Hardington Mandeville

The Minutes of the previous meeting (July 2007)

MINUTES OF MEETING OF HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 21st AUGUST 2007 AT 7.30PM AT THE VILLAGE HALL
Members were reminded that the Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions - Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status & any disability); Crime & Disorder, Health & Safety and Human Rights. Diane Howes, Parish Clerk

PRESENT

Peter Bysouth, Robin Carpenter, Kevin Margetts, Malcolm White and Rob Lloyd.

IN ATTENDANCE

Diane Howes (Clerk), Hannah Lefeuvre (District Councillor), Shaun Travers, (Boon Brown Architects), Mr and Mrs Brown and 3 members of public.

Before the meeting commenced a presentation was given by Shaun Travers and Clive Brown on the planning application (item 6) at Merry Moles, East Coker. Councillors were given copies of the Statement in support of the application and shown a mock up photograph of how the proposal would look when built. It was explained that although the proposal is larger than the existing house it cannot be said that it is taking away affordable housing as the existing is already a 5 bedroom property. There will be no additional traffic and the site is relatively isolated. The design is contemporary and has been assessed by Adran Duckworth, Conservation Manager of SSDC Planning and his report, in support, was circulated to Councillors. Mr Brown then went through the plans of the property which will stand on the 5 acre site. The existing entrance to the East will be closed off and the West entrance used. The main building, apart from some natural cut hamstone walls the main building will be timber framed. Solar panels and many other eco friendly features are included in the design.

Robin Carpenter asked if there were plans for any security fencing to the lane on the North boundary. Mr Brown confirmed that a dry stone wall was planned here, thus preserving views to the South from the lane. Robin Carpenter also asked if the high power electric fence by the pond would be removed. Mr Brown confirmed it would.

Rob Lloyd said that the areas of hamstone in the photo looked quite white. It was explained that this was sawn hamstone which would weather down in time.

Kevin Margetts asked for the comments from East Coker Parish Council. Shaun Travers said that they had questioned the curtilage of the garden. There is a statutory declaration in existence. The angle of the house had been changed to reflect the angle of the sun. The boundary wall will be max 1.5m high. East Coker PC was reasonably satisfied with the overall size of this application.

Peter Bysouth asked if this application was more than 15% of the original property. This is an application for an exemplar dwelling which has a different criteria and has no restrictions on size. Peter Bysouth pointed out that when a Parish Council makes a decision on an application they always try to take into consideration planning laws. Peter Bysouth also asked if the application should be considered on whether it is detrimental to the area and there are other material considerations which the Planning Office should take into consideration.

Robin Carpenter questioned whether the property was originally an agricultural building, but it was confirmed that this is not.

Mr Southwell expressed concern that the bank along the lane would be damaged during construction work. Mr Brown gave an undertaking that any damage would be rectified.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
   David Beckley, Bill Turner, Cathy Bakewell (County Councillor) and Lesley Boucher (District Councillor).
2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 17th JULY 2007 (Already Circulated). The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record record.
3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
   
   1. Declaration of Interest Forms had been received and sent to SSDC from all Councillors except Bill Turner. Councillors also completed Appendix A form for Declarations of Interest since adoption of the new Code of conduct. The Clerk will contact Bill Turner on his return from holiday.
   2. There were no declarations of interest relating to this meeting.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
   1. Parish Website. Peter Bysouth suggested the possibility of a forum. This was discussed and Robin Carpenter suggested a trial period. Brian Dodd would monitor. Brian Dodd will look into this and report back. There are now several adverts on the site and links to other sites. The Clerk had received an email from Barb Campbell in Canada who had seen the website and was tracing relatives in Hardington. The Clerk will contact Desmond Danes to see if he can help her and also pass her email to the Messenger.
   2. Parish Plan. Peter Bysouth reported that the questionnaire has been finalised and will be trialled with a few people over the next couple of weeks.
   3. Cardboard Recycling. The Clerk had spoken to Martock Waste Paper who confirmed that there is only one size of skip they use for the project considered. As this is far too large the scheme cannot go ahead. The Clerk had not therefore contacted South Petherton or Dowlish Wake Parish Councils.
   4. Tree Planting. No further news.
   5. Parish Projects. No news.
   6. Robin Carpenter expressed concern that nothing had been done about the tree which had fallen across Dwelley Bridge. There is now a significant crack to the bridge. The highways authority do not consider it a high priority. Clerk to contact Cathy Bakewell to see if she can get anything done.
5. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
   Hannah Lefeuvre (District Councillor) reported as follows:
   The Government revised Code of Conduct is now in force. All parishes should have received a copy of the Statement of Community Involvement. The scheme will mean more involvement of local communities and interested parties in planning applications.
   Parishes will shortly be receiving information on the Frontline Councillor Community Grants Scheme which is a one-year pilot scheme for grants of £250 - £2500.
   A request for grant funding of £3554 for a new roof to the village hall was approved. There is still over £25,000 unallocated funds for Area Community Grants in the 2007/08 financial year.
   A Consultation report for off-street parking provision for recent town centre developments had taken place following the Government regulations to achieve lower levels of residential parking. This survey found that generally the allotted parking did not cater for all residents’ needs. SCC has submitted a proposal to the Big Lottery to link up more than 20 water projects across the County.
   A decision on whether the Waterlinks Project reaches the televised vote is expected in October.
   All 6 Councils (Districts and County) have agreed to join in a partnership to manage waste across the county. The joint collection was awarded to ECT who already have the recycling project. A pilot scheme in select areas will start on kerbside plastic and cardboard recycling. A decision will be made in late autumn on whether to go ahead with the Yeovil Sports Zone.
6. PLANNING MATTERS
   1. 07/02202/FUL Demolition of existing and erection of one dwelling at Merry Moles, Primrose Hill, East Coker.
      Peter Bysouth questioned whether it is of an exceptional design. If so then the 15% extra is accepted. Robin Carpenter felt the proposal was an improvement of what is there at the moment. He felt it would not impinge on anyone and could only be seen from the South and South West. He was pleased that there will not be a high security wall to the North. Peter Bysouth felt the design looked like a corporate building and was not suitable for this area. Kevin Margetts was not happy with the design. He liked the eco friendly features. Rob Lloyd felt it may not look so attractive in the winter when there a no leaves on the trees or if the trees were taken down. Malcolm White pointed out that the focus of the photos of the existing dwelling showed no trees and looked quite different. Rob Lloyd queried the stone to be used. It was confirmed that it will be newly cut natural hamstone which will weather down. Rob Lloyd asked if there could be a condition to retain the trees. He would like to see a tree preservation order attached to any planning consent. After a vote of 3:2 it was agreed not to object to this application but suggest a tree preservation order put on to protect the existing landscape.
   2. Results of previous applications. There were no results of previous applications.
   3. There were no further planning applications.
7. FOOTPATHS
   1. The Clerk had received an email confirming that repairs to the railings on the footpath from the Post Office to Moor Lane had been requested as urgent.
   2. Robin Carpenter will put an article in the Messenger about dogs fouling in the village.
8. HIGHWAYS
   1. An email had been received (the writer wished to remain anonymous) expressing concern that farm vehicles were being overfilled with manure. The writer had been following such a vehicle and his car and he had been splashed with manure. It was agreed that the Clerk would write to all farmers in the village reporting the complaint and asking that slurry trailers are not overfilled. Clerk to reply to original email.
   2. No potholes have been repaired.
   3. The drains in Wimborough Lane have been cleaned out.
   4. Repairs to the manholes opposite the Church have been completed.
   5. Mr Leach had asked if the drain to the East of his entrance in Moor Lane could be curbed. Clerk to contact the Highway Authority.
   6. A letter had been received from the Highway Authority that Penn Lane will be closed between Hill View and Penn Cottage on 18th September for work to be carried out by the Water Board. Clerk to mention in the Messenger.
9. PARISH LENGTHSMAN SCHEME
   1. The Clerk had received no contact from Elaine Peters.
   2. On his next visit the Lengthsman will be asked to carry out the following work:
      • Strim around kiosk and notice board opposite the Mandeville Arms.
      • Cut back the brambles and hedge around the notice board at Hardington Moor.
      • The stiles on the footpath next to The Moorings need a 2nd step constructed. The owner of the North stile is Malcolm White and the South stile is Mrs Audrey Marsh.
      • Strim back around junctions.
      • Clean off the finger signpost by the Old Rectory and the Hardington Mandeville sign by the tyre.
   3. The next meeting of the Lengthsman scheme will be on 15th January 2008. Clerk to contact Roy Hodder giving apologies and explaining that there is a Parish Council meeting that evening. The minutes of the meeting held on 12th June were circulated.
10. RISK MANAGEMENT
    1. Clerk's Contract. Peter Bysouth circulated the existing contract with suggested amendments. He explained that a separate meeting is needed to discuss this and finalise. Date to be confirmed.
    2. Emergency Plan. Peter Bysouth had prepared an article for the Messenger asking for volunteers.
11. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
    1. Peter Bysouth had spoken to Peter Smith and he is agreeable to help to draw up a draft plan. Gordon Rendell is happy for this to happen. Peter Smith would look to come to the next Parish Council meeting.
    2. Felix Marsh will arrange a visit with the Planning Officer and notify a date and time. Clerk had discussed financial implications with him and received further information which was passed to Peter Bysouth.
12. FINANCE
    1. A cheque was raised in the sum of £141 payable to Moore Stephens for the audit.
    2. A cheque was raised for £57.78 payable to Mr J Chadwick for reimbursement of expenses for the Parish Plan.
    3. Details of small grants available from SCC had been received and Peter Bysouth offered to photocopy this.
    4. The Clerk confirmed that she had worked 18 ¼ hrs in the previous month.
13. CORRESPONDENCE
    
    1. Email from Jay Lewin advertising grants for young people and asking if young people are involved in decision making in the Parish. Clerk to reply stating that they were involved in the Parish Plan but not in the Parish Council.
       A letter had been received from Mr G Penn stating that BT intend to bury their overhead cables in Bishops Lane. Mr Penn is concerned that this will involve a lot of work and cost. Clerk to write to BT asking what they are planning and also to Western Power asking if their cables could be put underground at the same time. Clerk to reply to Mr Penn.
       SALC had written with details of proposed changes to planning regulations which would reduce consultation time. Peter Bysouth had written with his comments.
       An invitation had been received to the AGM of SALC on 11th September.
       Information had been received from SSDC on licensing regulations. Clerk to write to premises owners giving the website link or suggesting they contact the Clerk for details.
       The Community Contact vehicle is looking for venues. Clerk to advertise in the Messenger.
       Details of Somerset Heritage Roadshow on 13th October had been received. Clerk to advertise in the Messenger.
    2. All other correspondence was circulated.
14. MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
    1. There were no items.
15. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING & CLOSURE
    There being no other business the meeting ended at 10.05pm. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 18th September 2007 at 7.30 pm.