Minutes

Minutes of Meeting held in the Memorial Hall, Cranmore on the
12th May 2008 at 7.30pm

Present

Mr P Treby Chairman
Mr R Payne Parish Councillor
Mr A Price Parish Councillor
Mr M Edgar Parish Councillor
Mrs L Walker Parish Councillor
Miss K Gunby Parish Clerk

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm

Annual Parish Meeting

Annual reports were presented by the following organisations;

Village Hall Committee
Community Group
Parish Church
Cricket club
Tennis Club
Parish Council

Item 1 - Election of Chairman and Vice Chairman

Lynn Walker reported that Brenda Edwards had confirmed she was happy to continue in the role of Vice Chair, should the council wish her to do so.
Lynn Walker proposed the re-election of Paul Treby as Chairman and Brenda Edwards as Vice Chair. This was seconded by Max Edgar and agreed by all of the Councillors.

Item 2 – Apologies for absence.

Brenda Edwards

Item 3 – Declaration of Interest.

The following were declared;
Brenda Edwards and Alan Price are both members of Cranmore Community Group and Trustees of the Village Hall.
Paul Treby is a member of St Bartholomews Church
Lynn Walker works for the Adoption Panel at Somerset County Council
Max Edgar is a member of the Manor Farm Sub-Committee

Item 4 – Minutes from the Meeting held on the 14 April 2008.

These were proposed by Richard Payne and seconded by Max Edgar and accepted as a true record of the meeting.

Item 5 – Matters arising from the Minutes.

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 Brenda Edwards will report further when she is able.
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. The PCSO Nicky Housley reported that she will continue to monitor the situation and will issue tickets where appropriate.
Action. Nicky Housley.

Traffic cones in East Cranmore Lane

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. Representatives from the Highways will be at the next Neighbourhood Forum meeting and Lynn Walker and Alan Price will attend and Lynn Walker will report their findings.
Action. Lynn Walker.

Bin lids in Jills Close

Alan Price is currently investigating how and where to source appropriate locks for the bin lids. Alan Price is 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. This has been done and the Clerk awaits the cheque.
Action. Brenda Edwards and Parish Clerk.

Ongoing liaison between the PCSO and the Parish Council

The meeting was attended by both Nicky Housley and Martin Reynolds, who were both thanked for their attendance. Martin Reynolds is currently acting Community Police Officer however this role will shortly (in approximately 3 weeks) be taken over by Jay Appleton. Jay has previously worked on a Youth Offending team in Street and hopes to attend one of the next 2 Parish Council meetings (dependent on actual start date and Policing commitments).

Display literature

Nicky Housley provided the Clerk with display literature, which will now be displayed 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 has previously 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 received a request for payment for work undertaken by Tony Collins. A letter of thanks to be written by the Parish Clerk when making payment.
Action. Parish Clerk.

Cupboards in the Village Hall

Alan Price reported that John Reakes has confirmed that the funding for this project is all in place. Morris Stubbs is shortly going to undertake the construction of the cupboards
Action. Ongoing.

Village Clean-up day

The event was reported as a great success. Many bags of rubbish were collected and the Parish is much cleaner.
Action. Complete.

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. The representatives will liaise with each other to arrange the regular meetings and report anything of relevance.
Action. Max Edgar and Lynn Walker.

Grass Cutting Contract

The Chairman reported that the grass in Jills Close has not been cut for a month. It should be being done fortnightly. The Chairman has already been in touch with Taunton Deane regarding this and will chase the issue.
Action. The Chairman.

The extension of Jills Close

It was reported that Hastoe dealt directly with the Goulds in respect of the successful purchase of land (for the Affordable Housing site). The Chairman will persue this matter and report his findings, with regard to obtaining land for an extension. Lynn Walker repeated that an application for a grant for future funding has been made to the Aggregates fund and this will be addressed by them on 01 June 2008.
Action. The Chairman.

Mini Motos/Motorbikes

Further incidents were reported and it was agreed that all would continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with the PCSO Nicky Housley.
Action. Ongoing.

Footpaths and signposting

Alan Price reported that these matters have been referred to Sheila Petherbridge and are all in hand.
Action. Complete.

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 has written to both the Police and the Highways and awaits a reply.
Action. The Chairman.

Issues affecting Waterlip, Tansey and Doulting

These will be addressed at the 6 monthly meetings between Doulting and Cranmore Parish Council. Max Edgar and Lynn Walker will report anything of relevance.
Action. Ongoing within 6 monthly meetings.

Cranmore Cricket Club

The Parish Clerk has written to the Cricket Club suggesting it could involve/integrate itself into the Parish more and that there could be improved liaisons between the Cricket Club and the Tennis Club. Rod Baker reported that the results are published on the website and that future results will be published in the Grapevine after this was also suggested in The Clerk’s letter.
Action. Complete.

Parish Development Plan

Richard Payne presented a prepared plan, taking into account the amendments agreed upon at the last meeting.
Action. Ongoing.

Item 6. Open Meeting.

No items

Item 7. Planning

a. New Applications

Application number: 043189/014 Location: Southill House, West Cranmore
Approval of the application was proposed by Lynn Walker and seconded by Alan Price. The application was approved unanimously by the Councilors.

An application for a change to Street naming and numbering
This relates to numbers 1 and 2 Crane Cottages, who have applied for name changes to Cedars and Lilac Cottage. There were no objections to the changes whatsoever and therefore it was decided that no further action was required.

b. Notified Results

Application number: 1102354/005 Location: 32 Waterlip
The application was approved with conditions.

Application number: 102354/006 Location: 32 Waterlip
The application was approved with conditions.

Application number: 043387/002 Location: Westmoor Cottage, 51 Dean
The application was approved with conditions.

An appeal by Pete McCann regarding 33 Waterlip Cottages has been dismissed.

Application number: 111271/000 Location: Land to North East of Crane Cottage, Hastoe Housing
The Parish Clerk has requested and received details of the 106 agreement to ensure that provision of the housing for people with genuine local connections remains priority. The Chairman will copy this and provide a copy to each of the Councillors.

The Parish Council also received correspondence from Somerset County Council asking whether the Parish Council would prefer lighting be excluded from the new development. The Chairman suggested that the lighting is a positive thing and this was agreed. The Chairman has written a reply to Somerset County Council confirming this.
Action. The chairman.

Application number: 1067665/003
Location: Shooting Range at Mitchells Elm Farm, Wanstrow

It was previously 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 has contacted Wanstrow Parish Council regarding this, but neither Parish has yet received notification of the appeal. The Parish Clerk to report further as soon as anything is received.
Action. Parish Clerk.

Item 8. Correspondence.

Correspondence received this month included;

Standards Committee Agenda
Somerset Village and Parish Communications Competition Notification
Thatch Magazine
Somerset’s Community Safety Newsletter

Notification of intent to remove the BT telephone box in Withwood Lane

It was decided that there was a strong desire by all to retain the telephone box. For various valid reasons. Gareth Stone reported that he understood it was protected, It is signposted on the A361 and marked on Ordanence Survey Maps. It is a historical feature of the village, adjacent to The Old Post Office and opposite the East Somerset Railway. The Parish Clerk to respond in writing and confirm this. Action. Parish Clerk.

Notification of a complaint received by Mendip District Council regarding 33 Waterlip

The Parish Council received notification of a complaint regarding the possible commercial use of 33 Waterlip as a chicken farm. In this regard Richard Payne produced a copy of an email from Chris Ball to Peter Harries and was able to report that he believes they have sorted the matter out between themselves.

Item 9. SALC

Notification of the East Area meeting on Monday 02 June 2008.

Item 10. Finance.

The Chairman confirmed that the annual Income and Expenditure Account was now with the independent auditor.

Item 11. Parish Matters.

Parking at St Bartholomew’s Church

It was mentioned that when the church is particularly well attended there can be issues with regard to the number and location of cars parked in Cooks Lane. It was agreed by the Councillors that the situation be monitored to see whether there is a real need for further parking provision.
Action. To be revisited if this becomes an issue.

Land for future homes

Following the correspondence received regarding this it was confirmed that The Chairman has written a reply stating that there are already 8 new homes being built within the parish.
Action. Complete.

Affordable Housing – under development

Following receipt of a copy of the Section 106 agreement, it was reiterated that the housing must be allocated first and foremost to anyone with a genuine local connection. The Chairman will contact Vaughn Lake to see if he is able to attend the next meeting to liaise with The Councillors and report on progress. It was also decided that a clear advertisement should be placed in the Cranmore Grapevine, to make sure everyone is aware of the scheme and inviting people to apply should they wish to.
Action. The Chairman.

Excess dust from the Quarry

Richard Payne reported an excess of dust from the Quarry in recent times. The Chairman will ask residents about this and report his findings at the next meeting.
Action. The Chairman.

Addresses at Tansey

Rob Baker reported that his address (and those of other Tansey residents) is currently Tansey, Shepton Mallet – which has caused issues for them, especially with regard to deliveries. The Chairman will investigate whether this can be changed, to include “Cranmore” in addresses at Tansey and will report his findings.
Action. The Chairman.

Leisure Provision and the development of the old Tesco site in Shepton Mallet

Lynn Walker mentioned a letter previously written to and published by the Shepton Mallet Journal by Richard Payne. It was proposed that the Parish Council also write a letter in support of the use of land at the old Tesco site for Leisure purposes and against it being used for retail (or the proposed Garden Centre). Lynn Walker to draft a letter to this effect which The Chairman will sign and send from the Parish Council.
Action. The Chairman and Lynn Walker.

The use of land off the A361 for Quad Biking

Following notification of a complaint received by Mendip District Council regarding this matter it was suggested by Lynn Walker that the matter be monitored.
Action. To be revisited if this becomes an issue.

HGV Pinpoint Consultation

Lynn Walker reported that Ann Crowcombe (of Doulting Parish Council) had asked whether Cranmore Parish Council had taken part in this consultation. It was confirmed that the Cranmore Parish Council hadn’t. Lynn Walker to feed this back.
Action. Complete.

Item 12. Chairman’s urgent matters for consideration

None.

Item 13. Date of Next Meeting.

Monday 09th June 2008.

The meeting closed at 8.45 pm.