Minutesof the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 8th August 2005 at 7.00 pm in the Community Centre.
1.PRESENT
D Luxton (Chairman), B Collingridge (Vice-Chairman), Sir H Farrington, R Matcham, P Parker, P Langdon, T Hill, P Berman, B Whitman, B Wilson, Mesdames M Whitmarsh, B Boyland, L Bedding, M Prior and S Fairfax, R N V Hewitt (Clerk) and CPSO Julian Morant.
2.APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from T Parker and C Cridland.
3.MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 11th July having been circulated were agreed as a correct record subject to one manuscript amendment.
4.MATTERS ARISING
Allotments - Bryn Wilson gave an overview on the allotment sub-committee's report (copy attached to the minutes) and the proposals detailed in the report were discussed. Peter Berman proposed that the Parish Council adopt the sub-committee's recommendations and this was seconded by Ralph Matcham and apart from Bill Whitman who abstained from voting the proposal was agreed unanimously.
Website - The Chairman pointed out that the website belongs to and is funded by the Parish Council and invited Brian Collingridge to speak on behalf of the website sub-committee. Brian Collingridge confirmed that the sub-committee had met with Dave Meehan to see if it could make the website more user friendly and easy to update. He hoped that other neighbouring country parishes would participate in using the website but may have to contribute financially and this was to be discussed at the forthcoming parishes meeting on 7th September, to be held at Appley Pavilion. The sub-committee were hopeful that a grant would be received from West Somerset Free Press. Peter Parker felt that those who benefit from the website should contribute towards the running costs. The Chairman said that the Parish Council must be fully consulted particularly before matters are reported in the press. The Clerk pointed out that the Parish Council would in the near future have to formulate some form of policy on the charges to be made and to whom they should apply. Bryn Wilson said that as the Parish Council finance the website it should be fully consulted but given this was a new venture the sub-committee should be encouraged to develop the website. Peter Berman felt that outside organisations and councils should pay something towards the running costs. Brian Collingridge agreed that as a number of Councillors had not seen the current version of the website (which is still being developed) a presentation should take place at the next meeting. Bryn Wilson formally proposed that the Parish Council should give the sub-committee full backing and support but the sub-committee should report back to the Parish Council on a more regular basis. The proposal was seconded by Peter Berman and agreed unanimously.
Kingsmead Community School - A meeting will be held to discuss road safety issues on 20th September at 2.45pm, and the matter can be discussed at the next meeting.
Dennis Quick Highway Matters - The Clerk read an email from Dennis Quick confirming that various matters reported by Parish Councillors would receive attention in due course. Further to the Parish Council's request that a 'Children at Play' sign be erected in Old Brewery Road Dennis Quick confirmed that the Highway Authority would not place a sign on the public highway. It was agreed that the Clerk would reply reminding Dennis Quick that the Scout Hut is heavily used by young people and to ask him to reconsider. Surface water collection at times of heavy rainfall in Ford Road was mentioned, and it was agreed that the Clerk would ask Dennis Quick for further information regarding the proposal to erect a pipe through the boundary wall at the old manse site to allow water to discharge along the ditch where it had previously done so, and in particular how this pipe will be kept open in the future and how flooding of the new houses will be prevented.
West Road - The Clerk read an email from Dennis Quick confirming that the Area Technician will speak to property owners about overgrown hedges and hopefully these will be cut back in the near future.
Planning Matters - The Clerk read an email from John Hamer confirming that John Hardy, the Planning Enforcement Officer, will consider the Parish Council's request to attend one of their meetings once he is back from leave. Some discussion followed about the level of officer best placed to answer the Parish Council's planning enforcement concerns, but it was agreed that John Hardy should attend in the first instance.
10 Parishes - The Clerk read a letter from Paul Cottington confirming that a meeting would be held on 7th September at 7.30 pm at Appley Pavilion, which all Parish Councillors should attend. The meeting will be a parish forum in order that the views of Parish Councils can be aired, and to discuss the way changes in the planning system will affect local communities. There will also be a presentation on the work of the Wiveliscombe Area Partnership.
Removal of Payphones - The Clerk read a letter from BT confirming that the Parish Council's representations had been received and that the matter would be determined after the OFCOM review is completed in November.
Langley Marsh, Street Lighting - The Clerk read a letter from Somerset County Council confirming that they had now received an appropriate specification for improved street lighting from the town out to Langley Marsh, and that this will cost £8518 plus VAT. Ralph Matcham recommended that the correspondence be passed to the Chief Executive at Somerset County Council seeking clarification on how the funding could be achieved, and particularly whether Somerset County Council could contribute towards the costs. The matter would then be held pending the precept discussions later in the year.
Plain Pond - The Clerk mentioned that a resident of Plain Pond had complained about parking on the pavements causing chaos for pedestrians and parking problems. It was agreed that this would be reported to PC Mark Jones, the local beat officer.
Family Centre Project - The Clerk mentioned that Brian Collingridge had requested that the Family Centre be placed on the agenda for discussion, and Brian Collingridge went on to explain that he had produced a paper which he had hoped would be circulated with the agenda. As the Clerk had not received the paper from Brian Collingridge it was agreed that this would be circulated so that the matter could be discussed at the next meeting.
5.PLANNING
The Clerk reported that TDBC had approved the following applications:-
49/2005/028 44 Nordens Meadow, Wiveliscombe: Erection of uPVC conservatory
49/2005/029LB Wiveliscombe Primary School, North Street, Wiveliscombe: Form opening in boundary wall to provide access to new school car park
49/2005/031 Pulsford Lodge, North Street, Wiveliscombe: Erection of two storey and single storey extensions
49/2005/032 7 Kingsmead Close, Wiveliscombe: Erection of two storey extension
49/2005/033 9 Lion D'Angers, Wiveliscombe: Retention of conservatory
49/2005/034 Uphams Farm, Langley Cross, Wiveliscombe: Erection of sun room
Applications received:-
49/2005/041 19 Silver Street, Wiveliscombe: Conversion of barn to form studio annexe and formation of roof terrace (as amended by letter dated 12th July 2005 and accompanying plans). The Parish Council had no comment to make and noted that the main alteration was to install obscured glass in order to protect the privacy of neighbouring properties.
49/2005/043 Rear of the former Wilscombe Melamine Building, Ford Road, Wiveliscombe (Renewal): Erection of extension to factory. It was agreed that the Parish Council would reiterate their previous comments, particularly highlighting their concern over potential noise pollution.
49/2005/044 9 The Square, Wiveliscombe: Change of use of hairdressers to library. The Parish Council supported the application but some Councillors could not understand why the library wanted to re-locate to similar premises, which were available at a relatively high rent and in need of substantial repairs. It was agreed that the Clerk would write to the Chief Librarian at Somerset County Council querying these matters.
49/2005/045T Culverhead Lodge, Wiveliscombe: Notification to fell trees within Wiveliscombe Conservation Area. It was agreed that Bill Whitman would arrange to look at the trees concerned and would contact the Clerk if there was any cause for concern.
49/2005/046 21 Spring Gardens, Wiveliscombe: Erection of conservatory. The Parish Council had no observations to make on this application.
49/2005/047 28 West Street, Wiveliscombe: Conversion of space over garage and store to form living accommodation. Councillor Tony Hill declared an interest in this application and left the room at 8.05 pm. After some discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would object to this application which, if it went ahead, would cause loss of privacy for the adjoining properties. The proposed veranda would, in particular, enable the adjoining properties to be overlooked.
49/2005/048 Land at Hillsmoor, Wiveliscombe: Erection of industrial units for the production and assembly of powerwashers (use classes B1, B2 and B8) including office and staff accommodation, car parking and attenuation pond. The Parish Council welcomed this application and agreed to support it due to the economic benefits it would bring to the town.
The Clerk reported that the following items had been received since the agenda was circulated:-
49/2005/035 The Paddocks, Ford Road, Wiveliscombe - Erection of extensions to dwelling and construction of garage/studio to replace existing garage - The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from Taunton Deane Development Control confirming that the application had now been withdrawn. Mr Ridley, the applicant, was at the meeting and made it clear that he wanted to speak on the matter and the Chairman asked him to wait until the appropriate time.
49/2005/049 18A West Street, Wiveliscombe: Retention of annexe - The Clerk reported that this application was to retain the barn conversion at the rear of the property which had been converted with planning permission but subject to a condition linking its use with 18A West Street. The Parish Council supported the application.
Somerset County Council: New playground at Wiveliscombe Primary School - It was agreed that this application should be supported.
6.PUBLIC CONSULTATION
The Clerk invited members of the public to speak and Mr Ridley came forward to discuss his application for property extensions and a new garage at The Paddocks, Ford Road. Mr Ridley made it clear that he had a complaint against Brian Collingridge and how the Parish Council had dealt with his planning application at the last meeting. In connection with the latter he felt that the Parish Council should not have read the copy of Brian Collingridge's letter to Taunton Deane Borough Council and that this may have affected their attitude towards the application. Peter Berman and several other Parish Councillors expressed concern at Mr Ridley's approach and Peter Berman said that the application had been determined on its own merits. The Clerk confirmed that the Parish Council neither supported nor objected to the application but merely reported their observations to the District Authority so that they could be taken into account as appropriate. The Clerk went on to advise Mr Ridley that as he had already contacted Taunton Deane regarding the correct complaints procedure he should follow this and that it was inappropriate to discuss the matter further until it had been properly investigated, should he wish to pursue it, by the Standards Board.
7.CORRESPONDENCE
B3227 - The Clerk reported that he had received a letter from Chipstable Parish Council asking that Wiveliscombe Parish Council support their contention that overgrown trees near Yeo Farm were effecting visibility for drivers and had contributed to the recent spate of bad accidents. The Clerk confirmed that he had already written to Dennis Quick at Somerset County Council Highways and that he had received a response from Dennis Quick which was read to the Parish Council. It was agreed that this response be forwarded to Chipstable Parish Council for their information and it was noted that the matter had now been forwarded to the Local Safety Scheme Team for their attention and the Parish Council will await their comments with interest. Various other areas of roads where visibility is poor were reported to the Clerk and these will be referred to Dennis Quick for investigation by the road safety team.
Community Office - The Clerk read a letter from Councillor John Bone inviting Parish Councillors to a 'drop in' coffee morning at the Community Office to hear about plans for the future which will be held between 10.00 and 12.00 pm on Friday 14th October.
Hedge Cutting - The Clerk read an email from John Brannam complaining about the late hedge cutting of Jews Lane, Maundown. It was agreed that the Clerk would pass this on to Dennis Quick so that the road safety team could comment on the matter.
Victim Support Somerset - The Clerk reported that he had received a request for funding from Victim Support Somerset and it was agreed that he would refer them to the precept grant procedure and advise that priority was given to local organisations.
Bishops Green - The Clerk read a letter from Rebecca Beaumont on behalf of Village Homes for Village People advising that two applications had been received for 12 Bishops Green and it was agreed that the Parish Council would leave the final decision to the interviewing officer.
North Street Sheltered Housing - The Clerk reported that he had received an email from Mike Nicholls consulting the Parish Council on the name for the new development, and it was agreed that the name to be put forward would be Tucker's Close and the email was passed to Brian Collingridge so that he could respond with all the necessary background information.
New Planning System - The Clerk reported that briefing sessions would be held by Taunton Deane on the new town and country planning system, with the nearest location being the United Reform Church in Fore Street, Wellington on 19th September. All Councillors are urged to attend and some discussion followed about the proposed changes.
New Refuse Collection Arrangements - The Clerk read a letter from Bruce Carpenter at Taunton Deane Waste Services setting out the new arrangements proposed for refuse collection involving wheelie bins etc. It was noted that a presentation will be held in the Croft Way Car Park on 16th August between 1.00 pm and 7.00 pm, and that cardboard still has to be taken to the nearest recycling centre (at Taunton or Wellington). It was agreed that the Clerk would write to Taunton Deane on this point which is wholly unsustainable.
TDBC Statement of Community Involvement - The Clerk circulated copies of the statement which is related to the changes in the planning system.
South Street Road Closure - Councillors raised this matter and it was agreed that the Clerk would write to Dennis Quick asking how local residents (south of the road closure) would have vehicular access to the town without having to be diverted via Milverton.
8.PCSO'S REPORT
PCSO Julian Morant commented that the Police were aware that vandalism and broken glass was still a problem at the Recreation Ground, and that there had indeed been two car accidents recently on the Yeo Farm bends along the B3227. Bryn Wilson mentioned that four youngsters had been caught vandalising benches at the Recreation Ground and that the Police had been called but failed to attend. The names and addresses of the young people concerned were available and it was agreed that these would be passed on to Julian Morant for further investigation.
9.WIVELISCOMBE AREA PARTNERSHIP
Brian Collingridge reported that the North Street sheltered housing development was underway with the underground drainage complete and that now the tarmaccing was also complete the concrete foundations would start to be installed. Following the housing needs survey MAGNA were looking to create a mixed development in the Allenslade area to comprise shared equity and rented housing.
10.ACCOUNTS
The most recent bank statement was endorsed as an original copy.The following account was approved for payment:-
10 Parishes Festival (Precept Grant) £620.00
11.DISTRICT COUNCILLORS REPORT
Mary Whitmarsh said that she had nothing further to add to the comments she had made as matters had arisen during the meeting.
12.MATTERS OF REPORT
Bryn Wilson reported that a food vendor was operating in the Manor lay-by, and it was agreed that the Clerk would query the licence position with Taunton Deane.
Recreation Ground - Bryn Wilson reported that vandalism was an ongoing problem with young people congregating in the summerhouse where broken glass and bottles were an ongoing problem as a result of this activity. This posed a health and safety hazard and that unless something could be done the summerhouse may have to be closed. Discussion followed and it was agreed that the Clerk would write to Taunton Deane to see if the street cleaner could include the summerhouse in his areas of responsibility.
Farmers Cleeve - Peter Langdon reported that a tree had fallen across the footpath and that this should be reported to Mike Hendy.
Jubilee Gardens - Mary Whitmarsh expressed concern about the large tree in Jubilee Gardens which is shading the garden and needs pruning. It was agreed that Parish Councillors would have a look at this during the next few weeks so that the matter could be discussed more fully at the next meeting.
10 Radio - Ralph Matcham reported that he would be involved with the 10 Radio project and on air from 4th September.
West Street Parking - Brian Collingridge reported that parking on the dropped kerb outside the butchers was still a problem, and that this also blocked the entrance to the Community Centre. The problem was particularly acute on Monday mornings and it was agreed that the Clerk would refer this to Taunton Deane Parking Services.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.15 pm.
