NPSG Minutes February 2024

AGENDA ITEM

James Linehan, Rupert Lyon

The Parish Clerk’s email address was incorrect and has now been amended. (This was causing delays to the distribution of documents to SG.)

The Chair will make more use of the NAS drive to file draft minutes prior to the next meeting and seek to send out an agenda in good time before each meeting.

·         Minutes from meeting of 11^th January 2024 were recoded as a true record of the meeting

o   Proposed – Caroline MacDuff

o   Seconded – Peter Thomas

Housing: It was reported that before making site allocation(s) for housing, we are required to commission a Strategic Environment Assessment (SEA).  The timing of this was discussed with our consultants, Place Studio, which will lead to an unexpected delay of around 2 months. This will lead to a delay in the Referendum – this is now not expected to take place until Quarter 2, 2025.

Character Assessment:.  Work should be completed in three weeks. The sub-group were currently working on the map.

Locally Valued Views: This section is virtually complete but the map needs reviewing.

Locally Valued Heritage Assets: It was explained the SG has been working with the Bratton History Association, on why both listed and non-listed buildings and assets are valued by the village.

Green Spaces: It was reported that there is little left to do other than tidy up and finish the appendices.

Getting Around and the Economy:  It was reported that the Economy Section will be “light touch” as policies can only be included where there is sufficient community-based evidence. Prior consultations produced little evidence on how the economy in Bratton should be developed.

Place Studio had advised that policies should not copy those in existence with Wiltshire Council and they should be specific to the Parish.

The grant to fund the consultants is running out. The Parish Council is limited in funds to cover any additional costs. Therefore if additional resource is required eg graphic designer, this would have be provided free of charge (eg from within the village).

·         The SG were asked to be mindful of the budget position and to consult with Peter Thomas (cc Rob Drummond) before contacting Katie. This is so that we have budget to use Place Studio for the statutory consultations.

The village will be informed of allocations once the SEA is completed and signed off.  The SG will discuss this report in due course. The anticipated completion date is no sooner than  May 2024. (The Assessment is funded by central government and the cost not borne by BPC.)

An outline Draft NP will be sent to Wiltshire Council, in order to kick-start the SEA/HRA.  There is an urgency to deliver as soon as possible. This is currently being undertaken by Rob and Peter in connection with Place Studio. Wiltshire Council is primarily interested in what policies the SG are looking to include.  A copy will be sent to the SG at the same time.

The NP can include projects which are outside the scope of the Plan as a planning document. A list was briefly discussed and is included here as areas of concern. Ultimately the projects will be carried out by BPC and the SG will to consult with BPC in due course :-

SM listed villagers’ requests from consultations dating as far back as 2019:

·         Improve footpath network: refresh surfacing/widen; refresh signage; add name signs; add low level solar-powered lighting

·         New footpath to Pickleberry/Fitzroy Farm

·         More benches/”sit stops”

·         Parking

·         Cycleway to Westbury and links to local villages

·         Signposted heritage trail

·         Maintain trees in public spaces

·         Review the number of and siting of dog poo bins

·         Improve safety on Court Lane and Westbury Road; better signage; crossing points.

(It was acknowledged that the pathway to Fitzroy Farm and the cycleways would be outside Parish boundaries).

The BPC chair was asked to confirm what CIL money could be used for.

SG will have a table in the Jubilee Hall on 23^rd March 2024 between 10.30 am and 12.30.  Available to assist: Caroline, Sian and Rob.

A slide presentation will be looped on a monitor.  Slides could include: scope; character assessment; maps; photos; process; local green spaces.

The list of potential projects – to include micro-generation – to be displayed with a request for villagers to tick the projects they would like to see put into action.

A request for suggestions as to how the village can tackle climate change to be included.

Action: materials to be sent to RD to collate.

Thursday 7^th of March at 7.15pm in the Oratory Room, Bratton Church Institute.

To help the SG plan their diaries for 2024, the chair agreed that all subsequent meetings for 2024 will take place on the first Thursday of the month at the same time and in the same location, noting that there may not be a need on a monthly basis once statutory consultations were underway.