Minutes of Meeting held in the Memorial Hall, Cranmore on the
14th April 2008 at 7.30pm
Present
Mr P Treby Chairman
Mrs B Edwards Vice Chair
Mr R Payne Parish Councillor
Mr A Price Parish Councillor
Mr M Edgar Parish Councillor
Miss K Gunby Parish Clerk
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm
Item 1 – Apologies for absence.
Lynn Walker
Gloria Cawood
Item 2 – Declaration of Interest.
None
Item 3 – Minutes from the Meeting held on the 10 March 2008.
These were proposed by Richard Payne and seconded by Alan Price and accepted as a true record of the meeting.
Item 4 – Matters arising from the Minutes.
Sign Posting (ongoing from May)
Since his most recent correspondence with Somerset County Council regarding the existence of West Cranmore, The Chairman has reported that he has received a response by telephone. The response confirmed that West Cranmore does not appear on the Ordinance Survey Map. Therefore it does not exist as “West” Cranmore.
The Councillors discussed the virtues of pursuing this matter further. Following the discussions it was proposed by Richard Payne that the matter was not pursued. This was seconded by Alan Price
Action. Complete.
Footpath in Martins Paddock.
The matter of the footpath in Martins Paddock previously raised by Christine Smith is still in hand with Alan Price. Since his most recent letter to Somerset County Council a site visit has taken place and the matter is on going for the time being. Alan Price is still awaiting a response.
Action. Alan Price.
Jills Close
Following recent discussions regarding the possible ways to apply and facilitate applications for future grants for Jills Close. Brenda Edwards reported that she has sourced and completed an application form for a grant towards the required amendments to Jills Close. The request was for an amount of £3500.00 and is due to be sent in tomorrows post.
Action. Brenda Edwards.
Parking at Crane Cottages and Cooks Lane
It was reported that improvements to the situation have been noted by all recently and that vehicles have not been parked in such positions as they have previously. It was also reported that there was an incident of tyre slashing to three vehicles parked nearest to Cooks Lane. This led to discussions about perceived inaction over the last few months of the PCSO to address this parking issue and how this may have contributed to the tyre slashing incident.
Alan Price was able to report that the new PCSO had visited the site and given a friendly warning to vehicle owners. It was decided that the issue be mentioned to Nicky? Housley – the new PCSO at the next meeting. The Councillors will continue to monitor the issue until then.
Action. The Councillors.
Children and Youth Survey.
Further to previous discussions Mendip have organised several events in the Village Hall. The Chairman will continue to report any new developments.
Action.Complete.
Traffic cones in East Cranmore Lane
At the last meeting Lynn Walker reported that she is still awaiting a reply from the highways regarding the Cones in East Cranmore Lane. She also raised the issue of recent flooding. It has been confirmed that the highways require the submission of photographs of this flooding. As Lynn Walker was unable to attend this meeting, the Parish Council await her feedback at meeting in May.
Action. Lynn Walker.
Bin lids in Jills Close
Alan Price is currently investigating how and where to source appropriate locks for the bin lids. Brenda Edwards was able to pass Alan Price details of the source of the Dog Waste Bin. It was thought this will provide a source of an appropriate lock. Alan Price to source, purchase and fit the locks.
Action. Alan Price.
Health and Safety Inspections and nominal rents for the Tennis/Cricket Club
Brenda Edwards was able to report that she has spoken to Tim Berry regarding the revising/producing of formal tenancy agreements for both the Tennis Club and the Cricket Club and what should be included therein. Tim Berry is currently on holiday, but does have the matter in hand and will report further to Brenda Edwards in due course.
It was decided that in the meantime the Parish Council should write to the Tennis Club and request a nominal rent of £1.00 for both this year and last year. The Parish Clerk to undertake.
Action. Brenda Edwards
and Parish Clerk.
Ongoing liaison between the PCSO and the Parish Council
Display literature
The Parish Clerk has produced display literature, which she has forwarded to Nicky Housley for approval. Once Nicky Housley’s approval is received the Parish Clerk will produce final display copies and post these around the Parish.
Action. Parish Clerk.
Neighbourhood watch
The questionnaires are due to be circulated in the next edition of the Cranmore Grapevine. The Parish Council await the responses.
Action. Ongoing.
150 Years of the Railway!
Liaisons are continuing regarding the 150 years of the Railway celebrations.
Brenda Edwards reported that to date there has been no response to the advertisement for volunteers to help over the weekend that was placed in the Grapevine. Volunteers were requested to act as Stewards and Ticket Collectors. Brenda Edwards and Chris Brown are currently in liaison with Dick Masters to explore the possibility of offering free tickets in return for Volunteer work.
Brenda Edwards also reported that the celebrations will be centred at the Quarry rather than the East Somerset Railway site although numbers of visitors are still expected in the village and at the East Somerset Railway site. She also reported that she is in liaison with the Community Group with regard to having a Village stand at the Quarry over the celebratory weekend. It is intended details of this will be published in the Grapevine at the appropriate time.
Action. Ongoing.
Dog Waste Bin
Brenda Edwards reported that she has not yet received has more signs for the Parish from the Dog Warden . Brenda Edwards and the Clerk to chase. Brenda Edwards was also able to report that the Parish is already cleaner following the introduction of the Waste Bin. The Bin is currently being emptied once a week and this is perfectly sufficient.
Action. Brenda Edwards
and the Parish Clerk.
Public Rights of Way
The Parish Council have not yet received a request for payment for work undertaken by Tony Collins. The Chairman will chase this. A letter of thanks to be written by the Parish Clerk when making payment.
Action. Ongoing.
Cupboards in the Village Hall
Alan Price reported that John Reakes has confirmed that the funding for this project is all in place. John Reakes did say he felt it couldn’t be said that the Parish Council had contributed, however Richard Payne pointed out that 15.6% of the precept is given annually and this must represent a contribution. Morris Stubbs is shortly going to undertake the construction of the cupboards
Action. Ongoing.
Village Clean-up day
The event has been publicised in the Cranmore Grapevine. Brenda Edwards reported that the day itself has been organised and that gloves, litter pickers maps and guidance notes will all be available on the day.
Action. Ongoing.
Review of the meeting with Doulting Parish Council.
6 monthly meetings
The Parish Clerk has informed Doulting Parish Council of the two nominated representatives from Cranmore Parish Council; Max Edgar and Lynn Walker. Contact details for the two representatives from Doulting Parish Council were passed to Max Edgar (Copy to follow to Lynn Walker). The representatives will liaise with each other to arrange the regular meetings and report anything of relevance. It was suggested that Downhead be involved in these meetings as well.
Max Edgar to take this forward.
Action. Max Edgar.
Grass cutting contract.
The renewal of the contract has been Diary Noted and will be reviewed in October/November.
Action. Complete.
Funding of Jills Close and the Playing Field.
Richard Payne reported that the Parish Council are exempt from tax relating to the Cemetery and Playground.
Action. Complete.
The extension of Jills Close
It was reported that Adrian Candy had not approached the Goulds (the current landowners). Richard Payne suggested it may be prudent to contact Vaughn Lake of Hastoe and establish exactly who he dealt with in regard to the successful purchase of land. The Councillors agreed unanimously that this was a good idea. The Chairman to undertake.
Action. The Chairman.
Mini Motos/Motorbikes
Further incidents were reported and it was agreed that all would continue to monitor the situation and that Nicky Housley the PCSO will be asked to comment at the next meeting.
Action. Ongoing.
Footpaths and signposting
Alan Price reported that these matters have been referred to Sheila Petherbridge and are all in hand. Richard Payne commented that he believes the footpath is still ploughed up. Alan Price to investigate and report once again if necessary.
Action. Alan Price.
Speed of Motor Vehicles through the Village
Following reports of incidents of speeding vehicles through the Village; down Piers Lane, through East Cranmore Lane.
The Chairman will write to both the Police and the Highways.
Action. The Chairman.
Item 5. Open Meeting.
No items
Item 6. Planning
a. New Applications
Application number: 102354/006 Location: 32 Waterlip
Approval of the application was proposed by Brenda Edwards and seconded by Alan Price.
The application was approved unanimously by the Councilors.
Application number: 043387/002 Location: Westmoor Cottage, Dean
It was noted by the Council that no objections have been received by any neighbours.
Approval of the application was proposed by Richard Payne and seconded by Max Edgar.
The application was approved unanimously by the Councilors.
Application number: 085790/012 Location: Moons Hill Quarry, Stoke St Michael
It was noted by the Council that this is a matter for Somerset County Council and not Mendip District Council.
All councilors viewed the plans and it was decided that the Parish Council have no comments to make on this matter. Therefore no response is required in accordance with the instructions from Somerset County Council.
b. Notified Results
Application number: 11271/000
Location: Land to North East of Crane Cottage, Hastoe Housing
The application was approved.
It was decided that it would be prudent to request details of the 106 agreement to ensure that provision of the housing for people with genuine local connections remains priority.
The Parish Clerk to undertake.
Action. Parish Clerk.
Application number: 105620/017
Location: Stotts Transport, Quarry Way, Waterlip
The application was approved with conditions.
Application number: 1067665/003
Location: Shooting Range at Mitchells Elm Farm, Wanstrow
It was reported by Richard Payne and The Chairman that an appeal has been launched in respect of this application. Gloria Cawood has been so far unable to advise the basis of the appeal.
The Parish Clerk to contact Wanstrow Parish Council regarding on-going liaison over this appeal.
Action. Parish Clerk.
Item 7. Financial assistance for improvements to the Village Hall.
It was reported that full funding has now been obtained and no further assistance is required from the Parish Council.
Action. Complete.
Item 8. Correspondence.
Correspondence received this month included;
Parishes Information Bulletin
Wickstead report
A letter from Mendip District Council regarding the provision of Sandbags
Item 9. SALC
It was decided that the Parish Clerk may arrange for the certificate to undertaken in the future, but not at this time.
Action. Complete.
Item 10. Finance.
The payment of the following were proposed by Alan Price and seconded by Richard Payne;
Wickstead Leisure invoice (in respect of the completed inspection) £47.00
SALC invoice £95.67
Allianz annual insurance renewal £906.64
Annual donation of £100.00 to the Village Hall
Annual donation of £500.00 to the Church for Churchyard maintenance
Repayment of £1000.00 to Mendip District Council
The annual Income and Expenditure Account was presented to the meeting by the Chairman.
It was decided that the Accounts be now put to Tim Berry as an independent auditor.
They will then be sent to the official auditors in Bath and filed in due course.
The chairman also reported that he has made an application to reclaim VAT.
Item 11. Parish Matters.
Inspection of Jills Close
Richard Payne reported disappointment in the report, namely because the sign on the goalposts was not picked up and there was disagreement with the potential for fingers to be trapped in the gate.
It was decided that the Parish Council are content that Jills Close be considered safe, the invoice is paid and that the matter be revisited next year.
Action. Complete.
Rates
Richard Payne reported that an intended 0.9% increase to the precept is for one property not currently paying rates. However it is thought that the empty property has now been sold. There is also the pending Hastoe development, which will mean an additional 8 properties on which rates are paid. Both should negate the intended increase.
Quarry liaison report
Richard Payne attended the recent meeting. He reported that an application to increase output by 2 million tonnes per year has been withdrawn to reformat the wording. It will be represented and the Parish Council kept informed at the appropriate time. It is not intended that this application will mean any increase in road traffic as it will be handled by rail only. An application to excavate below the Water Table was also mentioned. Richard Payne addressed the meeting and requested that the effects and the potential effects of this are monitored as well as the intention to increase rail transport only.
Action. Complete.
Damage to a Gate at Slait Hill
Richard Payne confirmed that damage to a gate was reported and this has now been rectified.
Action. Complete.
Re-cycling bins in the Railway Car Park
Brenda Edwards reported that Somerset Waste Partnership are responsible for the bins and site. The bins are currently emptied fortnightly on a Wednesday and were last emptied on 09 April 2008. Any issues should be addressed to Pete Lech at the Somerset Waste Partnership.
Action. Complete.
Issues affecting Waterlip, Tansey and Doulting
Brenda Edwards suggested current issues to be referred to the liaison group with Doulting Parish Council;
A planning application for a grain store with access to the A361 and concerns over increased traffic
Max Edgar will take these forward in discussions with representatives from Doulting Parish Council.
Action. Max Edgar.
The end to provision of sandbags by Mendip District Council
This was confirmed within this months correspondence, an issue raised by Brenda Edwards. The issue of whether the Parish Council need make replacement provision was discussed and it was decided that flooding is not an issue and therefore it was not necessary for the Parish Council to do so.
Action. Complete.
Cranmore Cricket Club
Brenda Edwards reported a feeling that the Cricket Club could involve/integrate itself into the Parish more and that there could be improved liaisons between the Cricket Club and the Tennis Club. One suggestion is to publish the Cricket Club results in the Grapevine. The Parish Clerk to write and address these issues.
Action. Parish Clerk.
Parish Development Plan
Richard Payne presented a prepared plan. Following discussion several amendments were agreed upon. Richard Payne will make the amendments and present a revised version at the next meeting, which is the AGM.
Action. Ongoing.
Annual General Meeting
This is to be held at the next meeting of the Parish Council. Where the revised Village Plan will be discussed, the year end reports will be finalised, it is hoped the various associated Parish Bodies will attend (Community Group, Village Hall Committee, Tennis Club, Cricket Club, The Church etc.) and the election of the Chairman will be addressed.
Action. Ongoing.
Item 12. Chairman’s urgent matters for consideration
None.
Item 13. Date of Next Meeting.
Monday 12th May 2008.
The meeting closed at 8.30 pm.