9th January 2008

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 9th January 2008 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.

Present: Cllrs Reeves (Chairman) Day, Ellis, Perris, Besley, Cavill, Haskins, Gage, Tully.
In attendance: Mrs P A Cavill, Clerk.

01/08 Apologies
There were no apologies.

02/08 Adoption of the Minutes of the Parish Council held on 14th November and Minutes of the Planning Committee held on 12th December 2007
The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting were adopted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Ellis, seconded by Cllr Gage, and all agreed. The Minutes of the Planning Committee of the Parish Council were adopted as a true record, proposed by Cllr Ellis, seconded by Cllr Haskins, and all agreed.

03/08 Matters arising from the Minutes
The Clerk’s report having been previously circulated, was noted.
The Clerk had sought legal advice about prolonged closure of disputed footpath Yallands Hill to Aginhills. No replies had been received from SCC, or SALC. SLCC had sent the letter to their legal advisor. David Greig at TDBC had passed the letter to the Heritage section and a detailed response received from David Edwards (formerly Footpaths Officer). The advice is that the footpath has to remain closed until the Inspector’s decision is made. Reinstatement of furniture rests with the landowner, restoration of the footpath rests with SCC. The Clerk spoke with Lawrence Smith SCC Rights of Way Officer dealing with the matter. It transpires the papers have not yet been sent to the Inspector. Following discussion, it was agreed that the maps that had not been presented as evidence by Lawrence Smith to the Regulatory Board should be sent to the Inspector as new evidence. J Reeves will be taking the photos of the maps to L Smith on Friday. It was agreed that the Clerk should check that any maps in the possession of Cheddon Fitzpaine have been seen or presented by L Smith, or else the Parish Council would submit them to the Inspector. Cllr Gage would obtain certified copies of Ordnance Survey maps to present to the Inspector.
Letter requesting information/dialogue regarding Medical Centre or Pharmacy in proposed Local Centre has been passed by Dr Caroline Gamlin to David Slack, the Director of Primary Care Development within whose remit it is.
Letter from Joyce Keyte regarding the status of the Flower Show and the history of the Cups was read to the meeting. Parish Council unanimously in accord with her letter, namely: cups to be held in private dwelling house for a year then status of Flower Show should be reviewed and thus fate of cups determined then. Clerk will check the insurance situation.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
It was reported that a number of West Monkton Parishioners were walking between Yallands Hill and Tudor Park, particularly since the footpath has been closed. There are no dog bins in this area, which is within the Parish of Cheddon Fitzpaine. A dog bin could be placed at the start of the pedestrian walkway just beyond where the lap fencing obstructs the access to the disputed footpath. Other locations in the West Monkton Parish were discussed: a dog bin is needed at the north side of the junction of Sidbrook Orchards into Greenway.
It was noted that there is no pavement on either side of the A3259 between the turn to Prockters Farm and the Garden Centre. This is causing a dangerous situation for pedestrians, particularly on the south side of the road, where there is a bench and a bus stop. The pavement leads out of the settlement of Monkton Heathfield on the north side of the A3259 as far as Prockters Farm
Allotment holders have asked for a padlock and chain to lock the small gate into the allotments, and a locking cap for the water tap. It has been alleged that the tap had been turned on and left running, causing flooding, and children were entering the allotments. It was noted that the fence running along the boundary between the allotments and the footpath was in need of attention.
It was reported that tyres have been dumped in the ditch at Camels Hump, which would block the ditch in the event of rain.
A report from the Parish Footpaths Liaison Officer was read to the meeting. He reported that all the footpaths in the Parish had now been walked, some repairs to gates and stiles had been made, and most landowners have been identified for SCC records.

The meeting was reconvened.

04/08 Items raised by the Public in Open Session
It was agreed the Clerk should contact Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council regarding the installation of a dog bin at the bottom of Yallands Hill at the start of the pedestrian walkway. The Clerk would make enquiries with TDBC regarding:- the cost of two bins, the other one to be placed at the junction between Sidbrook Orchards and Greenway at the north side of the junction; the likely time frame for installation; and collection costs and arrangements.
It was reported by Cllr Tully that the replacement of the verge with a pavement between Prockters Farm and the Garden Centre was on ’the Plan’. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact SCC Highways to establish the time frame for this work.
It was agreed that Cllr Haskins would purchase a lock and padlock for the gate at the allotments. He would establish what was needed to make the tap secure, and report back to Parish Council. The Clerk would contact the new Clerk to the Spital Trust with regards to the fence.
The TDBC Litter Hotline had already been contacted about the tyres dumped in the ditch at Camels Hump. The Clerk will make enquiries regarding regulations about hiring local person for minor litter picking around bus shelters and roadside verges in the Parish.

05/08 To receive the recommendations of the Precept Working Party and to agree the Precept for 2008/09
The rational for the sum to be recommended was explained. The budget has been set to allow the on-going programme of repair and improvements to continue, allowing special focus on notice boards which are in a bad state of repair generally. Allowance has been made for anticipated needs coming from the proposed development. The sum recommended is £12600.00. It was agreed to apply for this sum from TDBC, proposed by Cllr Perris and seconded by Cllr Gage and unanimously agreed.

06/08 Administrative matters
To appoint an auditor for 2008/09. In view of the previous good service provided by Mr T Bullen, it was agreed to ask him to do the internal audit of the accounts for year ending 31st March 2008: proposed by Cllr Reeve, seconded by Cllr Gage and all agreed.
To determine the insurer for the year 2008/09. In view of the fact that only Allianz Cornhill offer the service to Parish Councils they will be approached to renew the insurance in June 2008, proposed by Cllr Day, seconded by Cllr Tully and all agreed.
To consider increasing the Clerk’s position on the pay scale by one incremental point. It was agreed that the Clerk’s position on the incremental scale would go up to point no 16 with effect from 1st April 2008, proposed by Cllr Reeves, seconded by Cllr Tully and all agreed.

07/08 Parish Council Policy on Climate Change
Cllr Perris‘s paper had been circulated prior to the meeting. He explained that some Parishes are setting targets to reduce emissions from the Parish - but this seems arbitrary. Carbon neutrality is difficult to monitor and often more spin and marketing. There is no point in leafleting - the public are well informed. Microgeneration is costly, but absorbing CO2 is achievable. Planting trees in the Parish would have amenity value. It was agreed that the trees issue should be taken to the CEP. The trees idea is but one, which could be developed in conjunction with the need for ‘bat alleys’. Other ideas could be explored such as bulk buying energy efficient light bulbs and selling them on at cost. The energy efficiency of the village hall could be studied and possibly improved. After some discussion it was agreed to form a working party to develop ideas that could be brought back to Parish Council for consideration. People other than Parish Councillors might be invited to join the working party. The working party will comprise Cllr Perris, Ellis, Reeves and Besley. The Clerk will service the meetings. The Clerk will arrange a meeting in the Church Room date to be advised.

08/08 Official Reports
Cllr Tully reported that both generators had failed at County Hall for 3 days and a special meeting would be held next week to understand what had gone wrong and how it could be prevented from happening again. The emergency service for the county was out of action. The Parish Council expressed its absolute alarm that such an event should have occurred and requested that Cllr Tully should report this opinion at the meeting.
Future new lamp standards will be time switched.
Cllr Cavill reported that the turf was cut on the property acquired for the new nurseries (relocating from Mount Street). TDBC will make a concerted effort for the Britain in Bloom competition this year and has a good chance of success. The theme will be ‘Community Involvement’.
Budget setting at TDBC is dealing with a budget gap of £1.194million. The maximum rate increase of 4.5% won’t plug the gap, so some services will be cut to the bone. Pensions and Salaries are always a major concern, where the Council is bound by national agreements and also the concessionary bus fares. This initiative, imposed by central government, expects Local Councils to pick up the tab without any government funding. The Council of the issuing office has to pick up the tab - as Taunton is a travel hub this means that TDBC is picking up a large bill.
Project Taunton is underway, work has started on the flats and extension to the stand at the Cricket Club, and Somerset Square will be developed. The Firepool developer will be chosen at the end of March. The shoppers’ car parks may be closed before the new car parks are built. Charges for long term parking in Taunton may therefore have to increase. A car parking analysis and strategy is in place. Gridlock will be avoided. Consultation on Cambria Park and Ride starts soon, but will not fit the same time line.
Cllr Haskins reported that he had collected rent from 8 allotment holders, the rest will follow.

09/08 To consider Planning Applications registered at TDBC

48/2007/019 Mrs J Moore Construction of a roundabout and alteration of associated roads and highway structure at the former chicken hatchery, Bridgwater Road, Monkton Heathfield. Please note - this application will come before the TDBC Planning Committee on 23rd January 2008. The paper states that response from the Parish Council is still awaited. This application came before Parish Council in April 2007 and a response was sent into J Moore at the time. This has been pointed out to J Moore and the response made in April sent to her again. She replied by email ‘The application was deferred on Wednesday to reconsult you (and the consortium). Will that be your final comments or do you wish to consider it further? I intend to report it to the meeting on 23rd January all things being equal.’ Comment: The Parish Council do not wish to alter or amend the response they made to you on Thursday 12th April 2007. The response follows. The Parish Council supports this application - taking the view that it is the logical position for the roundabout and way for the road to go; and the line taken is the line described on the Local Plan. The Parish Council has always considered that the road line as indicated on the Local Plan was the correct position for efficient movement of traffic through the proposed development.

48/2007/083 Mrs F Wadsley Raising of roof and construction of dormer windows erection of single storey extension to rear and to side to incorporate integral garage, 53 Greenway, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council support this application, the development is in keeping with the other properties in the area, and the design is tastefully thought out. Cllr Haskins declared an interest and left the room during discussion.

48/2007/085 Mrs F Wadsley Conversion of garage to living accommodation with new pitched roof ‘Greystones’ Goosenford. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council supports this application it is a reasonable add-on.

48/2007/086 Ms K Marlow Erection of first floor extension and double garage, ‘The Woodlands‘, Monkton House, West Monkton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council, having studied the relevant dimensions very closely, considers that the right to light of the neighbouring property (Whitestones) is likely to be compromised by this application. The plans seem to represent an over-development, almost doubling the size of the property, increasing its footprint and changing the character of the existing building. The Parish Council objects to this proposal. Cllrs Reeves and Perris declared a prejudicial interest and left the room during discussion, Cllr Day declared a personal interest.

14/2007/048 Mr M Roberts Residential development comprising 66 dwellings (including 28 affordable dwellings) on land off Hyde Lane, Hyde Lane, Creech St Michael, Taunton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council supports this application, based on the new road line included in the proposal.

48/2007/070 Mr M Roberts Change of use of site to private hire minibus business at 154 Bridgwater Road, Bathpool. The Parish Council supports this development of a local business.

48/2007/084 Ms S Melhuish Erection of conservatory at 2 Acacia Gardens Bathpool. The Parish Council has no objection to this application.

10/08 Planning applications granted by TDBC
48/2007/068 Erection of extension above garage, ‘The Old Forge’ Bridgwater Road, Taunton. Permission granted: conditions - start w/in 3 years; external surfaces to be of materials indicated in application form.
PC/4/48/07/071/LH Extension of existing hard play area at West Monkton C of E Primary School, School Road, Monkton Heathfield. Permission granted. Begin w/in 3 years; development to be carried out in strict accordance with the approved plans and specifications; landscaping scheme to be submitted for approval w/in three months of the date of this permission to include at least three trees; shrubs and trees to be protected for 5 years.
48/2007/076T Application to carry out management work to two oak trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton no 2) Tree Preservation Order 1994 at ‘Neroche’, Greenway, Monkton Heath field (TD618). Compete work w/in 2 years; works to trees to be done in accordance with BS3998 1989 or current best practice. All birds, their nests and eggs are protected and if discovered must not be disturbed.
48/2007/075 Construction of new building to deliver post 16 education plus the relocation of a temporary classroom unit at Heathfield Community School, School Road, Monkton Heathfield. TDBC raise no objection to this development.
48/2007/069 Erection of storage building to replace existing sheds at the Old Bakery, Cheddon Fitzpaine. Permission granted - begin w/in 3 years; external surfaces to be as specified on the approved plan; disposal of surface water to be submitted and approved before development work commences; sheds to be removed before development starts.
48/2007/082T Application to pollard 3 willow trees at 29 Acacia Gardens. Consent given; complete w/in 2 years; repollard according to best practice; birds, nests and eggs protected.
Planning application withdrawn
48/2007/050 Erection of three storey B1 office building following demolition of existing nightclub and Fitness Factory at Creech Castle, Taunton.
Planning decisions were noted.

11/08 To consider Communications as listed
The communications list had been circulated prior to the meeting.
Comments in reply to the Creech St Michael and West Monkton LAT were considered.
Cllr Day will complete the application form for membership of the Taunton and District Citizens Advice Bureau.
Comments regarding milk collection tankers will be sent to the organisers of the road running race at Hestercombe on 17th February.
GWB Services - keep on file for future reference.

11/08 To receive and approve Receipts and Payments and Monthly Financial Sheet

Receipts
None
Payments
Miss Kimber} Bus shelter cleaning for Dec £10.00
Ms Newland } £20.00
Mrs David } £20.00
Clerks salary Dec £477.48
PCC, hire of Church Room in Aug and Dec £15.00
BWBSL water for allotments July to Dec £14.33
SCC extra lighting in Dyers Lane £468.45

12/08 Dates of next meetings
Parish Council 13th February 2008; Working Party date to be advised

13/08 Outstanding items
There are no outstanding items.

There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 10.27pm.

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