Peter Bysouth first asked about The Wooden Top current planning applications for residential agricultural worker. Building which follows a whole raft of other applications. Simon saying need to demonstrate the need for a worker to be in residence. First 3 years temp accommodation whilst show that have good business conditions then apply for permanent permission. Because application involves unusual breed i.e. wild boar etc, have sent to Agricultural Consultants to provide an expert opinion.

Asked if current court case where allegations of cruelty to animals will have any affect on application. Simon said it is the land and the business not the individual that is assessed. (?enforcement notice)

Temporary permission the onous is on the applicant to show need but responsibility rests on the District Council. Simon said that the enforcement officer welcomes contact from the Parish Council.

He asked about the Stable application. Parish Council had no doubt that on two occasions applicant used the stables for business use: once for bagging compost and once for storing scaffolding which someone else came to collect. Simon said that the aim is to stop the breach of planning not to automatically take to court. Difference between a genuine business use and temporary use say storing scaffolding over a week end every six months or so. Conditions of planning permission is that scaffolding should not be stored on the open or in building but only on a trailer. If reported would initially send a letter reminding applicant of the conditions of planning permission but if happening every week end then take action.

Peter raised issue of the post-it note sent as a reply to a query from the Parish Council. Simon said certainly not a way to instil confidence. Has brought in Neil as customer service advisor to address the issues of customer service.

To understand decision re The Stables Application need to look at circular 2006. This encourages gypsies to make contact with the Planning Office before they move onto a site but if they don't does not have any affect on the final outcome. Have to look at planning merits (use Human Rights and Right to Family Life). If commercial use wanted have to judge on its merits.

Planning system not helping gypsies to find appropriate sites and also not helping local communities. Most planning officers doing the job because they want to make a difference. If make a decision contrary to Parish Council wishes should be put in writing to Parish Council why decision made. (Issue if outside PC area).

Peter clarified if utility and toilet at Stables temporary?

Rob said that he thought the lighting at the stables was excessive. Mr Small at previous meeting said permission had been given for the lighting. Simon agreed to look into this.

Question asked that as permission had been given for extended family to live on site what was situation if they no longer lived there and if non family then moved onto the site. Simon said he would clarify.

Raised issue of planning website. Simon said that server not good enough - being looked into.

Asked how receiving info on planning applications. Clerk said still receive in the post.

Peter then said one of the issues that the Stables had raised was of course there were a lot of people living in the village who would like housing for their families and children in the village but that would not get planning permission n/or could afford. This raised issue of affordable housing. Had survey in 2004. Parish Council came up with a handful of sites, not acceptable for permission but the crunch issue was allocation of housing to people not in the parish. Told that if could not allocate to people from Hardington would then look to next parishes. Unacceptable to PC only other way was through a Community land Trust but this was hideously complicated.

Simon said stumbling block was section 106 (not have empty housing). Idea would be to build 4 houses say after 6 were assessed as needed this should then stop need to go outside parish. People need to get onto the housing register. Locality is the key to allocation.

Strategic Housing officer is Ric Pallister – believed not supportive to Hardington wishing to keep housing for Hardington people.

Simon said two types of affordable Housing. Choice based letting: new development part of a rural exception site where builder builds affordable housing as part of development. Other occasion builder may attempt to get planning permission for his own building by agreeing to build over what he needs and then sells to the council. Could become political issue. Colin McDonald Strategic Housing Manager.

Simon happy for a planning officer to look again at sites. Councillors raised issue of planning envelope. Previously planning officer did not know Hardington and not understand how spread out it was. Not agreeing to sites in Hardington Moor as out of envelope but this was where most of services in the Parish was!

Issue of whether to do another Housing Survey.

Simon very happy for the Clerk to arrange visit to Housing Office.