May 16 2023 APM
NOCTON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING
16th MAY 2023 AT 6.30PM IN THE NOCTON HUB
PRESENT:
Parish Councillors Ian Goldsworthy (Outgoing Chair), George McDonnell, Andy Hone and Richard Robinson. County Councillor Ian Carrington and District Councillor Dave Parry.
Ben Wills (360 Rural) and Laura Allen (Clerk)
Approximately 40 members of the public were in attendance
Meeting commenced 6.30pm
AGENDA
1. Welcome and Apologies for Absence
The Chair welcomed everyone to the Annual Parish Meeting.
Apologies for absence were noted from Cllr Richard Marshall.
2. Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 10 May 2022
The minutes were accepted as being a correct record.
3. Nocton Hall and former RAF Hospital Site – A presentation from Ben Wills (360 Rural) on the current position regarding the proposed development of this site
Ben Wills provided an update on the progress of the proposed development and the following points were noted:
· It was a slow process which would benefit from having public support before a formal planning application is submitted.
· A Pre-planning application will be coming requiring further community engagement.
· Enabling development must be found (which is where conservation of a heritage asset, such as the Hall, would allow development where planning permission would not normally be given.)
· LEDA are ready to do whatever is needed to see the project finished and is currently awaiting a response from Historic England.
· Current thinking is to protect the Pleasure Grounds and stabilise the ruins, income from leisure activities would then be used to support the Hall.
· There is a possibility that the Parish Council could be funded to maintain the pleasure grounds and for it to be established as an area for wider community benefit.
4. Public Participation Session
Concerns were raised about access routes and the village being unable to withstand increased traffic either during construction or when established as a holiday park.
It was noted that the current state of the roads and level of traffic is already an issue for residents.
A request was made to avoid village access and seek or purchase alternate ways into the site to make the development more acceptable to residents.
Ben Wills concluded that he would provide feedback to LEDA and they would look into finding solutions. A future update should be expected once a response is received from Historic England.
The Chair thanked Ben Wills for his presentation and answering the public’s questions.
Meeting closed 7.40pm