March 2012
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 12th March 2012
Public Meeting
There was one member of the public present who did not address the Council.
Councillors present
Mr P Wyatt (Chairman), Mr R Hitchens, Mr J Shears, Mr S Skelhorn (until 20.00 hours), Mr N Pollett, Mrs V Smith and Mr N Pearson.
Apologies
Mr K Marshall and Mr L Kew (District Councillor)
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 13th February 2012
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting.
Declarations of Interest
Mr N Pollett declared a prejudicial interest in agenda item10. Car Wash business at White Cross junction – complaint regarding the business. Mr Pollett has purchased the adjoining property “Whiteways”.
Development Control, Forestry Works and Footpath Diversions
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
11/05464/FUL Erection of a dormer style bungalow and detached double garage following demolition of existing bungalow, Newlands, Paulton Road, Hallatrow
Awaiting a decision
12/00716/FUL Erection of 2no single storey extensions, Bramblewood, Greyfield Road, High Littleton
The Council agreed to support this application.
Silver Birches – Discrepancy of plans submitted for approval
The Council discussed that the new building has velux windows and attic tresses are present. The approved planning application was for a two storey building and not a three storey. Mr P Wyatt will ask Mr L Kew to review this. The Clerk was requested to ask Mrs J Brewer (B&NES Trees and Woodlands) to check the status of the tree)
Agenda Items
1. Parish Plan – Highways & Environment
- Speed Restrictions National Review
The Clerk emailed Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) for an update. No news
- Feasibility study for Paulton and surrounding area in connection with the Paulton Works
Mr N Pearson sent the Clerk the amended drawings for the Triangle. The Clerk forwarded these to Mr S Chiffers and Mr P Wyatt.
The Council discussed the feedback from Mr S Chiffers regarding costings of the proposed roundabout and available money remaining for landscaping of the Triangle and another possible project. The Council discussed various options. Village Gate Paulton Road to be put on the agenda.
The footway from Bookbarn to the bridge at Hallatrow is ongoing
- The Batch improvements
The new finger for the finger post has been installed. The Clerk was requested to write a letter of thanks to Mr Nick Jeannes and Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineers) for the good work on the Batch. To be removed from the agenda.
- Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
No news. Mr Les Kew was intending to speak to Mr Chris Major (B&NES Head of Parking) for the latest on the double yellow lines to be installed opposite the Star Inn
- Speed Calming at New Road
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that he has been told that the new bollard has been ordered.
- Safer Walking Matters - other
2. Parking matters
- Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No news
3. Highway related matters
The Highways Sheet was updated
The Clerk to chase Mr S Simmons (B&NES Highways Inspector), regarding the repainting of the white lines at the White Cross junction.
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
- Rosewell Community Home Bus shelter
No news. The graffiti and vinyl sign replacement still require to be dealt with.
- White Cross Bus Shelter – flooding
Mr N Pollett measured the bus shelter and found that if the floor was raised it would compromise the height of the bus shelter too much. The Council discussed again a solution to the flooding of the shelter. The Clerk was requested to inform Mr J King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) that the roof of the shelter would have to be raised if the floor was raised and asked if this could be done as well. The Council’s second choice would bean ACO drainage system to a suitable soak away or drain.
- Bus stop post opposite the Post Office not vertical
The bus stop post has yet to be straightened.
- Repainting the Star Inn bus shelter
The Clerk wrote to the two tenders to say that their tenders have been put on file while the Council wait to see if they can obtain a spare bus shelter from B&NES. The Clerk asked Mr J King what he meant by next year, regarding the Parish Council receiving a bus shelter. Mr King replied he meant 2012/3 financial year, however to clarify it will be when the Bath Transport Package starts which he presumes will be end of next financial year. Mr King could add a request for one or both shelters to be added to the list of requests for a new replacement shelter funded by their small capital project budget. The Council agreed that the bus shelter by the Star Inn should have priority.
5. Request for grit bins
- The Mearns
Mrs V Smith checked to see if the grit bin had been moved up the hill, but could not see one. The Clerk was requested to chase Mr Adam Spring (B&NES Highway Technician) once again.
- Request for a grit bin in Greyfield Common
No news. As the Council have written a letter of support, they agreed that this can be removed from the agenda
6. Youth Service – Youth Mobile bus in High Littleton
Mrs V Smith informed the Council that she has been in contact with B&NES Youth Services who said that the Mobile Youth bus will not be returning this year. The reasons were mainly to do with the bus being required elsewhere rather than funding. Mrs Smith will monitor the situation.
7. Core Strategy
Mr N Pearson provided the Councillors with a written report as to the status of the Core Strategy. The Council discussed the changes and implications of High Littleton being a Rural Areas Policy RA1 village and despite the Council’s representations there is concern that the village could still be considered for housing allocation
8. The status of the future of old Co-op site and its present state
The Clerk received a letter from Jacob Rees-Mogg MP saying that he has made representations to the Radstock Co-operative Society on behalf of the Parish Council. The Clerk then received a letter from Mr Don Morris (Chief Secretary of Co-op) confirming the letter he received from Jacob Rees-Mogg. Mr Morris understands the frustration of the Council, which mirrors their own. The planning process has been long and difficult. A full planning application will be submitted by the end of March. Mr Morris will request updated schematics for the Parish Council. The Contractors will attend the site on 29th February 2012 to tidy the area. The Council noted that this has been done.
9. Streetlight request between Rotcombe Lane and Eastover Road
The Clerk wrote to Mrs Angela Carr (Somer Housing Trust) to request a streetlight. No news. The Council noted that the footpath in question is numbered, therefore must belong to B&NES. The Clerk was requested to inform B&NES and re-request a streetlight.
10. Car Wash business at White Cross junction – complaint regarding the business
Mr N Pollett declared a prejudicial interest and left the room while the matter was discussed.
The Clerk received a letter from Mr Bob Allard (B&NES Planning Services) who stated that the current operating hours of the Car Wash business is as per the previous permitted use class B2. The previous permissions applicable to this site was researched and there are no planning restrictions regarding the opening hours or trading on the site. Mr Allard reminded the users of the need to restrict the signage. Mr Allard reminded them to consider their neighbours. The use of the back yard falls within the curtilage of the site. PCSO Daniel Bonnici also visited the site. No news. The Council discussed the problems and requested that the Clerk write back to Mr Allard and ask for a copy of conditions of operating and a copy of the signage regulations. The Council would like to know who they should speak to about the business operating in the road.
11. Councillor Vacancy
The notice for Parish Councillor vacancy has been put on the notice boards. The official deadline ends on 14th March 2012. Mr Stuart Brien (Bloomfield Cottages Hallatrow has written to the Clerk to apply for the position of Councillor. Mr N Pollett proposed that if the Council has not received another applicant before the deadline that Mr S Brien is co-opted on to the Council. This was seconded by Mr R Hitchens and carried unanimously. The Clerk to keep Mr Brien informed.
12. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Mr K Marshall and Mrs V Smith supplied the Clerk with details of the Diamond Jubilee street parties to be held in Hallatrow and High Littleton respectively. The Clerk forwarded these to the Parish Council’s Insurers asking for the parties to be covered by the Public Liability Insurance.
Mrs Smith forwarded to the Councillors details from Website details of Jubilee mugs for the school children. The Council discussed who should receive the mugs and costs. To be discussed further at the next meeting.
13. Church Farm Scaffolding
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that there is concern regarding the safety state of the scaffolding at Church Farm. Mr Wyatt discussed the matter with Mr Gareth Griffiths (Head Teacher High Littleton School). It was noted that the scaffolding should be inspected once a week. The Council agreed that the Clerk should write to B&NES Building Control Officer to establish if the scaffolding is being inspected weekly, also to check the same for Southover House.
14. New Bus Service 379
Mr R Hitchens brought to the Council’s attention a newspaper article that states that the new bus service 379 will run from Radstock to Midsomer Norton (via Westfield) and then through Paulton and Hallatrow to White Cross and Bristol. It will not pass the White Cross bus stops. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that the Clerk should write to First Bus and recommend that they move the bus stops or move the route.
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
The Clerk provided the Council with a verbal report
Recreation Ground
- Invoice from B&NES for £2,500 contingency Play Park at the Recreation Ground
The Clerk forwarded an email from Mr P Wyatt to Mrs Sue Leader (B&NES Assistant Management Accountant, Corporate Finance) that questioned the outstanding amount and informed her that the Parish Council and the Recreation Ground are two separate identities. The Clerk forwarded the reply from Mr Mike Gray (Management Accountant, Corporate Finance) to Mr P Wyatt and Mr R Hitchens. These were read out to the rest of the Council.
The Council discussed the matter and agreed the Mr Mike Gray should be invited to the next Parish Council meeting to sort out the matter.
Mr J Shears provided the Council with a verbal report
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Nothing to report
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
Mr P Wyatt reported to the Council that Mr W Honey (B&NES Environmental Services) has agreed to empty four small bins if the Council purchase them. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council purchased four galvanized bins. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson and carried unanimously. Mr P Wyatt will source and purchase the bins on the Council’s behalf.
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
The Council discussed the Oak tree by the entrance of Greyfield Wood that has dead branches. The Clerk was requested to contact Mr J Brewer (B&NES Trees and Woodlands) to ask what correct action should be taken
Street Cleansing Update
Jacob Rees-Mogg MP wrote to the Clerk stating that he was concerned that the Council had not been able to arrange a meeting with B&NES to discuss the problem of the street cleansing. Mr Rees-Mogg wrote again on the 29th February 2012 attaching 2 letters, one from the B&NES Divisional Director stating his concerns that the Council have not been able to arrange a meeting with Environmental Services, and a letter from Mr Matthew Smith (B&NES Divisional Director) stating that Mr Wayne Honey (B&NES Environmental Manager) has since met with the Parish Council. Mr P Wyatt provided feedback of the meeting with Mr Honey
The Council discussed the cleansing situation and requested that the Clerk write to B&NES Environmental Services to ask what money would be allocated to the Parish Council if they should rejoin the Parish Agency Scheme
Parish Cluster Meeting
The next meeting will be held on 19th April 2012. The Council requested that two items are put on the agenda. 1/ What happens to money from the Parish Agency Scheme when a Council opt out. Why it is not passed onto B&NES South West Environmental Team. 2/ The Standard of Street Advertisin
Parish Liaison Meeting
The Briefing notes from the last meeting on the table for the Parish Council
Items of interest from District Councillor:
No news
Correspondence for Action:
None
For information (on table): Clerks and Councils Direct – March 2012; Parishes Liaison Meeting – notes from meeting held 22nd February 2012; Crime Stoppers leaflet on Rural Crime.
Financial
Review of Internal Auditor
The Council discussed employing Mr Kevin Rose (ICA Auditors) to undertake the Council’s Internal Audit. Mr Rose fees will include charge a discount of £140 plus travel (£12.50) as he can undertake the East Harptree Parish Council’s audit on the same day. Mr R Hitchens proposed that the Council agree to Mr Rose undertaking the Parish Council’s Internal Audit for the fee of £140 and £12.50 travel expanses. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson and carried unanimously.
Grant request – Hallatrow Diamond Jubilee Committee
The Clerk received an email from Mrs Ann Marshall (Hallatrow Diamond Jubilee Committee) requesting a grant for £200 for the Hallatrow Jubilee celebrations. The Council discussed the email but were unclear from the email whether a grant or loan is being requested. Mr P Wyatt proposed that if a loan is being requested a cheque of £200 can be written out to the Hallatrow Committee at the next meeting. This was seconded by Mr R Hitchens and carried unanimously. The Clerk was requested to ask Mrs Marshall whether a grant or loan is being requested.
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment March 2012:
|
Cheque 343 |
To Pauline Young |
|
|
|
Clerk's pay Feb (4 Weeks) |
844.36 |
|
|
Less Feb Tax |
(53.80) |
|
|
Less Feb NI Contributions |
(44.64) |
|
|
Net Total |
745.92 |
|
|
Travel for Feb 11 |
28.35 |
|
|
Total |
774.27 |
|
Cheque 344 |
Post Office Ltd |
|
|
|
Employee’s Tax |
53.80 |
|
|
Employer’s and Employee’s NI |
96.60 |
|
|
Total |
150.40 |
|
Cheque 345 |
Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd – Works on White Cross Bus Shelter |
3420.00 |
|
Cheque 346 |
E.ON – Electric for February 2012 |
35.16 |
|
Cheque 347 |
Fosseway Press – Newsletter |
138.90 |
|
Cheque 348 |
B&NES – Annual Allotment Rent |
1.00 |
|
Cheque 349 |
B&NES – Rent for school room Feb and Mar 2012 |
90.00 |
|
Total |
|
4,609.73 |
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
Mr N Pearson informed the Council that he has received a complaint regarding a septic tank overflowing onto a public footpath by Langfords Lane. The Clerk was requested to bring this to the attention of the owners of the septic tank
Items for Next Meeting
Annual Risk Review
End of year accounts
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 9th April 2012
Chairman Clerk