ITEM 2

MINUTES of a MEETING OF THE YATELEY COMMON MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE held in Rose Rent Room, The Tythings, Reading Road, Yateley on 24 June, 2004

PRESENT:

Hampshire County Council

Councillors: A.P. Collett; P. R. C. Hutcheson, J.W. Stocks

Yateley Town Council

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

Observers

Mr. P.J. Tipton.

52 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED :

That, Councillor R. Harward (Yateley Town Council) be appointed Chairman for the ensuing year.

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COUNCILLOR R. HARWARD IN THE CHAIR

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53. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed. Any declaration to be made at the time of the debate

There were no declarations of interest.

54. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were none.

55. MINUTES

The Minutes of the meeting held on 17 February 2004 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Arising thereon :

Minute 45 Chairman's Communications

Councillor Collett reported on his meeting with Miss Ellam, Chief Executive's Department, Legal Practice. All aspects of the 138 acres were to be re-examined and a report made to the October 2004 Meeting, with a view to moving the Section 52 Agreement on expeditiously.

56. APPOINTMENT OF VICE CHAIRMAN

RESOLVED:

That Councillor Collett be appointed Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year.

57. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

There were none.

58. DEPUTATIONS

There were no deputations.

59. YATELEY COMMON SITE MANAGER'S REPORT : FEBRUARY - MAY 2004

The Committee considered the report of the Site Manager (Item 7 in the Minute

Book) on work undertaken since the last meeting.

Rubbish left by travellers at the inner gravel pit in March had been cleared by site staff.

Difficulties had been experienced in obtaining evidence for legal proceedings against fly-tippers.

Councillor Benham responded to reports that young motorcyclists were using the Common with the resultant danger to lawful users, by proposing a facility for use by an organised group. Members felt that although the proposal might in principal resolve the problem, it had practical flaws. The most suitable local sites were precluded as they were common land. Any proposals would be considered by the Management Committee.

The limousine business had been removed from Heath End and urgent action would be taken to restore the track verges. It would be necessary to check the legal status of boundary land.

The draft Bye-laws which had been compiled from information supplied by DEFRA were ready to be sent to them for approval. The sport of archery had increased locally and would need to be included in the Bye-laws, as it was envisaged that the Common might otherwise become the focus for local archers wishing to practice.

Bridleway 20 was to be taken separately in the Rights of Way Review to avoid technical processing difficulties. The main Orders would describe the east and west sides. One area of concern was where the bridleway crossed Cricket Hill House on a bend. The senior Rights of Way Officer was to deal with these issues.

The County Archaeologist had described the Yateley Common archaeology as of county interest (Mesolithie - middle Stone Age).

Excavations were taking place in the vicinity of Wyndhams Pool Cemetery. Dog faeces and rubbish bins were to be provided at Wyndhams Pool for the Heathland Fun Day. Policies would need to be brought forward to the next Meeting to preserve the area's special characteristics.

Mr Tipton enquired about signs to deter gypsies and travellers on the Common. Signs regarding the Bye-laws were to be erected on the Common and this was in hand.

The County Council Policy regarding gypsy sites in the districts as outlined at the last Meeting was clarified. No decision had yet been made regarding the provision of additional sites. Councillor Collett had been appointed to the Hampshire Gypsy and Travellers Panel and would be able to monitor these matters.

The programme of work set out at the Appendix was discussed and agreed.

RESOLVED:

i) That, the report be noted

ii) That, the Bye-laws be submitted to DEFRA for their approval

60. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Wednesday 13 October 2004 at 7pm.

A site visit was arranged for Wednesday, 7^th July 2004, 6.30pm at the Industrial Estate.

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