Ilmington

The planning application by Mr Andrew Gunn for a two-storey home at Rowneys Farm, Foxcote Hill, was discussed. The parish council had recommended refusal of this application because there was no proven local need for a home of this type, because members felt that no new homes should be built in Ilmington due to the sewerage system being overloaded; and because this was an important open space within the village. Mr and Mrs Coupland were concerned about this application, and said that there was no clear measurement between the proposed new building and the existing houses. County councillor Seccombe said that if the officers agreed with the parish council about refusing permission, it would not need to go to committee. If it had to go to committee, this would probably be on November 22.

Cllr David Sabin reported that there would be no contribution towards the bowls club netting from the cricket club, which meant that the bowls club was still £450 short of the cost of the netting. The chairman felt strongly that the parish council should help with this, and proposed that £450 should be given to the bowls club in addition to the £450 already promised. The council agreed that the extra £450 should be in the form of an interest free loan over two years.

District Cllr Chris Saint agreed to ask Mr John Maples MP what action Severn Trent was going to take on the sewage problems in Armscote Road. The chairman reported that Severn Trent contractors were jetting all the sewage pipes last Sunday, and had plans showing obstructions or restrictions in the pipes caused by scale.

There was an invitation from Warwickshire Rural Housing Association to the opening ceremony of the first local choice scheme at Long Compton tomorrow. The chairman felt that this was important because the parish plan would show that more affordable housing was needed in the village. The chairman and Cllr Danny Wilkins would attend.