13th February 2008

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 13th February 2008 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.

Present: Cllrs Reeves (Chairman) Day, Ellis, Besley, Cavill, Haskins, Gage.
In attendance: Mrs P A Cavill, Clerk, one member of the Public.

13/08 Apologies
Cllr Tully, attending another meeting: Cllr Perris, family business.

14/08 Adoption of the Minutes of the Parish Council held on 9th January 2008
The Minutes were adopted and signed as a true record; proposed by Cllr Ellis and seconded by Cllr Day.

15/08 Matters arising from the Minutes, Clerk’s report
Cllr Reeves gave an update on the disputed footpath, Yallands Hill to Aginhills.. He had taken the remaining definitive map (issued 1960) missing from L Smith’s evidence in to County Hall. The footpath was not shown on it. This provided extra proof that the footpath was the other side of the stream, i.e. in Cheddon Fitzpaine parish - and not on the east side of the stream which would have been shown on the parish map for West Monkton parish. The Order and all the evidence was submitted to the Inspector on 30th January 2008. There is now a government determined time frame within which the appeal will run, once it has been registered.

The letter from D Slack, PCT, indicated there was not much hope for the proposed Local Centre to be used as a medical centre. Parish Council considered that it was worth another try explaining the number of houses proposed in the current application and the numbers required by the RSS by 2026. It was suggested that the Clerk might also approach Loyds Pharmacy and the Co-op Pharmacy.

The proposed dog bin in Cheddon Fitzpaine parish - the indemnity drafted by Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council was considered, and will be sent to WMPC’s insurers to ensure it is acceptable. It is envisaged that the other proposed dog bin at the top end of Greenway will be acceptable to Taunton Deane.

The chain and combination lock for the allotments has been purchased. Having received a verbal quotation, the Parish Council were satisfied that W Grainger, (plumber used by Spital Trust) would provide best value for money to install the locking tap at the allotments. Clerk was requested to ask for a combination padlock rather than keys on the tap.

Insurers should be consulted regarding occasional litter picker in the village.

The document ‘Lease of land from Heathfield School’ currently held in TDBC strong room should be returned to Parish Council for their archives.

The meeting was closed.

PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
The manhole on the A3259 outside the Spital allotments bus shelter is sinking, lorries are rattling it as they pass over, it could cause an accident.

The ditch opposite Blundells Farm is leaking again giving rise to the same concerns, that of sheet ice should the temperature drop, and destruction of the road surface.

The ‘Slow’ sign on the road outside the junction of Sidbrook Orchards with Greenway is unnecessary as there is a wide enough visibility splay. A ‘Slow’ sign is needed on Greenway outside Hazebrouck House as vehicles travelling south are cutting the bend at that point whilst vehicles travelling north are facing a blind bend on the road. The problem is exacerbated by the fact that Greenway is used at peak times as a rat run by vehicles trying to avoid slow moving and stopped traffic on the main road into Taunton.

The thirty mph sign on Greenway is largely disregarded (see comments in para above) Could PCSO do some tests with the radar speed detector?

Sidbrook cross roads: would appear to no longer be fit for purpose given present traffic flow, slope of the hill approaching the junction from Goosenford and the existing white lines on the road. Several ideas were suggested including a mini roundabout.

Gossip regarding the future use of the new build at Tacchi-Morris/Heathfield School was reported

The white lines at Noahs Hill/The Street have not been repainted following re surfacing.

Allotments - there is now a waiting list of three - two allotment holders have two allotments.

West Monkton Post Office is one of the smaller Post Offices threatened with closure

Correspondence from local police to the Village News editor is still going to Bob Wimbury.


The meeting was re-convened.

16/08 Items raised by the Public in Open Session
It was agreed to contact I Titcombe and SCC Highways and report the various Highways matters, also to arrange a site meeting with I Titcombe regarding the junction at Sidbrook Cross roads. The use of Greenway Sidbrook and Goosenford as a rat run is likely to get worse when Yallands Hill is bus-gated (part of the S106 agreements for the proposed new development).
It was agreed to write to Christina Townsend and quote the relevant sections from the papers of SCC Regulatory Board regarding the provision of 14-19 education for the new Higher Diploma - a government initiative/requirement.
The allotments waiting list will be pt on the ‘Outstanding items’ list and the details of the tenancy agreement examined.
The fate of the West Monkton Post Office is likely to be decreed by the Authority, but nevertheless, its plight will be highlighted on the web-site and a letter written to Mount Pleasant.
PC Curtis and PCSO T Cornish will be provided with contact details of Jenny McBride - the Village News editor.

17/08 Planning revisions
The Chairman reported on the lengthy document received from TDBC. The Government requires changes in the current system from April 6th 2008. All Local Planning Authorities will have the same application forms and other documentation. The charges for planning applications will be increased. Minor applications will be approved (or not) by the Officer responsible and a certificate of those works granted permission will be issued to be retained in the Homeowners Information Pack. A copy of the document issued by TDBC is available from the Clerk.

18/08 A38 Red Route
Signs had been erected throughout the length of the A38. The parish Council recognised and supported the need for road improvements, but considered that spending money on signage was not best value. The Parish Council considered there were too many signs, and at the wrong height so they became a distraction and road hazard in their own right.
It was agreed the Clerk should write to SCC expressing the Parish Councils opinion on the distracting effect of the road signs. It was also agreed to investigate what was required to stage a road safety workshop in the Parish - the SCC had offered them free of charge.

19/08 Insurance
Produce Show trophies. It was agreed that there was a historical obligation to continue to care for the named trophies the Parish Council had insured since the early 1070’s (these had come from the former Produce Society operational in the Parish in the 1940’ s and 1950’s). These comprise 8 named trophies, and it was agreed that the Parish Council will continue to insure these trophies. The more recent cups have not been insured by the Parish Council and are the responsibility of the current Flower Show committee. However, if the Flower Show committee has a problem with storage of the more recent cups, the Parish Council would make arrangements for their safe keeping until such time as the Flower Show became operational once more.
Alternative policy offered by Norwich Union. This is the first alternative provider of Parish Council insurance to emerge for a long time. It was agreed to investigate the package offered, although this did not jeopardise the Parish Council resolution at the last meeting to accept Allianz Cornhill as their insurer for the year 2008/09.

20/08 To consider Speaker and other arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting 26th March 2008
It was agreed that there should be a report from Rev Boucher or the curate.
It was agreed to ask PCSO Cornish or PC Curtis for a brief report.
It was agreed to invite R Willoughby Foster (Forward Plan Unit) to attend an ordinary PC meeting to explain TDBC plans for the future of the area, the green wedges, and the implications of the RSS.
21/08 To receive Official reports
Cllr Reeves:
The Regulatory Committee papers regarding the new building for 14 - 19 year old educational provision were noted. It would appear that scant recognition had been given to the Parish Council comments regarding the travel plan, traffic movements in School Road, and the opening of a single track vehicular access from School Road to the A38. The Planning Officer had commented that a through road was outside the scope of this planning application.
The appeal by Redrow Homes/Persimmon against TDBC’s non-determination of their application for the mixed use urban extension will be heard at 10.00am on 1st April 2008 in the PCR at Deane House. It will go on for 8 days. If Councillors wish to speak they must be in attendance when the Inquiry opens.

Cllr N Cavill on TDBC matters:
The scheme to dual the A358 is under reconsideration by SCC and it is unlikely that anything will be done to the road between Thornfalcon and the motorway without TDBC taking action.
Task and Finish Groups are replacing Senior Committees: so now there are only three Strategic‘ Executive and Scrutiny: T&F Groups report to these.. This is a government initiative, so TDBC is trialling the structure it has put in place, to comply with government, for 6 months. There is a T&F Group looking at biofuels and the uses of Miscanthus as an alternative fuel. There may be an effect on the Parish insofar as the amount of Miscanthus planted may need to be monitored so it does not adversely affect tourism and walkers etc.

22/08 Planning applications registered by TDBC

48/2007/096 Ms K Marlow: Erection of first floor extension and double garage, The Woodlands, Monkton House, West Monkton, as amended by agent’s letter dated 28th January 2008, together with drawing no.002(D). Likely issues, none listed. The Parish Council comment that it is good to see that the right to light issue has been considered and included in the revised plans. The application still represents an over development of the existing property. Any removal of existing structures such as walls that might be removed during the works must be replaced in the same material as existing i.e. Monkton Stone. This building lies within the conservation area of West Monkton.
48/2008/001T Mr D Galley: Application to fell 8 Ash trees, one Sycamore and one Cherry tree within West Monkton Conservation area at Monkton House West Monkton. Please note - permission has been granted - see below.
48/2008/03 Mrs J Moore: Erection of free standing restaurant and reconfiguration of car parking in landscaped/car park area of Hankridge Farm, Heron Gate, Taunton. No likely issues listed 48/2008/003 Erection of free standing restaurant and reconfiguration of car parking in landscaped/car park area of Hankrige Farm, Heron Gate, Taunton. The Parish Council objects strongly to this application, it is over development to the detriment of the current landscaping, and also the present car parking arrangements (which are barely adequate at peak times).
48/2008/004 Mrs S Melhuish: Two storey extension at Kenwood House, Gotton, Cheddon Fitzpaine, Taunton. Likely issues - none listed The Parish Council support this application, and request that the materials used are in keeping with the existing building.
14/2008/03 Ms K Marlow Erection of two storey extension at Trevellas, Coombe, West Monkton. The Parish Council support this application, use of suitable materials should be required

48/2007/062 Mrs J Moore Outline planning for mixed use urban development comprising 900 dwellings, B1(A), B1 ( C ), and B8 Business, Local centre, Primary School, Playing Fields, and open space, A38 relief road at Monkton Heathfield as amended by master plan showing rerouting of internal road received on 28 January 2008
AND
48/2007/061 Proposed mixed use urban extension comprising 900 dwellings, B1Business, Local centre, Primary School, Playing Fields, and open space, new A38 relief road at Monkton Heathfield development site, Monkton Heathfield as amended by masterplan showing rerouting of internal road received on 28 January 2008.

It was agreed that the PC request assistance from TDBC planners and Developers consortium.
Response to J Moore by email: ‘Thank you for offering to come and talk through the application 48/2007/062, at 7.00pm on 27th Feb. The standard form that you send out is dated Feb 8th - I took delivery of two large boxes from the courier on 13th Feb. The 21 day period in which to respond was already therefore reduced by 5 days. The Parish Council are not planning experts although some of the Councillors are very experienced in reading plans etc, so consider that assistance is essential to allow them to formulate a correct and well considered response‘.

23/08 Planning Permission granted by TDBC
PC/4/48/07/060/JD Single Storey Science Block with Glazed Link to Main Building at Heathfield Community School, Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, Somerset TA2 8PD. Conditional Planning Permission granted: commence w/in 3 yrs; development to be carried out as per approved plans and specifications; bricks used shall match the existing buildings; materials for walls and roof are specified, no others shall be used; trees and shrubs removed or damaged during operations shall be replaced
48/2007/074 Erection of two storey and single storey extension at Highlands Monkton Heathfield. Permission granted: begin w/in 3 yrs; external surface shall be of materials shown on the plan.
48/2007/077 Erection of two storey porch to front and conservatory to rear at Sidbrook Coach House, Sidbrook, West Monkton, Taunton. Permission granted: begin w/in 3 yrs; external surfaces to be of the materials shown in the plan.
48/2007/083 Raising roof and construction of dormer windows, erection of single storey extension to rear and to side, to incorporate integral garage, 53 Greenway, Monkton Heathfield, as amended by letter dated 28 Jan and plans nos 443/6 7 & 8 rec’d on 28 Jan 2008. Permission granted: begin w/in 3 yrs; external surfaces shall be of materials as indicated in the planning form; no windows other than those in this application shall be permitted on the north elevation.
48/2007/084 Erection of conservatory, 2 Acacia Gardens, Bathpool. Permission granted: begin w/in 3yrs; external surfaces shall be of materials shown on plan.
48/2007/085 Conversion of garage to living accommodation with new pitched roof, Greystones, Goosenford. Permission granted: begin w/in 3 yrs; external surfaces shall be of materials as indicated in application form; no windows other than those shown in this application shall be constructed on the north elevation; area allocated for parking shall be consolidated surfaced drained and marked out before buildings are occupied and shall not be used for anything other than the parking of vehicles.
48/2008/001T Application to fell 8 Ash trees, one Sycamore and one Cherry tree
within West Monkton Conservation area at Monkton House, West Monkton. Permission granted: work can commence 8 Feb, to be completed w/in 2 years. If bats found on site work must cease; nesting birds must not be disturbed.
Tree Preservation Order: Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton no1) Tree Preservation Order 2008 (PD22/856/TD1038). This order, in respect of two English oaks in the hedgerow on land to the south of Yallands Hill and west of Milton Hill grid ref ST 2526 2654 and ST2526 2655, replaces TPO West Monkton No 2 2007.

The decisions made by TDBC were noted.

24/08 To consider Communications as listed
Requiring Action
Taunton Town Area Action Plan - consultation on Site Allocation Representations. Comments must be submitted by 28th February 2008. As there are no sites in the Parish, no action was required.
Introduction of Community Partnerships within Taunton Deane . There are now three Partnerships - sub-groups of the Local Strategic Partnership. First meeting was 11th February.
TD Citizenship Awards 2008: in view of previous experience it was agreed to keep the matter on file until a Cllr wished take this forward
Parish Flood Fair 22nd February at North Petherton Community Centre (Thurs 21st Feb at Yeovil Town Football Club).Each day divided into 2 sessions - events start at 11.00am and 1.30pm. Each session lasts 1 ½ hrs. Free lunch 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Closing date was 7th Feb so Clerk has reserved two places, which were accepted by Cllrs Ellis and Gage, Cllr Tully will be in attendance as SCC Cllr.
For Information
Viridor: Priorswood Waste Management Facilities. The next meeting of the Liaison Group will be on Tuesday 29th April at West Monkton Village Hall.
SALC Area meetings in March 2008 have been cancelled due to lack of business. Consultation Papers on ‘Power of Well-Being’, ‘Accreditation Tests and procedure for Quality Councils’, and Community Governance Reviews’ have not been issued in time by the Government. Minutes of the West Area meeting held on 6th December 2007 at Nynehead Village Hall are available from the Clerk. Training opportunities are available - ‘Freedom of Information Act, Document Control and Retention’, ‘Clerks I and II‘, and ‘Audit and Accounting Update for Clerks and RFOs‘.
Consultation on Orders and Regulations relating to the conduct of Local Authority Members in England: copy of the Consultation paper available from the Clerk - responses by 15th February: draft SALC response also available from Clerk.
Fordham Research - conducting a Strategic Housing Market Assessment across Sedgemoor, South Somerset, TDBC, and West Somerset. First meeting 13th Feb. Clerk has explained clash of dates and asked to be kept on mailing list.
Publications: The Playing Field Winter 2007-08: What’s on in the heart of Somerset Feb 2008: Thatch winter 2007
Notice of temporary prohibition of traffic turning into the A378 Langport from A358 Ilminster Road, and introduction of temporary speed limit of 40mph on both roads. This is to allow upgrading of traffic lights. Restriction will be in place 8 weeks starting 10th Feb 2008.

The communications were noted and distributed.

25/08 To approve receipts and payments and Monthly Financial sheet

Receipts
Millennium Book £7.50
Allotment rents (part) £200.00
Business directory x1 repeat subscription £10.00
Payments
Cleaning Bus shelters in January 2008 Mrs David £20.00
Ms Newland £20.00
Miss Kimber £10.00
Western Fix-It metal £840.60
Clerks wages for January 2008 £447.48


The Monthly sheet was explained, and the payments and receipts were noted.

26/08 Dates of the next meetings
12th March 2008
26th March 2008 Annual Parish meeting

27/08 Outstanding items
The allotments: tenants and waiting list, will be placed under Outstanding Items.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.30pm.

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