May 2010 Annual Meeting of the Parish Council

ADOPTED
WEST MONKTON PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 12th May 2010 at 7.30pm in the Committee Room, West Monkton Village Hall.

Present: Cllrs Reeves, Haskins, Day, Ellis, Gage, Tully, Cavill, Besley, McCubbin.
In attendance: Mrs P A Cavill, Clerk

062/10 Election of Chairman
This being the annual meeting of the Parish Council, the first business of the meeting was the election of Chairman. Cllr Reeves nominated Cllr Ellis, seconded by Cllr Tully. There were no other nominations. It was resolved that Cllr Ellis would be the Chairman for the year ahead. Cllr Ellis signed the Acceptance of Office form, all members completed a Declaration of Interest form, and undertook to agree by the Code of Conduct.

063/10 Election of Vice Chairman
Cllr Ellis nominated Cllr Reeves, seconded by Cllr Tully. There were no other nominations. It was resolved that Cllr Reeves would be the Vice Chairman for the year ahead.

064/10 Election of Footpaths Officer
Cllr Reeves nominated Cllr Gage, seconded by Cllr Day. There were no other nominations. It was resolved that Cllr Gage would be the Footpaths Officer for the year ahead.

065/10 Election of Allotments Officer
Cllr Besley nominated Cllr Haskins, seconded by Cllr Gage. There were no other nominations. It was resolved that Cllr Haskins would be the Allotments Officer for the year ahead.

066/10 Election of Open Spaces Officer
Cllr Cavill nominated Cllr Haskins, seconded by Cllr Reeves. There were no other nominations. It was resolved that Cllr Haskins would be the Open Spaces Officer for the year ahead.

067/10 Election of Press Officer
Cllr Tully nominated Cllr Day, seconded by Cllr Reeves. There were no other nominations. It was resolved that Cllr Day would be the Press Officer for the year ahead.

068/10 Election of Environment Officer and Tree Warden
Cllr McCubbin was nominated by Cllr Gage, seconded by Cllr Reeves. There were no other nominations. It was resolved that Cllr McCubbin would be the Environment Officer and Tree Warden for the year ahead.

069/10 Election of Highways Officer
Cllr Haskins nominated Cllr Besley, seconded by Cllr Reeves. There were no other nominations. It was resolved that Cllr Besley would be the Highways Officer for the year ahead.

070/09 Appointment of a representative on the Village Hall Management Committee
Cllr Tully agreed to continue as the representative, now being the Chairman of the Village Hall Management Committee.

071/09 Appointment of a representative on the Spital Trust
Cllr Day agreed to continue as the representative, now being in the third year of a 4 year appointment.

072/09 Appointment of a representative Governor on the Primary School Board
Cllr Ellis agreed to continue as the representative, now being in the third year of a four year appointment.

073/09 Election of Planning Committee
According to previous custom, it was agreed that the whole of the Parish Council would be members of the Planning Committee. All agreed to this, and it was resolved that all the members of the Parish Council would be the Planning Committee.

074/09 To consider continuation of annual subscriptions
The current subscriptions/affiliations are to SALC, SLCC and Community Council for Somerset. It was agreed that the current subscriptions represent good value. Cllr Reeves proposed to continue with the three subscriptions, seconded by Cllr Ellis and all agreed. It was resolved to continue the subscriptions to SALC, SLCC and CCS.

075/09 Adoption of the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 14th April 2010
The minutes of the meeting having been previously circulated, it was resolved to adopt the minutes of the meeting on 14th April 2010 as a true record with one amendment. Minute 52/10 item 6) Allotments; change ...’from the stream with Environment Agency’ to...’ Wessex Water’. Proposed by Cllr Reeves, seconded by Cllr Gage and all agreed.

076/09 Matters arising from the minutes: Clerk’s report
The Clerk’s report, having been previously circulated, was noted.

The meeting was closed.
PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
• Potholes were reported at Brittons Ash, affecting traffic turning off the main road A38, and at Camels Hump. Deep ruts and potholes were reported on Boome Lane (Creech St Michael PC).
• Fly tipping was reported on the lane north of Hill Farm, Camels Hump, and Langaller.
• Signage at the junction of the A38/A3259/Dosters Lane needs clarification. Traffic entering dual carriageway A38 from the A3259 is tending to indicate left, when this should be to turn into Dosters Lane; and traffic turning into Dosters Lane correctly indicating left is being interpreted by following traffic as indicating to merge onto the dual carriageway. Thus, slowing down to turn into Dosters Lane is not always anticipated by following traffic and is causing difficulties.
• It was reported that apparently Courtney’s field at the top of Noah’s Hill is no longer for sale. The price asked was far in excess of the value of the agricultural land, accompanied by the suggestion of a sale to gypsies.
• It was reported a proposed fund raising event for autistic children at Chedzoys on Noah’s Hill would take place in the summer.
• The gullies north of New Cross had been emptied, but the ones previously reported, south of New Cross, were still full.
• Volunteers had come forward: Patrick for Neighbourhood Watch, and T Lugg for training for the use of the radar gun.
• The finger post sign at New Cross is broken, Cllr Gage has the broken part.

The meeting was reconvened.

77/10 Items raised by the Public in Open Session
• Potholes will be reported to I Titcombe SCC. Creech St Michael PC will be copied in on the report about Boome Lane.
• Incidents of fly tipping will be reported to TDBC litter hotline, and passed on to Cllr Waymouth as further evidence of the side effect of the opening hours at the Priorswood recycling centre which do not appear to take into account the accessibility of the facility to the public beyond working hours of 9.00am to 5pm.
• Signage issues at Dosters Lane/A3259/A38 junction will be reported to I Titcombe SCC.
• Ref Courtney’s land at Noah’s Hill: It was noted that if there is a willing seller and a willing buyer, then there is little in law that can be done to prevent the sale. TDBC Planning Authority has conceded that in Planning Law, gypsy rules are different to the strictures of the Local Plan. One gypsy family could be given permission. Currently TDBC has sufficient sites for gypsies.
• In response to a question about supporting the fund raising event for autistic children in the summer, it was explained that the Parish Council’s Power of WellBeing could be used if there was evidence that the event would contribute to the social, economic and environmental well-being of the Parish.
• Full gullies at New Cross will be reported to SCC Highways.
• The volunteers for Neighbourhood Watch, and Speed Gun training will be reported to S Murray, PCSO.
• The Parish Council is reluctant to see the cast iron Quantock Hills finger post removed and replaced with a plastic one. It was agreed to investigate ways to repair the cast iron finger that is broken, if it can’t be repaired by SCC.

78/10 To receive and adopt revised Standing Orders
Having been distributed prior to the meeting, it was resolved to adopt the revised Standing Orders, proposed by Cllr Reeves, seconded by Cllr Day and all agreed. Revised Financial Orders will follow when rules relating to internet banking are sorted out.

79/10 Allotments
Following exchanges of emails with SCC, it now appears that the Legal Department at SCC cannot overcome the issue of a statutory 12 month period of notice to allotment tenants, and the need to keep the land immediately available should the school require it. It was agreed to keep on looking for sites. It might be possible to rent an acre from a landowner at a commercial rate (probably circa £140.00), but the difficulty posed by the period of notice remains. It was noted that newer developments should include allotment provision as one of the S106 requirements.

80/10 Insurance
Five of the eight cups which are in the care of the Parish Council, and currently used by the Flower Show, have been revalued for insurance purposes. There has been a significant increase over the years and this is reflected in an increased premium. The remaining three cups will be revalued when they are returned to the Flower Show committee. Other items acquired by the Parish Council have been added to the policy (6 grit bins, K6 phone box, dog bins, litter bins) for the year commencing 1st June, so now the insurance cover is as up to date as it an be. It was agreed to stay with Aon as an insurer.

81/10 Internal Auditors report
The internal audit was successfully completed, the relevant sections of the green form completed and signed, and the 4 points made in the report were read to the meeting. The statements required for the external auditor will be prepared and submitted (deadline 1st June).

82/10 Official reports
Cllr B Gage reported his investigations into acquisition of bat boxes. Having investigated the cost of boxes from a number of sources, it was determined that they were too expensive to offer per household as part of the ‘Plant a Tree’ scheme. However, the Parish Council agreed that some bat boxes could be purchased and put up at various locations in the Parish. Bats need certain requirements to use the boxes (height; direction, thus two at any one location; and visible and accessible opening). Trees will be identified, and then owners contacted for permission. Owners of land likely to come up for planning are unlikely to give permission for bat boxes. It was suggested that TDBC may have bat maps, these could be consulted for determination of bat box location. Other contacts were mentioned – Hestercombe, Bat Preservation Society at Yeovil, Greenway Residents Association, Bee Council for bee boxes.

Cllr Ellis (Chairman) reported on the Chairman’s training run by SALC. She had found it very informative, supportive and interesting. Suggested target – a two hour time limit for meetings.

Cllr Cavill reported from TDBC (and SCC in absence of Cllr Waymouth). The Third Way construction work has started; Project Taunton is ongoing.

Cllr Tully reported on the Village Hall. The extension is on target for completion. An opening ceremony is planned for later in the summer.

83/10 Planning Applications registered at TDBC

48/10/0013 Miss K Purchase Demolition of workshop garage and outbuilding and erection of two dwellings with detached garages and replacement garage to serve no 134 to the rear of 134 Bridgwater Road, Bathpool, Taunton. Likely issues: need to consider impact on surrounding area and amenities of neighbouring properties. Comment: The Parish Council recommends that the 2 proposed houses should not be out of keeping with the adjoining dwellings.

48/10/0014/A Mr D Addicott Display of externally illuminated entrance fascia sign and non illuminated sign for proposed veterinary clinic at Creech Castle, Bathpool. Likely issues none listed. Comment: the Parish Council has no objection to this application.

48/10/0017 Miss K Purchase Replacement of conservatory with single storey garden room at Tanglewood, West Monkton. Likely issues: no observations at present. Comment: the Parish Council supports this application.

48/10/0018 Mr D Addicott Erection of single storey extension and 1.8m high fence at 3 Heathfield Drive, Monkton Heathfield. Likely issues: assess impact of street scene. Comment: the Parish Council considers this application would be detrimental to the street scene, because the flat roof should be sloping and the proposed location of the 6ft high fence is right next to the footpath. The plans seem to indicate that the foundations would be under the footpath.

48/10/0020 Miss K Purchase Change of use of field to paddock and erection of stable block, tackroom and feed store at Perveril, Hestercombe Road, Cheddon Fitzpaine. Likely issues: need to consider impact on appearance of local landscape. Comment: the Parish Council considers that the development must be limited to agricultural and equine use only in perpetuity. The ground falls away so there is no impact from the road.

48/10/0021/LB Ms D Hartnell Removal of gable and chimney roof and internal repairs and internal alterations at Blundells Farm, Blundells Lane, West Monkton. Likely issues: impact on historic character to be assessed. Comment: the Parish Council supports this application.


84/10 Planning decisions made by TDBC
48/10/0001 Demolition of bungalow and construction of new dwelling at 21 Greenway Monkton Heathfield as amended by drwgs 1a,2a,5,6 and 8 sent with letter dated 11 Feb 2010 and protected species survey received 12 Feb 2010 and additionally amended plans nos 9, 10, and 11 received 8 Mar 2010. Permission granted: no detrimental impact on visual or residential amenity of locality or neighbours; thus no conflict with TD Local Plan Policies S1 (general), and S2 (Design). Variety in dwelling type is acceptable and brings character to this area in accordance with PPS3. Conditions: begin w/in 3 years; follow plans approved; hedges to be protected by chestnut paling fence; materials to be used have to be approved; permeable materials used for driveway; bathroom, toilet utility and side dining room windows to be of obscured glass; landscaping scheme in first available planting season and protected for 5 years; car parking provision before occupation; access gates only if 5m back from road and open inwardly; garage for private and domestic use only; wildlife protection strategy to be submitted; restrictions on further development of site; no dormer windows without planning permission.

85/10 Communications
The list having been distributed prior to the meeting, papers were distributed to interested Members.

Requiring Action
Date for the diary: SALC meeting Thursday 10th June 2010 7.30pm at Creech St Michael Village Hall. Agenda and minutes of last meeting available from Clerk
For Information
Somerset Rural Youth Newsletter Spring 2010
‘The Playing Field’ Spring 2010
‘Heart of Somerset Events’ May 2010
SCC Use of delegated powers for the authorisation of a gate on the public footpath T32/17 in the parish of West Monkton.
SCC notice re the management of public rights of way in Somerset. West Monkton parish is in area 2, officer is Les Braunton 0845 345 9155.Annual Parish Path Liaison Officers events, having been postponed will now be held on Thursday 17th June at Kingston St Mary Village Hall 6.00pm to 7.30pm.
SCC Temporary 30 mph speed restriction and road closure B3170 Shoreditch Road, Stoke St Mary and Taunton has been postponed until further notice.
Corporate Strategy 2010-2013: describes outcomes intended to be achieved in the community over the next three years. Available on http://www.tauntondeane.gov.uk or public library and Deane House and other Council owned buildings.
Deane Dispatch as printed in Gazette 15 April 2010
Kompan Playground catalogue.
Community Council for Somerset, Certificate of Membership received, subscription number 1055. This qualifies the Parish Council for 3 members on the website, and join the online forum: www.somersetrcc.org.uk.
South West Ambulance Service: journal ‘Twentyfourseven’ edition 11 Spring 2010
Avon and Somerset Police Authority newsletter April 2010 issue 3.
SCC; Surface dressing of A3259 will take place in June and Greenway north of Sidbrook in July.

86/10 To receive and approve receipts and Payments, and Financial Sheet
The receipts and payments sheet had been distributed prior to the meeting. The financial sheet was explained; carry forward from last year, receipts and payments made so far, check on these against budget and variables noted, bank statements and reconciliation explained.
Receipts
SCC community chest (for allotments) £300.00
VAT reclaim £716.57

Bus shelter cleaning/litter pick Apr 2010
Mrs David £20.00
Ms Newland £30.00
Miss Kimber £20.00
Clerks salary for April £351.74
HMRC month 1 £163.18
Insurance for year commencing1/6/2010 £992.62
Leith’s valuation of 5 cups (value £7920.00) £186.12
B Howe Internal Audit for yr end 31/3/10 £135.80

It was resolved to approve the receipts and payments, proposed by Cllr Reeves and seconded by Cllr Tully and all agreed. The financial sheet was signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.
Estimates were considered for bus shelter roofs, K6 box shelves, and the locking tap for the Spital allotments. The bus shelter roofs and the K6 box estimates were approved for onward progression. The ‘Tap Safe’ option was selected for further progression for the locking tap at the allotments.

87/10 Dates of forthcoming meetings
Dates of forthcoming Parish Council meetings – second Weds of every month, 7.30pm Village Hall: 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.

88/10 Outstanding Items
Allotments


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


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