June 2023

14 Buckden Roundabout June 2023 Buckden Parish Council Annual Report General Purposes & Cemetery Achievements • Implemented a new digital mapping system for cemetery and completed a significant tidy up. • Purchased new Christmas Lights and dealt with numerous problems re installation. • Replaced several tools/equipment to reduce H&S issues. • Installed a new defibrillator at the Vine. • Managed several clean ups e.g., near war memorial. Plans • Expand cemetery ashes area/make several improvements at the Churchyard. • Increase play equipment at the VH for less able children. • Support the implementation of new storage facility. • Consider additional litter bins • Resolve issues with Christmas Lights. • Identify extra land for adult/teenage fitness equipment. Large Scale Planning Achievements • Made a detailed response to the application for 20 Flats at Buckden Marina. Plans • Monitor updating of HDC Local Plan (LP) Monitor compliance with Planning Conditions where practicable. • Review any proposed changes in LP that are relevant to the Neighbourhood Plan (NP) and put forward its own sugges- tions. • Take part in any consultation process organised by HDC about the LP • Suggest amendments to NP in response to LP changes once HDC LP is finalised. • Highlight potential gaps identified in BPC NP through LSPG discussions e.g. on business developments, and put forward suggestions to BPC NP Advisory Group; • Contribute as appropriate subsequently to Draft updated Buckden Neighbourhood Plan (assuming LP and then NP updates are completed before March 2024) Planning Achievements • Reviewed 24 planning applications and 9 Tree applications (either Conservation Area or Protected trees). • Training session for Committee members and other Councillors to support pre - planning and planning consultations relat- ed to Solar farms within our boundaries. • Responded to 12 formal consultations over the past 12 months from developers, Environment Agency, a mobile anten- nae provider, Hunts DC (3) and Cambs CC (1) • Provided local knowledge to inform the actions and decisions of the Development Management Team at Hunts DC in- cluding following up Conditions on planning approvals and where we have been made aware of breaches of planning legislation. • Produced a policy on pre - application consultation with developers. • Updated Guidance Notes for members or the public and applicants/agents if they wish to speak at a Planning Committee meeting. Plans • Work with Large Scale planning group as above Allotments Achievements • Replaced the fence along the Silver Street side. Cleared weeds and brambles from the back of the allotments giving plot holders greater access. • Improved the communal area • In addition to the shelter and the bench in memory of Stan Studd, a Red Hawthorn tree has been purchased and planted near the shelter with a plaque in memory to Fred Day. Two fruit trees will be planted in February. Plans • Continue to improve boundary fencing. • Create communal area for A1 end. The fruit from the fruit trees will be available to any plot holders, or donated to the local Food Bank.