Minutes of the Meeting of the High Littleton Parish Council held on Wednesday 14th March 2017
Councillors present
Mr P Wyatt (Chairman), Mr L Salvidge, Mr S Skelhorn, Mr N Pollett, Mr P Allen, Mr P Savage, Mr L Sheen, Mr J Petchey and District Councillor Les Kew
Agenda
Opportunity for the members of the public to speak
There were 2 members of the public present. A gentleman from Hallatrow asked the Council the status of the Councillor Vacancy.
Apologies
PC Peard (Community Police Officer)
Minutes of the Parish Meeting held on the 8th February 2017
These were signed as a true and correct record of the meeting by the Chairman after one amendment, under agenda item 6 – Footpath CL 6/40 Vehicles travelling fast along newly tarmacked track to Greyfield Woods, it should read, “The Clerk emailed Mrs Sheila Petherbridge (B&NES Public Footpath Officer) to say that Mr L Sheen would like to meet her on site to discuss speeding vehicles along this footpath”.
Declarations of Discloseable Pecuniary Interests and Request for Dispensations
None
Development Control, Forestry Works and Footpath Diversions
16/03808/FUL Erection of 4no. dwellings following demolition of existing dwelling, garage and outbuildings. White Chimneys, Paulton Road, Hallatrow
Awaiting a decision
16/03914/FUL Demolition of existing building and erection of 6no dwellings and associated works. The Yard, High Street, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
16/04535/FUL Erection of a dwelling following demolition of the outbuilding. 33 Parklands, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
16/06139/CLEU Subdivision of main dwelling into 2 no. dwellings (Certificate of Lawfulness of existing Use). The Croft, Bristol Road, Farrington Gurney
Lawful. To be removed from the agenda
17/00103/FUL Erection of double garage following demolition of existing single garage. Church Cottage, Church Hill, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
17/00263/FUL Erection of a two storey side extension. 9 Rotcombe Lane, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
17/00287/FUL Erection of a side and rear extension, conversion of loft space, modification of front elevation and new materials to walls and roof. Mentone, Timsbury Road, High Littleton
Permitted. To be removed from the agenda
17/00449/FUL Erection of a single storey rear extension, new external decking, installation of oil tank in front garden, alterations to existing garage and associated works. 18 Parklands, High Littleton
Awaiting a decision
New Planning Applications
Revised – 16/06152/FUL Erection of two storey side extension. Mai-See View Scumbrum Lane, High Littleton
The Clerk received notification that this has been permitted. The Clerk informed the Council that she emailed the Case Officer to ask for an extension until the Parish Council’s March meeting. The Case Officer replied that the Clerk had given their comments. The Clerk replied not for the revised application. The Case Officer did not say she required the Council’s comments before the March meeting. The Council discussed this matter and requested that if this should occur again the Clerk should write to the Case Officer of the planning application and copy in the District Councillor.
Other Planning matters
None
Agenda Items
- Parish Plan – Highways & Environment
- New roundabout and associated work at Paulton Road and A39 junction, following feasibility study to Paulton and surrounding area in connection with the Polestar Development, including Village Gate, Paulton Road
Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that a letter has gone out to the parents asking for the children design a village gateway. The Council discussed the hole for the Christmas tree on the Triangle and that it needs to be made good after the work to the area when the roundabout was installed. The hole needs to be 8-9 inches. Mr P Wyatt will speak to Mr S Chiffers (B&NES Traffic Engineer)
- Enhancement of area between New Road and Scumbrum Lane
Mr P Wyatt provided feedback to the Council regarding the work to the area by New Road and Scumbrum. The work has now been completed with an area for a tree and planter. The Council would like to thank Mr Nicholas Pearson for the assistance in this project and the purchase of the tree. Mr P Wyatt proposed that the Council spend £120 on the purchase of the tree. This was seconded by Mr S Skelhorn and carried unanimously. To be removed from the agenda
- Hallatrow Hill footway – Phase 2 (Road Speeds on A39 particularly by Langfords Lane and Highbury Road in Hallatrow)
No news
- Zebra Crossing High Street
The Council discussed Facebook comments. To be removed from the agenda
- Highway related matters
The Highways Maintenance sheet was updated
- Bus Stops / Bus Shelters/ Bus Services
- The reduction in the bus service and the impact on parishioners
The Clerk informed the Council that the second letter to First Bus was returned by the Post Office. The Clerk asked Mrs Avril England (B&NES Public Transport Officer) for a contact, she provided Mr Richard Lewis (First Bus based in Bristol). The Clerk resent the letter to Mr Lewis. The Clerk emailed Mr Tim Warren (B&NES Leader of the Council) to say that the Council had not received a reply from Councillor Tony Clarke. Mr Warren replied apologising on his behalf saying it was not like him and that he is busy. Mr Clarke replied that he cannot find a trace of the letter and that he will ask his officers to refresh his understanding of the local changes. No further response since then 26/2. The Clerk was requested to chase both First Bus and Councillor Tony Clarke and copy in District Councillor Les Kew and Mr L Salvidge.
- Youth Service Matters
No news
- B&NES Placemaking Plans – New Local Plan
The Clerk received notification of a briefing on plan-making in B&NES on 3rd March 2017 and forwarded to the Councillors. Mr P Savage attended and provided feedback for the Council. Mr L Kew provided feedback on HELAA (Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment). The Council will
need to form a small working group to give B&NES factual comments on the HELAA sites. To be put on the agenda.
- Footpath Matters
- Footpath Sign off Greyfield Road leading to Greyfield Wood needs replacing
Mr S Skelhorn informed the Council that this is in hand.
- Footpath CL 6/40 Vehicles travelling fast along newly tarmacked track to Greyfield Woods
Mr L Sheen informed the Council that he will be meeting with the Woodland Trust and Mrs Sheila Petherbridge (B&NES Public Footpath Officer) to discuss the problem. The occupant from Greyfield Wood Cottage would like it known that they are residents and are extremely careful as to how they negotiate the speed of the lane to their dwelling.
- Footpath CL 11/24 Motorcycles riding along footpath by passing through keyhole stile
Mr L Salvidge will meet up with Mrs S Petherbridge and Mr L Sheen to discuss the above problem
- Methodist Church – Update Review
- Grant Application
The Council discussed the above request. Mr L Sheen agreed to speak to Mr S Walker (High Littleton Scout Group Leader) to ask him to write to the Council requesting a grant application. The Clerk asked Mrs D White (ALCA) about grants available for above. Mrs White replied that Quartet assist with grant funding. The Clerk informed Mr P Wyatt so he may pass this information to Mr Simon Walker.
- Neighbourhood Plans/Parish Plans
- A suggestion for a Village “parkie” for the Parish
The Parish Council discussed the above suggestion by Mrs K George. Mr P Savage will speak to the Mrs George and explain why the Council will not follow up this suggestion.
Mr Savage provided the Council with feedback of the Steering Group meeting held on the 19th February 2017. The Neighbourhood Plan is making excellent progress and has been going for 5 months. The Steering Group is awaiting the results of a Landscape Assessment. The Council wish to thank all those on the Steering Group and parishioners for their input.
- New website search for Parish Council
The Clerk wrote to Mr Simon Conway to inform him that the Council agree to him creating a new website for the Parish Council. The Clerk received an email from Mrs Caroline Hancock (Operations Director for B2 Creative) stating that Burfield Creative (Webhosts for the Council’s website) closed down in October 2016. The Creative Designer Mr Jon Bolton has continued to work with a majority of the clients under a new name B2 Creative. Mrs Hancock said that the website on the Burfields server will be closed down in week. The Clerk visited Mr J Bolton to establish what was happening. The Clerk informed Mr Bolton that Mr Conway will be creating a new website for the Council and she would ask him to contact Mr Bolton. The Clerk informed Mr Conway of the situation. Mr Conway emailed the Clerk to say that he had tried to email B2 Creative, but has yet to have a response.
- Defibrillator
The Clerk asked District Councillor Les Kew who purchased the High Littleton defibrillator. Mr Kew replied the defibrillator was supplied through B&NES but donated by him as part of his Ward Councillor’s Initiative Fund. Mr P Wyatt discussed with Mrs Diane Emery, the possibility of a defibrillator placed at the old Post Office in Hallatrow. Mr L Kew discussed looking into supplying a defibrillator with his next Ward Councillor’s Initiative Fund. The Council discussed the need of training.
- Parishioners question of the status of the Community Speed Watch
Mr S Skelhorn informed the Council that PC Peard will discuss with the Council when he next attends a Parish Council meeting
- ALCA – Councillors training
The Clerk has asked Farmborough, Clutton, Cameley and Farrington Gurney Parish Councils if they are interested in attending a “Good Councillors Course” at High Littleton. The Clerk has received positive responses. One Council suggested asking Priston Parish Council. The Clerk suggests holding this in June after the busy period of April and May.
- Councillor Vacancy
The Clerk informed Mrs Maria Lucus (B&NES Head of Legal and Democratic and Monitoring Services) of the resignation of Mr R Hitchens. The Clerk received a copy of the notice of vacancy, which went on display on the notice boards and website on Monday 27th February 2017. The Council will be contacted on Monday 20th March 2017 to let us know whether B&NES have received any requests for an election.
The Clerk informed the Council that she has received an interest in the vacancy from Mr Simon Gould from Hallatrow.
- Review Internal Auditor
The Parish Council’s Internal Auditor is Mr Kevin Rose (IAC). The Clerk informed the Council that she believes that Mr Rose is an excellent auditor that has served the Council well in the last 3 to 4 years. The Clerk recommends that the Council ask Mr Rose to undertake the work. The Council agreed that the Clerk should ask Mr Rose if he will undertake the Internal Audit for the Accounting Year 2016/2017
Reports from Representatives
Allotments
Reminders for rent for 2017/2018 have been sent out. Mr P Wyatt informed the Council that the Mr Charlton only wishes to rent half of his allotment plot. Mr Maule’s sister telephoned the Clerk to say that Mr Maule no longer wishes to rent his half of an allotment plot. There are 2 halves available to rent. The Clerk to ask those on the waiting list to see if they are interested.
Recreation Ground
Mr J Petchey provided the Council with a verbal report.
Police and Neighbourhood Watch
Mr S Skelhorn provided the Council with the latest crime report from PC Peard
School Governors
Nothing to report
Grass and Cemetery
The Clerk informed Primrose Garden Maintenance that the Council has agreed to their quotation for a three year contract. Primrose Garden Maintenance will send their renewed copy of their insurance cover when received.
Parish Magazine “News and Views”
No news
Greyfield Wood
- Litter bin request for edge of Greyfield wood and re-siting bin at Gas box Greyfield Road
Mr S Skelhorn is waiting for a telephone call from B&NES Waste Management Officer to discuss the above.
Street Cleansing Update
The Clerk informed Mr Wayne Bridges (WJB Contractors) that the Council agree to WJB sweeping/cleansing the parish in June 2017 for the cost £5000 and sent him a renewed contract. Mr Bridges replied he was happy with the renewed contract.
The Clerk asked Mr Monty Meerholz (B&NES Operations Manager – Cleansing) if B&NES would spray the weeds in May and mentioned that the previous substance used was either ineffective or the weed spraying was done just before it rained. Mr Meerholz replied that they are looking at new contractors and will let us know of the dates they are visiting High Littleton.
Parish Liaison Meeting
The Clerk forwarded the minutes of the last meeting to the Councillors. Mrs Rosemary Naish (Clutton Chairman) sent the Clerk an update of the last meeting. Forwarded to the Councillors
Items of interest from District Councillor:
Mr L Kew informed the Council that residents will soon receive a letter explaining the two weekly rubbish collection
Mr Kew informed the Council that the election for a Mayor for the West of England Combined Authority will be held on the 4th May 2017
Correspondence for Action:
None
Financial
- Receipt of £1387.50. The High Littleton Parish Council share of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) generated by the development at Timsbury Road. Ref:- 16/00566/FUL.
The Clerk informed Mr La Vardera (B&NES Operations and Business Development Officer) that the Council wish to spend the CIL money on a defibrillator. Mr La Vardera said that the Council need to show plainly on the website how much money the Council received and what it spent it on
- Grants for financial year just ending
The Parish Council discussed what the Council has spent on grants in 2016/2017. The Clerk informed the Council that she has received requests from Mary Jones Trust for £200; Midsomer Norton and Radstock Dial-a-ride for £175; Cam Valley Arts Trail for £100. Mr P Wyatt declared an interest in the request from the Mary Jones Charity as he is a Trustee. Mr L Salvidge proposed that the Council agree to the grant requests from Mary Jones Trust for £200; Midsomer Norton and Radstock Dial-a-ride for £175; Cam Valley Arts Trail for £100.This was seconded by Mr N Pollett and carried unanimously. The High Littleton School requested a grant of no specified amount for repair for the repair and regeneration of the School Playground. Mr P Wyatt declared an interest as he is a School Governor. The Council were informed that the School will submit a new grant request
For Payment:
The following cheques were approved for payment March 2017:–
| Cheque 926 | To Pauline Young | |
| Clerk’s pay February 17 | 964.33 | |
| Less February 17 NI Contribution
Less February 17 Pension Contribution |
(35.04)
(3.83) |
|
| Net Total | 925.46 | |
| Travel for February 17 | 33.75 | |
| Total | 959.21 | |
| Cheque 927 | Post Office Ltd | |
| Employer’s and Employee’s February 17 NI | 74.78 | |
| Cheque 928 | E.ON – Electric for February 17 | 44.73 |
| Cheque 929 | M Stevens – Rec Ground Maintenance Feb 17 | 114.58 |
| Cheque 930 | Fosseway Press – Printing News and Views | 317.65 |
| Cheque 931 | Trenjory Designs – Editing News and Views | 187.50 |
| Cheque 932 | S Manley – Distributing – News and Views | 140.00 |
| Cheque 933 | Recreation Ground Committee – 33% to maintenance | 137.87 |
| Cheque 934 | E.ON – Christmas Electric | 24.77 |
| Cheque 935 | B&NES – Curo’s contribution to High Street Bus Shelter | 2500.00 |
| Cheque 936 | Somer 2000 – Dressing 2 x Christmas trees | 542.33 |
| Cheque 937 | P Young – Stationery and gift to ex-councillor | 19.44 |
| Cheque 938 | B&NES – Allotment rent | 1.00 |
| Total | 5,063.86 |
Matters Chairman considers Urgent
Mr L Salvidge received a request for a Memorial bench from Mrs Edwina Wilks which she said she will pay for and she would like in installed in Rotcombe Lane. The Council agreed to look into this request. To be added to the agenda.
Items for Next Meeting
Annual Risk Review
Exchange of Parish Council Data back up on Cruzer Blade Exchange
The latest backup was given to the Chairman
Date of Next Meeting
Tuesday 11th April 2017
Chairman Clerk