Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday
18th January 2010
Public Meeting
There were no
members of the public present.
Councillors present
Mr Paul Wyatt (Chairman), Mr Bob Hitchens , Mr
Keith Marshall, Mr John Shears, Mr Sean Skelhorn, Mr Ken Staplin , Mr Nicholas Pollett, Mrs Vicki Smith
and Mr Les Kew (District Councillor) (from 20.45 hours)
Apologies
Mr Nicholas Pearson
Minutes of the
Parish Meeting held on the 8th December 2009
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of
the meeting after one amendment.
Under Agenda Item 4. Bus Stops/Bus Shelters, second
line should read “…young people unable
to attend college in Bath and people working in Bath until later in the
morning”.
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
09/03542/OUT Erection of two new detached dwellings,
Silver Birches, Greyfield Road, High Littleton
Withdrawn. To be
removed from the agenda
09/04107/REN Renewal of planning permission 06/03244/FUL
(Erection of an extension and replacement garage) Montvale Lodge, Paulton Road,
Hallatrow
Permitted. To be
removed from the agenda
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
Awaiting a decision
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
Awaiting a decision
Shelter – The Star
Inn
No news – B&NES
Enforcement are waiting for planning application to be submitted by 22nd
January 2010. The Clerk was requested to chase after this date.
Bookbarn - Question
of Retail Outlet
Mr Les Kew (District
Councillor) is investigating the matter.
No news
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).
The Clerk emailed Mr Stefan Chiffers (Traffic Engineer) to ask for his
comments regarding the letter sent to him stating the Council’s concern’s with
the parking bay installation by the cottages. Mr Chiffers replied he has
installed a built-out island to help protect the vehicles that are parked, and
to provide an indication to oncoming vehicles where to stop. Mr Chiffers
appreciates that traffic from the A37 may be travelling at an inappropriate
speed but the improvement of the Gateway may help with this problem. The
Council discussed the potential accident waiting to happen. The Council
requested that the Clerk write to Mr Chiffers to ask for a site visit to
discuss the matter.
·
Increasing
number of vehicles using Harts Lane
No news.
·
School
Traffic Issues
To be removed from the agenda until May 2010.
·
White
Lines at Highbury Road
No news. The Clerk was requested to chase Mr Chiffers
·
Safer
Walking Review
The Council discussed outstanding ‘Safer Walking’ issues. The Clerk was
requested to write to Mr Chiffers and inform him that the Council believe that
there are inadequate road signs in Harts Lane and ask that he considers this
when discussing solutions for the increasing number of vehicles using Harts
Lane. The Council agreed by a majority vote that H08 from the document can be
removed.
·
The Gug
– HGVs using The Gug due to Sat Nav guidance
The Clerk emailed Mr Chiffers to ask if a sign at the top of the Gug
could be installed to state that the Gug is unsuitable for Heavy Goods
Vehicles. No news. The Clerk was requested to chase Mr Chiffers.
2. Parking matters
·
Land/Lay-by
north of Eastwood Close, High Street
The Clerk has attempted to chase Mr Ian Janes (B&NES Parking) for a
date for the installation of the parking restrictions that are programmed for this
year. Emails delivered were returned. The Clerk emailed Mrs Dorothy Miley (B&NES
Parking Team Leader). Mrs Miley replied that Mr Janes had left and that it is
hoped to progress the TRO by the end of the month.
3. Highway related matters
The sheet was
updated. The Council discussed the 2 missing grit bins at the bottom of Butlass
Close and the top of Gores Park. These were initially reported in March last
year and despite the Parish Council chasing this matter up they have not had a
reply. The Clerk was requested to write to B&NES Councillor Charles Gerrish
and inform him of the problem
4. Bus
Stops / Bus Shelters
·
Missing
bin by Highbury Road Bus Shelter
The Clerk emailed Mr Jon King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) to
say thank you for the installation of the bus shelter at Highbury Road and
added that the Council are anxious that the bin is reinstalled. The Clerk asked
for a contact from the Parks Section so that the matter could be taken up
directly. No news. The Clerk was requested to chase again
·
New
timetables – 179 bus service withdrawn
The Clerk had emailed Mr Jon King to ask details and reasons for the
withdrawal of the early morning 179 service to Bath. Mr King forwarded the question
to Mr Andrew Radford (Public Transport Officer). Mr Radford replied that First made cuts to
their services across the area on 29th November 2009, including starting the
first 2 trips on the 179 from Farmborough, instead of Norton Radstock. This
means that the 0658 and 0730 from High Littleton to Bath on the 179 no longer
operate. However, the
service 178 to Bath via Norton Radstock does still operate from High
Littleton. There are trips that arrive at Bath Bus Station at 0825 and
0846. Mr J Shears read to the Council the reply to his letter from Mr Dan
Norris MP regarding the responsibility of cuts and further cuts
5. Youth Service
The Clerk emailed Mrs
Paula Bromley (Youth Services Team Leader) for an update on the recruiting and
the prospect of the Youth Bus resuming visits to High Littleton in the future. Mrs
Bromley replied that she has asked Mrs Eli Connah (Youth Services Rural Worker)
if they can discuss this in the New Year and then she will get back to the
Council. The Clerk was requested to chase Mrs Bromley for news.
6. B&NES Local
Plan Adopted October 2007
With Mr Nicholas
Pearson
7. Christmas tree
for High Littleton
The Parish Council
were please with the new tree at The Batch, however the lights were on the
entire time during the festive period. The Clerk was requested to contact Somer
2000 to ask for the timer to be set for the same times as the tree at the
Triangle for the following Christmas periods.
8. Church Farm –
review
Work on the building
is steadily progressing
9. Footpaths
The Clerk emailed Mr Colin Hudson (B&NES Public Footpath Officer)
for an up date of the proposed works to the footpath surface. Mr Hudson replied
that the work should be completed by the end of this month. Mr Hudson added
that the overhanging vegetation has been brought to the attention of the
residents 34 and 35 Eastover Road.
The Clerk provided Mr Hudson with the name of the landowner of the
obstructed path. Mr Hudson replied that he needed to know the name of the
adjoining landowner. The Council confirmed his suggestion.
Mr
Hudson has written to the landowner that he will install a ‘kissing gate’ if he
does not
hear from him in 21 days.
The Clerk wrote to Mr Hudson informing of
the water logged path. Mr Hudson replied that he has spoken and written to Mr
Flinton (Technical Manager of Redcliffe Homes). Mr Hudson has not had a reply.
He will inspect the area and if conditions are as bad as the Council say he
will write again to Redcliffe Homes.
10. Core Strategy
Spatial Options
Mr Nicholas Pearson
submitted to B&NES on behalf of the Council, comments representing the
settlements of High Littleton and Hallatrow. To be removed from the agenda.
11. Website changes
- renewal of front page editor
The Clerk informed
the Council that when the computer ceased to work, the programme which enabled
the editing of the website was lost. An ex –councillor installed the programme;
the Clerk does not possess the necessary software. The Clerk is in the process
of looking at the most economical way of overcoming this problem with the
assistance of someone whose work once involved designing websites. Should this
prove futile then the Clerk will approach the Council’s recommended assistance.
12. Co-operative
site, High Street, High Littleton review of status
The Council have not
heard anything since 23rd September 2009 when the Clerk wrote to Mr
Morris (Chief Financial Officer & Secretary) to say that the Council accept
their suggestion of a meeting when they have their plans in place. The Council
requested that the Clerk write to Mr Morris to establish the status and to
remind him that the Co-op site on the High Street remains an unpleasant sight.
13. New Rules on
Dispensations
The Clerk received a
letter from the County Solicitor regarding the changes on dispensations – this
means that a Councillor wishing to speak and vote when they have a prejudicial interest on a matter, may in advance
write to the Standards Committee and apply for a dispensation. The Clerk read
out the circumstances. Noted by the Council.
Allotments
Nothing to report
Recreation Ground
Mr J Shears informed
the Council that the RGC are seeking tenders for the grass cutting of the
recreation ground.
Mr J Shears provided
the Parish Council with the Recreation Grounds Accounts for year ending September
2009 and the Play Pathfinder Scheme breakdown of Income and Expenses. The
Council agreed the that the Recreation Ground Committee should go ahead with
the Play Pathfinder Scheme
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr K Staplin
provided the Council with a verbal report
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
The Clerk received a
letter from the Parochial Church Council thanking the Council for work carried
out in the cemetery regarding the repairing of the footpath and the tidying of
the vegetation in the cemetery.
The Council
discussed the poor condition of the ‘Millennium Yew Trees’. The Clerk was
requested to write to the PCC and ask if Mr P Wyatt may replace the Yew trees.
ALCA
Nothing to report
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens
provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
Nothing to report
Parish Sweeper Scheme
The Clerk provided
the Council with a verbal report. Mr K Marshall reported to the Council that
the Hallatrow sweeper has damaged his knee and is still working despite being
advised by the doctor to rest for six weeks. The Council requested that the
Clerk write and visit the sweeper to encourage him to rest. The Clerk also to
contact B&NES and request cover for the sweeping Hallatrow for 6 weeks.
Parish Cluster Meeting
Nothing to report
Parish Liaison Meeting
Nothing to report
Items of interest from District Councillor:
Mr J Shears informed
Mr Les Kew of the problems of the 179 bus service being removed and the
consequent revisions that does not address the problems for people requiring to
arrive in Bath early in the morning and causes problems for those returning in
the early evening. Mr Kew will investigate the matter.
Correspondence for Action:
West of England
Partnership – Joint Waste Core Strategy
The Clerk received a
hard copy of the pre-submission document of the above. After considerations of
four Councils, the Joint Waste Core Strategy Draft Submission Document has been
approved for Publication. There is one further opportunity for views on
‘soundness and legal compliance’. Guidance is provided with the representation
form. Comments to be submitted by 1st March 2010. Mr K Marshall
requested to read the document.
Bristol
International Airport – Letter from the Parish Council’s Airport Association
and Planning Update
The Clerk received a
letter from the Parish Council Airport Association that asked for the Parish
Council’s support in asking North Somerset Council to turn down BIA’s planning
application to extend the airport or to seek a Section 106 agreement that would
cap night movements, maintain the quota for present; define an 8 hour flight
and to review the night flying policy every 2 to 3 years. The Council discussed
the matter and requested that the Clerk write to the North Somerset Council
stating the Parish Councils concerns for the road network should the planning
application be approved.
Reparation Projects
– Request from Bath Youth Offending Team for reparation projects for Young
Offenders
The Clerk informed the Council that Mr Alex
Morris (Bath and North East Somerset Youth Offending Team) emailed the Council
to ask if the Council have any work days or planned activities within their
area which they feel that young people who have been sentenced to a Referral
Order could take part in as reparation for the community. These are young
people who have just begun offending and who have usually committed a
relatively minor crime. Mr Morris believes this kind of work would help build
the young person’s sense of self worth within the community, whilst offering a
useful service, such as litter picking or path clearing. The young people would
be supervised by a trained sessional worker from the Youth Offending
Team. The Council requested that the Clerk ask Mr Morris what the Parish
Council need to do and what they need to provide.
For information (on table):
Local Development
Framework – Update issue 3
Financial
Quarterly Accounts
and Payments
The Clerk provided
the Council with the Quarterly Accounts and payments. The Chairman to sign next
month
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for
payment January 2010:-
|
Cheque 092 |
To Pauline Young |
|
|
|
Clerk's pay Dec (5 Weeks) |
1068.71 |
|
|
Less Dec Tax |
(97.60) |
|
|
Less Dec NI Contributions |
(56.61) |
|
|
Net Total |
914.10 |
|
|
Travel for Dec 09 |
21.00 |
|
|
Total |
935.10 |
|
Cheque 093 |
To Brian Maule for Dec (5 wks) Sweeping |
198.00 |
|
Cheque 094 |
To David Redwood for Dec (5 wks) Sweeping Less Dec Tax Net Total |
330.00 (26.20) 303.80 |
|
Cheque 095 |
Post Office Ltd Clerk’s and Redwood Dec Tax Clerk’s NI Dec (Employee + employers contribs) Total |
123.80 122.99 246.79 |
|
Cheque 096 |
Western Power Distribution – Extra costs High Littleton Christmas tree |
223.46 |
|
Cheque 097 |
P Young – ‘Whatever Happens’ cover for Council computer |
189.00 |
|
Cheque 098 |
P Young – Computer back up hard drive |
79.99 |
|
Cheque 099 |
K Marshall – Grant for sweets for children at Carol Service |
15.00 |
|
Cheque 100 |
Royal Mail – PO Box Annual fee |
62.85 |
|
Cheque 101 Cheque 102 Cheque 103 Cheque 104
|
Royal Mail – PO Box Mail to normal address P Young – Petty Cash EDF – Electric Supply Oct – Dec 09 Somer 2000 Ltd – Installation of power supply to High Littleton Christmas tree |
62.90 100.00 127.21 2174.12 |
|
Total |
|
£4,718.22 |
The Council
requested that the Clerk write to Mr Matthew Smith (Divisional
Director for Environmental Services) to state the Parish Council’s appreciation
of a good job done on the gritting of the main roads in the villages of High
Littleton and Hallatrow
Review of small
grant requests
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 8th
February 2010
The Chairman
concluded the meeting at 21.44 hours
Chairman Clerk