January 2011
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 10th January 2011
Public Meeting
There were no members of the public present.
Councillors present
Mr Bob Hitchens (Chairman), Mr K Marshall, Mr John Shears, Mr N Pearson, Mr Ken Staplin, Mr N Pollett (from 19.06 hours) and Mrs Vicki Smith
Apologies
Mr Paul Wyatt and Mr Les Kew (District Councillor)
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 6th December 2010
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting.
Declarations of Interest
None
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
10/0356/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 a 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
Awaiting a decision
10/04432/FUL Alterations and erection of two storey side extensions to existing dwelling house, Eastleigh, Wells Road, Hallatrow
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
10/04480/FUL Erection of a single storey front extension, 1 Kingwell View, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
10/05106/FUL Erection of a detached single garage and alterations to the roof, Newlands, Paulton Road, Hallatrow
The Council agreed to support this application
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
The Council made Comments only. The Council seek the advice of the case officer as to the appropriateness of velux rooflights in the (structural) application. The Council note that neighbours have not been advised of the application.
10/02861/TPO Fell Larch Tree, The Grange, Paulton Road, Hallatrow
Consented. To be removed from the agenda
New dwelling in Red House Lane/Brick Lane – Council not been notified
The Clerk emailed B&NES Development and Control regarding High Littleton Parish Council not being notified of the planning application. The Clerk was informed that the emailed has been passed to Registration.
The Clerk emailed the Cameley Parish Council stating that the High Littleton Parish Council are disappointed that Cameley did not notice that the dwelling in question is in the High Littleton Parish. The Cameley Clerk replied that if this application was seen it would have been forwarded to High Littleton immediately. The Council requested that the Clerk write to Development and Control sending them a copy of a map that shows the new dwelling in this parish and a building under construction.
Agenda Items
1. Parish Plan – Highways & Environment
• Speed Restrictions National Review
No news
• Safer Walking Review
The Councillors were provided with an updated Parish Plan – Highways and Environment document.
• The Batch improvements
The tree, the bench, and grit bin have been installed on the Batch. The Council discussed the positioning of the Timsbury Road sign. They noted that there are two signs in this area, one reading the Batch the other reading Timsbury Road. The Council agreed that the Clerk should write to Mr S Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) and ask for the sign reading Timsbury Road by the GPO box should be fixed back on to the wall and the sign on the east side of the road reading The Batch, should be replaced with a sign reading Timsbury Road
• 2nd School Crossing Operative for High Littleton School – replacement
Mr Les Kew (District Councillor) emailed the Clerk to say that the new school crossing operative should start on 17th January 2010 subject to a CRB report. To be removed from the agenda.
• Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
No news
• Unsuitable for access for HGV signs for Harts Lane
Mr N Pollett informed the Council that the signs have not yet been installed. To be put on the Highways Maintenance Sheet
• School Signs
Mrs V Smith informed the Council that that the High Littleton school had a competition designing signs requesting drivers to go slow past the school. The School have discussed this with Mr S Chiffers who agreed in principal providing the signs are fixed to existing ‘High Littleton’ village signs and that A3 size would be acceptable but he would prefer A4 and. Mr G Griffiths (Head Teacher) would prefer A3 size. The Council were presented with the two winning entries. The Council discussed the signs and where they should be situated. Mrs V Smith proposed that the Council agree to the installation of the signs and that they should be A3 in size. This was seconded by Mr J Shears. The vote was 4 for and 3 against therefore the motion was carried. The Council to discuss the positioning of the signs at next months meeting
2. Parking matters
• Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No news
3. Highway related matters
The Maintenance Highways Sheet was updated
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
• Oak House Section 106 money available
No news
• White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment
The Clerk has received 1 reply out of the 5 tenders sent. The Council opened the tender. This was an estimate and therefore does not constitute a tender. The Council agreed to retender for the bus shelter repairs.
• Bus timetables in High Littleton and Hallatrow to show reinstated 179 bus service
Mr Tom Alexander (B&NES Public Transport Assistant) emailed the Clerk stating that First Group have looked after the timetable information at these stops. It is likely, however, that B&NES will be taking over this responsibility in the near future. Mr Alexander will arrange for the 179 service information to be added to the 178 at the bus stops
5. Core Strategy – Policy C Village Capacity Work
The Clerk received a hard copy of the Draft Core Strategy. The Clerk forwarded online details for the Councillors to view. The Council are asked to use the official comment form for the Council's responses for soundness and legal compliance and further comments on line.
Following the comments raised the draft Core Strategy will be submitted to the Secretary of State for a Public Examination into its soundness. The Examination will be held before an independent Inspector and is scheduled to take place in autumn 2011. If the Core Strategy is found sound, then the Inspector will issue a binding report. The Clerk also forwarded the Presentation document from the Draft Core Strategy meeting held at Keynsham Town Hall on 21st December for the Councillors information. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that Mr N Pearson will make representations on the Council’s behalf.
6. Footpaths
• Footpath CL 11/16 – water logged footpath and overgrown hedge
Mr Colin Hudson (B&NES Public Rights of Way Officer) emailed the Clerk to say he inspected this path again on 7 January 2011 and subsequently wrote to the 2 properties on the eastern side of the footpath concerning vegetation from their property overhanging the path. Mr Hudson has chased Redcliffe Homes concerning action with the flooding of the footpath.
7. Website renewal of editor
Mr James Burfield (Burfield Creations) informed the Clerk that the website has been built with only a few finishing touches remaining. The website can be viewed on the usual Council’s website address. The Clerk met with Mr Burfield for editing instructions. The Council discussed the sky scene on the home page could be replaced with a collage of the parish. Mrs Smith and the Clerk will take various photographs of the parish for selection.
8. Co-operative site, High Street, High Littleton review of status
The Clerk emailed Mr Les Kew for a progress report of planning proposals for the Co-op site. Mr L Kew replied that he is not aware of a current application but the previous case officer was Mr Jonathan Fletcher
9. Review of Standing Orders
Mr R Hitchens reviewed the Standing Orders amended by the Clerk. Mr Hitchens made a few suggestions for the Clerk to edit.
10. Request for grit bin for The Grove, Hallatrow
Mr K Marshall informed the Council that the residents of The Grove have difficulty driving up the slope in the Grove when the road is icy and request a grit bin. The Council agreed that the Clerk should contact B&NES Highways and ask if a grit bin could be installed.
11. Hallatrow notice board – replacement
Mr K Marshall informed the council that the Hallatrow notice board is beyond repair. Mr Marshall agreed to look into a suitable replacement.
12. Christmas tree lights – random timing
Mr K Marshall reported the Hallatrow lights have a faulty timer. Mr Dave Kingman (Somer 2000) has said that a new timer will cost £70 plus labour and has suggested that the timer is left on 24 hrs as power consumption is about 50 to 100 watts. The Council discussed the matter. Mr K Staplin agreed to check the electrical loads for the two Christmas trees and the energy consumed should the lights be left on for continuously from 1st December to the 5th January each year.
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 and informed the Council that the next PACT meeting will be held on the 3rd February 2011
School Governors
Mrs V Smith provided the Council with a verbal report
Grass and Cemetery
• Tenders for Grass Cutting
The Clerk has sent out tenders to cut the Cemetery Grass and White Cross for the next 3 years. To be received by the end of January
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
No news
Parish Sweeper Scheme
The Clerk forwarded to the Councillors a suggestion of procedure of dealing with the date of retirements employees. The Clerk also attached information from SLCC and NALC regarding Retirements and recent and intended changes to the law and information on disciplinary matters. The Council agreed that the procedures should be reviewed by the SLCC and Mr P Wyatt’s HR contact.
The Clerk received notification from B&NES that there will not be any increase to the Parish Agency allowance for next year.
Parish Cluster Meeting
No news
Parish Liaison Meeting
No news
Items of interest from District Councillor:
No news
Correspondence for Action:
Clutton Parish Council correspondence to planning officer of 10/04499/FUL (Commercial Activities at the Business site in Marsh Lane)
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a briefing on this matter. Noted by the Council.
War Memorials – location request and owners details.
Mr Simon Memory (B&NES Parks and Green Spaces Officer) has asked if there are any War Memorials in the villages and who owns them. The Council provided the information to be passed on to Mr Memory
Addition to the B&NES Enforcement Policy – request for comments
Mr R Hitchens read out the addition below to the Council
"A Copy of the Notice together with other supporting documentation may also be forwarded to the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) to notify them that a breach of cross-compliance GAEC8 has occurred. This may in turn lead to a whole farm inspection and, where the breach is confirmed, a financial penalty imposed." The Council had no comment to make.
For information (on table): ALCA – Newsletter; B&NES – What’s on for Children and Families; B&NES – Local Government Grant Settlement 2011/12 and 2012/13: ALCA – Going Forward and information on Subscriptions for 2011/2012.
Financial
Quarterly Accounts and Payments
To be signed next month due to the Clerk not receiving last month’s bank statements
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment January 2011:-
Clerk’s pay and expenses; Sweepers’ pay; Post Office Ltd –Tax and National Insurance; Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd – Supply of Clock case and Bezel for Clock case (School Clock); JBC Enterprises – Supply of 2 Christmas trees; SEC – Lighting Maintenance Oct – Dec 2010; GT Grass Care – Grass Cutting Recreation Ground; P Young – Council Mobile Phone Top up and Stationery.
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
Mr K Marshall requested for Empty Homes to be put on the agenda for next month’s meeting
Mr N Pollett requested for the car wash business at the White Cross junction to be put on the agenda for next month’s meeting
Mr J Shears requested that the parking problems by the Church to be put on the agenda for next month’s meeting
The Clerk informed the Council that she is due to have an operation in the next few weeks. The Clerk will endeavour to continue working as much as possible
Mr K Marshall wished not to maintain the Safer Walking data base and this function was handed to the Clerk
Items for Next Meeting
Grants requests for 2011-2012
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 14th February 2011 or the 7th February 2011 (depending on the Clerk’s operation)
The Chairman concluded the meeting at 21.14 hours
Chairman Clerk