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MINUTES of the MEETING of the PARISH COUNCIL, held on Wednesday 30th November 2005, at the Market House commencing at 7.30pm. THOSE PRESENT: - R. Powell (Chairman), D.Palmer, A.Terrell, A.Sherrin, M.Heaven, C.Price, D.Reynolds, A.Campbell District Councillor, C.Bell, D.Campbell County Councillor, J. Hetherington, P.Palmer, V.Budge Clerk, ten parishioners and Western Gazette reporter. APOLOGIES. G.Mountjoy, A.Clarke. DISCUSSION WITH TONY SHIRE, SCC
Executive Member for Highways, Transport & Waste. Mr. Shire also referred to a letter from the Highways Department, which referred to the provision of a footway at Stapleton, the kerb heights at Stapleton Cross, and a traffic study and blocked gully. It was confirmed that Mr. Fletcher will design improved signage for the Stoke/Water Street junction, and will also re-look at the East Street/Foldhill Lane junction to see if it could be possible to change the priority. Wessex Water had been informed to repair a damaged sewer cover and patching work near the Church entrance had been ordered. With regards the taxi marking, this site had been visited, and John Hext had confirmed his opinion that the bay is enforceable in it’s current state and does not require a plate. Somerton Police Station will be informed of this opinion and to request enforcement as required. He also went on to report that the junction layout at Steppes Crescent had been altered as a traffic safety measure, and that the tactile crossing will be adjusted. The condition of Hills Lane will be advised to the SSDC and the lack of dropped kerbs for wheelchair users in North Street will be considered in the preparation work for resurfacing North Street in 2006/07 He agreed that the condition of the footway between Hurst and Bower Hinton was steeper than desirable in places, re-profiling and resurfacing will be considered as part of a future package of works for the B3165, but may be some years away. Mrs. Terrell asked Mr. Shire if the condition of the footway at Water Street could be improved. Mr. Price felt that the preparation of the improvement works proposed after the meeting with Mr. Carroll had been a great waste of time and effort. Mr. Powell said the traffic issue in Bower Hinton was a real issue, and that efforts should be made to divert traffic from this route, the development of the industrial sites at Ringwell may be a way of achieving this target. Mrs. Hurst, a parishioner reiterated the need for improvements to the footways at Bower Hinton, and also gave a list of other problems to Mr. Shire, which he said would be investigated. The PCSO John Winfield expressed his doubts regarding the validity of the comments relating to the Taxi Rank and would be making enquiries from his superiors. Mr. Shire was thanked for attending the meeting, he hoped that some items could be redressed and would like to come to another meeting at a later date to discuss developments. 27/05/06 POLICE MATTERS. Matt Beckett had been investigating a series of incidents relating to damage to vehicles. Comment was made at the speed of traffic in the Bower Hinton area, and speed checks were being carried out. Mr. Powell reported that following the various incidents that had occurred recently in the village, a joint meeting with various authorities had been held and three groups formed to discuss what action could be taken to resolve the ongoing problems. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. MINUTES. PLANNING COMMITTEE. Consideration of Planning Applications received for submission of comments to the Planning Office:- 05/02856/OUT Light industrial Development of land (Outline renewal of planning permission 03/00211/OUT0 Land OS 7270 Part Ringwell Hill, Martock. (Mr. P.Palmer declared an interest and left the meeting during debate) This application is for renewal of outline permission for Light Industrial Use B1 held since 1994.The plan submitted is dated 1990 and shows a development of 20 units which we consider is over development of the site. We seek clarification whether this plan is part of the application, if it is it requires updating to reflect the 2005 situation. The applicants are well aware of the conditions laid down in the outline approvals in 1994,1997 and 2003 by South Somerset District Council. These should all continue to apply to this renewal in full and without any modification. Earlier this year there was a larger adjoining industrial outline application 05/00887/OUT, to the west of this site, currently under consideration and which is awaiting a meeting of the Regulation Committee. The application has caused widespread concern previously voiced by the PC which is already on record. This renewal is now inextricably linked to the larger adjoining application as they both will share the same entrance. There is also concern that the plan submitted does not show how the entry road will link up with the other development. Condition 11 of the Outline Approval dated 20 Feb 2003 lays down the maximum approved gradients which should not be exceeded. The other developer has already agreed to widen the pinch point on Ringwell Hill. If this development goes ahead before 05/00887/OUT it should be a requirement that this applicant undertakes this road work prior to any building work on the site. 28/05/06 The Parish Council is concerned at the additional traffic this site will generate through Bower Hinton and Martock (parking space is proposed for 66 cars and 450sqm for lorries) on top of that which will be generated by the larger industrial development. The additional traffic strengthens the case for a no left turn out or right turn into the site and a weight limit on B3165 to the North down to the South Petherton Rd. Under this new situation with two different developers we know that a transport plan previously suggested will not satisfy local residents. There is already a flooding problem below the site in the Stoke Rd area. This will be aggravated as the documentation proposes that the surface water is discharged into soakaways. Experts have already stated that the ground is unsuitable for this. The drainage should be connected up to the other development, which has taken steps to address this issue. All units in Blocks B & C should be hamstone faced on elevations seen from Ringwell Hill in keeping with the adjoining buildings. Dense screening similar to that already provided to the East of Block B should be required to the East of Block C and North of Block B. Unless the new buildings are limited to no greater height than the existing corner building, they will dominate B3165, because the land on which they are proposed is already about 10 ft above the roadway. We ask that the officer handling these two applications attend a PC meeting to brief members on how he far he proposes to protect the local community because the combined impact is more than we can reasonably be expected to absorb. Because this application is inextricably linked to the larger adjoining development mentioned above we ask that the two applications be considered together by the Regulation Committee. 05/02448/FUL Extension of existing agricultural building Coat Farm Highway Road, Coat, Martock. Approved providing matching materials are used. 05/03044/FUL Erection of entrance porch 34 Steppes Crescent, Martock. Approved. 05/03041/FUL Erection of a conservatory at rear of dwelling 14 Ashfield Park, Martock Approved 05/03092/REM Erection of two 3 bedroom semi-detached houses and garages 12, Gastons Lane, Bower Hinton, Martock. (Mr. P. Palmer reported that he was investigating the complaint regarding non-notification to the neighbours with the District Council) The Parish Council approve the plan with regards the semi-detached houses but must insist that the materials used match the existing dwellings. The Parish Council suggest that a shared access is made to the rear of these houses which could be used by these and number 12, and for the provision of garages for the three dwellings, this suggestion would satisfy the neighbours. Comment was also made regarding the resiting of the stopcock and extension of the highway at the frontage of the houses to the County Council standard. The capacity of the sewer to serve these dwellings was also questioned. 05/03110/FUL Amend existing permission for garage & erect boundary wall to enclose side plot Timberend Manor Farm, Stapleton, Martock. Approved
29/05/06 05/03029/FUL Erection of one dwelling and erection of garage for Orchard Farm House Orchard Farm, Highway Road,Coat. The Parish Council recommends refusal as the dwelling is outside the development line, and the Council also considered that the plan was an over development of the site SSDC Notifications of Decisions. Notifications of granted permission were received
for: - and covered way at rear 4, Church Close, Martock. 05/02573/FUL Erection of a conservatory 15 Foldhill Lane, Martock. 05/02689/TCA Works to be carried out to various trees Bower Hinton Manor, Middle Street, Bower Hinton. 05/02764/LBC Internal works to ground floor study The Barn East Street, Martock. Notification of application withdrawn:- 05/02135/COU Erection of detached garage and extension to residential curtilage Rose Bank House, 5 Church Street, Martock. 05/02846/REM Erection of 2 dwellings in car park next to 12 Gastons Lane 12 Gastons Lane, Bower Hinton, Martock Details of the minutes and presentation of the Development Control-Scheme of Delegation meeting were received and would be circulated to the Planning Committee members. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES. Mr. Price reported that version 2 of the Architect’s Brief had been circulated. It was hoped to achieve charitable status in the spring. Mr. Hetherington asked if the condition of contract had been agreed, and Mr. Price explained the current position HIGHWAY MATTERS – SIGNAGE MARTOCK / ASH LANE. A complaint had been received from Mr. N. Hebditch relating to the new signage for this lane. He maintains that the road from Triways to the parish boundary should be signed as Ash Lane, and a letter was to be sent to the District Council asking them to resolve this problem.
30/05/06 M3 REPORT The Parish Council was informed that Mr. Hedges intends to stand down as chairman. There was concern that the money allocated from MCTI was not been used quickly enough and the group was in danger of loosing the money allocated to them. M3 intended to apply to become incorporated, and hopefully this would happen in the New Year. There was concern that no new members were coming forward to partake in the projects, and it was intended to produce and distribute a mail drop to encourage new member to volunteer to help. RECREATION COMMITTEE. Dominic Hobson and Patrick Webster attended the meeting on behalf of the Tennis Club. It was reported that a joint meeting had been held with Parish Council and District Council representatives, it was noted that it would be beneficial if the Parish Council applied for grant funding for the lights as the VAT could be reclaimed, but this would mean that the lights belonged to the Parish Council. It was unlikely that the full amount required would be available. It was agreed that the Parish Council apply for the grant, with the District Council and Tennis Club paying the balance for the lights to the PC. The lights would then be the property of the PC, and a lease would be prepared and agreed before the lights were ordered. The lease would include a section stating that if the Club was to discontinue the courts and lights would revert to the Parish Council. It was agreed that if they was a shortfall in funds the Parish Council would lend the Club up to £2000, but this would be taken from the amount put aside for the electric cable and would have to be repaid by the Tennis Club. The Club also indicated that they were happy to use a generator for the lighting until the cable could be installed, which would be sufficient for the Community Centre and Courts. The PC may assist with a small amount of funding. Mr. Powell also reported that the Tennis Club had agreed to pay for the moving of the play equipment to allow the building of the new courts. Mr. Hobson explained the position with regards the loss of income from public hire and the measures the club had taken to try to resolve the matter, but as Tina Boyce would not reconsider continuing with the public bookings an alternative was being investigated. It would appear that the return of the keys had been an issue, and it was suggested that combination locks are obtained, with the code being changed weekly. Mr. Hobson outlined details of the funding for the new courts. Mr. Hetherington asked the Tennis Club if they might be prepared to take over the running of the courts, including the public usage The meeting also discussed the usage of the lighting by the public, although the Club thought there would be little demand. Mr.Price thought that an article explaining what was happening with the Courts should be put in the Leveller, and Mr. Powell and Mr. Webster would prepare this item. GATES. An updated quote of £5059 had been received from A1 Access, confirmation had been received of a grant of £2000 from Mendip & South Somerset Community Safety Partnership, and the Parish Council agreed to place the order for the gates. SKATE PARK. Mr. Parris reported that the opening ceremony by Mr,. Heath MP had gone well. Zurich had advised the Council of their recommendations for signage and Mr. Moore had been asked to supply details required for this sign. Mr. Parris had found a litter bin in the store room at the Pavilion, and Mr. Lloyd would be asked to erect this bin near the skate park. Mr. P.Palmer reported on the progress of the gate at the Rose & Crown entrance, he also reported that there was a stretch of hedge that required re-planting, a grant of 50% was available and the total cost was in the region of £500, Mr. P. Palmer would organise this and obtain the grant on behalf of the Council.
31/05/06 The Annual Safety Inspection report had been received; a copy would be forwarded to Kim Dike, and a copy given to Mr. Parris for his information. Mr Parris had contacted the Probation Office with regards obtaining people to help with the ‘stone picking’. Mr. Parris would investigate the work required to the ditch between Mr. Hebditch’s and the Recreation Ground. Mr. P. Palmer confirmed that all hedges and ditches in the new Recreation Ground belonged to the PC, the maintenance contract would ask for the same number of cuts as existing plus the cost of a possible additional six. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS – D.PALMER
–YOUTH CLUB. PARISHIONER PARTICIPATION . None.
Mrs. Campbell reported on the Celebrations of the District Council becoming a Beacon Council. It was noted that details of the local police duties were now being sent by email to the clerk. FINANCE. Consortium -128.92 Royal British Legion 20.00 KS Electrics 720.00 Flex 888.30 JH Lloyd 1151.25 D.Palmer 39.99 D.Sharpe 1212.00 Zurich 409.69 CJ Carpets 1178.54 Paull & Co 8.38 Clarke Bus Prod. 11.67 Consortium, 20.62 Npower 128.05 BWBS Water 249.03 K.M. Dike 1122.76 Wages 1429.35 Inland Rev 249.89 K.M. Dike 470.59 The Finance Chairman ratified the accounts for October. The Precept as presented was discussed; an additional item of £250 was to be added for the hedge at the Recreation Ground. The review of the insurance policy, salaries, charges and risk assessments would be done at the next mid-month meeting. The Council agreed that an additional clause be added to the hiring forms, advising hirers that equipment left at the premises was done so at their own risk, and recommending that the hiring group insure these items. This clause was to be approved by Mr. Hetherington. The Clerk requested that a storage cupboard be provided at the Pavilion, to enable all chemicals to be locked away. VILLAGE COMMITTEE. The Clerk reported that there had been damage to the roof and skylights at the Parish Hall, Mr. Lloyd was preparing a quote to rectify these items, Mr. Jackson had discussed this matter with Mr. Lloyd and an alternative solution for the skylight replacements was to be investigated. 32/05/06 A request had been received for an additional dog bin at Gildings Drove, the Council was happy with this proposal, and enquiries would be made to implement this request. The Clerk reported that enquiries had been made with regards an entertainment licence for the Fete. Further details would be available in the New Year, and a decision would then be made regarding a licence. A copy letter from Mr. Thompson to Mr. Dowding regarding the Producers Market had been received. Mr. Powell reported that M3 were looking into this complaint. It was reported that the Christmas tree had arrived, Mr. D & Mr. P. Palmer would erect the tree, and Mrs. Terrell thanked them on behalf of the Council. Mr. Jackson would ask Mr. I. Gould if he would undertake the Fire assessment for the Hall. Enquiries were to be made with regards to the removal of graffiti at various locations in the village. CORRESPONDENCE. NHS Health of the People Annual Report 2004/05. Principles –Informed choice for individuals, Personalisation of information support and services – Partnership working between public, private and community services. Review of progress, Protecting People’s Health – Priorities for 2005/06 SOMERSET DRUG & ALCOHOL ACTION TEAM – Project offers drug & alcohol awareness sessions for local people that are part of community groups e.g. parent groups PC and local action teams. Sessions are free last from 45 to 3 hours. SCC Statement of Community Involvement – statutory duty to produce statement set out policy for involving communities in Preparation of Minerals and waste Development Documents and County Matter planning applications. Consultation period up to 5Th January SOUTH SOMERSET LOCAL DEVELOPMENT – new planning system replace local and structure plans, item above is one of new documents. Want to hear from different groups, short questionnaire prepared, comments by 9th December, comments fully considered. RSKENSR New Gas Main Ilchester > Barrington will effect footpath north of Stapleton, project to start next year SCC FIRE & RESCUE. Annual IRMP action plan, interested in comments by 31st January SSDC CORPORATE PLAN 2005-2012 THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS THE MEETING WAS DECLARED CLOSED. (Minutes subject to approval) |