Action

1.

Welcome

Chair Cllr James welcomed those present and thanked them for coming.   

2.

Declarations of Interest

None reported.

3.

Minutes

A copy of the minutes for the last meeting on 8^th November 2007 were submitted, approved and duly signed by Cllr James. 

4.

Matters arising from the minutes of the last meeting

Confirmation of Parish Council meeting dates for 2008 – the Clerk distributed a sheet confirming the Parish Council meeting dates for 2008.

Parish Council website and emailing facility – The Parish Council confirmed that they were content with the current workings of the Parish Council website and emailing facility.  It was suggested that the Clerk contact the website provider to ask if it would be possible to place a “viewing counter” on the website to ascertain the level of interest in the website – Clerk to arrange.  In addition the Clerk was asked to place details of the website on the Parish noticeboard and in the Parish magazine.

Clerk

5.

Finance

The Clerk distributed the Parish Council’s spreadsheet to the Council members with details of the Council’s financial accounts and transactions for November 2007.  

Cheques for £43.65 for the Clerk (salary back date according to NALC guidelines) and £45.30 for the Clerk (expenses) were authorised for payment.

After a short discussion it was agreed that the Clerk’s salary be increased according to NALC guidelines from Scale Point 17 to Scale Point 18 in line with the 2007 Clerk pay award agreement.

6.

Precept discussion for 2007/2008

A discussion took place as to the request from Salisbury District Council for the Parish Precept 2008/2009.  It was decided to request a precept of £5,612.00.  Cllr James, Edgeley and Simcock were in favour of the amount request but Cllr Green and Tier were not in favour – majority vote carried.

Following the precept discussion it was decided that the Clerk should seek a quote from S&C Slatter to upgrade the rubber tiles in the play area.

Clerk

7.

Parish Plan Steering Group

It was reported that information had been gathered and collated from spreadsheet data concerning the Parish Plan.  A meeting is to be held early in 2008 to discuss how this information is to be used and disseminated.  There are currently four members on the Steering Group together with a secretary.

8.

Postal Service deliveries in Firsdown

Concern was raised over the late arrival of postal deliveries in Firsdown.  After discussion the Clerk was asked to write a letter to Royal Mail on behalf of the Council and Parishioners expressing the concerns.

Clerk

9.

Highways and Footpaths

Cllr Edgeley reported that he had attended a Rural Task Group at Amesbury and discussed the issue of speeding.

Following a request by the Council, the Clerk confirmed that a map from Wiltshire County Council showing the location of the Roman Road had been received but after viewing it was found to be incorrect.  Cllr Simcock agreed to contact the relevant department to obtain a correct map.

The Clerk reported that she had sought and received two quotations for the cutting of grass in the play/teenage area and Roman Road.  It was decided to accept the quotation from Bentley Tree Services for the play/teenage areas and to query the amount for the Roman Road.

Clerk

10.

Planning

·          S/2007/2275 – 6 Ilynton Avenue, Firsdown – Full application – roof extension to form first floor accommodation and ground floor extensions.  Parish Council supported this application.

·          S/2007/2321 – Fieldfare House, Ford Farm, Old Malthouse Lane, Ford, Salisbury – Full application – insert 3 dormers on front elevations side and rear extension and other alterations to dwelling.  Parish Council supported this application.

·          S/2007/2072 – 3 Firs Close, Firsdown – Trees with TPO – fell 1 x horse chestnut, 4 x Beech, Crown reduce and reshape by up to 3m 6 x Beech.  Application withdrawn.

·          S/2007/2369 – 24 Firs Road, Firsdown – Full application – extension to house including extensions to roof to form first floor accommodation.  Parish Council objected to this application.  The Clerk was asked to contact Cllr Moss and Devine to request that this application be brought to the attention of the Southern Area Committee.

·          S/2007/1679 – 8-10 Firs Road, Firsdown – Full application – erection of 4 dwellings, garaging/carports and new access following demolition of existing.  Notification received from Salisbury District Council of refusal.

Discussion of planning guidelines – it was decided to add this item to the February agenda for discussion.

The Clerk was asked to distribute an updated R2 funds sheet to all Councillors for their perusal.

Clerk

Clerk

Clerk

11.

Correspondence

Salisbury District Council, Democratic Services – Parish and Town Councillors Training Seminar on 25^th January 2008 – Cllr Edgeley expressed an interest in attending – Clerk to forward the details to him.

Salisbury District Council, Democratic Services – Polling District Review 2007 – advertisement and consultation process.  After discussion regarding this item the Clerk was asked to write to SDC stating that the Council has reviewed the situation and are content with the current arrangements and do not wish to pursue the suggested alternative site.

Clerk

Clerk

12.

Any other business

A Councillor asked that the issue of Firsdown being a sustainable village be discussed with Cllr Moss at a future public meeting.

Cllr Simcock agreed to read through the 2007 RoSPA report and to make note of the necessary works suggested.

It was reported that a lottery grant is being sought for the possible replacement of the current children’s play area.

Cllr Simcock

13.

Questions or points from the floor

None reported.