December 2011
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 12th December 2011
Public Meeting
There were two members of the public present. Mr David Corbett, New Road, addressed the Council regarding vehicles mounting the footway by the traffic calming at the north end of New Road. Mr P Wyatt explained that the B&NES Traffic Engineer is revisiting the matter.
Councillors present
Mr P Wyatt (Chairman), Mr R Hitchens Mr S Skelhorn (until 20.02 hours), Mr K Staplin, Mr N Pollett, Mrs V Smith and Mr L Kew (District Councillor)
Apologies
Mr K Marshall, Mr J Shears and Mr N Pearson
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 14th November 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
11/03783/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
Mr Les Kew informed the Council that the above planning application has been approved at the Development and Control Committee meeting. To be removed from the agenda.
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
Mr Les Kew informed the Council that the above planning application has been approved at the Development and Control Committee meeting. To be removed from the agenda.
11/04767/FUL Erection of a two storey rear extension Hillside, Goosard Lane High Littleton
The Council agreed to support the application, adding that the materials to be used should be consistent with the existing property
Silver Birches – Discrepancy of plans submitted for approval
No news. Mr Les Kew will look into the status of the situation
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 R Hitchens provided the Council with feedback from his attendance at the exhibition in Paulton. Most of the comments at the exhibition related to Paulton. There was one comment regarding access of a property. Mr N Pearson agreed at the last meeting to amend his drawings of the Triangle, yet to be received.
- The Batch improvements
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that Mr S Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) has stated that the surface is finished. Mr Chiffers is aware that a finger to the finger post needs to be added.
- Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
No news. The Clerk informed Council Connect of the damaged bollard by the Star Inn.
- Request for dropped kerbs by keyhole stile on footpath CL 11/24.
No news
- Speed Calming at New Road
The Clerk wrote to Mr S Chiffers explaining a recent collision involving a car being written off and other collisions at the traffic calming north end of New Road. The Clerk added that the Parish Council request that the bollard at the north end is put back to its original place. Mr Kew informed the Council that a parishioner had contacted Jacob Rees- Mogg MP regarding the problem. Mr P Wyatt read to the Council an email from Mr S Chiffers that gave a potted history of the traffic calming in New Road and what options are possible. The Council discussed the email and options. Mr P Wyatt and Mr L Kew will offer the Council’s suggestions at the proposed meeting.
- Safer Walking Matters - other
The Council discussed Hallatrow footway from the gateway to the A37.
Mr L Kew informed the Council that it has been brought to his attention a request for a virtual footway in Harts Lane. The Council informed Mr Kew that this had been discussed last month and a reply has been sent to the parishioner who made the request. Mr Kew will discuss the matter with Mr Chiffers.
2. Parking matters
- Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No news
3. Highway related matters
The highways maintenance sheet was updated. The Council discussed the issue of the White Cross lines that require repainting which was first reported to B&NES 8 months ago. Mr L Kew will look into the matter.
Mr N Pollett will forward to the Clerk the issues regarding the Car Wash business. The Clerk will then request that B&NES assess the situation.
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
- Rosewell Community Home Bus shelter
The Clerk emailed Mr J King (B&NES Pubic Transport Officer) to ask if the vinyl has been put up and for the graffiti to be removed. No news. The Council noted that an effort has been made to remove the offensive graffiti. Mr J King to be informed.
- White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment
Ongoing
- Bus stop post opposite the Post Office not vertical
The Clerk informed Mr J King. No news
- Repainting the Star Inn bus shelter
The Clerk informed the Council that she has sent out for 4 tenders to paint the bus shelter. The Council noted that the bus shelter is dated and requested that the Clerk ask Mr J King for a spare refurbished bus shelter should one become available. Mr S Skelhorn left the meeting.
5. Request for grit bins
- The Mearns
No news
- Request for a grit bin in Greyfield Common
The Clerk received an email from Mrs Catherine Lane (Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinator for Greyfield Common) stating that a resident from Greyfield Common has contacted B&NES requesting the installation of a grit bin, and has been informed that Greyfield Common does not meet their criteria. Mrs Lane pointed out the problems faced by the residents after a heavy snowfall and added that there is a resident who relies on a mobility scooter and another family whose disabled child relies on a minibus collecting him for school. Mrs Lane has made a request that the Parish Council purchases a bin and keep it filled. The Council discussed the matter and requested the Clerk write to Mrs Lane stating that the Council are not in a position to purchase a grit bin, but the Council will write to B&NES on Mrs Lane’s behalf emphasising the points raised by Mrs Lane.
6. Hallatrow and High Littleton notice boards – replacements
The High Littleton board has been erected on Mr and Mrs Hickmott’s wall by the Post Office. To be removed from the agenda
7. Empty Homes
The Clerk emailed Mr L Kew informing him that the Council has not received a reply to the several emails sent to Mrs Anna Cheek (B&NES Empty Homes Officer). Mr Kew spoke to Ms Cheek. The Clerk received a reply from Ms Cheek stating that she has recently inspected the property, and that the property has been prioritised for action based on its condition, impact and length of time it has been left empty. Ms Cheek has written to the owner again. Mr Kew explained that B&NES do not have a compulsory purchasing policy and there is no finance available. The Council discussed the matter and agreed to remove from the agenda.
8. Invitation to comment Proposed Changes to the B&NES Draft Core Strategy
Mr Chris Banks (B&NES Core Strategy Programme Officer) informed the Clerk that the hearings for the public will start on Tuesday 17th January 2012 in the Brunswick Room, The Guildhall, Bath.
9. Youth Service – Youth Mobile bus in High Littleton
Mrs V Smith informed the Council that the Mobile Youth Bus visits to High Littleton will be reviewed in the New Year.
10. Christmas trees suppliers and dressers
Somer 2000 emailed the Clerk to say that the two Christmas trees delivered were so large that Somer 2000 could hardly lift them in order to dress them. The Clerk informed the suppliers and reiterated the size must not exceed 6 metres.
11. The status of the future of old Co-op site and its present state
The Clerk wrote to Mr Don Morris (Co-operative) Chief Executive regarding the unkempt state of the Co-op site and the status of the future of the site. Mr Morris replied that the project is now at a stage where a detailed application is being submitted to the planning authority. Mr Morris will ask his maintenance contractor to attend to the site
12. Streetlight request between Rotcombe Lane and Eastover Road
A request was made to Mr R Hitchens for a streetlamp. The exact location was unclear. Mr Hitchens will check.
13. Footpath issues in Hallatrow
Discussed earlier
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
The Clerk informed the Council that an allotment has become vacant. The Council agreed the next person on the waiting list is given the option to rent the vacant plot
Recreation Ground
Nothing to report
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Nothing to report
School Governors
Nothing to repor
Grass and Cemetery
No new
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
Nothing to report
Street Cleansing Update
The Clerk invited Mr Wayne Honey (B&NES South West Environmental Manager) to attend December’s meeting to discuss the sweeping of the streets and the emptying the cemetery bins. Mr Honey replied that his hours are 7am to 4.30am and asked if he could meet with the Chairperson during these times. Mr Honey is upset with the comment that the streets have become increasingly untidy since September as he cannot see a problem. Mr Honey added the litter bins in the cemetery, for which he gave a price for emptying, were in fact cut down large drums which do not take their litter bags; because of this B&NES can not offer the bin emptying service. The Council requested that the Clerk write to Mr Honey stating that Mr P Wyatt and Mr L Kew will be in contact to arrange a meeting and to ask for specifications for bins that can be emptied by B&NES.
Parish Cluster Meeting
No news
Parish Liaison Meeting
No news
Items of interest from District Councillor:
Mr L Kew informed the Council of the allocation of his District Councillor’s grant for last year, this year and for 2012. Mr Kew requested that the Council accept his grant of £2,000 towards the purchase of showers for the High Littleton Football. The Council agreed to do this.
Correspondence for Action:
- B&NES – Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Show people Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) - Issues and Options Paper Consultation
The Council discussed the matter. The Council do not wish to make a representation.
- Review of Polling Districts and Polling Places in B&NES
The above was sent to the Councillors for their review. No response.
For information (on table): Clerk and Councillors Direct November 2011; Winter Weather Maintenance leaflets
Financial
Precept discussion and initial draft budget for 2012-2013
The Councillors were provided with the Budget Sheet for their review last month. The Council discussed the Budget Sheet and agreed with the budget for 2012-2013. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Precept for 2012-2013 be set at £23,000. This was seconded by Mr R Hitchens and carried unanimously.
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment December 2011:-
|
Cheque 317 |
To Pauline Young |
|
|
|
Clerk's pay Nov (5 Weeks) |
1055.45 |
|
|
Less Nov Tax |
(67.20) |
|
|
Less Nov NI Contributions |
(56.10) |
|
|
Net Total |
932.15 |
|
|
Travel for Nov 11 |
12.15 |
|
|
Total |
944.30 |
|
Cheque 318 |
Post Office Ltd |
|
|
|
Employee’s Tax |
67.20 |
|
|
Employer’s and Employee’s NI |
121.05 |
|
|
Total |
188.25 |
|
Cheque 319 |
SLCC – Annual Subscription 2012 |
107.00 |
|
Cheque 320 |
K Marshall – Plants for Cemetery Pots |
12.00 |
|
Cheque 321 |
E-ON – Electric 1st Nov – 30th Nov 2011 |
35.16 |
|
Cheque 322 |
P Young – Stationery |
30.97 |
|
Cheque 323 |
B&NES – Triangle Annual Rent |
1.00 |
|
Cheque 324 |
J & K Primrose Garden Maintenance – Extra cut of cemetery grass |
158.47 |
|
Total |
|
1,477.15 |
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
None
Items for Next Meeting
Finalise Precept discussion for notification to B&NES
Quarterly Accounts and Payments
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 9th January 2012
The Chairman concluded the meeting at 21.20 hours
Chairman Clerk