March 2011
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 14th March 2011
Public Meeting
There were eight members of the public present. Mrs H Kendon representing residents of the Mearns addressed the Council with a request for a grit bin. Mrs Kendon highlighted the difficulties the residents find during the severe weather conditions. B&NES have previously
stated the Mearns do not meet the necessary criteria for the installation of a grit bin. Mr P Wyatt stated that the Council will discuss this later in the meeting.
Mrs J Taylor and Mr M Exly addressed the Council with the problems faced by the Bo-Peep Pre school premises. Mrs Taylor provided the Council with copy of the problems which she read out. Mr P Wyatt informed Mrs Taylor that while the Council do not have jurisdiction with regards to the premises, the Council will put it on next month’s agenda for discussion.
Mr J Parker of Bloomfield Cottages addressed the Council with his objections to the planning application11/00540/FUL Erection of a pair of semi-detached dwellings following demolition of an agricultural barn together with the provision of off-street parking for No’s 2-5(inclu) Bloomfield, Tennis Court Farm, Wells Road, Hallatrow. Mr Parker requested it is minuted that the residents of Bloomfield Cottages do not want the parking on the A39 taken away and asks the Council’s view. Mr R Hitchens stated that priority signs and lining is on the Council’s Parish Plans for Highways and Environment document for this traffic calming area. Mr P Wyatt informed Mr Parker that the B&NES Traffic Engineer does not see a problem with leaving the parking where it is. Mr S Brien reiterated Mr Parker’s objections and requested that it is minuted that 10 car parking spaces have been allocated in the planning application, some are for the residents of Bloomfield Cottages. The residents of Bloomfield Cottages do not want these car parking space
Councillors present
Mr Paul Wyatt (Chairman), Mr Bob Hitchens, Mr John Shears, Mr N Pearson, Mr Sean Skelhorn, Mr Ken Staplin, Mrs Vicki Smith and Mr Les Kew (District Councillor)
Apologies
Mr K Marshall and Mr N Pollett
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 7th February 2011
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting after one amendment. Agenda Item 5. Core Strategy it should read “Mr R Hitchens proposed that the signature of Councillor Pearson is authenticated……”
Declarations of Interest
Mr P Wyatt declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 4 White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment. Mr P Wyatt is the Company Director of the one of the tenders.
Development Control, Forestry Works and Footpath Diversions
10/01095/FUL Erection of 5No. houses with associated parking and garages on land adjacent to 158 Greyfield Road, 158 Greyfield Road, High Littleton
Awaiting decision
10/0356/REM Removal of condition 2 of application WC 5965/D (Erection of an agricultural dwelling and new farm buildings at plot No. 9113, land in Cuckoo Lane, High Littleton) in relation to agricultural occupancy, Somersby Orchard, The Gug, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
10/05106/FUL Erection of a detached single garage and alterations to the roof, Newlands, Paulton Road, Hallatrow
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
10/05250/LBA External and internal alterations to include raising roof slates by 50mm, new Spanish slates to replace stolen slates, external spreader plates, new velux rooflights, new chimney stack and rebuild of north gable end, new foundations to kitchen boundary wall, Church Farm, Church Hill, High Littleton. Information in support of 10/05250/LBA External alterations to raise roof slates by 50mm, new chimney stack and rebuild of north gable end, new foundations to kitchen boundary wall, Church Farm, Church Hill, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
11/00014/FUL Erection of a single garage, Brick Cottage, 12 High Street, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
The Clerk received a letter from Mr Richards to the planning officer, listing his objections to the planning application. The Clerk forwarded to the Councillors Mr Payne’s email which listed his objections. Mr Les Kew explained to the Council the reasons for the permitted decision
10/05188/FUL Change of use of 1033sq.m of floor space in Unit 1 from Class B8 Storage to non-food Class A1 retail use (Retrospective) Unit 1 Gillards Worldwide Warehousing, Hallatrow
The Council agreed to Object in Principal to the ancillary use to the planning existing use. The Council support a supplementary use
The Council discussed their concern that they were not informed of the application 10/05188/FUL for the CLPU. Mr L Kew informed the Council that Certificate of Lawful Use applications are not sent to Councils for consultation. The Council agreed that this was contary to their experience and that Mr R Hitchens should draft a letter for B&NES Development and Control, to state the Council’s concern that the CLPU that was granted and to ask why the Council were not consulted as they have been in the past
11/00441/FUL Erection of front porch and a single storey side extension (revised resubmission) 3 Kingwell View, High Littleton
The Council agreed to support this application
11/00540/FUL Erection of a pair of semi-detached dwellings following demolition of an agricultural barn together with the provision of off-street parking for No’s 2-5(inclu) Bloomfield, Tennis Court Farm, Wells Road, Hallatrow
The Council agreed to Object in Principal because the planning application is contrary to Polices D2 and HG 10 of the B&NES Local Plan
Silver Birches – Planning decision regarding 10/02241/FUL Erection of new detached bungalow (resubmission)
The Clerk received an Appeal Notice APP/F0114/A/11/2147577. The Council agreed that Mr N Pearson should send the Councils representations after circulating to the Councillors.
Agenda Items
1. Parish Plan – Highways & Environment
- Speed Restrictions National Review
No news
- Feasibility study for Paulton and surrounding area in connection with the Paulton Works
Mr S Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) designed a brief and map indicating a roundabout at junction B 3355 and Wells Road was forwarded to the Councillors for their review. Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that Mr S Chiffers is asking for the Councils thoughts on the proposals. The Council agreed to consider all the proposals. Mr P Wyatt and Mr L Kew will arrange a meeting with Mr S Chiffers to discuss the design brief further. All Councillors will be invited.
- Proposed Parking Restrictions by the school
The Clerk wrote to Mr Matthew Smith (B&NES Divisional Director Environmental Services) to ask why the Parish Council have not been consulted regarding proposals for parking restrictions at the school. Mr Smith replied that Mrs Miley (B&NES Head of Parking) will attend the Parish Council’s April meeting to discuss this with the Council. Mr Smith assures the Council that no action will be taken until then
- The Batch improvements
Mr J Shears met on site Mrs Lyn Parfitt (B&NES Street Naming and Numbering officer) to agree on the suitable placement of the Batch Road sign.
Mr V Smith asked where the remainder of the B&NES allocated money for improvement to the Batch area will be spent. Mr P Wyatt said the pricing up of new railings by the Batch is ongoing
- 2nd School Crossing Operative for High Littleton School – replacement
The second School Crossing Operative has commenced work. To be removed from the agenda
- Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
No news
- School Traffic Calming Signs
Mrs V Smith emailed Mr Gareth Griffith (Head Teacher High Littleton School) with the Parish Council’s suggestions of where they would like the chosen traffic calming sign placed near the school. Mr G Griffiths is chasing Mr Chiffers for an update.
- Traffic Mounting the footway on Church Hill
Mrs V Smith emailed Mr G Griffith to ask if the school would record any vehicles mounting the pavement or any other incident for the Council. The Clerk received a copy of email correspondence between a parishioner and Mr S Chiffers who is complaining of vehicles mounting the pavement on Church Hill. Mrs Smith informed the Council that this matter has been in the School Newsletter and parents have been asked to report any incidents. Mrs Smith to speak to the school and reiterate this request
- New Speed Control Equipment in Hallatrow
Mr R Hitchens informed the Council that he has noted small yellow boxes on the Paulton
Road. No one knows want they are for. Mr P Wyatt will ask Mr S Chiffers
- Vehicles Parking on footway outside the Church
Mrs Joanne Pike (Traffic Orders Officer) emailed Mr Kew regarding the receipt of a complaint from St Aldhelms House of cars parking on the pavement by the Church. Their children are required to step in the road to get past the cars. The cone placed there is being ignored. They are asking for white lines. The Council agreed to discuss this with Mrs Miley when she attends the next month’s meeting
- Safer Walking Matters - other
No other emergency matters was discussed
2. Parking matters
- Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No news. The Council will ask Mrs Miley for an update when she attends the April meeting
3. Highway related matters
The Highways Maintenance sheet was updated
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
- Oak House Section 106 money available
Mr Jon King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) emailed the Clerk to say that as White Chimneys denied permission for B&NES to use part of their garden to accommodate a bus shelter, B&NES will use the money to build raised kerbs. However Rosewell Community Home has been identified as a suitable place for a second hand bus shelter.
- White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment
Mr P Wyatt declared a prejudicial interest and left the room.
The Clerk sent out nine tenders for the refurbishment of the bus shelter. Two have been received. The Council reviewed the two tenders. Mr N Pearson proposed that the Council accept the tender of Mr Upsom of Chilcompton. This was seconded by Mr R Hitchens and carried unanimously
5. Core Strategy – Policy C Village Capacity Work
No news
6. Footpaths
- Footpath CL 11/16 – water logged footpath and overgrown hedge
No news
7. Website renewal of editor
The Clerk informed the Council that Mr James Burfield (Burfield Creative) has amended incorrect details on the Parish Council’s Website. The Council discussed and agreed to add a Neighbourhood Watch page and a Clubs and Societies page. To be removed from the agenda.
8. Co-operative site, High Street, High Littleton review of status
No news. The Council agreed to remove this from the agenda
9. Review of Standing Orders
Mr P Wyatt has suggested that the Council may wish to delete Standing Order 40-3a before adopting. The Council agreed. The Clerk to amend for next month’s meeting
10. Request for grit bins
There have been 3 requests for grit bins. In the B&NES Winter Maintenance review it mentions receiving many requests for grit bins and states the necessary criteria – one of which must apply
a/ On hills with a 205 or1:5 gradient or greater
b/ Where a hill is steeper than 1 in 7 (15%) and the road is used by more than 200 cars a day
c/ At junctions where the gradient is greater than 10% or 1;10 and the adjoining roads carry more than 200 vehicles a day
- The Grove, Hallatrow
Mr Adam Spring (B&NES Highway Technician) emailed the Clerk to say that he believes that the Grove does not meet the necessary criteria but a site inspection might prove differently
- The Mearns
Mr Philip Kendon emailed the Clerk requesting a grit bin for the Mearns (Mr Kendon has also asked Farmborough Parish Council). Mr Kendon’s neighbour Mrs Hazel Lawrie has also emailed with this request. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that they believe that the Mearns meets the necessary criteria as in c/ above. The Clerk to contact Mr A Spring supporting this request.
- Scumbrum Lane
The Council has received another request for grit at the bottom of Scumbrum Lane. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that they believe the necessary criterion is met as in c/ above. The Clerk to contact Mr A Spring supporting this request.
11. Hallatrow notice board – replacement
The Clerk provided a photograph of the notice board at Ston Easton and has received details of the company who made this. It is in aluminium with wood grain effect. The Council agreed for the Clerk to pursue costing for two notice boards.
12. Empty Homes
To be discussed at the next meeting
13. Review Internal Auditor
The Clerk informed the Council that each year the Council should make an assessment on the performance of the Internal Auditor on at least the following:-The scope of the internal audit, independence, competence, relationships and audit planning and reporting
The Clerk has been in correspondence with IAC (Internal Audit & Compliance) who are offering their services to do the Internal Auditing. To conduct the audit fee on the premises would be £185. Mr Duppa-Miller does not charge the Council, but he does not write a report despite being requested by the Clerk. The Council discussed the matter and agreed to request the services of Mr Duppa-Miller for the 2010-2011 accounting year.
14. Traffic leaving Green Lane
The Council discussed the problems with cars leaving the car wash business from Green Lane and driving through the red lights. The Clerk was requested to contact Mrs Miley and ask if the white lines could be repainted
15. Royal Wedding 29th April 2011 – celebration mugs for young school children
The Council discussed supplying celebration mugs for the forthcoming Royal Wedding. The Council agreed that they would not do so as the Queen’s 60 years Jubilee will be next year.
Reports from Representatives
AllotmentsNo news
Recreation Ground
- Request for 1/3 towards replacement garage door
Mr J Shears and Mr P Wyatt provided the Council with a verbal report
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr K Staplin provided the Council with a verbal report
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
No news
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
Mr S Skelhorn provided the Council with a verbal report
Parish Sweeper Scheme
The Clerk provided a verbal report on the meeting with Mrs Sarah Priest (Townsend HR –Human Resource Consultant)) to discuss matters relating to the two Parish Sweepers
Parish Cluster Meeting
The next meeting will be in Timsbury next Monday 21st March 2011
Parish Liaison Meeting
The Clerk will provide briefing notes for the Councillors from the meeting held on the 16th February 2011.
Items of interest from District Councillor:
Nothing further to report
Correspondence for Action:
None
For information (on table): ALCA – March Newsletter; Somer Times – Winter 2010/11; B&NES – Agreement on Council Budget; Clerks and Councils direct – March 2011; The Clerk – March 2011; B&NES – Community Resilience Manuals; Bath & North East Somerset Police District Radstock Neighbourhood Policing Area – Minutes of 19th January 2011
Financial
Grants requests for 2011-2012
The Council discussed the grant request from Bo-Peep Pre-School. Mrs V Smith will speak to the Bo-Peep organisers to ask them for request for a grant that the Council feel they can award.
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment March 2011:
Clerk’s pay and expenses; Sweepers’ pay; Post Office Ltd –Tax and National Insurance; Royal Mail – PO Box Annual Fee; PO Box Mail to normal address; EDF Energy – Electric supply Oct-Dec 2010; 1st High Littleton Rainbows – grant; Fosseway Press – Newsletter; B&NES – Annual Allotment rent.
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
Mr J Shears provided feedback on the discussion group he recently attended that was conducting research amongst Parish Councils , business owners and community groups in the Somer Valley area. This research is to help inform planning policy , what amenities are required and how the community wants to be consulted about such things.Mr J Shears informed the Parish Council that the Royal British Legion Club was in financial trouble and a meeting had been called by Royal British Legion Headquarters to discuss its future. The meeting is to be held on 22nd April 2011.
Items for Next Meeting
Annual Risk ReviewDate of Next Meeting
Monday 11th April 2011
Chairman Clerk