14th September 2005

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 14th September 2005 at 7.30 pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.
Present: Councillors J Reeves (Chairman), H Ellis, G Day, L Warren, G Wallington, H Corcoran, N Cavill, R Tully.
In attendance: One member of the Public, and TDBC Parish Liaison Officer D Greig
133/05: Apologies for absence
Cllr H Besley

134/05: Adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 13th July 2005 at 7.30pm
The minutes were adopted with no amendments.

135/05: Matters of report arising from the Minutes
Clerk’s notes having been previously circulated, the following matters were noted.
• Trafalgar Day Beacon has been registered, will be lit at 7.15pm. Small sub-committee (Cllrs N Cavill, J Reeves, R Tully, H Ellis) will meet to oversee arrangements/insurance/risk assessment/refreshments/signage.
• Footpath, Yallands Hill to Aginhills. Cllr Reeves had spoken with Tamsyn Matthews. She agrees the anomaly on the County Hall map. Generally considered that developers used this anomaly to close the footpath. Names of frequent users have been collected by Clerk. Notice to correct the map has been issued. Developers offered a 10 year permissive right, which was refused, there being no gain in the situation. SCC have decided to legally oppose the developer action, there is a good case because of the usage. Green wedge currently on the field but that not sacrosanct.
• Alliance and Leicester – no progress
• External Audit for year ending 31 March 2005 returned by Moore Stephens, accepted, and no further comment. Notice of closure of the audit posted.
• Boards on the van making allegations against the Council. The van had been seen burnt out at Cotford St Luke. The general issue about trailers parked in fields for the purposes of advertising was noted: there is currently a loophole in the law, roadworthiness of the trailer is not an issue if it is parked on private land. Government is considering the situation.
• R Bishop Memorial seat has been installed in Meadway, by pillar box. Thanks to Cllr Warren for repair and installation of the seat.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Matters raised by the public included
• Explanatory letter from Joyce Keyte, read by B Pettitt, explaining possibility of Defra grant to fund 75% of cost of proposed extension to the Village Hall. 25% shortfall needs to be made up by fundraising and other grants. Similar jobs are coming in c £150,000, thus 25% = £37,500. There is a meeting of the Management Committee on 19th October 2005 to which Cllrs Reeves, Cavill, Tully are invited. Objections by TDBC Planning Department which caused the first application to be withdrawn centred largely on trees and Management Committee consider they can be addressed. B Pettitt was reminded of the original statement made by the Parish Council when it agreed to act as an agent for the Planning Application.
• David Greig noted that The Standards Board is taking breaches of the Code of Conduct very seriously and refresher courses for Councillors were available. Changes of information kept on the register should be reported.
• The lack of a litter bin at the bus stop in the lay-by opposite the Merry Monk was drawn to the Parish Council’s attention.
• In Hyde Lane bushes are overhanging the pavement from a private garden, and hedges are obstructing vision on Titley Lane.
• Camels Hump is becoming blocked due to spill over parking from the Sunday Car Boot sales at Proctors Farm
• Yellow line outside ‘Two Farthings’ are being ignored at school drop–off and collection times.

The meeting was reconvened.

136/05 Items arising from Public Question Time
• R Tully declared an interest regarding the Village Hall, as he is on the Finance Committee. The matter will be put on the agenda of the next meeting. R Pettitt was informed that the Parish Council would be unable to reach any decisions on the matter of funding for the Village Hall extension without a proper and complete costing for the project together with a detailed business plan proposal, and was requested to supply the information to the parish Council.
• D Greig was invited to provide a refresher course for Councillors on Standards Board Code of Conduct in January
• A litter bin will be requested for the bus stop in the lay-by opposite the Merry Monk.
• Highways will be notified about overhanging hedges
• The yellow line outside ‘Two Farthings’ problem should diminish – enforcement officers are in action in the vicinity of the school.

137/05 To adopt the points recommended by T Bullen re Audits
The Schedule of Assets had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Schedule of Assets was adopted, proposed by H Corcoran, seconded by G Wallington and unanimously agreed.
The Risk Assessment document will be reviewed at the October meeting.
N Cavill was nominated to do the Cashbook (Financial sheet) to bank statement verification as he is not an authorised signatory for cheques. G Day proposed that T Bullen should be adopted as the Auditor for year ending 31 March 2006, seconded by H Corcoran and all agreed.

138/05 Footpaths
G Day reported that she had received no reports about the state of footpaths in the Parish. She had looked at those visible from the road but had not been able to walk any. The footpath from below Monkton House to Noah’s Hill is ok. Verges have been cut at Brittons Ash. Stiles are the property of the landowner.

139/05 Trafalgar Weekend 21st October – 23rd October 2005
The Beacon has been registered and will be lit as one of a chain across the country at 7.15pm on Friday 21st October 2005. Help for the Beacon Committee will be advertised on the web-site and in the Village News (if it fits with print deadlines). N Cavill will check insurance position – Parish Council funds offered in the event of extra premium. Sub-committee, comprising N Cavill, H Ellis, R Tully, and J Reeves, will consider other matters such as Risk Assessment/theft and general preparations etc. A first-aider would be invited (e.g. Pearl Cavill or the lady who lives at Titley Corner who is a paramedic).

140/05 To receive official reports
• N Cavill attended Wyvern Liaison Committee meeting which was addressed by Chris Bilsland Corporate Director of Finance for SCC, who outlined plans for the future and technical advances. The woodland area will continue to be supported, working with FWAG for the re-instatement of the ground. Wyvern is complying with European Landfill Directive. Official opening of new facilities on 29th October 2005. Gardens abutting the landfill site will have some flood prevention work done on them. Next meeting 5 or 6th December 2005.
• N Cavill reported that The Handyman Service has been launched by TDBC, providing repair and maintenance service for the elderly.
• TDBC Council House Stock Transfer. N Cavill reported that all tenants will be visited and the options outlined. There will be no attempts to influence or persuade; all tenants will be able to vote on the matter of Housing Stock transfer. Currently the standard of TDBC Council houses are above ‘Decent Homes’ standard, but the situation may not be maintained. A Shadow Board is being set up, 4 tenants, 4 councillors, and 4 experts to plan ahead and make sure in the event of a ‘yes’ vote, that the new system will work.
• J Reeves and R Tully will have a meeting with R Mitchinson re the initial planning application for the Monkton Heathfield development. Once the application goes in the matter will cease to be ‘Forward Planning’ and will transfer to the Planning Department. Planning for the whole site is expected, not piecemeal. Transportation and Environmental surveys have been done. Affordable housing will be in keeping with the area (not like Heronscroft).
• Further explanation of the proposed PUA status was provided and the time frame noted

141/05 To consider planning applications received
08/2005/021LB: Alterations including higher new roof and conversion of barn to dwelling at the Wagon House, Tudor Park, Maidenbrook. Development is being done sympathetically
48/2005/045: Demolition of 14 and 21 Richards crescent and erection of 6 flats 3 bungalows and formation of 18 parking spaces at Richards Crescent. Good use of the land, full support.
08/2005/018: Change of use and conversion of building into Mill Workshop Tea room and public toilets at the Old Mill Hestercombe Gardens, Cheddon Fitzpaine. Support tourism initiative and regeneration of old buildings.
48/2005/027: Conversion and extension to agricultural barn to A1, B1 and D1 use, Prockters Farm. Application has been withdrawn
48/2005/026: Formation of additional car parking area and erection of extension to West Monkton Village Hall. Application has been withdrawn
*response made due to time interval, there being no meeting in August
*48/2005/035: Erection of detached garage at Tonelea, Greenway, West Monkton
Note: A Graves informed next meeting of the Parish Council would be 14th September; his reply stated that due to 8 week determination period, decision on this matter would have to go ahead before PC meets. Further note – plans seen informally by three Parish Councillors – ‘no comment’ sent back to A Graves
*48/2005/036: Retention of single unit portakabin for use in children’s Sunday School and ministerial preparation at land between Bathpool Chapel and 103 Bridgwater Road, flooding risk assessment included. Plans seen informally by three councillors, comment sent back that Parish Councils’ objections remain, but as refusal reason quoted was absence of Flood Risk Assessment there seems no reason now why permission would not be given.
*48/2005/038: Construction of estate road at Sidbrook Farm, Greenway, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, Plans seen informally by three Parish Councillors, comment returned ‘can only be an improvement on what is presently there, and long overdue’.
48/2005/039LB: Relocation of bathroom with bedroom three, and bedroom three with bathroom, and replacement windows to lounge, bedroom three and bathroom, Flat 8, Walford House, Walford Cross. Initial assessment – assess impact on the character and appearance of the listed building. No objection.
48/2005/037T: Application to carry out tree work on one willow tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton no 3) Tree Preservation Order 1988 at 20 Acacia Gardens. High pollard at 4 metres. No comment.
08/2005/014: Erection of dwelling on land to west of Maidenbrook Farmhouse, Cheddon Fitzpaine. No comment.
08/2005/015: Formation of access road for residential development to the north of Maidenbrook Farmhouse, Cheddon Fitzpaine. Safe crossing of bicycles from there to Cheddon Lane in respect of cycle route, it is very nearly a staggered junction and traffic travels quickly round the bend on the A3259. Signage to reduce risk?
48/2005/040: Erection of Swimming Pool enclosure (revised scheme) at The Coach House, Sidbrook, West Monkton. No objection
08/2005/016: Installation of 13 x 8m high and 5 x 8m high lighting columns and associated lights at Crown Industrial Estate, off Venture Way, Priorswood. Use properly shielded lights to avoid light pollution,
48/2005/022LB: Re-slating of Welsh slate roof with Spanish slate, the Courtyard Building, Walford House, Walford Cross, Taunton. No objection
48/2005/042: Erection of carport/store w/in domestic curtilage & stables & hay store on adjacent agricultural land at Oaklands, Goosenford. No objection
48/2005/041: Erection of stable block, car port (for 4 vehicles) and cloakroom extension at Quarry Farm, West Monkton. No objections, domestic use only

142/05: To receive planning decisions made by TDBC
48/2005/034: Erection of 2 storey extension and garages at Swingbridge, amended plan Conditional approval
48/2005/010: Porch at 4 Brittons Ash – revised design, altering width of porch, no objection
08/2005/009: Removal of 2 portable offices, filling in of 3 skip bays and the removal of 1 pier, siting of portable office, creation of new stone surfaced car park and the erection of new fencing gates and railings at Priorswood waste recycling centre and transport depot at Venture Way, Crown Industrial Estate, Priorswood, Taunton.
Decision: County Decision – no objection
48/2005/031T: Carry out work on one oak tree within West Monkton Conservation area at Musgraves Old Farm, West Monkton. Permission granted
48/2005/026: Erection of conservatory to rear of 20 Parkmead, Monkton Heathfield. Permission granted
48/2005/030: Erection of conservatory to side of 67 Greenway, Monkton Heathfield. Permission granted
48/2005/029: Erection of 2 storey extension and single storey extensions at 33 School Road, Monkton Heathfield. Permission granted
08/2005/013LB: Demolition of stone outbuildings at Tudor Park, Maidenbrook Farm, Priorswood. Conditional approval
48/2005/028: Erection of conservatory to rear of 61 Greenway, Monkton Heathfield as amended by agent’s letter received 27th June 2005 with accompanying plan. Conditional approval
48/2005/032: Erection of 2 storey side extension at Marlow’s Cottage, Blundells Lane, West Monkton. Conditional approval
48/2005/033: Erection of conservatory to the side of 1 Sunningdale Cottages, Monkton Heathfield. Conditional approval

143/05: To consider communications
The list had been circulated previously and the contents were noted. The actions proposed to be taken by the Parrett Drainage Board in Hyde Lane were endorsed, noting that J Herrington and the Environmentalist were in favour.

144/05: To approve payments and receipts and Monthly Financial Sheet
Receipts
Entries for business directory @£10 each
Bathpool Clinic, Monkton Heathfield Stores
Mayfayre Financial Services £30
Payments
Mrs David cleaning bus shelter July and August (£20 x 2) £40.00
Clerks wages July and August (£411.97 x 2) £823.94
Clerks expenses £58.72
Parsons grass maintenance (July) £59.93
(August) £59.93
Tony Bullen Internal Audit,
year ending 31st March 2005 £142.21
Moore Stephens External Audit yr end 31 March 2005 £141.00
Payments were approved.
The financial sheet, having been circulated, was agreed and signed.

145/05: Web-site up-date
The business directory entries numbered three more with another enquiry being processed. The web-site was praised for its usefulness and being up to date.

146/05: Date of the next meeting
Next meeting is 12th October 2005 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room of the Village Hall. Leader of the Council, Cllr John Williams, will talk about Rural Policing and sale of land to gypsies.

147/05 Outstanding items
The skateboard park is the only outstanding item. Following a question from R Tully it was reiterated that there have only ever been two ‘No skateboarding’ signs. The one on the fence by Tacchi-Morris is missing; the other one is on the wall of the flats. The missing sign will not be replaced by TDBC, and the notice is unenforceable.

148/05 Urgent matters raised with the permission of the Chairman
The LAT has now merged with Creech and with a new Chairman it is hoped that the committee will have a more professional basis. The next meeting is 27th September 2005 at the Village Hall. The meeting is open to members of the public.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.41pm.
Chairman......................................................... Date..................................