The Minutes of the previous meeting (August 2007)

MINUTES OF MEETING OF HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 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

Before the meeting started Peter Smith spoke about affordable housing as he had had experience of affordable housing in other parishes. The land in question is owned by Mr Gordon Rendell and next to the Church. Peter Smith had spoken and met with Gordon Rendell. Peter Smith then asked what the Parish Council were hoping to achieve with the scheme. Peter Bysouth confirmed that the survey found a need for 6 dwellings - 2 x 2 bedroom and 4 x 3 bedroom dwellings. The District Council had said that when a survey was carried out they always built less than the need. The scheme proposed to be a mix of self build and shared ownership. Robin Carpenter said he had understood that most would be looking at shared ownership although some wanted to rent. Peter Smith felt that people who rent rarely move on. David Beckley said tht the Parish Plan questionnaire, which was due out shortly, included questions on housing. It asked if people in the village wanted affordable housing and if so, what sort. Bill Turner asked what Gordon Rendell was hoping for. Peter Smith said Gordon Rendell felt there was a need for a play area and a car park for the Church. In return for selling land at lower prices for affordable housing he was also hoping for the release of land for private housing.

Peter Smith explained the planning exceptions policy for affordable housing. He said that Local Authorities will not support the release of land for private housing in this way. They were afraid this would set a precedent. Peter Bysouth thought that government policy was now more sympathetic to such schemes, but Peter Smith was not sure this was the case in practice. He said that any application on this basis would probably be referred to the government office in Bristol for a decision.

Peter Smith asked how the scheme would be funded. Peter Bysouth said that the Council was considering the setting up of a Community Land Trust. Peter Smith had no experience of these but, in answer to a question from Robin Carpenter, he felt that the Planning Authority would look as favourably on a planning application from a Community Land trust as from a Housing Association.

Brian Dodd asked how many properties would be possible on the site in keeping with the character of the village. Peter Smith felt 12 - 16 houses would be possible. David Beckley felt that having to double the number of houses to achieve affordable homes would not be favourable. Peter Smith said that the site is not an easy on to plan for. It would need an adopted highway if more than 3 properties were without a highway frontage.

Peter Smith suggested that he prepare a pencil sketch for the Parish Council to look at which may address all the problems. This will be available for the next meeting. He would also report back to Gordon Rendell. Peter Bysouth thanked Peter Smith for all his help so far.

PRESENT

Peter Bysouth, Robin Carpenter, Kevin Margetts, Bill Turner, David Beckley and Malcolm White.

IN ATTENDANCE

Diane Howes (Clerk), Hannah Lefeuvre (District Councillor) and 1 member of public.

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE:
  2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 21st August 2007 (Already Circulated). The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record record.
  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
    1. There were no declarations of interest relating to this meeting.
  4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
    1. Parish Website. Brian Dodd had looked at forum software but is not happy with it. He presented a certificate showing that the village website had won the Community Council for Somerset’s Communications Competition 2007 – Small Villages Category. The Clerk will publicise this in the Messenger.
    2. Parish Plan As already mentioned a schedule of questions will be coming out with the next Messenger.
    3. Parish Projects. The agenda shows that we were extremely unlikely to get a grant this year for the work to Ridge Lane. To be discussed under item 7 - Footpaths.
    4. The Clerk has written to BT and Western Power concerning the underground cabling to Bishops Lane but has not had a reply.
  5. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLOR'S REPORT
    Hannah Lefeuvre (District Councillor) reported as follows:
    The former Seaton's site has been granted planning approval for 101 dwellings, some affordable. There will be cycle racks and a convenience store. The planning application for land near the Pen Mill Hotel was refused. Improved area working was postponed to the next meeting. The District Council are looking to create separate forums to take account that 6 Coker parishes are rural. Hopefully they will look at specific rural needs. Hannah Lefeuvre had attended a housing seminar - Taste of Housing.
  6. PLANNING MATTERS
    1. 07/03883/FUL Erection of new milking parlour/dairy building and a covered collection yard at Marsh Farm for Messrs Voizey and Sons. No objections.
    2. 07/03946/FUL Erection of an additional loose box adjacent to greenways, Partway Lane for Mr and Mrs H Rendell. No objections.
    3. 07/04247/FUL Erection of canopy over front entrance door at Carys, High Street for Mr and Mrs P A Vaughan. No objections.
    4. Results of previous applications:
      07/02107/FUL Internal alterations, loft conversion and erection of rear extension at Briar Patch, Moor Lane for Mr and Mrs G Chapillon. Approved with conditions.
    5. There were no further planning applications.
  7. FOOTPATHS
    1. The Clerk had been notified that repairs to the railings on the path from Moor Lane to the Post Office should be carried out in the next 6 - 8 weeks.
    2. SSDC had written that Bayer Animal Health are prepared to pay £15 per dog waste bin in exchange for displaying a poster promoting regular worming and responsible dog ownership being displayed on the bin. After discussion it was agreed to take no action.
    3. Robin Carpenter will try to attend the Rights of Way Workshop.
    4. The lane from the Ridge to North Lane was discussed. Malcolm White and Bill Turner agreed to arrange and carry out the work.
    5. The step to the stile next to Mr and Mrs Hedges' stables at High Street needs repair and footpath needs clearing. Pass to the Parish Lengthsman.
  8. HIGHWAYS
    1. The fallen tree at Dwelley Bridge will be removed by the landowner.
    2. Somerset Highways had written to say that the road from Hardington to Haselbury Plucknett will be closed at Claycastle for 16 weeks from 15th October for a replacement water main.
    3. The Highway Authority have looked at the drain at Moor Cross with a camera and found that the drain has collapsed.
    4. The pothole in Barry Lane should be repaired in one month. The Clerk was asked to write to Mike Fear of the Highway Authority about the pothole in Barry Lane to ask when the other pothole will be repaired. There are also potholes on the road from Hill End to Barrows Hill.
  9. PARISH LENGTHSMAN SCHEME
    1. The Clerk had not received a report on last month.
    2. Work for this month.
      • Repair stile at High Street referred to earlier.
      • Strim the triangle of grass by the Village Hall and both sides of the wall at the top of North Lane.
      • Paint the Village pump.
      • Varnish the noticeboard opposite the Mandeville Arms.
    3. The noticeboard at the Moor needs repair but Malcolm White offered to look at this.
  10. RISK MANAGEMENT
    1. Clerk's contract had been agreed at earlier meeting and has now been sent to SALC for comments.
    2. Emergency plan Notice. Peter Bysouth will send to the Messenger.
    3. Grievance Policy was agreed and adopted.
    4. Discipline Policy was agreed and adopted.
    5. It was explained that each panel should be of 3 people. The following was agreed:
      Grievance Panel will be Kevin Margetts, David Beckley and Robin Carpenter.
      Discipline Panel will be Kevin Margetts, David Beckley and Robin Carpenter.
      Appeals Panel will be Malcolm White, Bill Turner and Peter Bysouth.
  11. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
    1. The Clerk reported on a discussion she had with Nicky Barker of Buckland Newton Parish Council who had advised getting the SSDC involved in any scheme and present them with a well thought out, community backed plan. They are paying £5,000 per plot for the land and have raised finances by a loan from West Dorset District Council. In her opinion pre-constructed houses are by far the cheapest and easiest methods of construction. She suggested someone who could help with raising finances. She felt it important to get a Board of Trustees set up as soon as possible who, by paying £1each would form a limited company and have no financial liability. They have also registered as a charity so that they are eligible for any cheap loans or grants which might become available.
    2. Peter Bysouth and David Beckley are to meet with Felix Marsh on a date to be agreed. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday would be best days.
  12. FINANCE
    1. A cheque was raised in the sum of £411.82 being Clerk's salary of £387.50 and expenses of £24.32.
    2. The Clerk's hours for August will be available at the next meeting.
    3. Clerk to obtain a copy of small grants available from SSDC.
    4. Came and Company had written offering a new Parish Council Insurance Scheme with Norwich Union. Agreed to keep this until renewal of the insurance is due.
    5. Requirements for 2007/2008 had been circulated and will be discussed at the next meeting.
    6. A repayment of VAT had been received in the sum of £389.18.
    7. David Beckley asked for reimbursement of an invoice from SSDC for the Gambling Seminar he attended in the sum of £10. To be paid at the next meeting.
    8. The Parish Licence is due for renewal. To be paid at the next meeting.
  13. CORRESPONDENCE
    1. SCC had sent an HGV pinch point consultation which will be discussed at the next meeting.
  14. MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
    1. David Beckley reported on the Gambling Seminar he had attended and said he found it very interesting.
    2. Robin Carpenter gave apologies for the October meeting.
  15. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING & CLOSURE
    There being no other business the meeting ended at 9.45pm. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 16th October 2007 at 7.30 pm.

©
Hardington Mandeville
Parish Council
2008