Snapshot…of the Parish Council meeting on 13 March 2018.
 
Planning Applications
Consideration was given to four applications at the meeting.  One was for a new build within the Chieveley settlement boundary, one for a new summer house, and a garage.  One was deferred pending the report from an Agricultural Consultant. Further information about Planning Applications can be found on the Planning advice section of the West Berkshire Council website.
 
From April 2018 West Berkshire Council will no longer provide paper copies of planning applications to Parish Councils as part of their cost saving initiatives. Hard copies will no longer be present at the Parish Council meetings.  Members of the public are strongly advised to look at the planning schedule issued with the Parish Council agendas and view them at West Berkshire Council Planning Portal and respond directly to West Berkshire Council on applications of interest.  Parish Councillors, having viewed the planning applications on line will confirm their observations on the listed applications at the Parish Council.  West Berkshire Council will no longer send planning application notification letters to neighbouring properties to a planning application site and will rely on the local people noting the statutory orange notice outside the premises and responding to the planning authority, West Berkshire Council.
    
Coordinated Traffic Plan
Chieveley Parish Council have approached Hermitage Parish Council to raise concerns about two Local Plan developments, the potential number of new build properties in Hermitage and the impact of increased traffic on local road infrastructure including B4009 and Priors Court Road.  Hermitage Parish Council have written to West Berkshire Council to ask that all planning decisions are deferred until an overall, integrated traffic plan led by West Berkshire Council can be achieved in respect of all sites.  Representatives from Chieveley Parish Council and Hermitage Parish Council are planning to meet to discuss traffic matters.
 
PROW Review
A number of local PROW routes have been walked and inspected by Councillors and issues noted are being collated and prepared to feedback to West Berkshire Council.   
 
West Berkshire Council Local Plan Review 2036
West Berkshire Council are reviewing the Local Plan to cover the period up to 2036 and have outlined their approach to the review in the West Berkshire Local Plan Review to 2036 Scoping Report. This consultation ends on 26 March 2018.
 
Spotlight -  Don’t forget the Chieveley Parish Annual Assembly on 10 April 2018
This year our guest speaker will be giving a talk on ‘Priors Court Bakery – creating real opportunities for people severely affected by autism’.  The Assembly will be held at the Curridge W I Hall, Curridge, Berkshire, RG18 9DZ on 10 April 2018 at 8pm.  This is a public parish meeting and we look forward to welcoming you.
 
FAQ…of the month
Question – I have noticed a problem with a footpath that I use (overgrown hedges, fallen tree), what should I do? 
You can Report a Problem on the West Berkshire Council’s website.  It is easy to use and you can choose to receive feedback on the progress made on the reported matter by email.
Next Meeting... Next Parish Council meeting is on Tuesday 10 April 2018 at Curridge W I Hall, Curridge, Berkshire RG18 9DZ at 7pm followed by the Parish Assembly at 8pm.
​

Kier Highways, on behalf of Highways England, will be resurfacing schemes in and around the A34/M4 junction 13 roundabout (Chieveley, West Berkshire), to ensure the network remains in a safe and serviceable condition.
 
Highways England undertakes the majority of resurfacing works on the Strategic Road Network using a lower noise material. This material is thinner than conventional Hot Rolled Asphalt and has qualities which reduces noise levels.
 
For the safety of our workforce and customers, we will be carrying out the work overnight between 10pm and 6am (Monday to Friday only) as follows:
 
Resurfacing of the A34 northbound from Donnington to Beedon
 
Monday 12 to Wednesday 21 February (eight nights)
Full overnight closure of the A339 northbound carriageway from the Vodafone roundabout to the M4, and of the exit from the A34 northbound to the M4.
 
Two clearly signed diversions will be in place:
·       Non-motorway vehicles – from Newbury, north on the B4009 towards Hermitage, north-west along Priors Court Road towards Chieveley, then either left at Graces Lane for the service area/hotels and M4, or continue through Chieveley/Beedon for the A34 northbound
·       Motorway permitted vehicles – from Newbury, travel west along the A4 towards Hungerford, turn right onto the A338 towards Wantage, joining the M4 at junction 14
 
Thursday 22 February to Tuesday 6 March (nine nights)
Full overnight closure of the A34 northbound carriageway from the A4 Speen junction to Chieveley, and a lane closure on the A339 northbound carriageway.  Traffic will be diverted from Speen, east along the A4 Bath Road towards Newbury centre, then north on the A339 to access the A34 and M4 at the junction 13 roundabout.
 
Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 March (three nights)
Full overnight closure of the A34 northbound carriageway by Chieveley village.  Vehicles under 7.5t will be diverted via Chieveley and Beedon villages, re-joining the A34 at Beedon; vehicles over 7.5t will be diverted via the M4.
 
Resurfacing of the A34 southbound from Beedon to Donnington
 
The detailed programme for this phase of resurfacing is yet to be confirmed, but will be split between the following two closures:
 
·       Full overnight closure of the A34 southbound carriageway from Chieveley to the A4 Speen junction with a clearly signed diversion via the A339 towards Newbury
·       Full overnight closure of the A34 southbound carriageway from the A4130 Milton Interchange to Chieveley with a clearly signed diversion in please via Wantage, Hungerford and Speen
 
Please be aware that these works have been carefully programmed but are subject to change due to weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances – please check the yellow signs placed in advance at the junction for confirmation of the closures dates/timings.
 
Access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles on blue-light calls.
 
We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience or disruption caused during our work; if  you have any questions, or if you’d like you know about our work please contact us on 0300 123 5000 or email info@highwaysengland.co.uk

We wish to inform you that the previously advertised date for the next CRA meeting of Tuesday 20th February has been moved to a week later, on Tuesday 27th February.
 
As well as a regular CRA meeting agenda, this meeting will include nomination and election of new committee members, following the resignation of the present secretary, Alix Edwards. The committee would like to thank Alix for her hard work over the last two years.
 
The committee have agreed to use this opportunity to review the historical role of the CRA secretary, and propose to split the role into three different positions to reflect the current range of activities of the CRA. We also want to keep each volunteer position manageable for full time workers alongside family commitments.
 
The proposed new roles are as follows:
 
Meeting Secretary – Responsible for managing regular communication and information flow between CRA and external bodies, such as Chieveley Parish Council, plus ad hoc communication into CRA from residents via post or email. Responsible for putting together the agenda ahead of each formal CRA meeting (usually three times a year), managing venue bookings, providing refreshments and printed agendas & minutes. Also responsible for drafting minutes from each meetings and circulating to the committee for review. This role would be suited to someone with good IT skills (particularly MS Word) and regular daytime access to personal emails and phone.
 
Social Media Secretary – Responsible for publishing formal CRA content and selected external news items to the village website, CRA Facebook page & Twitter feeds, in a timely manner. Responsible for updating the website events calendar and for development of the village website to include further functional and content improvements. This role would be suited to someone with good IT skills and an interest in social media channels.
 
Events Secretary – Responsible for leading the planning of informal CRA events, such as annual social functions & litter picks. The events secretary will also play an important part in enlisting volunteers to help with the planning and running of events. This role would be suited to someone with good organisational or project management skills and proficient with spreadsheets such as MS Excel, as well as good communication skills.
 
We hope to fill these positions with new volunteers joining the committee at our February meeting, for which we need your help!

1. If you’ve not been to a CRA meeting before (or for a long time), please consider coming along on 27th February.
2. If you think you have any of the skills needed for any of these roles and can spare a little time to help the community, please consider putting yourself forward for a role at the meeting.
3. If you know anyone else in the village that might be suited to any of the roles please try to encourage them to come along to the meeting!

 
In addition to the new roles, the existing committee positions of Chairman and Treasurer will also be opened up for new nominations, although both the current Chairman [Chris Cholmeley] and Treasurer [James Pryor] have indicated that they are willing to continue in these positions in the event of no new candidates coming forward in the February meeting.

Snapshot…of the Parish Council meeting on 9 January 2018.
 
Planning Applications
Consideration was given to one application at the meeting. Further information about Planning Applications can be found on the Planning advice section of the West Berkshire Council website.
 
From April 2018 West Berkshire Council will no longer provide paper copies of planning applications to Parish Councils as part of their cost saving initiatives. Hard copies will no longer be present at the Parish Council meetings.  Members of the public are strongly advised to look at the planning schedule issued with the Parish Council agendas and view them at West Berkshire Council Planning Portal and respond directly to West Berkshire Council on applications of interest.  Parish Councillors, having viewed the planning applications on line will confirm their observations on the listed applications at the Parish Council.  West Berkshire Council will no longer send planning application notification letters to neighbouring properties to a planning application site and will rely on the local people noting the statutory orange notice outside the premises and responding to the planning authority, West Berkshire Council.
    
MUGA Maintenance Agreement
A review of the agreement has been carried out by the Parish Council and Chieveley Village Hall Committee for the future maintenance for the MUGA.
 
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The Parish Council discussed the NALC legal briefing for the Data Protection Officer (DPO) for a Parish Council and the Clerk/RFO Role.   Based on the drafting of the GDPR it is NALCs view that most clerks and RFO’s cannot be designated as a Parish Council’s DPO.  On this advice the Parish Council have agreed to make a small provision to engage an independent DPO for Chieveley Parish Council in the budget for 2018/2019 and will find out if an external DPO can be retained by a number of small West Berkshire Parish Councils.
 
Budget and Precept Discussion for 2018/2019
The Parish Council discussed and agreed the 2018/19 precept request and budget.  The annual charge forecasted for a Band D property is £29.69, £1.53 per annum increase from last year.
 
Due to devolution of services Chieveley Parish Council now contribute to an upgrade to primary route salting for specific roads in the Parish and keeping the four salt bins stocked.  West Berkshire Council are trying to make Parish Councils meet some of their shortfall in services and associated costs due to their swingeing budget cuts.
 
Spotlight -  West Berkshire Council Consultations
West Berkshire Council School Term Dates 2019/20 
Closing date 16/2/18
 
Admission Arrangements 2019/20 for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools
Closing date: 31/1/18
 
FAQ…of the month
Question – What is the Parish Council's role in planning applications?
Answer – The Parish Council is a "statutory consultee". That means that the local planning authority, West Berkshire Council, must consult the Parish Council on planning applications within the parish. The District Council is obliged to consider the comments made by the Parish Council, but it is not obliged to determine the application in accordance with those views.
The published agendas for Parish Council meetings will show any planning applications subject to formal consultation with the Parish Council.
​
Next Meeting... Next Parish Council meeting is on Tuesday 13 February 2018 at Chieveley Village Hall & Recreational Centre, High Street, Chieveley, Berkshire RG20 8TE at 7.30pm.

The Curridge Residents' Association met on 1st November and the minutes can be found here. The next meeting is Tuesday 27th February 2018, 20:00 at the WI Hall. 

The committee is seeking extra help and volunteers will be welcome. We are particularly looking for a social media secretary, although other roles will also be welcomed. Please get in touch on mail@curridgevillage.co.uk

The work on the M4 continues and Highways England have circulated this leaflet. s170204_m4_j12-13_bridge_scheme_-_a4_poster.pdf

There are several planned closures, over the following weekends:
Friday 24 to Monday 27 November 2017
Friday 08 to Monday 11 December 2017
Friday 15 to Monday 18 December 2017
Friday 12 to Monday 15 January 2018
Friday 19 to Monday 22 January 2018 (contingency)

Please be prepared for delays. 

Snapshot…of the Parish Council meeting on 10 October 2017.


Planning Applications
Consideration was given to one application at the meeting for an adjoining Parish planning application for 39 dwellings  in Hermitage and objections were confirmed to the proposal.  The Parish Council agreed to send representatives to a Planning Inspectorate Informal Public Hearing for an appeal associated with land and stables in Curridge.
Further information about Planning Applications can be found on the Planning advice section of the West Berkshire Council website
    
West Berkshire Council’s Winter Service Plan 2017 2018 Consultation
Due to cut backs West Berkshire Council are no longer treating Chieveley High Street, East Lane and Downend Lane as a primary treatment salting route.  Icy surface conditions were reported around Chieveley and Curridge during the Winter of 2016/2017. The Parish Council agreed to primary treatments and associated costs for the upgrade for 2017 2018 for these roads and Curridge Road to provide better access to infrastructure and services during icy weather.


Speed Indicator Device (SID) - The Parish Council approved a new SID operator and training for the individual.  6 volunteer operatives are now trained to use SID but more volunteers are welcome.


General Data Protection Regulation - A new regulation comes into effect May 2018 and necessitates the Parish Council to carry out a complete review of the data it holds and how it is stored, managed and used.


M4 Junctions 12 to 13 – Bridge Refurbishment Works – Upcoming Closures
Full closures for the M4 east and westbound carriageways between junctions 12 and 13 for entire weekend periods (9pm Friday through to 5am Monday) are expected late November 2017. Dates will be advertised in advance on signs along the M4. Significant delays are expected during these weekend closure periods. During all closures a clearly signed diversion will be in place via the A4 (through Newbury, Thatcham and Woolhampton).


Curridge School Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) - reported to West Berkshire Council as it is obscured by vegetation and requires clearing as the School Warning cannot be seen by approaching vehicles from Carbrook Corner
Spotlight -  The Parish Council would like to engage with the community quickly to share valuable information and seek community views and feedback on consultations.    Looking for someone in the Parish who can help set up surveys to put to the community electronically, manage the data and provide survey data summary reports. Initially we want to find out what people think in the community about contributing to the West Berkshire Council Library Services and feedback on the Chieveley Recreational Centre outdoor play facilities.  Other consultations likely to follow.  If you have experience in setting up surveys on-line, engaging with communities for feedback and have some time to offer we would like to hear from you.

FAQ…of the month
Question – I have seen a planning notice outside a property.  What does it mean?
Answer – Most local people first become aware there is a planning application being considered by West Berkshire Council when an orange notice is displayed outside the property or site.  The notice will give brief information about the purpose of the application and provides a planning application reference number.  If you wish to view or make a comment to West Berkshire Council about a planning application you can do so via the following link view or comment.  A copy of your correspondence should also be made available to Chieveley Parish Council. 


Next Meeting... Next Parish Council meeting is on Tuesday 14 November 2017 at Chieveley Village Hall & Recreational Centre, High Street, Chieveley, Berkshire RG20 8TE at 7.30pm.

A planning appeal has been made against WBC's refusal for redevelopment of Bluebell Stables, Curridge Road, for use of the land as a gypsy and traveller caravan site.

As this is an appeal against the refusal of the planning application made in November 2016, all residents' comments made to WBC against that application are still valid. If however you wish to make a new submission to the appeal to support or object to the development then this must be made online by 23rd October 2017, using the link below:

acp.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ViewCase.aspx?caseid=3170267

A hearing to determine this appeal will be held at West Berkshire Council Offices, Market Street, Newbury, at 10am on 22nd November 2017. Members of the public may attend this hearing by contacting WBC in advance - please email appeals@westberks.gov.uk or call (01635) 519111.

For more information on the planning appeal process please see the West Berkshire Council website at: info.westberks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=29005

The third and final Curridge Residents' Association meeting of the year has had to be postponed due to illness, and will now take place on Wednesday 1st November at 8pm in the WI Hall. We hope to see you there!