12 November 2008

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 12th November 2008 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.
Present: Cllr Reeves (Chairman), Cllrs Haskins, Ellis, Besley, Gage, Cavill, Perris, Tully.
In attendance: Mrs P A Cavill, Clerk; PCSO Paul Haarhoff, Mr D Macey, Standards Committee. No members of the public attended.
143/08 Apologies
Apologies were accepted from Cllr Besley (business), Cllr G Day (personal).

Mr D Macey explained that he was an Independent member of the Standards Committee. He advised that the first port of call for any enquiry should be David Greig Parish Liaison Officer at TDBC, or the Monitoring Officer, Tonya Meers. All matters considered remain confidential until the findings are complete. Taunton Deane is good compared with national standards – officers are open and quick to respond. Members were advised to closely follow the Code of Conduct to avoid any problems. The Standards Committee works closely with the national body (the Standards Board). Consultation about declaration of interest is ongoing as interpretation of the Act varies across the country. If in doubt – declare, and always err on the side of common sense.
D Macey and PCSO P Haarhoff left at 7.40pm. P Haarhoff gave apologies from the other two PCSOs.
144/08 Adoption of the Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 8th October 2008
The minutes, having been previously circulated, were adopted and signed as a true record. Adoption was proposed by Cllr Ellis, seconded by Cllr Haskins, all were in favour and it was resolved to adopt the minutes of the meeting held on 8th October 2008.

145/08 Matters arising from the minutes; Clerk’s report
The Clerk’s report, having been previously circulated was noted. The date for the Driver Awareness course was noted as 17th March 2009. It was also drawn to the Parish Council’s attention that there is a DVD entitled Safer Biking. A notice to this effect will be put on the Parish web-site. The Clerk has a copy.
SCC Safe Routes to School Officer is now Mr Albert Ward – so far no response to enquiry about absence of a footpath between Monkton Elm Garden Centre and the footpath running up to Prockters Farm. SCC Highways will be contacted again, since the earlier decision to let the matter rest until the development started would not now seem practical as the present economic climate will delay the start of the development.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
• It was reported that Mr Welch is continuing to park his pick up truck on the wide verge by the bus shelter at Brittons Ash.
• It was reported that the road surface of the cycle route where the A38 meets the A3259 is breaking up.
• It was noted that the bus stop outside Hartnolls Farm has raised wheelchair access, but there is a lamppost in the middle so not suitable for a bus shelter. The difficulties with the location are because the road is busy and the bus stop is very close to a blind bend.
• The bicycle tied to the lamppost at the end of Meadway advertising bicycle sales appears to be permanent.
• It was observed that the tractors driving very fast through West Monkton village have continued to do so long after silage making has finished. The practice is concerning elderly residents and it is dangerous round the entrance to Monkton House.
• The Parish Council noted with sadness the passing of Mollie Gamblin.
• It was noted that there is a watching brief on the stables/unauthorised gates at the Stables on Noah’s Hill.
• It was reported that motorists are ignoring the Lollipop Lady at peak times on the A3259 and driving round her.

The meeting was reconvened.

146/08 Items raised by the Public in Open Session
• Mr Welch’s pick up truck parked on roadside verge. As this is now causing damage to the grass surface and obstructing the hedge cutting work of the SCC, the matter will be reported to SCC Highways again.
• Road surface at junction of A38 and A3259 will be reported to SCC Highways.
• Bicycle advertising sales - enquires will be made to ask the owner to take the bicycle away.
• Mollie Gamblin – the Chairman will write an obituary for the Village News
• The Police will be informed about behaviour of motorists towards the Lollipop Lady.

147/08 Annual Review of Documents
Two documents, having been previously circulated were considered; ‘Risk Management’ and ‘List of Assets’. It was resolved to accept both documents; and it was noted that both would be due for review in 12 months’ time i.e. October 2009.

148/08 Allotments
No replies had been received from the two tenants holding two allotments. It was decided to wait and see what they might decide to do. No progress reported on the acquisition of land for allotments. It was agreed to keep this matter as an ‘Outstanding Item’.

149/08 Adopt a Kiosk
Little progress to report so far, the application to adopt the kiosk has been accepted by BT Payphones. It was noted that the kiosk will be added to the ‘List of Assets’ once it is adopted.

150/08 Replacement notice board at Farriers Green
Quotations for the repair will be sought.

151/08 Recommendations from Precept Working Party to Full Council
The papers had been previously circulated. The papers were considered and the conclusions explained. The recommendation of the Working Party was that the precept for 2009/2010 would be £29597. The proposal to accept the recommendation of the Working Party was put by Cllr N Perris, seconded by Cllr B Gage, and agreed unanimously; hence it was resolved that the precept for 2009/2010 would be £29597.

152/08 Appointment of Auditor for year ending March 31st 2009
It was explained that the previous auditor, Mr Tony Bullen, had retired on personal grounds. It was agreed he had been a first rate auditor for the Parish and would be missed. Some possible replacements were suggested and it was agreed that the Clerk should make some enquiries.

153/08 Insurer for the year 1st June 2009 to 31st May 2010
Clerk had obtained detailed information regarding insurance policy for the Council from Allianz and from Norwich Union. Copies of both policies had been passed to D Greig, Parish Liaison Officer at TDBC for his opinion. Having considered both policies it was deemed prudent to make the change to Norwich Union for the year ahead, providing the more detailed policy showed nothing different from the first quotation. Clerk will take the matter forward.

154/08 Official Reports
Cllr Ellis reported on the Viridor, Priorswood Liaison meeting, which had been well attended. It was noticeable that Viridor was working very hard to make the site safe, to run it environmentally and sensitively , with constant monitoring and sampling every 3 – 6 months.
Cllr Tully reported from SCC.
SCC had passed a motion to not support the Government’s removal of contracts from Post Offices – there being enough uncertainty about the future of Post Offices. Paypoint will be a bidder for the services, also Payzone – services will be provided by shops.
The Joint Planning Committees proposal to include South Somerset and SCC in the decision making process – would not include Rights of Way or Mineral extraction licences, but would include decisions relating to schools and roads. SALC will be involved in the consultation. Planning committee would therefore include 2 x voting Parish Councillors; members from TDBC; members from SCC. The idea is to bring planning to a local level – there could be many problems and an overlap of interests.
Cllr Cavill reported from TDBC
There is a budget shortfall, made worse by the government directive for free swimming for the under16s/over 60s. It will be funded for the first year then the funding will dry out. It was thought that too many youngsters in the public baths would drive other swimmers away. The problems are similar to the problems caused by concessionary bus fares. There is a shortfall in what the government provides.
Flood alleviation at Roughmoor is progressing.
Project Taunton is making only slow progress due to the economic climate.

155/08 Planning applications registered at TDBC
48/2008/061 Ms K Purchase: Demolition of single storey extension and erection of two storey extension with conservatory and decking area to rear elevation of 105 Bridgwater Road, Bathpool. Likely issues – none listed. Comment – Parish Council supports this application
48/2008/062 Ms K Marlow: Retention of three jetties alongside the canal at Waterleaze, Maidenbrook Farm, West Monkton. Likely issues – none listed. Comment – Parish Council supports this application.
48/08/0063/LB Mr D Addicott: Insertion of first floor level, formation of new connection to house at first floor level, opening of blocked windows, insertion of new steel ridge beam, recovering of roof, and insertion of 3 roof lights at Birds Farmhouse , Dyers Lane, Bathpool. Likely issues – none listed. Comment – Parish Council believes this to be good use of an old building that would otherwise fall into disuse; supports the application.
48/08/0064 Unidentified officer: Construction of loft conversion at 29 Meadway, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues - none listed. Comment – the reasons for the previous objection to the previous application 48/2008/049 have not been addressed. The application represents overdevelopment of the site, the windows would allow excessive overlooking into neighbours properties all round, and the application is not in keeping with the local development/environment.
48/08/0066 K Purchase Erection of two storey extension to replace single storey extension at rear of Annandale West Monkton. Likely issues – none listed. Comment – the Parish Council supports this application but notes the need to protect neighbours privacy – hence recommends use of obscure glazing on the first floor (bathroom) windows on the north elevation. Materials used should be in keeping with existing, bearing in mind that the application is within a conservation area.

156/08 Planning decisions made by TDBC
PC/4/48/08/043/JD Minor alterations to the external elevations of a new building to deliver post 16 education at Heathfield School, School Road, Monkton Heathfield, Somerset TA2 8PD.
48/08/054 Modifications to Gothic Alcove at Hestercombe Gardens Taunton. Permission granted: begin w/in 3 years; use external materials indicated in application; carry out development in strict accordance with submitted details.
48/08/0058 Replacement of conservatory with single storey rear extension at 13 Brittons Ash Bathpool, Taunton. Permission granted: begin w/in 3 years; use materials specified in application.



Refusal
48/08/057 Erection of chalet bungalow at 154 Bridgwater Road, Bathpool, Taunton. Permission refused: cramped development on small plot; increased access onto A38 and conflicting traffic movements.
48/08/0059T Application to fell 4 oak trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton no2) Tree Preservation Order 2001. Permission refused: trees have a high amenity value and are not dangerous.

Appeal
48/2008/035A Refusal to grant consent to 3 non-illuminated ATM pod panel signs at Sainsbury’s supermarket Hankridge Farm Retail park, Taunton. Further views and comments to be sent in triplicate to The Planning Inspectorate.

157/08 Communications
The Communications list, having been previously circulated, was noted and items distributed. It was agreed to consider the Freedom of Information Act Approved Publication Scheme as an extraordinary item in order to comply with the government’s statutory deadlines for adoption. The document had been circulated to Councillors prior to the meeting. After some discussion it was resolved to adopt the model scheme without modification and to complete the template. The Publication scheme facilitates the proactive release of information and will be effective from 1st January 2009.

158/08 To receive and approve receipts and payments and the Financial Sheet
The cost of the Directional sign ‘To the Church’ £106.45, replacing the one that went missing was approved and the completed authorisation form will be sent to SCC.
The S137 donations were considered. After some discussion Cllr Gage proposed, seconded by Cllr Cavill and agreed unanimously to resolve that the following donations would be made: Village News £100.00; Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Service £100.00; and Taunton and District CAB £150.00. The total sum to be donated exceeds the budget figure, but is well within statutory limits. The CAB sum was increased from the amount given last year in view of the data provided regarding those assisted in West Monkton Parish in the preceding year and the nature of the problems discussed. In view of the credit crunch it was considered likely that more residents of the Parish will be seeking support and advice about financial matters in the months ahead.
The receipts and payments were noted and it was resolved to make the payments as listed – proposed by Cllr Tully, seconded by Cllr Ellis and agreed unanimously. The receipts and payments sheet was signed. The Financial Sheet was explained, showing receipts and payments, balances at the bank, budget position, and a bank reconciliation. It was resolved to adopt the Financial sheet, proposed by Cllr Tully, seconded by Cllr Ellis and agreed unanimously. The Chairman and the Clerk signed the Financial Sheet.
Receipts
2 x subscriptions for Business Listings £20.00
Payments
Bus shelter cleaning for October
Mrs David £20.00
Bus shelter cleaning & litter picking for October
Ms M Newland £30.00
Miss A Kimber £20.00
Clerks salary for October £478.31
Room hire – Village Hall May, June, July, Sept £13.88

159/08 Dates of forthcoming Parish Council and other meetings
Dates of forthcoming Parish Council meetings: 14th January, 11th February, 11th March, 8th April, 13th May, 10th June,8th July, 9th September, 14th October, 11th November 2009.
Planning Committee meetings 10th December 2008, 12th August 2009, 9th December 2009. All at 7.00pm in the Church Room.
Annual Parish Meeting 25th March 2009 in the Village Hall at 7.30pm.
Precept Working Party 17th November 2009 at 7.00pm at Hill Farm.

160/08 Outstanding Items
Currently there are no outstanding items on the list. Allotments will be put on the list.

There being no further business the meeting ended at 9.45pm.




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