DRAFT

ABBAS AND TEMPLECOMBE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting held on the 11th December 2007 

 

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

 

IN ATTENDANCE

PCSO Fiona Wilson, County Councillor/District Councillor Mr William Wallace, 3 Parishioners

 

Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and commenced the open session.

 

PCSO Fiona Wilson reported that a break in had occurred to a property where the residents were away, tools had been taken from a van and a number of trailers had been stolen locally.  She had seen a reduction in anti-social behaviour and the BMX track had been well received.  She had now spoken to the Primary School and intended, with the support of the Parish Council, to proceed to put in a grant application, with Somerset’s Youth Opportunity Fund and Youth Capital Fund (2006/08), for £20,000.00.  This would provide goal ends, with a basket ball hoop, and a youth shelter.  She felt that the storage unit should be removed.  The deadline for the application was February 2008.

 

Mr William Wallace reported on the BMX opening and expressed his support for additional facilities at the Recreation Ground.  At the Area East Meeting, to be held on the 12th December, a grant had been applied for by the Village Hall Committee, for repairs to the roof, and had received a high score.  He had now met with Bernie Green at the School as to highway matters, in relation to a school crossing.  The monies put up by Thales are still on deposit and held by County Council and could go towards a crossing.  The Members were still happy for this to go ahead and he would pursue it.  He had received a brochure from Colin Fletcher, Highways, concerning two types of flashing road signs and he would let the Clerk have a copy.

 

Julian Kiddle reported on the Manor Close trees, he had now raised £250.00 from the residents towards the trees and stakes.  £300.00 was needed and the Parish Council had indicated that they would be prepared to make up the shortfall and would deal with the matter under Agenda item 11 1).

 

1              APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

G Foers, L Bennett, Mr Tim Inglefield

 

2              MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON THE 13TH NOVEMBER 2007 

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

 

3              DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The Chairman declared an interest in connection with Planning Application No 07/05366/FUL.

 

4              CORRESPONDENCE

Correspondence received since the last meeting was discussed:-

1)             South Somerset Association for Voluntary and Community Action Ltd

- Request for funding.  Circulated amongst Members – to be assessed when considering future giving.

2)             South Somerset Area Working Panel – Copy Minutes of meeting held on

2nd September 2007/Noficiation of meeting to be held on the 5th December 2007.  Mr William Wallace informed the meeting that after April 2008 it will be possible to apply again for funding.  Funding is given on a score basis.

3)             South Somerset District Council – Notes of Area East Forum held on

17th October 2007.  Circulated amongst Members.  Next meeting to be held in February 2008.

4)             South Somerset District Council – Notification of Inspection to be held in

January 2008.  Circulated amongst Members.

5)             Mrs T Watson – Letter dated 30th November 2007.  Chairman felt this could be dealt with under Agenda item 5 Planning – 3).

6)             Area East – Re-location of Wincanton Police Station to Churchfield, Wincanton

Briefing – Monday 14th January 2008, 9.30 am Council Offices, Wincanton.  Circulated amongst Members.

7)             Somerset – A landscape for the future- Consultation Events 2008.  Chairman informed Members that a meeting would take place on the 9th January 9.30 am to 3.30 pm at the Davis Hall, West Camel.  They were asked to contact the Clerk if they wished to attend.

 

The following correspondence was received after the preparation of the Agenda.

 

8)             South Somerset District Council – Local Action for Rural Communities – Proposed Expression of Interest for the Blackmore Vale Area – Meeting on Monday 17the December 2007 – 6.30 pm Wincanton.  Chairman read out letter but the referred to briefing notes were not enclosed.

 

5              PLANNING

1)             The following determinations of Applications were reported:-

Application No 07/03873/FUL – Alterations and extension to dwelling – 47 Manor Close Templecombe Somerset BA8 OLA

Application No 07/04379/R3C – New Elliott Unit for Pre-School and Extended School use – Abbas and Templecombe Primary School, School Lane, Templecombe, Somerset BA8 OHP.  Condition 3 was noted, with reference to the land being reinstated to its former condition on or before 30th November 2012.  Matters of this nature are given temporary permission.

 

2)             Clerk reported that the Area East meeting would take place on the 12th December 2007 at 9.30 am at the Council Offices, Churchfield, Wincanton.  Reference was made to the Council concerning the application by the Village Hall for a grant towards the repairs required to the roof.  This was subject to securing funding, it was proposed by R Saunders and seconded by Sarah Webb that the sum of £300.00 should be made available to the Village Hall Committee towards the required roof repairs.

 

3)             Reassessment of Planning Application 07/05057/FUL – Formation of access road, erection of 3 detached bungalows and garages and a garage to serve existing house – Land rear of No 30 Bowden Road  Templecombe and correspondence received in connection with the application.

Chairman reminded Members that this planning application had been dealt with at the November meeting, as the timescale required for comments fell prior to the Council’s December meeting and was received after the Agenda had been prepared.  Agendas have to be posted on the noticeboard three days prior to a Parish Council meeting and, therefore, the application for 30 Bowden Road was not included.  Members were aware of the timescales placed on the Planning Officers by the Government for processing planning applications.  Clerk had spoken to the Planning Officer dealing with the application and explained the situation which was not uncommon and one other Parish Councils face.  In the circumstances he was agreeable for the Parish Council to reassess the application and make further comments if necessary, but it was up to individual Planning Officers as to whether extra time is granted. Chairman referred to the letter dated 30th November, from Mrs T Watson, recorded under Agenda item 4 Correspondence 5) and in particular to four points made:-

·         Discuss, make recommendation on applications, not listed on Agenda, which arrive as late as the actual date of the meeting – Due to timescale dates this course of action had to be taken on a few occasions to comply with the given date.

·         Request an extension from the Planning Officer to the date of the next meeting.  It was agreed, in future, to try where possible to seek an extension if the situation warranted it.  A note of the details could be placed on the Agendas, in the noticeboards, and if necessary adjoining properties, to the application, could be informed of the intention to discuss the application.

·         Hold a special meeting to make recommendation on an application and post agendas listing the application with the appropriate notice period.  Chairman felt that not enough applications were received to warrant this course of action.

·         Submit a statement in lieu of a recommendation along the lines that the Parish Council are unable to meet the constraints of the Local Government Act due to short deadline set by the Local Planning Authority.

Members made the following additional comments:-

  • The density of the development was discussed and a concern for a proportion of the Members present.
  • Members acknowledged the concerns of the adjoining residents to the application

.

4)             Application No 07/05366/FUL – The construction of an eyebrow over the first floor east Northeast facing bedroom window – 28 Throop Road  Templecombe  Somerset BA8 OHR.  Members discussed the application and raised no objections.  One Member felt a cat slide would have been more in keeping.

 

6              ACCOUNTING MATTERS

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

 

Somerset Playing Fields’ Association – subscription 07/08                         10.00

Vale Signs and Print – BMX track ownership sign                                        55.00

Bourton Fencing Limited – Supply and erection of bow top fencings,  

Gates to BM X Track, Recreation Ground – balance of account                 6,296.53

J Pratt – grass cutting 13.11.07 to 10/12/07                                                      11.25

A Dunn – Salary/Expenses December 2007                                                     75.00

T J Chapman – Clerk’s Salary/Expenses December 2007                               287.19

G Wilson – Christmas trees/lights for the Village 2007                                  440.00*

* see Agenda item 8 3)

 

2)             Clerk reported that the sum of £641.30, received from the Templars Tennis Club, as a donation towards the electric cable to the Courts had been paid into the Nat West current account.

 

7              SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL – WASTE ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION QUESTIONNAIRE – UPDATE (Sarah Webb)

Sarah Webb had completed the questionnaire, concerning how our waste is dealt with, on behalf of the Parish Council.  It was considered it should be dealt with locally with some flexibility.  As regards nuclear waste it was felt no comment could be made as little work had been carried out on risk assessment.  Clerk would submit the replies.

 

8              HIGHWAY MATTERS

1)            Bus Shelter – High Street – update

G Foers had reported to Clerk that he would price the proposed Bus Shelter once confirmation had been received from the Planners.  Clerk had not received a reply to date.

2)            Somerset County Council – Questionnaire Highway Related Services Results 2007  

Chairman circulated result amongst Members.  The replies submitted, on behalf of the Parish Council, were about average.

3)            Village Christmas Lights – update

G Wilson reported that he had put some collecting boxes around the Village, towards the costs of the Village decorations.  He suggested that next year made up star/tree shapes could be used along with some artificial trees as it was difficult, this year, to obtain small Christmas trees.  It was proposed by I Middleton and seconded by C James that the costs of £440.00 for this year’s display be paid.  It was further proposed by C Brown and seconded by I Middleton that the Parish Council make an advance of £200.00, in February, towards preparations for 2008.

4)            Traffic calming/HGV’s

A recent article in the Western Gazette, referred to a traffic survey carried out in Stalbridge.  C James agreed to obtain a copy of the report on the survey.

5)            Car parking problems – Station Road

Clerk had been contacted by Colin Fletcher, Highways, concerning on the ongoing parking problems, by users of the Station, in Station Road.  He suggested that a site meeting is held in the New Year.  Cars were still being parked overnight in the School Lane car park and also in Throop Road.  It was agreed that some form of notice could be placed on the vehicles and I Middleton agreed to draw up a notice.  R Saunders reported that he had written to Network Rail, London, concerning the parking.                    

 

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

Chairman referred to G Foer’s notes, left with the Clerk.  He had measured the tarmac area, which is 10m x 25m, this area would be sufficient to have goal ends at each end of the tarmac and a Youth shelter on the grass nearby.  It would be necessary to remove/relocate the shipping container, skateboard rail and the existing basketball pole.  It is estimated the cost for two goal ends and youth shelter would be in the region of £15,000 to £16,000 plus VAT.  PCSO Fiona Wilson informed Members, during the open session, that she intended to apply for a grant of £20,000.00.  Steve Barnes, South Somerset District Council, would be happy to meet and discuss proposal in the New Year. Members discussed the present use of the storage unit and felt this was appropriate for the older youth and could be relocated by the tractor shed.

 

10           FOOTPATHS

P Andrew had nothing to report.

 

11           TREE WARDEN’S REPORT

1)            Manor Close Tree Planting Scheme

Julian Kiddle informed Members, during the open session, that to date £250.00 had been collected from the residents.  It was proposed by R Saunders and seconded by C Brown that the Parish Council should donate the sum of £50.00 to make up the shortfall.  I Middleton would assist with the planting after Christmas.

One broken tree tie had been replaced.

 

12           PROVISION OF CEMETERY

Chairman reported that a test hole had been dug by Gartells in the area of the field, at Temple Lane, where it was proposed to site the future cemetery.  The test hole had been dug down to a depth of approximately seven feet and was dry.  Photographic evidence had been taken.  Clerk would inform the Planners and Environmental Agency that the hole was available for inspection.  The next stage would now be to proceed with a planning application.

 

13           NEWSLETTER

C Brown confirmed that the December edition of the newsletter had been delivered.  A slight alteration had been made to it.  The following items for the next/future newsletters were discussed:-

  • Article on BMX track with photos
  • Information about Precept
  • Abbas and Templecombe Primary School had obtained the status of top school in the West on their recent results.  It was felt an article congratulating the School, with a photo of Mrs Bernie Green would be appropriate.
  • Mrs Audrey Riley was willing to provide an article on bell ringing and Clerk would see if one could also be done on her house
  • “Thank you” from the residents of Slades Hill for the bus stop.
  • Interesting buildings – G Wilson Manor House/Audrey Riley’s – The Homestead.
  • The newsletter is five years old in September 2008.

 

Sarah Webb had purchased the thank you gifts for Amanda White, which were passed to C Brown.

 

14           RECREATION GROUND MATTERS/CHILDRENS PLAY AREA

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

Documents passed to Sarah Webb to prepare a report.

B)            BMX Bike Track – update

Official opening photos were taken for the Western Gazette/BVM with William Wallace, Councillors and Lewis Woolacott. 

The bar to latch the pedestrian gate had broken off.  Clerk would inform Bourton Fencing.

Clerk had spoken to Allianz Cornhill who had indicated that they would advise an installation inspection is carried out but it is not a requirement.  Members felt that this was not necessary and Clerk would inform

Steve Barnes (South Somerset District Council) accordingly.  Members were in agreement to a rubbish bin being purchased up to the sum of £250.00.

C)            Social Club

C Hukins reported that there was no financial statement.  R Saunders would speak to G Foers to arrange for an inspection by the Councillors of the Social Club building in due course.

D)            Football Club – Pitch fees

Clerk reported that the Football Club would be prepared to take on the cleaning of the changing rooms from 2008 but would wish to have a reduction in their pitch fees.  Members discussed the request but felt that the pitch fees should remain at £20.00 per game on the understanding that no rise would be incurred when the next review of rents takes place in 2008.  Clerk would write accordingly.

E)            Templars Tennis Club

The Club had now purchased four floodlights for £700.00, financed from the Club Members.

F)            Changing Rooms

Nothing to report.

G)            Other

Clerk reported that Mr Dunn had now given a months notice, in writing, ceasing his responsibilities as Groundsman at the Recreation Ground.  Mr Jeremy Pratt was happy to take on the duties.  Members felt that he should also be asked to consider taking on the work at the Railway Station.  Clerk would contact Jeremy.

Members were happy for C James and G Wilson to deal with the dead trees, as and when necessary, at the Recreation Ground.   He asked what the policy was for dogs to be on leads at the Recreation Ground.  Chairman said that there were no restrictions in force.

R Saunders reported that the post, which had been removed when the safety fencing was taken down, had now been repaired. 

 

15           ANY OTHER BUSINESS/ITEMS FOR AGENDA FOR NEXT MEETING ON 8TH JANUARY 2008

It was understood that the Post Office facilities, at Westcombe Stores, was due for inspection.  Some Post Offices were being given the option to take on extra work or close.  Matter to be placed on Agenda for next meeting.

G Wilson reported that it had not been possible for the Railway Station to have a tree in the waiting room as there was no 3 point socket.

R Saunders would ask Gartells if they could arrange to remove the planters and store them at their site.

The West Street sign had been taken down but was now repaired.

 

Meeting closed at 9.20 pm

 

 

 

Signed…………………………………………………….dated………………………….     Page 5 of 5