Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Tuesday 9th May 2017
The Council members and the public held a minutes silence in the memory of Mr Graham Dando who passed away recently. Mr Dando was once a chairman of the High Littleton Parish Council and the proprietor of Dandos the village shop in High Littleton.
Due to the recent resignation of Mr Paul Wyatt Chairman of High Littleton Parish Council, Mr L Salvidge (Vice-Chairman) conducted the meeting up to the agenda item “Election of a Chairman”
Annual Parish Council Meeting
Election of Chairman of the Parish Council
Mr P Savage proposed that Mr L Sheen is elected as Chairman of High Littleton and Hallatrow Parish Council. This seconded by Mr P Allen. There were 4 for and 1 abstention. Therefore the motion was passed and Mr L Sheen was elected. Mr L Sheen signed the Acceptance of Office as Chairman
Election of Vice Chairman
Mr J Petchey proposed that Mr L Salvidge is elected as Vice-Chairman. This was seconded by Mr P Allen. There were 6 for 0 against. Therefore Mr L Salvidge was elected as Vice-Chairman to the High Littleton Parish Council
Election of Representatives
The Council agreed the election of following representatives for:-
Allotments No representative, the Clerk is responsible for administration matters; Recreation Ground – Mr P Allen; Police and Neighbourhood Watch – Mr S Skelhorn; School Governors – Mr L Salvidge; Grass and Cemetery – Mr S Skelhorn; Parish Magazine “News and Views” – No representative, the Clerk is responsible for administration matters; Greyfield Wood – Mr J Petchey; Street Cleansing Update – Mr P Savage; Parish Liaison Meeting- Mr L Sheen
Annual Meeting of the Parish
The minutes for this meeting is recorded separately
Ordinary Meeting
Councillors present
Mr L Salvidge, Mr S Skelhorn, Mr N Pollett, Mr P Allen, Mr P Savage, Mr L Sheen, Mr J Petchey and Mr S Gould
Agenda
Opportunity for the members of the public to speak
There were 2 members of the public present. A member of the public from High Littleton addressed the Council regarding to continuing problem of the bus services in the parish. There is no notification of the changes to times on the time tables, only on the day on the website which is too late. Buses have been removed from service due to lack of demand, according to First. The Council stated that they have written to the B&NES Councillor responsible for public transport. It was noted that no one appears to be switching on the school flashing lights by Timsbury Road. Who was responsible was discussed. The Council were informed that a paving slab is loose by the Batch corner.
Apologies
District Councillor Mr Les Kew and PC Peard
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 11th April 2017
These were 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 – Erection of flag pole at 3 New Road. Mr Petchey is a neighbour
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
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
17/00103/FUL Erection of double garage following demolition of existing single garage. Church Cottage, Church Hill, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
17/01163/CLEU Use of Annexe as a separate dwelling (Certificate of lawfulness for an existing use). The Annexe, 20 Southover Road, High Littleton
Lawful. To be removed from the agenda
17/01184/FUL Erection of two storey side extension and single storey and rear extension. 11 Claremont Gardens, 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
Awaiting a decision. At Development Committee on 31st May 2017
New Planning Applications
17/01837/FUL Erection of a single storey rear extension. High Beeches, 4 Meadow Lea, Hallatrow
The Council agreed to support this application
17/01757/FUL Conversion of adjacent barn to residential dwelling. Apples, Scumbrum Lane, High Littleton
The Council agreed to support this application
17/02048/FUL Erection of single storey side extension following demolition of existing side attached shed. Hope Cottage New Road
The Council agreed to support this application
17/01645FUL Extension of the current car paring with provision for a further 4-5 vehicles. Greyfield Wood, Greyfield, High Littleton (Outside the Parish)
The Council agreed to support this application, subject to the Case Officer undertaking a risk assessment and plan, to ensure pedestrians’ safety along the track from the car park to Greyfield
Other Planning matters
Erection of flag pole at 3 New Road
The Clerk contacted B&NES Enforcement to inform them of the flag pole that the Council believe requires planning permission. Mrs Nicola Little (B&NES Planning Enforcement Officer) replied that it is her understanding and view that the erection of a flag pole within the domestic curtilage of a residential property does not require planning permission as it cannot be defined as development under section 55 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. To be removed from the agenda
Church Farm scaffolding and other planning matters
Mr Geraint Jones (Savills planning consultant for Martin & Dudley Pera) emailed the Council, District Councillor Les Kew and the High Littleton School to say that Martin and Dudley Pera, have explored promoting some of their land for residential development, but cannot progress this until the capacity issues at the school are resolved. They would like to understand whether the Pera’s land would be capable of facilitating the school’s growth. At present a meeting at High Littleton Primary School is being arranged. Mr L Salvidge agreed to attend the meeting on behalf of the Parish Council.
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
A sub-committee have met to narrow down the school children’s drawing for the Village Gat design competition.
Mr P Wyatt emailed the Clerk stating that he had been informed by Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) of the following problems that the Council wished to be addressed. It has been advised that the Quaker stone is not fit to be re lettered however the loose topping stone will be attended to. The parking lines in parking bay to new area in Hallatrow will be carried out. A Glasdon seat is being installed at the new area on the corner of Scumbrum / New Road. Mr P Savage proposed that a plaque for Graham Dando is placed on the bench. This was seconded by Mr J Petchey and carried unanimously. Village gates and their locations are in the correct positions and the District Council awaits the chosen emblem, so the new signs can be designed. Mr L Salvidge informed the Council that the final three drawings chosen by the sub-committee will be announced at the High Littleton School
- 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
Mr P Wyatt emailed the Council stating that on street parking is causing the problem and so restrictive parking is being pursued by B&NES.
- 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
District Councillor Les Kew agreed last month to chase Councillor Tony Clarke (B&NES Councillor for Public Transport) for a response to the Council’s letter regarding the above issue. No news. The Clerk was requested to ask Mr Kew if he had been in contact with Mr Clarke
- Youth Service Matters
No news
- B&NES Placemaking Plans – New Local Plan
Mrs O’Rourke (B&NES Planning Services Officer) has resigned. Mrs O’Rourke did not get back to the Clerk who asked if that the Local Plan 2016-2026 on the 24th April has been cancelled.
- Footpath Matters
- Footpath Sign off Greyfield Road leading to Greyfield Wood needs replacing
This has yet to be resited
- Footpath CL 6/40 Vehicles travelling fast along newly tarmacked track to Greyfield Woods
This has been dealt with. To be removed from the agenda
- Methodist Church – Update Review
- Grant Application
The Council are awaiting a grant application from the Scouts Group. Mr L Sheen sent, Mr David Pendle’s (Senior Circuit Steward Methodist Church) status report on the Methodist Church, to the Councillors. The Council discussed the matter.
- Neighbourhood Plans/Parish Plans
The Clerk forwarded to the Councillors an invitation to attend a Neighbourhood Planning Workshop on 31st May 2017. Mr P Savage agreed to attend. Mr Savage provided the Council with feedback on the status of the Neighbourhood Plan. Mr Nicholas Pearson provided a draft Village Character Assessment for the Steering Group. Clutton Parish Council will be sharing the costs. The Steering Group are close to issuing Invitations to tender for the Village Landscape Assessments
- New website for Parish Council
The Clerk informed Mr Simon Conway that the Council agreed to the hosting fees up to £5 a month and up to set up fee of £50. The Clerk also informed Mr Conway that the Councillors would like multiple email addresses. Mr Conway replied that he has almost built the website, but he requires a few things to test its functionality
- Defibrillator
No news
- Parishioners question of the status of the Community Speed Watch
The Council are waiting for PC Peard to attend and provide information
- ALCA – Councillors training
The Good Councillors course is arranged for 7.00pm on 20th June 2017. Only Farrington Gurney has confirmed attendance.
- Memorial Bench request for Rotcombe Lane
Mrs Kate Meopham (B&NES Technical and Project Officer) requesyed a map indicating where the Council would like the bench situated. Mr P Wyatt emailed the Clerk to say that Mr S Chiffers would like the Council to indicate exactly where they would like the bench to be placed on the wide pavement and the application should be accompanied by an accurate scaled drawing and the commitment that the Parish Council will take ownership for its maintenance and insurance. The Council indicated on a map that they would like the bench to be situated on the corner of Rotcombe Lane and Parklands. The Council requested that the Clerk inform Mr S Chiffers and to confirm that they will take responsibility for its maintenance and insurance cover.
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
The Clerk informed the Council that the 2 vacant half allotments have now been taken, payment made and agreements signed. One allotment holder requested shed and the other a greenhouse. The Council agreed providing that both are not larger than 6feet x 8feet
The Clerk wrote again to Curo housing to ask them to respond to the Council’s last letter asking them to look into the flooding from behind the Highbury Road houses. No reply. The Clerk was requested to write again
Recreation Ground
Mr P Allen provided the Council with a verbal report
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr S Skelhorn provided the Council with a verbal report
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
Mr S Skelhorn provided the Council with a verbal report. Mr N Pollett returned to the Council, the tree survey for the cemetery carried out by All Trees Ltd. Mr Pollett added that the work completed should be enough at this present time. It is with the Council if they wish for further work to be done in the future
Parish Magazine “News and Views”
No news
Greyfield Wood
- Litter bin request for edge of Greyfield Wood and re-siting bin at Gas box Greyfield Road
This has been done. To be removed from the agenda
A parishioner emailed Mr J Petchey about a problem he believed of mountain bikers using the woods and causing damage. The Council discussed this matter and it was noted that the area in question is on private land.
Street Cleansing Update
It was noted that the weed control recently undertaken by B&NES has had excellent results
Parish Liaison Meeting
No news
Items of interest from District Councillor:
None
Correspondence for Action:
None
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 are still considering what to spend this money on
- Chairman to sign Section 1 Annual Governance Statement 2016/2017 for External Audit (agreed by resolution)
The Clerk forwarded to the Councillors a copy of the Section 1 Annual Governance Statement Mr S Skelhorn proposed that the Chairman sign the Section1 Annual Governance Statement. This was seconded by Mr J Petchey and carried unanimously
- Optional adoption of the Joint Practitioners Advisory Group’s Governance and Accountability
The Clerk sent the Council a copy of the amended 2016 Governance and Accountability. The Council noted the document
- Grant request from High Littleton Primary C of E VC Primary – Academy
The Council requested that the Clerk write to the High Littleton School and ask that they provide the Council with an exact amount they wish as a grant for the school project.
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment May 2017:–
| Cheque 951 | To Pauline Young | |
| Clerk’s pay April 17 | 964.33 | |
| Less April 17 NI Contribution
Less April 17 Pension Contribution |
(34.08)
(3.79) |
|
| Net Total | 926.46 | |
| Travel for April17 | 28.35 | |
| Total | 954.81 | |
| Cheque 952 | Post Office Ltd | |
| Employer’s and Employee’s April 17 NI | 73.27 | |
| Cheque 953 | E.ON – Electric for April 17 | 52.43 |
| Cheque 954 | M Stevens – Rec Ground Maintenance April 17 | 116.83 |
| Cheque 955 | Primrose Garden Maintenance – Grass cutting Cemetery and White Cross April | 196.20 |
| Cheque 956 | P Young – Stationery and stamps | 76.92 |
| Cheque 957 | Trenjory Designs – Editing News and Views | 187.50 |
| Cheque 958 | Fosseway Press Ltd – printing News and Views | 317.65 |
| Total | 1,975.61 | |
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
The Council discussed the resignation of Chairman and Councillor Paul Wyatt. The Clerk was requested to write to Mr Wyatt acknowledging and thanking him for his long service and dedication to the parish of High Littleton
Items for Next Meeting
End of Year Accounts
Chairman to sign Section 2 Accounting Statements for External Audit (agreed by resolution)
Exchange of Parish Council Data back up on Cruzer Blade Exchange
The Clerk gave the latest back up to the Chairman
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 13th June 2017
The Chairman closed the meeting at 21.07 hours