MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BISHOP'S HULL PARISH COUNCIL HELD AT THE FRANK BOND CENTRE ON THURSDAY, 23rd APRIL 2009

Present: Mr M Summers (in the Chair)
Mrs J Beaumont
Mrs C Bulbeck
Mr G Everett
Mrs L Kelly
Mrs W Lewis
Mr R Porter
Mrs S Ravenhill
Mr N Roper
Mr E Rose

Cllrs Ian Morrell and Nigel Stuart Thorn (TDBC), and Alan Paul (SCC) were also in attendance.

E2046 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Mr Burgess.

E2047 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN

As this should properly take place at a meeting held in May, it was agreed to defer the election of Chairman and Vice Chairman. The date of the next meeting was subsequently changed from 11th June to 28th May in order to comply with the legal requirements of the Local Government Act.

E2048 MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5th March 2009 were signed as a correct record, subject to the correction of the Police phone number on page 2, which should read 0845 456700.

E2049 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES

E2023 - Parking in Heron Drive - the Clerk reported that Ian Titcombe (SCC) had said that the parking policy was in the process of being written by the Transport Policy Team. It would then be agreed with SCC and TDBC. In relation to minute E2006 (dropped kerbs) Kate Morgan had also responded, saying that the cost of doing the one on Shutewater Hill would be in the region of £400 - £500, and that her team would do the work once it had been authorised.

E2018 - Bridge in Pigs Loose Lane - Mr Burgess had carried out some clearance work on this bridge but thought that it was now in need of urgent and sympathetic repair. It was agreed to chase up Diane Hartnell, and ask for the bridge to be restored, not modernised by SCC, also to check again whether it could be listed.

E2031 - Landscaping of Bookers building - Mr Hardy, TDBC's Senior Panning Enforcement Officer, said that there was comprehensive tree planting planned for both around the building and on the whole site. Unfortunately, it was now too late in the planting season to do this, and it would be done in October 2009.
Parish Plan - this would be discussed at the July meeting.

E2036 - Speed limit on the Silk Mills Road - this would be raised with the Police at the next LAT meeting (5th May) and when feedback had been obtained from Speedwatch a decision could be taken on how to proceed.

E2037 - Village Website - this would be on the agenda for the next meeting.

E2038 - Freedom of Information Scheme - Mr Porter said that he had not yet publicised this but would do so.

E2041 - Planning - the following applications had been GRANTED:-

05/08/57LB - removal of waterwheel and replacement with waterwheel and generator to produce hydro electricity at Longaller Mill;

05/09/001 - freestanding flag pole and aerial mast on land at proposed cadet centre at Longrun Farm;

05/09/003 - alterations, recladding and refurbishment of building at Bradfords Building Supplies, Wellington New Road;

05/09/005 - variation of condition 15 of planning permission 05/2005/015 (occupation condition) conversion of barn to a holiday let on land east of Rumwell Manor Hotel.

E2042 - Street Cleaner - Mr Porter said that he had received the TDBC street cleaning schedule for the village, which he would circulate to members. The matter would be on the next agenda for discussion. It was noted with sadness that one of the Council's previous street cleaners, Fred Mills, had died.

E2045 - Stone wall by School - the Clerk had heard from SCC and they were still trying to decide whose responsibility it was, Property or Education.
Mountway Road - would be top-dressed within the next few months.

Haydon Close - the Traffic Light Group at SCC were considering whether replacing the Keep Clear road markings would adversely affect the operation of the lights. If not, the road markings would be replaced.

E2050 RENEWAL OF SUBSCRIPTION

It was agreed to renew the Council's subscription to the Somerset Community Council.

E2051 CHEQUES FOR AUTHORISATION AND SIGNATURE

The following cheques had been signed since the January meeting:-

S Watts - Clerk's salary and expenses for February £562.79
S Watts - Clerk's salary and expenses for March £539.57
R Dezille - street cleaner's hours £421.99
Inland Revenue (final quarter) £201.66
Taunton Deane Borough Council (Christmas lights) £455.23
D Jorgensen (village website) £113.14

The following cheques were presented and signed:-

S Watts - Clerk's salary and expenses for April £527.94
R Dezille - street cleaner's hours £486.62
SCC Allotment Rent £150.00
Society of Local Council Clerks £115.00
Somerset Community Council £30.00

E2052 PLANNING

The following planning applications had been considered and no objections raised:-

05/09/007LB - installation of gas central heating, various internal alterations and removal of brick pillars housing gate to driveway at Bramdean, Bishop's Hull Road;
05/09/008 - change of use from commercial to residential accommodation at former government offices, Roughmoor Farmhouse;

05/09/009 - single storey extension to rear of 6 Mountway Road;

05/09/011T - application to fell 7 cypress trees and one pine tree in the conservation area on land north of Northway Cottage;

05/09/012 - two storey extension at 59 Stonegallows.

The following application had not been commented upon by the Council as it pertained to a member's property - 05/09/013 - variation of condition 03 to planning application 05/08/0037 on land to rear of Moorlands, Hamwood .

Objections raised previously on the application for single storey, first floor and two storey extensions at 40 Mountway Road, still applied as it was not considered that the new plans differed significantly from the original ones.

Concerns were raised about potential plans for Milligan Hall, Netherclay which may result in the felling of many trees, some of which were valuable although not the subject of TPOs. The Clerk was asked to make enquiries of TDBC about the future protection of these trees.

E2053 PERSIMMON UPDATE

The Chairman said that he had wanted this on the agenda as the Persimmon Homes application had gone quiet. It appeared that Persimmon were trying to keep the application active, although nothing was happening, so that they could avoid paying a further fee. It was agreed to write to TDBC pressing for either a determination on the application, or that it should be withdrawn. It was unfair to keep people in suspense, particularly those who might be directly affected by the scheme. It was thought that the high cost of the proposed S106 agreement was influencing Persimmon's position, in that if they could get their contribution reduced, due to the prevailing economic conditions, when the economic situation recovered they would be in a better financial position.

E2054 FOOTPATHS GROUP

Mr Burgess had said that he would report on the Group's meeting at the next Council meeting. There were in general few problems. However, he recommended that the Parish Council should write without delay to SCC asking for an update on the situation regarding the restoration/reinstatement of footpath T3/6, as it was an important footpath and part of at least three published walks. This was agreed.

E2055 REPORTS FROM OTHER BODIES

Local Action Team - Mr Burgess had reported (in writing) that Speedwatch Team members remained active and were requesting permission to carry out speed checks on the Silk Mills Road to obtain information regarding a possible change to the speed limit. It was thought it might be a good idea if the results of the survey were made public.

Youth - assistance was required on 1st May and 6th June. It was hoped to restart Paintballing soon. The possibility of a BMX track was discussed with the area behind the Park and Ride as a possible location. Sadly youth meetings had been reduced to once a month due to lack of adult support.

Police - a request had been submitted for a CCTV camera near the play area. Birdland was now a 'no cold calling zone' but there was some difficulty about the related signing being installed. An approach to the Parish Council for funding may be favourably received, and this was endorsed by Cllr Paul. A request for a road closure associated with a hay bale rolling event through the village had been submitted, but the event did not appear to have been properly thought through.

Other items - Mr Porter referred members to the LAT report which had been given by Mr Catherall at the preceeding Annual Parish Meeting.

E2056 DATE OF NEXT MEETING

Thursday, 28th May 2009, at 7.30 p.m.

E2057 ITEMS OF REPORT

Tytherleigh Bridge - the damaged coping stones were still awaiting replacement. The Clerk was asked to chase SCC on this.

Community Woodland - Mr Burgess had reported that there had been several work sessions and a lot of work done. He had, however, been disappointed with support from the parish in general.

Cobbles at Netherclay - Cllr Paul had heard from Tom Mayberry who had informed him that a scheme for the repair of the cobbled pavement had been produced and was with the Highway Service Manager for consultation. As soon his agreement had been obtained the scheme would come to the Parish Council for agreement and a decision regarding their financial contribution. The work was programmed for August/ September, but the year wasn't mentioned.

Parking on Waterfield Drive - this was causing problems as people were parking too close to the junction with the Silk Mills Road. This matter would be referred to the Police to see whether restrictions were required.

White van outside Malthouse Court - the Clerk had reported this and the Police had subsequently made enquiries as to the ownership and status of a white Transit van which had been parked outside Malthouse Court for several weeks. The van was taxed, insured and legally parked and the owner known, but he was not to be found.

Public Sector Equality Duties - the Clerk passed on some recent information about Council's obligations with regard to equality legislation to Mr Porter. It did not appear that any action was required imminently.

Bench at Haydon Close - problems arising from youngsters congregating on this bench had been reported to the Police. It was not thought that moving the bench would solve the problem, but it was agreed to continue to monitor the situation.

CHAIRMAN