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Inkpen Annual Parish Assembly Meeting:
š Date: 11th April | ā° Time: 7:30 PM | š Venue: Inkpen Village Hall
Residents, representatives of voluntary organisations, and members of the business community are cordially invited to attend the Annual Parish Assembly.
The Chairman of the Parish Council will deliver a comprehensive report on the Councilās activities over the past year. Additionally, the Chairman of the Inkpen Memorial Playing Field Trust (IMPFT) will provide an update on the Trustās work and initiatives. The Parish Council is committed to consulting with the local community to identify infrastructure priorities. Residents and community organisations are encouraged to propose ideas that will benefit the community. An open forum will be held for discussion, and suggestions may also be submitted via email to the Parish Clerk at clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk.
Reports will be available from District Councillors and other community organisations where appropriate, representatives are welcome to address the assembly in person. In keeping with other local parishes, instead of reading out reports from local organisations, we invite clubs, groups, and organisations to showcase their work at the Inkpen Open Day on 18th May (details below).
Following the formal proceedings, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in further discussion while enjoying light refreshments.
PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
West Berks Benefits: Find out about Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Winter Fuel Payment and benefit fraud, as well as our benefits calculator at https://www.westberks.gov.uk/benefits or call 01635 551111
Help and support with heating your home during the cold weather: Winter Fuel Payments are a payment managed by central Government to help people born before 25 September 1957 with their winter heating costs. Central government can also provide Cold Weather Payments. These are paid automatically to people who get certain benefits. Help and advice line 0800 731 0160
The Community Asset Scheme
Many of you may have heard about the Community Asset Scheme, which permits a community group to list a village asset, such as a pub, in order to have enough time to raise funds for a bid. I attach the link to the West Berkshire website, which gives more information here. Community Right to Bid - West Berkshire Council
The Parish Council would like to point out that The Swan in Lower Green has been listed for sale with a local agent, and the scheme may be of interest. However, the sale price needs to be matched, and of course, if the pub was taken over, there would be significant refurbishment costs and ongoing maintenance. It would need to remain as a pub. If this is of interest, please respond in the first instance to The Parish Council.
Upcoming Planning Applications:
25/00233/HOUSE Trapps Hill Cottage Trapps Hill Inkpen Hungerford RG17 9QN. Demolition of existing rear extensions, garage and home office. New two storey rear extension and single storey side extension with new open porch. New garage with store over. New landscaping work.
25/00324/HOUSE 14 Great Common Inkpen Hungerford RG17 9QR. First floor rear extension
25/00347/HOUSE 7 The Old Sawmills Inkpen Hungerford RG17 9EF Proposed single storey rear extension to create larger kitchen and utility room.
Parish Council and Planning Meetings are displayed on the notice boards outside the Crown & Garter Pub and on the Lower Green Triangle and online on the Inkpen Residents Facebook page and at www.inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk. Both Council and Planning meetings are open to the public so please feel free to attend if you wish to raise any parish issues or have any comments on any village planning applications. Parish meeting now have an open forum session which allows villagers to raise any issues, ideas, and questions. Inkpen Parish Council can be contacted at clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk
Both Council and Planning meetings are open to the public so please feel free to attend if you wish to raise any parish issues or have any comments on any village planning applications. Parish meeting now have an open forum session which allows villagers to raise any issues, ideas, and questions.
Inkpen Parish Council can be contacted at clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk
Public Rights of Way
When fencing near public rights of way (PRoW), landowners must ensure the public path remains unobstructed, using clear signage to warn of potential hazards like electric fences, and avoid any infringement on the legal width of the right of way including allowing crops and farm animals to stray onto the public footpaths, bridleways and public routes that do not directly cross the farmland.
Contrary to popular belief, a farmer does not have a legal right to shoot a dog that is worrying their animals, but it is currently an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock, so it is recommended that all dogs are kept on leads especially near to fields that contain sheep, cattle etc.
Speeding and changes in the Highway Code:
Speeding continues to be a problem in all rural areas including Inkpen. WBC will be carrying out some monitoring in Inkpen shortly. Please keep your speed down and be alert to the wildlife, dog walkers, children going to school, older residents, ramblers and horses that are also using the road.
Wildlife: if you are cutting back long grass or trimming foliage in the garden please check for the wildlife first ā hedgehogs, birds nesting, (season ends at the end of August)ā please check carefully not to disturb the habitat. Remember the wildlife need water when the weather is hot and dry.
Local Nature Recovery Strategy:
Everyone can take part ā sadly nature is in decline with the loss of many habitats and species from our landscape and we now need to restore nature and why a nature recovery strategy is developing. Complete the survey on line: www.forms.office.com or visit the website to find out more www.westberks.gov.uk/LNRS2023
Litter:
If you spot a problem with litter in a public place please report to: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/litter
Potholes
The government has announced an Ā£8.3b boost for roads - the WBC funding package includes Ā£679,000 additional road repair funding. If you are aware of potholes that need fixing, please contact WBC directly by email: streetcare@westberks.gov.uk
Hedgerows:
Roadside hedgerows are the responsibility of the landowner and if you have hedge bordering the roadside, please ensure that it does not affect visibility for drivers and avoids reducing the narrow road for passing cars. We value all our hedges and should avoid cutting in the nesting season from March to August; please check first if you have nesting birds.
Farming/Hedgerows and Climate Change
A new report will be launched in December highlighting the importance of hedgerows in the countryside and their vital contribution to the effects of climate change; a year-round habitat for nesting and hibernation and an abundance of plant life, insects, birds and other wildlife. Hedgerows are characteristic of Inkpen ref. Inkpen Village Design Statement.
Flooding of Roadside Ditches
We are already experiencing areas of flooding in Inkpen where work is needed to clear the ditches on the roadside. If the ditch borders your property, you are the Riparian Ditch landownerā who is responsible for the watercourse and drainage, to channel water to prevent flooding. The ditches must not be used for dumping rubbish or fallen trees. Full details and a leaflet on Riparian ditches is available are on the WBC website: www.westberks.gov.uk
Cost of living support for pensioners through Household Support Fund
WBC is also Ā£200k to four local charities to help pensioners with the significantly rising costs of living. Available via the Household Support Fund, which is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). his funding forms part of a bigger grant of Ā£694k received during the pandemic to support vulnerable households most in need of help with rising living costs and free school meal vouchers (with pensioners among those likely to be most affected, some of the grant stipulates that money needs to be set aside specifically for residents of pensionable age). www.westberks.gov.uk
Ash dieback
Ash dieback is prevalent across most of West Berkshire. With nearly 10,000 ash trees across the district, an annual summer survey is carried out to monitor the Ash population and, where trees are identified as needing work, this is then carried out. If you are concerned about an Ash tree or group of trees, please contact WBC.
Conservation Area Appraisal:
The Parish Conservation Area appraisal was discussed at the Parish Council meeting to update and identify special areas and those of historic interest of the conservation area is required in conjunction with the Inkpen History Group. This appraisal details what makes an area special and will guide the character and appearance of development in the area and inform the determination of planning applications.
Land Grabbing in Inkpen:
There have a few cases notified recently to the Parish Council where residents seek to extend their garden curtilage into the Inkpen open countryside/paddock land. Inkpen is located within the AONB and conserving the open landscape and scenic beauty is of paramount importance ā any development needs to respect and enhance the character and appearance of the area. All applications for extension of the curtilage requires planning permission and must be referred to West Berkshire Council. Any incidents of encroachment will be notified to West Berkshire Council for investigation and enforcement. Effective planning enforcement is important to maintain public confidence and to ensure that we āenhance and conserveā the open aspect of the Inkpen countryside for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors to the area.
Fire Safety
The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service (rbfrs) has recently updated its website (www.rbfrs.co.uk ) with fire safety content and gives handy hints on what to do in an emergency situation ā we all hope it will never happen but if a fire starts in your home, you need to know what to do ā it could save your life ! Donāt investigate the fire or try to tackle it; dont look for valuables, jewellery, documents, photographs or whatever; only open the doors you need to; crawl out if there is smoke ā smoke is poisonous and can kill and keep low where the air is cleaner. Call 999 and donāt go back in leave it to the professional fire and rescue service.
Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police are keen for your help in reporting any areas where you feel unsafe in the District. There is a new pilot service called StreetSafe hosted via the Met Police website where issues can be reported. StreetSafe is a service for anyone to anonymously tell the police about public places where you have felt, or feel unsafe, because of environmental factors e.g. vandalism and/or because of certain behaviours e.g. being followed or verbally abused.
Please make reports via the following link: StreetSafe | Metropolitan Police (see at the end the home page where is says: āNo ā Continue to StreetSafeā) Please note that StreetSafe is not a replacement for reporting crime or incidents this should still be done via 101 or online.
Fly tipping:
Fly Tipping - Did you know you can report any fly tipping to West Berks Council using the online portal to identify the location of the rubbish. www.westberks.gov.uk/report-litter-and-fly-tipping .
New Government Planning Policies:
New requirements have been set out by Government in the updated NPPF 2025 (National Planning Policy Framework) and in the new National Model Design Code documents, which sets out that new development needs to reflect local character, as well as protecting and enhancing the environment and mitigate climate change. Improvements to biodiversity should also be integrated into design. Development, which is not well designed or fails to reflect local character/design may be refused. Permission should be refused for major development within the AONB other than in exceptional circumstances. An important insertion is the contribution that trees make to the character and quality of the environment. For reference www.gov.uk
Dog Warden:
If anyone has issues with dog fights, dog fouling etc etc. the Public Protection Partnership has arranged for the animal warden to be contacted on 01635 519171 to discuss specific issues or problems that you may have.
Inkpen Annual Parish Assembly Meeting:
š Date: 11th April | ā° Time: 7:30 PM | š Venue: Inkpen Village Hall
Residents, representatives of voluntary organisations, and members of the business community are cordially invited to attend the Annual Parish Assembly.
The Chairman of the Parish Council will deliver a comprehensive report on the Councilās activities over the past year. Additionally, the Chairman of the Inkpen Memorial Playing Field Trust (IMPFT) will provide an update on the Trustās work and initiatives. The Parish Council is committed to consulting with the local community to identify infrastructure priorities. Residents and community organisations are encouraged to propose ideas that will benefit the community. An open forum will be held for discussion, and suggestions may also be submitted via email to the Parish Clerk at clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk.
Reports will be available from District Councillors and other community organisations where appropriate, representatives are welcome to address the assembly in person. In keeping with other local parishes, instead of reading out reports from local organisations, we invite clubs, groups, and organisations to showcase their work at the Inkpen Open Day on 18th May (details below).
Following the formal proceedings, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in further discussion while enjoying light refreshments.
PARISH COUNCIL NEWS
West Berks Benefits: Find out about Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Winter Fuel Payment and benefit fraud, as well as our benefits calculator at https://www.westberks.gov.uk/benefits or call 01635 551111
Help and support with heating your home during the cold weather: Winter Fuel Payments are a payment managed by central Government to help people born before 25 September 1957 with their winter heating costs. Central government can also provide Cold Weather Payments. These are paid automatically to people who get certain benefits. Help and advice line 0800 731 0160
The Community Asset Scheme
Many of you may have heard about the Community Asset Scheme, which permits a community group to list a village asset, such as a pub, in order to have enough time to raise funds for a bid. I attach the link to the West Berkshire website, which gives more information here. Community Right to Bid - West Berkshire Council
The Parish Council would like to point out that The Swan in Lower Green has been listed for sale with a local agent, and the scheme may be of interest. However, the sale price needs to be matched, and of course, if the pub was taken over, there would be significant refurbishment costs and ongoing maintenance. It would need to remain as a pub. If this is of interest, please respond in the first instance to The Parish Council.
Upcoming Planning Applications:
25/00233/HOUSE Trapps Hill Cottage Trapps Hill Inkpen Hungerford RG17 9QN. Demolition of existing rear extensions, garage and home office. New two storey rear extension and single storey side extension with new open porch. New garage with store over. New landscaping work.
25/00324/HOUSE 14 Great Common Inkpen Hungerford RG17 9QR. First floor rear extension
25/00347/HOUSE 7 The Old Sawmills Inkpen Hungerford RG17 9EF Proposed single storey rear extension to create larger kitchen and utility room.
Parish Council and Planning Meetings are displayed on the notice boards outside the Crown & Garter Pub and on the Lower Green Triangle and online on the Inkpen Residents Facebook page and at www.inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk. Both Council and Planning meetings are open to the public so please feel free to attend if you wish to raise any parish issues or have any comments on any village planning applications. Parish meeting now have an open forum session which allows villagers to raise any issues, ideas, and questions. Inkpen Parish Council can be contacted at clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk
Both Council and Planning meetings are open to the public so please feel free to attend if you wish to raise any parish issues or have any comments on any village planning applications. Parish meeting now have an open forum session which allows villagers to raise any issues, ideas, and questions.
Inkpen Parish Council can be contacted at clerk@inkpenparishcouncil.org.uk
Public Rights of Way
When fencing near public rights of way (PRoW), landowners must ensure the public path remains unobstructed, using clear signage to warn of potential hazards like electric fences, and avoid any infringement on the legal width of the right of way including allowing crops and farm animals to stray onto the public footpaths, bridleways and public routes that do not directly cross the farmland.
Contrary to popular belief, a farmer does not have a legal right to shoot a dog that is worrying their animals, but it is currently an offence to allow a dog to worry livestock, so it is recommended that all dogs are kept on leads especially near to fields that contain sheep, cattle etc.
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Speeding continues to be a problem in all rural areas including Inkpen. WBC will be carrying out some monitoring in Inkpen shortly. Please keep your speed down and be alert to the wildlife, dog walkers, children going to school, older residents, ramblers and horses that are also using the road.
Wildlife: if you are cutting back long grass or trimming foliage in the garden please check for the wildlife first ā hedgehogs, birds nesting, (season ends at the end of August)ā please check carefully not to disturb the habitat. Remember the wildlife need water when the weather is hot and dry.
Local Nature Recovery Strategy:
Everyone can take part ā sadly nature is in decline with the loss of many habitats and species from our landscape and we now need to restore nature and why a nature recovery strategy is developing. Complete the survey on line: www.forms.office.com or visit the website to find out more www.westberks.gov.uk/LNRS2023
Litter:
If you spot a problem with litter in a public place please report to: https://www.westberks.gov.uk/litter
Potholes
The government has announced an Ā£8.3b boost for roads - the WBC funding package includes Ā£679,000 additional road repair funding. If you are aware of potholes that need fixing, please contact WBC directly by email: streetcare@westberks.gov.uk
Hedgerows:
Roadside hedgerows are the responsibility of the landowner and if you have hedge bordering the roadside, please ensure that it does not affect visibility for drivers and avoids reducing the narrow road for passing cars. We value all our hedges and should avoid cutting in the nesting season from March to August; please check first if you have nesting birds.
Farming/Hedgerows and Climate Change
A new report will be launched in December highlighting the importance of hedgerows in the countryside and their vital contribution to the effects of climate change; a year-round habitat for nesting and hibernation and an abundance of plant life, insects, birds and other wildlife. Hedgerows are characteristic of Inkpen ref. Inkpen Village Design Statement.
Flooding of Roadside Ditches
We are already experiencing areas of flooding in Inkpen where work is needed to clear the ditches on the roadside. If the ditch borders your property, you are the Riparian Ditch landownerā who is responsible for the watercourse and drainage, to channel water to prevent flooding. The ditches must not be used for dumping rubbish or fallen trees. Full details and a leaflet on Riparian ditches is available are on the WBC website: www.westberks.gov.uk
Cost of living support for pensioners through Household Support Fund
WBC is also Ā£200k to four local charities to help pensioners with the significantly rising costs of living. Available via the Household Support Fund, which is provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). his funding forms part of a bigger grant of Ā£694k received during the pandemic to support vulnerable households most in need of help with rising living costs and free school meal vouchers (with pensioners among those likely to be most affected, some of the grant stipulates that money needs to be set aside specifically for residents of pensionable age). www.westberks.gov.uk
Ash dieback
Ash dieback is prevalent across most of West Berkshire. With nearly 10,000 ash trees across the district, an annual summer survey is carried out to monitor the Ash population and, where trees are identified as needing work, this is then carried out. If you are concerned about an Ash tree or group of trees, please contact WBC.
Conservation Area Appraisal:
The Parish Conservation Area appraisal was discussed at the Parish Council meeting to update and identify special areas and those of historic interest of the conservation area is required in conjunction with the Inkpen History Group. This appraisal details what makes an area special and will guide the character and appearance of development in the area and inform the determination of planning applications.
Land Grabbing in Inkpen:
There have a few cases notified recently to the Parish Council where residents seek to extend their garden curtilage into the Inkpen open countryside/paddock land. Inkpen is located within the AONB and conserving the open landscape and scenic beauty is of paramount importance ā any development needs to respect and enhance the character and appearance of the area. All applications for extension of the curtilage requires planning permission and must be referred to West Berkshire Council. Any incidents of encroachment will be notified to West Berkshire Council for investigation and enforcement. Effective planning enforcement is important to maintain public confidence and to ensure that we āenhance and conserveā the open aspect of the Inkpen countryside for the enjoyment of all residents and visitors to the area.
Fire Safety
The Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service (rbfrs) has recently updated its website (www.rbfrs.co.uk ) with fire safety content and gives handy hints on what to do in an emergency situation ā we all hope it will never happen but if a fire starts in your home, you need to know what to do ā it could save your life ! Donāt investigate the fire or try to tackle it; dont look for valuables, jewellery, documents, photographs or whatever; only open the doors you need to; crawl out if there is smoke ā smoke is poisonous and can kill and keep low where the air is cleaner. Call 999 and donāt go back in leave it to the professional fire and rescue service.
Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police are keen for your help in reporting any areas where you feel unsafe in the District. There is a new pilot service called StreetSafe hosted via the Met Police website where issues can be reported. StreetSafe is a service for anyone to anonymously tell the police about public places where you have felt, or feel unsafe, because of environmental factors e.g. vandalism and/or because of certain behaviours e.g. being followed or verbally abused.
Please make reports via the following link: StreetSafe | Metropolitan Police (see at the end the home page where is says: āNo ā Continue to StreetSafeā) Please note that StreetSafe is not a replacement for reporting crime or incidents this should still be done via 101 or online.
Fly tipping:
Fly Tipping - Did you know you can report any fly tipping to West Berks Council using the online portal to identify the location of the rubbish. www.westberks.gov.uk/report-litter-and-fly-tipping .
New Government Planning Policies:
New requirements have been set out by Government in the updated NPPF 2025 (National Planning Policy Framework) and in the new National Model Design Code documents, which sets out that new development needs to reflect local character, as well as protecting and enhancing the environment and mitigate climate change. Improvements to biodiversity should also be integrated into design. Development, which is not well designed or fails to reflect local character/design may be refused. Permission should be refused for major development within the AONB other than in exceptional circumstances. An important insertion is the contribution that trees make to the character and quality of the environment. For reference www.gov.uk
Dog Warden:
If anyone has issues with dog fights, dog fouling etc etc. the Public Protection Partnership has arranged for the animal warden to be contacted on 01635 519171 to discuss specific issues or problems that you may have.
The agendas and minutes of past council meetings, financial
information, details of the council Code of Conduct, register of
Interests of councillors, grant application forms
etc. can be found here.
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