February 2010

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 10th February 2010 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.
Present: Cllr Reeves (Chairman), Cllrs McCubbin, Cavill, Ellis, Day, Gage, Haskins, Besley, Tully
In attendance: Mrs P A Cavill, Clerk; thirty two members of the public, Acting PS Mynall, PCSO S Murray, Cllr E Waymouth

16/10 Apologies
No apologies were given, all Councillors were present.

17/10 Adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 13th January 2010
The minutes of the meeting had been previously circulated, and it was resolved to adopt the minutes of the meeting on 13th January as a true record, proposed by Cllr Haskins, seconded by Cllr Tully and all agreed.

18/10 Matters arising from the minutes: Clerk’s report
Clerk’s report, having been previously circulated, was noted. The 6 green salt/grit bins have been ordered.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
Members of the public attended to ask questions about the LDF, in particular the 600 houses proposed West of Greenway.
The members of the public gave their names first then asked their question.
Points raised/questions asked as follow:
Publication of RSS, and therefore its final ratification, is on hold by the government; if the Conservatives are elected to form the next government they have pledged to abolish the RSS – therefore resistance to the proposed development in Monkton Heathfield is strongly urged.
At a previous public meeting it was stated that land to the west of Greenway would not be developed to protect the views from the Quantocks. It was noted the 600 houses proposed for west of Greenway had been unexpected and had not appeared in previous plans.
Those who had bought their houses since 2005 (the RSS) had not had any indication of 600 houses when searches were done.
What action could the Parish Council take – the PC would respond to the LDF, but members of the public urged to respond individually as this would strengthen the argument put forward by the Parish Council. The extent of the pressure exerted by the Parish Council would be reinforced by public protest.
The Sustainability Appraisal is being reviewed due to judicial review of the RSS for the South East. Despite this GOSWRA has directed Councils to proceed with development of PPGs as laid out in the RSS.
The application for 233 houses and a pub at Maidenbrook is on green wedge land.
4000 houses will represent the death of Monkton Heathfield – 1000 was bad enough but the effect of 4000 will mean that Monkton Heathfield is subsumed into a suburb of Taunton, and residents will not have the same community spirit as now. The need is to react to the whole proposal not just Greenway.
Where is the industry and sustainability to support 4000 houses. The numbers are not supported by production sites or high value employers. There are no large sites, although lots of small ones, so major employers are finding Sedgemoor more attractive. Offices and production sites have been agreed for the first time in TDBC. There are no indications for employment in the area.
The numbers of houses are dictated by the fact that Taunton, together with Bridgwater and Yeovil, is a SSCT (Strategically Significant Cities and Towns). This title has taken over the PUA status (Principal Urban Area) that Taunton had when the draft Regional Spatial Strategy was formulated in 2005 by the Regional Assembly and submitted to government in 2006. The RSS sets out growth requirements for each SSCT.
The RSS requires circa 33% of houses to be affordable/social housing. The last survey to assess need for affordable housing in Monkton Heathfield was done about 15 years ago when no response was received to the surveys distributed to all homes and therefore the need had to be determined as nil.
Under these proposals Taunton has the potential to become like Milton Keynes, i.e. a dormitory for Exeter and Bristol. Dormitory settlements like Milton Keynes, and Bradley Stoke, end up with loss of community. It is very important that all residents respond to TDBC – out of 200 leaflets distributed by residents prior to the Parish Council meeting, about 30 people attended. This represents about 15% response, i. e. very small. The volume of public support may be able to achieve some changes. The proposal for the west of Greenway has come as a complete surprise, so maybe this part of the overall requirement could be amended.
The Parish Council opposed the 3000 houses in the RSS in 2005, which were then revised up to 4000; and the Parish Council continues to oppose them now.
Traffic in the area has increased over the last 13 years and speeders are in the lanes and on the main roads, making pedestrian access to schools and shops hazardous. The hazards are sufficient to cause people to use their cars rather than walk. There are no plans for a road through the back of the village, this was a rumour totally denied by Somerset Highways. SCC Highways reliance on Saturn computer modelling is total, and not based on reality. There is no road structure defined to accommodate the 4000 houses, and the relief road proposed for the 1000 will only move the junction for cars going north or south of the town closer to the Creech Castle junction which is already saturated.
Electric sensors to control traffic speed were advocated on the main roads and the police in attendance took note that the Parish Council had been unable to get any solutions from SCC for years. A mobile system can be brought in for periods of time. Community Speedwatch has become better organised than when the Parish Council first discussed it, and it will be reconsidered. PCSOs and traffic police can target areas, collect statistics then propose solutions to Highways authority. The flashing ‘30’ or ‘slow down’ sensors are very expensive. Speed van may monitor Greenway again.
The need for a pedestrian crossing at Meadway on the A3259 was raised again. The Parish Council has campaigned for many years to achieve this but SCC has always refused, giving various reason why it cannot be done.
The green wedge to separate Monkton Heathfield from Taunton must be protected – the LDF document states that Monkton Heathfield will become the same size as Wellington.
Other matters raised in public question time:
• Flooding was reported at Blundells Lane, probably due to a blocked culvert which carries the water under the Monkton Inn car park and away down the lane. The ditch needs cleaning, although opposite Waterleaze the edges need reinforcing as they have collapsed.
• The Police report for January showed improvement in crime statistics – the events in the beat area mainly centred in Hankridge and Viridor. The trailer stolen from School Road had been recovered, carrying the equipment stolen from the village hall building site. A syringe had been found at the end of the Church Drive. There is late night activity on the road between the Monkton Inn and Noah’s Hill, the police are aware of this as a well known rat run for thieves going over the hills to Bridgwater. Some plain clothes surveillance is in place.
• Community Speedwatch at Kingston St Mary has been successful, they share their gun with Staplegrove. Cllr Waymouth will find out more. Viridor trucks are speeders in Priorswood.
• Dog fouling was reported in School Road and Hyde Lane.
• During the recent bad weather School Road was salted, but operatives only went as far as the secondary school, and the surroundings of the primary school were left in a hazardous condition.
• A letter about allotments waiting list had been received from an individual.
• Buses turning into Milton Hill from the A3259 are destroying the verge on the west side, there are no kerbstones and muddy potholes are developing.
• It was reported that cars are driving heedless of pedestrians on Milton Hill, and failing to stop.
• It was noted that the old people’s bungalows were being painted in the cold weather so they had to leave their front doors open.
• The stile at the bottom of Cossey’s field needs repair.
• It was reported that First National buses were failing to stop at Dosters Lane bus stop.
• The width restriction sign for Brittons Ash has fallen over and no longer visible.
The meeting was reconvened.

19/10 Items raised by the Public in Open Session
• The comments related to the ‘Core Strategy and Small Sites Consultation’ will inform the response of the Parish Council.
• Cllr Waymouth will report back on the Kingston Community Speedwatch scheme. She will also determine the correct process for establishing a pelican crossing under Parish Power of WellBeing.
• Blundells Lane flooding, salting arrangements in the environs of both schools, destruction of verges at Milton Hill, and width restriction sign will be reported to I Titcombe at SCC Highways.
• Dog fouling will be reported to the TDBC dog warden, but as the dog warden only patrols during the working day, the perpetrator may not be found.
• Scheduled painting of old peoples bungalows regardless of weather conditions, will be reported to TDBC.
• The broken stile will be reported to SCC Rights of Way Officer.
• First National buses will be contacted and the fail to stop will be reported.

20/10 Power of Well Being
Certificates were awarded to Cllrs McCubbin, Besley and Tully.
The resolution was put before the Full Council: That this Council now affirms that the 4 prescribed conditions for the use of the power of well-being set out in 2008 SI No:3095 are now satisfied.
The resolution was proposed by Cllr Gage, seconded by Cllr Haskins and agreed unanimously.

21/10 Phone Box Book Swap arrangements
Cllr Gage reported that Mr B Marks had kindly come forward and volunteered to run the book swap. It was agreed to ask Mr S Rolls how much it would cost to fix some shelves in the phone box to expedite the scheme.

22/10 Consideration of TDBC Core Strategy and Small Sites Consultation
The Parish Council discussed the proposals given in the LDF document, and considered the points of view expressed by members of the public. It was agreed the Clerk would put the comments into a report for members to add to/amend as required.

23/10 Official reports
Cllr Waymouth reported on the allotments situation. S Briggs from SCC was looking at the possibility of using the former play area at the end of School Road on a temporary basis, until the land was needed by the school. She should be able to give a further report next month.
Cllr Waymouth reported there would be a nil increase in the County Budget this year. Achieved only with difficulty, it meant the Community Chest would be cut.
Cllr Tully reported that the building of the Village Hall extension was a month behind schedule and would now be completed by July 4th.
In view of the lateness of the hour, no report was given by Cllr Cavill.

24/10 Planning applications registered at TDBC
48/09/0053/T Mr D Galley Application to fell one holly tree within West Monkton Conservation area at The Stables West Monkton. Likely issues – the application will be assessed on site. Comment: the Parish Council supports this application.
48/09/0054 Mrs J Moore Development of 11Ha of land to provide in the region of 233 dwellings, recreation and play areas, a public house/restaurant, and car parking on land at Maidenbrook Farm, West Monkton. Likely issues: the land is part of the green wedge that separates Monkton Heathfield from Taunton and is proposed Recreational Open Space in the Taunton Deane Local Plan as a result there is a presumption against residential development in the development plan. Comment: The Parish Council strongly opposes this application. It is located on Green Wedge land, so development at this site would create a precedent that would threaten the integrity of the Green Wedge areas. The development would isolate the green park proposed on the Viridor site and thus continuity for threatened species (e.g. bats) would be lost.
48/10/0001 Ms K Marlow Demolition of bungalow and construction of new dwelling at 21 Greenway West Monkton. Likely issues need to assess any potential impact on the neighbouring properties. Comment: The Parish Council believes this proposal is out of character; the neighbouring properties are bungalows, some of which have dormers, but this proposal is over large and over width in comparison with its neighbours.
48/10/0003/T Mr D Galley Application to pollard two willow trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton No 3) Tree Preservation Order 1998 at 9 Acacia Gardens Bathpool Taunton (TD777) Likely issues – the application will be assessed on site. Comment: the Parish Council supports this application.
48/10/005/LP Mrs S Melhuish Application for a lawful development certificate for a proposed use or development at Mortland Cottage West Monkton. Likely issues – none listed. Comment: the Parish Council supports this application for a certificate of lawful development.

25/10 Planning Decisions made by TDBC
48/10/0002 Erection of single storey extension at 62 Meadway, Monkton Heathfield, West Monkton. The proposal constitutes development permitted under Article 3 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The permission of the Local Planning Authority is therefore not necessary. (Approval is necessary under Building Regulations).
48/09/0052/AGN Raising of land in low area in field to improve drainage and access on land at Hyde Lane West Monkton. Under Town and Country Planning General Permitted Development Order 1995 Schedule 2 Parts 6 and 7, TDBC declines involvement in the proposal, work can commence subject to other approvals being obtained (Building Regulations). Work must be complete by Dec 2014, and inform TDBC when works are substantially completed.
48/09/0048 Erection of timber decking to front of conservatory at Peveril, Gotton. The decking is not considered to cause harm to the character and appearance of the property or to that of the surrounding area, no material loss of privacy to neighbour. In accordance with policies S1 (general), S2 (design), and H17 (extensions to dwelling) TD Local Plan.
48/09/0049 Erection of two storey extension to front and rear, single storey extension to side, two dormer windows to front and porch with raising of roof to create first floor at Hawks View, West Monkton. Permission granted. Extensions will alter character of property but without material harm to itself or neighbours in conservation area. No adverse impact on residential amenities, no impact on trees on the site. In accordance with S1 (general), S2 (design) H17 (extensions to dwellings) TD Local Plan. Begin w/in 3 years; use matching materials on external surfaces as agreed with Local Planning Authority.
48/09/0050Erection of two storey extension to side, balcony to rear, glazed porch to front, dormer windows to front and rear, alterations to fenestration, construction of raised terrace at The Orchards, Noahs Hill, West Monkton (incl revised drawings). Proposed extensions will alter character but without material harm to it or surrounding landscape. No adverse impact on residential amenities of owners or neighbours, o impact on trees. In accordance with S1 (general), S2 (design), H17 (extensions) TD Local Plan. Begin w/in 3 years; use only materials specified; extension can only be occupied as ancillary to main residence. Mr D Galley Application to pollard two willow trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (West Monkton No 3) Tree Preservation Order 1998 at 9 Acacia Gardens, Bathpool, Taunton (TD777) Likely issues – the application will be assessed on site.
Tree Orders
Order confirmed on oaks in fields currently belonging to Mr Gange, Gotton Farm.
Order placed on 19 trees and 4 groups of trees on land at Hollywood Bowl Heron Gate Taunton TA1 2LP.

26/10 Communications
The list of communications having been previously circulated, materials were distributed.

27/10 Receipts and Payments and Financial sheet: gritting bins, trees
The financial sheet was distributed and explained, the payments and receipts were noted. The Payments sheet was agreed and signed, proposed by Cllr Ellis and seconded by Cllr Day.
Receipts
Nil
Payments
Bus shelter cleaning for Jan 2010
Mrs David £20.00
Ms Newland £30.00
Miss Kimber £20.00
Clerks salary for January £351.54
HMRC £163.38
Parish Council Grant to Village Hall Management
Cttee for Hall Extension: Year 1 £17000.00

(Plus cost noted of 6 x gritting bins circa £140.00 x 6 = £840.00)
(and trees circa £1.50 x 20 £30.00)

28/10 Outstanding items: Improvements to Parish
Layby
Church Servery

29/10 Dates of Parish Council meetings for 2010 second Weds of every month, 7.30pm Village Hall: 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 9.55pm.


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