Update January 2011

I have just heard that the Test Valley Planning Officer, Gregg Chapman, has

advised our architect that he unfortunately cannot give us planning permission for

the proposed community building at this time because of the remaining

uncertainty over the number and type of bats that may be residing in the building.

The design and programme of the construction of the building has to take into

account the mitigation measures and without knowing the full extent of the bat

usage, we can't specify the appropriate mitigation measures in sufficient detail to

satisfy the regulations. He has repeated that he is satisfied in all other respects

and would have recommended granting of permission were it not for the

reservations of the county ecological officer in this respect. Our architect has

accordingly been obliged to withdraw the application and further bat surveys will

have to be carried out in the May-August window to provide a definitive picture.

I note that the recently passed Localism Bill will have implications regarding the

Parish Council’s involvement in and support for this project and await with

interest the outcome of your deliberations at the meeting this evening.

Following informal consultation within the village, and given the current adverse

economic conditions in the country coupled with uncertainty over the future of the

Church Hall and other considerations, I have come to the conclusion that we

need to undertake further more structured consultation regarding the scope and

timing of the project. Open meetings at the Church Hall to present and discuss

the project plans, although relatively well attended, have not in practice

adequately engaged significant segments of the community. I shall accordingly

be proposing to our trustees that we undertake a series of consultation meetings

located in volunteer’s houses spread right across the village so that we achieve

good representative coverage. I have received offers from volunteers willing to

host such meetings, including active canvassing within their catchment area in

order to achieve good representation. Apart from fulfilling what I believe are our

responsibilities as trustees this will be of considerable value when making

application to funding bodies, who are always strongly influenced by the level of

community engagement.

Carried out in this way the information could contribute to a Village Plan if the

Parish Council were to be minded to undertake such an exercise in the future.

Since my last report our only activity has been the Christmas Sale. It went very well despite the overnight snow and raised over £600. Many thanks to all the helpers, Cke and wreath makers. Bulb growers, raffle salesmen etc.

Our next major activity is the QUIZ at Vernham Dean Hall on 24th March at 7.00 pm. Quiz Masters Bryn and Sue Evans. Table of 6, £15 to include a buffet supper and a glass of wine - do come along.

However, we are still bogged down by the bats and the planners who seem to think tht a bat sanctuary is far more important than a new Community Hall!!