The Minutes of the previous meeting (February 2007)

MINUTES OF MEETING OF HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 20th MARCH 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 Bill Turner.

IN ATTENDANCE

Diane Howes (Clerk), Jayne Jones (District Councillor), Cathy Bakewell (County Councillor) and one member of public.

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE were received from Rob Lloyd and Alan Cornelius (District Councillor).
  2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 20th FEBRUARY 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 reported that the most popular parts of the website were the Parish Plan, the Parish Council gallery and minutes of meetings.
    2. The Clerk reported that she had received written confirmation from South Somerset Homes stating that they had no objection to the Parish using the piece of land in front of No1 St James' Terrace for a cardboard recyling unit. However, South Somerset Homes had then contacted the Clerk to say that they had received several phone calls from neighbours objecting to this use and threatening a petition. In view of this South Somerset Homes had withdrawn their consent. The Clerk had received no communication from any residents Cathy Bakewell offered to speak to the neighbours if the Clerk could obtain names of those who were objecting. Clerk to contact South Somerset Homes. The Clerk was also asked to investigate the cost of a cardboard recycling bin as these are not supplied by SSDC.
    3. ) Peter Bysouth read a letter received from Michael Trevallion (Ecological Architect for Paul Richards), concerning the planning application at Woodentop Farm. He questioned the withheld information mentioned by the Parish Council and asked for information. Peter Bysouth asked that the Clerk send a copy of the email he had received in August 2006 from Andrew Collins of the Planning Office which mentioned information supporting the application which is not in the public realm and private information between the applicant and the Council.
    4. After discussion it was agreed to ask PCSO Richard Oaten to attend the Annual Assembly and explain his role within the Parish. Clerk to contact him and also write inviting all village groups to the Annual Assembly.
  4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
    There were no declarations of interest.
  5. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS' REPORTS (By invitation)
    1. Cathy Bakewell had received a letter stating that the road to Hardington Marsh was being closed for re-surfacing and also a letter concerning adoption of the lane from the Post Office to Moor Lane. (The Clerk had also received copies of these letters). Cathy Bakewell also mentioned that collection of cardboard and plastic for recycling was being looked into.
    2. Jayne Jones confirmed the report emailed to the Clerk from Alan Cornelius. The annual budget had been agreed including Council Tax bands. The Parish Boundary Review Committee had received notification that the review had been suspended.
  6. PLANNING MATTERS
    1. 07/00038/FUL Erection of single storey extension to Thatcherswell, 350 High Street for Mr A Middleton. Approved with conditions. (Also 07/00031/LBC Listed Building Consent – approved with conditions).
  7. FOOTPATHS
    1. Post Office to Moor Lane. The proposed adoption will be advertised and if no objections are received the adoption will go ahead.
    2. Path from North Lane to the Ridge. The rutted patch was again discussed. If was felt that putting large stone in this area would rectify the problem. The Clerk questioned carrying out work on a lane which was in joint ownership. Malcolm White, being one owner stated he had no objection and Robin Carpenter confirmed that English Nature were the other owner and he understood they had no objection to work being carried out on the surface of the lane. Malcolm White and Bill Turner offered to look at the lane and ascertain how large a job it is. To be discussed at the next meeting.
  8. HIGHWAYS
    1. The Clerk had received an email from Tom Greaves stating that the gulley in Moor Lane would be investigated by camera in the new financial year.
    2. A letter had been received from the Highways Authority stating that work to the blocked drain on the corner opposite Woodcott at Hardington Moor will, hopefully, be included in the 2007/2008 budget. Wilf Baker had emailed the Clerk confirming that he had received a copy of this letter and thanking the Parish Council for their support.
    3. Robin Carpenter asked the Clerk to contact the Highways Authority asking when the drains in Wimborough Lane will be unblocked. These drains were blocked by workmen when Wimborough Lane was resurfaced. Malcolm White confirmed that the drain in his field is to be dug out shortly.
    4. The Clerk had received notification that the road to Hardington Marsh will be closed for four days from 10th April to allow for resurfacing. Residents will have access.
    5. The Clerk had been contacted by Jim Adlam asking if the eroded verge by the back gate to the Church could be dug out and hardcore put down. After discussion it was agreed that the Parish Lengthsman be asked to carry out this work.
  9. PARISH LENGTHSMAN SCHEME
    1. An email had been received from Elaine Peters confirming work carried out in February. The next visit is on 23rd March and there is still are jobs from February to be carried out. In addition the Lengthsman would be asked to Dig out the damaged verge by the back gate to the Church and replace with scalpings. (Parish Council will pay for the scalpings).
      • Clear out the run offs into the stream in Moor Lane (opposite Sweet William Cottage).
      • Clean out the gulley between the field gate and the garage to Primrose Cottage.
      • Shovel up the stones/gravel which has been washed out of the gateway at the top of Pig Hill.
      • The new double gate on the footpath between North Lane and Moor Farm needs a drop bolt. It also needs a galvanised pipe let into the track for the drop bolt to go into. Needs to be well secured. (Parish Council will pay for bolt).
      Clerk to forward these jobs to Elaine Peters and also ask if it is possible for her to meet the Lengthsman when he is in the village each month.
    2. The Clerk had asked Roy Hodder for a timesheet from the Lengthsman, but this was not possible.
    3. The work for March had already been discussed.
  10. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
    An email had been received from Felix Marsh outlining the next move and asking for a plan showing proposed sites. The Clerk confirmed that when she spoke to Felix Marsh at the Parish Plan launch he confirmed that allocation of properties is on a points basis and therefore if someone in a neighbouring village had more points (because they had children for example) they would take priority over someone in Hardington with less points. Peter Bysouth will investigate the Community Lane Trust. Peter Bysouth also felt it would be worth talking to District Councillors to get them on side. Clerk to contact Felix Marsh and confirm that the Parish Council are leaving the matter until after the elections in May.
  11. RISK MANAGEMENT
    1. The Clerk had accepted the quotation from Brian Paulley for a new oil tank to the village hall. Clerk to contact asking for a start date.
  12. FINANCE
    1. A cheque was drawn for £121.34 for renewal of the SALC Affiliation Fee.
    2. A cheque was drawn for £35.00 for renewal of the Data Protection.
    3. A cheque was drawn for £393.14 being £387.50 Clerk's salary and £5.64 expenses.
    4. The Chairman signed a letter to the Inland Revenue confirming the Clerk's salary paid for 2006/2007.
    5. The Chairman signed a letter to the Inland Revenue asking that the Clerk's salary for 2007/2008 be paid without deduction of income tax and national insurance.
    6. The Clerk confirmed hours worked in the previous month as 14 hours.
  13. PARISH PLAN
    1. Peter Bysouth said that the recent meeting had been postponed. Kevin Margetts said that he was disappointed that many of the points raised at the launch, such as affordable housing, speeding, state of the highways had all been discussed many times by the Parish Council. He felt that the launch itself was excellent. Peter Bysouth will report back after the next meeting.
  14. CORRESPONDENCE
    A letter had been received from SSDC advertising a meeting on Tuesday 27th March at 2pm to look at ways the Council can support the village post offices. The Community Council for Somerset had written asking the Parish Council to join at a cost of £25. It was agreed to discuss this at the next meeting. A letter from SSDC concerning Village Arts and Play Scheme was circulated with all other correspondence.
  15. MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
    The Clerk had received a phone call from Janet Cuff who wished to say that they appreciated all that is done by the Parish Council.
  16. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING & CLOSURE
    There being no other business the meeting ended at 9.00pm. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 17th April 2007 and will follow the Annual Assembly which is at 7.30pm.

©
Hardington Mandeville
Parish Council
2012