NORTON ST PHILIP PARISH COUNCIL

Transcription

1 NORTON ST PHILIP PARISH COUNCIL Chair Clive Abbott, Hassage House, Faulkland, Radstock, BA3 5XG Clerk Nicola Duke, April Rise, 81 Studland Park, Westbury, Wiltshire, BA13 3HN, Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council held on Wednesday 13 th March 2019 at The Palairet Hall, Norton St Philip at 7.00 pm. Present: Cllr Abbott (Chair), Cllr Hitchins, Cllr Walker, Cllr Scarrow, Cllr Lund and Cllr Eastment. In attendance: Nicola Duke (Parish Clerk) and 5 members of the public. Public Participation Mr J Oliver spoke to members in relation to agenda item 8138 Planning Applications the application relating to 7 Upper Farm Close, referring to an which had been circulated to the Council earlier. Mr Oliver asked the Parish Council to consider additional information relating to highway issues when considering the 7 Upper Farm Close application, which had been attached to his . Mr Oliver provided a copy of his comments, which are appended to the minutes. Mrs Borgman spoke in relation to agenda item 8146 (b) as the author of the correspondence circulated. She stated her concerns regarding the parking in Bell Hill, the volume of which was forcing her to park elsewhere in the village. She noted that there were occasions when customers of the pub parked in the street, which had the effect of forcing residents to use the pub car park. The Parish Council acknowledged the problem and the Chair confirmed that the matter would be discussed under the relevant agenda item. Ms Borgman also expressed concern at what might happen to the parking area in front of the Catholic Church, which she was worried might be removed if the church was sold and developed as planned. Cllr Hitchins reported on the relevant parking policies in the draft Neighbourhood Plan, which would support the local and national planning policy framework in requiring developers to provide adequate parking for new houses. Cllr Walker spoke in relation to Mrs Borgman s comment about the height of the hedges, which were blocking daylight to her property. Mrs Borgman asked whether there was any legal recourse which could be taken to achieve a reduction in hedge height. Cllr Hitchins offered to contact the landowner of the bungalow in question and ask him to contact Mrs Borgman. The Chair stated that, if necessary, the Council could liaise with the Tree Officer at Mendip District Council to ascertain the rules relating to hedge heights. AGENDA ITEM 8134 Apologies for Absence - None Declarations of Interest and Dispensations to Participate - None Minutes a) The minutes of a previous meeting of the Council held on 13 th February 2019 were approved for accuracy and adopted (proposed Cllr Lund, seconded Cllr Walker). b) Members considered any matters arising from the above meeting: a. District Councillor Linda Oliver had submitted a comment in relation to

2 8137 Council Reports the minutes regarding her comments in public participation, requesting that it be made clear that she had had no dealings with the Parish Council in respect of this application in her role as District Councillor. This comment was recorded as requested. Chair s announcements the Chair referred to the fact that there had been damage to the leylandii trees at Fortescue Fields west. He reported that he had contacted Hugo Haig s office (the developer) to draw this to his attention. The Chair and Cllrs Walker and Hitchins had visited the site. Mr Haig had written to the Chair later that day, to which the Chair had drafted a response. Both items of correspondence would be made available on the Parish Council website. District and County Councillor Linda Oliver had provided a report, which had been circulated to members in advance of the meeting and is appended to the minutes. The report was read out for the benefit of members of the public. Parish Clerk reminded members of the forthcoming Parish Council Elections 2019, reporting that nomination packs were available from Mendip District Council and had been previously circulated via . Cllr Walker asked for an update on the new noticeboard planned for Tellisford Lane and it was confirmed that Cllr Eastment had been liaising with a contractor, who was hoping to progress this. Members resolved that, should this not be progressed before the April meeting, a noticeboard would be purchased at the previously agreed price of 750 (proposed Cllr Walker, seconded Cllr Eastment). Sustainable Norton St Philip Cllr Lund reported the following: o There had been an article on wild flowers in the parish magazine. o The group had discussed the principal authorities motions on climate emergency, which had also been referred to in Cllr Oliver s district and county council reports. o The group had noted that parish and town councils had also begun establishing policies relating to climate emergency and the need to be carbon neutral in the future. It was noted that Cllr Lund would work to develop a policy for the parish council to consider at a future meeting. Church Mead Committee Cllr Scarrow reported on a major project to refurbish the pavilion and install a new kitchen, which it was hoped would be completed towards the end of April ready for the new cricket season. Band in a Barn were thanked for their donation towards the cost of the new kitchen, which was much appreciated. Palairet Hall Cllr Eastment had provided a report, which is appended to the minutes, and which he presented. It was noted that the work which was planned/required to the structure of the Palairet Hall was estimated to be in excess of 13,000. Traffic Action Group - Cllr Eastment had provided a report, which is appended to the minutes, and which he presented Planning applications Members considered the below listed applications: 2019/0026/FUL - Valley View Bath Road Norton St Philip - Demolition of existing utility Room and storage area (formerly single garage), rebuild on same footprint to provide a utility room and snug at first floor along with a staircase to access a lower level. The

3 lower level will be underneath the slightly enlarged terrace and comprise an en-suite bedroom, home office and Gym. In addition, the existing bay to the sitting room is to be enlarged to form a new glazed box to house a dining table Support with comment that the choice of render on the west elevation should read with the timber cladding on that elevation (proposed Cllr Lund, seconded Cllr Eastment). 2019/0471/TCA - Stepping Stones Church Street Norton St Philip - Works to trees in a conservation area: - T1-2 - Birch, fell Support (proposed Cllr Eastment, seconded Cllr Walker). 2018/2957/FUL 7 Upper Farm Close, NSP - Members considered the Chair's note (previously circulated) and whether any, and if so what, further action should be taken in connection with this application. The Chair referred to correspondence with the Deputy Monitoring Officer at MDC relating to a complaint which had been received concerning the procedure used by the Parish Council in determining its response to the application. He outlined the procedure used by the PC in this case and the rationale behind the decisions made (minutes of meeting held in January 2019 refer). He noted that, in this case, an extension of time to comment on the application had not been requested. It was also noted that the determination date listed by the planning authority had been seven days prior to the next scheduled PC meeting date. This had resulted in the PC withdrawing its representation in respect of this planning application on procedural grounds not on grounds of substance. This had been felt to be the correct action given that the PC had not, in this case, requested an extension which is its normal procedure in such circumstances. The Chair reported that the Clerk had written to the Deputy Monitoring Officer in respect of the complaint and read out the questions submitted, and the answers received. The Chair also noted that the nature and status of the complaint was unclear: in a letter ed to the clerk on 11 March 2019, the Deputy Monitoring Officer said that there was no formal Monitoring Officer investigation. Following discussion on the above it was noted that the PC was required to formally ratify the decision taken under delegated powers to withdraw the representation submitted in this case. This was so ratified (proposed Cllr Hitchins, seconded Cllr Scarrow). The Chair reported that the planning application was scheduled to be determined by the Planning Board on 17 April It was agreed that the Parish Council would therefore list this planning application for consideration at the April meeting of the PC, so that members could determine whether to make any representation to the Planning Board and, if so, the substance of that representation. The Chair then referred to the paper submitted by Mr John Oliver relating to highways issues at the site and it was agreed that this would be considered as part of the discussion which would be scheduled for the April PC meeting. At this point it was agreed to suspend Standing Orders to enable Mr Clarke to address the Council (proposed Cllr Hitchins, seconded Cllr Walker). Mr Clarke asked for confirmation of the PC s financial position and it was confirmed that the PC s bank balance was in the region of 40,000. He asked for confirmation of

4 the precept due for 2019/20, which was given. He then asked for information on the cost of arranging an extraordinary meeting, which was confirmed as being in the region of He stated that this indicated that the decision not to convene an extraordinary meeting was based on considerations not just relating to costs. The Chair confirmed that the convening of extraordinary meetings was not the Council s practice. Mr Clarke referred to the comment posted by MDC in relation to the PC s comments and commented that none of those comments had been considered at a meeting of the PC. The Clerk confirmed that the withdrawal of the representation was scheduled to be ratified at the March meeting. She also confirmed the legal positon regarding the use of delegated authority by the Proper Officer of the Council. Mr Clarke asked whether Cllr Oliver had spoken to any member of the Planning Group. Cllr Walker confirmed that she had spoken to him. At this point Standing Orders were re-instated (proposed Cllr Lund, seconded Cllr Eastment). Planning applications received after the issue of the agenda (where the response time falls outside of the meeting schedule and an extension cannot be obtained) None Planning decisions, appeals and enforcements a) Members noted planning decisions, notices and updates Appendix A of the agenda pack referred. b) Members noted information circulated by Mendip District Council regarding Mendip Local Plan Part II examination - Inspector's initial documents (previously circulated) and it was agreed to ask LB Planning for a view as to whether a further representation from the PC would be advisable. Cllr Hitchins agreed to liaise with the consultant accordingly. It was noted that the PC s comments to MDC appeared to have been truncated and it was agreed that Cllr Hitchins would investigate this Financials Council expenditure as listed was approved (proposed Cllr Scarrow, seconded Cllr Walker): Payee Detail and statutory power Amount Chq no N Duke WFHA and expenses February LGA 1972 s 112 HMRC PAYE February 2019 LGA 1972 s 112 Cllr Hitchins LB Planning Website monthly fee Localism Act 2011 sch 12 Neighbourhood Plan consultancy Localism Act 2011 sch 12 Barriers Direct Road safety mirror Highways Act 1980 Palairet Hall Hall hire November 2018 LGA 1972 s Jenny White Reimburse tables for Palairet Hall

5 LGA 1972 s 133 Financial Position Report as at 5 March 2019 to follow on receipt of bank statement. Online banking arrangements the Clerk reported that she had had four lengthy telephone conversations with the new manager of the Frome/Midsomer Norton branches. He had been through the signatories and prepared the correct forms ready for signature. Cllr Scarrow was advised she would need to visit the Frome branch to prove identity and could then pick up the forms for completion. The bank manager had suggested that a meeting be considered once the signatories had been dealt with and were accurate. Following debate, it was agreed to defer the matter until after the elections in May 2019, as it was noted that the authorised signatories may change Neighbourhood Plan It was agreed to suspend Standing Orders so that Mr Hasell could address the meeting as Chair of the Steering Group (proposed Cllr Lund, seconded Cllr Abbott). Mr Hasell reported that Regulation 16 had been commenced by MDC on 1 st March and would end on 12 th April. MDC had requested an examiner for the Plan be appointed for May 2019 and a shortlist of 3 examiners would be submitted to MDC for consideration. It was confirmed that the PC would be able to comment on the Regulation 16 consultation responses. Mr Hasell reported that the sub groups would continue to work on the issues to be included in the second phase of the Plan whilst this process was ongoing. Cllr Hitchins reported that a return was due to Locality on the grant received to date and it was noted that the Clerk would submit this in conjunction with Cllr Hitchins. Cllr Hitchins would prepare an application for a second tranche of grant. At this point Standing Orders were reinstated (proposed Cllr Abbott, seconded Cllr Eastment) Somerset County Council Footpath Strimming Scheme Members considered and noted the strimming scheme and agreed to take no further action at this stage Lyde Green Members considered suggestions from residents for improvements to Lyde Green and Cllr Walker reported that a meeting had been held with residents. The residents meeting had felt it best to improve the parking area and provide a better base and an edge, subject to confirmation that this would not affect the proposed LGS status of the area. It was agreed that this was a project which the PC did not have the statutory power to fund and therefore, taking this forward would need to rely on local, voluntary endeavour. It was agreed that the Clerk would establish the legal position relating to delivering projects on common land before any further action was either taken or approved Great British Spring Clean Cllr Lund gave a report regarding the arrangements for the village/parish litter pick and

6 reported this event had been promoted in the parish magazine, which had not resulted in any volunteers coming forward. The group had booked the litter picking equipment from MDC for the weekend of 6/7 April Members were asked to make efforts to recruit volunteers from their area of the parish/village and it was decided to carry out the litter pick on Sunday 7 April. It was agreed to post some notices in central and important locations and notice boards throughout the parish to generate interest. It was agreed to register the NSP spring clean with the Great British Spring Clean under the name of the Parish Council Footpath at Vicarage Lane Cllr Hitchins reported on an initiative for improving the footway at Vicarage Lane providing members with the background; it was noted that the landowner was prepared to dig the stream out and divert it back into the culvert, which would then lead to the footpath being reinstated. The quotation for the footpath reinstatement works was reported to be 1,600. The Clerk advised that any contribution would need to be made as a straightforward expenditure rather than a grant. The Clerk would provide a report on the legal and financial aspects of meeting this cost to the next meeting of the Council in April 2019, including advice on the budgetary allocation Correspondence a) Palairet Hall Management Committee re: PC representative it was agreed that, for the purposes of the PHMC AGM, Cllr Eastment could act as the PC representative. b) Ashley Borgman re: Bell Hill issues members referred to the discussion which had taken place during public consultation and noted the concerns. However, the PC could not identify any solutions at this stage other than those identified during the discussion recorded above. c) SCC Temporary Road Closure Ringwell Lane noted Parish Magazine Members considered items for inclusion in the copy for the next Parish Magazine and agreed: Neighbourhood Plan Cllr Hitchins Financial statement the Clerk Meeting dates including the APM and the AGM Ordinary election information 8148 Meeting schedule Wednesday April 3rd 2019 at 7.00 pm (please note change from routine date) meeting to be held at The Old School Room, Farleigh Hungerford. There being no further business the meeting was closed at 9.35 pm.

7 APPENDICES Appendix A Mr John Oliver s public consultation comments GOOD EVENING I AM HERE TO TALK ABOUT ONE OF THREE PLANNING APPLICATIONS YOU ARE CONSIDERING TONIGHT DURING THE 5 TH ITEM ON THE AGENDA; 7 UPPER FARM CLOSE. I AM ALSO REPRESENTING THE OCCUPIERS OF ALBION COTTAGE AND GREYSTONES. I NOTE THE COUNCIL INITIALLY RESPONDED TO THIS ON THE 30 TH JANUARY AND THAT RESPONSE WAS A VERY ROBUST AND MEASURED OBJECTION. THAT OBJECTION WAS WITHDRAWN ON 26 TH FEBRUARY BUT THIS WAS CLARIFIED LATER TO BE FOR PROCEDURAL REASONS RATHER THAN SUBSTANCE. HOWEVER I NOTE FROM THE CHAIRMANS PAPER SENT WITH THE AGENDA THAT IT WAS NOT NECESSARY FOR THE COUNCIL TO TAKE THIS ACTION AND THAT TONIGHT THE INTENTION IS TO DECIDE WHAT, IF ANY, FURTHER ACTION IS REQUIRED. DURING THAT DISCUSSION I WOULD ASK YOU TO CONSIDER ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE HIGHWAYS ISSUES INVOLVED. THIS WAS AN AREA OF CONCERN THE PC RAISED IN THEIR OBJECTION. YOU SHOULD FIND THIS VERY INFORMATIVE BECAUSE THESE ISSUES HAVE NOT BEEN EXPLORED IN DETAIL YET. THE FACT IS THAT THE HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY WILL NOT CARRY OUT A FULL ANALYSIS FOR APPLICATIONS OF THIS NATURE. THEY SIMPLY STATE STANDARD ADVICE APPLIES. IT IS THEREFORE LEFT TO THE APPLICANT OR THE LOCAL PLANNING AUTHORITY TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE APPLICATION DOES MEET HIGHWAY STANDARDS. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED SO ON MONDAY I SENT A LETTER VIA E MAIL TO THE PLANNER, JAMES UDELL, THAT INCLUDED THE APPLICANT HAS FAILED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT THE TURNING AND PARKING MEETS HIGHWAYS STANDARD ADVICE FOR A NEW DWELLING DESPITE THE FACT OBJECTORS HAVE ALREADY HIGHLIGHTED THAT STANDARD ADVICE IS NOT MET. IN THE ABSENCE OF A REQUIREMENT BY THE LPA TO DEMONSTRATE COMPLIANCE, WE HAVE ONCE AGAIN FELT IT NECESSARY TO ENGAGE TRANSPORT PLANNING CONSULTANTS TO PROVE THE POINT. THIS INFORMATION WILL BE SENT TO YOU ASAP. WE RECEIVED THAT REPORT YESTERDAY AND IT WILL BE SENT TO THE PLANNER THIS WEEK WITH A LETTER FROM OUR PLANNING CONSULTANT. I ARRANGED FOR A COPY TO BE SENT TO YOU PRIOR TO THE MEETING TONIGHT. I THINK YOU WILL FIND THIS FACTUAL ASSESSMENT BY A TRANSPORT PLANNING CONSULTANCY HELPFUL. WE FEEL IT IS REASONABLE TO ASK THE PC TO PICK UP ON THEIR INITIAL CONCERNS RAISED ON HIGHWAYS MATTERS WITH THE PLANNING OFFICER IN LIGHT OF THE FACTUAL EVIDENCE CONTAINED IN THE REPORT BEFORE YOU. THANK YOU Appendix B Cllr Linda Oliver s report Norton St Philip Parish Council -District & County Councillor update 13 th March 2019 Both Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council have joined others local authorities in declaring a climate emergency. It was a cross-party decision agreed at both of the recent full council meetings. There is now a commitment to work towards carbon neutrality by Both have allocated resources in order to progress this. I would like to take this opportunity to inform the parish council that I will not be standing for re-election in the Mendip District Council elections for personal reasons. I will however continue

8 as a County Councillor and I will be supporting the initiative for carbon neutrality in that role. No doubt the Parish Council will have suggestions to put forward on how that might be achieved locally. In the meantime I will continue working closely with TAG through chair Cllr. Eastment to progress the SIS application and other outstanding county matters. The SIS for Harts Forge/The Cut & Farleigh Road is in design phase and we should see the proposals shortly. I would like to thank Cllr. Eastment for his on-going support with this. I can confirm that SCC Highways have written to the occupier of Norton House and requested that the mirror erected on highways land be removed. SCC plan to remove it next week and place it in storage. I have been notified of the recent vandalism of 200 trees on private land belonging to Lochailort Investments Ltd. It is disappointing that this has happened, particularly at this time when Local Plan Part 11 is in the examination process and the fact that the Parish Council were hoping to get help to deliver improvements to the footpath running down to Church Mead. It may have a detrimental impact on both of these areas. It has been suggested that revised/new plans are likely to be submitted for Lower Haven Farm. Enforcement officers have also been informed by the LPA of the enforcement issues on the site. Cllr. Linda Oliver 13 th March 2019 Appendix C Palairet Hall Report Awaiting further quotes for replacements of 2 of the windows to the back-side of the property with double glazed units. Quotation received for replacing opening window to the back-side of the main hall with hardwood opening window. To date one quotation has been received for removing the tiles to the main roof, installing new membrane, (reusing old tiles) checking roof timbers and treating as necessary, removing old lathe and plaster ceiling and any debris above the current false ceiling, including scaffolding. Repairs/re-plastering to the entrance area will commence at the beginning of April, this will include some damp proofing to the walls. The main kitchen has been re-decorated, just awaiting the installation of the dish washer. Bookings for Birthday Parties have already been taken, over and above the normal user groups. The Chairman of the PC and I are taking a fresh look at insurance cover for the Hall; and we shall report further.' The Chairman of the PC and I are taking a fresh look at insurance cover for the Hall; and we shall report further.

9 Rex Eastment, Chairman of Management Committee Appendix D TAG Report Mini SID has been recording vehicle speeds inbound on the bend leading to the Fleur/George crossroads for 2 weeks. Maximum speed recorded 48.mph! Peak period for offending is between 7.00 am 9.00 am and pm where 15% of all vehicles are travelling above the threshold of 25mph. On weekdays there are around 56 speeders per hour above the threshold! This equates to 24,225 speeding vehicles in the 14 day period! Still too many drivers entering/leaving the village who do not respect the speed limits. Small Improvement Scheme has reached the final stage and final drawings should be available by the next PC meeting. AutoSpeedWatch is in production and should be available by the beginning of April. It was presented to the AGM of Mendip Community Speed Watch (CSW), with members of Avon and Somerset Police present. It received a very good reception. This equipment does not replace CSW, but will identify repeat offenders and high speed drivers. This information will be supplied to the Speed Enforcement Unit who can target repeat offenders and high end speeders. This Unit is likely to be modified to record offending HGV s that enter/ break the weight limit on the A366 at Terry Hill and Brown Shutters, also B3110 at Woolverton and Midford Road, Bath. This information could be used to prosecute offending drivers through the newly formed Dash Cam division at Avon and Somerset Police. The recording of Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) / Road Traffic Collisions (RTC) Personal Injury Collisions (PIC) has been put in question as currently Only RTA s/rtc s/pic s involving injuries sustained by passengers are recorded. Driver Only injuries are not recorded. We have been advised by Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner to lobby our MP to have the law changed to reflect all injury accidents. Rex Eastment Chairman Traffic Action Group