11th October 2006

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday 11th October 2006 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.

Present: Cllrs Reeves, Warren, Ellis, Day, Corcoran, Tully, Besley, N Cavill, S Cavill.

In attendance: Cllr G Leighton TDBC; the Clerk, Mrs P A Cavill; no members of the public attended.

304/06 Apologies
No apologies were received. Cllr Wallington did not attend.
The Chairman advised that Councillors should give reasons with apologies for absence, in response to the summons to attend.

305/06 Adoption of the Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 13th September 2006
The minutes were adopted and signed as a true record.

306/06 Matters of report arising from the minutes
Clerk’s report had been circulated before the meeting.
All outstanding subscribers to the web-site business directory have agreed to renew their subscriptions.
Reply from I Titcombe re congestion at Britton’s Ash notes that the ditch will be dug out and restored to its former status, having been filled in over a period of years.
Overhanging hedge at Little Marlows - SCC highways to be contacted.
Pressure on places at Heathfield School. Cllr Tully reported that currently he is campaigning on behalf of 5 children, living within 500 yards of the school, who cannot get in. He said that he would raise the matter regarding future provision required by the new development. He commented on Headmaster E Furneaux’s comments that in providing more places for Monkton Heathfield children, the numbers of places available to children from Blackbrook and Holway might be reduced. His consideration was that, as children from a deprived area, they deserved places at Heathfield. Without them there would be a reduction in the diversity of youngsters in the school. The matter had been raised at a Governor’s meeting. Cllr Tully said that figures had been quoted indicating that 11 children could be expected from every 100 houses on the new development, totalling about 50 in all. The Parish Council refuted these figures.
Comments from Brian Gibbs would be considered before determining what to do to repair the bus shelter in the A38.
Street names on the new development. The Parish Council welcomed the support from TDBC and agreed to consult old maps to assemble names for use as street names.
Clerk’s request for purchase of ‘Local Council Administration’ by Charles Arnold-Baker. J Reeves proposed approval of request, seconded by R Tully, all agreed.
Update from I Titcombe regarding 30mph limit in Goosenford. The request is on the list but SCC will be reprioritising in response to LTP2, so no time frame is known.
Parish Council instigation of Community Engagement Panel (formerly referred to as ‘design panel’) re new development, see item 308/06 below.
The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Mrs Lugg and friends have volunteered to walk the footpaths in the Parish.
Footpath from Brown’s to Titley Cottages reported overgrown, is it still open?
Vegetation on roadside by disputed footpath needs cutting back.
Cllr Cavill considered it was a retrograde step to resolve not to renew the lease on the Play area at School Road and wished his opposition to the matter to be recorded.
It was reported that contractors harvesting the Miscanthus on Farmer Darch’s fields at Goosenford had put a significant amount of mud on the road.

The meeting was reconvened.

307/06 Items raised by the public in open session
Mrs Lugg was thanked for her offer to walk the Parish footpaths and report back. To assist in the record keeping it was agreed the Clerk should obtain a copy of the Parish footpaths so that Mrs Lugg could check off the paths as she walked them. There was some discussion as to whether the path from Browns to Titley cottages was still open. Clerk to investigate. Request for dog flaps at the base of stiles was noted, Clerk to investigate. In response to Cllr Tully’s suggestion to access footpath funds available from SCC, it was explained that the funds are accessible only if a properly worked up grant application is submitted. In order to prepare the application, the footpaths of the Parish need to be surveyed to ascertain first of all what works are needed and where. Clerk to ascertain availability of funds, Cllr Tully advises plenty are available.
Vegetation by former location of stile to access disputed footpath Yallands Hill to Aginhills. Clerk to contact SCC Highways - verges should have been cut to include this area.
Disputed footpath has been moved up the list for consideration. There are many others in dispute in the County, and further work regarding new legislation is in the pipe line, so consideration of this footpath might be sooner rather than later.
Following Cllr Cavill’s statement regarding the renewal of the lease on the Play area, it was agreed that the Clerk would contact SCC to request that in view of the shortage of green space in the Deane, SCC should keep the space as an open green space available to the general public for as long as possible.

308/06 Community Engagement Panel
Cllr Leighton introduced this matter. The Consortium has submitted a planning application accompanied by an agreed design code. The Community Engagement Panel, instigated by the Parish Council, would be an independent body, comprised of Parish Councillors and experts in the design field; and recognised by TDBC and the Consortium. Their brief would be to monitor the progress of the agreed design code, acting as a link between the Consortium and TDBC. Areas of consideration could include street dimensions, house frontages, tree planting, access and circulation routes, parking, surfaces, scale and density of houses, materials used, public art. Some names have already come forward for consideration for inclusion: Mark Pearson of Creating Excellence (govt funded based in Taunton); David Westbrook, Somerset Wildlife Trust; Reed Holland, architects: Graham Ward, Taunton and District Civic Society; Terry Haskell, Taunton Civic Society, architect, landscaper. The experts would provide their services free of charge. The Parish Council would determine how many to have on the Panel, and how many Councillors. G Leighton has been asked and accepted to chair the Panel. Parish Clerk, Mrs Cavill was asked to clerk for the panel and accepted. J Reeves expressed his support, stating that professional help was essential to prevent bad development. The Consortium were reported as being aware of the formation of the Panel and supportive of it. Various experts could be brought in to address particular meetings. In response to a question G Leighton reported that TDBC could not ignore views expressed by the Community Engagement Panel. A letter would be written to TDBC/SCC/WMPC to obtain formal acknowledgement of the Panel and its brief. TDBC have undertaken to provide meeting room space. Discussion covered a variety of topics: Parish Council needs this expert help; it lends an extra arm to the decision making process; professional help needed for this momentous task which will change the current community; Parish Council would retain control of the Panel. It was suggested that a visit might be arranged to the best Persimmon and Redrow developments in other places to collect design ideas. One idea put forward was to understand the requirements emanating from the wheelie bins all houses will have - e.g. access through house vs. community park for wheelie bins. Clerk will write the letters to TDBC etc to move the matter forward.

309/06 To consider and adopt the Risk Assessment document for 2006/07
The document had been circulated prior to the meeting. The Clerk explained that last year’s document had been revised in the light of new consultation documents obtained from SLCC. After some discussion it was resolved to accept the document subject to the removal of the matrix labelled Table 1 in the document. The acceptance of the document was proposed by J Reeves, seconded by N Cavill, and all agreed.

310/06 To receive Official Reports
Cllr Reeves reported on the Rights of Way Draft Improvement Plan Workshop. It focussed on the reorganisation of types of footpath to exclude all powered transport from footpaths and byways (except BOATS) to cut down on the damage caused to the environment by 4x4 vehicles and bikes. The Rights of Way section at SCC is having to survey, redesignate and redraw the definitive maps. Much is being done to safeguard footpaths and protect areas like the Quantocks. In response to a question, the assurance was given that the maps are being GIS’d by SCC, so the information should be accessible online via SCC website. The Parish Council resolved to keep a watching brief on the redrawing of new definitive maps in view of the problems caused over the SCC definitive map of Yallands Hill to Aginhills footpath.
Cllr Tully reported on the LAT’s last meeting in which they agreed to base their activities in Creech St Michael. The LAT have taken on ‘Speed Watch’ and as they are the LAT covering Creech and West Monkton, they will do Speed Watch activities in the parish of West Monkton. It was noted that after considering the information about Speed Watch some time ago, West Monkton Parish Council have remained steadfastly against it, because they consider it does not give sufficient protection to those members of the public engaged in Speed Watch activities.
Cllr Tully reported that SCC is focussing attention on ‘Safe Routes to School’ and also on the road safety statistics relating to B and C classified roads. There is an opinion that there are more accidents on them than present statistics would indicate.
Cllr Cavill reported that the ‘Vision for Taunton’ has now been rebranded as ‘Project Taunton’. Work on the Vision had been progressing behind the scenes, now work will soon start on redevelopment of Firepool. Buildings on this site may be higher than the traditional (to Taunton) four storeys, but the lie of the land and the buildings on the skyline will mask the increased height. A boulevard will give a panoramic view of the church spires of Taunton. The development will fund the multi-storey car park that will be constructed. A number of prestigious companies have expressed an interest in coming to Taunton and occupying prime sites in the new development.
Cllr Cavill reported on his membership of ‘Waterlinks’. This is a restoration initiative called ‘Living landscapes’, the Waterlinks theme covers 51 projects, and it is a multi-agency application. The application is initially for £500 thousand, there will be a TV final between 6 applicants, and the winner will collect a further £50million. Within Waterlinks are the Parrett Sluice, navigable canal and river as far as Langport, visitor centre on the Levels (archaeology and wildlife), locks in Taunton at French Weir, navigable route out to the Park and Ride, employment centres - 18 projects in Taunton Deane. The scheme in its totality will make a difference to the flood problems at Bathpool.
Cllr Cavill reported on the ISIS project ‘Improving Services in Somerset’ a joint venture between Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council. ISIS is working with three companies - IBM, Capita and BT. Already, valuable information is coming from the company input.
Cllr S Cavill reported on the gypsy encampment at the Children’s Wood in Hankridge. Enforcement action will be taken against the Environment Agency as they are the landlord and it is their responsibility to remove illegal occupants of the land.
Cllr S Cavill reported on the inclusion of public art in Project Taunton. Aspects of the environment will be considered, not only functionality but also improving the ambience by pieces of art and sculpture etc.
Cllr S Cavill reported on recent development for LATs - mobile youth shelters will be available for them, provided by Taunton Fabrications.

311/06 To consider Planning Applications received
48/2006/034 Mrs S Melhuish. Change of profile from flat to apex roof over side porch at Tresco, Church Hill, West Monkton. Likely issues, none listed *Decision made - out of time
48/2006/050 Mr M Hicks. Retention of open sided car port at Brins Ash, 128 Bridgwater Road, Bathpool, Taunton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment - no objection
48/2006/056 Mr R Upton. Erection of two storey 16 bed roomed extension at Travelodge Hotel, Hankridge Farm, Taunton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment - no objection
48/2006/059 Mr G Clifford. Erection of replacement garage at Fairhavens, 63 Greenway, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues: street scene impact to be assessed. *Decision made - out of time
48/2006/058 Mr M Hicks. Erection of two storey extension to side of dwelling at 36 Parkmead, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues - none listed. Comment - no objection
48/2006/060 Mrs J Moore. Amended application 48/2005/073, relocation for existing 20 caravan site and 10 static caravans on part of existing touring caravan site plus parking enclosure for off road caravan storage at Tanpitts Farm, Dyers Lane, Bathpool. Likely issues - none listed. Comment - re-iterate comments made with first application - development must not obscure views of houses at bottom end of Farriers Green adjacent to proposed development
48/2006/061 Mr M Hicks. Erection of stable block at Little Overton, Coombe, West Monkton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment - large stable block on sloping site so run off must be contained on site and not allowed to run away down the road
48/2006/062T Mr P Bryan. Application to fell one holly, one horse chestnut, one ash, and carry out tree work on one horse chestnut and one acer within West Monkton Conservation area at Glebe Court, West Monkton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment - no objection
48/2006/063T Mr D Galley. Application to carry out management work to two yew trees, one holm oak included in Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton no 2) Tree Preservation Order 1998 at Tanfield Cottage West Monkton (TD776). Likely issues: the work has been discussed with the applicant on site. The holm oak has a significant area of rot in the trunk and needs to have the weight of its crown reduced to prevent one of the major limbs splitting out. Holm oaks are known to respond well to heavy pruning. The yews are in fairly poor condition with many dead/decaying branches overhanging the highway and drive. Comment - no objection
PC/4/48/06/064/JF Enlargement of existing pedestrian entrance to school site and formation of a new cycle entrance at Heathfield Community School, School Road, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton. Cllr R Tully declared an interest and signed the declaration book. Comment - any measures to improve general melee at start and end of school day is desirable, therefore Parish Council supports the application.

312/06 Planning decisions taken by TDBC
48/2006/045 Erection of single storey extension to front and rear and loft extension at Little Oaks, Sylvan Way. REFUSAL
48/2006/047 Erection of two storey extension, dormer windows, and erection of double garage with room above at Dowsborough, West Monkton. Conditions: start within 3 years; use suitable materials; no windows/dormer windows beyond what is specified in the plan; use accommodation solely as single family dwelling.
48/2006/048AGN Erection of agricultural building at Overton, West Monkton. Approved.
48/2006/049 Erection of dwelling and resiting of garage on land adjacent to 45 School Road, Monkton Heathfield. REFUSAL.
48/2006/043 Conversion of office to dwelling and erection of garage at the Cider House, Sidbrook Farm, Greenway, Monkton Heathfield. Conditions: start within 3 years, use suitable materials; no addition to or extension of the dwelling (including dormer windows); any further building needs an application to TDBC; no gate, fence or enclosure on the site without planning permission; no windows/dormer windows except those specified in plan; provision to be made for disposal of surface water so as to prevent it discharge onto the highway.
48/2006/051T Application to coppice three ash trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton no 2) Tree Preservation Order 1989 on the boundary between 41/42 St Quintin Park and the Canal towpath (TD450). Conditions: complete work within 2 years; works to be carried out to BS 3998:1989
48/2006/052 Erection of dwelling and access thereto at land west of Pennystone, Yallands Hill, West Monkton. REFUSAL: the proposal by reason of its siting, scale, depth, height, and aspect in relation to the adjacent dwelling to the east will cause demonstrable harm to light levels and will have an unacceptable overbearing impact on the adjacent dwelling to the east of the site.
48/2006/053T Application to re- pollard four willow trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton no 3) Tree Preservation Order at 27 Acacia Gardens. Conditions: finish within 2 years, pollard in accordance with BS 3998:1989
48/2006/054 Loft conversion with four dormer windows at Ridgeway, Hyde Corner, Bathpool. REFUSAL.
The planning decisions taken by Taunton Deane Borough Council were noted.

313/06 To consider Communications
The list of communications had been circulated prior to the meeting.
Promoting Risky Play - no Councillors wished to attend the seminar at Ilminster on 29th November.
Dorset and Somerset Ambulance Appeal - will be included in ‘Free Donation’ discussions relating to the Precept.
Falcon Homes -it was agreed the Clerk should make contact with Falcon Homes, and ask them to come and give a brief presentation to the Parish Council. This is significant in view of the proposed new development at Monkton Heathfield and may provide some useful ideas.
TDBC Statement of Community Involvement. The Parish Council had no further matters to raise or comment on.
Copy of letter from Mr Higgs to Consortium re traffic issues relating to the new development - no further action. The Council is aware of the traffic issues.
Tree Council materials to be sent to Mr Pugh-Thomas for consideration as Tree Warden.
Receipt of TDBC grants noted, Burial Ground grant will be sent immediately to PCC.
Events diary will be built into web-site.

314/06 To invite suggestions for items to be included in precept for 2007/08, and to assemble small sub-committee to determine the precept and recommend it to Full Council
It was resolved to invite suggestions from parishioners for consideration in the precept discussions, and a note to this effect will be put on the web-site. It was resolved to try to draft the outlines of a forward plan at the same time as the precept was being considered. Members of the precept sub-committee will be J Reeves, R Tully, H Corcoran, N Cavill, H Ellis. A meeting date will be set for after the next Parish Council meeting in order to allow sufficient time for ideas to come forward. Items for consideration will be noted/received at the next Parish Council meeting. It was suggested that, in view of the proposed new development, planning matters might be more easily discussed using a laptop and a power point projector. The Clerk was asked to find out details and costs.

315/06 To approve receipts and payments and the Monthly Financial Sheet.
Receipts
Contribution to insurance, Flower Show Cups £65.88
TDBC Grants Burial ground £320.00
Playing area £370.00
Footpaths £100.00
Payments
Mrs David, cleaning bus shelters Sept £20.00
Parsons Landscapes grass cutting Sept £64.12
Clarks salary Sept £432.62
Clerks expenses £43.14
Local Council Administration 7th Edition
(LexisNexisButterworths) £53.45
Burial Ground grant to PCC £320.00

The receipts were noted and the payments authorised. Proposed by H Corcoran, seconded by R Tully and agreed unanimously. The Monthly Financial Sheet was explained; then signed by the Chairman.

316/06 Dates of the next meetings.
Dates of the next Parish Council meeting will be November 8th at 7.30pm in the Village Hall; the Planning Committee will meet on Wednesday December 6th at 7.00pm in the Church Room.

317/06 Outstanding items
Disputed Footpath. An e-mail had been received from H Fletcher indicating that the report on the disputed footpath, Yallands Hill to Aginhills was not quite finished, but would be submitted for consideration very shortly. The Parish Council considered this to be a rather slow rate of progress. The e-mail went on the indicate that if the findings were in favour of the evidence produced by the Parish Council, then SCC would be responsible for restoring the stile which was taken down and replaced by fencing when the matter first arose. H Fletcher suggested that a kissing gate or other similar access might be the preferred option to a stile.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.04 pm.


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