this and details would be included in the plans when planning permission was sought.

(9)  The jobs provided by the care home and hotel were not likely to be highly paid so should the site should be kept as brownfield to provide more work in the area?

The jobs at the former MoD site had been moved to a new site in Corsham so these remained in the area.

To find out more about the forthcoming changes to waste collection services.

Martin Litherland, Head of Waste Collection, will present this item.

Martin Litherland, Head of Waste Collection, gave a presentation regarding forthcoming changes to the waste collection service.

·         Changes were being made to ensure that all residents have the same level of service.  It was also important to recycle more and landfill less.

·         Landfill tax will rise to £80 per tonne by 2014.

·         Following a public consultation in the summer of 2010 72% of those taking part were in favour of the new service.

·         In 2010/11 242,000t of waste was produced in Wiltshire.

·         41.1% of household waste in Wiltshire is recycled.

·         37.5% of waste goes to landfill.

·         58,000t of household waste goes to energy from waste.

·         Over 1,900t of black box materials recycled a month.

·         Over 700t of plastic bottles and cardboard are recycled each month .with over 210t from North Wiltshire residents.

The new service would be:

·         Forecasts show that this will achieve a recycling rate of 50%.

·         Over 38,500 residents have asked to receive the new non-chargeable garden waste collection service.

·         Those residents that opted in before December 2011 will receive their new green lidded bins from 30 January 2012.

·         Collections start from 5 March 2012 and collection calendars will be sent to all residents.

·          If you have not yet signed up but want to receive this new service you can opt-in now. You can opt-in online, by calling the council or by completing an opt-in form and sending it to the council.

·          If you already receive a collection of garden waste or you have already signed up you do not have to re-apply.

·         Fortnightly household waste collections start from 5 March 2012.

·         A collection calendar and leaflet will be sent in February to advise on changes and revised collection dates.

·         All bins and boxes must be presented before 7am.

·         All waste must be contained in the bin with lids closed.

·         Additional bin capacity will be made available to those residents with large families (5 or more) or with medical conditions.

·         Residents struggling to fit all their waste in their bin can contact the council and in some cases a bigger bin issued.

·         An assisted collection is a service available to residents who find it difficult to put their household waste, recycling and garden waste at the edge of their property for collection.

·         Alternative containers may be agreed where, in the opinion of the council, the storage space or access to/from the pointof collection of the property is not suitable for wheeled bins.

There was then an opportunity to ask questions:

(1)  Would there be any alternative to wheeled bins e.g. skips?

Research has shown that skips do not work very well in this country and that those properties located near to the skips tended to be adversely affected.

(2)  Now that recycling is up and running could we change the language used to make it more understandable to the general public?

It was agreed that we should do our best to ensure that the language used is as easy to understand as possible.

(3)  Would there  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

(a)  To find out how the Area Board can support communities in organising local events to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics.

Graeme Morrison, Marketing Officer, will present this item.

(b)  To consider whether to earmark up to £5k from the community grants budget for the financial year 2012/13 towards assisting parishes and groups to stage events to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and/or the 2012 London Olympics.

(c)  To consider the arrangements for the Diamond Jubilee event to be held in Salisbury in May.

(a)  Supporting Local Events to Celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and Olympics

Graeme Morrison, Marketing Officer, gave a presentation regarding the plans for 2012 and the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics.

•         2 key events

•      Olympic Torch Route and;

•       The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee

•         A real opportunity to;

•      Reinvigorate our local economy

•      Showcase what we have and what we do so well in Wiltshire

•      Promote our strong and vibrant community spirit

•         This was an opportunity for communities to showcase talent, history and diversity and hold local events or street parties

2012 Olympics

•         Wiltshire Council had worked with the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) to secure the Torch Relay in Wiltshire.

•         120 Torchbearers would cover 100 miles per day

•         This will include lunch time and evening events

•         There would be an evening event in Salisbury on 11 July 2011

•         The Olympic Torch will visit 15 towns in Wiltshire in May and July.

•      Tuesday 22 May 2012 – afternoon:

•         Southwick

•         Trowbridge

•         Bradford on Avon

•      Wednesday 23 May 2012 - morning

•         Chippenham

•         Calne

•         Marlborough

•         Royal Wootton Bassett - afternoon

•      Wednesday 11 July 2012 – afternoon and eve

•         Ludgershall

•         Tidworth

•         Amesbury

•         The Winterbournes

•         Salisbury – including evening event at Hudson’s Field

•      Thursday 12 July 2012 - morning

•      Salisbury –morning start from the Cathedral

•      Wilton

•      Barford St Martin

•      Fovant

•      Ludwell

•         Opportunities for celebrations and event:

•      Party or celebration for local Torch bearers

•      Queen’s Diamond Jubilee event for all communities at Salisbury Cathedral (+ Royal visit) – early May

•      1 Day business and community festival – Hudson’s Field, Salisbury – 11 July

•      Business breakfast event – 11 July

•      Music event – main stage – Hudson’s Field, Salisbury – 11 July

•      Salisbury evening event – 11 July

•      Torchbearers reception and presentation – 11 July

•      Local events or street parties across the county

What can the Council do to support these celebrations?

•         Raise awareness in our communities of what’s happening

•         Inspire involvement

•         Provide the opportunities to showcase local community groups

•         Provide support and assistance

•         Break down the barriers – make it easy!

•         Ensure communities are safe

•         Help to manage the media - provide lots of local stories and news

•         The Communications Team have toolkits available which will help you plan your event

•         For any information/help/guidance and to let Wiltshire Council know what you are planning please email 2012celebrations@wiltshire.gov.uk

•         For all the latest information follow us on twitter @Wilts2012AYOC

It was confirmed that it would not be possible to change the Olympic Torch relay route to include Corsham.  If people did not have access to the internet or email then they could contact the Council’s Customer Care Team for further information or their local councillor.

(b)  Fund for Jubilee and Olympic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

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

(a)  Corsham Food Bank - £961 – to purchase custom made collection bins and an advertising board.

(b)  Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme - £984 – to purchase eight expedition packs

(c)  Revolution Arts - £1,500 – to develop a musical in the Corsham community area

The Area Board considered requests for community grant funding from three local organisations.  Representatives from the groups attended the meeting, gave a brief outline of their project and answered questions relating to their projects.

Decision

(1)  To award £961 to the Corsham Food Bank to enable to group to purchase custom made collection bins and an advertising board.

Reason: The grant meets the relevant criteria and provides a direct link to the Community Plan by encouraging community cohesion.

(2)  To award £984 to the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme based in Corsham to purchase 8 expedition packs to enable young people to participate in the scheme.

Reason: The grant meets the relevant criteria and provides a direct link to the Community Plan by providing activities for young people.

(3)  To award £1,500 to Revolution Arts to develop a musical in Corsham.

Reason: The grant meets the relevant criteria and provides a direct link to the Community Plan by enhancing and developing cultural activities.

ACTION: Dave Roberts

Councillor Keith Humphries, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Protection Services, will talk briefly about his portfolio and answer any questions.

Cllr Keith Humphries was unable to attend the meeting due to illness therefore this item was withdrawn.

To note that future meetings will take place on:

Thursday 22 March 2012 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 24 May 2012 – Colerne Village Hall – 7pm

Thursday 26 July 2012 – Lacock Village Hall – 7pm

Thursday 20 September 2012 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 22 November 2012 – Corsham Community Centre – 7pm

Thursday 24 January 2013 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 21 March 2013 – Box Pavilion – 7pm

A forward work plan for the area board is attached for information.

It was noted that future meetings of the Area Board would take place on the following dates:

Thursday 22 March 2012 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 24 May 2012 – Colerne Village Hall – 7pm

Thursday 26 July 2012 – Lacock Village Hall – 7pm

Thursday 20 September 2012 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 22 November 2012 – Corsham Community Centre – 7pm

Thursday 24 January 2013 – Corsham Town Hall – 7pm

Thursday 21 March 2013 – to be confirmed – 7pm

The forward work plan for the Area Board was also noted.