Corsley Parish Council — July Briefing
June saw just one meeting, a quarterly meeting, with the main formal business being the approval of the annual accounts and statutory reports that all PC's have to make. These are not detailed in this brief, but can be viewed on the Parish Council pages on this website. We also considered one planning application and discussed updates on regular items.
The PC is now in ‘Summer recess’ and with no meetings scheduled until September and, unless there is a need for an occasional meeting before then, the next Bridge brief will be October.
Planning Applications
19/03721/FUL
Change of use and conversion of agricultural barn into three residential dwellings, including demolition of remaining barns to form gardens and paddocks at Sturford Mead Farm, Corsley.
This was considered at the previous PC meeting, but there was concern that the comments offered to Wiltshire had not correctly represented the consensus of views on 13 May, It was thus agreed to amend/clarify the comments made previously to the Planning Authority in respect of this application, making clear that: ‘The PC would prefer light industrial development for the site but that if it were determined that residential development was appropriate then the PC would reaffirm its concerns about the road safety dangers due to the lack of footway access.’
Post meeting: this planning application has been withdrawn.
19/04189/FUL
Alterations to existing garage forming additional accommodation, re-build of existing outbuilding as ancillary annexe and erection of summerhouse at Jessimine, 13 Longhedge, Corsley, BA12 7QZ
The PC agreed that no objection be raised to this application but felt that comment should be offered on presentation of the application, the lack of detail and the poor documentation, particularly the obscurity of the intended use of the ‘ancillary’ annex proposed. These aspects were unhelpful in considering the case. The usual conditions regarding the use of the altered property should apply, ie it shall not be disposed of or converted into a separate dwelling.
Streetscene
Corsley Heath Road Safety (CATG)
Drawings have been completed, awaiting a response from the bus operators before they are released to the PC (the pavement extension affects access to the bus pull‐in). As a result of survey it has been identified the road is too narrow to move the Reading Room junction ‘Give Way line’ forward to improve line of sight. The alternative is signing and road markings to slow traffic, which are in the programme. The Hollow junction can be adjusted. In conjunction with work already completed as part of the Bay Tree development this will increase driver awareness and reduce speed. For pedestrians it will increase the level of safety when crossing this busy road.
Metro Test
The results were nearer the threshold for a speed watch (85th percentile over 46.1 mph) than last time, but not close enough. The Red Cottage section was 85% at 45.5mph and the Lane End section 42.9 mph. The PC will continue to pursue Wiltshire Police to try and get their support for a speedwatch and will consider repeating the count in 12 months' time.
Sturford Lane
The last dead tree was removed a week ago, completing the Longleat and Sturford Mead work to reduce the risk of trees coming down across the lane. Both are committed to regular surveys to keep this work up‐to‐date. Mud clearance has been booked for the lane and Sturford Mead have agreed to take the spoil.
Deep Lane Speed Limit
The case for re-consideration of a speed 30mph limit for Deep Lane was debated. On checking the 2014 speed limit survey it was clear that Deep Lane had been surveyed at that time, with no change to the speed limit recommended on the grounds that ‘environmental conditions were seen to limit speeds to below 30mph’. If a new survey were to go ahead now, the PC would be required to pay in the region of £4000 against evidence of the reported change to the traffic conditions which is anecdotal. This level of expenditure was far in excess of any budgetary or reasonable precept provision and unjustified. The PC agreed not to go any further with this issue.
Fly Tipping
A recent incident in Deep lane had been reported. The Chair also reported correspondence with Chapmanslade PC about reported recent fly tipping at Water Farm on the public byway, just on the Chapmanslade/Corsley boundary, including a burnt‐out car. Chapmanslade were keen to try and put pressure on Wiltshire Council to find a way to reduce the incidences of such behaviour. It was suggested to Chapmanslade that a log be kept of details on both sides of the boundary so that a joint approach could be made to Wiltshire Council if the problems persisted. It should be noted that there is a comprehensive fly tipping reporting system on Wiltshire Council's website and any individual discovering an occurrence of fly tipping should make a report by this means. It would also be helpful if the report number is passed to Simon Jasper (corsleypcroads@mail.com) to allow follow up with the Parish Steward and contractor, and help to get a fuller picture of the problem.
Lorrywatch
The Parish has been offered the Official Scheme. This has followed on from the excellent work put in by Gill Shepherd and her volunteers on the pilot scheme. The official scheme requires a coordinator and volunteers, with the Police take the lead and issuing warning letters. Subsequent offences are then passed to Council Licencing for prosecution, of which there have been a number from official schemes across the County. The warning letter from this full scheme has more impact as it is issued by the Police and the volunteers are effectively operating in support of the Police. The aim is deterrence. Gill Shepherd is taking on the coordination role and will be looking for volunteers. Let her know if you can help or know of anyone wishing to join in: sheppardpxt@gmail.com.
Parish Council Accounts
The following reports were tabled and agreed:
- Annual Internal Audit Report 2018/2019
- Annual Governance Statement 2018/2019
- Accounting Statements 2018/2019
- Audited Accounts for 2018/2019
Copies may be viewed on the Parish Council pages of this website
Housing Survey
The returns of the supplementary PC questionnaire, intended to elicit views on open market housing need in Corsley, circulated with the Housing Needs survey, had been analysed. 64 responses had been received representing 20% of those distributed.
The answers were:
1. Is this your main home?
100% of responses related to main homes.
2. Are you the house-owner?
94% were home-owners, 6% (four, were not)
3. How many people live permanently in the house?
19/03721/FUL
Change of use and conversion of agricultural barn into three residential dwellings, including demolition of remaining barns to form gardens and paddocks at Sturford Mead Farm, Corsley.
This was considered at the previous PC meeting, but there was concern that the comments offered to Wiltshire had not correctly represented the consensus of views on 13 May, It was thus agreed to amend/clarify the comments made previously to the Planning Authority in respect of this application, making clear that: ‘The PC would prefer light industrial development for the site but that if it were determined that residential development was appropriate then the PC would reaffirm its concerns about the road safety dangers due to the lack of footway access.’
Post meeting: this planning application has been withdrawn.
19/04189/FUL
Alterations to existing garage forming additional accommodation, re-build of existing outbuilding as ancillary annexe and erection of summerhouse at Jessimine, 13 Longhedge, Corsley, BA12 7QZ
The PC agreed that no objection be raised to this application but felt that comment should be offered on presentation of the application, the lack of detail and the poor documentation, particularly the obscurity of the intended use of the ‘ancillary’ annex proposed. These aspects were unhelpful in considering the case. The usual conditions regarding the use of the altered property should apply, ie it shall not be disposed of or converted into a separate dwelling.
Streetscene
Corsley Heath Road Safety (CATG)
Drawings have been completed, awaiting a response from the bus operators before they are released to the PC (the pavement extension affects access to the bus pull‐in). As a result of survey it has been identified the road is too narrow to move the Reading Room junction ‘Give Way line’ forward to improve line of sight. The alternative is signing and road markings to slow traffic, which are in the programme. The Hollow junction can be adjusted. In conjunction with work already completed as part of the Bay Tree development this will increase driver awareness and reduce speed. For pedestrians it will increase the level of safety when crossing this busy road.
Metro Test
The results were nearer the threshold for a speed watch (85th percentile over 46.1 mph) than last time, but not close enough. The Red Cottage section was 85% at 45.5mph and the Lane End section 42.9 mph. The PC will continue to pursue Wiltshire Police to try and get their support for a speedwatch and will consider repeating the count in 12 months' time.
Sturford Lane
The last dead tree was removed a week ago, completing the Longleat and Sturford Mead work to reduce the risk of trees coming down across the lane. Both are committed to regular surveys to keep this work up‐to‐date. Mud clearance has been booked for the lane and Sturford Mead have agreed to take the spoil.
Deep Lane Speed Limit
The case for re-consideration of a speed 30mph limit for Deep Lane was debated. On checking the 2014 speed limit survey it was clear that Deep Lane had been surveyed at that time, with no change to the speed limit recommended on the grounds that ‘environmental conditions were seen to limit speeds to below 30mph’. If a new survey were to go ahead now, the PC would be required to pay in the region of £4000 against evidence of the reported change to the traffic conditions which is anecdotal. This level of expenditure was far in excess of any budgetary or reasonable precept provision and unjustified. The PC agreed not to go any further with this issue.
Fly Tipping
A recent incident in Deep lane had been reported. The Chair also reported correspondence with Chapmanslade PC about reported recent fly tipping at Water Farm on the public byway, just on the Chapmanslade/Corsley boundary, including a burnt‐out car. Chapmanslade were keen to try and put pressure on Wiltshire Council to find a way to reduce the incidences of such behaviour. It was suggested to Chapmanslade that a log be kept of details on both sides of the boundary so that a joint approach could be made to Wiltshire Council if the problems persisted. It should be noted that there is a comprehensive fly tipping reporting system on Wiltshire Council's website and any individual discovering an occurrence of fly tipping should make a report by this means. It would also be helpful if the report number is passed to Simon Jasper (corsleypcroads@mail.com) to allow follow up with the Parish Steward and contractor, and help to get a fuller picture of the problem.
Lorrywatch
The Parish has been offered the Official Scheme. This has followed on from the excellent work put in by Gill Shepherd and her volunteers on the pilot scheme. The official scheme requires a coordinator and volunteers, with the Police take the lead and issuing warning letters. Subsequent offences are then passed to Council Licencing for prosecution, of which there have been a number from official schemes across the County. The warning letter from this full scheme has more impact as it is issued by the Police and the volunteers are effectively operating in support of the Police. The aim is deterrence. Gill Shepherd is taking on the coordination role and will be looking for volunteers. Let her know if you can help or know of anyone wishing to join in: sheppardpxt@gmail.com.
Parish Council Accounts
The following reports were tabled and agreed:
- Annual Internal Audit Report 2018/2019
- Annual Governance Statement 2018/2019
- Accounting Statements 2018/2019
- Audited Accounts for 2018/2019
Copies may be viewed on the Parish Council pages of this website
Housing Survey
The returns of the supplementary PC questionnaire, intended to elicit views on open market housing need in Corsley, circulated with the Housing Needs survey, had been analysed. 64 responses had been received representing 20% of those distributed.
The answers were:
1. Is this your main home?
100% of responses related to main homes.
2. Are you the house-owner?
94% were home-owners, 6% (four, were not)
3. How many people live permanently in the house?
Drawings have been completed, awaiting a response from the bus operators before they are released to the PC (the pavement extension affects access to the bus pull‐in). As a result of survey it has been identified the road is too narrow to move the Reading Room junction ‘Give Way line’ forward to improve line of sight. The alternative is signing and road markings to slow traffic, which are in the programme. The Hollow junction can be adjusted. In conjunction with work already completed as part of the Bay Tree development this will increase driver awareness and reduce speed. For pedestrians it will increase the level of safety when crossing this busy road.
- Annual Internal Audit Report 2018/2019
- Annual Governance Statement 2018/2019
- Accounting Statements 2018/2019
- Audited Accounts for 2018/2019
1. Is this your main home?
100% of responses related to main homes.
2. Are you the house-owner?
94% were home-owners, 6% (four, were not)
3. How many people live permanently in the house?
| No of occupants | Percentage of responses | Numbers of each |
| One | 23% | 15 |
| Two | 42% | 27 |
| Three | 17% | 11 |
| Four | 16% | 10 |
| Five | 2% | 1 |
4. How many bedrooms are there in the house?
| No of bedrooms | Percentage of responses | Numbers of each |
| One | 2% | 1 |
| Two | 14% | 9 |
| Three | 31% | 20 |
| Four | 31% | 20 |
| Five | 20% | 13 |
| Six | 2% | 1 |
5. Are you looking to downsize?
16% Yes and 84% No. Of the yes category (ten), three were ‘possibly’ in the near future.
6. Would you move to a smaller house (2 bedrooms or less) or a bungalow if one were available to buy in Corsley?
22% Yes, 78% No. From the other answers, notably Q8, the reason for the high number of ‘No’ answers could be a combination of perceived expense houses in Corsley, plus lack of availability and services.
7. Do you have any family members in need who have been unable to purchase houses in Corsley?
11% had family members likely to need accommodation, 89% had not. Of the 11% (4 responses), two were likely future need, the others unspecified.
8. Do you know of other reasons associated with the availability of appropriate housing that prevent people from living in Corsley? If so please state.
64% responded Yes, 36% No. Of the 64% the reasons included lack of a school, no shops or post office, poor bus service, A362 traffic, cost of housing in Corsley.
9. Whatever your needs, would you be in favour of more small (2/3 bed ) houses, or bungalows, being built in Corsley to enable young families to live in the Village? Please state preference for 2/3 bed, house or bungalow.
89% responded Yes, 20% No. The general preference was vey much 2/3 bed starter type and bungalows, with a small number, just three, mentioning bungalows for the elderly.
10. If you support development, would you rather see:
a. A large development at one site
23% Yes and 77% No. There were two references to Sturford and one to the OSPF as potential sites.
b. Smaller developments across the Village
66% Yes and 34% No. Of the Yes responses, several were site dependent, without any specific location preference.
Although 80% of the electors canvassed did not respond, which suggests that a large majority are uninterested in Corsley housing, Wiltshire regard a return of 20% sufficient for valid conclusions to be drawn . Of the returns, three responses stand out, question 6 which suggests that there is little interest in downsizing to smaller accommodation in Corsley, and questions 9 and 10 which showed support for further development in Corsley of small dwellings spread around the village. The results will be held as basis for judgement of any future housing proposals for Corsley.
Footpaths
Gill Parkinson advised that she had applied to the Corsley Show for grant money to provide additional steps for specific stiles where the current arrangement was difficult for less able walkers. She would be grateful if parishioners who do come across styles that are in need of repair, or similar modification, could contact her on corsleyfootpaths@btinternet.com.
Dates of next meetings
Please note that these are corrected dates:
Quarterly Meeting — 7.30pm, 2nd September
Quarterly Meeting — 7.30pm, 2nd December
Neil Britten
Chairman
pc.corsleynb@gmail.com
01373 832515/07810 764714
Wiltshire Council
Highways Newsletter
May 2019
Each month, Wiltshire Councillor Bridget Wayman, the Cabinet member for Highways and Waste, produces a comprehensive newsletter with a plethora of useful information about the responsibilities and activities of the Highways and Streetscene. The November issue covers parking, drainage, sponsorship of roundabouts, highway flooding, energy saving lighting, etc.
Download or view a pdf of the newsletter here
Corsley Wildflower Meadow
If you'd like to help out creating the new wildflower meadow at the Old School Playing Field, please do contact either Chris or Judith:
Chris Johnson
chrismajo@btinternet.com
mobile 07885 695534
Judith Selman
judithselman_m@hotmail.com
mobile 07746 119418
or connect with Facebook ‐ Corsley Wildflower Meadow Group
They'd love to hear from you!
chrismajo@btinternet.com
mobile 07885 695534
Judith Selman
judithselman_m@hotmail.com
mobile 07746 119418
or connect with Facebook ‐ Corsley Wildflower Meadow Group
They'd love to hear from you!
