Snapshot…of the Parish Council meeting on 8th October 2013.
Planning Applications
Four planning applications were tabled for consideration:
- One was for the demolition of Downend Water Tower and the construction of a new dwelling
- One was for request to vary a Condition of an approved application for the erection of a barn
- One was for a replacement roof to a building at Priors Court School
- One was for a two storey extension and sun room.
Superfast Broadband
The Parish Council received an update report regarding progress of the Superfast Berkshire Programme. West Berkshire Council has now signed a contract with BT on behalf of all the Berkshire District Councils to provide broadband speed and coverage improvement across Berkshire. The project will be delivered in 5 phases and rollout should be complete in September 2015. The Parish of Chieveley is currently scheduled to receive broadband upgrades in phases 1, 4 and 5. Indicative figures (which are subject to survey from BT and may therefore change) show that the number of premises in the Parish (1,046) as having basic broadband (2Mbit/s) is currently at 82% and that this figure will rise to 100% as a result of the planned improvements. In the case of superfast broadband (24Mbit/s) the figure for the Parish is currently 0% and this will rise to 29% by the end of the rollout.
The Parish Council agreed to write to West Berkshire Council to seek clarification on a number of points and to better understand the plans for, and impact of, the rollout in the Parish. Further information about the Programme can be found via Superfast Berkshire.
Winter Service Plan Consultation 2013/14
The Parish Council considered information provided by West Berkshire Council regarding the Winter Service Plan for 2013/14.
The Plan includes information about primary and secondary roads that will be treated where snow is forecast. Further information about the Plan will be available in due course and via Highway Winter Service.
Chieveley High Street Bus Shelter
The Parish Council received an update regarding damage to the bus shelter and agreed that the removal of rubble and clearing of the site should take place, subject to clarification of quotes received, as quickly as possible. The Parish Council also considered the options and to replace the bus shelter and noted the funds available from the insurance cover. Options and costs associated with a replacement bus shelter will be considered at a future meeting.
Spotlight… on the Winter Weather Guide
The Parish Council has produced a simple Guide designed to help you to act in a neighbourly way by safely clearing snow and ice from pavements and public spaces. You can download the Guide via the Chieveley Parish Council web pages on MyChieveley.co.uk.
FAQ…of the month
Question – Where do meetings of the Parish Council take place?
Answer – The venue varies between the Chieveley Village Hall & Recreation Centre and the Curridge W I Hall. The Agenda for the meeting is put up on notice boards around the Parish 3 clear working days before a meeting is due to take place and is also posted on the Chieveley Parish Council web pages on MyChieveley.co.uk. The Agenda confirms the venue the meeting will take place and the matters to be considered.
Next Meeting...
The next meeting of the Parish Council will take place at 7.30pm on 12th November 2013 at the Chieveley Village Hall & Recreational Centre, Chieveley, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8TE.