January 2012
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 9th January 2012
Public Meeting
There were no members of the public present.
Councillors present
Mr P Wyatt (Chairman), Mr R Hitchens, Mr K Marshall, Mr J Shears, Mr S Skelhorn, Mr K Staplin, Mr N Pollett, Mrs V Smith and Mr N Pearson
Apologies
Mr L Kew (District Councillor)
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 12th December 2011
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting after one amendment, under Agenda 7 Empty Homes; the 5th line should read “Mr Kew explained that B&NES do not have a compulsory purchasing policy.”
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.
Mr N Pollett should make a prejudicial interest in agenda item 10. Car Wash business at White Cross junction – complaint regarding the business. Mr Pollett is in the process of purchasing the adjoining property “Whiteways”.
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 - Pending Consideration stated on website on 3.1.12
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, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
11/04767/FUL Erection of a two storey rear extension Hillside, Goosard Lane High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
11/05083/FUL Erection of a two storey detached dwelling in garden of existing house, including new vehicle access for both dwellings, Eastleigh, Wells Road, Hallatrow
The Council agreed to Object in Principal due to the new access being at the pinch point of the traffic calming on the A39
Silver Birches – Discrepancy of plans submitted for approval
The Clerk was requested to ask Mr L Kew if he has looked into the matter
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 Council were sent drawings produced by Mr S Chiffers for the proposals of the footway from Hallatrow gateway to the Bookbarn and the proposed roundabout at the Paulton Road and A39 junction. The Council discussed the plans. Mr P Wyatt will pass the Council’s comments to Mr S Chiffers.
Mr N Pearson will produce amended drawings for the Triangle for Mr S Chiffers’ comments.
- The Batch improvements
The Clerk received an invoice for £6,000 for the Batch improvements. The Clerk emailed
Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) stating that the Council had agreed to pay
£5,000 towards the costs. Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that he had met with Mr
Chiffers who apologised for the mistake. Mr Chiffers explained that the cost of the project exceeded the estimate and asked if the Council would contribute an extra £1,000. The Council discussed the matter. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council pay an extra £1,000 for the Batch improvements. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson and carried unanimously.
The Council discussed whether the request for a non-slip surface to be added had been agreed by B&NES. The Council agreed to keep this request in mind and to decide at a later date whether to progress with the request. Mr Pearson agreed to look into defining an area.
- Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
No news. The Clerk report the damaged bollard reported to Council Connect. The Council requested that the Clerk contact Mr L Kew to ask if he has spoken to Mr Chris Major (Head of Parking) for a progress report.
- Request for dropped kerbs by keyhole stile on footpath CL 11/24.
It was reported to the Council that Mr Kew is looking into the matter of the dropped kerbs and will discuss with the residents if they wish to finance the project.
- Speed Calming at New Road
Mr P Wyatt and Mr L Kew met with Mr S Chiffers to discuss the problems of the traffic collisions at the traffic calming by 1 New Road. It was noted in the meeting that a parishioner had written to Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, regarding the problem. Mr Wyatt provided a picture of the intended more visible bollard to be installed. Mr Chiffers will place this bollard where he believes it will be more efficient.
- Safer Walking Matters - other
Mr Wyatt informed the Council that phase 1 of the Hallatrow Hill footway is programmed for 2012/2013 financial year. Money has been set aside for the following year for the phase 2 feasibility study.
2. Parking matters
- Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No news
3. Highway related matters
No news regarding the Council’s request to have the white lines repainted at the junction of the A39 and A37 that has been ongoing for 8 months. Mr L Kew is currently looking into the matter.
The Highways Maintenance Sheet was updated.
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
- Rosewell Community Home Bus shelter
The Clerk emailed Mr J King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) to state that the Council has noticed that an effort has been made to remove the offensive graffiti, but it still can be seen. The Clerk also asked about the replacement vinyl. Mr King replied that his colleague Mr Tom Alexander is dealing with both matters.
- White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment
The bus shelter has now been refurbished. The Council noted that due to the raising of the pavement for alighting bus passengers, rain water runs into the bus shelter, therefore the shelter can not be used when it rains. The Council requested that the Clerk informed Mr J King
- Bus stop post opposite the Post Office not vertical
The post has not been straightened
- Repainting the Star Inn bus shelter
The Clerk has received one response for tender to date.
The Clerk asked Mr J King for a spare second hand bus shelter. Mr King replied that he will look for something suitable. The Council requested the Clerk also ask for a spare second hand bus shelter for the bus stop opposite the Post Office.
5. Request for grit bins
- The Mearns
The Clerk was requested to contact Mr A Spring (B&NES Highways Technician) and ask if the grit bin has been moved yet.
- Request for a grit bin in Greyfield Common
The Clerk wrote on the behalf of Greyfield Common residents to Mr A Spring requesting a grit bin; bringing to his attention a the disabled child and a resident dependable on a mobility scooter in Greyfield Common. No news. The Clerk wrote to Mrs Lane (the resident who first requested a bin from the Council) stating that the Council can not buy one but would write to B&NES. The Mrs Lane replied thanking the Council for their assistance.
6. Youth Service – Youth Mobile bus in High Littleton
The Clerk forwarded a report to the Councillors from Ms Jayne Lewis (Youth Worker) on the attendance of the mobile youth bus.
7. Christmas trees suppliers and dressers
The Council requested that the Clerk remind Somer 2000 not to put the Christmas trees on a timer in future years.
8. The status of the future of old Co-op site and its present state
The Council noted that the Co-operative site has not been tidied as promised in a recent letter from Mr Don Morris (Co-operative Chief Executive). The Council requested that the Clerk write a letter of complaint to Jacob Rees – Mogg MP
9. Streetlight request between Rotcombe Lane and Eastover Road
Mr R Hitchens informed the Council that the request for a streetlight is for the B&NES public footway between Rotcombe Lane and Eastover Road. The Clerk to write to B&NES Public Streetlights to request a streetlight for the footpath.
10. Car Wash business at White Cross junction – complaint regarding the business
Mr N Pollett declared an interest and left the room. Mr R Hitchens read to the Council a list of complaints regarding the Car Wash business that has been compiled from the public complaints. The Council agreed that the Clerk should forward these to B&NES Chief Executive.
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
The Clerk informed the Council that the next person on the allotment waiting list has agreed to rent the vacant allotment plot. The Clerk will deal with the arrangement the agreement signing.
Recreation Ground
The Clerk received an email from Mrs Sue Leader (Assistant Management Accountant Corporate Finance B&NES) asking if the Council will accept an invoice of £2,500 for the Path finder Play Park project. The Council discussed the matter and requested that the Clerk reply that the £2,500 was a contingency for unforeseen works which was not expended.
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr K Staplin provided the Council with a verbal report
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
Nothing to report
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
Mr S Skelhorn provided the Council with a verbal report
Street Cleansing Update
The Clerk emailed Mr Wayne Honey (B&NES South West Environmental Manager) for the specifications for a bin for the cemetery, which can be emptied by his road sweepers. No repl
The Council discussed the state of the unkempt streets and requested that the Clerk write to Jacob Rees-Mogg to inform him of the problem. Mr L Kew to be copied in.
Parish Cluster Meeting
No news
Parish Liaison Meeting
No news
Items of interest from District Councillor:
No news
Correspondence for Action:
Avon and Somerset Police Authority – 2012/2013 Budget Consultation Survey
Mr S Skelhorn and Mr K Staplin agreed to review answer the survey on the Council’s behalf
For information (on table): Avon and Somerset Constabulary - Neighbourhood Watch Letter 12/12
Financial
Quarterly Accounts and Payments
The quarterly accounts ending 31.12.11 to be presented to the Council at the next month’s meeting
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment January 2012:-
|
Cheque 325 |
To Pauline Young |
|
|
|
Clerk's pay Dec (4 Weeks) |
844.36 |
|
|
Less Dec Tax |
(53.80) |
|
|
Less Dec NI Contributions |
(44.64) |
|
|
Net Total |
745.62 |
|
|
Travel for Dec 11 |
31.05 |
|
|
Total |
776.67 |
|
Cheque 326 |
Post Office Ltd |
|
|
|
Employee’s Tax |
53.80 |
|
|
Employer’s and Employee’s NI |
96.60 |
|
|
Total |
150.40 |
|
Cheque 327 |
SSE Contracting – Lighting Maintenance Oct – Dec 11 |
111.36 |
|
Cheque 328 |
B&NES Re: High Littleton Primary – Rent of room Nov – Jan 12 |
135.00 |
|
Cheque 329 |
JBC Enterprises- 2 Christmas trees |
260.00 |
|
Cheque 330 |
K Marshall – Jacksons Posts for Notice Boards |
8.52 |
|
Cheque 331 |
Royal Mail – Renewal PO Box 2012 |
200.00 |
|
Cheque 332 |
HL Recreation Ground – 1/3 to maintenance costs |
107.58 |
|
Cheque 333 |
E.ON – Electric supply Dec 11 |
35.16 |
|
Total |
|
1,784.69 |
|
|
|
|
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
Mr R Hitchens requested that the Council receive the agenda for the Parish Council meetings on or by the Wednesday before the next monthly meeting
The Clerk informed the Council that Mr Mathew Smith (Divisional Director Environmental Services) has written to say that there is 0% increase in funding for Parish Sweeping Scheme, Maintenance of Closed Churchyards and Maintenance of Public Rights of Way
Items for Next Meeting
Grants for financial year ending April 2012
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 13th February 2012
Chairman Clerk