Parish Meeting Minutes - 9 May 1977
Minutes of the Longwick-cum-Ilmer Parish Meeting on 9th May 1977.
MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING OF PARISH HELD ON MONDAY, 9TH MAY, 1977 IN LONGWICK VILLAGE HALL.
Present: Mr. W.G. Underwood (In the Chair), Mrs. D. Brock, Mrs. P. Priestley, Mr. H.C. Restall and Mr. T.G.T. Taylor. 19 members of the public were present.
Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 30th March 1976 were read, agreed and signed. The Chairman informed those present of a number of matters which had come before the Parish Council during the last twelve months.
Following approaches made to the Thames Valley Bus Co., a service was now running through the village; four buses a day. The service commenced at the end of March. Agreed that the service needed publicising if the village were to retain it.
A tree planting scheme had been organised in the Parish and several trees had been planted along the roadside and lay-bys, the trees having been purchased by voluntary contributions.
The question of the speed limit had been raised both with the County Council and the Police Department, both departments conducting their own surveys. Each came to the conclusion that "in the main the speed limit was being observed, although the percentage in error was on the high side" and to this end the police are keeping constant patrols along the Thame Road.
An additional sign denoting the bend at the bridge on the B.4009 had been erected by the Highway's Department and it was hoped that this would help to alleviate the hazard at this point.
Approaches had been made to the medical practices in Princes Risborough but it was found that there were no funds at present to provide as good a service to the people of Longwick with full nursing and secretarial attachments. If people were in difficulties in getting to the surgeries they should ask the Parish Council who would try to make arrangements for assistance.
The Parish Council continued to be represented on the Council for the Protection of Rural England and the Association of Local Councils.
The Parish Council had given their support to the Princes Risborough Parish Council in their efforts to keep the car parks free.
A Silver Jubilee Committee had been formed and plans were well in hand for local celebrations on 7th June, starting with a Parade of Floats; a judo and gymnastic display; an air display and a craft display. There would be a free village tea for residents in the parish.
The Parish Council were represented on the Playing Field Committee. It was also giving financial assistance towards the provision of a fence at the entrance to the field in an effort to deter motor cyclists and horse riders using the field.
The appeal by Roy Cutler to build 76 houses on the Bell Farm estate had been dismissed by the Secretary of State on the grounds that the proposal would be development in depth in what was still a predominantly linear village and if permitted it would then be difficult to refuse applications to build on the even larger open area which adjoins to the north-west.
Wycombe District Council had given notice of their decision to offer 25% of the Council houses in the area for sale. The Chairman of the Parish Council had written expressing concern at the lack of consultation with the Parish Councils. Discussions are still proceeding on this matter.
After very protracted negotiations, work had commenced on the corner of Bell Crescent. Two houses are to be built on the site and the question of the remaining triangle of land is before the District Council with the proposal that the District Council should adopt and maintain it.
About 40 planning applications had been received and comments had been offered on about 50%. One appeal was outstanding, namely the application to demolish Greenacres and rebuild three dwellings with garages in its place.
The first Public Participation Document of the Wycombe District Housing Subject Plan had been circulated and the following comments had been sent forward to the Planning Officer. From evidence available at present, the Parish Council saw no need for any increase in density or extension of the villages of Horsenden, Ilmer, Meadle or Owlswick.
With regard to Longwick, bearing in mind the growth of Longwick during the last 5/6 years, the Parish Council would like to see the balance of housing restored by the provision of say 8/10 units for the needs of the elderly and 8/10 houses of the cheaper variety for the needs of first time buyers and newly married. In reaching this conclusion the Parish Council have taken into consideration that the road plans remain as at present; the fact that the village should remain a linear village and not be allowed to 'spread'.
The Parish Council were firmly of the opinion that no large scale development should take place in Longwick until a village plan had been drawn up and the needs of the present village met.
A lengthy discussion ensued on whether the Parish Council should go ahead and draw up the outline for a village plan for possible presentation to the District Council. It was finally suggested that the Parish Council should consult with the officers of the District Council in the first instance. Then possibly draw up a document showing the present situation with regard to the facilities of the village; then possibly have a public meeting to find out what people want with regard to facilities and development, etc.
The Clerk was asked to enquire whether the buses could turn in the lay by as the residents of the Sawmills Estate felt the present position was too dangerous with all the children around. Also to see if it could be arranged for a bus to come through the village in time to get to Princes Risborough between 9.00 and 10.00 a.m. to allow people to get into the doctor's surgery.
It was agreed that the Parish Council should consider whether it would be a good idea to provide a Civic Amenity area as the present area at Bledlow Ridge was to be closed in the near future.
W G Underwood. 24.4.1979