The Minutes of the previous meeting (March 2008)

MINUTES OF MEETING OF HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 15th APRIL 2008 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, David Beckley, Bill Turner, Malcolm White and Rob Lloyd.

IN ATTENDANCE

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

Before the meeting started Gerry Prideaux introduced himself and questioned parking at the Mandeville Arms who have been advertising that they could do 80 covers each night. Robin Carpenter felt that there was very little that the Parish Council could do as it is an established business. The Planning Authority had approved the use of part of the car park for building land some years ago.

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Lesley Boucher (District Councillor) and Cathy Bakewell (County Councillor).
  2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 18th March 2008 (Already Circulated). The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record record.
  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
    There were no declarations of interest.
  4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
    1. Parish Website. There was no further information.
    2. Parish Plan. David Beckley confirmed that he would be receiving the completed plan the next day and that this would be circulated with the May Messenger. The launch of the Parish Plan will be at the Parish Council meeting on 20th May.
    3. Proposed Recreation Field at North Lane. Robin Carpenter had written a letter to Somerset County Council stating that he did not agree with some of their comments regarding road access. It is felt that it should be decided what it is to be used for. Robin will ask for a reply to his letter and circulate a copy of the letter that he sent. The Clerk clarified that Robin had written this letter personally and not on behalf of the Parish Council.
    4. Bulb Planting. A reply has been received from SSDC offering bulbs for planting in the parish and asking for suggested locations and volunteers to help with the planting. It was suggested that the Clerk contact the Gardening Club via Trevor Cherry to ask if they would take on the project.
    5. The Clerk had asked the Community Play Officer to attend the June meeting.
  5. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS' REPORTS
    Hannah Lefeuvre there had been a consultation process on affordable housing. There is a questionnaire on the SSDC website and this will have implications for future planning policy. There are free bus passes for disabled and over 60’s. There will be family workshops over the Easter holidays.
  6. PLANNING MATTERS
    1. 08/01010/FUL Erection of a single storey extension to St Mary’s House, West Coker hill for Mr and Mrs T Watkins. No objections.
    2. 06/00918/OUT Notice had been received of the forthcoming informal hearing regarding planning appeal for partially underground eco-dwelling for agricultural occupancy at Woodentop Farm, West Coker Hill for Mr P C Richards. Peter Bysouth asked Hannah Lefeuvre if she had any further information on the agricultural dwelling which was refused permission but still appears to be erected. Hannah will look into this.
    3. The Clerk had written to the Planning Office concerning the use of The Stables, Coker Hill for business use. The Planning Officer had visited the site and felt that a business was being carried on and that this contravened the planning consent. She was consulting with Cllr Ric Pallister to endeavour to get this stopped without legal action. However if this was unsuccessful then enforcement action would be taken.
    4. No further planning applications.
    5. There were no results of previous applications.
  7. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
    1. Rob Lloyd thanked Mike Bickerton for attending the meeting at Verwood on his behalf. He will be getting in touch with Mr. Cottingham to ask about Community Land Trusts and possibly ask him along to a Parish Council meeting.
  8. FOOTPATHS
    1. Work had been undertaken by the Lengthsman to the railings on the footpath from the Post Office to Moor Lane. It was felt that a further rail was needed and the Clerk to contact the Lengthsman. Malcolm White has a rail which could be used.
  9. HIGHWAYS
    1. A letter had been received from the Highways Authority confirming that Jon Sale (Tom Greaves’ replacement) will be meeting with Rob Lloyd.
    2. Water is still seeping through the road at the site of the new drain at Primrose Hill. The Highway Authority have been made aware of this.
    3. Wessex Water will be carrying out work in Barry Lane which will take 14 weeks, starting 15th May. There suggested diversion was via Wimborough Lane. The Clerk has contacted Wessex Water asking them for an alternative diversion as Wimborough Lane is not suitable.
    4. The new village name plate sign will be fitted by the Lengthsman. Malcolm White will store until it is fitted.
  10. PARISH LENGTHSMAN SCHEME
    1. It was felt that the Lengthsman had made a good job of clearing the ditch on the footpath from the Post Office to Moor Lane.
    2. It was felt that the Lengthsman would have plenty of work left from last month and therefore no new work was added.
  11. RISK MANAGEMENT
    1. Possible repair/replacement of the noticeboard at Hardington Moor was discussed. Councillors will inspect and a decision made at the next meeting.
  12. FINANCE
    1. The Clerk confirmed that she had worked 20 hrs in the previous month.
    2. A cheque was drawn in the sum of £326.30 for the Parish Lengthsman scheme.
    3. The bank reconciliation to 31st March 2008 was agreed and signed by the Chairman.
    4. The comparison of figures was distributed.
    5. The Clerk recorded that the precept of £8000 had been received.
    6. The Clerk had received the audit dates from Moore Stephens.
  13. CORRESPONDENCE
    1. The MG Car Club will be passing through the village – the Clerk has advertised this in the Messenger. Somerset and Avon Police have sent a warning that tools are being stolen from vehicles and asking everyone to be vigilant. All other correspondence was circulated.
  14. MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
    There were no items of report.
  15. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING & CLOSURE
    There being no other business the meeting ended at 9.40pm. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 20th May 2008 at 7.30 pm.

©
Hardington Mandeville
Parish Council
2008