DRAFT

ABBAS AND TEMPLECOMBE PARISH COUNCIL

                Minutes of the Meeting held on the 8th January 2008

 

PRESENT Councillors I Speight (Chairman), C James (Vice Chairman), R F B Saunders, I Middleton, P Andrew, C Brown, Sarah Webb, G Wilson, G Foers

 

IN ATTENDANCE

County Councillor/District Councillor Mr William Wallace, 1 Parishioner

 

Mr William Wallace commented on the Precept article, prepared for the March Newsletter.  He referred to the £2,000.00 grant provided from his Community Budget for the BMX track and the grant he was proposing to make towards the possible replacement of showers in the changing rooms, quotes were currently going through.  South Somerset District Council were proposing to make a grant available to the Village Hall for roof repairs.  The HALT group, from Henstridge, set up to tackle traffic problems, were having their own speedwatch scheme and were prepared to help Templecombe in any way they could.   Satellite navigation information was outstanding.

Mr Wallace explained that fixed flashing speed signs were only allocated by County Council upon proof of accidents and the community funded signs were a cheaper option.  He was pursuing a crossing by the bridge and was awaiting comments from the Officers as to the use of held funds provided by Thales.  Chairman thanked Mr Wallace for attending the opening ceremony for the BMX track.

 

Councillor L Bennett joined the meeting at 7.25 pm 

 

1              APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

C Hukins, Mr Tim Inglefield, PSCO Fiona Wilson

 

2              MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 11TH DECEMBER 2007

It was proposed by R Saunders and seconded by I Middleton that the draft Minutes be agreed, as previously circulated.

 

3              DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

I Middleton declared an interest, as a neighbour, in connection with Planning Application No 07/05446/FUL – Demolition of existing workshops and the erection of 2 no dwelling houses with associated car parking – Ken Doyle Motorcycles Limited  Throop Road  Templecombe Somerset.

 

4              CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence received since the last meeting was discussed:-

1)             South Somerset District Council – New Model Code of Conduct for Councillors – Training for Parish Councils.  The meeting, scheduled for Area East, would be held on the 12th February, the same date as the next Parish Council meeting.  Chairman went through the options and felt one Members of the Parish Council could attend and report back and the usual monthly meeting would remain on Tuesday 12th February.

2)             South Somerset District Council – Second meeting of the Area East Forum – 27th February 2008 6.00 pm – Queen Camel Village Hall.  Members were informed of the meeting details.

 

5              PLANNING

1)            Determination of Applications (None)

 

2)            Clerk reported that the Area East meeting would take place on the 9th January 2008 at 9.30 am at the Council Offices, Churchfield, Wincanton.

 

3)            Planning Application No 07/05453/S73 – Application to remove condition 01. of decision notice 04/02837/FUL dated 03.12.04 i.e. to permit the permanent retention of loose boxes and store (GR 372061/122621) – Land OS 1463 Part Temple Lane  Templecombe  Somerset BA8 OJF

Members discussed the above application and raised no objections.

 

4)            Planning Application No 07/05446/FUL – Demolition of existing workshops and the erection of 2 no dwellinghouses with associated car parking – Ken Doyle Motorcyles Limited  Throop Road  Templecombe  Somerset BA8 OHR

Members discussed the above application and raised the following concerns:-

  • Lose of commercial premises/business opportunity for Village
  • four parking spaces allocated to development are not adequate or practicable - they are only one and half metres wide
  • There is currently a problem in this area from the number of parked vehicles on the road if the parking provided is inadequate further parking will add to the problems already encountered.  Parking already takes place near to the junction of Throop Road with School Lane and in close proximity to Abbas and Templecombe Primary School.
  • We understand that Highways intend to move the lamp post to allow better visibility for the residents using the off road parking provided for the development below this application.  It is noted that the residents do not use this parking and, therefore, park their vehicles on the road sides.
  • Members were concerned that parking of the contractors vehicles could cause problems, bearing in mind that the School Lane Car Park is private and in the ownership of the Parish Council and regularly used by users of the School and Church on a daily basis.

5)            Officers report on Planning Application No 07/05057/FUL – 30 Bowden Road

Chairman circulated the Officers Report recommending refusal of the application in view of the access on to Bowden Road and density of development.

 

6              ACCOUNTING MATTERS/REVIEW OF CLERK’S SALARY

1)             It was proposed by R Saunders and seconded by G Foers that the following accounts be paid:-

 

                Sarah Webb – Thank you gifts for production of newsletter                         24.99

Mr Julian Kiddle – donation towards tree planting at Manor Close                             50.00

Mr N C Vaughan – Hedge cutting                                                                                    100.00

Mr A Dunn – Salary/Expenses up to the 8.1.08                                                               37.98

Mr Jeremy Pratt – Salary – general work – Recreation Ground                                      44.52

Mrs T Chapman – Clerk’s Salary/Expenses January 2008                                             254.17

Mr G Wilson – Christmas tree lights for Village Display                                               134.94

 

2)            Review of Clerk’s Salary

Chairman had received a copy of the Clerks’ Salaries and Mileage Allowances 2007-08.  He informed Members that at present the Clerk was being paid at Spinal Column point 15 (below LC1).  The point system is determined by the amount of meetings, responsibilities and devolved functions the Clerk has to carry out.  The Chairman felt that the Clerk should be raised to Spinal Column point 18 (LC1) and be paid the set rate of £8.595, with effect from 1st April 2007.  Proposed by R Saunders and seconded by L Bennett.

 

7              APPOINTMENT OF GROUNDSMAN

Chairman informed Members that a meeting had taken place with Mr J Pratt, Sarah Webb and Clerk were also present.  Sarah circulated copies of the Contract for Work Description which took into account the addition of the BMX Track and the removal of the cleaning of the changing rooms.  The basis pay of £60.00 per month to cover the weekly tasks (numbered 1 to 4) and an hourly rate of £7.50 for the remaining tasks would remain the same.  It was agreed that Mr J Pratt would carry on the duties on a temporary basis and the vacancy would be advertised for one week on the Noticeboards.  In the future the churchyard grass cutting may also have to be included.

 

8              PROVISION OF POST OFFICE FACILITIES

The Post Office, at Westcombe Stores, was due to be assessed.  Some Post Offices will have to close; selection is based on the facilities offered i.e. parking.  It was also noted that the current landlords of the Royal Wessex were leaving at the end of the month.  A temporary arrangement would be put in place until a new landlord was found.

 

9              HIGHWAY MATTERS

1)            Bus Shelter – High Street – update

The Planning Officer had now replied indicating that if the bus shelter was on highway land a new shelter could be erected by Highways without consent.  If Highways were asking the Parish Council to deal with the replacement and were not concerned about providing a replacement, planning permission would have to be sought by the Parish Council.  Clerk was asked to write to Highways to see if they would be happy for the Parish Council to proceed under their banner.  G Foers thought that it was still possible the shelter could possibly be repaired.

2)            Network Rail – Drainage at Bridge 326

Chairman read out letter dated 10th December 2008 received from Network Rail which confirmed that guttering had been ordered for renewal.  They felt that as the bridge is in a dip and the lowest point for some distance, the main problem was with the road drainage which is the responsibility of the Highways Authority.  Clerk was asked to write to Highways.  It was noted that the triangular drain cover, before the bridge, was very loose.  It was thought this may belong to Wessex Water, Clerk would make enquiries.

3)            Speed enforcement flashing signs

Chairman informed Members of the options available namely, Vehicle Activated Signs, Speed Indicator devices and Community Funded speed indicator devices.  The community funded signs are given priority to sites where there is an accident history.  Very often there may be sites with a speeding problem that are unlikely to receive the signs and in some cases not at all.  There were costs involved of an annual contribution of £750.00 and an initial set up cost of £500.00 to cover the fixing of the signs.   It was felt we did not warrant them and were not able to prove a speeding problem through the Village, from the results established from the Speed Watch Scheme.  The main problem for the Village was from the number of HGV’s using the Village.  Clerk would speak to Scott Pollard to see if another Speed watch session could be organised.

4)            Traffic calming/HGV’s

It was noted that continental HGV’s were regularly coming through the Village.

5)            Car parking problems – Station Road – update

Clerk had been contacted by Mr Clive Sutton, Highways, concerning a site meeting to view the parking problems.  I Speight and I Middleton would be able to attend.

I Middleton circulated a copy of a notice that he had placed on vehicles being left long term in School Lane car park.  He would monitor situation.

6)            Other

It was noted there was a build up of rubbish at the Combe Dip traffic lights.  Clerk would report matter to Highways.  Fly tipping was continuing at Temple Lane and would be reported again.  It was agreed to see if the Scouts would be prepared to carry out a litter pick up in the Village.

Graffiti had appeared on the railway bridge, Network Rail noticeboard and a garage door in Slades Hill.

P Andrew reported that a cover was missing from one of the lights on the footpath through the Recreation Ground.  Clerk would report the matter to SEC Lighting.

 

10           SOMERSET’S YOUTH OPPORTUNITY FUND AND YOUTH CAPITAL FUND (2006/08) – Proposed Goal Ends/Youth Shelter – update

Clerk reported that PCSO Fiona Wilson had met with Steve Barnes, SSDC, and the application for the grant would be submitted shortly.  The Planning Officer had indicated that planning permission would not be required if the equipment was under 4m in height and on Parish Council land.

 

11           FOOTPATHS

P Andrew reported that the Circular Walk booklets were now available from the Doctor’s surgery and take up was good.

 

12           TREE WARDEN’S REPORT

I Middleton reported that the five trees at Manor Close were going to be planted this coming weekend and anyone able to help was welcome.

 

13           PROVISION OF CEMETERY

Clerk had spoken to the Environmental Agency who had indicated that they do not wish to inspect the test hole.  Plans had now been given to Mr Jim Milton and a site meeting with him would be arranged so the matter could proceed to the planning permission/change of use stage.

 

14           NEWSLETTER

C Brown circulated notes on the Precept article.  After discussion it was agreed to take out reference to “little support from the District or County Council”.    C Brown asked for any articles on properties in the Village so that they could be used as and when a space was available.

15           RECREATION GROND MATTERS/CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

A)            Play Area – South Somerset District Council – Play Policy and Strategy – update

Deferred to next meeting.

B)            BMX Bike Track – update

It was agreed that a litter bin should be purchased that could be fixed to the fencing.  Glasdon offer a bin with a pivot action bin release and locking system and it was agreed to purchase this style costing approximately £85.40.  Clerk would arrange to place an order.  G Foers agreed to monitor the need for re-dressing.  Sarah Webb reported that the Play Strategy document referred to maintenance of BMX tracks.  Mr Orr, Bourton Fencing, had inspected the broken bar to latch the pedestrian gate and grinded off the remaining parts.  He would arrange to fit another bar in due course.

C)            Social Club

Nothing to report.

D)            Football Club – Pitch fees

Chairman read out letter received from the Secretary to the Football Club concerning the present pitch fees.  The letter set out present costs incurred by the Club for each match played.  Now they were paying a cleaner for the changing rooms they felt a reduction in pitch fees should be made.  Members felt that to avoid this cost a rota for cleaning could be made from the Club.  Another option discussed was for the Club to take over the running costs/maintenance of the changing rooms.  Members did not consider any alternation should be made to the pitch fees. 

E)            Templars Tennis Club

Nothing to report.

F)            Changing Rooms

P Andrew handed Clerk record of meter readings.

G)            Other

Clerk would endeavour to obtain another key to the litter bin by the Social Club.

 

16           ANY OTHER BUSINESS/ITEMS FOR AGENDA FOR THE NEXT MEETING ON 12TH FEBRUARY 2008

I Middleton gave his apologies for the next meeting.

 

Meeting closed at 9.15 pm     Signed…………………………………………………………