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Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council held on 24th June 2009 There were present Roger Powell Chairman Jenny Becker, Christopher Price In attendance Ian Andrews Parish Clerk Approximately thirty members of the public. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting 49/09 Apologies for absence Apologies for absence were received from Chris Bell, Jason Mann and David Parris. 50/09 Chairman’s notices 1. Distribution of Parish Council Minutes: The Chairman recommended that members should consider the distribution of Minutes at the next meeting of the Parish Council. 2. Confidential agenda items: The Chairman explained why it was occasionally necessary for the Parish Council to meet without the press and public being present. 3. The Chairman reminded members that confidential items should not be discussed with those who were not members of the Parish Council. He drew members’ attention to Standing Orders on the matter of confidentiality. 51/09 Declarations of interest David Reynolds declared an interest in planning application 09/01800/FUL 1 Gastons Lane, Bower Hinton. 52/09 Vacancies The Parish Clerk reported there were three vacancies for members on the Parish Council and that he had received expressions of interest from: Ms. Dawn Sharpe The Chairman explained that, as Douglas Campbell was the former County Councillor for the Martock Division and David Wilkinson was a former member of the Parish Council, there would be no need for them to introduce themselves. He invited Dawn Sharpe to introduce herself. After discussion, David Reynolds proposed and Jenny Becker seconded a proposal that all three candidates should be co-opted as members of the Parish Council. This was unanimously agreed by members. 53/09 Police matters The Chairman introduced PC Iain Selley the Martock Beat Manager and Jason Helyar the PCSO. 1. Cold Calling Alert Zone: PCSO Jason Helyar reported the Alert Zone, which was a pilot scheme, had commenced on 23rd June 2009. He invited members of the public to telephone the police in the event of anyone cold calling on them in their homes. He emphasised that charities who wished to carry out door-to-door collections should contact the police beforehand. PCSO Helyar reported the scheme might be extended to cover Coat. 2. Hills Orchard: In answer to questions from parishioners, PCSO Helyar assured the meeting he would patrol the area. The Chairman recalled a site meeting with SSDC in March 2008 where it had been agreed that the ‘elephant’ fence would be extended along the whole length of the recreation space and that blocking the footpath into Hills Lane between the recreation space and the adjacent houses would be investigated. He and Patrick Palmer agreed to contact SSDC concerning the fence and the footpath. Action: 090624/1: Chairman & Patrick Palmer PCSO Helyar spoke on the incidents in Hills Orchard and reported he had received six telephone calls from residents concerning anti social behaviour problems. He urged the residents to telephone the police immediately there were signs of any trouble. He also spoke on the problems of under age drinking in streets and the Precinct in Martock and again urged residents to telephone the police general enquiries line. The Chairman reported that a meeting of the Martock Local Action Group would be held shortly, at which these matters would be discussed. The Chairman also urged residents to report any incidents to the police. 54/09 Minutes The Minutes of the meeting held on 27th May 2009 were agreed as being a correct record after the following amendments had been made: Minute 36/09 paragraph 2 line 4: Delete the words “should be” and insert the word “if”. Minute 38/09 4 line 3: Replace the lower case “p” and insert an upper case “P” in “palmer” and after the word “before” insert the wording “the debate and”. Christopher Price felt that the Chairman’s report at paragraph 2 of Minute 36/09 was not an accurate representation of the views of the MUCF Steering Group, as it had not agreed that a 50% vote in favour of the project would be required for it to proceed. 55/09 Confirmation of actions from previous Minutes Action 090128/3 Bye-law for the Precinct: The Parish Clerk reported he was still waiting to hear from the Martock Chippery, Bakery Roy-al and the St. Margaret’s Hospice shop with their support for a bye-law. Action: 090128/3: Parish Clerk (ongoing) Action 090325/6: Rubbish bin for the skate park: The action was outstanding. Action: 090325/6: Parish Clerk (ongoing) Action 090429/9: Take advice from Mr. Roger Meechem of SSDC about piping of the ditch on the Recreation Ground: The action was outstanding. Action: 090429/9: David Parris (ongoing) Action 090429/12: Flooding at the pedestrian crossing in North Street: The action had been completed. Action 090429/14: Members’ Away Day: The action had been completed. Action 090527/1: Pavilion redecoration: The Chairman reported the action had been completed and that a group of people were considering youth employment issues. Action 090527/2: Additional/new signage for the Recreation Ground: The action was ongoing. Action 090527/2: David Parris & Richard Walsh Action 090527/3: Additional picnic table for the Recreation Ground: The action was outstanding. Action: 090527/3: David Parris (ongoing)
Action: 090527/4: David Parris (ongoing) Action 090527/5: Tennis court bookings. The action had been completed. Action 090527/6: Village Gateways: Andrew Clarke asked members to let him have their comments on the suggestions tabled. Action: 090527/6: Andrew Clarke (ongoing) Action 090527/7: Calor Somerset Village of the year: The Chairman reported the action was ongoing. Action 090527/7: Val Knight, Jenny Becker and the Chairman (ongoing) Action 090527/8: Parish Hall kitchen: The Chairman reported the action was ongoing. Action 090527/8: Chairman (ongoing) Action 090527/9: Web site. The matter would be dealt with under agenda item 14. 57/09 Buses using Ashfield Park, Martock The Chairman introduced Mr. Nigel Collins, Transport Strategy Officer from SSDC, and Mr. Sean Brimble, Yeovil Depot Controller, First Group, and explained to them the problems caused to residents of Ashfield Park by buses being driven along the road off their route. Various members of the public spoke about the problem after which Mr. Collins explained that the Ilminster service had to turn round in Martock and that the larger buses now in operation with a longer wheel base would be more difficult to drive around the Market House. He added that the problems could be addressed when contracts for the services were retendered. Mr. Brimble reported he had instructed First bus drivers not to use Ashfield Park as a detour around North Street and would again speak to his drivers to remind them about this matter. There followed a discussion about the problem of bus drivers having to turn their buses for their return journey and the Chairman agreed that the Parish Council would investigate a safer turning place. Action: 090624/2: Chairman The Chairman thanked Mr. Collins and Mr. Brimble for their attendance. 58/09 Parishioner participation The Chairman was asked when the 2008/2009 accounts would be audited. He replied that the Parish Clerk expected the internal auditor to complete his work by the end of August. The Chairman was asked about the proposed Village Gateways and agreed that neither the Stapleton nor the Bower Hinton signs would be removed. 59/09 Proposed Multi-Use Community Facility (MUCF) The Chairman reported the Parish Council had noted the concerns raised by members of the public at earlier meetings. He had spoken to Ian Clarke, solicitor for SSDC, who had advised that, although the survey being conducted was not an official referendum, because the results were not binding, they could be used to inform a decision on the MUCF as the parties to the project saw fit, provided that such a decision was reasonable. He also saw no objection to carrying out more than one round of voting. The Chairman reported that the SSDC had conducted an independent check of votes and had set out all the comments received with the ballot papers. These had been analysed in order to identify the keys issues. The Chairman informed the meeting that the Steering Group had examined the results of the referendum and had resolved that each party should now reaffirm their support for the project and their agreement to proceed to the next stage. For this to happen, all three parties must agree, and the Parish Council would consider the matter at its next meeting on 29th July. At this point of the meeting the Chairman presented the results of the referendum: 1173 of a total of 2070 households had voted, making a 57% return rate. 685 households had voted in favour of the
project – 33%. 897 households did not vote – 43%. Of those voting: 19% had voted in favour and had added comments to their ballot
papers; The Chairman confirmed the results of the referendum would be available for consultation in the Community Office and that copies would be provided on request. In answer to a question about the intentions of the parties to the project, the Chairman explained the composition of the Steering Group. He agreed that, if the Yeovil “Sports Zone” was sited close to the Cartgate link, this might affect the number of people using the proposed MUCF facilities. 60/09 District & County Councillors’ reports John Bailey the newly elected County Councillor commented he was privileged to be elected and reported on the cut in the County’s Community budget. He undertook to keep the Parish Council informed on policy changes within the County Council. Ann Campbell reported on her rôle as Chairman of the Social Inclusion, Equality and Diversion Committee which had enabled SSDC to increase the amount of time a disabled person can park in Yeovil and enabled Muslim women to use a swimming pool. She further reported that SSDC will give Indian and Chinese restaurateurs training in Health & Safety legislation in their own language. Patrick Palmer reported that Area North had not met during June and spoke on the Local Development Framework (LDF) Workshop to be held at Long Sutton Golf Club in July. David Reynolds reported that he had requested a response to the Parish Council’s submission to the original LDF consultation, which had been promised by the end of June. 61/09 Emergency Committee The Chairman of the Emergency Committee, Christopher Price, drew members’ attention to the updated version of the Martock Emergency Plan, a copy of which was available for every member. He reported there would be a copy of the Plan in the Community Office and it would be put on the website after that had been redesigned. 62/09 Finance Committee Christopher Price, Chairman of the Committee, presented: 1. The receipts and payments for June 2009 which members agreed. 2. The reconciliation for the May 2009 accounts which was agreed. 3. Virements of £2000 from Contingencies, £1000 from Parish Hall general and £1000 from Recreation Ground general, totalling £4000, to make provision for expenditure on updating the website, which members agreed. 4. The Chairman of the Committee explained that the draft accounts for the year ended March 2009 would be considered at the July meeting of the Parish Council. 5. The Chairman of the Committee proposed that £50 should be paid toward the cost of a portaloo for the Cricket Club event on 11th July. Patrick Palmer seconded the proposition which was agreed by members. The amount would be a Section 137 payment. 63/09 Recreation Committee In the absence of the Chairman of the Committee, David Parris, the Chairman of the Council proposed the acceptance of the tender submitted by K.M. Dike (Nurseries) Ltd for Grounds maintenance for the years 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12. This was agreed by members. Perimeter Track: The Chairman of the Council agreed to discuss the tender for the Perimeter track with the Chairman of the Committee. Action: 090624/3: Chairman of the Council The Chairman of the Council reported the Play Area equipment, to be paid for from the Paull Court S106 funding, had now been selected. He would be submitting a planning application for a five metre high multi-play unit. He agreed to discuss the possibility of a helicopter climbing frame with the Chairman of the Committee. Action: 090624/4: Chairman of the Council The Parish Clerk was asked to check the
Parish Council’s
insurance cover for the new equipment. 64/09 Village Committee In the absence of the Chairman of the Committee, the Chairman of the Council presented the reports on: 1. Bollards around Pair Trees, Bower Hinton. It was agreed a sample was needed. Action: 090624/6: Parish Clerk 2. Street lighting in Church Street: The Parish Clerk reported
on the delay and confirmed that payment had been made in full to
SCC for the lighting. 4. Village Gateways: Members agreed that a wheat sheaf symbol should be shown on the gateways. 65/09 Planning Committee The Chairman of the Committee, David Reynolds, reported upon the following applications: 1. 0902119/LBC: Internal alterations to kitchen/hall – Mr. C. Davies, Gogs Pool House, 21 Hurst, Martock. Members agreed to recommend the application for approval. 2. 09/02021/FUL: Refurbishment of workshop and the installation of a mezzanine floor – Mr. & Mrs. N. Short, Eweleaxe, West Street, Stapleton, Martock. Members agreed to recommend the application for approval. At this point of the meeting the Chairman of the Committee, David Reynolds left the meeting and the Vice-Chairman of the Committee, Andrew Clarke, presented the following application: 3. 09/01800/FUL: Erection of a porch and a first floor extension to dwelling house - Mr. J. Redward, 1 Gastons Lane, Bower Hinton. Members agreed to recommend the application for approval. David Reynolds returned to the meeting and presented the following application: 4. 09/01930/FUL: Erection of double garage – Mr. A. Radford, The Old Doctor’s House, Water Street, Martock. Members agreed to recommend the application for approval. The Chairman of the Committee reported the late receipt of the following amended application: 5. 09/00128/FUL: Erection of a specialist dementia care home, together with associated vehicular and pedestrian access and landscaping – Notaro Homes. The applicant had tabled a sequential site appraisal supporting the selected site. Members reaffirmed their earlier decision that they were not prepared to consider any application outside the planning line prior to the publication of the LDF unless there was a proven local need. 66/09 Parishioner participation There was none. 67/09 Correspondence There was none. 68/09 Business for future meetings There was none. 69/09 Date of next meeting It was agreed to meet again on Wednesday 29th July 2009. This meeting would start early at 6.30pm and be held in the Parish Hall in order to provide time and space for a public debate on the MUCF project. It was resolved to exclude the press and public from the remainder
of the meeting due to the confidential nature of the business to
be transacted. |