February 2011
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 7th February 2011
Public Meeting
There were two members of the public present. Mrs S Wyatt addressed the Council with her concerns of vehicles speeding along Highbury Road. The Council discussed the matter with Mrs Wyatt and it was decided that Mrs Wyatt will record the offending vehicle’s registration number and pass it onto the local community Police Officer.
Mr Bill Payne addressed the Council with his objections to the planning application
11/00014/FUL Erection of a single garage, Brick Cottage, 12 High Street, High Littleton. Mr Payne read to the Council his letter to B&NES Development and Control that outline his objections.
Councillors present
Mr Paul Wyatt (Chairman), Mr Bob Hitchens, Mr John Shears, Mr N Pearson, Mr Sean Skelhorn, Mr Ken Staplin, Mrs Vicki Smith and Mr Les Kew (District Councillor)
Apologies
Mr K Marshall
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 10th January 2011
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting after three amendments. Agenda Item 1 Batch Improvements it should read “The discussed the positioning of the Timsbury Road sign. They noted…..”. Cheque 217 Bartons Farm Holly tree for Batch £323.13 should be added to the approved cheques and the following should be added “Mr K Marshall wished not to maintain the Safer Walking data base and this function was handed to the Clerk”
Declarations of Interest
Mrs V Smith declared an interest with regards to Grant Requests under Financial Matters. Mrs Smith is the leader of the Rainbows Group who has submitted a letter requesting a donation
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 Decision
10/0356/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) in relation to agricultural occupancy, Somersby Orchard, The Gug, High Littleton
Awaiting Decision
10/03916/FUL Erection of two storey side extension and single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory, 3 Kingwell View, High Littleton
Withdrawn. To be removed from the agenda
10/05106/FUL Erection of a detached single garage and alterations to the roof, Newlands, Paulton Road, Hallatrow
Awaiting 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. Revised application 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
Mr N Pearson reported to the Council that this is not actually a revised application but is further information that supports the original application 10/05250/LBA. The Council noted that they not received a response from Mr V Tye (Case Officer) asking for the advice of the case officer as to the appropriateness of velux rooflights in the (structural) application. The Clerk was requested to chase.
11/00014/FUL Erection of a single garage, Brick Cottage, 12 High Street, High Littleton
The Council agreed to Object in Principal commenting that the garage should be repositioned in line with neighbouring garages in this instance advising a flat roof. Before the Council can finalise a decision the Council request more detail in particular to levels and cross sections
New dwelling in Red House Lane/Brick Lane – Council not been notified
The Clerk wrote to Mrs Liz Durnford (B&NES Planning Information Officer) informing her that the Cameley PC claim they have not received the planning application for the new dwelling and sent her the photograph of the barn being constructed. Mrs Durford replied sending a copy of the Comments form of Cameley Parish Council (they supported the application). The Enforcement Team investigated the barn stating that the barn is an existing barn that is being repaired and does not require planning permission. The Council requested that the Clerk send Cameley Parish Council a copy of the email received from Mrs Durnford. To be removed from the agenda.
Agenda Items
1. Parish Plan – Highways & Environment
• Speed Restrictions National Review
No news
• Safer Walking Review
Mrs V Smith provided the Council with details of planned parking restrictions by the school that had been sent to Mr Gareth Griffiths ((Head Teacher). The Council requested that the Clerk write to (B&NES Parking) to state that the Council are concerned that they have not been consulted with these proposals and to add that the proposals fall outside the Council’s previous intentions. The Clerk to invite a representative from B&NES Parking to the next meeting to discuss the matter.
• The Batch improvements
The Clerk emailed Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) to ask for the Batch sign to be changed to Timsbury Road and the Timsbury Road sign to be reinstalled. Mrs Lyn Parfitt (B&NES Street Naming and Numbering Officer) replied that she will visit the site. The Clerk was requested to arrange for her to contact Mr J Shears to arrange a date so that he can be present at the site visit.
Mr J Marshall emailed the Clerk to bring to the Council’s attention his concern that the new tree will die if it does not receive regular care and attention. Mr N Pearson informed the Council that he will monitor and care for the holly tree
• 2nd School Crossing Operative for High Littleton School – replacement
Mr L Kew reported that the new school crossing operative did not start on the 19th January 2011 due to illness.
• Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
No news
• School Signs
The Council discussed the chosen traffic calming sign designed by a school child from the High Littleton School, and discussed which traffic poles near the school they would like two placed. Mrs V Smith will take the Council’s suggestions back to Mr Gareth Griffith (Head Teacher High Littleton School).
• Parking problems by the Church
Mr J Shears reported to the Council that this matter appears to have been resolved. Vehicles that were causing problems due to where they were parking have received polite notices by a PCSO and a cone is in place.
To be removed from he agenda
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that Mr S Chiffers has received a complaint from a parishioner of High Littleton, stating that his wife was nearly in a collision with a vehicle mounting the footway on Church Hill (close to the school). The parishioner requested the installation of bollards. The Council discussed the matter and felt that the pavement is too narrow for bollards. Mr V Smith will discuss the matter with the school.
2. Parking matters
• Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No news
3. Highway related matters
The Highways Maintenance sheet was updated
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
• Oak House Section 106 money available
No news. The Clerk to chase Mr J King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) to establish the status
• White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment
The Clerk sent out 9 new tenders requesting that they are received by the Council by 28th February 2011.
• Bus timetables in High Littleton and Hallatrow to show reinstated 179 bus service
The 179 service has been added to the timetables in the Parish. To be removed from the agenda.
5. Core Strategy – Policy C Village Capacity Work
Mr N Pearson sent on behalf of the High Littleton Parish Council, representations to B&NES. The Council discussed the representation. Mr R Hitchens proposed that the signature of Councillor Pearson is authenticated on the form sent to B&NES. This was seconded by Mr S Skelhorn and agreed unanimously.
6. Footpaths
• Footpath CL 11/16 – water logged footpath and overgrown hedge
Last month, Mr Colin Hudson (B&NES Public Footpath Officer) emailed the Clerk he was chasing up matters with Redcliffe Homes. No further news
7. Website renewal of editor
The Clerk and Mrs V Smith met with Mr James Burfield (Burfield Creative) to discuss a few minor problems and errors with the Website. To date there still remain a few matters to address.
8. Co-operative site, High Street, High Littleton review of status
No news
9. Review of Standing Orders
The Clerk provided the edited amended version of the Standing Orders to the Councillors. A resolution to accept the Standing Orders to be made at the next meeting when the Councillors have had time to review them.
10. Request for grit bin for The Grove, Hallatrow
The Clerk emailed Mr Steve Simmons (B&NES Highways Inspector) to request a grit bin for the Grove. No news. The Clerk to chase
11. Hallatrow notice board – replacement
Mr K Marshall emailed his report regarding the sourcing of a notice board for Hallatrow. It was questioned whether the Council require a notice board. The Council noted that is a statutory requirement. The Clerk was requested to inform Mr Marshall of the Council’s discussion.
12. Christmas tree lights – random timing
The Council discussed the electrical loads if the Christmas trees’ lighting are left on continuously from 1st December to 6th January each year. The Council agreed that they should be left on continuously and that a new timer is not required. To be removed from the agenda.
13. Empty Homes
To be discussed at the next meeting
14. Car Wash business at the White Cross junction
Mr N Pollett requested that this was put on the agenda as he has received complaints that the business has been operating during the night time and cars are pulling out against the red lights. The Clerk wrote to B&NES Development and Control to ask for their advice on the matter. They replied they will visit the site. The Council discussed the matter and noted improvements in the situation. To be removed from the agenda
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
No news
Recreation Ground
Mr J Shears provided the Council with a verbal report
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr K Staplin provided the Council with a verbal report
School Governors
Mr L Kew provided the Council with a verbal report
Grass and Cemetery
• Tenders for Grass Cutting
The Council received 2 tenders out of the 4 sent out for grass cutting in the High Littleton cemetery and White Cross for the next three years. The Chairman opened the sealed tenders which were discussed by the Council. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council accept the tender submitted by Mr J Primrose. This was seconded by Mr S Skelhorn and carried unanimously
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
No news
Parish Sweeper Scheme
Various matters relating to the two Parish Sweepers were discussed by the Council.
Parish Cluster Meeting
The next Parish Cluster will be on the 21st March 2011. The Clerk hopes to able to attend. Mr R Hitchens will see if he can attend.
Parish Liaison Meeting
The next Liaison meeting is on the 16th February 2011. Mr P Wyatt will attend
Items of interest from District Councillor:
Mr L Kew reported back to the Parish Council the PACT meeting he recently attended. The Council discussed with Mr Kew PACT meetings and agreed they duplicate matters discussed at Parish Council meetings. The Council unanimously believe that the PACT meetings should cease.
Correspondence for Action:
None
For information (on table): ALCA – February Newsletter; B&NES Area Group of the Avon Local Councils Association – Minutes of the 29th September 2010; Managing Double Taxation and Taking on and Providing Local Services – advisory notes form NALC; Clerk & Councils Direct – January 2011; The Clerk – January 2011; Avon and Somerset Constabulary – Letter from Chief Superintendent Gary Davies “In touch with you and your Community”; The Royal British Legion – The Great Poppy Weekend 10th 11th 12th June.
Financial
Quarterly Accounts and Payments
The Quarterly Accounts ending December 2011 were signed by the Chairman
Grants requests for 2011-2012
The following grant requests were granted by the Council:-
Mrs V Smith declared an interest in the request of a grant from the Rainbows Group and left the room.
Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council award a grant of £100 to the Rainbows Group. This was seconded by Mr J Shears and carried unanimously
Mr S Skelhorn proposed that the Council award a grant of £200 to the Midsomer Norton Ring and Ride. This was seconded by Mr J Shears and carried unanimously.
Mr N Pearson proposed that the Council award a grant to the Mary Jones Charity of £250. This was seconded by Mr J Shears and carried unanimously.
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment February 2011
Clerk’s pay and expenses; Sweepers’ pay; Post Office Ltd –Tax and National Insurance; Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd – Installation of bench at the Batch; Somer 2000 – Dressing of the two Christmas trees; High Littleton Royal British Legion – rent for hire of room Oct 2010– Dec 2010; Viking Direct – Stationery; Information Commissioners Office – Annual Data Protection fee; P Young – Easyspace Domain Bi-annual fee.
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
The Clerk informed the Council that the Election Package is available for the Councillors information. To be forwarded to the Councillors
Items for Next Meeting
Review Internal Auditor
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 14th March 2011
Chairman Clerk