January 2010

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 13th January 2010 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.
Present: Cllr Reeves (Chairman), Cllrs McCubbin, Cavill (arr later), Ellis, Gage, Haskins, Besley
In attendance: Mrs P A Cavill, Clerk; two members of the public
01/10 Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllrs Tully (work), and Day (car broken down).

02/10 Adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 11th November 2009, and the Planning Committee Meeting on 9th December 2009
The minutes of both meetings had been previously circulated, and following two minor corrections, it was resolved to adopt the minutes of the meeting on 11th November as a true record, proposed by Cllr Ellis, seconded by Cllr Gage and all agreed; and it was resolved to adopt the minutes of the meeting on 9th December as a true record, proposed by Cllr Haskins, seconded by Cllr Ellis and all agreed.

03/10 Matters arising from the minutes: Clerk’s report
Clerk’s report was noted. Mr B Howe has agreed to be the Internal Auditor for year ending 31st March 2010.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
• It was reported that the new residents of ‘Julin’, Greenway were allegedly running a business from the residential property. Plumbing and central heating vans were arriving every morning and deliveries were coming throughout the day. The business has its registered address in Creech St Michael.
• A suggestion had been received that the red phone box could be used for a book swap centre.
• A letter had been received from a resident complaining about the perch rail in the bus shelter by the butcher’s shop.
• A letter had been received regarding the proposal by Michael Baker/Tarker Associates to build on the green wedge land between Maidnbrook and Yallands Hill.
• A complaint had been received about the tracks that had appeared over the bank at New Cross.
• Potholes/loose manhole covers were reported on A38 dual carriageway in the Bridgwater direction.
• Highways work outstanding – white lines down centre of Greenway, replacement ‘Dyers Lane’ sign.
• Two members of the public attended and spoke about the need for a grit bin for Sidbrook Orchards.

The meeting was reconvened.

04/10 Items raised by the Public in Open Session
• It was agreed to investigate the matters reported at ‘Julin’ by contacting J Hardy TDBC Enforcement Officer. A notice will be put on the website and in the Village News seeking a volunteer co-ordinator for the phone box book swap idea. It was agreed that the Parish Council would not directly manage such an activity, and would accept no responsibility for it.
• It was agreed to write again to explain the limited provision that the Parish Council could make in terms of the bus shelter by the butchers shop due to the size of the site available.
• The Michael Baker/Tarker application to breach the greed wedge would be considered once the application was registered with TDBC. Currently, no further action would be taken.
• Tracks, potholes and highways work will be reported to I Titcombe SCC.
• Grit bins appear later on the agenda.

05/10 Power of Well Being
The Community Engagement Statement of Intent had been previously circulated for Councillors to consider. After a little discussion it was resolved to adopt the Statement as written, proposed by Cllr Ellis, seconded by Cllr Besley and all agreed. The Community Engagement Statement of Intent will be published in the Village News, posted on the web-site and laminated copies posted on Parish noticeboards.

06/10 Allotments
Cllr Waymouth was unwell and not present so no report on progress regarding the possible use of the former play area for allotments. It was generally agreed that this is the preferred site, although another site maybe available under a commercial rental agreement with the landowner (circa £100/per acre/year). An email had been received from a person on the waiting list. The position regarding available allotments will not be confirmed until the rents are collected. It was agreed to publish the waiting list on the web-site.

07/10 Improvements to Parish
• Layby. Having contacted three local businesses regarding quotes for the work as described by J Short Garden Design, it was agreed to accept the quotation from Landmark Gardens (C and H Napper). The work would commence as soon as possible for the contractor, so the bulbs could be planted later in Sept/Oct. The figure will be passed onto Cllr Waymouth for the 50/50 Community Chest funding application.
• The SCC Community Chest could support some part of the work associated with the new Servery within St Augustine’s. It was agreed that the Parish Council could undertake to support this to the sum of about £150.00 to £200.00 subject to 50/50 Community chest grant. It was agreed that a particular item would be supported (e.g. crockery) not money into the general pot. It was suggested that Mrs D Besley should be consulted as to a suitable purchase.
• After some discussion about recent weather conditions and the consequential effect on roads and therefore accessibility throughout the Parish, it was agreed in principle that the Parish Council would purchase grit bins for SCC to fill for self-help gritting. Six sites were then identified for the location of grit bins. It was agreed that the Clerk would investigate how to proceed without further delay, so that the bins could be in place as soon as possible.
• Plant a Tree scheme. This will close at the end of January. The response has been better than last year with circa 18 requests for trees received from all parts of the Parish.

08/10 Precept
The recommendation from the Precept Working Party was received, with supporting documents. They recommended a stand still budget which therefore determined a precept of £29778.00. After due consideration, the Parish Council resolved to apply for a Precept for 2010/2011 of £29778.00, proposed by Cllr Gage and seconded by Cllr Ellis and all agreed. The application form required by TDBC was duly signed by the Chairman and the Responsible Financial Officer.

09/10 Official reports
Cllr Cavill reported from TDBC. He explained the importance of the Core Strategy and Small Sites document, the LDF taking us through to 2026. This will be the subject of an exhibition in the Village Hall on 22nd January 2010 3.0pm to 7.30pm. Since the proposals for Monkton Heathfield are huge, it was agreed that Councillors could send their individual comments for the Clerk to collate for review at the next Parish Council meeting. The consultation period is between 11th Jan and 28th Feb. This is the LDF taking us through to 2026.
Tranport Plan for Taunton – the proposal is to pedestrianise North Street which would result in the closure of St James Street. The Parish Council considered the effects this would have on the flow of traffic through the town. It was resolved to respond to SCC ‘that this Parish Council believes that vehicular access through St James Street should be maintained’.
Ken Goodwin: a verbal report had been received which was passed on – ‘work had been stopped for two weeks over Christmas by prior agreement, but the weather had prevented a return to work so there was some drifting away from the schedule’.
It was noted that in the bad weather the Park and Ride had closed. It was considered very disappointing that the service could not have assisted in keeping cars off the road. It was noted that TDBC should give every assistance to Cook’s to enable them to get from their garage to the Park and Ride.

10/10 APM
British Waterways would be approached in the first instance, Councillors offered contact names as the local phone number had proved to be no longer recognised.

11/10 Planning applications registered at TDBC
48/09/0050 Miss K Purchase: Erection of two storey extension to side, balcony to rear, glazed porch to front, dormer windows to front and rear, alterations to fenestrations, and construction of raised terrace at The Orchards, West Monkton. Likely issues- consider impact of proposed two storey extension on character and appearance of existing dormer bungalow. Comment: The development is in keeping with the large properties in West Monkton. The application is an improvement on the existing bungalow.
48/09/0052/AGN Mrs J Moore: Raising of low area in field to improve drainage and access on land at Hyde Lane West Monkton. Likely issues – none listed. Comment: the Parish Council has no comment.
48/09/0051 Mrs J Moore: Reserved matters application for the erection of a two storey dwelling on land adjoining Juniper Cottage, Greenway, Monkton Heathfield (48/08/0013). Comment: the Parish Council has no comment.
Tree Preservation Order to Mr M Gange, Gotton Farm, Gotton, Cheddon Fitzpaine. Three oak trees overhanging hedge of field likely to be sold at auction, field they are in may also be sold. Comment: the Parish Council supports this tree preservation order.

12/10 Planning decisions made by TDBC
48/09/0039 Erection of first floor extension over garage at 63 Farriers Green, Monkton Heathfield.
Permission granted: extension reflects style of existing property so no detriment to its character or the street scene. No adverse impact on residential amenities of neighbours or highway. In accordance with policies S1 (general) S2 (Design), H17 (Extensions) of TD Local Plan. Begin w/in 3 years; use materials to match existing building.
4/48/09/0043 Renewal of permission for 2 temporary classroom units (E.703 and E.713) at Heathfield School. Permission granted. Time limit to 31st August 2014; permitted development to adhere to plans and specifications.
Confirmation of Tree Preservation Order to tree in grounds of Perveril, Hestercombe Road, Gotton, Taunton TA2 8LL.

13/10 Communications
The list having been previously distributed, documents were allocated accordingly.
Requiring action
Date for diary – Planning training at TDBC 17th Feb.
Date for diary – SALC meeting will be in March – Dec was cancelled.
For information
Deane DLO calendar 2010
Heart of Somerset Events – January 2010
Notice of EDF change to price structure ref K6 box: updated charges are - fixed standing charge 70.79p per day, and 11.22p per kWh used.
Sort It plus leaflet – changes to collection arrangements
Winter Service in Somerset 09/10
Hestercombe Humdinger Road Race is 21st Feb – maps to show route and poster
Letter from CAB – 70 years old this year, in 2008/09 helped 153 people from West Monkton ward, and advised 4468 clients from April to Sept 09.
Play equipment/inspection/street furniture catalogues
Community Council for Somerset has a room for hire - £9 per hour or £60 per day – conference facilities up to 15 people. Phone 01823 331222 or email info@somersetrcc.org.uk
Thatch Autumn 2009
Thanks from PCC for £340.00 burial ground grant from TDBC
Amendment number 1 to Public Transport Timetable for Taunton and West Somerset Area
SCSN Somerset’s Community Safety Newsletter Autumn 2009 Issue no 10.
Somerset Rural Youth Project Winter 2009
Road closure in Williton starts 8th Feb for 4 evenings for resurfacing – diversions may affect traffic on roads in the Parish

14/10 Receipts and Payments and Financial sheet
S137 payments were discussed, and the dispensations discussed and agreed when the precept was determined were made. Other payments and receipts were noted, and it was agreed to make a donation to the PCC for the use of the Church Room in August and December 2009. It was resolved to make payments as listed: proposed by Cllr Gage and seconded by Cllr Besley and all agreed. The financial sheet was examined, the bank reconciliation explained and the budget check was done. It was agreed to sign the financial sheet.

15/10 Dates of Parish Council Meetings for 2010
Dates of Parish Council meetings for 2010 second Weds of every month, 7.30pm Village Hall: 13th Jan, 10th Feb, 10th Mar, 14th Apr, 12th May, 9th June, 14th July, 8th Sept, 13th Oct, 10th Nov 2010. Planning meetings 11th Aug, 8th Dec – 7.00pm Church Room, Precept Working Party 16th Nov 7.00pm at Hill Farm 2010.
Annual Parish meeting 31st March 2010, 7.30pm

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.45pm

Signed Chairman..............................................................................