12th October 2005

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 12th October 2005 at 7.30 pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.

Present: Councillors J Reeves (Chairman), H Ellis, G Day, L Warren, H Corcoran, N Cavill, R Tully, H Besley.

In attendance: One member of the Public

Before the meeting was opened, Cllr John Williams, Leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council gave a short presentation about Rural Policing and also Sale of Small Areas of Land to Gypsies. Notes taken during his address can be found on the web-site, www.westmonkton.net. After answering questions Cllr Williams left.

The meeting was opened.

149/05: Apologies for absence
There were none

150/05: Adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 14th September 2005 at 7.30pm
The minutes were adopted with no amendments, and signed.

151/05: Matters of report arising from the Minutes
The Clerk’s notes had been previously circulated.
It was noted that no further information regarding the proposed extension of the Village Hall had been received from the Village Hall Management Committee. Further discussion took place under item 8 on the agenda.
The footpath between Yallands Hill and Aginhills is an on-going matter. Notice to apply for modification of the County Hall map has been given priority, given the need for a timely solution.
The Handyman Service has been widely advertised on Parish noticeboards and supported as a good idea.
The sign for the Parish Church was considered and Parish Council agreed to go ahead with a sign that read ‘Parish Church’, no other wording deemed necessary. Parochial Church Council to be consulted.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
• Richards Crescent: availability of feedback on proposed development? Issues of noise, age of residents in new buildings, Safe Routes to School also raised.
• Report received that ditches down Church Hill cleared, but culvert into which they feed was not.
The meeting was reconvened.

152/05: Items raised by the Public in Open Session
• The matters raised in regard to the proposed Richards Crescent development were matters that had been discussed at the Resident’s meeting, which was on record. Copies could be obtained from M Vesey, (#11) and Ms J Gunter (#23).
• H Besley would report the need to also clean out the culvert to SCC Highways.

153/05: To review the Risk Assessment policy and adopt the revised version
The document had been circulated prior to the meeting. The proposed revisions were discussed. G Day proposed, seconded by H Ellis, and all agreed to adopt the policy including the revisions for the forthcoming year. Date of next revision will be October 2006. In the event of any other activity, not covered by the document, taking place or being organised by the Parish Council, the risks will be assessed.

154/05: Quality Council: report from SALC AGM
Copies of the handout covering the presentation had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Clerk had attending the meeting and amplified the handout. She expressed her willingness to do the Clerk’s Training, organised by SALC, next course starting in early 2006. J Reeves proposed, seconded by H Ellis and all agreed that the Parish Council would support the Clerk in the training, and meet any funding required. After some discussion regarding Parish Plans, all agreed that the matter should become a standing agenda item: points to consider – list of projects, vision for Parish, influence of new development, looking ahead 2 – 3 years.

155/05: To determine arrangements for drafting the Precept for 2006/7
It was agreed that a small sub-committee would assemble to put together a draft proposal to be considered at the next Parish Council meeting. The sub-committee would comprise J Reeves, R Tully, H Corcoran. Clerk will arrange a meeting. Items for consideration – seats, litter bins, street lights, noticeboards, free donations. A letter and proforma for the precept has been received from TDBC.

156/05:To consider request from Village Hall Management Committee for assistance with funding of Village Hall extension.
R Tully declared an interest and signed the Declaration Book.
The Village Hall Management Committee had been requested to provide a business plan, detailed costings and a breakdown of hirers, so the Parish Council could consider the matter. No material had been provided. There was discussion about the request. The appropriateness of further expansion of the Hall was discussed. Aspects of the money requested from the Parish Council were considered, the amount of it, sourcing it, the servicing of the loan/grant, impact on the Precept, etc. It was agreed that a proposal should be sent to the Village Hall Management Committee, proposed by H Corcoran, seconded by G Day and all agreed. ‘The Village Hall Management Committee should look at ways to raise the loan themselves, as a charity. It seems more beneficial to raise a charitable loan at a lesser rate than the Parish Council could obtain’. The Charities Aid Foundation was named as a possible source.

157/05 Trafalgar Weekend – Beacon 21st October 2005, 7.15pm at Hill Farm
The Insurance cover has been obtained at a cost of £105. Need to: inform police/fire, write a Risk Assessment, have a First Aider, buy soft drinks from Asda to use the voucher, (no food), put posters on the Parish Noticeboards.

158/05: To receive Official Reports
• J Reeves reported a meeting with himself, R Tully, and R Mitchinson (Forward Planning TDBC). The overall outline planning application for the new development had not yet been submitted. After the matter goes into planning, it will no longer be R Mitchinson’s department.
• R Tully reported Hedgerow Week, children will be encouraged to study and learn more about hedgerows. SCC is dealing with the problem of overhanging hedges.
• N Cavill reported that the Municipal Hall will be closed for a short period in order to complete modifications required under DDA, in consideration of the Registry Office moving there. Their role will increase in the near future to include ‘British Citizenship’ ceremonies.
Swimming Pool survey has indicated that a central location is required, multi-purpose, multi-use, fewer wanted the 50mtr length. Sport England and others will be in funding partnership with TDBC.
Vision for Taunton. The car parking fees are a significant revenue for TDBC. An agreement has been proposed with two companies who would lease the ground floor of two proposed new multi-storey car parks, thus providing the funding for their construction. If this deal goes through, it would enable two of the ring of five multi-storey car parks to be built and remain under the control of TDBC.
During the Christmas Shopping period in Taunton there will be an Ice Rink at Goodland Gardens, which will be opened by John Curry. The opening will coincide with ‘Come Skating’ programme scheduled for TV showing just before the opening. Lights will be switched on, Nov 20th.

159/05 To consider Planning Applications received by TDBC
Planning applications received
08/2005/023: Erection of conservatory at 32 The Shaulders, Nerrols Farm, Taunton
Comment: No objection
48/2005/046: Erection of dwelling, garage, and formation of access on land south of The Old Forge, 147 Bridgwater Road, Bathpool. Likely issues: principle to be decided in light of new access
Comment:The Parish Council has concerns about the proposed access to the site, which would be up a steep slope onto the A38 road. Already the existing access to The Old Forge will be trebled in usage owing to the
current construction of two more dwellings to the north of the The Old Forge which will share its access onto the A38. Another access onto the A38,in close proximity, which would be sloping away from the road, thereby creating difficulties of visibility, would cause concern.
48/2005/047T: Application to carry out work to one hawthorn and two ash trees included in TD Borough (West Monkton no 1) Tree Preservation Order 2001 at 66 Meadway, Monkton Heathfield (TD897)
Comment: The Parish Council has sympathy with the request as the south facing garden of this property is becoming very shaded. There is no objection to trimming the trees to a reasonable level to allow light back into the garden.
48/2005/052: Erection of single storey extension to Village Hall, and change of use of grassed extension to provide additional car parking, West Monkton Village Hall, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues: assess impact on visual and residential amenity
Comment:The Parish Council has no comment.
48/2005/049: Removal of existing pitched roof to single storey building at rear and formation of flat roof together with the erection of a 1.8m wall and 1.1m timber balustrading at 24 Elms Estate, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues: visual and neighbour impact to be assessed
Comment The Parish Council has some concern that the flat roof, when used as a balcony, could allow too much overlooking of the neighbours to the east, as the property is the end house of a terrace. However, the fact that the east side of the balcony will be a solid wall has allayed those fears. Overlooking to the west is of no concern as it is over the Village Hall and car park.
48/2005/051: Erection of bungalow on land to the east of Sidbrook Farm, 83 Greenway, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues: need to assess access and impact on neighbours and area
H Ellis declared an interest and signed the Declaration of Interest Book
Comment:If the road access currently used by Sidbrook Farm is to be the access to the proposed bungalow, then the Council has grave concerns about the access. The concrete drive joins Greenway on a narrow bend with very little visibility in either direction. As it stands, vehicles using the drive have to creep forward very slowly to join Greenway. The roof height of the proposed bungalow should be no higher than the roof height of the 4 bungalows whose properties join the proposed site, and others nearby. In view of the proximity of these neighbours, opaque glazing should
be required on all windows looking towards those properties.
48/2005/048T: Application to carry out tree management work on three willows included in TD Borough (West Monkton no 3) Tree Preservation Order 1998 at 7 Acacia Gardens, Taunton (TD777)
Comment: The Parish Council has no objection.
48/2005/053: Erection of two storey and single storey side and rear extensions and detached garage, 1 Hyde lane Cottages, Bathpool. Likely issues: assess impact on visual and residential amenity
Comment:This application is much more in proportion with the extensions already done on the other 5 properties in this row of 6 terraced houses. The roof height of the garage is not shown and the Parish Council would note that the height of the garage should not be any higher than standard, and/or existing garages in the other terraced properties.
48/2005/054: Erection of single storey extensions and new detached replacement garage, Tanglewood, West Monkton. Likely issues: assess impact on the character of the building and on the character and appearance of the conservation area.
Comment: The Parish Council would hope that the character of the building is retained, and the character and appearance of the conservation area are retained.
08/2005/022: Erection of a new higher roof and conversion of barn to dwelling at The Wagon Barn, Tudor Park, Maidenbrook, Cheddon Fitzpaine
Comment: The Parish Council requests that the measures already taken with this development site in retaining the character of the area should be applied to this application.
08/2005/027T: Application to fell one Ash tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Cheddon Fitzpaine No 2) Tree Preservation Order (1997) at 20 Hale Way, Cheddon Fitzpaine (TD 708)
Comment: no comment

160/05: To receive Planning Decisions made by TDBC
48/2005/037T: Application to carry out tree work on one willow tree included in TD Borough (West Monkton no 3) Tree Preservation Order 1988 at 20 Acacia Gardens, Taunton (TD777)
48/2005/039LB: Relocation of bathroom with bedroom 3, and bedroom 3 with bathroom, and replacement windows to lounge, bedroom 3 and bathroom, Flat 8 Walford House, Walford Cross
48/2005/040: Erection of swimming pool enclosure (revised scheme) at The Coach House, Sidbrook, West Monkton
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, Bathpool. Temporary permission for a ten year period.
08/2005/012: Erection of 5 Dwellings with garages and parking at Mill Court Tudor Park Priorswood as amended by agent’s letter dated 10th August and attached drawings 1503/44A, 1503/45A, 1503/43B, 5403/38N
48/2005/041: Erection of stable block, car port (for 4 vehicles) and cloakroom extension at Quarry Farm, West Monkton
48/2005/043: Erection of pump house and sprinkler tank in enclosure at B & Q DIY Supercentre, Heronsgate, Taunton, as amended by agent’s letter dated 20th September 2005 and revised plans, drawings nos 3465/111 rev.B and 3465/114 rev.B

161/05: To consider Communications
The Communications list had been distributed prior to the meeting. The contents of the list were noted. The three items requiring action were considered.
After some discussion about ways to support the LAT it was agreed to pay the invoice received from the Village Hall for hire of the room (£4.60, but the Clerk should write to the LAT Chairman, indicating that although the invoice received would be paid, the Parish Council would not pay further hiring charges incurred by the LAT. The Parish Council considered that it had shown sufficient commitment to support the LAT by negotiating a further lease with SCC for the Play Area, making that area available to the LAT, maintaining the area with regular grass maintenance, and committing to occasional litter pickings of the area, should a Youth Shelter be installed on the site.
The request for a donation to the ‘Village News’ from Bob Wimbury, Editor, was considered. Although the free donation monies had been distributed for the year, it was agreed that the annual donation to the ‘Village News’ had been omitted from the precept planning for year 2005/06, and £100 should be sent to the Editor forthwith.
Parish Delegation Scheme papers sent to clerk in respect of Planning Application 48/2005/053. It was agreed to write to James Grant.
Dear Mr Grant
At the meeting of the Parish Council last Wednesday it was reported that the Clerk had been sent Parish Delegation Scheme papers in respect of planning application 48/2005/053.
Cllr Cavill reported that he had received no reply from you in regard to his enquiry on this matter.
The Parish Council has never accepted the Parish Delegation Scheme. No-one on the Council has received any appropriate training and therefore the Council is not going to use the sheets that were sent. As they were sent without any covering letter, it is assumed that they were sent in error.

162/05: To approve payments and receipts as listed, Monthly Financial Sheet, and reconciliation of Financial Sheet to Bank Statement.
Papers having been circulated prior to the meeting, the payments and receipts were noted and approved. The reconciliation was deferred until the next meeting.
Receipts
There were none
Payments
Mrs David cleaning bus shelter Sept £20.00
Clerks wages Sept £411.97
Clerks expenses to 3rd Oct £26.02
Parsons grass maintenance Sept £59.93
LAT room hire at Hall £4.60
Burial Ground grant to PCC for year 2005/06 £320
Churchyard maintenance grant for year 2005/06 £500

Notes:
Alliance and Leicester account now open £6000 to be transferred from NS&I, warrent signed (Agreed to do this in previous minute).
Interest from Lloyds Bank Business Instant Access after tax £5.26 (£5000 transferred from cheque account into Business Access, as agreed in previous Minute)

163/05: Web-site update
Two more enquiries were outstanding on the Business Directory, and the volume of e-mail enquiries on various matters about the Parish had increased.

164/05: Date of the next meeting
Wednesday 9th November at 7.30pm at West Monkton Village Hall

165/05: Outstanding items
There were none

166/05: Urgent matters raised with the permission of the Chairman
There is need for a litter pick on the pedestrian and bicycle route from the bottom of Yallands Hill to Maidenbrook. G Day will phone the litter hot line (356550) to report it.
There is fly tipping again at Camels Hump, SCC will be notified.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.17pm


Chairman…………………………………………. Date………………………………….