Parish Plan

The Chairman of the Parish Plan Steering Group gave a short presentation on the work achieved in the last year by the Group.  He informed the Council that a questionnaire had been distributed in 2006 to each household in Firsdown with a response rate of approximately 40%.  Thanks were given to members of the Steering Group for their hard work and time, especially in assimilating the mass of questionnaire responses.  The next step is to communicate with the community on what has been found in the Group’s research.  It is envisaged that a follow-up questionnaire will be carried out in order to finally formulate a Parish Plan.  It is hoped that this will be completed within a year.

Planning

S/2006/2165 – 6 Firs Close, Firsdown – new dwelling to rear and replacement garage to existing dwelling.  This application has been refused by Salisbury District Council.

The Parish Council had objected to this application on the grounds that the application contravened H16 of the Salisbury District Council Local Plan, the proposed building would be inappropriate and out of character with the properties in Firs Close, concern that the proposed development would overlook a number of neighbouring properties and concerns over access. 

S/2007/153 – 38 Firs Road – Full application, single storey side extension and demolition of existing and loft conversion and associated works.  The Parish Council is considering it’s response to this application and will report its decision in the March précis.

If any residents have a proposed development next to them and would like the Parish Council to know their concerned views then they should contact the Parish Clerk.

Play area

The Council is currently considering the costs of the necessary repairs to the play area surface in the play area.  Due to the large cost it has been decided to apply to Salisbury District Council for a SWAG grant in the hope of covering part of the repair costs.

Parish Steward

The Parish Steward scheme run by Wiltshire County Council Highways department is proving a valuable service to our Parish.  The Parish Steward designated to our area visits once a month to carry out jobs assigned to him by, amongst others, the Parish Council.  The jobs carried out include those involving drainage, signage cleaning and ensuring that the pathways are kept clear.  We are fortunate in having a conscientious Parish Steward and a number of residents have commented favourably on the work that has been completed.

Porton Down walk

An evening walk has been arranged for Parish residents on Porton Down with the Conservation Officer at dstl in conjunction.  The walk will encompass the wildlife and conservation of Porton Down.  This will take place on Thursday 12th July at 6pm.  Anyone wishing to attend will need to contact the Clerk giving their name, date of birth, nationality and car registration number (these details requested by dstl) at least two weeks before the walk.  The maximum number of attendees is limited to thirty and no pets are allowed or anyone under the age of 18 years of age.

Next Meeting: The next full meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday March 1st 2007 at 7.15pm in the Committee Room, Winterslow Village Hall.