October 2011
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 10th October 2011
Public Meeting
There were five members of the public present.
Ms Kathy Curling (Pro planning) and Mr David Hitchings landowner of Hallatrow Business Park) addressed the Council in relation to the prospect for a continuous footpath on the A39 from Hallatrow to White Cross junction. Ms Curling and Mr Hitchings discussed with the Council the proposal that Mr Hitchings will finance a footpath from the bridge in Hallatrow to the A37 (on the side of Bookbarn) if a change of use for Bookbarn is granted. Mrs Margaret Leggett from Hallatrow discussed with the Council traffic calming in Hallatrow.
Councillors present
Mr P Wyatt (Chairman), Mr R Hitchens , Mr K Marshall, Mr J Shears, Mr S Skelhorn, , Mrs V Smith and Mr N Pearson
Apologies
Mr K Staplin
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 5th September 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
11/02772/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
Consented. To be removed from the agenda
11/03546/FUL Erection of a garage Meadow Lea Greyfield Road
Awaiting a decision
11/03783/RES Approval of reserved matters with regard to outline application 07/02424EOUT (Mixed use redevelopment of former printworks comprising offices, industrial, residential, continuing care retirement community. Pub/restaurant, community building, open space, associated infrastructure, landscaping and access roads). Former Purnell Factory Development Site Access Road to Works Paulton
The Council agreed to support this application
11/03784/RES Approval of reserved matters with regard to outline application 07/02424EOUT (Mixed use redevelopment of former printworks comprising offices, industrial, residential, continuing care retirement community. Pub/restaurant, community building, open space, associated infrastructure, landscaping and access roads). Former Purnell Factory Development Site Access Road to Works Paulton
The Council agreed to support this application
07/02424/EOUT Mixed use redevelopment of former printworks comprising offices, industrial, residential, continuing care retirement community, pub/restaurant, community building, open space, associated infrastructure, landscaping and access roads. Closed Polestar Purnell Facrory site Access Road to Works Paulton
This was due to go to Development Committee on the 28th September 2011, but then was removed from the agenda. The proposal was to reduce the affordable housing by 20%.
Silver Birches – Discrepancy of plans submitted for approval
Mr Richard Stott (Planning Officer) wrote to the Clerk stating that he has passed Mr Britton’s (Parishioner) concerns to the B&NES Enforcement Team in August. Mr Stott believes that the works have not yet commenced. Mr Phil Miller (B&NES Enforcement Officer) will monitor the site.
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
Split decision (downloaded from website) – The crown reduction of 40-50% has been refused, however some reduction has been allowed. To be removed from the agenda.
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
No news. The Clerk was requested to chase Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) for an update.
- The Batch improvements
The improvements are ongoing.
- Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
The Clerk emailed Mr S Chiffers for an update. Ms Joanne Pike (B&NES) replied that the TRO has not started yet. It will be advertised by the end of December 2011 or at least by April 2012. B&NES can not progress as fast as they would like due to staff shortages.
- Request for dropped kerbs by keyhole stile on footpath CL 11/24
Mr R Hitchens provided feedback on his site visit with Mr S Chiffers. They discussed the possibility of dropped kerb stones as some are damaged and need to be replaced.
- Vehicles Parking on footway outside the Church
The Clerk forwarded the email sent originally to Mrs Dorothy Wilkins to Mr Chris Major (new Head of Parking), that requested the existing bollard be moved and the plastic bollard removed. This has now been done. To be removed from the agenda
- Relief School Crossing Patrol
The Clerk emailed Mrs Beryl Miles (B&NES School Crossing Control Co-ordinator) to say that the Council are anxious that a relief school crossing patrol is found as soon as possible. Mrs Beryl Miles emailed the Clerk on 19th September to report that someone has been offered the post. Mrs V Smith confirmed that the School Crossing relief has now started work. To be removed from the agenda
- Proposed road works between Hallatrow and Whitecross – request from representative of land owners of Hallatrow Business Park to discuss provision of footpath link
The Council further discussed the proposals by Ms K Curling and Mr D Hitchings.
- Safer Walking Matters - other
2. Parking matters
- Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No changes will be seen in the location until middle of next year.
3. Highway related matters
The Highways Maintenance Sheet was updated
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
- Rosewell Community Home Bus shelter
The High Littleton vinyl sign has not been put on the bus shelter. The Clerk was requested to chase. The Council have noted offensive graffiti on the bus shelter. The Clerk will report to B&NES as soon as possible to ask for it to be removed.
- White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment
Ongoing.
- Greater Bristol Network Bus Corridor 6 – Paulton Link Bus Stops 1 & 2 to be upgraded
The Clerk emailed Mr Jon King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) to ask for the new shelter on Paulton Road (south bound) to have the screen at the road edge. Mr King replied that they are can not do this as they were unable to make the pavement wide enough. It will be located at the back of the footway between the phone box and the litter bin. The raised kerbs need to be kept free. To be removed from the agenda.
- Bus stop sign opposite school requires replacing
The bus stop sign has been replaced. To be removed from the agenda
- New Road (South Bound)
The Councillors will assess the condition of the bus shelter and report back at the next meeting
- The Council requested that the Clerk report to Mr J King that the bus stop post opposite the Post Office is not vertical
5. Request for grit bins
- The Mearns
The Clerk chased Mr Adam Spring (B&NES Highway Technician) for an update .The Council has not heard anything from him since April 2011. The Clerk will continue to chase.
6. Hallatrow and High Littleton notice boards – replacements
Mrs Easha Loganathan (Proprietor of Post Office), informed the Clerk that the wall has been removed as it was unstable. The wall the other side of the drive does not belong to her. Mrs Loganathan wishes to know if we still want the notice board by the Post Office. The Clerk contacted Mr Roger Harvey of Village Urban (the supplier of the notice boards) who quoted a pair of posts at £140 plus £20 delivery. They would measure 2500mm long. The Clerk informed the Councillors.
The Chairman closed the Council meeting at 19.55 hours to discuss with Mrs Loganathan the positioning of the notice board. Mrs Loganathan agreed that the Council can erect posts by the Post Office. The Chairman opened the Council meeting again at 20.00 hours. Mr P Wyatt proposed that Mr S Skelhorn purchase posts to the amount of £50. Mr B Hitchens seconded this and was carried unanimously.
7. Empty Homes
No news. The Clerk will continue to chase for an update
8. Closure of the Royal British Legion Club
The Clerk emailed Mr Andrew Morgan (Regional Team Leader & Property Manager) to ask if he could stall writing his report as the Council need more time to confirm the interest of the community. Mr Morgan’s reply was forwarded to the Councillors, because Mr Morgan requested that matters need to be speeded up. Mr Morgan believes that the committee will find it difficult to accommodate the Council’s request. The Clerk received another reply from a group who do not need to use the old Legion Club. The Council requested that the Clerk write to Mr Morgan to inform him that there is not sufficient interest in the community for the Parish Council to consider renting the club and to thank him for waiting.
9. Youth Service – Youth Mobile bus in High Littleton
The Clerk chased Mrs Paula Bromley (B&NES Principal Youth Worker) for feedback from Mrs Jayne Lewis (B&NES Youth Worker) on the Mobile visits. Mrs Bromley replied that she will chase Ms Lewis. No news since. Mrs V Smith informed the Council that there are 6 more weeks of the 17 weeks programme, and that the Youth Service are considering changing the night from Tuesdays to Thursdays. Ms Lewis would like to drop flyers in the parish and would like to know if the Parish Council offers their support. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that Mrs Smith can inform Ms Lewis that the Parish Council agreed to support the Youth Mobile visits
10. Christmas trees suppliers and dressers
The Clerk chased Somer 2000 for a quotation for dressing 2 Christmas trees and JBC Enterprises for the supply of the 2 trees. JBC Enterprises emailed to say that they will supply the trees at the same cost as last year at £130 each no VAT. Somer 2000 quoted £196.00 plus VAT, the same cost as last year. Mr P Wyatt proposed the Council accept the quotation of JBC Enterprises and that they supply the 2 Christmas trees. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson and carried unanimously. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council accept the quotation from Somer 2000 and that they dress the 2 Christmas trees. This was seconded by Mr K Marshall and carried unanimously.
11. Change of Council Electrical Suppliers
The Clerk has received confirmation from EON UK that they have taken over the supply of the Council’s electric supply. To be removed from the agend
12. Photographs for website
The Clerk and Mrs V Smith have taken several photos of the village for 4 or 5 to go on the website. The Council agreed that the Clerk and Mrs Smith choose suitable photographs, but not that of businesses.
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
A resident of the Parish spoke to Mr P Wyatt to ask if anyone would be interested renting some of her land to be used as an allotment. The Council agreed that the Clerk should offer this opportunity to the first on the allotment list and to state that they may remain on the list and that any agreement made will of their own volition
Recreation Ground
Mr J Shears provided the Council with a verbal report
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr P Wyatt read to the Council a report by Mr K Staplin. Crime statistics were provided for to the Council
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
The Clerk wrote to Mrs Pat Gay (PCC Secretary) to ask if the PCC would be agreeable for the Parish Council to pay for the bins to be emptied. Mrs Gay replied yes and thank you. Plus the PCC would like to thank the Council for continuing to finance the grass cutting in the cemetery
Mr Wayne Honey (B&NES) emailed the Clerk saying that his men could not locate two litter bins. He noted a galvanised bin and asked where the other is. The Clerk visited the cemetery and noted seven plastic bins. The Clerk emailed Mr Honey to ask for a price to empty 8 bins. No news. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that there would only be need for 3 smaller bins and requested that the Clerk ask Mr W Honey if they could provide the bins.
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
Nothing to report
Street Cleansing Update
The Clerk chased Mr Aled Williams (B&NES Environmental Manager) to ask for a schedule of the street cleaning in the Parish. Mr Williams copied in the Clerk an email sent to Mr Wayne Honey asking for the Street Cleaning schedule. The Council was concerned about the state of the streets and that no one has been seen cleaning the streets. The mechanical sweeper has been seen once. The Clerk was requested to write to Mr Aled Williams and to inform Mr Les Kew of the problem.
Parish Cluster Meeting
Next meeting is on the 20th October 2011
Parish Liaison Meeting
Next meeting is on the 19th October 2011
Items of interest from District Councillor:
No news
Correspondence for Action:
- Invitation to comment Proposed Changes to the B&NES Draft Core Strategy
B&NES are requesting comments by 21st October 2011. The B&NES Council have agreed to changes in the Core Strategy in response to issues raised by the Inspector. Provided are a Schedule for ‘Significant’ Proposed Changes. Comments should relate to ‘legal compliance and soundness’. The Council are also invited to comment on the implications of the Government’s draft National Planning Policy Framework on the soundness of the Core Strategy. Mr N Pearson to review
- Park and Ride Services in Bath – Invitation to review specifications of tender
These were sent to Councillors for their review. Mr J Shears will review further
- Winter Maintenance – Invitation to Open Evening
To be held at their depot in Clutton on Tuesday 11th October 2011 in the evening. Noted by the Council
For information (on table):
Clerks and Councils Direct – September 2011; Somer Times – Summer 2011; Avon & Somerset Police Authority Strategic Policing Plan 2011-2014; The Clerk – September 2011; B&NES – What’s on for Children (0-5 years) and their families; SLCC – Notice of Annual Meeting; CPRE – How to respond to planning application; CPRE – Newsletter; Avon & Somerset Constabulary – Newsletters from Superintendent Geoff Spicer
Financial
- Quarterly Accounts and Payment
The Clerk provided the Council with the quarterly accounts to review.
- External Audit for 2010-2011 feedback
The Clerk reported to the Council that the External Auditors have returned the Statement of Accounts for year end 2010-2011. There were no problems.
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment October 2011:-
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£
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Cheque 296 |
To Pauline Young |
|
|
|
Clerk's pay Sept (4 Weeks) |
844.36 |
|
|
Less Sept Tax |
(53.80) |
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Less Sept NI Contributions |
(44.34) |
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Net Total |
745.92 |
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Travel for Sept 11 |
22.95 |
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Total |
768.87 |
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Cheque 297 |
To Brian Maule for Sept (up to 17th) Sweeping |
121.30 |
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Cheque 298 |
To David Redwood for Sept (up to 17th) |
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Sweeping |
202.20 |
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Less Sept Tax |
(14.60) |
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Net Total |
187.60 |
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Cheque 299 |
Post Office Ltd – Clerks and Sweepers Tax and |
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Employees and Employers NI for Sept |
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Employee’s Tax |
68.40 |
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Employer’s and Employee’s NI |
96.30 |
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Total |
164.70 |
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Cheque 300 |
J & K Primrose Garden Maintenance – Sept 11 |
347.40 |
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Cheque 301 |
Cam Valley Wildlife Group – Annual Subscription |
5.00 |
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Cheque 302 |
B&NES – Rent of School room Aug – Oct 11 |
135.00 |
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Cheque 303 |
P Young – Council Mobile top up |
10.00 |
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Cheque 304 |
P Young – Sweepers donation and cards |
53.10 |
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Cheque 305 |
SEC – Lighting Maintenance July – Sept 11 |
92.80 |
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Cheque 306 |
P Young – Petty Cash |
100.00 |
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Cheque 307 |
EDF – Electric Jul – Sept 11 (Final Invoice) |
207.08 |
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Cheque 308 |
High Littleton Royal British Legion - Wreath |
17.00 |
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Total |
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2,209.85 |
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
Mr K Marshall addressed the Council regarding a dangerous incident involving two aggressive dogs that attacked a lady’s two small dogs by Greyfield Wood. The owner of the dogs has been spoken to by the lady and the B&NES Dog Warden has been given details of the incident.
The Clerk was requested to put “District Councillors discretionary grant allowance” on the next month’s agenda
The Clerk was requested to put “The status of the future of old Co-op site and its present state
Items for Next Meeting
Precept discussion and initial draft budget for 2012-2013
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 14th November 2011
Chairman Clerk