Hardington Mandeville

The Minutes of the previous meeting (January 2007)

MINUTES OF MEETING OF HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 20th FEBRUARY 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, Kevin Margetts, Malcolm White and Bill Turner.

IN ATTENDANCE

Diane Howes (Clerk), Cornelius (District Councillor) and 6 members of public.

Before the meeting began members of the public were given time to speak.

• Mike Bickerton said that he had spoken to the owners of the Nature Reserve about concerns which had been expressed previously about the hunt going across this land. The person he spoke to did not seem concerned but did not like the quad bike going across it. Apparently the hunt should ask for permission every few years but Mike felt that they were really not worried about this.
• Derek Ring asked what was happening about the mud put on the road by Councillors. (Kevin Margetts noted he had not put any mud on the roads). Bill Turner admitted that he was guilty on one day when clearing out slurry. The Highways Authority had said that as long as it was cleaned up at the end of the day they felt there was nothing else which could be done. Mike Bikerton felt that the tractor drivers (who were contractors) were not professional in the way they carried out the work. He also expressed concern at the way the verges were being eroded by heavy vehicles.
• Clive Wareham reported that the culvert at Benville Bridge is blocked. The Highway Authority had dug out the ditches and the stones either side have collapsed.
• Paul Richards asked to explain what was happening with his planning application and try and allay worries. He introduced Michael Trevallion his Ecological Architect. The Clerk asked if a new planning application had been submitted as the Parish Council had already discussed and sent their decision on the application for an Eco House and temporary permission for a log cabin, so there was really nothing more they could do. Paul Richards confirmed that no new applications had been submitted.
  Peter Bysouth read out the objections made by the Parish Council to the applications for the eco dwelling and log cabin. Michael Trevallion felt that many reasons for refusal given by the Council were not viable. The Bison Association recommend a dwelling near or on the site. He has no knowledge of the private information mentioned. He also stated that there are no highways objections that cannot be overcome, landscaping and planting can also be overcome. He has written to the Planning Authority with the details of the log cabin. Paul Richards stated that the log cabin is on the same footprint as the original approval. He felt that the reasons for refusal had no real basis.
  Kevin Margetts questioned the viability of the bison. Paul Richards said that although unconventional it is viable. Peter Bysouth then went through the history of the farm with Paul Richards and the various changes in farming which he had made. Paul Richards explained that his farm is bio-dynamic which is one step further than organic. He still buys calves and rears them on. He said he has been living on the site in a tepee, van and upstairs in the log cabin. Peter Bysouth asked if he would have any objection to a temporary permission for a mobile home. Paul Richards said he would not. Bill Turner said he could not understand why temporary permission for the log cabin was not renewed. Paul Richards felt it was because it had not been finished in the 3 year period. Peter Bysouth asked why the original farmhouse was sold if a house was needed. Paul Richards explained that the old farmhouse and new farm buildings did not link up so he decided to relocate.
  

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Robin Carpenter, Rob Lloyd, Cathy Bakewell (County Councillor) and Jayne Jones (District Councillor).
2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 16th JANUARY 2007 (Already Circulated). The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
3. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
   1. Parish Website. Brian Dodd asked if a decision had been made on the website going worldwide. It was agreed that this will be raised at the Annual Assembly. The Mandeville Arms would like a page on the website. There were no objections to local businesses advertising on the website. Brian Dodd suggested that it may be possible to raise a little revenue in this way.
   2. The Clerk reported that she had contacted South Somerset Homes regarding the piece of land in front of No1 St James’ Terrace and they felt there would be no objection to the Parish placing a cardboard recycling bin here. A letter had been written asking for formal permission.
   3. Malcolm White had looked at the lane from North Lane to the Ridge. He felt the condition was not too bad. It was agreed that it could be improved with stone halfway up. To be discussed at the next meeting.
4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
   There were no declarations of interest.
5. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT (By invitation)
   1. Alan Cornelius reported on the SSDC planning meeting concerning the eco house for Paul Richards. He stated that the determination was suspended because the applicant and his agent contested many points.
   2. SSDC had considered the views of Parish Councils concerning the Government White Paper - Reorganisation of Local Government Structures and instructed their Officers to submit the Two Unitary (East and West Somerset bid). The Secretary of State’s decision is expected in late March. The Annual Budget meeting of SSDC is on 22nd February.
   3. Alan gave details of proposed Council Tax rates for the Parish.
6. PLANNING MATTERS
   1. 06/04555/FUL Erection of a conservatory at 4 Broadstone Villas, High Street for Mr and Mrs Peters. Approved with conditions.
   2. 06/04173/FUL Siting of 2 gypsy mobile homes and 2 touring caravans (renewal of temporary permission 02/02623/FUL) and the erection of 2 storage sheds at Partway Lane for Mr and Mrs Small. Application withdrawn.
7. FOOTPATHS
   1. Post Office to Moor Lane. Any objections to this being adopted had now been resolved and the matter was with SCC to legalise.
8. HIGHWAYS
   1. Bill Turner said that the drains have been marked around the village but no-one knows why. Kevin Margetts will ask Tom Greaves.
   2. Malcolm White raised the question of the drain by Moor Cross. Kevin Margetts said that Tom Greaves needs to find out where exactly the problem is.
   3. There are pot holes in Penn Lane.
   4. The Chairman read an email from R Greaves concerning the work at Wimborough Lane. No action to be taken.
   5. The Chairman read a copy of a letter sent to the Highways Authority from W. Baker concerning the drain opposite Woodcott, Hardington Moor. It was agreed that the Clerk would also write to the Highway Authority supporting Mr Baker’s letter.
   6. It was noted that the drains on the bend from Primrose Cottage to Woodcott had been cleared by Bill Turner.
9. PARISH LENGTHSMAN SCHEME
   1. The Chairman read an email from Elaine Peters and also Richard Thorne reporting on the work carried out. It was agreed that the Clerk would contact Roy Hodder asking for a timesheet each month from the Lengthsman.
   2. The Lengthsman would be asked to carry out the following on his next visit:
      Clear up around the bridge in Lyatts.
      Clear slabs around the noticeboard opposite the Mandeville Arms.
      Put hardcore down in front of the noticeboard at Hardington Marsh.
      Put hardcore down at the kissing gate at entrance to the Conservation field. (Malcolm White could supply hardcore.)
10. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
    An email had been received from Felix Marsh stating that he would be discussing needs of the Parish with Lynne Axford and Anne Harries and that he would be attending the launch of the Parish Plan on 28th February.
11. RISK MANAGEMENT
    1. The Clerk had now obtained 3 quotations for a new oil tank to the village hall. These were Vic White £1500 + VAT; Brian Paulley £1300 + VAT and Darch Oil £1418 + VAT. It was agreed to accept the quotation of Brian Paulley subject to approval by the Village Hall Committee. Clerk to contact Andrew Middleton.
    2. The Village Hall committee have completed an application form for approval under the Gaming Act 1968.
12. FINANCE
    1. The comparison of figures for 2006/2007 was circulated.
    2. The Clerk confirmed hours worked in the previous month as 16.5 hours.
13. PARISH PLAN
    
    1. The Clerk confirmed that she had now been passed the cheque for the grant and this had been banked.
    2. The launch of the Parish Plan is on 28th February from 4pm - 8pm. Representatives from Parish Council were needed. Peter Bysouth would do the early part. Bill Turner offered to be there from 6.30pm. Peter Bysouth asked for forms and guides for being a Parish Councillor and also a copy of the accounts.
14. CORRESPONDENCE
    Notification had been received that the Community Chest is offering grants of up to 50% up to a total of £750 for village projects. Clerk to complete the SSDC survey about the village stores and Post Office.
15. MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
    The Clerk asked for suggestions for a speaker for the Annual Assembly.
16. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING & CLOSURE
    There being no other business the meeting ended at 9.50pm. The next meeting with be on Tuesday 20th March 2007 at 7.30pm.