Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Tuesday 11th July 2017
Councillors present
Mr L Sheen, Mr L Salvidge, Mr S Skelhorn, Mr N Pollett, Mr P Allen, Mr P Savage Mr J Petchey, Mr S Gould and District Councillor Les Kew
Agenda
Opportunity for the members of the public to speak
There was one member of the public present who addressed the Council with his concerns that the Case Officer for the planning application 16/03808/FUL, White Chimneys, was unaware of changes to the development plans. Mr S Gould requested a dispensation in writing so he could address the Council in the public section of the meeting regarding White Chimneys. This was unanimously agreed by the Council. It was noted that a leaflet had been put in local homeowner’s letter boxes urging them to inform the Case Officer of their concerns that a plans had changed from the development of 4 house to 2 houses. The Council and the member of the public discussed the matter.
Apologies
PC Peard
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 14th June 2017
The Council agreed that these should be signed as a true and correct record of the meeting by the Chairman.
Declarations of Discloseable Pecuniary Interests and Request for Dispensations
Mr S Skelhorn – planning application 17/01316/FUL. Mr Skelhorn goes fishing with the applicant
Mr J Petchey – planning application 17/01757/FUL. Mr Petchey has known the applicant a long time.
Mr S Gould – planning application 16/03808/FUL. Mr Gould is a neighbour
Mr P Allen – planning application 17/02405/CLEU. Mr Allen’s son is the agent
Mr N Pollett – planning application 17/02634/FUL. Mr Pollett is a neighbour
Mr L Salvidge – planning application 17/02555/FUL. Mr Salvidge has had previous business history with applicant
Mr L Sheen – Review of allotment rent next year – Mr Sheen rents an allotment
Development Control, Forestry Works and Footpath Diversions
16/03808/FUL Erection of 4no. dwellings following demolition of existing dwelling, garage and outbuildings. White Chimneys, Paulton Road, Hallatrow
Awaiting a decision
17/01316/FUL Erection of detached bungalow on land at 17 Scobell Rise and erection of detached garage for existing dwelling (Revised Scheme). Willow Glade, 17 Scobell Rise
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
17/01837/FUL Erection of a single storey rear extension. High Beeches, 4 Meadow Lea, Hallatrow
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
17/01757/FUL Conversion of adjacent barn to residential dwelling. Apples, Scumbrum Lane, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
17/02048/FUL Erection of single storey side extension following demolition of existing side attached shed. Hope Cottage New Road
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
17/01645FUL Extension of the current car parking with provision for a further 4-5 vehicles. Greyfield Wood, Greyfield, High Littleton (Outside the Parish)
No news.
17/02291/FUL Erection of a single storey side extension. 9 Rotcombe Lane High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
17/02405/CLEU Use of The Annexe as a separate dwelling (Certificate of lawfulness for an existing use) (Resubmission). The Annexe, 20 Southover Road, High Littleton
Lawful. To be removed from the agenda.
17/02569/FUL Erection of rear conservatory. Mai-see View, Scumbrum Lane, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
17/02634/FUL Erection of second storey side extension, detached garage and new entrance. Lyndhurst, White Cross, Hallatrow
Awaiting a decision
New Planning Applications
17/02555/FUL Conversion of redundant agricultural building to form a new dwelling. Redhouse Farm, White Cross, Hallatrow
The Council agreed that they do not have an objection to this application
Appeals
16/03914/FUL (Appeal Ref:- 17/00059/RF) Demolition of existing building and erection of 6no dwellings and associated works. The Yard High Street High Littleton
The Council discussed the appeal. It was agreed that Mr L Sheen would take photographs of the site which are to be used as additional comments already made by the Parish Council.
Other Planning matters
Church Farm scaffolding and other planning matters
The Parish Council discussed the above matter
Agenda Items
- Parish Plan – Highways & Environment
- New roundabout and associated work at Paulton Road and A39 junction, following feasibility study to Paulton and surrounding area in connection with the Polestar Development, including Village Gate, Paulton Road
Mr Justin Reeve (B&NES Communications & Publicity Officer) replied to the Council chasing him up. Mr Reeve has managed to create some digital artwork files and will share with the pupils with a view to create a final design. These were sent to the school. The Council discussed the subject of availability of money for the project. Mr Kew believed there was money available and will look into it.
- Hallatrow Hill footway – Phase 2 (Road Speeds on A39 particularly by Langfords Lane and Highbury Road in Hallatrow)
No news
- 6 Rotcombe Lane –request for bollards to prevent vehicle damage to wall
The Clerk emailed Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) for an update. Mrs Sadie Cox-Alcuaz (B&NES Traffic Management Technical Officer) replied that this proposal has been included in the North East Somerset TRO file and will be progressed in 2018. The Council agreed that this can be removed from the agenda until April 2018
- Review of speed limits in the parish
The Clerk wrote to Mr S Chiffers stating the Parish Council would like some speed limits in the Parish changed to 30 mph indicated on a map sent. The Council would like B&NES to pay for the A39 speed limit changes from the present 30 mph at the south end of High Littleton to the 30 mph the north end of Hallatrow, as B&NES are not able to deliver a continuous footpath. Clerk also asked what would be the costs for changing the other speed limits – Extend the 30 mph east from Goosard Lane 2/ Langfords Lane.
The Council would like to know if there are there any legal obstacles. The Council discussed the matter. It was noted that the consultations costs money.
- Traffic and parking issues on New Road near chicane
The Council discussed that the suggestion that there are more parked cars in New Road, plus the effect of the traffic lights at the “two headed man” junction on the A39. The Council requested that the Clerk contact Camera and Safety Partnership and ask them to look at the speeds in New Road.
- £500,000 scheme to improve traffic flow on A39
The Council discussed the scheme and noted that a lack of gaps in traffic can cause problems
- Air pollution levels and concerns on the A39
A Councillor on behalf of the Council, emailed Mr Les Kew to ask him to request monitoring equipment at suitable sites to check out levels of pollution. It was noted that there is an indication that air pollution is worse close to roads. Mr L Kew is meeting with the Chief Environmental Officer where the problem will be discussed.
- Highway related matters
The Highways maintenance sheet was updated
- Bus Stops / Bus Shelters/ Bus Services
- The reduction in the bus service and the impact on parishioners
Mr Kew was chasing B&NES Councillor Tony Clarke for a response to the Council’s letter for his comments. Mr Kew informed the Council that Mr Clarke has now resigned. Mr Kew will report back after meeting with bus operators
- Youth Service Matters
No news
- B&NES Placemaking Plans – New Local Plan
The Clerk forwarded the Inspectors Final Report forwarded to the Councillors. The Council will be contacted again once the Placemaking Plan has been adopted.
- Footpath Matters
- Footpath Sign off Greyfield Road leading to Greyfield Wood needs replacing
The Clerk sent Mrs Sheila Petherbridge (B&NES Public Footpaths Officer) the Council’s letter with their concerns with the footpath CL6/40 and wish to clarify issues. Mrs Petherbridge replied she is meeting on site with a Councillor. Mrs Petherbridge will locate some signs, she is on the case.
- Methodist Church – Update Review
- Grant Application
No news
- Neighbourhood Plans/Parish Plans
- Approval to award contract for Neighbourhood Plan Village/Landscape Assessment Study and apply for DCLG grant.
The Clerk informed the Council that the new Planning Policy Officer dealing with Neighbourhood Plans is Mr George Blanchard. A member of the Steering group provided feedback on the 3 Character Assessments received. The Steering Group would like to award the contract to Hankinson Duckett Associates. Mr L Salvidge proposed that the contract for the Village Character Assessment be awarded to Hankinson Duckett Associates for a cost of £6,150 and that the Steering Group apply to the DCLG for a grant to cover that amount. This was seconded by Mr P Allen and carried unanimously. The Clerk was requested to wait until 1st August 2017 before notifying successful and unsuccessful tenders
- Defibrillator
No news
- Parishioners question of the status of the Community Speed Watch
No news
- ALCA – Councillors training – feedback
The Councillors who attended the “Good Councillors Guide” course held by ALCA agreed that it was an excellent course. The Council agreed that Farrington Gurney Parish council and Farmborough Parish Council should be charges £50 each as their share of the course costs
- Bench installation requests in the Parish
- Memorial Bench request for Rotcombe Lane
The Clerk emailed Mrs Edwina Wilks to say that her bench can be placed at the corner of Rotcombe Lane and suggested the bench is made secure by fixings. No news
- Scumbrum Lane/New Road bench
The Clerk asked Mr Dan Miller (B&NES Engineer Design Group) when the bench for the Scumbrum area will be installed. Mr Miller confirmed that there is no budget this year for a bench and asked if the Council will make a contribution and he would be happy to sort it out. The Clerk replied what about next year budget. No reply
- Suggestion of a remembrance plaque on a new bench opposite Dandos for the late Mr Graham Dando
A Councillor reported to the Council that Mrs D Dando will be happy with the Council’s choice of bench for Graham Dando’s memorial. Mr L Sheen proposed that the Council purchase a Phoenix Jubilee seat at the cost of £744 plus VAT. This was seconded by Mr S Skelhorn and carried unanimously. The Clerk will order the bench and contact Mr Rod Rich (Shop Signs) to say the Council would appreciate him providing a plaque for the seat
- Resignation of Paul Wyatt and Councillor Vacancy
- Marking Paul Wyatt’s contribution as Chairman and a Councillor for 25 years
This is being looked into.
B&NES Electoral Officer informed the Clerk that there has not been any interest in the Councillor vacancy and no parishioner has asked for an election. The Council agreed that the Clerk put another Councillor vacancy notice up on board, on website and News and Views asked to advertise.
- Councillors email addresses
The Council discussed the Councillors having email addresses that would be stored on the server. Mr L Salvidge proposed that the Clerk ask Mr S Conway to implement email addresses on the Website server. This was seconded by Mr J Petchey and carried unanimously
- Growing a Rural Community Survey
The Council discussed the above and agreed to remove from the agenda
- Employment Committee
The Council discussed setting up an Employment Sub-committee. It was agreed that Mr L Sheen, Mr J Petchey and Mr S Gould would be the sub-committee members
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
- Review Allotment rent for next year
The Council discussed allotment rents for next year. Mr Sean Skelhorn proposed that the rent for a whole allotment is increased to £20 and for a half allotment to £10. This was seconded by Mr P Allen and carried unanimously. Mr L Sheen did not discuss or vote on the matter.
The Council discussed the possible water supply to the allotments. The Clerk was requested to ask the Clutton Parish Council the cost of their annual charge.
The Clerk was informed by a resident in Highbury Road that the allotment plot (bottom C) is so full of weeds that the others holders are upset. The resident wanted to take over the allotment. The Clerk informed her that she is 4th on the waiting list. A Councillor has spoken to the allotment holder who has been busy, but will clear the weeds in the next month.
Recreation Ground
The Councillor representative gave a verbal report
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
The Clerk received a letter from Mr Trevor Wilmot (Neighbourhood Watch Administrator) who wishes to promote the Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Mr Wilmot is asking to spread the word in newsletters and to mention Neighbourhood Watch to the Councillors. The Council agreed that the Clerk inform News and Views. The Clerk to ask Mr Wilmot what he wishes the Council to do
School Governors
Mr L Kew provided the Council with feedback on the last Governors meeting
Grass and Cemetery
Nothing to report
Parish Magazine “News and Views”
A Councillor representative gave a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
The Councillor representative gave a verbal report
Street Cleansing Update
The Councillor representative gave a verbal report and stated that WJB Contractors will start the Parish Sweeping next month. The Clerk was asked to put Contract for Street Cleaning on the agenda for September
Parish Liaison Meeting
- Electronic Planning Application to be discussed at next meeting
Meeting is being held on 12th July 2017
Items of interest from District Councillor:
Nothing further to report
Correspondence for Action:
- Resident’s email addressed to Mr L Kew on the problems of the High Street Zebra Crossing forwarded to Mr Kew
The Council discussed the matter and decided to remove from the agenda
- Parish Charter and Community Empowerment fund – letter from Paul Myers Cabinet Minister Policy, Localism and Partnerships
The Council discussed and agreed to put this on the agenda for next month
Financial
- Receipt of £1387.50. The High Littleton Parish Council share of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) generated by the development at Timsbury Road. Ref:- 16/00566/FUL
The Council agreed that the purchase of the Memorial bench for Graham Dando could go towards the monies received if the Council do not have another purchase by December 2017
- Grant request from High Littleton Primary C of E VC Primary – Academy
The Clerk informed the Council that Mrs Sarah Bolton (School Governor) requested the criteria for the grant request.
- Insurance – Council to approve of Came and Company and reviewing policy
The Clerk sent the Councillors Came and Company Insurance Policy for their review. Mr S Skelhorn proposed that the Council renew their insurance policy with Came and Company for a cost of £422.11. This was seconded by Mr P Allen and carried unanimously
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment July 2017:–
| Cheque 967 | To Pauline Young | |
| Clerk’s pay June 17 | 964.33 | |
| Less June17 NI Contribution
Less June 17 Pension Contribution |
(34.08)
(3.79) |
|
| Net Total | 926.46 | |
| Travel for June17 | 28.35 | |
| Total | 954.81 | |
| Cheque 968 | Post Office Ltd | |
| Employer’s and Employee’s June 17 NI | 73.27 | |
| Cheque 969 | E.ON – Electric for June 17 | 52.43 |
| Cheque 970 | M Stevens – Rec Ground Maintenance June 17 | 116.83 |
| Cheque 971 | Primrose Garden Maintenance – Grass cutting Cemetery and White Cross June | 360.60 |
| Cheque 972 | Shane Manley – Distributing News and Views | 140.00 |
| Cheque 973 | Trenjory Designs – Editing News and Views | 187.50 |
| Cheque 974
Cheque 975 |
Fosseway Press – Printing News and Views
Sandra Roberts – Grant Village Day “Yarn bomb” |
317.65
50.00 |
| Cheque 976 | ALCA – Councillors course and 10 x Good Councillors books | 235.00 |
| Cheque 977 | Pauline Young – Petty Cash | 100.00 |
| Cheque 978 | SSE – Lighting Maintenance Apr-Jun 17 | 92.80 |
| Cheque 979 | John Shears – Dog Poop bags | 57.85 |
| Cheque 980 | Came & Company – Council Insurance | 442.11 |
| Total | 3180.25 |
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
None
Items for Next Meeting
Quarterly Accounts and Payments
Christmas trees – suppliers and dressers
Exchange of Parish Council Data back up on Cruzer Blade Exchange
The Clerk gave the latest backup to the Chairman
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 8th August 2017
The Chairman closed the meeting at 21.08 hours
Chairman Clerk