Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Tuesday 12th September 2017
Councillors present
Mr L Salvidge (Vice-Chairman), Mr S Skelhorn, Mr N Pollett, Mr P Allen, Mr J Petchey and Mr S Gould
Agenda
Opportunity for the members of the public to speak
There were one member of the public present who did not wish to address the Council
Apologies
Mr L Sheen, Mr P Savage and District Councillor Les Kew
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 8th August 2017
The Council agreed that these should be signed by the Vice-Chairman as a true and correct record of the meeting.
Declarations of Discloseable Pecuniary Interests and Request for Dispensations
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 N Pollett – planning application 17/04074/ADCOU and 17/04074/FUL. Mr Pollett has had dealings in the past with the applicant
Mr L Salvidge – planning application 17/04074/ADCOU and 17/04074/FUL. Mr Salvidge has had
dealings in the past with the applicant
Mr S Skelhorn – planning application 17/04074/ADCOU and 17/04074/FUL. Mr Salvidge has had
dealings in the past with the applicant
Mr J Petchey – planning application 17/04073/FUL. Mr Petchey knows the agent
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
17/01757/FUL Conversion of adjacent barn to residential dwelling. Apples, Scumbrum Lane, High Littleton
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)
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
17/03099/FUL Erection of a 2 storey side extension/garage demolition. 17 Rotcombe Lane, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
New Planning Applications
17/03404/FUL Erection of single storey rear extension with balcony. 1 Ferndale, High Street, High Littleton
The Council agreed to support the application
17/04073/FUL Demolition of existing garage and existing rear glazed extension, replacement with a side and rear extension and a dormer window. Hillcrest Westwood Avenue, High Littleton
The Council agreed to support the application
17/04074/ADCOU and 17/04074/FUL Conversion of agricultural building to dwelling. Brickhouse Farm, White Cross, Hallatrow
The Council (excluding the three Councillors who declared an interest) agreed to Object in Principle to the application There is no evidence that the stone concrete building has stood for sufficient time (10 years) to qualify for conversion to a dwelling. Access to the barn is via a track (yet to be constructed) that was permitted for agricultural use only.
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
Appeal in progress
17/00069/RF Erection of 1 No. bungalow with associated works to the rear of 1 Fairview (Resubmission), 1 Fairview, New Road, High Littleton
Appeal in progress
Other Planning matters
Church Farm scaffolding and other planning matters
The Clerk contacted Mr Geraint Jones (Mr Martin and Dudley Pera’s solicitor), to ask what progress has been made since the meeting held in June this year to discuss matters relating to Church Farm and the High Littleton School. Mr Jones’ reply was forwarded to the Councillors with the attached document which he considered to represent a reasonable summary of the issues and options. Mr Jones said he would be grateful for the Council’s thoughts on any preferences regarding the options for moving forward. The Council discussed the matter and agreed the Clerk should reply that the Council has received the document and welcome to engage in any correspondence plus meetings, should they take place.
The Clerk contacted Council Connect for the name of the B&NES officer, the Council have concerns with health and safety issues relating to the scaffolding and sheeting on Church Farm. The Clerk chased again on 5th September. No news
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 Dan Miller (B&NES Engineer Design Group) informed the Council that funding has now been allocated for the installation of the village signs. The Council agreed that a site visit should take place with a representative of the Council, Mr L Kew (District Councillor) and a representative of B&NES Traffic Department
- Hallatrow Hill footway – Phase 2 (Road Speeds on A39 particularly by Langfords Lane and Highbury Road in Hallatrow)
No news
- Review of speed limits in the parish
The Clerk chased Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) to ask for a reply to the letter regarding the Council’s Speed restriction changes. Mr Chiffers replied that he has been given a small budget to introduce and amend existing restrictions (speed, weight and width). Mr Chiffers has added the Council’s request to the task to be considered next year.
- Traffic and parking issues on New Road near chicane
No news from Avon and Somerset Police Camera and Safety Partnership
- £500,000 scheme to improve traffic flow on A39
The Clerk emailed Mr L Kew to say the Council have concerns with the traffic improvements at the “2 headed man” on the A39, and asked what is being done to ensure there is no uncontrolled mayhem in New Road. Mr Kew replied that he is waiting to hear from the Executive Member who is dealing with this. Highways are satisfied there will be no uncontrolled mayhem. The Council discussed the improvements and possible increase of flow of traffic
- Air pollution levels and concerns on the A39
No news.
- 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 L Kew was seeing the Bus Operators regarding the issues – no news
- Youth Service Matters
No news
- 2018 Local Plan
A representative of the Council provided feedback on the Joint Spatial Plan briefing held on 11th September 2017
- Footpath Matters
- Footpath Sign off Greyfield Road leading to Greyfield Wood needs replacing
The Clerk sent Mrs Sheila Petherbridge (B&NES Public Footpaths Officer), an email and photographs of the signs that had been erected incorrectly. Mrs Petherbridge forwarded the problem to the Contractor and they attended promptly. These have been rectified. To be removed from the agenda.
- Methodist Church – Update Review
- Grant Application
No news
- Neighbourhood Plans
Ongoing
- Defibrillator
No news
- Parishioners question of the status of the Community Speed Watch
No further comment
- Bench installation requests in the Parish
- Memorial Bench request for Rotcombe Lane
The Clerk emailed Mrs Edwina Wilks to say that the Council would like all benches in the Parish to be the same as the one on the corner of New Road and Greyfield Road. Mrs Wilks response was discussed by the Council. Mrs Wilks would like a wooden bench. The Council noted that a wooden bench in Langfords Lane needs to be replaced. The Council agreed that the Clerk should ask Mrs Wilks if she would like a wooden bench here and/or a vinyl one in Rotcombe Lane.
- Scumbrum Lane/New Road bench
Mr L Kew emailed the Clerk to say that he waiting for a complete breakdown of the Section 106 monies and hopefully there will be funding for this and other projects. The Council discussed a bench at this location. Mr J Petchey proposed that the Council purchase a Phoenix Jubilee Seat cost £744.80 plus VAT, and that this purchase is part of the CIL 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. This was seconded by S Skelhorn and carried unanimously.
- Plaque on a new bench opposite Dandos for the late Mr Graham Dando
This has been done. To be removed from the agenda
- Resignation of Paul Wyatt and Councillor Vacancy
- Marking Paul Wyatt’s contribution as Chairman and a Councillor for 25 years
Ongoing
The Council has received interest for the Councillor Vacancy from 3 parishioners. The Council decided to discuss this at the next meeting
13.Christmas trees – suppliers and dressers
The Clerk emailed Somer 2000 to ask for a quote for the dressing of two Christmas trees. No news.
The Clerk phoned Mr Alan Tibbs and asked him to supply and install 2 Christmas trees 15 – 18 feet. Mr Tibbs agreed and the Clerk sent a follow up email, copying in Mr N Pollett. Mr Pollett to contact Mr Tibbs.
- Electoral Review of B&NES Warding Arrangements – from the Local Government Boundary Commission
The Council discussed this matter and have no comment to make. To be removed from the agenda
- Parish Charter and Community Empowerment fund – letter from Paul Myers Cabinet Minister Policy, Localism and Partnerships
The Clerk emailed Mrs Sara Dixon (B&NES Locality Manager Strategy and Performance) to ask for details and guide for applicants. Mrs Dixon sent an application form and guidelines which was forwarded to the Councillors
Mrs Dixon asked if the Council have comments regarding a questionnaire on the Parish Charter. The Clerk was requested to inform Mrs Dixon that the Council agree that ALCA and the Parishes Liaison Committee have put in a number of constructive comments and the Council do not need to add anymore
- Construction of the agenda
The Council discussed the time limits for agenda items. The Council agreed that a limit of 5 minutes should be given to each member of the public who wish to address the Council in “Opportunity for the members of the public to speak”
- Grit bin request for Lansdown Place/Close
The Council discussed the request for a grit bin for the above location. The Clerk was requested to make a request to B&NES for a grit bin.
Reports from Representatives:
Allotments
The vacant allotment, bottom of plot C, now has a new holder and an agreement has been signed
The Clerk chased Curo for the third time to ask them to look at the ditch behind the houses in Highbury Road next to the allotments, because flooding has been reported. Curo replied that an estate manager will inspect the ditch
Recreation Ground
The representative provided a report to the Council
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
The representative provided a report to the Council
The Clerk had previously emailed Mr Trevor Wilmot (Neighbourhood Watch Administrator) to ask if he would like to write an article for the News and Views. Mr Wilmot replied with an article which was forwarded to Trenjory Designs (News and Views)
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
Nothing to report
Parish Magazine “News and Views”
Councillors have been supplied with dates for the matters for the editorials to be sent to Trenjory Designs
A suggestion about illicit activity in Greyfield Wood was a suggested item
Greyfield Wood
The representative provided a report to the Council. The Clerk was requested to inform the
Neighbourhood Policing Inspector of motorcycles being ridden in the woods and relating damage and fires
Street Cleansing Update
The Council discussed the future street cleansing of the Parish. The Clerk to check with B&NES if there have been any amendments to the Parish Agency Agreement signed in 2003.
Parish Liaison Meeting
No news
Facebook feedback
The representative provided a report to the Council
Items of interest from District Councillor:
No news
Correspondence for Action:
- Email received from a resident of Harts Lane complaining about the speed limits in Harts Lane
The Council discussed the email and the complaint of speeding in Harts Lane. The Clerk was requested to reply that this problem was discussed for a long period a few years ago and steps were taken by B&NES to alleviate the problem, such as enhanced signage. The complaint will be forwarded to the B&NES Traffic Engineer
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 Clerk received an email from Mr Alfred La Vardera (B&NES Operations and Development Officer) reminding Parish Council to publicise their CIL expenditure. To date the Council has only identified the bench (half the monies). The Council agreed that the new bench purchase should now be included and report on the Council’s website. The purchases of two benches surpasses the CIL money
2. Grant request from High Littleton Primary C of E VC Primary – Academy
Details of a grant request for discussion under the agenda item below, has not been received. To be removed from the agenda
3.Discussion regarding requests for Capital Project Grants
The Council have not received any requests. To be removed from the agenda
For Payment:
The following cheques were authorised for payment September 2017:-
| Cheque 988 | To Pauline Young | |
| Clerk’s pay August 17 | 964.33 | |
| Less August 17 NI Contribution
Less August 17 Pension Contribution |
(34.08)
(3.79) |
|
| Net Total | 926.46 | |
| Travel for August 17 | 31.05 | |
| Total | 957.51 | |
| Cheque 989 | Post Office Ltd | |
| Employer’s and Employee’s August 17 NI | 73.27 | |
| Cheque 990 | E.ON – Electric for August 17 | 54.17 |
| Cheque 991 | Primrose Garden Maintenance – Grass cutting Cemetery and White Cross August | 328.80 |
| Cheque 992 | M Stevens – Rec Ground Maintenance August 17 | 116.83 |
| Cheque 993 | P Young – Stationery | 67.00 |
| Cheque 994 | Trenjory Designs – Editing News and Views | 187.50 |
| Cheque 995 | S Manley – Distributing News and Views | 140.00 |
| Cheque 996 | Fosseway Press – Printing News and Views | 317.65 |
| Cheque 997 | Recreation Ground – 43% to Insurance | 406.77
|
| Cheque 998 | Holy Trinity Church – Church Hall rent Mar – Aug 17 | 160.00 |
| Total | 2,809.50 |
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
The Clerk was forwarded a copy of a letter sent to the Council’s ex-Chairman, from a resident in Scumbrum Lane complaining about damage to the bank in Scumbrum Lane by large vehicles. The Clerk was requested to respond saying that the letter will be forwarded to B&NES Highways department
The Clerk received a telephone call from a parishioner who had tripped over the uneven path from the Recreation Ground to Southover Road. The parishioner sustained minor injuries. The Clerk was requested to inform Curo Housing and asked them to look into the problem of the tree that is causing the problem as well as overhanging the streetlight which requires replacing frequently
Items for Next Meeting
Review Standing Orders
Exchange of Parish Council Data back up on Cruzer Blade Exchange
The Clerk gave the latest backup to the Vice – Chairman
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 10th October 2017
The Vice-Chairman closed the meeting at 20.47 hours
Chairman Clerk