11th June 2008

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 11th June 2008 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall
Present: Cllrs Reeves (Chairman) Day, Ellis, Haskins, Gage, Perris, Cavill.
In attendance: Mrs P A Cavill, Clerk, J McBride (Newsletter Editor), Cllr E Waymouth (ward councillor TDBC).

81/08 Apologies
Apologies were accepted from Cllr M Besley (working), Cllr R Tully (another meeting).

82/08 Adoption of the Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 14th May 2008
The minutes, having previously been circulated, were adopted and signed as a true record: proposed by Cllr Ellis, seconded by Cllr Perris. It was resolved to adopt the minutes of the meeting held on 14th May 2008 as a true record.

83/08 Matters arising from the Minutes; Clerk’s report
The Clerk’s report, having been circulated prior to the meeting was taken as read.
Discussion followed.
Phone box in The Street, West Monkton. It was agreed that efforts to retain the box will continue. Other issues: possible ownership by the Parish Council - if too rusty to move, would BT consider gifting it? Could it be used for WiFi - would Monkton Inn be interested? Retain as mini-local information centre. An iconic structure, attractive tourist feature of the village - especially if Post Office is closed. Keep on the agenda.
Village Hall extension. Quality of costings provided not sufficiently detailed, raising issues regarding the accuracy of the Business Plan and efficiency of Project Management. N Perris offered to undertake one to one interview with K Goodwin to try to gain the information so far not provided to the Parish Council. J Keyte, Chairman Village Hall management Committee, has been advised that the grant from the Parish Council is conditional on SCC and TDBC joint funding grant being awarded. Cllr Perris will report back.
Pelican crossing. The opinion was expressed that SCC Highways had missed the point in their response to the previous request for the matter to be reopened and reconsidered. In the present economic climate things are even less likely to change - it could be three years before the building work starts and 8 before the bus gates are put in. Therefore the traffic levels will increase now, leaving shoppers crossing the road from the bus stop very vulnerable. Clerk was requested to write again to SCC Highways.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME

Disputed footpath Yallands Hill to Aginhills. Chairman had been contacted by a Parishioner who apparently was not aware of the timetable of events published in the newsletter and web site. The Inspector’s Inquiry will open 2nd September 2008. Cllr Gage is going to view the case papers next Tuesday.
Allotments. Following investigation, the two allotments not being worked have been successfully re-allocated, and another person from the waiting list has entered a garden share arrangement. This reduces the waiting list to one.
Safe Routes to School. The area formerly maintained by the Parish Council as the play area, now returned to SCC ownership, is in need of grass cutting. The grass is too long, children can hide in there, there is potential for ambush attacks on those using Safe Routes to School, rubbish is accumulating and not seen.
Adshel bus shelter has lost three out of four front panels due to vandalism.
The meeting was reconvened.

84/08 Items raised by the Public during Open Session
The Clerk will follow up on grass cutting schedule with SCC Highways, explaining the situation. The Clerk will report the vandalised bus shelter, and suggest that the panels are replaced with polycarbonate panels.

85/08 Completion of Employment Contract requirements: Grievance Panel, Disciplinary Panel
The Chairman explained that the two Panels should be in place to complete the Contract of Employment for the Clerk. The members of the Disciplinary Panel would be Cllrs Besley, Haskins, Tully, chaired by Cllr Reeves; the Grievance Panel would be Cllrs Gage, Day, Perris, chaired by Cllr Ellis. Cllr Cavill would remain unallocated to a Panel and would join either, as required. It was proposed by Cllr Perris that the two Panels should be put in place, seconded by Cllr Haskins and agreed unanimously. Thus it was resolved that the Grievance and Disciplinary Panels should be composed as agreed; the procedure to be followed is already documented in the Employment Contract.
The Complaints procedure, for complaints against the Council, was discussed. Standing Orders adopted in 2003 agreed to follow the Complaints Procedure. The Council resolved to use the procedure as described in the NALC Model Complaints Procedure without amendment, as none were needed. The document was signed..

86/08 Review of quotations for repairs to Spital Alms bus shelter
Three quotations had been received for the same specification. Deane DLO £464.00, Mr Smith at Little Brins £150.00, Mr S Rolls at Hasbrouck £186.00. After discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Haskins to accept the quotation from Mr S Rolls, seconded by Cllr Ellis, and all agreed. Accordingly it was resolved to ask Mr Rolls to commence the job in accordance with the specification given on the quotation.

87/08 To determine footpath and burial ground maintenance application for grants from TDBC
It was observed that the Play Area grant was no longer applied for since the lease came to an end and the ground has been returned to SCC.
In view of increasing costs and the potential extra costs associated with the disputed footpath (although the landowner/SCC will be responsible for costs associated with re-opening the footpath), it was agreed that £350.00 will be requested for the burial ground and £110.00 for the footpath. This was proposed by Cllr Gage, seconded by Cllr Ellis, and agreed unanimously. It was resolved to apply for a footpath grant of £110.00 and a burial ground maintenance grant of £350.00 from TDBC.

88/08 Approval of Annual Governance Statement for year ending 31st March 2008
The statement issued by the Audit Commission and forming part of the Annual return document was considered line by line and explained. It was resolved to adopt the Statement of Annual Governance, which was therefore signed as required.

89/08 To consider the draft indemnity re dog bins and Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council
The revised version sent from CFPC was considered. It was much clearer and self explanatory. It fulfilled the requirements outlined in the advice received from SLCC. It was proposed by Cllr Cavill that the indemnity should be accepted, seconded by Cllr Ellis and all agreed. It was resolved to sign and return the indemnity to Cheddon Fitzpaine Parish Council. Cllr Reeves signed the indemnity, which will be sent to CFPC.

90/08 Official reports
Cllr Day reported that she had attended the half yearly meeting of the Spital Trust on 2nd June 2008. Confidential matters about the residents and the buildings were discussed.
Cllr Waymouth reported on TDBC matters, particularly Enmore Green. The proposal was to build affordable houses on open space - which was opposed by a group of residents (170 attended the public meeting). The Scrutiny Committee recommended refusal so the Executive has to think again. Cllr Waymouth also gave an update on the North Curry gypsy problem. They have lost their appeal to the High Court to stay - their only recourse left is the European Parliament. Other sites have been targeted by gypsies in Cotford St Luke and Kingston St Mary. TDBC will ensure that if they do not follow the legal procedures all citizens have to follow, then Appeals will be lodged. Finally, Cllr Waymouth reported on Project Taunton: the short list of the final three developers is under consideration, there should be a decision in the next 6 weeks; the requirements the developer has to meet are to a very high specification. The loss of the Loch Fyne restaurant at Hunt’s Court is disappointing - the application was refused on the grounds of loss of green space of part of the Cider Green because the restaurant wanted to offer al fresco dining. It is hard to attract top quality developers to an area such as Hunt’s Court. Castle Green will go back to being a green again.
Cllr Cavill reported on the Brewhouse three year budget planning. The outcome should be to make the Brewhouse more solvent than in the past and give it more security. Cllr Cavill reported that on 12th August the Secretary of State will announce her decision into the Inquiry into the Appeal brought by the developers on the grounds of TDBC Planning Authority’s non-determination of the application.
The Clerk reported that Cllr Leighton has resigned from the Chairmanship of the CEP due to ill health. Cllr Day suggested that a thank you letter should be sent and all agreed.

91/08 To consider Planning Applications registered at TDBC
48/2008/028 K Purchase: Erection of covered balcony with timber supports and staircase to side and single storey extension to rear, Aginhills Farm, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: it is not clear from the plans that the public footpath that runs adjacent to the house will be kept clear and unobstructed by the proposed works. The footpath in question is presently the subject of an Inquiry by the Inspector which starts on 2nd September.
48/2008/029 Mrs J Moore: Use of land for continued siting of mobile testing vehicle at Taunton Rugby Club, Hyde Lane, Bathpool. Likely issues- none listed. Comment: Parish Council supports this application.
48/2008/030 M Roberts: Installation of one temporary single classroom unit to replace expired unit plus installation of one temporary double classroom unit to replace single temporary unit at West Monkton Primary School. Likely issues - none listed.
Also PC/4/48/08/030/JD County Council application, Ms Jessica Dagnall. Cllr Ellis declared a personal interest, signed the register and did not speak. Comment: The Parish Council supports this application.
48/2008/031A Mrs F Wadsley Mothercare internally illuminated facia sign, vinyl window and door signs, trolley bay sign, and rear entrance sign, Hankridge Farm Retail Park, Taunton. Likely issues - none listed. Comment: The Parish Council wishes to draw your attention to drawing number 5697-5 date 20/03/08 drawn by A Bratton; file location K:/SAPPHIRE DRGS MASTER/MOTHERCARE/TAUNTON. This displays a structure on which the retailers on the site are listed. The structure is headed ‘DEANE RETAIL PARK’. The application documentation clearly refers to the location as Hankridge Retail Park. This is the name by which it is known to the Parish Council; no indication to the contrary has been received by the Parish Council. The Parish Council does not support the continued existence of this incorrect signage, and has no objection to the application.

92/08 Planning decisions made by TDBC
48/2008/020 Change of use and alterations to form renal dialysis unit at former Fitness First Centre, Creech Castle, Taunton. Permission granted: begin w/in 3 years; the use hereby permitted will discontinue and the building returned to its former condition w/in 5 years.
48/2008/021 Erection of gable end to front roof and enlargement of rear dormer at Tweedside Goosenford Cheddon Fitzpaine. Permission granted: begin w/in 3 years; use materials as shown on the approved plan.
48/2008/022T Re-pollard one willow tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton No 3) Tree Preservation Order 1998 at 51 Acacia Gardens Bathpool Taunton (TD777). Permission given: begin w/in 3 years; to British Standard BS3998:1989.

Enforcement Item
E25/08/2008Tudor Park Maidenbrook: unauthorised raising of the wall of the leat; raising of ground level around mounting block

Withdrawal
48/2008/008A and 009A Works at Sainsbury’s, Hankridge

Tree Preservation Order
Confirmation, without modification on 19th May 2008, of Tree Preservation Order made on 31st January 2008. (Location not advised).

93/08 Communications
The Communications List had been circulated prior to the meeting. Communications requiring action were considered. Councillors were interested in SALC training but some excluded because they have jobs, so cannot attend during working hours. More copies of the East Deane Way will be requested. Enquiries regarding the unwanted TDBC leisure notice boards will be made as to size and if wall mounted. Communications for information were distributed.

94/08 To receive and approve Receipts and Payments
Receipts
nil
Payments
Bus shelter cleaning for May
Mrs David £20.00
Ms Newland £20.00
Miss Kimber £10.00
Clerks salary for May £458.22
N Perris (climate initiative) £19.90
Room Hire (Mar and April) £13.60
PCC new burial ground maintenance(08/09) £550.00
Spital Trust rent for 08/09
bus shelter £10.00
allotments £15.00


The Receipts and Payments sheet was signed by Cllrs Ellis and Perris.
The Financial Sheet was explained: it was resolved to accept the Financial Sheet and so was signed by Cllr Reeves and the Clerk.

95/08 Dates of forthcoming Parish Council meetings
The Parish Council meeting dates for the year ahead: 9th July, 10th September, 8th October, 12th November 2008; 14th January, 11th February, 11th March, 8th April 2009. All meetings are at 7.30pm at the Village Hall. There is no Parish Council meeting in August and December, but the Planning Committee meet on the second Wednesday of those two months, in the Church Room at 7.00pm. The Annual Parish Meeting date will be 25th March 2009, at 7.30pm in the Village Hall.

96/08 To note Outstanding Items
Allotments waiting list: no further action.
New editor Village News: two associate editors will produce the next edition. A proof reader has been appointed.


There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.26pm.

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