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MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL held on Wednesday 31st August 2005, at the Market House commencing at 7.30pm.

THOSE PRESENT: R.Powell (Chairman), D.Palmer, A.Terrell, P.Jackson, A.Sherrin, C.Price,

D.Reynolds, A.Clarke, C.Bell, J.Hetherington, P.Palmer, V.Budge Clerk, D.Hedges M3, Western Gazette Reporter and three parishioners.

APOLOGIES. D.Parris, G.Mountjoy, J.Court, D.Campbell, A.Campbell.
CHAIRMANS NOTICES. None.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
P.Palmer – Ringwell Hill Planning item.

POLICE MATTERS.
PCSO Winfield and Inspector Pitman attended the meeting. Inspector Pitman introduced himself and reported that his was now one of the top ten performing sectors, he felt that communication was important. It was important to report incidents, and whenever possible the police would attend.

The situation around Moorlands House was being monitored, as was the reckless driving in the Car Park area. Inspector Pitman said he was quite happy to issue ASBOs, this would apply to vehicle owners, and would result in the cars being confiscated.

Inspector Pitman was asked if something could be done regarding speeding motorcycles on the A303, and also if he would have enough officers to deal with the extended opening hours for licensed premises.

A suggestion was made to ask the District Council to install a speed ramp at the entrance to the main parking area at the precinct, and the instigation of a Community Speed Watch group was discussed.

A minimum of eight volunteers would be required to operate this system and PCSO Winfield to obtain further details.

With regards to communication it was felt that a regular article from PCSO Winfield in the Leveller would be useful, and the Western Gazette reporter was asked if the Gazette would also publish items.

Parishioners could access the web site for information, but details relating to Martock would be found under’Long Sutton’. The Parish Council had decided to contribute £500 towards a computer system for Martock, and M3 would make a similar contribution.

An idea had been mooted to install a permanent police office at the Community Centre, this would mean that officers would use the premises as their base, government funding may be available to assist with the provision of these facilities. This idea would need to be discussed in more detail at the next meeting.

Inspector Pitman also reported that more funding may be available for PCSOs and this may mean that Martock could have another officer permanently based in Martock.

The two Police Officers were thanked for attending the meeting.

MINUTES.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 27th July had been circulated, and were confirmed and signed as correct.

MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES.
COMMUNITY CENTRE. Mr. Price reported that an architects meeting with ROK would be arranged next month, and a users meeting to ascertain their requirement would be held in October.

Mr. Price asked the meeting if the Parish Council could consider making a contribution to this project over the next three years. Mr. Hetherington suggested that in the next financial year 2006/07, a sum of £5000 could be considered, most councillors appeared happy with the suggestion, and this figure would go forward for the precept budget.

CASUAL VACANCY. Mr. Powell welcomed Mr. Rogers to the meeting. Mr. Rogers had expressed an interest in joining the council, as had three other parishioners.

It was decided to invite all four to attend the next meeting, and then if they still wished to join the council, they would be asked to make a presentation at the October meeting, when the council would decide on the replacement councillor.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.
MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS. Gypsy Transit Site ( Mr. C. Price)
Mr. Price expressed concern that the Parish Council had not been advised of the intentions of the District Council to use land adjoining the Picnic Area for a Gypsy Transit Site. Mr. P.Palmer explained that there was a need for a transit site to be available for use when required. The landowner is willing to lease the land to the District Council for this purpose, and the District Council has sought the permission of Area North to proceed with a formal planning application.

Mr. D.Palmer was concerned that an access off the A303 would not be safe, and Mrs. Sherrin asked if an enforceable time limit could be imposed to limit the duration of the stay on the site. Comment was also made regarding the proximity to the Picnic Area.

DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS. None.
FINANCIAL MATTERS.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 24th August had been circulated, and were confirmed and signed as correct.

The undermentioned accounts were approved and passed for payment:-

Inland Revenue 254.95 Wages 1445.27

Bee Signs 117.50 Mr. Hurford 113.70

Western Newspapers 137.48 Zurich Municipal 158.63

Paull & Co 4.37 Flex Martock 92.71

D.Sharp 1606.00 Clark Bus. Prod 17.50

K.M. Dike 1181.51 Initial Textiles 192.47

Avon & Somt. Constabulary 500.00

Mr. Hetherington ratified the accounts for July.

The Precept for the financial year 2006/07 has to be submitted at the end of December, chairs of committee were asked to prepare a list of requirements for consideration.

The meeting approved design C, for the replacement sign for the clock face at the pavilion; the cost will be between £150-£200.

The District Council had approved the collection from Dog Bins at the three sites proposed. The purchase of the bins was to be agreed with Mr. Hetherington.

It was reported that Mr. Biggenden was satisfied with the standard of the decorating work at the pavilion, and the ‘Girls’ were to be asked to complete the contract at the other facilities, as per their quote.

RECREATION COMMITTEE.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 10th August 2005 had been circulated, and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Mr. D. Palmer reported that enquiries had been made regarding an automatic system of opening/closing the gates, a quotation would be forwarded in the near future. A decision regarding the opening & closing of the gates would be made after the quote had been received.

A letter was received from the Rugby Club in which they expressed their concerns relating to the new pitch, and requesting help with the floodlighting. They also expressed concern at the changing facilities, which they considered to be inadequate, and the lack of storage space for their equipment.

Finally they accepted that in order to provide for all user groups some comprises must be made, and wished to work with the council, and accepted to move to the new pitch subject to the points being resolved, and also to use the No.2 pitch, to the south of the new pitch in due course.

The Council decided that Mr. Dike must be asked to clear the grass from the new pitch.

Mr. P. Palmer confirmed that the drain from the new field had been found and was connected in and confirmed that it was working.

Mr. D. Palmer reported that an unknown person had dumped additional soil on the hedge line.

The Council discussed the moving of the Youth Shelter to a new position between the Muga and Skate Park, and it was agreed to ask Hag to do this at a cost of £450.

Enquiries were also to be made regarding the removal of graffiti from the Pinnacle, Scout Hut and Pavilion. Paint had also been sprayed on play equipment.

VILLAGE COMMITTEE.
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 10th August 2005, had been circulated and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Mrs. Terrell expressed concern that discussion had been taking place regarding the area at the Precinct, managed by the Parish Council without consultation with the Council. Mr. Hedges explained that the Project Manager was investigating various options under the Market & Coastal Towns project, one of which included a cycle track from Cartgate to Martock. Mr. Hedges felt that there was a need to improve communications between M3 and the Parish Council, and he would ask the Project Officer to attend a council meeting to report on her work.

It was noted that the Service Bus is still parking at the Pinnacle, and the PCSO would be asked to investigate this problem.

Mrs. Terrell had received a request from the Parish Magazine editor to receive copies of the Minutes, which the Council approved.

PLANNING COMMITTEE
The minutes of the meeting held on the 10th August 2005 had been circulated, and were confirmed and signed as correct.

Consideration of Planning Applications received for submission of comments to the Planning Office:-

05/01649/FUL Amended. Erection of four affordable housing units

Land Between 17-19 Bracey Road, Martock.

05/02135/COU Erection of detached garage & extension to residential curtilage Rose Bank House, 5, Church Street, Martock.

The plan submitted is inaccurate in that it shows the garage rear wall inline with the tree in the garden of 15 Ashfield Park. The applicants intend that the garage is further to the east than shown. It also does not show the house for which the applicants have planning permission at the rear of 7 Church Street from which they wish to obtain some curtilage. The plan should also show an outline of the current barn.

05/01238/FUL Conversion of staff accommodation into guest bedrooms and external fire escape staircase

Hollies Motel & Restaurant, Bower Hinton, Martock.

05/02293/FUL Construction of 2 tennis courts and floodlighting Recreation Ground, Water Street, Martock.

SSDC Notifications of decisions:-

Notifications of granted permission were received for: -

05/01447/FUL Variation of conditions 8&9 on planning permission 941231

The Hollies Hotel Ltd. Bower Hinton.

05/01610/LBC Renewal of 10 year consent for free standing conservatory

05/01609/FUL 27 North Street, Martock.

05/01794/LBC Divide master bedroom to give ensuite & walk in wardrobe. Drainage will fit under floorboards down the corner of living room, under floorboards to outside manhole.

29 North Street, Martock.

05/01723/FUL Erection of detached garage & store

The Old Pound, Back Lane, Bower Hinton.

05/01920/FUL Erection of a one storey extension

Tredegar Bungalow, Highway Road, Coat.

05/01888/TCA Application to fell one Atlas cedar

1, The Green, East Street, Martock.

05/01748/FUL Erection of conservatory

53, East Street, Martock.

Notification of refused permission was received for: -

05/01859/LBC Erection of extension

05/01854/FUL Careys Mill Cottage, Parrett Works, Martock.

Correspondence.
A letter had been received from A.J.Young Ltd. Advising the Council that he had submitted a planning application to the District Council for two tennis courts at the Recreation Ground. Mr. Young was to be advised that it appeared the courts were positioned too close to the Hedge, and should be in line with the existing courts. Mr. Price was concerned that Parishioners were unaware of the plan to install the new courts and move part of the children’s play area. It was agreed that the plans for the courts would be put up in the Library.

Copies of the letter regarding the Revised Scheme of Delegation had been circulated to all councillors, Mr. Reynolds felt there was little the Parish Council could do, but asked Mr. P. Palmer, District Councillor, to consider controversial applications on behalf of the Parish. The Council was advised that area workshop sessions would be organised to explain the new scheme.

The Ringwell Hill agenda item was discussed at the end of the meeting.

PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION. None.
CORRESPONDENCE.
SCC CHANGES TO MEALS AT HOME SERVICE. Details of the new service were received, copies to be supplied to Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Hetherington.

SSDC SORT IT PHASE 5. Information regarding the introduction of the Recycling Collections Arrangements had been received, but further correspondence had been sent to inform the Parish Council to report that the District Council is reviewing the roll-out scheme and the introduction of further phases is being postponed.

COMMUNITY SAFETY ACTION PANEL. Correspondence was received informing the Parish Council that some funding was available to address community safety. Chairmen of committees were asked to consider if there were any schemes for which funding could be sought.

SSDC –PARISH COUNCIL ALLOWANCES. Details of the existing arrangements were received, and the Council was asked to consider if they wished to make any representations to the Parish Remuneration Panel. Mr. Powell and Mr. Hetherington would consider this document.

SCC COMMUNITY INVOLEMENT FOR PLANNING –ISSUES & OPTIONS REPORT. A copy of the report was received and the Parish Council was asked to make comments. Mr. Reynolds and Mr. Clarke would peruse the document.

Local works – Campaign for Sustainable Communities Bill. Details of this campaign were received and would be perused by Mr, Powell.

SSDC FOOD FESTIVAL Details of the nine-day event were received.

PLANNING (CONTINUATION)

(Mr. P.Palmer declared and interest and left the meeting)

Mr. Reynolds was awaiting a report from the Planning Office regarding a meeting with the applicant.

It had been discovered that under the new Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, it may be possible to ask the Deputy Prime Minister to intervene and prevent the site from being developed.

Mr. Reynolds had prepared a letter to this effect, which was read to the meeting. Comment was also made that it may be desirable to employ a planning consultant to assist with this matter. It was felt desirable to advise Mrs. Campbell of the feelings of the council.

Mr. Powell asked the councillors to consider that the idea to remove the Ringwell Hill site from the Local Plan was contrary to the decision of the previous Parish Council, and that this view may not be reflecting the feelings of the whole parish, especially when considering the proximity of the site to the A303, and the huge problem for Ash with the heavy goods vehicles. Mr. Jackson expressed concern that the development will be on the sky-line of the village.

It was proposed that the draft letter was sent to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, and the proposal was passed by a majority vote.