MINUTES of a MEETING OF THE YATELEY COMMON MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE held in the Rose Rent Room, The Tythings, Reading Road, Yateley on 14 October, 2003.

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: A.P. Collett (Chairman); J.W. Stocks

Yateley Town Council

Councillors: R. Harward, D.T. Benham; D. Murr, Mrs R. Jenkins

Observers

Mr. P.J. Tipton

M.R. Mann

The following officers were in attendance:

Miss V.E. Booth, Ranger

A.S. Davidson, Sites Manager

A.T. Smith, Assistant Head of the Countryside Service

K.J. Ridout, Democratic Services, Chief Executive's Department

40 MINUTES

As a result of an incorrect earlier version of the Minutes of 17 June 2003 having been issued, an amended version was circulated at the meeting, agreed by the Committee as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

41 YATELEY COMMON SITE MANAGER'S REPORT - JUNE 2003 TO SEPTEMBER 2003

The Committee considered the report of the Site Manager of Yateley Common outlining work undertaken since the last meeting (Item 2 in the Minute Book).

The Site Manager introduced his report and, as requested at the last meeting, displayed a map of Yateley Common to better illustrate those parts of the Common affected by the various works. Among the issues highlighted at the meeting were:-

Byelaws

The Committee noted that the Chief Executive was continuing to progress the selection of relevant new byelaws to enable a set of draft byelaws to be forwarded to the Secretary of State for the Environment. Members wished to be circulated with an advance copy of the draft byelaws to give them an opportunity to request a further meeting of the Committee if required to discuss any particular issues, prior to the draft byelaws being sent to the Secretary of State.

Review of Rights of Way

The Rights of Way Review on part of Yateley Common was continuing and after being considered by the Regulatory Committee would be open to formal public consultation although it was noted that several early comments had already been received. It was reported that, should any Member of this Committee wish to make a deputation to the Regulatory Committee on this matter, they had the opportunity to do so.

At this point the Chairman circulated to the Committee a number of observations made by a Mr. R.C. Pattenden about the Rights of Way review (Item 3 in the Minute Book). The contents were received at this stage.

Illegal Occupation of the Common

The Site Manager reported on several incidents of illegal occupation by gypsy/travellers on parts of the Common since the last meeting. It was noted that one group had still not complied with a seven day notice and an application to the County Court was to be made on 16 October 2003 for a repossession order.

The Committee were very concerned at the illegal occupations, the damage they caused and at the time and resources being spent by the Countryside Service on clean-up and other repair work. They highlighted the importance of obtaining the co-operation of the Police in properly dealing with illegal incidents associated with the gypsy/travellers occupation, particularly where criminal damage had occurred. Members felt it was both important and necessary for the County Council to take strong legal action so as to act as a deterrent to others with similar illegal actions in mind. They suggested one way forward was to pursue the matter through criminal rather than civil law. Also, they felt the legal department should investigate making Yateley Common a special case due to it being a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Other Items

The Committee welcomed the closer working with the Police in dealing with incidents concerning motorbikes on the Common. The Site Manager pointed out on the map those areas affected by a series of fires in recent weeks. It was noted that among the cases of fly-tipping had been several barrels which had been dumped. These had since been removed and efforts taken to identify from where they came. Members welcomed the self-guided healthland trail which was being trialled and noted with interest the archaeological work being done by Carol White on parts of the Common. Finally, whilst supporting the possible conversion of the old brick sub-station building by the Old Ely as a bat roost asked for this to be checked with the owners of the building in case it contravened any existing lease arrangement which was in place.

Winter Work Programme 2003/04

The Chairman reported the present position concerning the encroachment caused by a limousine hire business which was still to be resolved. Also, the Committee were informed of an issue concerning access over common land and involving a residential property upon which Hart District Council's Planning Committee were shortly to make a decision. It was noted that information concerning this issue would be forwarded to Hart.

The remaining works set out in the programme were noted.

RESOLVED:

(i) That the Site Manager's report be noted.


(ii) That the Assistant Head of the Countryside Service convey to the Legal Department of the County Council the views of the Committee in relation to:


(a) a copy of the draft byelaws to be issued to Members, prior to them being sent to the Secretary of State for the Environment


(b) taking strong legal action so as to act as a deterrent against the future illegal occupation of Yateley Common by gypsy/travellers; this to include exploring such action through the criminal rather than civil law and to making the Common a special case due to it being a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

42 YATELEY ANCIENT OAKS INITIATIVE - DENDROCHRONOLOGICAL STUDY

Mr. Peter Tipton of Yateley Society reported orally the Dendrochronological Study which would result in a number of outcomes including establishing how climate affected tree growth over the seventeenth, eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Members were informed that fifteen oak trees in the vicinity had been chosen for the study and noted with interest the work involved and the outcomes to date.

RESOLVED:

That Mr. Tipton be thanked for his interesting talk.

43 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

RESOLVED:

That the next meeting be held at 7.00 p.m. on 17 February 2004 in The Rose Rent Room, The Tythings, Yateley.

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