9th March 2005

DRAFT
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 9th March 2005 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.

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

In attendance: County Councillor Mrs E Waymouth

036/05 Apologies for absence
H Ellis. G Wallington absent

037/05 Adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 9th February 2005 at 7.30pm
The minutes, having been previously circulated, were adopted with one amendment...’019/05 SPK corrected to SRK...’

038/05 Matters of report arising from the Minutes
It was noted that Tony Stephens would give the address at the Annual Parish Meeting, as PC Curtis may not be available. Tony Stevens is recommended as a good speaker. Noted to write to Rev Boucher reminding him of date and request for report.
Clerk’s notes were circulated prior to the meeting.
Web site progress
Letter written to M Cavill asking him to continue to build the site as and when information is supplied, and to be the web-master. J Reeves has provided photos on CD, passed to M Cavill to use. Noted that public posting of minutes in this way addresses freedom of information
020/05
Ditch opposite Blundell’s Farm seeping and destroying road surface. Letter written to I Titcombe, at Somerset Highways, no reply received yet. Cllr E Waymouth had supported this matter by contacting D Quick who had indicated repairs would be made.
021/05 Distribution of free resource
Cheque for £50 sent to Taunton and District CAB, letter received acknowledging receipt.
023/05
List of seats, bus shelters and cups: list revised, brought up to date, and agreed for future reference
 Seats:
at New Cross, West Monkton
at West Monkton by telephone box,
at entrance to St Augustine’s church drive
at Monkton Heathfield on main road outside Garden Centre,
at Richards Crescent facing main road,
on pavement by allotments on main road, next to butchers’
at bus shelter at Farriers Green
by balancing pond at Farriers Green, (the seat at the play area at Farriers Green is not the property of WMPC)
at bus shelter at Bathpool, opposite Chapel
at Goosenford
at canalside at Swingbridge
outside Community Centre, Heathfield Drive

L Warren has commemorative plaque from one seat, which fell into disrepair
Total: 13

 Bus shelters:
at Bathpool opposite hairdressers,
at Brittons Ash both sides of road,
at Monkton Heathfield, Merry Monk,
at Farriers Green (Adshel)
at Bus stop by allotments in Monkton Heathfield
Total: 6.

 Cups
2 cups no longer awarded, kept in private dwelling house, Howe Challenge Cup for sweet peas, and the Luckock, Food Production Club, Garden Competition Challenge Cup
Cups awarded annually at Flower Show and kept for the year in winner’s homes, in accordance with terms of Insurance Policy
Victor Collins Cup
Hopkinson Cup
Brean Cup
Beadon Cup
Du Cann Cup
Hebditch Cup

024/05 Nominations for Taunton Deane Citizenship awards.
File set up, information requested by Clerk.

026/05 Official reports
In response to report from Cllr Waymouth and letter from Environment Dept, letter sent to TDBC requesting dog bin at Swingbridge on footpath beside the canal, also at Sidbrook if two were possible. Receipt of letter has been acknowledged. It was noted that the dog bin at Milton Hill/School Road seems to be always full: resolved to ask for more frequent emptying if possible.

029/05 Precept 2005/2006
TDBC request form signed, completed and sent in, for £5000.

030/05 Approval of payments
Two years of cemetery maintenance grant paid (2003/04 and 2004/05), total £1000. Reply received from PCC treasurer, C Dalton, saying that a separate account had been set up so that these funds can be used to best advantage in caring for the burial ground facility at St Augustines.

031/05
Letter sent to T Bullen signed by Chairman in accordance with his request from 2002/03 audit.
Annual Return form for 2003/04 received from Moore Stephens, plus statutory notice advertisement. They request that the audit for 2003/04 should be submitted by 11th April 2005. To try to meet this schedule, it was agreed to let T Bullen go ahead with internal audit, (meeting arranged for 30th March) and submit final accounts for adoption at next meeting 13th April. H Corcoran to see copy of accounts before they are sent to T Bullen.

New NS&I Passbook received.
Balance 6336.20 plus interest added, £194.89, balance stands at £6531.09

Information about road closures not in West Monkton
Letter to N Farrow, suggesting this is unnecessary. Receipt of letter acknowledged, response to follow.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME


 A letter from J Keyte was read to the meeting, thanking the Parish Council for considering financial assistance regarding the extra car parking area at the Village hall.
 A phone call from a Goosenford resident was reported. It was suggested that cars are speeding along the Goosenford straight. Residents on the road request the speed restriction from Greenway to be extended to join the speed restriction at Ashton’s Farm in Cheddon Fitzpaine. A request for white lines in the centre of the road at Goosenford by the Gotton Lane junction was noted.
 The chipping dump at Camel’s Hump, recently occupied by gypsy caravans, is not a lay-by, and should be fenced as per other similar dumps (e.g. foot of Mile Hill on Langport Road).
 Information on the road closure in Monkton Heathfield has been misleading; times on the boards were incorrect.

The meeting was re-convened.

039/05 Items arising from Public Question Time
Agreed a proposal to join speed limit at Greenway, with speed limit at Cheddon Fitzpaine. Given parts of the road between is not residential, if continuous speed limit is not possible, resolved to seek signs indicating ‘Approaching vehicles in the middle of the road’ to be located at the brow of the Goosenford road by Ashton’s Farm, and at the junction of Gotton lane with Goosenford road. Agreed to seek renewal of white lines at Sidbrook cross roads and at junction of Gotton lane and Goosenford road.
N Cavill arrived at 8.10pm.
Noted the different messages coming from Somerset County Council regarding road closure affecting A3259 through Monkton Heathfield.

040/05 Allocation of free resource for 2005/2006
After some discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would continue to support the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Service, and the Taunton and District CAB.

041/05 Play area, duration of lease, contract for maintenance for 2005/2006
Papers having been circulated prior to the meeting, the proposed lease from I Ablart SCC was discussed:
Proposed terms for renewal of lease of Playing Field to West Monkton Parish Council
1) 3-year lease with effect from 1 September 2005 on terms as set out on existing lease
2) Rental - £1pa if demanded reflecting the PC’s maintenance covenant
3) The above is subject to contract and all other necessary consents of the Council.

There was some discussion regarding the continuation of the lease, as there is no longer any play equipment on the site. It does form part of the ‘Safe Routes to School’, and it is used as an open space by residents. There is a potential crime and disorder problem if the area falls into neglect. It was resolved that a letter itemising the questions aired in the discussion should be sent to Ian Ablart for his comment. The matter of the maintenance contract will be postponed until the April meeting.

042/05 Annual rental for Spital Trust bus shelter and allotments
The Parish Council noted the annual rental, £10 for the bus shelter and £15 for the allotments.
These monies are due to be paid in January of each year, thus payment for 2005 is owing.

043/05 Model Contract for Clerks
The Clerk and Cllr Cavill left the room. After some discussion it was agreed that the Chairman would go through the Model Contract and amend certain clauses. The amendments will be brought before the Parish Council in the April meeting for consideration for adoption.
It was agreed that, with effect from 9th March 2005, the Clerk’s number of hours per month would be increased according to the NALC guidelines to 55.65 hours per month. This reflects the growth of population of the Parish. It was agreed that the Clerk’s salary will be paid monthly, except in August and December, when two months salary will be paid in September and January.

044/05 Official Reports
Cllr Waymouth presented two cheques, Community Chest grants of £1000 for the Parish Council for the folders to be issued as a Welcome Pack for new residents, and £500 for the Village Hall Management Committee for the hearing loop/car park extension hard core.
Cllr Waymouth reported the situation re Blundells Lane, D Quick will finish the extra culverting.
Cllr Waymouth had contacted the gypsy liaison officer regarding the gypsies illegally parked at the gritting dump on Camels Hump. They had moved on. She is discussing with Somerset Highways about the future of the dump, the nuisance value re fly tipping etc is recognised.
Cheddon Parish Council reported the bus shelter at Nerrols Drive had been vandalised four times and if it is vandalised again, they might consider having it removed. After some discussion it was agreed to write to J Herrington to see if West Monkton could have it for the bus stop opposite the Merry Monk if it becomes redundant.
Cllr Waymouth reported that at Wyvern Waste composting volumes are reducing and the situation is improving. The drainage behind Acacia Gardens is sorted out. The household recycling unit will be open in September. The noise nuisance from lorry movements is not located at Wyvern waste but at the Highways depot.
Cllr Waymouth reported on the Regional Spatial Strategy meeting held on 3rd March 2005 at St Andrews Church. TDBC have no vote in the decision making process. The timing allowed for the consultation period is too short. Each area is trying to protect themselves against development. Apparently no development will be allowed south of the motorway, despite the fact that many towns cross motorways. It is difficult to raise awareness in the villages because 2026 seems a long time ahead. Cllr Waymouth reported that it is accepted that Taunton will grow, but the Regional Assembly seems not to recognise that the growth has to come behind employment. Any other development would turn the Taunton area into a dormitory town. The response from TDBC to SCC is that they accept the PUA status, but it is essential to go for jobs first, houses second. On 16th March the second draft document will be published by SCC; in which jobs match RPG 10. RPG 10 = 532 houses built per annum, and as jobs increase the number of houses under RPG would increase to match. The Regional Assembly is proposing RPG +50%, which would mean that people would have to work away from the area, thus it would not be sustainable, and against current government policy. The RA has 130 plus members of whom 76 are democratically elected; the rest are representatives of various bodies. It is considered that both Monkton Heathfield and Comeytrowe are suitable areas for the urban extension. The development must produce the transport infrastructure. The report will not recommend development over the M5.
Timetable as follows:
22.3.05 TDBC final report on Taunton sub-area strategy
23.3.05 SCC report
30.3.05 Regional Assembly meets to consider TSAS
31.5.05 Authority, latest date for inclusion in draft RSS
July 05 Stakeholder consideration on core strategy for RSS
October 05 Stakeholder consideration on 1st draft RSS
End Dec 05 Draft RSS to Secretary of State
Spring 2006 Public consultation on draft RSS

The document being published on 16th March may form the basis for the public consultation. If Taunton were to lose its PUA status, the infrastructure and road funding from the government would be lost, and the Taunton Vision would be jeopardised.
The motorway should not be sacrosanct, there are more crossings of the motorway than there are over the river or the railway.
The Creech Castle junction will be affected by the new development, although the situation on the A358 would be eased.
The decisions will be made by the Regional Assembly, not TDBC. 70% of funding from the government is going out through RAs.

Details in a month or two should be posted on the web-site and in the Village News.

There was some discussion as to whether the villages might collaborate to share the burden of development, but it was considered that nimby-ism would prevent any useful progress.

H Besley, who also attended the meeting on 3rd March, said that Cllr Waymouth had spoken well for our area, and recorded thanks to her.

N Cavill reported that planning training is sought for District, and Parish Councillors as the guide for 2004 - 2011 will be saved until 2007, after which a new set of planning guidelines and regulations come into play.

Parish Councils may have to do three-year budgets instead of the Annual precept.

Although the gypsies have moved from the gritting dump it was noted that current local rulings on gypsy sites in Wellington by the Planning Inspector might inform any future problems.

045/05 Planning applications received by TDBC
Letter from Western Power showing plans to remove the steel tower line that covers site of new development land at Monkton Heathfield (permission granted by Local Authority). It was noted that the work would be on agricultural land and it was hoped that Western Power would be mindful of the agricultural cycle in operation.

48/2005/007: Erection of two-storey dwelling on land adjacent to Juniper Cottage, Greenway, Monkton Heathfield
Comment: the building materials used should be in keeping with the adjoining properties

48/2005/008: Erection of dwelling and detached garage, construction of new access, driveway and parking areas on land adjacent to Tanfield Cottage, West Monkton
Comment: - The proposed road access is along a drive believed to be the property of Tanfield cottage. Is it a suitable access? the junction to the road is almost blind and at the brow of a hill, and opposite to Coombe road.
- It would seem likely that mature trees may need to be felled to clear the site or let sufficient light onto the site. The Parish Council notes the application 48/2005/006T in this regard - the application having been given consent - and would raise concern over potential loss of mature trees from the locality. The mature trees in that part of the village contributing in large part to the character of the village.
- The other access to the site potentially could be through the private drive used by residents of Monkton House area. The users jointly contribute to the maintenance of the drive. Whilst this matter in itself would not be a consideration in the planning process, possibly a contentious issue might be avoided if the situation was known to those making the planning decision, so that illicit access could be prevented by suitable boundaries to the property.
- There was concern expressed about the density of housing that would result from a second house on the site which would not be in keeping with the other houses in that particular area of West Monkton village.

48/2005/009: Erection of single storey extension at 45 St Quintin Park, Hyde Lane, Bathpool
Comment: no comment
48/2005/010: Erection of porch at 4 Brittons Ash, Bathpool, Taunton (revised design)
Comment: no comment

It was agreed that TDBC should be contacted regarding the absence of architect’s drawings and plans to accompany notice of planning applications sent out by TDBC.

046/05 Planning applications determined by TDBC
The list, having been circulated prior to the meeting, was noted.
48/2004/043: Erection of 2 storey pitched roof extension and front porch 3 Gordon Cottages, School Road, Monkton Heathfield. FOR INFORMATION ONLY: ref. letter sent into Planning Services amending the plans originally submitted and approved (plans 04/461/02B). The amendment involves the construction of the extension 150mm from the eastern boundary,
departure from original plan is approved
48/2004/080: Erection of two detached houses with garages and access thereto at land adjoining The Old Forge, Bathpool, as amended by agents letter dated 1st February 2005.
Development approved
48/2005/001: Erection of single storey side extension at Winterwood, Swingbridge, Bathpool
Permission granted
48/2005/003: Erection of single storey rear extension at 54 School Road, Monkton Heathfield
Permission granted
48/2005/002A: Display of two internally illuminated signs and one non-illuminated sign at Unit 3 Riverside Retail Park, Hankridge Way Taunton. Amended by agents letter and plans received 17 Feb. Consent granted
48/2002/022: Conversion of double garage to day room, erection of first floor extension for bedroom and en-suite at Heathayne Cottage, West Monkton. Amended proposal replacing three paned ground floor windows with French Doors on the front elevation.
No objection
48/2005/006T: Application to carry out tree work on one yew tree included in TPO at Tanfield Cottage, West Monkton
Consent to carrying out the operations specified
48/2004/061: Demolition of filling station and construction of car motor dealership and associated works at Service Station Bridgwater Road Bathpool. Amended proposal includes changes to fenestration, change to door to plant room, lower height of building, remove canopy above side doors, change to shopfront glazing
Departure from original plan approved

047/05 Annual Accounts 2003/2004 and 2004/2005
See comments noted in 031/05 under 038/05. Accounts for 2003/04 almost completed. The VAT repayment claim for 1.4.2002 to 31.3.2004 has been sent in to HM Customs and Excise.

048/05 Communications
The list, having been circulated prior to the meeting, was noted. It was agreed to form a sub-committee to draft a reply on behalf of the Parish Council to the Regional Spatial Strategy. The sub-committee will comprise J Reeves, H Ellis and R Tully, date to be arranged, to meet at Clerk’s house.

049/05 Approval of payments and financial statement
It was noted that the receipts system for payments made was no longer needed, the signatures in the chequebook are sufficient.
The payments list, having been previously circulated, was approved unanimously.
Receipts
Allotment rents £7.00
Interest on NS&I £194.89


Payments
Mrs David, cleaning bus shelter in Feb £18.00
Clerks expenses (as itemised) £68.87
H & A Allscan Services dog waste collection for Feb 2005 £31.96

Fee for stopped cheques, deducted from the account £10

The financial statement, having been previously circulated, was agreed and signed.

050/05 Web-site
Developments noted in 038/05. Business listing charges deferred to next agenda.

051/05 Dates of the next meetings
Annual Parish Meeting 23rd March 2005
Parish Council meeting 13th April 2005

052/05 Outstanding items
The two items on the list are speeding limit in School Road, and the skateboard park. Agreed that the items should remain on the list.

053/05 Urgent matters raised with the prior permission of the Chairman
There were none

There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.00pm.

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