Report and Actions from the meeting between Chippenham Civic Society, Wiltshire Council and Chippenham Town Council held 21st November 2011
Present:
Brian Taylor (BT) Area Development Officer North Wiltshire Council
Sarah Gostling (SG) Senior Conservation Officer Wiltshire Council
Sue Wilthew (SW) Clerk & Chief Executive of Chippenham Town Council
Mary Pile (MP) Vice Chairman of the Planning Committee
Roger Backway (RB) Chippenham Civic Society (CCS)
Isabel Blackburn (IB) Chippenham Civic Society (CCS)
The meeting opened with introductions and RB explained that the Civic Society had requested the meeting to clarify a number of issues. An agenda had been produced as follows:
1. Conservation Area Management Plan
BT confirmed that the Management Plan was regarded by the Council as an important document used for background information but could not be used retrospectively. RB asked about monitoring of actions and BT explained that this was not easy owing to staff reductions from 9 to 1.5. The plan will be taken into account but funds cannot be committed at present.
It was agreed that the proposed public work of art requires multi-agency consultation, including with the Highways team. RB said that CCS had already met Mark Stansby and Martin Rose in connection with the Streetpride initiative with some success. He also mentioned that repairs to the railway bridge were planned by Network Rail following discussions with CCS.
Section 215 enforcement on dilapidated building was discussed. BT confirmed that it could be applied to private buildings but could present problems if costs were incurred. CCS agreed to write formally to BT re 9 London Road a long standing eyesore with respect to possible Section 215 action.
Action: CCS
2. A-Frames
There was a discussion about the number and placement of A-Frames in the town and concern was expressed over disability access. BT confirmed that these were under Council control via Paul Harris in Highways section.
SW proposed that a dialogue should be opened with interested parties, to include the Chamber of Commerce, to produce a code of practice.
Action: SW
3. Fly posting
BT confirmed that posters could be removed from anywhere by the Council but care needed be taken concerning possible damage on removal. Some action had been taken when posters were out of date but not removed.
BT agreed to provide a contact name for removal.
Action: BT
4. To Let and For Sale Notices
Information on this had been provided beforehand by BT via email. RB said that To Let signs were sometimes left up after the premises were occupied and businesses should be approached. It was agreed that action was need by all on this but if problems were experienced then BT said we should contact the Council. SW said that this issue was relevant to the whole town not just the conservation area. SG mentioned a Special Advert Control but this was probably for rural areas only.
There was a discussion about the Localism Bill which might offer further opportunities for community plans and schemes but as yet it was not known which parts of the bill would be implemented. BT thought that Chippenham Vision would be a good vehicle using the Master Plan.
RB asked about permitted sizes of internal signs ie Allied Carpets window.
BT agreed to find out and let us know.
Action: BT
5. Planning enforcement
BT explained that there were now only two remaining Enforcement Officers. He also said that enforcement could be appealed with cost implications but fortunately 90% was dealt with informally. RB described his dealings with the Nails shop in the Market Place over their paint colour where some success had been achieved and SG agreed that colours were a factor for consideration.
It was agreed that Wiltshire Council would follow up the Nails shop again.
Action: BT/SG
BT provided a Planning Enforcement document to the meeting.
It was clarified to the meeting that planning permission for interior signs is not required eg within Emery Gate.
SW raised the matter of planned change of use for Unit No1 next to the Town Hall from a baguettes shop to possible TIC. She was surprised that the requirement seemed to be for a full planning application and expressed concern that this could discourage changes of use from being made.
Wiltshire Council agreed to find out if the planning rules had changed
Action: BT/SG
6. Railway Station Lift
RB had seen that the new lift plans were programmed for 2011 but had been delayed till 2012 over consultation between the Council and Network Rail. BT explained that the plans had just been received and that there were concerns over the style of a new bridge with large towers in the vicinity of the original station building. Network Rail had been advised to contact the Town Council and the Civic Society but this had not been done and SW and MP confirmed that there had been no consultation with them. BT showed the plans to the meeting and the consensus was that they were OK. The application was moving forward and should appear soon.
7. Removal of signs from Lampposts
RB reported that he had seen Council road closure signs for the last September Marathon still left up on lampposts. BT said it was acceptable for people to remove them if they were past date and he also agreed to contact the relevant department (Parvis Khansari) on this matter. Action: BT
8. Graffiti removal
RB asked if graffiti removal could be carried out on private as well as Council property. BT and SW explained that it may be up to owners but blanket agreements could be set up to enable removal to go ahead with due care. It was agreed that partnership working was good and BT would find out the current policy. Action: BT
9. Unauthorised parking in Service Areas
Action is being taken on this but exceptions are allowed. Permits are issued by the Town Council and may not be revoked. This situation needs checking. SW said that the Town Council were due to have a meeting to review permit holders and procedures in the next week. Action: SW
RB said that wardens were reluctant to take action. BT confirmed that Wardens have been employed by Wiltshire Council for the past two years. It was agreed that cooperative action was needed and BT agreed to find the best person to do this. However, if finance was required this could not be committed.
Action: BT
CCS felt that this was a useful and productive meeting and would like to thank the other members for their participation.
