Minutes

Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 14th June 2010

Public Meeting
The were 16 members of the public present to hear the proposals for the old Co-operatives site on the High Street, High Littleton, by Mr Don Morris (Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Radstock Co-operative Society), Mr Stephen Lea (Representative of the Radstock Co-operative Society) and Mr Wayne McLennan (Managing Director of McLennan Architects). Mr Morris began by saying that a store on the site was not viable and a planning application has not been submitted, although feedback has been sought from B&NES. Mr Wayne McLennan gave a presentation with proposed drawings and plans for the site. Mr McLennan demonstrated the differences in the plans from the presentation to the Parish Council a year ago. There are more car parking spaces allocated, the wall immediately facing the High Street has been removed, and the houses have been reduced from 4 bedroom to 3 bedroom. The public raised several issues. Car parking on the site was suggested, the rights of way next to the site via The Chimes was questioned. There was concern that the “Studios” facing the road would become student accommodation. There was concern as to the ownership of the pump on the site. It was questioned whether enough car parking spaces are allocated per dwelling. The Council stated that the development looks more suited to an urban setting than a rural one and wondered if this is something that the village would want for the future.

Councillors present
Mr Paul Wyatt (Chairman), Mr Bob Hitchens, Mr K Marshall, Mr John Shears, Mr Ken Staplin, Mr N Pollett, Mrs Vicki Smith and Mr Les Kew (District Councillor)

Apologies
Mr Sean Skelhorn

Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 17th May 2010
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting.

Declarations of Interest
Mr P Wyatt declared an interest in agenda item 14. High Littleton School Clock. Mr Wyatt’s son has been requested by the Council to do work in connection with the repositioning of the clock

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
Mr Les Kew informed the Council that the above planning application ahs been granted Outline Planning permission. The Council agreed that this planning application should be removed from the agenda.

10/00921/FUL  Erection of a double garage following demolition of existing garage, Berry Brow, Scumbrum Lane, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision

10/00717/FUL Erection of a new bungalow & 10/00715/FUL Erection of a new dwelling, Silver Birches, Greyfield Road, High Littleton
The Clerk emailed Mr Richard Stott (B&NES Planning Officer) for clarification of the confusing decision notice for application 10/00717/FUL. Mr Stott stated that the application should have said refused (administration error). Their Legal Team intend to revoke the order.

10/01139/FUL  Erection of two storey extension following removal of existing single story side extension and conservatory, Rose Cottage, Langfords Lane, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda

10/01124/FUL Erection of a two storey side annex, single storey rear extension and front porch, 14 Parklands, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda

10/01407/FUL Erection of two storey rear/side extension and single storey conservatory, Bungays Hill Farm, Bungays Hill, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda

10/01739/OUT Erection of a new two storey, three bedroom dwelling on land to rear of Manor House, Wells Road, Hallatrow
Awaiting a decision

10/01095/FUL  Erection of 5No. houses with associated parking and garages on land adjacent to 158 Greyfiled Road, 158 Greyfield Road, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision

10/01986/FUL  Erection of new first floor extension over existing single window openings and main roof pitches to suit, 30 Rotcombe Lane, High Littleton,
The Council agreed to support this application

Tree Preservation Order 2010 Silver Birches Greyfield Road, High Littleton – Oak tree within the curtilege of Silver Birches
Awaiting a decision

Lea Meadow, Wells Road – Change of roof material query
The Council discussed the roofing material on Lea Meadow. The Council were concerned that the material used does not comply with that stated on the planning conditions. The Clerk to write to the B&NES Listed Building Officer to check the roof material used conforms to planning approval

Agenda Items

1. Parish Plan – Highways & Environment

• Speed Restrictions National Review

No news

• Increasing number of vehicles using Harts Lane

Mr L Kew informed the Council that the plans and proposals for Harts Lane is on the programme for this year. Budgets need to be agreed.

• Safer Walking Review

No news

• The Batch improvements

The Clerk informed the Council that the Parochial Church Council wrote to say that they are happy to have the old Batch bench installed in the Cemetery. The Council discussed the installation of a new bench at the Batch. John Shears proposed that the Council purchase a Stanford seat in black for £800 (VAT not included). This was seconded by Mr K Marshall and carried unanimously. Mr P Wyatt will look into the cost of fixing the seat to the ground.

• 2nd School Crossing Operative for High Littleton School – replacement

The Clerk received an email from Mrs Irene Stewart (B&NES School Crossing Patrol Co-ordinator) stating she is investigating the matter. Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that the school are pursuing the problem. Mr L Kew said he will also look into the matter.

2.  Parking matters

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

No news

3. Highway related matters
The highways maintenance sheet was updated. The Council requested that the Clerk chase Mrs D Miley (B&NES Parking) regarding the parking problems by the Batch. Vehicles are parking on the footway forcing pedestrians to walk in the road.

4.  Bus Stops / Bus Shelters

• Missing bin by Highbury Road Bus Shelter

The Clerk emailed Mr Jon King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) for a contact in the Parks Department in order that the Clerk can make direct contact to chase for the litter bin to be replaced. No news. The Council requested that the Clerk write to the B&NES Public Transport Head of Department

• New timetables – 179 bus service withdrawn

The Clerk received a reply from Mr Alan Willougby (First Depot Operations Manager – Central) in response to the letter sent to Mr Justin Davies (First Managing Director) which stated the route 179 has not performed well in relation to passenger numbers and consideration was given to the high cost of providing peak journeys. To enable First to continue operating through High Littleton they were able to provide off peak facilities. First’s figures indicate those passengers affected were reduced to a small number. Mr Willoughby added that First do inform Local Authorities responsible for local transport of any changes to bus services, which maybe through formal consultation or by submission of copies of their timetable registrations. They may review the level of service provided on route 179 and consider additional journeys. The Council discussed the problem and the suggestion that the Council may have not been provided with all the facts of the matter. The Council requested that the Clerk send Mr J Shears’ drafted letter to Mr Terry Wagstaff (Chief Executive West of England Partnership) to ask for consideration given to the reinstatement of the recently withdrawn 179 bus service from High Littleton.

5. Youth Service
Mrs Val Smith (B&NES Youth Worker) will be attending the July 2010 Parish Council meeting to discuss the matter of the Mobile Youth Bus visiting High Littleton. Mrs Smith provided costings for a Youth Bus to attend High Littleton which the Clerk forwarded to the Councillors.

6. B&NES Local Plan Adopted October 2007
No news

7. Church Farm – review
No news

8. Footpaths

• Footpath CL 11/16 – water logged footpath

The Council requested that the Clerk contact Mr C Hudson (B&NES Public Footpath Officer) to ask the status of the situation.

• Footpath between Eastover Road and Southover Road requires clearing of litter.

The Clerk emailed Mr C Hudson to say that the footpath is littered again and asked for it to be cleaned on a regular basis. Mr Hudson replied that the Public Rights of Way team are responsible for the surface. The Neighbourhood Team are responsible for the cleaning of the footpath. Mr Hudson has passed the message to Mr Wayne Honey (B&NES Neighbourhood Manager). The Council agreed to remove from the agenda.

• Stile at Eastover Road end of footpath CL 11/7 – B&NES notice to remove bars with a kissing gate

Mr Bill Lawrence owner of the land/footpath CL 11/7 contacted Mr P Wyatt to object to the notice put up by B&NES to remove the “illegal obstruction” by footpath CL 11/7 and replace with a kissing gate. The Councillors were informed and those replying agreed that the Council should have been consulted, but felt that the kissing gate would be best. The Clerk emailed Mr Colin Hudson whose reply was forwarded to the Councillors. Mr Hudson explains the reasons for replacing the bars structure with a kissing gate. Mr Wyatt informed Mr Lawrence of the Council’s thoughts and Mr Hudson’s reply. Mr Lawrence informed Mr Wyatt that he will make a stile to replace the bars.

9. Website renewal of editor
The Clerk informed the Council that Mr James Burfield met with the Clerk and Mrs Vicki Smith to discuss the way forward with Council website. Mr Burfield recommended Adobe Contribute to use on the computer at approximately £70 which he can supply. A free 30 days trial can be downloaded. The problem still remains on the server which is presently being looked into by Mr Burfield, who seems confident that he can rectify the problem.

10. Co-operative site, High Street, High Littleton review of status
The Parish Council discussed the representation of the Radstock Co-operative Society and their appointed Architects. The Council requested that the Clerk write and thank Mr Morris and Mr Wayne McLennan for the earlier presentation, and add the following:- The Council are pleased with 1/ Increase of car parking spaces 2/ Reduction in the size of the houses 3/ They have taken into account the Village Design Statement and comments of the Council at your last presentation a year ago 4/ The proposal for the façade facing the road will be of natural stone to match the local area.
The Parish Council are concerned with the following:- 1/ The future of the communal pump currently on site 2/ The bins are too near to the bus shelter and the pedestrian crossing
The Parish Council reminded Mr Morris that High Littleton is a village and needs a rural influence. (Mr McLennan frequently referred to High Littleton as a town). The general consensus of opinion is that the front of the houses should be fronting the road, similar to surrounding properties.

11. Core Strategy – Policy C Village Capacity Work
The Clerk informed the Council that B&NES are requesting the Parish Council’s representations by the 18th June 2010. The Clerk was requested to contact Mr N Pearson to ask if he would respond on behalf of the Council

12. Parish Council notice board
The Clerk informed the Council that she is trying to find a notice board that can hold 8 x A4 sheets that is of similar size to the one at the High Littleton Post Office.

13. Stone stile by Bridge Cottages causing an obstruction
Mr Nicholas Pollett reported to the Council that he has looked into the possibility of moving the keyhole stile and costs. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that the costs would be too excessive. The Clerk was requested to write to Mrs Hilary Rowden to inform her that no further action will be taken. To be removed from the agenda.

14. High Littleton School Clock – request for Parish Council to assist in financing relocation
The Clerk has written to Mr P Watkinson and Mr A Wyatt to request that they proceed with the repositioning of the school clock

15. Diamond Jubilee
The Council discussed the future Diamond Jubilee

Reports from Representatives

Allotments
The Clerk informed the Council that the 10th applicant has asked to be put on the waiting list. Mr P Wyatt will look into a structure that has appeared on the path in the allotments

Recreation Ground
Mr J Shears provided the Council with a verbal report

Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr K Staplin provided the Council with a verbal report
                              
School Governors
Nothing to report  

Grass and Cemetery
The Clerk wrote to Mr S A Clayson (Contracts Manager Ford Bros Civil Engineering & Surfacing)
 bringing to their attention the numerous weeds growing through the tarmac that they recently resurfaced and requested that they return and rectify the problem as a matter of urgency.                                                   
ALCA
No news  

Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
                                                          
Greyfield Wood
No news  

Parish Sweeper Scheme
The Clerk provided a verbal report

Parish Cluster Meeting
No news
  
Parish Liaison Meeting
The Clerk informed the Council that the briefing notes of the last Parishes Liaison meeting are available to read

Items of interest from District Councillor:
Mr L Kew informed the Council of B&NES Development and Control redundancies and changes

Correspondence for Action:
B&NES – Flood Awareness Event in Bath 29th June 2010 – Public and Councillors welcome to attend.
The Council were informed of the above

West of England Partnership – Joint Waste Core Strategy Pre-Submission Document: Revised Policy 8 – Landfill – opportunity to give views on this revised section
The Council were informed that following the consultation of the above in January 2010, the four Authorities have taken into account the responses received. There is now a further opportunity to give views on the revised section policy 8 landfill. The policy is available to view on their website www.westofengland.org/waste/planning/joint-waste-strategy

For information (on table): ALCA – Newsletter June 2010; The Clerk – May 2010; Clerk and Councils Direct – May 2010; Avon and Somerset Police Authority – Strategic Policing Plan 2010-2013; Travel – Transport News from the West of England Partnership

Financial
Christmas Carol Service Committee - request for funding
Mr K Marshall informed the Council that the Carol Singing Committee have been working on a booklet for Christmas Carols. A sample booklet was circulated. The cost of production has been reduced to a minimum by the Committees own efforts. The only cost that need to found are printing and binding costs. Mr K Marshall asked for the Council for £250 to assist in funding the project. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council offer the Carol Singing Committee £250 to fund the project. This was seconded by Mr N Pollett and carried unanimously. Under Section 137 of the Local Government Act 1972

For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment June 2010:-

Matters Chairman considers Urgent

Mr K Marshall informed the Council that the Christmas tree at the Triangle and been cut into pieces but not removed to Ken Biggs Contractors in High Littleton as in their contract. The Clerk was requested to make sure that this in the contract for this year

Items for Next Meeting

Quarterly Accounts and Payments
Review Allotment rent for following March

Date of Next Meeting
Monday 12th July 2010

The Chairman concluded the meeting at 22.24 hours

Chairman                                                                                            Clerk