Corsley Parish Council
January Brief
For a change, the PC did hold a meeting in December (via Zoom), on the 7th, with a full agenda, attendance by representatives from Wiltshire Council and members of the public. The meeting covered finance, planning applications, Little Cuckoos, Bay Tree and other routine matters.
Planning applications
20/08722/VAR — Longleat:
Installation of external temporary canopies for 2021 season to facilitate social distancing.
This was a variation on previous approvals for visitor facilities at Longleat and ‘no objection’ was recorded.
20/08733/FUL — Batsford Timber Ltd:
Extension to retail building to provide weather cover over their stock; again, ‘ no objection’ was recorded.
20/09215/FUL — Corsley House:
Provision of subsidiary drive, to the north east of of the estate joining the house grounds to ancillary buildings.
The PC registered an objection to this application on the grounds that:
It constitutes development across what is currently agricultural land
There is already adequate access to the buildings
The entrance/exit is at the junction of two narrow lanes with the probability that access/egress will cause problems when traffic is encountered
Previous similar applications have been refused.
20/09699/FUL — Gloworm Cottage:
Change of use and improvement to existing access off Lane End Hill Road (A362).
The PC registered an objection to this application on the grounds that:
It constitutes development across agricultural land
The access onto the A362 is on a stretch that is unrestricted and is at a point where traffic is accelerating out of the 40 mph zone at Corsley Heath. This is a busy road and visibility at the access point is not good. With the potential for development of the livery business at the site, the traffic using this entry would increase road traffic safety risk.
20/09969/FUL — The Mews, Knapps Gate:
Replacement of detached garage roof and addition of solar panels. A ‘ no objection’ was registered.
Bay Tree Development
Christine Brown, Residential Development Project Manager, Housing Assets and New Developments, responsible for the next phase of the Bay Tree development, attended the meeting along with three colleagues. She gave a presentation on the detail of the plans accompanied by a 3D ‘fly through’ visualisation of the next phase of the development. Two options were tabled, each including a putative site for a new Village Hall. The latter was incorporated after an offer earlier this year from Wiltshire Council to include this for outline planning approval to assist the village debate on options for the future of the Reading Room. These would have been discussed at the cancelled Annual Parish Meeting in March this year.
The latest Bay Tree proposal is based on the outcome of the recent Social Housing Survey conducted by Wiltshire Council, and proposes three two-bedroom shared ownership bungalows and two two-bedroom bungalows as rented social housing. The houses would be of modular construction with a new access to the site from the A362 at the eastern end, the houses located close to the A362. The two village hall site options were on the left or right of the access. A new footpath would connect the site to the existing Bay Tree development and Red Cottages. (Note: the new Bay Tree development has no relationship with the PC sponsored open market housing survey conducted at the same time).
The PC discussion focussed on access and road safety, sewage, piecemeal development of the site and the inclusion of the potential village hall site.
Wiltshire Council has two reasons for proposing a new access. Firstly, it is very keen to place the new housing close to the A362, at the front of the site, and this predicates a new access and, secondly, the possibility of a village hall precludes a public access route via the existing private entry via Bay Tree Close. However, the PC felt that the possibility of a new access off the A362 was a potential road safety issue in a 40 mph zone and this fact should be taken account of in the imminent new speed review. Wiltshire Council agreed to ensure that this aspect would be notified to Highways.
As during development of the last tranche of social housing, there was considerable debate over sewage disposal and the possibility of yet more land being used simply for a third soakaway. Wiltshire Council recognised these concerns and the possible other options of connecting to existing adjacent systems is still under investigation.
Concern was also expressed over the inefficiency of development of the Bay Tree site in small ‘bites’. The new plan is now the third, each with its own services. Wiltshire explained that they were tied to the availability of funding which itself was available only in packages.
In general, there was no objection to the general building plan for additional social housing. However. no conclusion was reached on the inclusion of the potential village hall site and it was agreed that a further PC meeting would be held in January, after the Reading Room Trustees had met, to allow a conclusion to be reached and reported to Wiltshire Council to meet their project plan. Their next stage would be to put in a ‘pre‐planning’ application.
Little Cuckoos Pre‐school
Little Cuckoos sought PC support for an additional small building to act as an office, exact location on the site to be decided, which they are in the process of procuring. Some concern was expressed over this step being a move towards increased pupil numbers and more traffic to and from the site, but the PC was reassured that the building did not represent additional classroom space; it was simply to meet administrative needs. The PC had no objection, provided that the proper planning approval procedures and terms of their lease were followed, with the PC to be kept informed of progress.
Casual vacancy
As previously reported, a Casual Vacancy has arisen after John Fairgrieve's resignation earlier this year. Full elections are due on the 6th May and the deadline has passed by which by which a by‐election could be allowed. However, the PC is still allowed to co‐opt if candidate(s) are forthcoming. Public notices have been posted and, if volunteers are forthcoming, co‐option procedures will be employed.
In addition, at least two of the current councillors will be standing down in May and there will be need for replacements. All interested volunteers welcome — please contact either me or John Willcox (Parish Clerk).
Finance
The PC agreed the spending plan for the remainder of this financial year, which includes a sum set aside for grants and donations for which a notice will go in next month's edition of The Bridge. The budget for the next two years (see below) was also agreed, along the same lines as the previous years, uplifted for inflation. A precept of £9574 for 2021/22 was agreed.
2021/22
Planning applications
20/08722/VAR — Longleat:
Installation of external temporary canopies for 2021 season to facilitate social distancing.
This was a variation on previous approvals for visitor facilities at Longleat and ‘no objection’ was recorded.
20/08733/FUL — Batsford Timber Ltd:
Extension to retail building to provide weather cover over their stock; again, ‘ no objection’ was recorded.
20/09215/FUL — Corsley House:
Provision of subsidiary drive, to the north east of of the estate joining the house grounds to ancillary buildings.
The PC registered an objection to this application on the grounds that: It constitutes development across what is currently agricultural land
There is already adequate access to the buildings
The entrance/exit is at the junction of two narrow lanes with the probability that access/egress will cause problems when traffic is encountered
Previous similar applications have been refused.
20/09699/FUL — Gloworm Cottage:
Change of use and improvement to existing access off Lane End Hill Road (A362).
The PC registered an objection to this application on the grounds that:
It constitutes development across agricultural land
The access onto the A362 is on a stretch that is unrestricted and is at a point where traffic is accelerating out of the 40 mph zone at Corsley Heath. This is a busy road and visibility at the access point is not good. With the potential for development of the livery business at the site, the traffic using this entry would increase road traffic safety risk.
20/09969/FUL — The Mews, Knapps Gate:
Replacement of detached garage roof and addition of solar panels. A ‘ no objection’ was registered.
Bay Tree Development
Christine Brown, Residential Development Project Manager, Housing Assets and New Developments, responsible for the next phase of the Bay Tree development, attended the meeting along with three colleagues. She gave a presentation on the detail of the plans accompanied by a 3D ‘fly through’ visualisation of the next phase of the development. Two options were tabled, each including a putative site for a new Village Hall. The latter was incorporated after an offer earlier this year from Wiltshire Council to include this for outline planning approval to assist the village debate on options for the future of the Reading Room. These would have been discussed at the cancelled Annual Parish Meeting in March this year.
The latest Bay Tree proposal is based on the outcome of the recent Social Housing Survey conducted by Wiltshire Council, and proposes three two-bedroom shared ownership bungalows and two two-bedroom bungalows as rented social housing. The houses would be of modular construction with a new access to the site from the A362 at the eastern end, the houses located close to the A362. The two village hall site options were on the left or right of the access. A new footpath would connect the site to the existing Bay Tree development and Red Cottages. (Note: the new Bay Tree development has no relationship with the PC sponsored open market housing survey conducted at the same time).
The PC discussion focussed on access and road safety, sewage, piecemeal development of the site and the inclusion of the potential village hall site.
Wiltshire Council has two reasons for proposing a new access. Firstly, it is very keen to place the new housing close to the A362, at the front of the site, and this predicates a new access and, secondly, the possibility of a village hall precludes a public access route via the existing private entry via Bay Tree Close. However, the PC felt that the possibility of a new access off the A362 was a potential road safety issue in a 40 mph zone and this fact should be taken account of in the imminent new speed review. Wiltshire Council agreed to ensure that this aspect would be notified to Highways.
As during development of the last tranche of social housing, there was considerable debate over sewage disposal and the possibility of yet more land being used simply for a third soakaway. Wiltshire Council recognised these concerns and the possible other options of connecting to existing adjacent systems is still under investigation.
Concern was also expressed over the inefficiency of development of the Bay Tree site in small ‘bites’. The new plan is now the third, each with its own services. Wiltshire explained that they were tied to the availability of funding which itself was available only in packages.
In general, there was no objection to the general building plan for additional social housing. However. no conclusion was reached on the inclusion of the potential village hall site and it was agreed that a further PC meeting would be held in January, after the Reading Room Trustees had met, to allow a conclusion to be reached and reported to Wiltshire Council to meet their project plan. Their next stage would be to put in a ‘pre‐planning’ application.
Little Cuckoos Pre‐school
Little Cuckoos sought PC support for an additional small building to act as an office, exact location on the site to be decided, which they are in the process of procuring. Some concern was expressed over this step being a move towards increased pupil numbers and more traffic to and from the site, but the PC was reassured that the building did not represent additional classroom space; it was simply to meet administrative needs. The PC had no objection, provided that the proper planning approval procedures and terms of their lease were followed, with the PC to be kept informed of progress.
Casual vacancy
As previously reported, a Casual Vacancy has arisen after John Fairgrieve's resignation earlier this year. Full elections are due on the 6th May and the deadline has passed by which by which a by‐election could be allowed. However, the PC is still allowed to co‐opt if candidate(s) are forthcoming. Public notices have been posted and, if volunteers are forthcoming, co‐option procedures will be employed.
In addition, at least two of the current councillors will be standing down in May and there will be need for replacements. All interested volunteers welcome — please contact either me or John Willcox (Parish Clerk).
Finance
The PC agreed the spending plan for the remainder of this financial year, which includes a sum set aside for grants and donations for which a notice will go in next month's edition of The Bridge. The budget for the next two years (see below) was also agreed, along the same lines as the previous years, uplifted for inflation. A precept of £9574 for 2021/22 was agreed.
| Unspent balance brought forward Reserves: Car park maintenance fund Bus stop fund |
£2,081.40 £4,010.00 £2,010.00 |
|
| Total in bank account at previous year end | £8,101.40 | £8,101.40 |
| Expenditure Donations Administrative Expenses* Maintenance Old School car park (reserve) Bus stop refurbishment |
£3,927.00 £4,084.60 £520.20 £2,000.00 £2,520.20 |
£3,927.00 £4,084.60 £2,520.20 |
| Total expenses | Ê | £10,531.80 |
| Income Precept Other Income |
£9.574.00 £554.48 £10,128.48 |
|
| Balance from in year income/expenditure | -£403.32 |
*Includes £700 to Wiltshire for streetscene/roads
Annual Parish Meeting
At this point in time it is uncertain whether or not we will be able to have the normal Annual Parish Meeting. If this does happen, the outline plan is to revert the intended main agenda item for this year, the Reading Room and its material state.
Lodge Hill Solar Farm
By now, some residents will have heard about or received a letter, pamphlet and a feedback form regarding the likelihood of a planning application for a 52 acre solar farm at Lodge Hill on the western edge of Chapmanslade, in Selwood Parish, Mendip District. Chapmanslade PC were invited to comment; Corsley PC was not, although many residents have received a pamphlet from Wessex Solar Energy inviting feedback on the proposal. At present Wessex Solar Energy have forwarded a ‘screening’ application (2020/1901/SCREEN) to Mendip, with a view to getting &lsquo: ... a screening opinion under Regulation 5 of the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2011 (the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations) as to whether an EIA would be required for the Solar Park, and more generally the Council's opinion on the information to be provide in any future application for Planning Permission for the Solar Park.’
Corsley PC has written to Wessex Solar Energy to inform them that Corsley PC has requested that it be included on the list of consultees, though this is not an essential prerequisite for comment to Mendip Council.
Corsley PC has had one communication from a resident of Chapmanslade Parish, but would welcome any views from Corsley parishioners, especially those who overlook the proposed site, e.g, the north side of Lyes Green and Corsley Heath.
Dates of scheduled meetings
All meetings begin at 7.30pm, as currently planned.
Annual Parish Meeting March 2021 (date TBA)
Annual Parish Council Meeting 10th May, (election of Chair/Vice Chair)
Quarterly Meeting 7th June
Quarterly Meeting 6th September
Quarterly Meeting 6th December
Neil Britten
Chairman
pc.corsleynb@gmail.com
01373 832515
07810 764714
Proposed Lodge Hill Solar Park
Wessex Solar Energy have writen to all residents in the vicinity of the site to inform you of proposals for a solar energy park on land a little to the south of Adams Hill Farm.
No planning application has yet been lodged for the project and, in more normal times, they would hold a public drop‐in session to allow residents to talk through the project proposals with them.
Sadly, coronavirus restrictions make that challenging. They have therefore done their best to present information in the leaflet to help inform residents about key aspects of the project.
A stamped addressed envelope/feedback form have been provided for any questions or comments to be made, or, you can contact them by email (full details are in the leaflet).
Corsley Parish Council
Notice of vacancy in Office of Councillor for the Parish of Corsley
Notice is hereby given that due to the resignation of John Fairgrieve, a vacancy has arisen in the Office of Councillor for the Parish Council.
In accordance with Section 89(3) of the Local Government Act 1972, where the vacancy occurs within six months before the day on which the councillor whose office is vacant would regularly have retired, an election shall not be held under Section 89(1) of the above Act, and the vacancy will be filled at the next ordinary election of councillors on Thursday 6 May 2021.
The Council may choose to fill the vacancy by co‐option for the period until that election.
Forfurther information, please contact the parish clerk.
Mr John Willcox
Parish Clerk
Little Orchard
Court Lane
Corsley
BA12 7PA
Terence Herbert
Returning Officer
Electoral Services, Wiltshire Council
County Hall, Bythesea Road
Trowbridge, BA14 8JN
Road Closure
Corsley Heath (A362)
25th January to 3rd February
(7pm to 6am)
Temporary Closure of: A362 (Part), Corsley (Ref: TTRO 6907)
A362, Corsley Heath, for a distance of approximately 760 metres in a westerly direction, to enable Wiltshire Council to carry out carriageway resurfacing, road marking and
adjustment of ironworks.
Alternative route
Via Out of County - A36 -A362 (unaffected length) and vice versa.
It is anticipated that the works will take the stated duration to complete depending upon weather conditions. Access will be maintained for residents and businesses where possible, although delays are likely due to the nature of the works.
For further information please contact:
Jon Moss (Atkins) on the behalf of Wiltshire Council on 01225 730360.
Sustainable Transport Group
County Hall, Bythesea Road
Trowbridge BA14 8JN
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Register for Priority Services
We're the people who look after the wires and cables that bring electricity to communities throughout the north of Scotland and central southern England. We're not the company who sends you electricity bills ‐ our job is to maintain and repair the electricity networks. It's also our job to fix power cuts as quickly and safely as possible.
You may want to be on our register if you:
- • Are deaf or hard of hearing
- • Have a disability
- • Live with children under five
- • Are blind or partially sighted
- • Have a chronic illness
- • Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
- • Are over 60
- • Temporarily need extra support
Join the register
If you would like more information about how to register
for the Priority Services, download the pdf (including the
form) from SSEN by clicking the image ►
Rural Funding Digest
November 2020
The monthly bulletin from the Rural Services Network highlighting a selection of current funding opportunities. Visit the website here
MyWilts online reporting
MyWilts is the new way to send reports to Wiltshire Council and replaces the MyWiltshire app.
What can I report using MyWilts?
Abandoned vehicles
Fly Tipping
Weather emergencies
Fraud
Dog mess
Graffiti
Over time more services will be added to MyWilts, making it simpler, quicker and easier to access the services digitally, when you choose to.
Why should you register for an account?
If you register for an account, you will receive updates as the case you reported progresses. You will also have access to view your historical cases and will be able to access additional services.
Using your mobile device?
You can download the new app now from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android) by searching for ‘My Wilts’.
In accordance with Section 89(3) of the Local Government Act 1972, where the vacancy occurs within six months before the day on which the councillor whose office is vacant would regularly have retired, an election shall not be held under Section 89(1) of the above Act, and the vacancy will be filled at the next ordinary election of councillors on Thursday 6 May 2021.
The Council may choose to fill the vacancy by co‐option for the period until that election.
Forfurther information, please contact the parish clerk.
Mr John Willcox
Parish Clerk
Little Orchard
Court Lane
Corsley
BA12 7PA
Terence Herbert
Returning Officer
Electoral Services, Wiltshire Council
County Hall, Bythesea Road
Trowbridge, BA14 8JN
Corsley Heath (A362)
25th January to 3rd February
(7pm to 6am)
Temporary Closure of: A362 (Part), Corsley (Ref: TTRO 6907)
A362, Corsley Heath, for a distance of approximately 760 metres in a westerly direction, to enable Wiltshire Council to carry out carriageway resurfacing, road marking and
adjustment of ironworks.
Alternative route
Via Out of County - A36 -A362 (unaffected length) and vice versa.
It is anticipated that the works will take the stated duration to complete depending upon weather conditions. Access will be maintained for residents and businesses where possible, although delays are likely due to the nature of the works.
For further information please contact:
Jon Moss (Atkins) on the behalf of Wiltshire Council on 01225 730360.
Sustainable Transport Group
County Hall, Bythesea Road
Trowbridge BA14 8JN
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks
Register for Priority Services
We're the people who look after the wires and cables that bring electricity to communities throughout the north of Scotland and central southern England. We're not the company who sends you electricity bills ‐ our job is to maintain and repair the electricity networks. It's also our job to fix power cuts as quickly and safely as possible.
You may want to be on our register if you:
- • Are deaf or hard of hearing
- • Have a disability
- • Live with children under five
- • Are blind or partially sighted
- • Have a chronic illness
- • Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
- • Are over 60
- • Temporarily need extra support
Join the register
If you would like more information about how to register
for the Priority Services, download the pdf (including the
form) from SSEN by clicking the image ►
You may want to be on our register if you:
- • Are deaf or hard of hearing
- • Have a disability
- • Live with children under five
- • Are blind or partially sighted
- • Have a chronic illness
- • Use medical equipment/aids reliant on electricity
- • Are over 60
- • Temporarily need extra support
If you would like more information about how to register
for the Priority Services, download the pdf (including the
form) from SSEN by clicking the image ►
Rural Funding Digest
November 2020
