November 2011
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 14th November 2011
Public Meeting
There was one member of the public present who did not wish to address the Council
Councillors present
Mr R Hitchens (Chairman), Mr K Marshall, Mr J Shears, Mr S Skelhorn, Mr K Staplin, Mr N Pollett, Mrs V Smith and Mr N Pearson
Apologies
Mr P Wyatt and Mr L Kew (District Councillor)
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 10th October 2011
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting after one amendment. Under “Street Cleansing Update” third line should read “The Council was concerned about the state of the streets….”
Declarations of Interest
None
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
11/03546/FUL Erection of a garage Meadow Lea Greyfield Road
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
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
Awaiting a decision
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
Awaiting a decision
Silver Birches – Discrepancy of plans submitted for approval
No news
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
The Clerk chased Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) for an update. Mr Chiffers met with Mr P Wyatt to discuss the above. The Council discussed the drawings provided by Mr Chiffers for the proposed layout the roundabout at the A39 and Paulton Road junction.
Mr N Pearson provided the Council with drawings of improvements to the Triangle. After a discussion, Mr Pearson agreed to amend the drawings and send to the Clerk who will forward to Mr Chiffers for his thoughts.
- The Batch improvements
The improvements are nearly completed. The Clerk was requested to inform Mr Chiffers that the area has yet to receive a coloured surface , plus the finger post needs another finger.
- Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
No News. The Council requested that the Clerk report that the bollard has been damaged and requires replacing.
- Request for dropped kerbs by keyhole stile on footpath CL 11/24
Mr S Chiffers emailed the Clerk stating that the request for the damaged dropped kerb stones to be replaced has been passed to Mr Steve Simmons (B&NES Highways Inspector). Mr Chiffers added that this is not a high priority.
- Speed Calming at New Road
Mr J Shears informed the Council that a car, which was parked by the traffic calming bollard at the north end of New Road, had been written off by another vehicle. The Council discussed the seriousness of this collision should anyone have been in the vehicle. The Council also noted several other collisions involving vehicles attempting to negotiate the traffic calming at the same time. The Council discussed the possibility that drivers may believe that they can pass through at the same time as the gap appears wide enough. The Council discussed two options. 1/ to replace the bollard further out into the road to the original position (the markings can still be seen). 2/ to install priority signs. The Council did not agree to the latter. Mr J Shears proposed that the Council make a request to Mr S Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) that the bollard is installed further out to its original position. Mr N Pollett seconded this. There were 7 for and one abstention.
- Safer Walking Matters - other
The Council discussed a letter received from Mr A Hannan in Hallatrow, requesting a virtual footway for Harts Lane. The Council requested that the Clerk reply to Mr Hannan informing him that the Council can not see anything that will help the pedestrians with the problem.
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. The Council discussed that it has been 8 months since the Clerk informed B&NES that the white lines at the White Cross junction have needed to be repainted. Despite the Clerk chasing up this matter on several occasions, the lines have yet to be repainted. The Clerk to contact Mrs Maria Pinches (B&NES)
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
- Rosewell Community Home Bus shelter
The High Littleton vinyl sign has still not been put on the bus shelter. The Clerk to chase Mr Jon King (B&NES Public Transport Officer). The Clerk reported to B&NES the offensive graffiti on the bus shelter. This has not been removed. The Clerk will report again.
- White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment
No news.
- Bus stop opposite the Post Office – post not vertical
The Clerk reported to Mr J King that the bus stop post opposite the Post Office is not vertical. No news. The Council also stated the bus shelter opposite the Post Office is in a poor state of repair. The Clerk to contact Mr J King to request that is repaired or replaced.
- The Council discussed the need for repainting the bus shelter by the Post Office. The Council agreed that the Clerk send out for tenders
5. Request for grit bins
- The Mearns
Mr S Chiffers chased Mr Adam Spring (B&NES Highway Technician) on the Parish Council’s behalf. Mr Spring apologised for not replying to emails sent by the Clerk. Mr Spring stated that the grit bin in the Mearns will be moved in the next couple of weeks. Mr Spring added that all grit bins are being refilled.
- Theft of grit from bins.
The Clerk informed Mr Adam Spring that there has been theft from the grit bin from Claremont Gardens, as well as the one from Langfords Lane recently. Mr George Bottin (B&NES Highway Technician) replied that this problem is common around the Country. To be removed from the agenda.
6. Hallatrow and High Littleton notice boards – replacements
The Clerk wrote to Mr and Mrs Hickmott to ask for written confirmation that they agree to the High Littleton notice board being placed on their wall by the Post office. They wrote and gave their permission. The Council discussed the positioning of the notice board and agreed that it would be best positioned on Mr and Mrs Hickmott’s wall. Mr K Marshall and Mr S Skelhorn will erect the board.
7. Empty Homes
The Clerk wrote to Mr Charles Garrett (B&NES Empty Housing Officer) to remind him that he emailed the High Littleton Parish Council on 9th June 2011 to say that the matter of the empty house, 7 High Street, High Littleton, has been passed to Ms Anna Cheek. Since that date the Clerk has emailed Ms Cheek twice and has not received a reply. The Clerk asked Mr Garret for Ms Cheek respond to the Parish Council’s emails. No reply. The Council requested that the Clerk notify Mr Les Kew that the Council are not receiving a response to their emails and letters.
8. Invitation to comment Proposed Changes to the B&NES Draft Core Strategy
The above was reviewed by Mr N Pearson. Mr Pearson informed the Council that they do not need to do anything at the moment.
The Clerk forwarded to the Councillors a letter from Mr Chris Banks (B&NES Programme Officer for the Core Strategy) regarding a Pre-Hearing meeting on the 18th November 2011
9. Youth Service – Youth Mobile bus in High Littleton
Mrs V Smith informed the Council that she has spoken to Ms Jayne Lewis (B&NES Youth Worker) and informed her that the Parish Council supports the mobile youth bus project. Mrs Smith reported that Ken Biggs Contractors have offered their car park in the winter for the mobile bus to park.
10. Christmas trees suppliers and dressers
Both JBC Enterprises and Somer 2000 replied that they will supply and dress the trees respectively.
The Clerk has received the minutes from the Carol Singing Committee. The Clerk will inform the Council’s insurance company that the numbers attending the carol service are expected to be in the region of 200.
11. Park and Ride Services in Bath – Invitation to review specifications of tender
This was reviewed by Mr J Shears who provided the Council with a verbal report. To be removed from the agenda.
12. The status of the future of old Co-op site and its present state
The Clerk wrote to Mr Don Morris (Co-operative Chief Financial Officer) to ask for the Co-operative site in the High Street to be tidied and stated that the Council wrote 3 years ago asking the same, as the site is an “eyesore”. The Clerk also asked for an update on the future of the site, as the Council have not heard anything for a year. No News
13. District Councillors discretionary grant allowance
Mr V Smith suggested that Mr L Kew be approached with the suggestion of using the District Councillors annual allowance towards a Diamond Jubilee street party. The Council agreed to leave this matter until after January 2012.
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
The Clerk wrote to the 1st on waiting list, to ask if he would be interested in renting an area of ground from a lady in Hallatrow. The gentleman replied that he would and asked to remain on the Council’s waiting list. The lady was provided with gentleman’s details. Both informed that the arrangement will be of their own volition.
The Clerk informed the Council that she is still receiving emails for people wondering if the waiting list is decreasing and if the Council are getting anywhere in securing land to rent.
Recreation Ground
- Small Grants application
Mr P Wyatt emailed the Council with a request from the Recreation Ground Committee requesting a letter of support for a grant from the Small Grants funding for a wooden fitness trail at the Recreation Ground. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that the Clerk should write a letter giving the Council’s full support for the application.
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr K Staplin provided the Council with a verbal report
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
The schedule for the grass cutting has now finished. J and K Primrose Garden Maintenance emailed the Clerk to ask if the Council would like one more cut at the usual cost of £132.06 plus VAT as due to the weather, the grass in the cemetery is looking long. Mr K Marshall proposed that the Council accept J & K Primrose’s offer and agree to one more cut at the cost of £132.06 plus VAT. This was seconded by Mr N Pollett and carried unanimously.
The Clerk emailed Mr Wayne Honey (B&NES Environmental Officer) to ask for 3 litter bins in the cemetery. The Clerk forwarded to the Councillors, Mr Honey’s reply that the bins will cost £300 to buy and install. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that Mr Honey should be invited to the next Parish Council meeting to discuss.
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
Nothing to report
Street Cleansing Update
The Clerk emailed Mr Wayne Honey to request a schedule for street cleaning. Mr Honey’s reply was forwarded to the Councillors. B&NES are cleaning the streets when they visit to empty the litter bins twice a week. The Council agreed to request that Mr Honey should he attend the next Parish Council meeting to discuss the matter.
Parish Cluster Meeting
The Clerk sent the Councillors notes of the meeting for their review
Parish Liaison Meeting
The Clerk sent the Councillors notes of the meeting for their review
Items of interest from District Councillor:
No news
Correspondence for Action:
- Letter received for Mr A Hannan, Hallatrow, requesting a virtual footway for Harts Lane
Discussed earlier
- The Draft Neighbourhood Planning Protocol
The Clerk sent details to Councillors for their review. The Council requested that the Clerk forward copy of minutes of the forthcoming meeting.
- ALCA – List of Challenges achieved by the working party
The Clerk sent the above to the Councillors for their reference
For information (on table): Clerk and Councillors Direct November 2011; The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons (4th June 2012); The Clerk – November 2011
Financial
- Precept discussion and initial draft budget for 2012-2013
The Clerk provided the first budget sheet for the review. To be discussed at the next meeting
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment November 2011:-
|
Cheque 309 |
To Pauline Young |
|
|
|
Clerk's pay Oct (4 Weeks) |
844.36 |
|
|
Less Oct Tax |
(53.80) |
|
|
Less Oct NI Contributions |
(44.34) |
|
|
Net Total |
745.92 |
|
|
Travel for Oct 11 |
26.10 |
|
|
Total |
772.02 |
|
Cheque 310 |
Post Office Ltd |
|
|
|
Employee’s Tax |
53.80 |
|
|
Employer’s and Employee’s NI |
96.30 |
|
|
Total |
150.10 |
|
Cheque 311 |
Gordon Jackson – Grant Sweets for Children Carol Service |
15.00 |
|
Cheque 312 |
K Marshall – Plants for Cemetery Pots |
10.00 |
|
Cheque 313 |
E-ON – Electric 1st Oct – 31sr Oct 2011 |
35.16 |
|
Cheque 314 |
P Young – SSE Contracting VAT on Invoice 961887 |
18.56 |
|
Cheque 315 |
P Young – Norton Internet Security Renewal |
64.99 |
|
Cheque 316 |
J & K Primrose Garden Maintenance – Oct 11 |
347.40 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
1,413.23 |
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
Mr K Marshall offered his apologies for the next meeting
Items for Next Meeting
Precept discussion and initial draft budget for 2012-2013
Footpath Issues in Hallatro
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 12th December 2011
Chairman Clerk