The Minutes of the previous meeting (January 2008)

MINUTES OF MEETING OF HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 19th FEBRUARY 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, Kevin Margetts, Malcolm White, David Beckley and Rob Lloyd.

IN ATTENDANCE

Diane Howes (Clerk), Hannah Lefeuvre (Ditrict Councillor), Cathy Bakewell (County Councillor) and 3 members of public.

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE: Robin Carpenter, Bill Turner, Hannah Lefeuvre and Lesley Boucher (District Councillor).
  2. MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON 15th January 2008 (Already Circulated). The minutes were amended to show David Beckley as present and not absent and then approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record record.
  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
    1. There were no declarations of interest.
  4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
    1. Parish Plan. David Cleaton confirmed that 175 households had replied to the questionnaire. The Committee have started discussions with the printers about printing and results should be distributed with the May Messenger. A meeting with the Parish Council was agreed for Monday 3rd March at 8pm and a copy of the report will be distributed to Councillors before that meeting.
    2. Parish Website. Nothing to discuss.
    3. Parish Project. No further news. Cathy Bakewell asked for details of the letter which was received. Clerk to email details. Cathy explained that preference had been given to projects shown in Parish Plans.
    4. Proposed Recreation Field. Peter Bysouth read a letter from Helen Ferdinand of the Planning Office which indicated that planning consent would be needed for change of use and any buildings on the land would be resisted. She advised getting planning advice when it had been decided what exactly is required. The Highway Authority had been contacted for their comments on the road access. To be discussed when Highway views are received.
    5. Planning Workshop. Peter Bysouth and David Beckley expressed an interest in attending a meeting on 11th March at 7.30pm, joining with Brympton and Yeovil Without Parishes.
    6. The Transport questionnaire was completed.
  5. DISTRICT & COUNTY COUNCILLORS' REPORT
    1. Hannah Lefeuvre apologised for not attending last month's meeting. She reported on the following:
      • SSDC had undertaken national inspection.
      • Grant money had been approved towards a hearing loop system in the Church and funding for the pre-school.
      • The tree planting warden would be interested in talking to the Parish Council about planting trees in the Parish. Councillors said that this had been agreed sometime ago but nothing had happened.
      • A report on community development in Yeovil working with ethnic minority groups.
      • Wind turbine at the Lufton Estate.
      • The Council tax has been set for the coming year with a rise of 4.85%.
      • Two new conservation areas have been designated at Alvington and The Park, Yeovil.
    2. Cathy Bakewell reported that:
      • SCC are setting the Council tax increase at 3.9%. Borrowing has been specifically for 2 new schools in Yeovil, also lighting columns have been affected by rust. The cost of Social care has risen considerably.
      • SCC were inspected in the Autumn and retained the 4* rating and improving.
  6. PLANNING MATTERS
    1. Mobile Home at Gillards, Lyatts. Peter Bysouth had received a reply from the Planning Office saying that they had written to the owner stating that a planning application was needed. The owner's agent felt it was permitted development. No further reply had been received to Peter Bysouth's letter of 5th February. Clerk to contact Planning Office.
    2. No new planning applications.
    3. Results of previous applications:
      06/00709/FUL Appeal against refusal. The erection of a temporary agricultural dwelling at Wooden Top Farm, West Coker Hill for Mr P C Richards. The appeal was dismissed. Peter Bysouth was concerned that the building seems to be already constructed. Hannah LeFeuvre to check what happens now - will the building be removed?
    4. Contact details of planning Officers were circulated.
    5. A letter from SSDC regarding validation of planning applications was read.
  7. AFFORDABLE HOUSING
    1. Peter Bysouth read a letter from the Planning Officer concerning both suggested sites. They would not consider the land at Hill End. Regarding the land at Court Close this was outside the structure plan. They would not be happy with any development next to the Church. The Clerk had spoken to the Planning Officer asking if they would consider allowing private dwellings on this land in exchange for the owner allowing affordable housing on the land. This would definitely not be considered. Rob Lloyd suggested writing to David Laws asking him about affordable housing and what time frame he sees for a possible change of policy in planning regulations for affordable house where some private housing is allowed in exchange where the development is outside the development area. Within our parish there is no land within the development area.
  8. FOOTPATHS
    1. The railings on the footpath between the Post Office and Moor Lane have now been renewed. Malcolm White expressed concern that there is a large gap between these railings and a child could easily fall between them. Clerk to write and ask if another rail can be fixed to close the gap: also to ask if the Lengthsman could do this.
    2. A letter had been received from Becky Russell, SSDC, stating that the gate into Windmill Hill is not suitable for replacement with a Bristol gate. She suggested asking the landowner to adjust the gate to swing more easily. Malcolm White will speak to Bill Turner.
    3. A letter had been received from Mr Alan Ivory concerning the footpath at Moor Lane. He reported an incident of horses ridden along this footpath. It was agreed that as this is a footpath horses can only be ridden along it with the permission of the landowner. Clerk to speak to the landowner and find how he feels and if necessary put something in the Messenger. It may be necessary to put a notice at the entrance to the footpath stating that horses can only be ridden along it with the permission of the owner. Clerk to reply to Mr Ivory.
  9. HIGHWAYS
    1. Notification had been received of temporary closure of Partway Lane.
    2. A revised quotation for the new village sign had been received in the sum of £120. This was just for the sign and using the existing posts. Clerk to write to Highway Authority asking if they will supply the sign only and the Lengthsman to fit.
    3. SSDC has offered to supply spring flowering bulbs and help with planting. Clerk to accept offer. The Parish Council will identify areas and notify after the next meeting.
    4. Repairs to drain at Primrose Hill. Rob Lloyd said that he had been told by Mike Fear and Tom Greaves that one drain would be enough. After surfacing the drain appears to be leaking. Rob Lloyd has reported this. It is felt that the water is coming from a spring and as the drain is continuous cannot get into the pipe.
    5. Rob Lloyd reported that temporary tarmacing has taken place along Penn Lane and Lyatts probably because of the extra traffic due to the diversion.
    6. Peter Bysouth reported running water opposite The Haunt. Kevin Margetts said this was reported and was going to be looked at some years ago. Rob Lloyd to contact Tom Greaves. He will also report problems at Partway Lane between Wimborough Lane and Benford Bridge.
  10. PARISH LENGTHSMAN SCHEME
    1. The Lengthsman had reported that all work was now up to date apart from the stile at Wimborough Hill.
    2. Work for this month:
      • Clean the run offs opposite Sweet William Cottage in Moor Lane.
      • The ditch to the east side of the footpath from the Post Office to Moor Lane needs cleaning out.
      • Remove heap of soil on triangle at Wimborough Lane/Partway Lane junction.
      • Clean the cut throughs on road between Hill End and Barrows Hill.
  11. RISK MANAGEMENT
    1. Communities and Local Government - Consultation on Orders and Regulations relating to the conduct of Local Authority Members in England was circulated.
  12. FINANCE
    1. Moore Stephens have been appointed external auditors.
    2. The Clerk confirmed that 18.75 hours had been worked in the previous month.
    3. A cheque was raised for £160.00 for hire of the village hall for the Parish Plan meetings.
    4. A cheque was raised for £58.04 for SSDC for printing in connection with the Parish Plan.
  13. CORRESPONDENCE
    1. Attendance at Somerset Heritage Roadshow. No action.
    2. Letter from SSDC re Constructionline. No action.
    3. Community Engagement Workshop at Donyatt Village Hall on Tuesday 4th March 6pm - 9pm. No action.
    4. Letter from Leleka, Ukraine. No action.
  14. MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
    1. There were no items of report.
  15. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING & CLOSURE
    There being no other business the meeting ended at 9.30pm. The next meeting will be on Tuesday 18th March 2008 at 7.30 pm.

©
Hardington Mandeville
Parish Council
2008