Interim notes from Whitminster Parish Council meeting on 2nd March
Council was asked by a member of the public present to write to the owners of The Copse adjacent to the playing field, thanking them for the swift removal of the trees blown down in Storm Eunice recently.
It was noted that Whitminster Village Hall was used as a respite shelter during that storm, and that about ten people from the locality made use of the premises during the day it was in use. As the storm abated during the afternoon, the Hall usage was stood down.
The recent spike in anti-social-behaviour taking place in our area seems to have died down somewhat , but residents are urged to stay aware of any recurrences, and to report it immediately to the Police.
The planning application to remove four trees to facilitate the replacement of Stonepitts Bridge has been allowed, Councils comments on replacing those trees were noted, and this will form part of the wider landscaping programme as the Stroudwater Canal is regenerated through the Parish. All other decisions on outstanding applications are awaiting determination. A new outline application to build up to 45 houses on land behind Schoolfield Close was discussed. The parcel of land identified in the application is included in the SDC Draft Local Plan for up to 40 houses, which is 10 more than requested by the Parish Council. The Draft Local Plan is still some way off adoption by SDC, as it does not go for the examination in public until later in the Spring., and could go on for 6 to 9 months. Council resolved to object to the application, on it being premature, it being more than the allocation identified in the Draft Local Plan, therefore over development, and the fact that the applicant had made no direct consultation approach to the Parish Council, contrary to Stroud DC’s Statement of Community Involvement. All other comments will be made at the Reserved Matters Application stage, whenever that comes. Council also asked for the application to be determined at Development Control Committee, not by Delegation to Officers. The agent for the Moreton Lane Solar Farm has advised that he hopes the application will go to DCC in Stroud later this Spring. The alleged breach of the demolition times condition at the demolition site locally has been acknowledged by SDC, along with possible Environmental Health issues emanating from those works.. Other planning enforcement matters are still ongoing.
It was noted that The Lagger footpath running between Kidnams Walk and School Lane has been resurfaced, although an issue with a blocking bush remains. Details of the closure of Grove Lane were received, this to facilitate works at Grove End Farm, and hopefully the formation a better junction with the A38 to make all vehicles exit Grove Lane to the left. The failure to place proper notices of closure in the immediate area has been taken up with Highways.
These are the main points from the March PC meeting full minutes will be available after they are agreed at the next Council meeting on April 6th.