Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Tuesday 8th December 2009

Public Meeting

There were no members of the public present.

Councillors present

Mr Paul Wyatt (Chairman), Mr Keith Marshall (19.42 hours), Mr John Shears, Mr Nicholas Pearson and Mrs Vicki Smith

Apologies

Mr Bob Hitchens, Mr Sean Skelhorn and Mr Ken Staplin

Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 9th November 2009

These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting after one amendment.

Under Grass and Cemetery, the first line should read – “Mr S Skelhorn declared an interest as the proprietor of Flintwood Services and left the room”.

Declarations of Interest

None

 

Development Control, Forestry Works and Footpath Diversions

07/02424/EOUT  Mixed use redevelopment of former printworks comprising offices, industrial residential, continuing care retirement community, pub/restaurant, community building, open spaces, associated infrastructure and access roads. Closed Polestar Purnell Factory Site Access Road To Works Paulton, B&NES

Awaiting a decision

09/02001/OUT  Erection of one-bedroom bungalow (Resubmission), Cherry Cottage, High Street, High Littleton

Approved. To be removed from the agenda

09/03542/OUT  Erection of two new detached dwellings, Silver Birches, Greyfield Road, High Littleton

Awaiting a decision

09/04107/REN  Renewal of planning permission 06/03244/FUL (Erection of am extension and replacement garage) Montvale Lodge, Paulton Road, Hallatrow

Awaiting a decision

09/04314/FUL  Erection of a single-storey rear extension and detached pitched roof garage after demolition of existing  High Croft, Scumbrum Lane, High Littleton

The Council agreed to support this application providing there is arestrcition relating to the maintenance of the Gug with the access to the site being primarily from Scumbrum Lane

09/04390/LBA  Internal and external alterations for replacement windows to North and West elevations and erection of a front porch to replace existing, Ale Porter Cottage, New Road, High Littleton

The Council agreed this application

Shelter – The Star Inn

The Clerk emailed Ms Jeanette Bokacz (B&NES Planning Enforcement Officer) for the status of the smoking shelter. Ms Bokacz replied that she has spoken to Mrs Elizabeth Kenna (Designated premises

Supervisor of the Star). Ms Bokacz has explained that planning permission is required which should be received by 22nd January 2010.

Bookbarn question of Retail Outlet

Mr Les Kew is investigating the matter.

 

Agenda Items

1. Parish Plan – Highways & Environment

·         Speed Restrictions National Review

No news

·         Proposed road improvements and request for continuation of footway on the Wells Road, Hallatrow in connection with the traffic implications of the housing development in Paulton (old Polestar Site)

No news from the letter sent to Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) regarding the Council’s concerns with traffic safety following the recent parking bay installation by Bloomfield Cottages. The Council discussed this matter and the kerb amendment. The Council requested that the Clerk write to Mr Chiffers and ask for his comments to the Council’s above letter

Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that Mr Chiffers is chasing the B&NES Legal Department with regards to the footpath by the Old Station Inn.

·         Increasing number of vehicles using Harts Lane

Mr P Wyatt informed the Council of the meeting held on the 25th November 2009 between the Chairman’s of the High Littleton, Cameley and Clutton Parish Councils, the District Councillors of the Parish Councils and Mr S Chiffers. The matter was discussed in great depth. It was felt that Harts Lane is being used more than the other two entrances to the Trident Works. Possibilities were also discussed – a recognised route in Temple Inn Lane, speed restrictions or lay-bys. No solution was found at the meeting. Mr Chiffers will speak to B&NES Councillor Mr Charles Gerrish in order to look into possible solutions.

·         School Traffic Issues

   This is on next year’s Quick Wins programme. No further news.

·         White Lines at Highbury Road

The Clerk chased Mr Chiffers regarding the Parish Council’s request of moving the lines at the junction with the A39. Mr P Wyatt also spoke to Mr Chiffers about the matter. Mr Chiffers informed Mr Wyatt that he will look into the matter and come back to the Council.

·         Safer Walking Review

The Council will review and discuss fully in the next Parish Meeting on 11th January 2010

·         The Gug – HGVs using The Gug due to Sat Nav guidance

Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that a resident from Gores Park has spoken to him regarding the continuing Heavy Goods Vehicles being led down the Gug by Satellite Navigation Systems. The Council discussed the matter and requested that the Clerk write to Mr S Chiffers to and inform him that there have been more complaints and ask for a sign to be placed at the top of the Gug saying that the road is unsuitable for HGV’s.

2.  Parking matters

·         Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street

B&NES parking informed the Parish Council earlier in the year that the installation of parking restrictions in the lay-by next the Eastwood Close would be in this year’s financial programme. The Clerk was requested to chase.

3. Highway related matters

The Highways Maintenance sheet was updated

4.  Bus Stops / Bus Shelters

·         Highbury Road Bus Shelter

        The Highbury Road bus shelter has been installed. However the bin has yet to be replaced by

        B&NES Parks Department. The Clerk was requested to chase

·         New timetables – Hallatrow omitted

Mr J Shears informed the Council that the new bus timetables have removed the early morning 179 service. This has resulted in young people unable to attend college in Bath and people working in Bath until later in the morning. Mr Shears provided a spreadsheet highlighting the point. The Council discussed the fact the Parish have not been consulted and now have been isolated. The Council requested that the Clerk write to First stating the Council’s objections to this omission and to provide them with a copy of the spreadsheet.

5. Youth Service

No news. The Council requested that the Clerk write to the Youth Service for a progress report

6. B&NES Local Plan Adopted October 2007

Ongoing

7. Christmas tree for Hallatrow

The Hallatrow Christmas tree at the Triangle has now been erected and dressed. To be removed from the agenda

8. Christmas tree for High Littleton

The High Littleton Christmas tree at the Batch has also been erected and dressed with necessary works and installation of the electrical enclosure being done on time. The Clerk was requested to write to Mr Dave Kingman (Somer 2000) to thank him and his men for the good work. The Clerk to also mention that the lights are on for 24 hours and need to be on the same time switch as the Hallatrow tree.

9. Church Farm – review

No news

10. Footpaths

No news. The Clerk as requested to chase

    Mr Colin Hudson (B&NES Public Footpath Officer) emailed the Clerk to ask for the name of the

   Landowner of the above footpath as it is obstructed.

The Clerk reported the above to Mr C Hudson no news

Mr J Shears informed the Council that the footpath CL11/16 that the storm water run off from Aumery Gardens is creating a water logged footpath. The developers failed to put in a soak away or drain

11. Mary Jones Charity

A meeting of the Mary Jones Charity Trustees was held on the 25th November 2009. The Trustees decided on Christmas donations.

12. Core Strategy Spatial Options

Mr N Pearson informed the Council that he is in the process of providing a draft response to B&NES stating that the Council preferred option 1of the Core Strategy. The dead line for representations has been extended to 15th January 2005

13.  Digital TV Switchover

The Clerk has put notices up offering a contact for those needing help with the forthcoming Digital Switchover next year: with the added a warning of  possible distraction burglaries.

14. Computer replacement

The Clerk informed the Council that her own computer used for parish work has ceased to work. Due to the necessity of having a computer for parish work, she immediately purchased a computer from PC World for the cost of £636.92 (inclusive of VAT) which also includes Microsoft Office package. The Clerk requested that the Council share the cost with East Harptree Parish Council. The Council discussed the matter. Mr N Pearson proposed that the High Littleton Parish Council purchase the computer for    inclusive of VAT and take out the “Whatever Happens” 5 year warranty and East Harptree Parish Council pay £75 a year service charge for the use of the computer. This was seconded by Mr K Marshall and carried unanimously.

15. Parish Charter – Review and Questionnaire

The Clerk sent a questionnaire regarding the Parish Charter to the Councillors for their comments. The Council had no comment to offer.

Reports from Representatives

Allotments 

Nothing to report

Recreation Ground

The Clerk wrote to Mrs Rosemary Shears (RGC Chair) to state that the High Littleton Parish Council offer £426 towards this year’s insurance and 43% of the future insurance premiums. No response to date.

Mr J Shears added a verbal report

Police and Neighbourhood Watch

The Council were informed that a newsletter was available for the Councillors to read. The newsletter mentions the use of memo cam that is installed after someone has been a victim of distraction burglary. The memo cam takes images of callers. It has been successful in the apprehension would be burglars              

School Governors

Nothing to report

Grass and Cemetery 

Ford Bros Civil Surfacing have completed the repairs to the cemetery footpath. The Council agreed that a good job had been accomplished.                                      

ALCA

The Council discussed whether the Clerk should be the ALCA representative. No decision was made.

Newsletter

No news

 

                                                                   

Greyfield Wood

No news

Parish Sweeper Scheme

The Clerk contacted B&NES to request the removal of the leaves from Church Hill.                                               

Parish Cluster Meeting

No news 

Parish Liaison Meeting

No news 

Items of interest from District Councillor:

No news 

Correspondence for Action:

None

For information (on table): The Clerk – November 2009; Clerks and Councils Direct – November 2009; Avon & Somerset Police Authority – Newsletter; High Littleton Primary School – Newsletter; Somer Times – Autumn 2009.

Financial

Clerk’s Pay

The Clerk left the room while the Council discussed the Clerk’s pay. Mr P Wyatt informed the Clerk on her return to the room that the Council will agree to the Clerk’s pay being increased to SCP 30 pro rata as from November 2009 on merit of improved performance.

Precept discussion by tabling initial draft budget

The Council further discussed the draft budget for2010/2011. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council set the Precept for 2010/2011 Financial Year to £23,000 only. This was seconded by Mr N Pearson and carried unanimously

For Payment:

The following cheques were approved for payment December 2009:-

Cheque 080

To Pauline Young

 

 

Clerk's pay Nov (4 Weeks

808.60

 

Less Nov Tax

(68.80)

 

Less Nov NI Contributions                                         

(40.68)

 

Net Total

699.12

 

Travel for Nov 2009

37.40

 

Total

736.52

Cheque 081

To Brian Maule for Nov (4 wks) Sweeping

 

158.40

Cheque 082

To David Redwood for Nov (4 wks) Sweeping

Less Nov Tax

Net Total

                  264.00

21.00

243.00

Cheque 083

Post Office Ltd

Clerk’s and Redwood Nov Tax

Clerk’s NI Nov (Employee + employers contribs)

Total

 

89.80

88.04

177.84

Cheque 084

SLCC – Clerk attendance at Regional Conference

56.35

Cheque 085

GT Grass Care – Grass Cutting Recreation Ground 2009

1725.00

Cheque 086

SLCC – Renewal Annual membership

108.54

Cheque 087

Gordon Jackson – Grant for sweets for Father Christmas for Chidren (Carol Singing)

15.00

Cheque 088

Ford Bros Civil Engineering – surface works to cemetery

3852.50

Cheque 089

B&NES – Triangle Annual Rent

1.00

Sub Total

 

7073.15

Cheque 090

Cheque 091  

P Young - PC World – Computer

Fosseway Press – Newsletter

636.92

126.00

Total

 

£7,710.07

 

Matters Chairman considers Urgent

None

Items for Next Meeting

Recreation Ground Grass Cutting Contract

Quarterly Accounts and Payments

Date of Next Meeting

Monday 11th January 2010

The Chairman concluded the meeting at 20.53 hours

 

Chairman                                                                                            Clerk

 

 

 

 

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