8th March 2006

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 8th March 2006 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.

Present: Councillors Reeves, Ellis, Day, Tully, Cavill (arr 8.30pm), Corcoran, Besley.

In attendance: There were no members of the public in attendance

208/06: Apologies received from L Warren

209/06: Adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 8th February 2006 at 7.30pm
The minutes, having been previously circulated, were adopted and signed as a true record.

210/06: Matters of report arising from the minutes
Clerk’s report had been circulated prior to the meeting. Councillors were reminded that the meeting of West Monkton Planning Committee with the TDBC Planners would be on 15th March at 7.00pm, and with the Development Consortium on 29th March at 7.00pm. Both meetings would be in the Church Room. Chairman noted it was important that all members of the Planning Committee eligible to attend should do so. Meeting with the Development Consortium is to receive a preview of the public exhibition scheduled for the Rugby Ground 5th April – fact-finding. Chairman would be meeting J Browne, 17th March 2006. The Parish Council resolved to collect the old field names and put them forward to be used as street names in the new development.
I Titcombe had inspected verges outside garage/workshop at Brittons Ash, and noted the verges are the property of Highways. The situation is now being monitored as school buses are being forced to wait in the main road due to congestion caused by parked vehicles on verges.
Cllr J Williams will be guest speaker at the Annual Parish Meeting, on ‘The Vision for Taunton’. Meeting was being advertised on pink posters to address previous years’ poor attendance.
The Council resolved that the extra information regarding public liability of LAT for any installation on Play Area should be sent to Chairman of LAT.
Seat at New Cross, Cherry Grove. Now re-instated, DLO thanked for a good job done.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The Governors at the Primary School are concerned that the plans for the new development do not show adequate Primary School classrooms (14 classrooms needed, only 7 shown). Also traffic calming would be needed on old main road for school children. Playing fields have been moved. Timing with regard to when the new school is built – how many houses first?
New unbreakable glass suggested for Adshel bus shelter – polycarbonate.
Panel reported missing on wooden bus shelter on Bridgwater side of A38.

The meeting was re-convened.

211/06: Items raised by the public in open session
Comments noted. Concerns re primary school plans to be made at Planning meetings. Clerk to report bus shelter to DLO.

212/06: To consider Parish grants for 2006/07 (Free resource S137)
Parish Council resolved to support Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance in the sum of £50, Taunton and District CAB in the sum of £50, and the Village News in the sum of £100. R Tully declared an interest. The resolution was proposed by J Reeves, seconded by H Besley and all agreed.

213/06: To consider maintenance contract for play area, and maintenance job for church railings
Play area: The tenders from Parsons and DLO were considered and it was resolved to accept the tender from Parsons Landscapes Ltd; proposed by H Besley, seconded by H Corcoran and all agreed.
Burial ground: The tenders from M Ellis and DLO were considered. H Ellis declared an interest and left the room. It was resolved to accept the tender from M Ellis; proposed by R Tully, seconded by H Corcoran and all agreed.

214/06: To note annual rental for allotments and bus shelter from Spital Trust
The Clerk reported no notice of any change in the rental had been received therefore the same sum as last year would be paid (£10 for bus shelter and £15 for allotment).

215/06: To receive official reports
R Tully, County Councillor, noted the meeting between Parishes and SCC on 5th June. It was important that as many councillors as possible should attend. Let Clerk know. The Chairman apologised, he would be on holiday, therefore unable to attend.
Road deaths are increasing, SCC would be investigating.
LSS road improvements: the red hatching on the road at Milton Hill and at Langaller junction is intended to slow traffic and increase awareness of the junctions. The volume of traffic has increased and there is a possibility that action might not be taken because SCC officers are anticipating the new development. The cycle way is hazardous. It is important to keep emphasising that the major problems are at Monkton Elm junction and Walford Cross, and priority should be given to the work in these two locations. The present signage is inadequate, and crossing traffic is travelling too fast. It was resolved to write to SCC in reply to the LSS letter explaining that the Parish Council continues to be very concerned, and that Walford Cross and Monkton Elms are more dangerous than the areas currently being dealt with.
N Cavill, District Councillor, reported on the government’s approach to TDBC regarding an application to receive the conditions required to apply for a casino. It had been agreed to go ahead with the application so that TDBC would then know the parameters, rules and regulations. Following receipt of that information there would be public consultation as to proceed or not. It was noted that in the town there are already significant numbers of gaming machines at a number of locations.
The land at Holway Green, which was being considered for possible affordable housing under the DEBUT scheme, had always been housing land, and only recently been used as a green space. The DEBUT scheme provides 1, 2, and 3 bedroomed houses at costs of between £60k and £120k on 125-year leasehold. Additionally there is a charge of £50 - £150 per month, covering maintenance of all external areas, security, community heating and electricity, and communal spaces outside for leisure activities. Local people are given first choice, no purchase by landlords and then rents going up. The affordable homes target of 131 per annum, has not been met for the many years and there is now a shortfall of 1000, additionally there are 2000 plus people on the housing waiting list. Redrow is the developer who builds DEBUT homes, and they may put some in the Monkton Heathfield plan. TDBC are offering incentives to developers to build 2-bedroomed homes to sell at c£75k, but there is not a large take-up.
The RSS will be presented to the ODPM by the end of March, and is likely to become a legal document by 2008. The current proposals have not been changed since consultation.
N Cavill reported there was no threat of removal of the Adshel bus shelter at Farriers Green, and noted that polycarbonate can be scratched with graffiti, which is not possible to remove.
LAT entertainments had been held in the Village Hall on Friday and Saturday night.
The proposals for change of local government are being presented as a white paper in July and could be law by 2008, setting in place Unitary Authorities and disbanding one tier of local government. This is likely to put more pressure on Parish Councils.

216/06: To consider Planning Applications received by TDBC

48/2006/010T, Officer Mr P Bryan: Application to pollard 2 willow trees included in TDBC (West Monkton no 3) TPO at 49 Acacia Gardens. Application type: tree works. Likely issues: to be assessed on site. Ensure trees are properly pollarded.
48/2006/011, Officer Mr M Hicks: Erection of dormer windows at Greenbank, Yallands Hill, Monkton Heathfield. Full application. Likely issues impact on visual amenity likely to be acceptable. (PC made no objection to application for loft conversion received Nov/Dec). No objection.
48/2006/012, Officer Mr M Hicks: Installation of dormer window at Lyndhurst, Milton Hill, Monkton Heathfield. Full application. Likely issues: none. No objection.
48/2006/013, Officer Mrs F Wadsley: Erection of rear extension with flat roof and balcony with erection of 1.8m wall and 1.1m timber balustrading at 24 Elms Estate, Monkton Heathfield (revised scheme). Full application. Likely issues: visual and neighbour impact to be assessed. Same comments as per previous application.
48/2006/014T, Officer Mr D Galley: Application to carry out tree management work to two ash trees and several shrubbery species such as hazel, dogwood, holly and blackthorn included in TDBC (West Monkton no 1) TPO 2001 at 66 Mead way Monkton Heathfield. Application type: Lopping of trees covered by tree preservation order. Likely issues: Note from D Galley – I have discussed this work with Mrs Willetts and think that it is an acceptable proposal. PC supports.
48/2006/016LE, Officer Mr M Hicks: Certificate of lawful use for loft conversion at 60 Mead way, Monkton Heathfield.. No comment.
48/2006/017, Officer Miss R Miller: Erection of conservatory to the rear of 19 Heathfield Drive, Monkton Heathfield. Application type – full. Likely issues: none listed. No comment.
48/2006/018T, Officer Mr P Bryan: Fell one sycamore within West Monkton Conservation area at Lime Trees, Monkton Heights, West Monkton. No comment
48/2006/019T, Officer Mr P Bryan: Fell one ash tree and one beech tree within West Monkton Conservation area at entrance to Monkton House, West Monkton. No comment.
48/2006/020, Officer Mr M Hicks: Erection of dwelling on land to west of Pennystone, Yallands Hill, Monkton Heathfield. Application type – full. Likely issues – none listed. Concerns re access through layby.
48/2006/021, Officer Mr J Grant: Conversion and extension to agricultural barn to A1 and B1 use at Procktors Farm, West Monkton. Support. H Besley declared an interest and left the room.

217/06: To note`Planning Decisions made by TDBC
48/2005/071: Erection of 2 storey extension single storey extension and extension above garage to form granny annexe at 3 St Quintin Park, Bathpool. Permission refused: loss of light to neighbouring property (no 2 St Quintin Park), proposal constitutes over development, adversely affecting character and appearance of building and visual amenity.
48/2006/002T: Proposed works to trees, management work to one willow at 21 Acacia Gardens (TPO West Monkton no 3 1998). Pollard according to British Standard BS 3998: 1989, protect birds, nests and eggs, complete works within 2 years.
08/2005/032, Officer M Hicks: Change of use of building from car and vehicle hire place to depot/offices for car rental company at Unit 2 Crown Close Crown Industrial Estate, Taunton. Conditional approval.
48/2006/002T, Officer Mr M Hicks: Application to carry out tree management work to one willow included in TDBC (West Monkton no 3) TPO 1998 at 21 Acacia gardens, Taunton. Conditional approval.
48/2005/075T, Officer Mr P Bryan: Fell one maple tree within West Monkton Conservation area at St Augustine’s Church. No objection – trees.
4/48/06/001: Replacement of two existing temporary classrooms with two new 3-bay temporary single classroom units at West Monkton C of E Primary School. Permission granted, conditions: land to be reinstated to former condition Feb 2011; development to be completed in accordance with approved plans and specifications; any trees or shrubs removed or damaged shall be replaced.
Tree Management works, Gotton Copse: letter from Officer P Bryan, trees are outside Conservation Area so no permission needed.
48/2005/074 Officer Mr R Upton: Clearance of all reserved matters following previous outline application 48/2003/064. Subject to receipt of no adverse comments from County Highway Authority, permission granted subject to an additional condition requiring vertically sliding sash windows.
48/2006/004: Extension to the side and rear of 67 Farriers Green, Monkton Heathfield. Conditional approval.
48/2006/005T: Fell two horse chestnut trees, one lime tree, and carry out tree work on one horse chestnut, one holly, and one evergreen oak at Glebe Court, West Monkton. No objection – trees.
08/2005/034 Officer Mrs J Moore: Erection of dwelling and garage on domestic land to the north of Maidenbrook Farmhouse, The Tudor, Tudor Park, Maidenbrook, Cheddon Fitzpaine. Refusal.

218/06: To consider Communications as listed
Information sheet having been previously distributed, potential tree wardens were considered. It was resolved to ask Andrew Cole if he would be interested in such a position.
Sedgemoor Local Plan; it was resolved that the Clerk should complete the questionnaire.
Letters from 2 residents at Sidbrook Orchard; it was resolved to send copy of Parish Council’s response to D Spence, SCC.
SALC Gratuities in lieu of pension, arrangements regarding tax payable. Having considered the advice from SALC the Council resolved that this Council, in recognition of the service of the Clerk to date, formally resolves that it will pay the maximum lump sum gratuity in lieu of pension allowed by regulation, at the time when the Clerk retires. The Clerk is authorised to inform HM Revenue and Customs of this decision by forwarding a copy of the relevant minute.

219/06: To approve Payments and Receipts, and monthly Financial Sheet
Receipts
None
Payments
Mrs David bus shelter cleaning Feb £20.00
Clerks wages Feb £411.97
Clerks expenses Feb £90.80
Hire of Room (Village Hall from Jan to 1st May 2006) £14.50

220/06: Dates of the next meetings
Annual Parish meeting 22nd March 2006 7.30pm at Village Hall
Parish Council meeting 12th April 2006 7.30pm at Village Hall

221/06: Outstanding items
Future of Parish Councils: see minute 215/06.
Fire service amalgamation, Police Authority review: it was resolved to hold these two items over.

222/06: Urgent matters raised with the permission of the Chairman
There were none.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.21pm

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