May 2012
Minutes of the Meetings of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 14th May 2011
Annual Parish Council Meeting
Election of Chairman of the Parish Council
Mr R Hitchens proposed that Mr P Wyatt be elected as Chairman of the High Littleton Parish Council. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson. Mr P Wyatt was elected unopposed.
Mr P Wyatt signed the Acceptance of Office.
Election of Vice Chairman
Mr P Wyatt proposed that Mr R Hitchens be elected as Vice - Chairman of the High Littleton Parish Council. This was seconded by Mr L Kew. Mr R Hitchens was elected unopposed.
Election of Representatives
Mr P Wyatt proposed that the following Councillors are elected as representatives:-
Allotments – Mr K Marshall
Recreation Ground – Mr J Shears and Mrs V Smith
Police and Neighbourhood Watch – Mr S Skelhorn
School Governors – Mr P Wyatt
Grass and Cemetery – Mr K Marshall
Newsletter – Mr R Hitchens
Greyfield Wood – Mr Sean Skelhorn
Street Cleansing – The Clerk and the Council
Parish Cluster Meeting – The Clerk and Mr S Brien
Parish Liaison Meeting – Mr N Pearson
This was seconded by Mr R Hitchens and carried unanimously
Annual Meeting of the Parish
Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting are recorded separately
Ordinary Parish Meeting
Public Meeting
There were three members of the public present. Mrs Sheila Petheridge (B&NES Public Footpaths Officer) addressed the Parish Council regarding requests from the public to stagger the keyhole stones on footpath CL 11/24 (Wells Road). Mrs Petherbridge informed the Council that she had written to properties in the vicinity and received a mixture of comments. Mr Lewis Salvidge, who owns the land on which the keyhole stile is situated, explained to the Council and Mrs Petherbridge why he did not want the keyhole stile moved. Mr Salvidge also stated that he was not consulted. Mr P Wyatt reiterated that the Council do not wish for the keyhole stile to be moved. Mr Yates explained to the Parish Council why he did not wish for the stones to be moved. Mr L Kew stated the point of view of those who would like them moved. The matter was discussed. Mrs Petherbridge said that the decision is with B&NES, but she wished to consult the Parish Council.
Mrs Petheridge informed the Council that she is looking out for a keyhole stile to replace the wooden stile by Tennis Court House. The matter was discussed.
Councillors present
Mr Paul Wyatt (Chairman), Mr R Hitchens, Mr Sean Skelhorn, Mrs Vicki Smith, Mr N Pearson, Mr S Brien and Mr Les Kew (District Councillor)
Apologies
Mr K Marshall, Mr John Shears and Mr N Pollett
New Councillor
Mr Stuart Brien signed the Acceptance of Office. The Code of Conduct and Register of Interests forms were given to Mr Brien to fill in and return to the next meeting. Mr Brien attended the recent New Councillors Course held by ALCA
Declarations of Interest
Mrs V Smith declared a personal interest in Financial - Grant request for Jubilee Picnic 4th June 2012. Mrs Smith is an organiser of the event
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
12/00716/FUL Erection of 2no single storey extensions, Bramblewood, Greyfield Road, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
12/01409/FUL Erection of an attached garage and rear conservatory and provision of a screen fence 2 Aumery gardens High Littleton
The Council agreed to support this application
Silver Birches – Discrepancy of plans submitted for approval
Mr Phil Miller (B&NES Planning Enforcement) contacted the Clerk in response to the Council’s email in relation to the protection of the Oak tree in the garden of Silver Birches. Mr Miller attended the site on 13th April 2012 and can not see any construction or removal of soil evident around its base; therefore there is no reason for Enforcement Action. Mr Wyatt informed him that the developer is sawing branches off. Mr Miller replied if the branches are dead, dying or dangerous, they may be removed without consultation with the Local Planning Authority. Also Local Planning Authority consent is not required for carrying out works to a tree if required to implement planning permission as the TPO is over-ridden. If any of the branches of the tree were causing a nuisance to the development they can also be removed without consent. The Parish Council discussed and queried Mr Miller’s comments. Mr N Pearson will review the plans relating to this situation with the oak tree and will report back at the next meeting.
Agenda Items1. Parish Plan – Highways & Environment
- Speed Restrictions National Review
No news. Mr P Wyatt will speak to Mr S Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) for a progress report.
- Feasibility study for Paulton and surrounding area in connection with the Paulton Works
Mr P Wyatt, Mr N Pearson, Mr L Kew will meet Mr S Chiffers and other engineers to discuss drawings for the improvement of the Triangle
- Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
Mr Les Kew has spoken to Mr C Major (Head of Parking) about the installation of the yellow lines. Mr Kew informed the Council that the lines are programmed to be completed in the forth quarter of this financial year (Jan - Mar 2013). They are presently going through a legal process
- Speed Calming at New Road
Mr P Wyatt will ask Mr S Chiffers when the bollard will be installed.
- Village Gate Paulton Road, Hallatrow
No news
2. Parking matters
- Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No news. The Clerk was requested to chase.
3. Highway related matters
The Highways Maintenance sheet was updated.
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
- Rosewell Community Home Bus shelter
The Clerk emailed Mr Tom Alexander (B&NES Public Transport Assistant) to ask when the graffiti will be removed, also the installation of a new vinyl and informed him that one has been smashed. No news. The Clerk will chase again
- White Cross Bus Shelter – flooding
No news. The Clerk was requested to chase
- Bus stop post opposite the Post Office not vertical
No news. The Clerk was requested to chase
- Replacement of the Star Inn bus shelter
No news
5. Request for grit bins
- The Mearns
The Council agreed that as B&NES have stated that no further action will be taken on this matter, this can be removed from the agenda.
6. Youth Service – Youth Mobile bus in High Littleton
Mrs V Smith informed the Parish Council that in her discussion with the Youth Service she had been informed that the cost per 2 ½ hour session visit of the mobile youth bus to High Littleton is £200 plus VAT. There are funding options; Mrs Smith agreed to look into these.
The Community bus has applied to three areas of funding. Mrs Smith will ask when the cut of date for the present funding ends.
7. B&NES Core Strategy
Mr N Pearson stated that the Council have made strong representations and will be consulted on any future developments
8. The status of the future of old Co-op site and its present state
The Clerk received a letter from Mr Don Morris (Chief Executive Radstock Co-operative Society) stating that there has been a slight delay with the submission of their planning application. Will be submitted week commencing 16th April 2012. Mrs Catherine Norris (Project Planner DPDS Consulting Swindon) sent plans and drawings for the site. Mr N Pearson agreed to review these plans.
9. Streetlight request between Rotcombe Lane and Eastover Road
The Clerk emailed Mr Glen Eames (Somer Housing Building) surveyor to inform him that the Council agree to their suggestion of solar bollards. Mr Eames replied that they will install the bollards as soon as possible
10. Car Wash business at White Cross junction – complaint regarding the business
The Clerk sent a copy of the Change of Use conditions of planning application to Mr R Hitchens for his review. The Council discussed the situation and agreed on no further action. To be removed from the agenda
11. Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
The High Littleton Jubilee Street party Committee received a donation of £100. The Parish Council agreed to bank the cheque on their behalf.
Mr P Wyatt read to the Council the written account highlighting the Parish Council’s service to the community for the Holy Trinity Church celebration Service for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Mr P Wyatt asked for the Council’s comments. The Council discussed the written account. Mr R Hitchens agreed to review the piece further.
12. Church Farm Scaffolding
The Clerk wrote to the Health and Safety Executive Bristol informing them of the Parish Council’s concerns with the safety of the scaffolding and the request to know how often the scaffolding should be inspected. Photographs were included. No news
13. New Bus Service 379
The Clerk received a reply from Mr Simon Ford (First regional Network Planner) who said that the Service 379 was significantly enhanced from 1st April 2012 to provide an hourly service Monday to Saturday. They will be reviewing the service shortly and will happily consider any alterations to the route where additional revenue can be generated, without the need for additional resources. The Clerk was requested to write to Mr Ford and inform him that there are two bus stops at White Cross, one on A39 and the other on the A37. Passengers do not know from which direction the bus will come from and it is a dangerous for people to run across the busy junction to catch the bus.
14. Annual Risk Review
The Councillors were sent the Risk Review for this coming year. Mr R Hitchens proposed the Council agree to the amendments. This was seconded by Mr S Skelhorn and carried unanimously.
15. Footpaths – Request to move keyhole stile on footpath CL 11/24 (Wells Road)
The Clerk emailed Mrs Sheila Petherbridge (B&NES Public Footpath Officer) to state that the Parish Council are strongly opposed to the moving of the keyhole stile stones. Mrs Petherbridge replied that she will consult with Mr L Kew. The Clerk reiterated that the Council are opposed to the moving of the stones and invited her to tonight’s meeting. The Council discussed the earlier presentation by Mrs Petheridge and subsequent discussion. The Council agreed that the matter be removed from the agenda
16. Email from resident behind the High Street Bus Shelter – wall has collapsed
Mrs Jane Jones (Resident behind High Street Bus shelter) confirmed that the bus shelter in question is the one by the Star Inn. The Clerk and Mrs V Smith took photographs of the wall. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that the Clerk should write to Mrs Jones and state that the Council have looked into her complaint and have seen photographs of her damaged wall. The Council feel that they are not responsible for the upkeep or repair of the boundary garden wall which is on private property.
17. Large vehicle parking outside Post Office outside restricted times
The Clerk received an email from a parishioner also concerned about the large vehicle parked outside the Post Office causing an obstruction. The Clerk was requested to inform the resident that the Police have been made aware of the situation.
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
The Clerk informed the Council that all the allotment holders have paid their rent for 2012-2013
Recreation Ground
The Clerk received confirmation that B&NES Council will be issue a credit note for the £2,500 for the payment of the contingency money for the Play Park at the Recreation Ground and re-issue this amount to the Recreation Ground Committee.
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Nothing to repot
School Governors
Mr P Wyatt provided the Council with a verbal report.
Grass and Cemetery
No news
Newsletter
Nothing to report
Greyfield Wood
Mr Mark Cassidy (B&NES Arborcultural Officer) emailed the Clerk stating that the road that surrounds the Oak tree is not adopted by B&NES; therefore they do not have acts or regulations to use to enforce someone to sort the tree out. Mr Cassidy says that the owner needs to be contacted directly if the tree is posing a risk. The Council requested that the Clerk ask Mr Cassidy that if the tree has a TPO then B&NES must have records as to the ownership.
Street Cleansing Update
Mr P Wyatt sent the following extract from the Parish Cluster meeting briefing notes to Mr Wayne Honey (B&NES Environmental Manager) and asked for his comments. “The funding for the Parish Sweeper scheme is, in fact, retained within Neighbourhood Services specifically for street cleansing and therefore contributes to the efficient running and operation of cleansing within this area.” The Parish Council discussed the possibility of hiring contractors to sweep the streets of the Parish. Mr P Wyatt agreed to put together a specification
Parish Cluster Meeting
No news
Parish Liaison Meeting
No news
Items of interest from District Councillor:
Nothing to repor
Correspondence for Action:
B&NES – Consultation on Community Infrastructure Levy Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule
Mr P Wyatt agreed to review the above
Somer Valley Partnership – Concern that many local Parish Councils are not attending their meetings. The Clerk was requested to invite a member of the Somer Valley Partnership to attend the next Parish Council meeting as offered.
For information (on table): B&NES – Street Closing Advertising; B&NES Highway Structural Maintenance Capital Programme for 2012/2013; Avon & Somerset Police Authority – Newsletter March 2012; SLCC – The Clerk May 2012; Clerk and Councils Direct – May 2012.
Financial
Grant request – Jubilee Picnic 4th June 2012
Mrs V Smith requested a grant on behalf of the Diamond Jubilee Party Committee of £200 to assist in the costs for the Diamond Jubilee Street Party subject to requirement. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council agree to the above request. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson and was carried unanimously. Mrs V Smith declared a personal interest and did not vote.
End of year accounts Comments from the Internal Auditor
The Clerk provided feedback of the Internal Auditors visit and discussed his recommendations. Mr R Hitchens proposed that all monies given to the Recreation Ground Committee including monies previously given for the Section 106 Aumery Gardens is a donation and is recorded in the accounts as such. This was seconded by Mr P Wyatt and carried unanimously. Mr R Hitchens proposed that the Parish Council give the Recreation Ground Committee 1/3 NET towards the maintenance costs occurred and not 1/3 gross. This was seconded by Mr P Wyatt and carried unanimously. The Clerk to inform the Recreation Ground Treasurer.
For Payment: The following cheques were approved for payment May 201
|
|
|
£
|
|
Cheque 359 |
To Pauline Young |
|
|
|
Clerk's pay Apr (4 Weeks) |
884.36 |
|
|
Less Apr Tax |
(44.00) |
|
|
Less Apr NI Contributions |
(31.44) |
|
|
Net Total |
768.92 |
|
|
Travel for Apr 11 |
37.80 |
|
|
Total |
806.72 |
|
Cheque 360 |
Post Office Ltd |
|
|
|
Employee’s Apr Tax |
44.00 |
|
|
Employer’s and Employee’s Apr NI |
68.72 |
|
|
Total |
112.72 |
|
Cheque 361 |
P Young - Petty Cash |
100.00 |
|
Cheque 362 |
Fosseway Press – Newsletter |
138.90 |
|
Cheque 363 |
E.ON – Electric for April 2012 |
34.68 |
|
Cheque 364 |
ALCA – Councillor Course |
75.00 |
|
Cheque 365 |
J & K Primrose – Grass cutting for April |
352.50 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
1,620.52 |
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
The Clerk informed the Council that she will be on holiday from 19th May to the 26th May 2012
Items for Next Meeting
Mr N Pearson requested that Street cleansing to be put on the agenda as a separate agenda item
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 11th June 2012
The Chairman ended the meeting at 21.50 hours
Chairman Clerk