September 2011
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 5th September 2011
Public Meeting
Opportunity for the members of the public to speak
There were no members of the public present.
Councillors present
Mr P Wyatt (Chairman), Mr K Marshall, Mr S Skelhorn, Mr K Staplin, Mr N Pollett, Mrs V Smith and Mr N Pearson
Apologies
Mr R Hitchens, Mr J Shears and Mr L Kew (District Councillor)
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 8th August 2011
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting.
Declarations of Interest
Mr P Wyatt declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item 4. White Cross bus shelter. Mr Wyatt is Company Director of a recently produced tender for refurbishment of the bus shelter.
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 a decision
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
11/02292/CLEU Commencement of the works approved under application 07/02069/RES (Certificate of Lawful Existing Operation). Land adjacent to No 158 Greyfield Road, High Littleton
Lawful. To be removed from the agenda
11/02815/FUL Erection of first floor extension over existing garage, Hollymoore, Southover Road, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
11/02772/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, in relation to agricultural occupancy (resubmission ). Somersby Orchard, The Gug, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
11/03433/LBA Internal and external alterations to include alterations partitions and finishes on the second floor and other minor alterations, Rugbourne Farm Access Road to Rugbourne Farm
The Council agreed to support this application.
11/03546/FUL Erection of a garage Meadow Lea Greyfield Road
The Council agreed to support this application.
11/01256.CLPU Extension to unit 2 of Hallatrow Business Park - Complaint by Parish Council of lack of notification of decision and queries regarding site boundary
The Clerk forwarded the Council’s response to Mr Andrew Ryall (B&NES Team Leader Development Manager) explanation of the above. Mr Ryall’s reply was read to the Council by Mr P Wyatt. Mr Ryall has noted the Parish Council’s comments and states that the letter will be kept on file. To be removed from the agenda.
Silver Birches – Discrepancy of plans submitted for approval
The Clerk wrote to Mr R Stott (B&NES Planning Officer) stating that the ongoing development may not be consistent with the approved plans and if this is the case what action will be taken. No reply. The Council requested that the Clerk chase Mr Stott for a reply
Tree Preservation Order – Remove lower lateral and deadwood from Oak tree and reduce by 40-50% crown of further Oak tree, 14 Claremont Gardens, Hallatrow
Awaiting a decision
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 P Wyatt provided feedback of his meeting with Mr Tony Rutter (B&NES AIP Engineer), Mr S Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer), Mr L Kew, Mr R Hitchens and Mr K Marshall on the 17th August 2011. Mr P Wyatt stated there could be an opportunity to improve the area of the Triangle in Hallatrow. Mr N Pearson agreed he would assist in the planning of the area. The Council discussed other matters raised in the meeting
- The Batch improvements
Mr S Chiffers also stated in the above meeting that an order has been placed for the improvements to the Batch.
- Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
It was agreed in the meeting with Mr Rutter and Mr Chiffers, the length of the yellow parking restriction lines opposite the Star Inn. Mr Chiffers will apply for a TP
- Request for dropped kerbs by keyhole stile on footpath CL 11/24
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that Mr R Hitchens and Mr S Chiffers had a site meeting to look at the possibility of dropped kerbs.
- Vehicles Parking on footway outside the Church
No news. The Clerk was requested to chase Mr Chris Major (B&NES Head of Parking)
- Safer Walking Matters - other
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that Mr G Griffiths (High Littleton School Head Teacher) said he will look into the return of the “Walking Bus”
2. Parking matters
- Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
Mrs Lynda Jones (Business Support Team Leader) spoke to Kris Gardom (B&NES Parking) who advises that the TRO still needs to be drawn up. The schedule and a statement of reasons written for signing off before it gets sent off to Legal Services so they can produce the notices for consultation. It will be the end of October when they are in a position to produce a legal document. Mr Chris Major (B&NES Head of Parking) emailed the Clerk to reiterate the above
3. Highway related matters
The Highways maintenance sheet was updated
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
- Rosewell Community Home Bus shelter
The Clerk emailed Mr Jon King (Public Transport Officer) requesting a vinyl stating High Littleton to be placed on the bus shelter.
- White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment
Ongoing
- Greater Bristol Network Bus Corridor 6 – Paulton Link Bus Stops 1 & 2 to be upgraded
The Clerk an email from Mr Jon King to the Councillors, asking what type of shelter the Council would like at the Paulton bound bus stop. The Council requested that the Clerk reply that the Council would like a shelter with a screen facing the road.
- Bus stop sign opposite school requires replacing
The Clerk emailed Mr J King to ask for the flag to be straightened or replaced. Mr King replied that he will arrange for the flag to be replaced
5. Request for grit bins
- The Mearns
No news. The Clerk was requested to chase.
6. Hallatrow and High Littleton notice boards – replacements
Mr R Hitchens collected the two new notice boards. Mr Marshall informed the Council that the Hallatrow notice board has been erected satisfactory. The notice board for High Littleton can not be erected as the wall by the Post Office is unstable. The Clerk will speak to Ashia (Post Office Proprietor) to establish if the wall the other side of her drive is her property and if the board can be erected there.
7. Empty Homes
The Clerk chased Mrs Anna Cheek (Empty Property Officer) for a progress report. No news
8. Closure of the Royal British Legion Club
The Clerk wrote to six organisations to ask if they would be interested in using the old British Legion club if the Parish Council can find a way to keep the building open and if a representative would like to be on a management committee. The Clerk has received one reply to date, which stated that the size of the club is unknown and the leader is to busy to volunteer to be on the management committee. Mr P Wyatt read to the Council an email from Mr Andrew Morgan (British Legion Regional Team Leader & Property Manager South West). Mr Morgan states that the Branch has made a resolution to sell the property and he is required to make a report in the next couple of weeks. Mr Morgan requests an answer from the Council if they have an interest in the property. The Council discussed the and agreed that the Clerk should write to Mr Morgan and requested more time in order to establish if there is interest from the Parish to use the club.
9. Defibrillator for the Parish
The Council discussed the lack of interest for a defibrillator situated in the Parish. The Council decided to remove the matter from the agenda.
10. Youth Service – Youth Mobile bus in High Littleton
No news. The Council requested that the Clerk contact Ms Jayne Lewis (Youth Worker) for feedback on the visits of the Youth Mobile bus to High Littleton
11. Pedestrian Training
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that he discussed the costs of Pedestrian Training with Mr Gareth Griffith (High Littleton School Head Teacher). Mr Griffith will look into costs
12. Christmas trees suppliers and dressers
Mr Keith reviewed the specification for the dressing of the Christmas trees. The Clerk sent the specification to Somer 2000 for a quotation for 3 years and has written to JBC Enterprises for quotation for 2 Christmas trees. No news from either. The Clerk was requested to chase.
13. Unauthorised advertising signs in the Parish
The two unauthorised advertising signs have now been removed from the Parish. To be removed from the agenda.
14. Review Standing Orders and Financial Regulations
The new Standing Orders were adopted earlier in the year. The Council noted that there have not been any changes since. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Standing Orders are adopted as they are. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson and carried unanimously
The Clerk informed the Council that she could not find any changes to Financial Regulations on the UK Government Legislation Website. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Financial Regulations are adopted as they are. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson and carried unanimously
15. Review Race Equality Plan
The Clerk informed the Council that there have been no changes since in the last year. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council continue to adopt the Race Equality Plan as it is. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson and carried unanimously
16. Change of Council Electrical Suppliers
The Clerk informed the Council that she has been in correspondence with Mr Andrew Foley (UMS Sales Specialist for EON UK) with the view of the changing electrical suppliers. Mr Foley emailed the Clerk to say that he can confirm that their current deemed UMS rate is 10.5p/kWh, which based on the Unmetered Supply Certificate provided. This equates to an approximate annual charge of £402/annum (excluding V.A.T.). They do not presently impose a standing charge or administration fee for these supplies.
The Clerk informed the Council that EDF’s (present electrical suppliers) last invoice for a quarter was £197.22 (VAT at 5% = £207.08). Mr N Pearson proposed that the Council change their electrical suppliers to EON UK from EDF. This was seconded by Mr N Pollett and carried unanimously.
17. Spare bench for relocated
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that he has been storing the old Batch bench. Mr K Marshall proposed that the bench is disposed of. This was seconded by Mr N Pollett and carried unanimously. To be removed from the agenda
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
The Clerk wrote to Mr and Mrs R Gay (Scumbrum Lane) to ask if the land behind their property could be considered for allotment use. Mrs P Gay replied that it belongs to a family member and the land is presently unavailable.
Recreation Ground
Nothing to report
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Nothing to report
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
The Clerk contacted Mr Aled Williams (B&NES Environmental Manager) to ask if B&NES would empty the cemetery bins. Mr Wayne Honey (B&NES South and West Neighbourhood Manager) replied that to visit the cemetery once a week, empty the two bins and install a new plastic litter sack in each will cost £2.00 per week. Mr N Pearson proposed that the Parish Council pay B&NES to empty the two cemetery bins at the preset rate of £2.00. This was seconded by Mr N Pollett and carried unanimously. The Clerk to write to the Parochial Church Council and ask if this arrangement meets with their approval.
Newsletter
No news
Greyfield Wood
Mr S Skelhorn reported to the Council that he will be taking over as Warden of the Greyfield Wood Volunteers Group. Mr D Hudnott and Mr C Rylance will be the Deputy Wardens.
Parish Sweeper Scheme
The Clerk has written and emailed Mr Aled Williams, informing him of the Parish Council request to leave the Parish Agency Scheme as from 17th September 2011. Mr Williams replied that the Council’s request has been noted and that B&NES will take over the cleansing of the streets of High Littleton and Hallatrow.
The Council discussed gratuities for the retiring sweepers and unanimously agreed to give them a £25 voucher with a card.
Parish Cluster Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 20th October 2011.
Parish Liaison Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 19th October 2011.
Items of interest from District Councillor:
No news
Correspondence for Action:
ALCA Training Courses
“Being a Good Councillor” course will be held in October. Noted by the Council.
ALCA – AGM on 13th October 2011
Noted by the Council
B&NES Core Strategy Hearings
The September hearing meeting has been postponed to January 2012. The will be a pre-hearing meeting in November this year.
For information (on table):
Clerks and Councils Direct – September 2011; Somer Times – Summer 2011; Avon & Somerset Police Authority Strategic Policing Plan 2011-2014
Financial
Discussion regarding receipts for Capital Projects
The Council has not been in receipt of any requests for large grants.
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment September 2011:-
Clerk’s pay and expenses; Sweepers’ pay; Post Office Ltd –Tax and National Insurance; P Young – Mutt Butts Poop bags; Mazars – External Audit; J&K Primrose Garden Maintenance – August Grass Cutting.
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
Mrs V Smith informed the Council that the latest employed school crossing operative is on long term sick The Clerk was requested to contact Mrs Beryl Miles (B&NES School Crossing Patrol Coordinator) of the Parish Council’s and general concern that the temporary position is filled as soon as possible. The Clerk to contact Mr L Kew to ask for his assistance.
Items for Next Meeting
Quarterly Accounts and Payment
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 10th October 2011
Chairman Clerk