November 2010
Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Monday 8th November 2010
Public Meeting
There were no members of the public present.
Councillors present
Mr Paul Wyatt (Chairman), Mr Bob Hitchens, Mr John Shears, Mr Sean Skelhorn, Mr Ken Staplin, Mr N Pollett, Mrs Vicki Smith and Mr Les Kew (District Councillor)
Apologies
Mr K Marshall
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 11th October 2010
These were signed by the Chairman as a true record of the meeting after two amendments, under Agenda Item 13. It should read Mrs Rosie Shears (Chairperson …) and under Recreation Ground it should read “Mrs Rosie Shears (Chairperson….).
Declarations of Interest
None
Development Control, Forestry Works and Footpath Diversions
10/01095/FUL Erection of 5No. houses with associated parking and garages on land adjacent to 158 Greyfield Road, 158 Greyfield Road, High Littleton
Awaiting a Decision. The Clerk checked status on B&NES Website which stated – still pending consideration
10/02514/FUL Installation of new matching first floor window in south east gable of property,12 Aumery Gardens, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
10/03562/REM Removal of condition 2 of application WC 5965/D (Erection of an agricultural dwelling and new farm buildings at plot No. 9113, land in Cuckoo Lane, High Littleton) in relation to agricultural occupancy, Somersby Orchard, The Gug, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
10/03462/FUL Erection of a single storey rear extension, Little Oaks, Wells Road, Hallatrow
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
10/03916/FUL Erection of two storey side extension and single storey rear extension following demolition of existing conservatory, 3 Kingwell View, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
10/04038/FUL Replacement tiled and pitched roof over existing garage and passage way, Montvale Lodge, Paulton Road, Hallatrow
The Council agreed to support this application
10/04197/FUL Erection of extension of rear elevation to ground floor annexe to match extent of adjacent property. Erection of new first floor extension above annexe to provide new bathroom and bedroom accommodation. Alteration of existing window openings and main roof pitches to suit (Revised proposal), 30 Rotcombe Lane, High Littleton
The Council agreed to support this application
10/04432/FUL Alterations and erection of two storey side extensions to existing dwelling house, Eastleigh, Wells Road, Hallatrow
The Council agreed to support this application
10/02861/TPO Fell Larch Tree, The Grange, Paulton Road, Hallatrow
Awaiting a decision
Mr R Hitchens informed the Council that a house has been erected in Brick Lane which is just outside the Parish of High Littleton and Hallatrow. The Council requested that the Clerk write to B&NES Development and Control to say that the Council do not appear to have been notified of this planning application and ask if the Parish Council can be in the future
Agenda Items
1. Parish Plan – Highways & Environment
- Speed Restrictions National Review
No news
- Safer Walking Review
No news
- The Batch improvements
The new bench from Glasdons has been delivered to Ken Biggs Contractors Ltd ready for installation. Mr N Pearson and Mr J Shears met on site with Mr G Wedd resident adjacent to the Batch, to discuss the possible positioning of the bench, tree and grit bin. The Council discussed the removed Timsbury Road sign and its replacement. Mr J Shears agreed to provide a photograph of the Batch so that the Council can decide where the sign should be placed.
The Council discussed again the options regarding the £6,755 available from B&NES to spend on the Batch. The Council requested that the Clerk write to Mr S Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer) for the cost of replacing the railings similar to the street furniture opposite and for an extra sign on the finger post providing the direction to the Recreation Ground.
- 2nd School Crossing Operative for High Littleton School – replacement
Mr L Kew informed the Council of his discussions with Mr Charles Gerrish (B&NES Councillor) regarding the reinstatement of the 2nd School Crossing Operative. The end result was that B&NES have agreed that they will employ a 2nd School Crossing Operative. The post to be advertised.
- Traffic mounting pavement by the bus stop near the Star Inn
The Clerk wrote to Mr S Chiffers to inform him that the Council would like double yellow lines opposite the Star Inn, High Street. Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that Mr Chiffers will be putting the request on the batch of proposed alterations. The Council are concerned whether Mr Chiffers will liaise with the residents. Mr P Wyatt stated that this is normal procedure.
- Bloomfield Road – traffic calming
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that Mr Chiffers is aware that the Council have added to their Parish Plan – Highways & Environment list, priority arrows by the traffic calming at Bloomfield Cottages
- Unsuitable for access for HGV signs for Harts Lane
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that Mr Chiffers is dealing the replacement of signs that the Council have requested stating that Harts Lane is unsuitable for HGVs
2. Parking matters
- Land/Lay-by north of Eastwood Close, High Street
No news since the Clerk emailed 4th October 2010 for an update.
3. Highway related matters
- Hedge maintenance by Aumery Gardens
The Clerk wrote to Knightstone Housing Association regarding the maintenance of the grass area in Aumery Gardens. The Clerk received an apology from Mrs Ailsa Simpson (Chippenham Office) for not answering previous letters. Mrs Simpson said the she has arranged for the hedges to be trimmed back and that they have a maintenance contract for this area. It was noted that some work has been undertaken
The Highways Maintenance Sheet was updated
4. Bus Stops / Bus Shelters
- Oak House Section 106 money available
The Clerk emailed Mr Jon King (B&NES Public Transport Officer) for an update on the above and asked if the Parish Council are having electronic timetables as seen elsewhere. Mr King replied that the owner of Claremont Gardens have denied permission for B&NES to use ½ metre of their land for hard standing for a bus shelter. B&NES are looking at other options for the expenditure of the Section 106 money. There will not be any real time information displays in the Parish; these are just for the Greater Bristol Bus Network.
- White Cross Bus Shelter – refurbishment
No news. The Council requested that the Clerk sends out tenders for the repairs to the bus shelter .
Mr J Shears informed the Council that the 179 service to and from Bath has been reinstated. The Clerk was requested to write to Mr J King to ask for the 179 service to be included on the Parish’s bus timetables
5. B&NES Local Plan Adopted October 2007
No news
6. Footpaths
- Footpath CL 11/16 – water logged footpath and overgrown hedge
The Council requested that the Clerk should contact Mr Colin Hudson (B&NES Public Footpath Officer) to request the status of his email correspondence with Mr Nick Jordan (Redcliffe Homes) who stated that he would review the flooding of the footpath in the late summer. The Clerk to notify Mr Hudson that the hedges by the footpath are still overgrown.
7. Website renewal of editor
The Clerk met with Mr Jon Bolton at Burfields Creative who demonstrated ModX. The Clerk informed the Councillors that using ModX to edit the Website looked easy in comparison to the old website software. The cost of the Website Design & Development £670.00 plus VAT and Annual hosting £60.00 plus VAT. Total cost £857.75. Mr R Hitchens proposed the Parish Council purchase Website Design & Development and Annual hosting at a cost £857.75 inclusive of VAT. This was seconded by Mr S Skelhorn and carried unanimously.
8. Co-operative site, High Street, High Littleton review of status
Mr L Kew informed the Council that there are negotiations taking place between the applicant of the proposed plans for the site and Development and Control. Access is an issue at present.
9. Core Strategy – Policy C Village Capacity Work
The Clerk forwarded an email from WEP Consultation regarding the Joint Waste Core Strategy update to the Councillors. The prehearing was on the 1st October 2010, the examination starts on the 16th November 2010.
The Clerk forwarded an email to the Councillors from Mr Simon De Beer (B&NES Policy and Environmental Manager) stating that the villages meeting the criteria for the proposed Core Strategy policy does not include High Littleton. To be removed from the agenda,.
10. Christmas trees – suppliers and dressers
The Clerk wrote to Somer 2000 to inform them that the Council accept their quotation for the dressing of the two Christmas trees at £196.00 plus VAT.
The Clerk received an email from Mr Gerard Parry (B&NES Business Support Team Leader) apologising that B&NES will not be able to supply Christmas trees this year due to restructuring.
The Clerk has looked into other possible suppliers and costs. One quotation is for £575.75. Mr L Kew informed the Council that he may be able to source a supplier at a cheaper price. Mr S Skelhorn proposed that Mr L Kew investigates the sourcing of cheaper Christmas trees and the Council order two trees, should Mr L Kew be unsuccessful than Mr N Pollett to look into the matter. This was seconded by Mrs V Smith and carried unanimously
11. Review of Standing Orders
The changes to the Standing Orders are ongoing
12. Complaint of Light nuisance from street lighting at Southover Road
The Clerk emailed Mr Diarmid Henry (B&NES Environmental Health Officer) to inform him that the Council discussed the complaint of the light nuisance and do not wish to remove the streetlight as it serves a purpose and the Council receive complaints when the light does not function. Mr Henry replied that he was not suggesting that the light be removed but to reduce the light spillage onto the complaints property. Mr Henry did advise the complainant that he was not satisfied of the existence of a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that it should be removed from the agenda
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
No news
Recreation Ground
Mrs V Smith and Mr J Shears provided the Council with a verbal report.
The Clerk ordered and provided the Recreation Ground Committee 4000 dog poop bags for the Recreation Ground and Post Office.
The Clerk informed the Council that she has received an invoice for play equipment for the Recreation Ground. The remaining Section 106 Aumery Gardens money to pay for the play equipment, with the balance of £470.52 to be paid by the Recreation Ground Committee.
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Nothing to report
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
J&K Primrose Garden Maintenance have sent the last invoice for the grass cutting. They included a quote for next year’s tender. The Council requested that the Clerk write to Mr Primrose to say that they are very pleased with their work and efficiency.
Newsletter
Mr R Hitchens provided the Council with a verbal report
Greyfield Wood
Mr S Skelhorn providd the Council with a verbal report
Parish Sweeper Scheme
Mr P Wyatt provided a verbal report
Parish Cluster Meeting
The Clerk waited outside for 20 minutes to attend the Parish Cluster Meeting on 14th October 2010. There was no one present to open the doors. The Clerk had to eventually leave
Parish Liaison Meeting
Parish Liaison Meeting held on 21st October 2010. Briefing notes on table
Items of interest from District Councillor:
Mr L Kew informed the Council that he has received complaints from residents by the keyhole stile on Wells Road in Hallatrow. The residents have informed him of problems they experience entering their properties, due to the positioning of the keyhole stile. To be put on next months agenda
Correspondence for Action:
EDF – Information regarding electricity supply for festive lighting. Plus information regarding price increases
The Clerk informed the Council that she in looking into cheaper suppliers for the Council’s electric, but wait until after the festive season For information (on table): ALCA – Newsletter October 2010; Cam Valley Newsletter; Clerk and Councils Direct November 2010; Avon and Somerset Police Authority – Newsletter September 2010; B&NES Mobile Libraries – Heading Your Way Timetable
Financial
Quarterly Accounts and Payments
The Chairman signed the quarterly accounts and payments ending 30th September 2010.
Precept discussion and initial draft budget
The Clerk provided the Council the first draft copy of the budget sheet for 2011-2012.
For Payment:
Clerk’s pay and expenses; Sweepers’ pay; Post Office Ltd –Tax and National Insurance; J & K Primrose Garden Maintenance – Grass Cutting 6/6; Glasdon – Bench for Batch; P Young – Mutts Butts, poop bags; Cam Valley – Membership renewal; High Littleton Royal British Legion – Wreath; P Young - Stationery.
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
None
Items for Next Meeting
Precept discussion and initial draft budget
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 6th December 2010
The Chairman concluded the meeting at 21.11 hours
Chairman Clerk