Minutes of Meeting held in the Memorial Hall, Cranmore on the 09th June 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
Item 1 – Apologies for absence.
Brenda Edwards.
Item 2 – Declaration of Interest.
None.
Item 3 – Minutes from the Meeting held on the 12 May 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.
Footpath in Martins Paddock.
The matter of the footpath in Martins Paddock previously raised by Christine Smith is still in hand with Alan Price. The person handling this matter has changed since Alan Price last reported to the Parish Council. Alan Price is still awaiting a response.
Action. Alan Price.
Jills Close
Brenda Edwards reported previously 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.
Lynn Walker confirmed that there is nothing further to report on the matter at this time and that Brenda Edwards will report further when she is able.
Action. Brenda Edwards.
Parking at Crane Cottages and Cooks Lane
It was reported that further improvements to the situation have been noted by all recently. Nicky Housley the PCSO has previously agreed that she will continue to monitor the situation and issue tickets where appropriate.
It was agreed that in conjunction with this the Parish Councillors will continue to monitor the situation and report further should this become an issue once again.
Action. Complete.
Traffic cones in East Cranmore Lane
Lynn Walker reported that there are ongoing legal issues regarding an accident involving Ken Chislett and the area where the traffic cones are placed and until these are resolved no further action will be taken. Lynn Walker has requested correspondence from Ken Chislett’s Solicitor in this regard and will report further once she is able. She did note that despite this the traffic cones do move on occasion.
With regard to the recent flooding issues which have been in hand with Lynn Walker, Lynn reported that she did attend the Neighbourhood Forum meeting, however it did not follow its normal format and there were no representatives from the Highways present. Therefore she will report further when she is able.
Action. Lynn Walker.
Bin lids in Jills Close
The matter is in hand with Alan Price.
Action. Alan Price.
Health and Safety Inspections and nominal rents for the Tennis/Cricket Club
The Chairman has received a formal tenancy agreement drafted very kindly by Tim Berry. The Chairman will tailor the document for both organisations and fill in the appropriate blanks within the draft agreement. The Chairman will then arrange for these to be signed by both the Tennis and the Cricket Clubs.
The Parish Clerk reported that she has received a cheque for £2.00 in respect of nominal rents of £1.00 for both this year and last year, from the Tennis Club.
Action. The Chairman.
Display literature
Nicky Housley previously provided the Clerk with display literature, which is now on display around the Parish.
Action. Complete.
Neighbourhood watch
The questionnaires have been circulated through the Cranmore Grapevine. The Chairman has only received 3 responses, thus far. It was therefore decided to re-address this matter at the next Parish Council meeting, when more responses will hopefully have been received.
Action. Ongoing.
150 Years of the Railway!
The celebrations are due to take place on the weekend of 21 June 2008 and all agreed this should be a very good event.
Action. Complete.
Cupboards in the Village Hall
Alan Price reported that there have been discussions regarding the choice of colours for the cupboards (between the Village Hall Committee and the Community Group). Alan Price is now going to source the materials and Morris Stubbs is going to undertake the construction of the cupboards shortly.
Action. Ongoing.
Review of the meeting with Doulting Parish Council.
6 monthly meetings
Max Edgar and Lynn Walker reported that a meeting had been held on 25 May 2008 which they both attended. Lynn Walker reported that the meeting consisted of a “general chat” between the representatives, regarding the following issues;
Road and traffic issues; including the Bulls Green Link, access to the A37 at Doulting Beacon, street lighting and pavements.
It was decided Lynn Walker and Ann Crowcombe to highlight joint issues at the Neighbourhood forum meetings and that another meeting in conjunction with the highways should be arranged. This should be done prior to the next intended six monthly meeting.
Lynn Walker and Max Edgar will continue to keep the Parish Council informed.
Action. Max Edgar and Lynn Walker.
Grass Cutting Contract
The Chairman contacted Taunton Deane regarding the grass cutting and it was completed 2 days later.
Action. Complete.
The extension of Jills Close
The Chairman has reported that he has approached the Goulds with regard to the purchase of land to extend Jills Close. He is currently awaiting a response and will chase the matter accordingly.
Action. The Chairman.
Mini Motos/Motorbikes
No further incidents were reported and it was agreed that all would continue to monitor the situation in conjunction with the PCSO Nicky Housley. All Councillors agreed that the matter be noted and removed from the agenda.
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. The Chairman was able to report that he has now received an acknowledgment of his letters and response will be issued shortly.
Action. The Chairman.
Notification of intent to remove the BT telephone box in Withywood Lane
The Parish Clerk has replied to the correspondence confirming the strong desire by all to retain the telephone box.
Action. Parish Clerk.
Affordable Housing – under development
Following the notice published in the Cranmore Grapevine, inviting local people to apply for the scheme The Chairman has received 3 responses. The Chairman has advised those who have replied what they need to do in order to apply correctly and has kept a record of the names of these people.
The Parish Clerk reported that Vaughn Lake confirmed during a telephone conversation that only 2 houses were going to be available for shared ownership purchase with the remaining 6 for rental. Vaughn Lake confirmed this was a decision taken as a direct result of the Housing Needs Survey. It was agreed amongst the Councillors that all were under the impression until this report that 4 properties were going to be available for shared ownership purchase and 4 for rental. It was agreed that no action was required by the Parish Council at this time, but this has been noted and the scheme will continue to be closely monitored by all, to ensure it meets the terms under which is was agreed; the provision of affordable housing for people with genuine connections to the Parish.
Action. Ongoing.
Excess dust from the Quarry
Richard Payne reported that he has spoken with Jane Hooker, who has not noticed any increase in dust from the Quarry. Richard Payne will feed this back when he attends the next Quarry liaison meeting.
Action. Complete.
Addresses at Tansey
Following a previous report from Rob Baker 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 has drafted a letter which The Chairman signed and sent to Mendip from the Parish Council, 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). The Chairman is currently awaiting a reply. Lynn Walker confirmed that a copy of this letter was also provided to Doulting Parish Council, however they have taken no further action as they are not interested in this matter.
Action. Ongoing.
5. Appeal for Planning Permission for a Shooting Range at Mitchells Elm Farm Wanstrow
It was acknowledged that Mendip District Council are going to object the appeal in accordance with the vote taken on the original application at the enquiry.
It was noted that the Parish Council and Parishioners privately or through the Parish Council must present any NEW objections/influencing information to Mendip prior to 02 July 2008. Mendip already hold the previous objections and representations from both the Parish Council and private letters of objection from Parishioners on file.
One Parishioner who will be directly affected does not appear to have been consulted/received notification of the appeal, she resides at Cold Harbour Farm and the Chairman will contact her to ensure she is fully informed and responds as she would wish to.
It was also decided that the matter be bought to the attention of ALL parishioners through the next edition of the Cranmore Grapevine. By which time we may also be able to publish the date of the public enquiry - pending this being set by the powers that be.
The Chairman will attend the enquiry (once the date is set) and will speak against the appeal. There is no time limit for the representations at this appeal - so the Chairman will prepare a detailed and considered presentation.
The timing of the appeal was discussed, as to whether it was lodged within the legal timeframe and one of our Councillors - Alan Price confirmed that it was.
With regard to NEW representation the following matters were raised;
Richard Payne suggested contacting the Royal Millitary College of Science to check the credentials of those accessing the noise.
Alan Price reported that an application for a permanent shooting licence at Mitchells Elm Farm was first submitted approx 20 years ago. The application was turned down because shooting WAS taking place out of hours and the applicants would NOT agree to the required restrictions to Sunday shooting. Alan Price is going to investigate this matter fully and provide his findings to the Chairman. The Chairman will then present these to Mendip District Council prior to 02 July 2008.
Action. The Parish Council.
Item 6. Open Meeting.
Diana Stone raised the issue of Allotments in conjunction with the purchase of land for an extension to Jills Close. Richard Payne confirmed that following the Enclosures Act if 8 or more people request Allotments, then they should be introduced.
It was agreed by all of the Councillors that this could be a positive scheme and should be publicised through the Cranmore Grapevine. The Chairman will arrange this.
The Chairman.
Item 7. Planning
a. New Applications
None.
b. Notified Results
None.
Item 8. Correspondence.
Correspondence received this month included;
Parishes Information bulletin
Mendip Back out to Play Strategy
Notification of a complaint received by Mendip District Council regarding works at Southill House
Standards Committee meeting agenda
The Playing Field
Item 9. SALC
Lynn Walker once again asked if the Parish Clerk may be able to undertake some study in relation to the role. The Clerk confirmed that she has no time to donate to this now, or for the foreseeable future.
Item 10. Finance.
Following the recent application made by the Chairman a VAT refund of £732.45 has been received.
The Chairman reported that invitations to view the Annual Accounts have been posted on the Parish notice boards, to date no one has wanted to view them.
The Chairman also reported that we await a final sign off of the Accounts from the official Auditors.
Item 11. Parish Matters.
11a. Available grants and funding for a Parish Project
The Chairman reported the receipt of a letter confirming that our local County Councillor has a budget of £15000.00, out of which we may apply for a grant. There are some rules governing applications and these are;
The application must be for a minimum of £2000.00
It must for a specific “project”
The project must be completed by 31 March 2009
The application must be received no later than 18 July 2008
All Councillors agreed that we should apply for a grant and that a suitable “project” which meets the rules governing this scheme would be the instruction of a new climbing frame in Jills Close. Richard Payne agreed to investigate the costs of this project and it was agreed unanimously that if the costs are viable then Richard Payne and the Chairman should pursue the matter and apply for funding accordingly.
Action. Richard Payne and the Chairman.
Richard Payne reported that the sign at the entrance to Jills Close has fallen down. Proposals to attach it to the wall permanently were discussed. It was agreed that Richard Payne and Alan Price will visit the site and establish the best way to permanently affix the sign.
The recent flooding issues were discussed. With regard to the emptying and clearing of drains and gullies. With regard to the impact hedge cuttings have on the drainage system. With regard to a number of drains within the Parish which appear to be angled and ineffective, as water flows over the top.
Max Edgar requested a schedule of when the Gullies are to be emptied and will liaise with Brenda Edwards/ the Highways to obtain this.
It was agreed that the Parish Council write to Somerset Highways regarding these issues. The Chairman and the Parish Clerk will arrange this.
Action. The Chairman and Clerk.
Item 12. Chairman’s urgent matters for consideration
None.
Item 13. Date of Next Meeting.
Monday 14th July 2008.
The meeting closed at 8.25 pm.