Agenda and minutes

The Chairman, Councillor Mark Turner, welcomed everyone to the South West Chilterns Community Board and thanked The Methodist Church for the use as the venue.

As the new Chairman, Councillor Turner thanked Councillor Dominic Barnes who Chaired the Board from the beginning back in April 2020 along with Councillor Neil Marshall who was Vice Chairman. Cllr Turner thanked them both for the excellent work they had done in shaping the Community Board through its infancy.

The Chairman also introduced Councillor Carol Heap, Vice Chairman for the Community Board and stated that Carol brought a wealth of knowledge and experience and continued to chair the Community Engagement Action Group.

South West Chilterns Community Board was the local link between the council and the community and was there to take action on local issues.   The theme of this meeting was on the local Environment.

Community boards were a way for us to work together to make a difference on the things that mattered to the local area, with money to support local projects and ideas. Everyone was welcome and the Chairman stated that the community board was there to work together as communities did to make South West Chilterns a great place to live and work.

Representatives from Buckinghamshire Councillors, town council and parish councils and some statutory partners were in attendance and the Chairman stated he welcomed engagement from local business and community groups, and that he was pleased to have a number of local residents joining the meeting.  The Chairman looked forward to the Board membership continuing to grow as the community board was promoted within the area.

The Chairman also welcomed Wendy Morgan-Brown, Head of Community Boards for Buckinghamshire Council.

Apologies for absence were received from Steve Bambrick, Buckinghamshire Council; Cllr David Johncock; Cllr Neil Marshall; Cllr Penny Drayton; Cllr Sophie Kayani; Dr Penny MacDonald; Cllr Sue Wagner; Kath Acres; Joy Morrissey MP; Steve Baker MP; Aleksandra Turner; Sue Hynard; Anna Ditta; John Laker; Sian Herschel and Trevor Farnfield.

There were none.

To agree the minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2023 held at Princes Centre, Bourne End.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 February 2023 were agreed as an accurate record.

To be presented by Jed Ramsay, Strategic Management Flood Team Leader and Caitlin Williams,  Project Groundwater, Buckinghamshire Council.

Presentation attached.

The presentation provided an overview of the research project underway which was looking at how flood water could be managed, it currently had 3.5 years left to run.  Nationally there was a lack of data and investment, and little information to inform planning applications.

The project would support the development of national guidance and develop new ways of monitoring flood water levels.  It would also consider the health impact on those affected by flooding.

It was confirmed the project was not being extended outside Marlow eg. to Medmenham or other surrounding villages, it did, however, cross over into various counties around Buckinghamshire.

This particular project would not offer solutions to current problems e.g., ground and surface water flooding but it could go into pilot work around housing.  It was suggested for current problems likely to need pumps, the Marlow Flood Fayre may be able to help with advice and finance options.

Marlow Flood Fayre was taking place, flood Fayres would be held on 19 and 20 September 2023 at Court Garden House and would include relevant partners and the mobile flood unit.

To be presented by Nick Rowcliffe.

Presentation attached.

A trade show for home owners was being arranged for 18 November 2023 at Court Garden.  The show would exhibit changes householders could make to their home to improve their environmental outputs e.g,. retrofit assessment, fabric insulation, efficient glazing, solar PV, home batteries, EV charging, heat pumps, mechanical ventilation, architectural design, smart energy management, infrared heat, time-of-use electricity tariffs, and eco-efficient appliances.   Some 20 exhibitors were anticipated.

The show was aimed at householders within 10 miles of Marlow.

To be presented by Cerys Williams, Environmental Protection Officer, Buckinghamshire Council.

Presentation attached.

An overview was provided of the current air quality monitor arrangements which mainly related to nitrogen oxide levels.  The Council’s air quality report to DEFRA should be available within the next few weeks.

The presentation covered the campaign and air quality project currently underway in conjunction with the Community Boards, which was being provided through a government grant.  Monitoring levels were recorded on a national database so comparisons could be made.

The current action plan was going to be revoked and replaced with a more challenging plan which covered both climate and air pollution.  The current plan aimed for readings below 40, the new plan would be below 36.  Levels in Marlow have been worse in 22 cases.

The monitor currently sited at Holy Trinity School, Marlow, was working as anticipated taking account of prevailing winds to capture the pollution.  It was hoped local community champions could be found to support further roll out of the project.  Anyone interested to contact the Community Board.

The Travel to School and Parking teams were also available to help support changes in behaviour around schools, particularly at drop off/pick-up times.

To be presented by Ian Blazey.

Presentation attached.

This presentation was to update the Board on the progress of the project they had funded for a garden at Bourne End Academy, how it had developed and their future plans.

·       Buckinghamshire Council corporate update

·       Funding update – to be presented by Makyla Devlin, Senior Community Board Manager

·       Proud of Bucks Awards – to be presented by Makyla Devlin, Senior Community Board Manager

·       Public questions, received in advance – to be presented by the Chairman

• Buckinghamshire Council Corporate update – attached
• Funding update – attached
• Proud of Bucks Awards – attached

·       Public Questions received in advance – none.

·       Community Engagement Event – 2 September 2023, Higginson Park, Marlow

·       Board Meeting – 4 October 2023 (Lane End, venue to be confirmed)

·       Board Meeting – 14 February 2024 (Location/venue to be confirmed)

4 October 2023 at 6.30 pm, venue tbc.