15th August 2007

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council Planning Committee held on Wednesday 15th August 2007 at 7.00pm in the Church Room West Monkton.

Present: Cllrs Reeves, Day, Tully, Haskins, Ellis, Besley, Gage
In attendance: the Clerk, Mrs P A Cavill.

121/07 Apologies
Cllr Cavill, engaged on TDBC business and unable to attend, Cllr Perris (holiday).

122/07 Report re disputed footpath Yallands Hill to Aginhills - Regulatory Board
Cllr Reeves reported that the Regulatory Board had agreed by 7 votes to 2 to amend the definitive map so that the footpath would be shown on the west side of the stream, Allens Brook. The old maps showing this to have been the case were not presented as evidence. One of the most telling pieces of evidence was that the label attached to the footpath is prefixed T51...all West Monkton footpaths are prefixed T32. Therefore, if the footpath had been on the east side of Allens Brook as shown on the anomalous definitive map then it should have been labelled T32 (in 1954 - 58 when labels were given). All footpaths prefixed T51 are in the parish of Cheddon Fitzpaine - i.e. on the west side of the stream. The fact that West Monkton Parish Council had historically maintained the path was appreciated by Cheddon Fitzpaine PC. The landowner (Tarker developers) had 28 days from 31st July in which to appeal. Cllr Tully confirmed that if an appeal is made it will go to an Inspector. The Parish Council noted that in such an event new evidence will need to be produced and SCC Officer in charge of the case Lawrence Smith should be supported. Parish Council noted that the three old maps showing the footpath’s location on the west of the stream could be produced and also the anomalous definitive map must be produced from County Hall as it has not been produced for public inspection, and it would appear that no-one, apart from the developer prior to closing the footpath, has seen it.

123/07 Planning applications registered with TDBC
48/2007/040 Mr J Grant Dwelling and Garage with shared access drive, new garage and alterations to existing dwelling at 21 Heathfield Drive Monkton Heathfield. Comment: The Parish Council supports this application.
48/2007/041 Ms K Marlow Erection of dwelling, demolition of garage, and construction of access on land at 61 Greenway, West Monkton, Taunton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council supports this application, but would wish the roof line to be no higher than the roof height of its neighbours.
48/2007/038 Mrs F Wadsley Demolition of extension to north of property and erection of single storey extension porch and conservatory at The Lodge Sidbrook West Monkton. Likely issues - looks ok subject to conservation officers comments. AND…
48/2007/042LB Mr M Hicks Single storey extension and conservatory to replace existing at The Lodge Sidbrook West Monkton (Listed Building consent - works) Likely issues - none listed. Comment for 48/207/038 AND 48/2007/42LB: The Parish Council supports these applications; the design is sympathetic to the original.
48/2007/043 Mrs J Moore Change of use from Open Space to residential curtilage on land at 133 Bridgwater Road, Bathpool, Taunton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council recommends refusal. The Parish Council has grave reservations regarding the ownership of the land...the Parish Council believes this land is part of the open space provision associated with the Farriers Green development. The ownership is in question, land on the opposite side of Dyers Brook is being claimed, should TDBC take legal action/advice regarding ownership?...enquiries can be made on-line with the Land Registry and full information obtained for a small fee. The Parish Council would be very grateful for feedback from you regarding this matter of land ownership/claim.
48/2007/044 Mrs S Melhuish First floor extension at 50 School Road, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council supports this application; please ensure materials used are in keeping with existing.
48/2007/045T Mr D Galley Application to carry out management work to one maple tree included in tree preservation order (West Monkton No.1) Tree Preservation Order 1989 at 4 St Quintin Park, Bathpool. Application will be assessed on site. Comment: The Parish Council supports this application.

It was reported that Mrs Courtney, the owner of the stables and barn on Noah’s Hill and prospective applicant for change of use to children’s play area, had been visiting properties adjacent to the field behind Monkton House, attempting to find the owner’s details and phone number with a view to purchasing the land for grazing. The field in question adjoins the stables and barn Mrs Courtney owns.

124/07 Planning decisions made by TDBC
48/2007/024 Erection of garage utility and store at rear of 154 Bridgwater Road (revised design). Permission refused: size scale and use of garage does not respect the character of the area and will cause harm to the amenity of neighbouring dwellings
48/2007/039 Erection of conservatory at Galleywood Swingbridge Bathpool. Conditions: start w/in 3 yrs; use materials as shown on approved plans.

Appeal
Site at 70 Meadway. An appeal against refusal of permission for the proposed fence has been lodged. Comments made at the application stage have been sent to the Inspector. Further comments (x3 copies) should be sent in writing before 24 August 2007.

Enforcement Notice
Unauthorised change of use of land for the display of timber sheds and play equipment and their retail sale at the former poultry house adjacent to the A38, Bathpool, Taunton. Notice to take effect on 5 September 2007, time for compliance 6 weeks.

The Planning decisions were noted.

It was noted that; following a site meeting regarding parking that blocked access drives to garages for the flats in School Road, double yellow lines had been painted on the road and ‘No waiting’ signs. The area will be patrolled for the first couple of days at the start of the new term to ensure good practice becomes bedded in. The ‘Slow’ markings are marked out for the crossing area on Milton Hill to Dyers Lane.

125/07 Approval of payments and receipts
There were no receipts in the period since the last Parish Council meeting. Payments authorised were to pay the three bus shelter cleaners and the Clerk for July. Proposed by Cllr Besley, seconded by Cllr Ellis and all agreed.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.10pm

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