MinutesMinutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 12th July 2010 Public Meeting There were seven members of the public present. Mrs Val Smith (B&NES Youth Services Officer) addressed the Council regarding the Parish Council’s request that the mobile youth bus should return to the village. Mrs Val Smith explained that youth workers have walked around the village in an attempt to find young people to offer the activities provided by the Youth Service. The youth workers have found very little interest. The Council asked if their services have been advertised. Mrs Smith said that posters have been put up and word has been put about. The Council argued the case for the young people of the village saying they have had to get on with their lives now there is no focal point (the mobile bus). Mrs Val Smith said the Youth Service has limited resources as funding has been reduced. The old bus is being replaced with a smaller one. This will only be used where there is sufficient interest. The Youth Service are currently assessing the situation for a little longer. Mr and Mrs Breddy from High Littleton addressed the Council regarding the unavailability of allotments. Mrs Breddy informed the Council that she has been on the list for sometime and questioned whether one of the allotments at Hallatrow is being satisfactory cultivated. The Clerk informed Mrs Breddy that the shortage of land available for allotments is a national problem and the waiting list for the Hallatrow allotments has increased in the last few years. The Clerk said she will contact all those currently on the list to see if they are still interested. Four members of the public addressed the Council with their concerns with the planning application 10/02344/AGRA Erection of a general purpose agricultural building, Timsbury Bottom Farm, Timsbury Bottom. There were concerns with the size and the siting of the proposed barn. The Council discussed the planning application saying that the Council have received two letters objecting to the planning application. The Council noted the public concerns but questioned whether these were based on planning factors. The members of the public believe that the proposed development contravenes BH 15 of the Local Plan Councillors present Mr Paul Wyatt (Chairman), Mr Bob Hitchens, Mr John Shears, Mr Sean Skelhorn, Mr Ken Staplin, Mr N Pollett and Mrs Vicki Smith Apologies Mr K Marshall and Mr N Pearson (Mr Pearson offered his apologies for the June 2010 meeting) Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 14th June 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 10/00921/FUL Erection of a double garage following demolition of existing garage, Berry Brow, Scumbrum Lane, High Littleton Permitted. To be removed from the agenda 10/00717/FUL Erection of a new bungalow & 10/00715/FUL Erection of a new dwelling, Silver Birches, Greyfield Road, High Littleton 10/00715/FUL has been permitted to be removed from the agenda 10/02241/FUL Erection of a new bungalow (resubmission) Silver Birches, Greyfield Road, High Littleton Apart from the slight reduction in length (just 1.5 metres), there appears to be no change in this application to the previous application. The reasons for refusal remain valid and pertinent. Therefore the Parish Council Object in Principal due to the same reasons as the previous application and as B&NES refusal for that application. 10/01739/OUT Erection of a new two storey, three bedroom dwelling on land to rear of Manor House, Wells Road, Hallatrow Withdrawn. To be removed from the agenda 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, Permitted. To be removed from the agenda 10/02344/AGRA Erection of a general purpose agricultural building, Timsbury Bottom Farm, Timsbury Bottom, Timsbury The Council agreed to comment only. The Council requests that the planning officer pursue a different siting with the farmer that is suitable to the public and public amenities 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 Clerk wrote to the Listed Buildings Officer Mr Varien Tye to ask if they would check that the roofing materials comply with the planning application conditions. The Clerk received a reply from Mr Bob Allard (B&NES Development and Control) stating that an Enforcement Officer carried out an inspection on the 23rd June 2010. His findings are that the existing concrete tiles have been replaced with clay pantiles and has been brought to the attention of Mr V Tye (B&NES Historic Environment Team), Mr Tye advises that consent should have been applied for in order to carry out this work but it would not be expedient to take enforcement action on this matter. The Council agreed to remove from the agenda. Agenda Items1. Parish Plan – Highways & Environment Speed Restrictions National Review The Clerk was requested to contact Mr Tony Rutter (B&NES Traffic and Road Safety) for an update Increasing number of vehicles using Harts Lane No news Safer Walking Review No news The Batch improvements The Council discussed the problem of persons unknown, pulling out the poles on the Batch. The Clerk has twice emailed Mr Stefan Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) informing him of the problem. The Council requested that the Clerk email Mr Chiffers again and copy in Mr Les Kew. Mrs V Smith agreed to take photographs of the problem to accompany the email. Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that the probable cost of installing the new bench on the Batch could be expensive and that the Council may wish to obtain three quotations. The Council agreed that the Clerk should write to three companies to tender for the work. The Clerk was requested to ask Mr N Pearson for a plan of the Batch showing the positioning of the bench, grit bin and tree. 2nd School Crossing Operative for High Littleton School – replacement The Clerk received a letter from Mrs Irene Stewart (B&NES School Crossing Co-ordinator) stating that a vehicle and pedestrian count was undertaken on Tuesday 29th June and the finding found that the site does not meet the official criteria to warrant placing a school crossing patrol at the Timsbury Road/A39 location. The Council requested that the Clerk write to Mrs Stewart and copy in Mr Gareth Griffiths (High Littleton School Head Teacher) to say that the B&NES Traffic Engineer, in 2007, agreed with the Parish Council that the school crossing operative at the A39/Timsbury Road junction should move to opposite the High Littleton School; and that a second school operative was required at the Timsbury Road junction. It was identified that the shape of the road made this a dangerous place for school children to cross unassisted. This was agreed as a part of the “Safer Routes to School” programme. Pavement and Yellow Lines at The Batch The Clerk emailed Mrs D Miley (B&NES Parking) to investigate the issue regarding the removal of the yellow lining at The Batch. Mrs Maria Pinches (Highways Senior Administrative Officer) replied that she has spoken to the engineer in charge of the development and he has advised that the double yellow lines were removed when the works were undertaken to install a new footway. The lining will be reinstated after completion of the resurfacing works. To be removed from the agenda School Traffic Issues The footway from Rosewell to Langfords Lane was debated by B&NES Councillor Mr Charles Gerrish and B&NES Traffic Management Team last year. It failed to make the “Quick Wins” programme for 2009-2010, but it was hoped it would be included in this financial year. The Council decided to put this matter on the agenda in November 2010. 2. Parking matters
No news 3. Highway related matters The highways maintenance sheet was updated 4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters Missing bin by Highbury Road Bus Shelter The Clerk emailed Mr Peter Dawson (B&NES Group Manager Transport and Planning Policy) regarding the missing litter bin and the lack of response. Mr Jon King (B&NES Public Transport) replied that he has spoken to the Community Warden from Environmental Services responsible for litter bins. She has given him a timescale of 7 - 10 days to have the bin installed. She has marked up with a cross where the bin should go. The bin has still to be installed. The Clerk was requested to write again to Mr Dawson. New timetables – 179 bus service withdrawn The Clerk forwarded Mr J Shears letter to Mr Terry Wagstaff (Chief Executive West of England Partnership) to ask for the reinstatement of the 179 services. No news Oak House Section 106 money available Mr Jon King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) emailed the Clerk to say that there is Section 106 money left over from the Oak House development in Hallatrow. B&NES propose to install a raised kerb and a bus shelter at the Bristol bound bus stop by Claremont Gardens and asks if the Council supports this project. The Council requested that the Clerk inform Mr King that they agree. Mr King also stated they there is a spare bus shelter and would like to know if the Council would like the bus shelter opposite the Methodist Church replaced. The Council requested that the Clerk inform Mr King that they would like this shelter installed opposite the Claremont Gardens bus shelter. 5. Youth Service The Council discussed Mrs Val Smith’s presentation earlier in the meeting. The Council recognise there is not a need for the return of the mobile youth bus due to Mrs Smith’s claim that her team’s efforts have found no interest from the young people in High Littleton, in what the Youth Service have to offer. To be removed from the agenda and revisited in the spring of 2011. 6. B&NES Local Plan Adopted October 2007 No news 7. Church Farm – review No news 8. Footpaths
Mr Colin Hudson (B&NES Public Rights Away Officer) sent the Clerk a copy of an email correspondence between Mr Nick Jordan (Redcliffe Homes Engineering Manager) himself that stated the problem the water logged path would be reassessed in September this year. Mr Hudson has placed an order to carry out surfacing works to footpath CL11/24 near the Cam Brook as this path becomes muddy in winter. 9. Website renewal of editor Mr James Burfield informed the Clerk that he believes he can resolve the problems with the updating of the website. Mr Burfield agreed to visit the Clerk and Mr V Smith to demonstrate how the updating can be done. Mr Burfield cancelled the appointment. The matter was discussed. The Council agreed to Mrs Smith suggestion that the Clerk and herself rearrange another appointment with Mr Burfield. 10. Co-operative site, High Street, High Littleton review of status The Clerk wrote to Mr Don Morris (Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Radstock Co-operative Society) providing feedback for the last month’s presentation by him and Mr Wayne McLennan (Architects). Mr McLennan has also asked for a copy of the June 2010 minutes 11. Core Strategy – Policy C Village Capacity Work Mr N Pearson submitted to B&NES Planning Officer the Parish Council’s response regarding capacity work in the Policy C Villages. An update from Mr Simon de Beer (B&NES Policy & Environment Manager) was forwarded to Councillors for their review. 12. Parish Council notice board The Clerk asked if this could be removed from the agenda until later in the year. 13. High Littleton School Clock – request for Parish Council to assist in financing relocation No news Reports from RepresentativesAllotments
The present rent for the allotments is £10 a year. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the rent for 2011 -2012 remain at £10. This was seconded by Mr B Hitchens and carried unanimously.
The Council discussed the waiting list and agreed that the Clerk write an article for the Parish Newsletter. The Clerk to also write to the allotment holder (Plot B) to ask if he wishes to continue to rent his plot and to ask that if he does to fulfil the conditions of the allotment agreement. The Clerk to write to all those on the waiting list, to establish if they are still interested. 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 and crime statistics that show that crime in the area is limited School Governors Nothing to report Grass and Cemetery It was noted by the Council that the weeds on the cemetery path have now been removed. Newsletter Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report Greyfield Wood Mr S Skelhorn provided the Council with a verbal report Parish Sweeper Scheme Clerk has undertaken the annual equipment inspection and audit for the two parish sweeper Parish Cluster Meeting No news Parish Liaison Meeting Further briefing notes on the Parish Charter Review and Health and Wellbeing Partnerships on the table Items of interest from District Councillor: No news Correspondence for Action: Emails from residents by Bridge Cottages on Wells Road regarding the Key Hole Stile The Clerk informed the Council that she has received replies from the residents by the keyhole stile at the Wells Road end of CL 11/23 asking for the estimates for the moving of the key hole stile and would the Council consider sharing the cost. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that the Clerk should write to the residents to explain that it is not just a matter of cost but difficulty in moving the stile with risk of damaging an historic artefact. By moving it they believe the problem maybe exaggerated. For information (on table): ALCA – Newsletter July 2010 – Including booklet “Being a good employer” (Guide for Parish and Town Councillors); The Clerk – May 2010; Clerk and Councils Direct – July 2010; Care 2010 – Guide to Care Homes in Your Local Area Financial Quarterly Accounts and Payments The Councillors were provided with the quarterly accounts and payments. These were signed by the Chairman. Financial regulations – amendments The Clerk informed the Council that the Internal Auditor has visited the Clerk and audited the accounts. He will be supplying an invoice and report this year. He has recommended that the Financial Regulations are amended to add revenue in the grants section. Mr R Hitchens proposed that 18.5 of the Financial Regulations shall read “The Parish Council will normally only give a grant (with the exception of small donations) for capital or revenue projects, or to purchase a service supplied to the Council. This was seconded by Mr N Pollett and carried unanimously. For Payment: The following cheques were approved for payment July 2010:-
Matters Chairman considers UrgentThe Clerk received thank you letters from Bo-peep and Midsomer Norton Ring and Ride for recent grants from the Parish Council Mrs V Smith requested the disabled parking outside High Littleton School be put on the agenda next month Items for Next MeetingChristmas trees – suppliers and dressers Date of Next Meeting Monday 9th August 2010 The Chairman concluded the meeting at 21.52 hours Chairman Clerk
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