12th April 2006

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 12th April 2006 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.

Present: Cllrs Reeves, Besley, Tully, Warren, Day, Wallington, Corcoran. Cllr Cavill arrived later.

In attendance: there were no members of the public in attendance. Cllr G Leighton attended the meeting.

223/06: Apologies
Cllr H Ellis

Cllr Reeves informed the Council that, in view of the perceived poor quality of the public exhibition put on by the developers at the Rugby Club on 5th April, he would add ‘Proposed development at Monkton Heathfield’ to the agenda under item 15: Urgent matters raised with the permission of the Chairman.

224/06 Adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 8th March 2006 at 7.30pm
The minutes were adopted and signed as a true record. Proposed by Cllr H Besley, seconded by Cllr G Day and unanimously agreed.

225/06 Matters of report arising from the minutes
Clerk’s report had been circulated prior to the meeting, contents of which were noted.
Cllr Wallington questioned reference to Tree Warden, (his position on Council), TDBC is appointing more, extra wardens who do not have to be members of Council.
The bus shelter at Brittains Ash, on the opposite side of the A38 to the shelter just mended, was reported as having a broken Perspex window.
The reclaimed seat scheduled for installation at Sidbrook Cross was identified as a broken seat rescued from the Play Area before the play equipment was removed, and mended by Cllr L Warren.
Correspondence from T Beale SCC to Clerk and to J Browne MP (same text) explaining thinking behind LSS (Local Safety Scheme) failed to convince Parish Council that correct choice re modus operandi had been made. PIA’s at Monkton Elms apparently not yet analysed. Improvement to first stretch is easier to deliver. Most members of Parish Council had seen accidents of varying severity at Monkton Elm junction, not so at Camel’s Hump junction with A38. The opinion was voiced that the turn for West Monkton from the A38 is not significant enough to be noticed by drivers who start speeding up as they see the dual carriageway ahead. In the other direction, emerging from Doster’s Lane to cross the junction was equally as hazardous. Parish Council resolved to monitor the matter for a month or two to see what actions take place under LSS.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Rubbish was reported in the Play Area, School Road.
Comment about progress on a very small triangle of highway owned land adjacent to the road, requiring re-surfacing, at Crooms Hill.
PC Curtis has had the boundaries of his beat redrawn to include Priorswood, Rowbarton, Cheddon.

The meeting was re-convened.

226/06: Items raised by the public in open session
Clerk authorised to organise a litter pick in Play Area with Deane DLO.
Monitor resurfacing request
Clerk to authorised write to Insp M Ashwin, expressing concern regarding effectiveness in covering such a large and disparate area. C Cllr Tully will raise matter at Scrutiny meeting, SCC.

227/06: To receive Annual Report
The report was issued at the Annual Parish Meeting, and would be distributed to 1200 households in the Parish. It was noted that having an Annual Parish Meeting, accompanied by an Annual Report is good practice. It was proposed by H Besley, seconded by R Tully that the Annual Report should be accepted by the Parish Council, and all agreed. It was suggested the report could be published on the web site: Clerk/web-master to organise.

228/06: To approve affiliation fees for SALC and Community Council
It was noted that support derived from SALC affiliation represents good value. Accordingly, it was resolved to approve the affiliation fee of £495.43p for SALC and £25 for Community Council for the year ahead. Proposer for SALC was G Wallington, seconded by H Corcoran, proposer for Community Council was G Day, seconded by L Warren, and all agreed.

229/06: To consider future of business directory in web-site
The current fee for inclusion is £10.00 per annum. After some discussion it was agreed to retain this annual fee and if subscribers did not pay they should be removed from the list. The directory would continue to list businesses based in the Parish, thus would not carry the same numbers of businesses as those that advertise in the Village News. It was agreed the Clerk should provide an update about the Village web site, including the business directory, for inclusion in the Village News. If possible, the West Monkton walks from the Taunton Deane Borough Council site should be linked to the Parish web site – Clerk/webmaster to investigate.

230/06: To receive official reports
Meetings have been held with TDBC Planners and the consortium of developers, which have been recorded and filed. No resolutions were made, no directives given or received, and no statements issued. The purpose of the meetings was to gather information.
Prior to receiving the report on recent events regarding the proposed development, the Clerk read a brief statement.
During March, 2 extra, informal meetings of the Members of the Planning Committee of West Monkton Parish Council were arranged, both in connection with the proposed development. The first meeting was with Taunton Deane Officers; arranged with the officer responsible, Julie Moore, who was accompanied by the officer from the Forward Planning Unit responsible for the development of the Local Plan, Roger Mitchinson. The second meeting was with members of the Developers’ Consortium and PR consultants.
This statement is in relation to the first meeting on 15th March. By statements made to the Chairman outside, prior to the meeting, and further comments made in the meeting room in front of Councillors, the Clerk’s position to attend and minute the meeting was made untenable; allegations of personal interest having been made by Roger Mitchinson against the Clerk. Consequently, the Clerk left the meeting.
Next day, the matter was reported to Senior Officers of Taunton Deane including Tom Noall; David Greig, Parish Liaison Officer; and Peter Lacey of SALC. All Officers and Peter Lacey concurred that it was fit and proper for the Clerk to attend and minute the meetings. Subsequently, the Clerk received a written letter of apology from Roger Mitchinson, and TD is reviewing its code of instruction to officers. The letter can be produced if required.
In contrast to Members, who are bound by the Code of Conduct for Members, the Clerk’s position requires the Clerk to attend and accurately minute any meeting of the Council or its committees, regardless of personal opinion or interest. – End of statement -
It was reported that the development application is presently on hold: the Transportation Study report and other considerations need additional work before it goes before the Planning Committee of TDBC.
The meeting held between J Browne, MP and Cllr J Reeves regarding the development was productive and informative. The MP continues to be interested.
The public exhibition held by the developers at the Rugby Club on April 5th was not successful, on the grounds of poor timing and location; frustration was expressed because questions could not be answered, due to uninformed staff present; there was lack of appreciation that the application is outline at this stage. It was agreed that a note to this effect should be sent to Charles St George, from the organising PR company.

Reports from County Cllr R Tully:
The launch date for the Village Hall extension would be put back a month until it is known whether or not the application for the DEFRA grant has been successful.
The official launch of the Park and Ride at Silk Mills was well attended. A joint project between TDBC and SCC, the usage rate is steadily increasing. Behind the parking area is a well-stocked park with provision for wild life. Although signage for the Park and Ride could be improved, the traffic lights are now correctly sequenced and traffic is flowing smoothly. This is working towards improving sustainability.
The proposed amalgamation of Somerset Fire Service with Devon Fire Service was explained. The situation could not remain unchanged; options for partners with whom to merge had been considered: Dorset was not favoured, Avon was rejected, Devon was accepted. The outcome should be that both counties end up with a better service, the Unions are warming to the proposal.

Report regarding recent correspondence with S French. The contents of both letters had been noted - the one regretting the loss of old buildings in the Parish, but accepting they must go in the name of progress; the second regarding flood attenuation at Bathpool. In respect of the second letter, detailed response to Mr French, the developers, or the Planning Authority was inappropriate as the Parish Council were at the stage of fact finding and information gathering before responses were made.

Report from District Cllr N Cavill
The Housing Stock Transfer: TDBC’s proposal to transfer the housing stock to a registered social landlord was explained. There is not sufficient funding available for the Council to bring the housing stock up to ‘Decent Homes Standard’, by 2010, as prescribed by government. Various options have been considered. Making no change is not an option; TDBC is short by £6 – 8million, and as a District Authority, is unable to raise the money by borrowing. A RSL (registered social landlord) could borrow money against the value of the housing stock, so government requirements could be met, and standards maintained. Rent increases are fixed by government so change to an RSL from TDBC would not cause rent increases. The idea of central funding for councils so they could retain their housing stock has been the subject of a government working party, from which no recommendations have come. This is sometimes called the fourth option, erroneously, as, at the moment, it is not an option within current parameters and time frame.

231/06: To consider Planning Applications received by TDBC
48/2006/022T Mr P Bryan: Application to carry out tree work on a group of ash, field maple, hazel, holly, and blackthorn trees included in TDBC(West Monkton no 1) TPO (2001) at 70 Meadway, Monkton Heathfield.
48/2006/023 Mr M Hicks: Erection of single storey extensions to side and front of existing bungalow, Willows End, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues – none listed.
48/2006/024 Mrs F Wadsley: Erection of two storey extensions, Greystones, Goosenford. Likely issues: impact on character of area, building and neighbours.
48/2006/026 Mr J Grant: Alterations to existing garage to form garage and office, 2 St Quintin Park, Bathpool. Likely issues- assess impact on character of the building.
48/2006/027 Mrs J Moore: Formation of additional traffic lane to petrol station access road, Sainsbury’s Petrol Filling Station, Hankridge Farm, Taunton. Likely issues – none listed.
48/2006/029 Mrs F Wadsley: Erection of two-storey side extension over existing garage, 49 Farriers Green, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues – none listed.
008/2006/002 Mr M Hicks: Demolition of existing household waste recycling centre, erection of portable type toilet block, erection of access ramps and platforms for new toilet block and new consented office, creation of new vehicle parking area, speed hump and protection bollard, Priorswood HMRC and Transport Depot, Venture Way, Priorswood, Taunton. Likely issues – none listed.

232/06: To note Planning Decisions made by TDBC
The list of Planning Decisions, having been circulated prior to the meeting, was noted. The conditions attached to the permission granted for brown field site development of Croft Garage were noted, especially those pertinent to potential contamination of the site.
48/2006/016LE: the proposed development is acceptable, and therefore a Certificate of Lawfulness is granted.
48/2005/061 Erection of three detached houses and garages and formation of new access on site of buildings to be demolished at the Old Forge, Bridgwater Road, Taunton. Amended by agents letter, amendments to plots 3, 4, and 5, and relocated plot 5 further east, realigns the detached garage parallel to the highway.
48/2005/073 Change of use of land for siting 10 mobile homes for holiday use, siting of touring caravans store in fenced area, construction of service road and formation of embankment and planting at Tanpits Farm, Dyers Lane, Bathpool. Refused: Protection of green wedge, additional traffic movements prejudicial to road safety.
48/2005/074 Reserved matters: Erection of 3 two storey dwelling plots 1 – 3 at land at Sidbrook Farm, West Monkton as amended in 2nd Feb and 7th March or any minor variation thereto. Approved: all windows to be vertical sliding sash design, safeguard appearance of building, first floor windows facing east in plots 2 and 3, other than bedroom 5 shall be glazed with obscure glass, no additional windows without prior authority.
48/2006/003 Full application: erection of single storey extension to side of dwelling at 2 Thornash Close, Monkton Heathfield. Approved, begin within 3 years, protect 2 adjacent birches.
48/2006/006 Full application: erection of first floor extension to form two storey element to rear of dwelling as amended 23rd February at Four Poplars, Hyde Lane, West Monkton. Approved: begin within 3 years, use of appropriate materials.
48/2006/007 Outline application: Erection of two dwellings on site of garage to be demolished at Croft Garage, Yallands Hill, West Monkton. Permission granted, need detailed drawings re size, design, external appearance and materials to be authorised by Local Planning Authority, begin within 3 years, approval required for foul and surface water drainage, hazards from contamination to be investigated, landscaping, boundary walls/hedges need to be approved, details of vehicular access/ parking/ surface used/verge and kerbs, no obstruction to highway visibility.
48/2006/008 Full application: proposed loft conversion at 48 St Quintin Park, Bathpool, Taunton. Permission granted, begin within 3 years, use of appropriate materials.
48/2006/009 Full application: Change of use to B and B business and erection of garage block at 154 Bridgwater Road, Taunton, amendment received 21st February. Permission granted, begin within 3 years, use of appropriate materials for external surfaces, garage/utility store for domestic purposes only, parking area for 4 vehicles requires approval, to keep vehicles clear of the highway, the garage to count as 2 of the 4 spaces for vehicles.
48/2006/010T Tree works: Application to pollard 2 willow trees included in TDBC (West Monkton no 3) TPO at 49 Acacia Gardens, Bathpool (TD777). Permission granted, work to begin within 2 years, Bats and Nesting birds protected.
48/2006/011 Full application: erection of dormer windows as amended 18th February, at Greenbank, Yallands Hill, Monkton Heathfield. Permission granted, work to begin within 3 years, use of suitable materials.
48/2006/012 Full application: Installation of dormer window at Lyndhurst, Milton Hill, Monkton Heathfield. Permission granted, begin within 3 years, use of suitable materials.
48/2006/013 Full application: 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. Permission granted, begin within 3 years, walling to be constructed before balcony brought into use, to protect amenity of occupants of adjoining property.
48/2006/014T Tree works: Application to carry out tree management work to two ash trees, one field maple, and several shrubby species such as hazel, dogwood, holly and blackthorn included in TDBC (West Monkton no1) TPO 2001 at 66 Meadway, Monkton Heathfield (TD897). Permission granted, work to begin within 2 years, all British birds, their nests and eggs are protected.
48/2006/015 Full application: Erection of a conservatory at Bridge Keepers Cottage, 8 Swingbridge, Taunton. Permission granted, work to begin within 3 years, use of suitable materials, investigate and if necessary remediate against possibility of gas migration from landfill site.
48/2006/017 Full application: Erection of conservatory to the rear of 19 Heathfield Drive, Monkton Heathfield. Permission granted, work to begin within 3 years, use of suitable materials.
48/2006/018T Tree works: Application to fell one sycamore within West Monkton Conservation area, at Lime Trees, Monkton Heights, West Monkton. Permission granted, work to be completed within 2 years.
48/2006/019 Tree works: Application to fell one ash tree, one beech tree, within West Monkton Conservation area, at the entrance to Monkton House. Permission granted.
48/2006/025 Tree works: Application to carry out tree work on one holm oak within West Monkton Conservation area at Little Marlows. Permission granted.
08/2005/031 Installation of garage door to garage at Brook Barn, Tudor Park, Monkton Heathfield. Permission granted.

Cllr Wallington left at 9.00pm.

233/06: To consider communications as listed
The list had been circulated prior to the meeting. It was resolved to accept the quotation from Allianz Cornhill for the Insurance Policy for the Parish Council for the year from 1st June 2006 to 31st May 2007, in the sum of £746.80. Resolution proposed by Cllr H Corcoran and seconded by Cllr H Besley, all agreed. It was agreed unanimously not to contribute to SAW (Somerset Arts Week).

234/06: To approve Payments and Receipts, and Monthly Financial Sheet
The papers having been circulated, receipts were noted and payments authorised. The monthly sheet for March was re-considered and its contents noted, and then the April sheet, the first of the new financial year was considered and its contents noted.

235/06: Date of next meeting
The next meeting, the annual meeting of the Parish Council, will be on 17th May at the Village Hall at 7.30pm.

236/06: Outstanding items
Fire Service amalgamation, see minute 230/06. Police Authority amalgamation – no further report.

237/06: Urgent matters raised with the permission of the Chairman
As noted at the start of the meeting, the item under consideration would be ‘Proposed new development at Monkton Heathfield’.
Three Councillors declared an interest and signed the Declaration Book, Cllrs Besley, Warren and Cavill.
All agreed that the public exhibition put on by the developers was of poor quality. The Parish Council had met with the developers before the public meeting, had asked for an explanation of the anomalies from the Development Guide, and answers had been provided which appeared to be at odds with answers subsequently given at the public exhibition. Co Cllr R Tully reported that he had received 78 complaints in his shop the next day.

Cllr G Leighton, (District Cllr for Creech and Ruishton) attended the meeting as she would represent the wishes of West Monkton at the District level, both District Councillors having an interest, and have been advised by J Thornberry, TDBC, that they may not speak. Creech is involved as the industrial developments at Langaller affect Creech Parish. Cllr Leighton reported that Creech Parish Council has made a submission to TDBC Planning and also she has met with Tim Burton, Planning Officer. The process is at outline planning stage, and it is crucial to get the correct structure in place right from the start.
The Development Guide has been produced by a truly democratic process involving extensive consultations and much iteration. The target has been to get the best possible outcome from having 1000 houses required by government to be built in the village. The developers appear to have moved away from the Development Guide in certain key features, and whilst there are bound to be ‘trade-off’ aspects of the development, the reasons for departure must first of all be clarified.
Particular issues were noted:
The alignment of the new road, by moving the roundabout creating a ‘dogs hind leg’, pushes it into the green wedge.
It was not made clear who would be dealing with the Milton Hill section of the road – part of the ‘Safe Routes to School’ of which developers seemed unaware.
The movement of the playing fields away from the school and building was unexpected, and may limit their use and accessibility, especially if it involved crossing the relief road, it was likely to increase risks from dog fouling and vandalism. The example of the present pavilion at Creech was noted, and the problems of dog fouling, vandalism and arson that have been experienced due to its isolated position.
Responsibility for the primary school’s growth associated with the increase in number of houses was unclear. The size of the new school itself was an issue, whether to build to expected full size in advance of children attending, or to have an intermediate sized building. The timing of the move out of the existing school needed consideration as, once building starts, the present school would very rapidly be over capacity (7 portable classrooms to accommodate numbers already).
Developers at the public meeting seemed unwilling to commit to building the relief road at the start of the development, which was a crucial point in the Development Guide.
It was agreed to keep Cllr Leighton on the Parish Council agenda circulation list.
It was agreed that the Clerk would arrange a meeting for Parish Councillors to formulate their submission to TDBC Planning.
It was agreed to inform TDBC Planning that the quality of the consultation had been poor- noting that the developers’ officers in charge were apparently less informed than the members of the Parish Council in attendance.
It was agreed to express dissatisfaction to Charles St George of the PR company organising the public exhibition about the way people were handled, the way the response were given to the public, the literature was user unfriendly.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.05pm


Signed Chairman…………………………………… Date……………