Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 13th June, 2005 at 7.00 pm in the Community Centre.
1. PRESENT
D Luxton (Chairman), B Collingridge (Vice-Chairman), P Langdon, T Hill, B Whitman, C Bramall, T Parker, H Farrington, R Matcham, P Parker, Ms B Boyland, Ms L Bedding, Ms M Prior, and R N V Hewitt (Clerk)
2. APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Peter Berman, Ralph Matcham (left early to attend 10 Radio meeting), Colin Cridland, Mrs Mary Whitmarsh, and Mrs Sara Fairfax.
3. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 9th May having been circulated were agreed as a correct record.
4. MATTERS ARISING
Change of Address – The Clerk reported that the Parish Council address will shortly be changing as he is working less from the office and Parish Council post would be directed to the Clerk's home address so that he could check it daily. This was agreed by the Parish Council.
Refuse Collection – The Clerk read a letter from the Community Office confirming that Mr Howard, a resident at 8 London House, had complained about the amount of rubbish being put out early by residents outside the Community Centre. This led to some discussion because the Clerk had previously written to residents in the area raising this issue, and had received a number of complaints that the matter should be raised. It was agreed that the Clerk would refer the matter to the London House management committee's representative, Miss S J Sargent at 3 London House.
Street Names – The Clerk read an email from John Herrington at Taunton Deane querying the lack of street names in the Square area. The Parish Council recognise that North Street, High Street, and West Street were not named and it was agreed that the Clerk would ask whether Taunton Deane could fund such nameplates.
County Councillor – The Clerk read an email from Caroline Smeaton giving her apologies and confirming that she was pressing various matters which were raised at the Annual Parish Meeting.
Dog Waste Bins – The Clerk confirmed that Allscan were no longer able to empty the dog waste bins in the town and that the function had been taken over by Taunton Deane Borough Council, and this would include the Golden Hill waste bin which would still be chargeable to the Parish Council.
TDBC Maintenance Grants – The Clerk reported that he had received the usual maintenance grant application forms in respect of playing fields and burial grounds and it was agreed that this would be forwarded to Dixon Luxton and Bryn Wilson for completion.
Langley Marsh Street Lighting – The Clerk read a letter from Sue Hansford at Somerset County Council Environment Department confirming that a full scale survey would be undertaken in due course in respect of the road lighting out towards Langley Marsh.
Highway Matters – The Clerk read a letter from Dennis Quick confirming that the overgrown hedge at Style Road will shortly be cut and the damaged wall at Ford is on the highways list of outstanding repair work. Allianz Cornhill – The Clerk reported that the additional premium in respect of cover for libel and slander would amount to £49.88 per annum. It was agreed that the Clerk should go ahead with this.
BT – The Clerk reported that he had received a consultation from BT in respect of changing the telephone boxes at Plain Pond and Church Street to cashless telephone kiosks, and it was agreed that the Parish Council should object to this course of action on the grounds that elderly residents and some occupiers of sheltered housing may not have access to credit cards.
Croft Way Car Park – The Clerk read a letter from Jonathan Pallett at Taunton Deane Borough Council confirming that the long term parking and maintaining of vehicles at the Croft Way Car Park is prohibited and that he will be continuing to monitor the matter.
Wiveliscombe Notice Board – The Clerk reported that now the planning permission had been granted for the new notice board and funds had been secured the Parish Council were in a position to proceed to order the construction of the notice board, and this course of action was agreed.
5. PLANNING
The Clerk reported that TDBC had approved the following applications:-
49/2005/012 15 Golden Hill, Wiveliscombe: Erection of first floor extension to rear as amended by agent's letter dated 7/4/05.
49/2004/013 Lister House Surgery, Bollams Mead, Wiveliscombe: Change of use of land to site portacabin to be used as Manager's office.
49/2005/016 Fleed Farm, Wiveliscombe: Alteration to existing barn conversion and creation of 2 self contained dwellings from existing barns with associated garages as amended by plans received 3/5/05.
49/2005/017 Linden House, Langley Marsh: Erection of first floor and ground floor extension.
49/2005/020 Hartswell House, Wiveliscombe: Erection of dwelling as amended by agent's letter dated 10/5/05.
49/2005/021 The Three Horseshoes Public House, Langley Marsh: Erection of detached dwelling (re-submission of 49/2004/065).
The following approvals were received post agenda:-
49/2005/023 Greenbury, Church Street, Wiveliscombe: Extension to garage.
49/2005/024 The Square, Wiveliscombe: Erection of three sided display board to replace existing display board.
Applications received:-
49/2004/067 The Manse, Ford Road, Wiveliscombe: Revised plan and comments. The Chairman explained that this revised application had been submitted at very short notice and he had met with the Clerk and one other Parish Councillor in order to make a response within the time period specified by Taunton Deane. The Clerk read the response that had been sent to Taunton Deane which was agreed by the Parish Council, and confirmed that the matter was now to be heard by the Planning Committee on 15th June 2005. Much discussion followed and Peter Parker informed the meeting that he would be attending along with the local residents.
Kingsmead Community School, Wiveliscombe: Demolition and relocation of existing temporary classrooms and siting of new temporary building for 39 weeks from August 2005 - Approved.
49/2005/025LB Ford Lodge, Ford: Installation of new doors, concrete floor and internal openings at the stables – No comment.
49/2005/026 1 Queens Terrace, Church Street, Wiveliscombe: Erection of store/playroom at rear – It was noted that work had already commenced on site.
49/2005/027 Kingsmead Community School, Wiveliscombe: Construction of a new block to accommodate 7 classrooms and an IT suite - Approved.
49/2005/028 44 Nordens Meadow, Wiveliscombe: Erection of uPVC conservatory – No comment.
49/2005/029LB Wiveliscombe Primary School, North Street, Wiveliscombe: Form opening in boundary wall to provide access to new school car park – The Parish Council strongly support the application and it was noted that the section of wall being removed is not original and was recently re-built.
The following applications were received post agenda:-
49/2005/033 9 Lion D'Angers, Wiveliscombe: Retention of conservatory – No comment.
49/2005/032 7 Kingsmead Close, Wiveliscombe: Erection of two storey extension – No comment.
49/2005/031 Pulsford Lodge, North Street, Wiveliscombe: Erection of two storey and single storey extensions: The Parish Council wish to strongly support the application.
6. CORRESPONDENCE
TDBC Road Naming – The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from M Nicholls at Taunton Deane Borough Council querying the name of Weare Lane, it was agreed that the Clerk would advise him accordingly. RHT Developments – The Clerk read a letter from Rebecca Beaumont in connection with allocating a shared ownership property at 11 Bishops Green. A brief discussion followed on the merits of the applicants and it was decided to leave the final decision to the interviewers. Vitalise – The Clerk read a letter from Vitalise (formerly known as The Winged Fellowship Trust) who provide essential breaks for disabled people and carers, requesting grant assistance. It was agreed that the Clerk would refer them to the annual precept grant application period. Boundary Committee – The Clerk reported that he had received details from the Boundary Committee for England and a letter from David Grieg, the Parish Liaison Officer at Taunton Deane Borough Council, setting out the outline of the forthcoming review. It was noted that the Parish Liaison Officer would be keeping local councils informed. Clerks and Councils Direct – The Clerk reported that this monthly newssheet was now due for renewal and it was agreed that the Parish Council would not subscribe.
7. PCSO'S REPORT
Unfortunately none of the PCSO's were able to attend the meeting.
8. ACCOUNTS
The most recent bank statement was endorsed as an original copy.
The following accounts were approved for payment:-
R M Taylor (Jubilee Gardens) £205.63 Wiveliscombe Primary School (Hire of hall) £22.50 Clerk's salary and expenses £836.38
9. WIVELISCOMBE AREA PARTNERSHIP REPORT
Brian Collingridge reported that the Wiveliscombe Specialist Shops and Amenities Guide had now been released and circulated with The Messenger. Construction on the Primary School site of the new bungalows had started, and an archaeological survey had recently been completed. A great deal of heavy clay had been found on site.
10. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
John Bone reported that he was pressing the Co-op regarding the Town Hall but progress was slow.
11. MATTERS OF REPORT
Councillor Tony Hill mentioned that he was concerned about the condition of the slides at the recreation ground childrens' play area which he felt were unsafe due to insufficient sand at the bottom of the slide. Peter Parker agreed to look at this and confirmed that as funding had now been secured for the renewal of playground equipment this will shortly be upgraded.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.10 pm.
