1 Apologies for Absence: Mr. A. Ashdown, Mrs M Davidson, Ms N Greenleaf, Mrs M. Willy, Mr L. Port ad Mrs S Blake.

2 Co-option of Parish Councillor

Formal co-option could not take place, as there were not enough councillors present, however, Mr. R. Shutler was the only candidate and was invited to sit with the council, formal co-option to take place at the May meeting.

3 Declaration of Interests

Ms. S. Wallis declared an interest in planning application 00840FUL and 00841LBC, 49 South Street. Mr. C. Willy declared an interest in the planning application 00795FUL for Bridge Wood Barn, Drayton Farm Lane.

4 Late Correspondence

No Late correspondence was reported.

5 Agreement of Minutes

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 14 March 2006 were approved after alterations to item 6.a) changing License to Licensee, Item 6.b) changing Lightgate to Pitway and item 12.b) changing cemetery to recreation field.

The chairman noted that the phrase “items raised by members” had been consciously removed from the agenda, on the grounds that this indicated that anything could be brought up in this session. Members were reminded that they could bring agenda items to the notice of the clerk prior to the meeting.

6 Matters Arising or Raised by Members

a) Martock Waste Paper Company are looking at the suitability of the site at the Prigg Lane car park for locating the skip for the cardboard recycling scheme and that is being arranged through SCC.

b) The grant application for improving the surface of the footpath from Hospital Lane to Pitway was reported to have been refused. Mr. J. Sharpe (SCC) would look into the possibilities of alternative funding through the County Council.

c) Mr. P. Mottram attended the SSDC meeting regarding sports and leisure strategy. He gave a brief report, one item being the discussion that had taken place about the possibility that smaller clubs would have to join together to place grant applications in the future.

d) It was noted that the letter from Mrs. S. Young regarding planting in the village had gone missing from the library box.

7 Young People’s Parish Council

Members of the YP PC gave an update on what they have been doing.

- Following a reorganisation, Matt Scott-Davies was now the Chairman with Jamie Knight as deputy. Robbie Grabham had taken on the Treasurer role.

- They are applying for a bank account with NatWest in the village.

- Interest was being shown by other clubs in the area who were considering starting their own YPPC’s.

- Screwfix were being approached for assistance with funding.

- A useful meeting with David Laws M.P. had taken place, discussing a wide range of issues.

- The idea of a wall dedicated for graffiti use was being considered – Mr. Hockey said that a formal proposal would be needed for the main Council to address this.

- The possibility of a shelter in the village was also being discussed

8 Planning Verdicts

The verdicts on planning applications received during the month were reported.

9 New Planning Applications

a) 00671TPO/1048TPO Application to carry out tree works at The Rectory, Hele Lane. In principle, the Parish Council recommended refusal, subject to advice from the District Council arborist.

b) 00619FUL Erection of a three bedroom, two storey dwelling with garage and parking bays at 20 Palmer Street. The Parish Council recommended refusal on the grounds that alteration of the levels would pose a risk to the adjacent children’s play area. The freestanding was shorter than the average car and did not allow safe access to the highway. The dwelling was too large for the site. The location on a junction where the highway was narrow would cause other detrimental issues regarding safety. Insufficient detail was shown on the plan regarding services and the relationship to other properties.

c) 00795FUL Change of use of existing agricultural barn and conversion to domestic accommodation at Wood Bridge Barn, Yeabridge Farm Lane. The Parish Council recommended approval. Mr. C. Willy left the room for this application.

d) 00886FUL Retention of Scout Hut at the recreation ground (renewal of application 96/00625FUL). The Parish Council recommended approval.

e) 00841LBC and 00840FUL Erection of a rear extension and loft conversion at 49, South Street. The Parish Council recommended approval. Ms. S. Wallis left the room for this application.

f) 00461COU To convert part of the owner’s private garden to a public area, licensed for drinks and provide a new access to the pub at the rear of the public house directly from the car park at The Wheatsheaf. The Parish Council recommended approval.

10 County Councillors’ Report

Mr. J. Sharpe made a report for SCC. He pointed out the River Parrett Festival and a visit to works that had been carried out, details on the website. He also drew the Council’s attention to the Services to the Community award that would accept nominations both from individuals and organisations for individuals who had made exemplary contributions. The SCC was concerned about the misdirection of heavy goods vehicles using SatNav systems. All regular misdirections should be reported to the County Council, Mr. Priddle noted that Mill Lane, Pitway was frequently taken to be Mill Lane, Lopen. Mr. Sharpe had a budget allotted for projects in the Parish and was looking for applications up to around £1200. The County Council were not only supporting the Lengthsman scheme but also looking to extend the scheme into other areas. This had been allowed for in the financial plan. A new Nippy bus service serving the journey to Yeovil was now in place.

The chairman noted that Mr. L. Port had voiced concern over the old A303 junction from Over Stratton. He had witnessed the dangerous crossing being made by mothers with pushchairs. It was noted that children from Over Stratton are likely to cross the road near the junction to get to school or nursery. The Clerk would write a letter to the Highways department requesting that potential traffic calming schemes be investigated.

11 District Councillors’ Report

Mr. K. Ronaldson spoke first on behalf of SSDC. He noted that a number of roads in the parish had been planned for repair work. A database of e-mail addresses of individuals wanting information regarding SSDC issues (including planning applications) was to be compiled. This would be a secure list. It would not replace the hard copies of applications send to Parishes. Highways department were looking for feedback on the work they had carried out in the year. Mr. Beale would complete and return this form.

Mr. P. Robatham also contributed. He noted that Simon Gale had been taken on as Head of Planning and Development with a successful record at Mendip Council behind him. He made an apology to the council as the restricted use of green wheely bins was yet to be clarified and whilst South Petherton would be large enough for the scheme, he was not aware of the limitations.

12 Recreation Ground

a) The Bowling Club had extended an invitation to the Council to attend a social evening. The club would be given some idea of numbers attending following the May meeting.

b) Approval was given to the carrying out of maintenance work at the Recreation field as identified by the Wicksteed report.

c) Mr. Willy reported that work had been carried out to repair the boundary fence and rubbish had been cleared at the memorial garden (this area would be rolled and sown with grass seed).

d) Mr. Willy would liaise with the contractors placing Astro turf by the MUGA.

e) The requirement for toilets at the recreation ground was considered again. It was agreed that a meeting between Mr. Willy and Mr Brian Tufton of SSDC would be arranged to discuss the legal and practical requirements of either extending the Pavilion or utilising the existing toilets.

13 Michelle Haimes PCSO

Ms Haimes reported that two incidents of criminal damage had been reported in April and some claims of public nuisance. She was looking forward to the opening of the Police Post at the David Hall in May. She noted, with regard to item 7, above, that Graffiti walls had been quite successful in other areas of the County.

14 Highway Lighting

The plan for the installation of four additional streetlights between Hayes End roundabout and Coles Lane would be made known by letter to residents affected, inviting any views that could be taken into consideration prior to the work being carried out.

15 Highway Matters

a) R Beale reported that kerbs were being repaired.

b) Mr. Beale also noted that action was likely to result in the removal of stones placed on the pavement in Lower Stratton that had concerned some residents.

c) There was a brief discussion identifying a concern that the increase in size of tractors used in the area was causing damage to the edges of roads not wide enough for such vehicles.

16 Footpaths

Ms. S. Wallis reported that she had almost completed the first of two footpath projects, the work now being carried out at the printers, however, she noted that she was not currently able to pursue the second project as originally intended.

17 Cemetery

The cemetery hedge had been cut back by Mr. P. Kidner, the work was reported to be of a very good standard.

It was also reported that the new grass contractor was proving very satisfactory..

Mr. Priddle noted that the watering cans had been removed. This had been reported to the Clerk.

18 Churchyard

Maintenance was reported to be satisfactory.

19 Pavilion Committee Matters

Mr. Mottram reported on details of his contact with Mr. P. Bussell during the month. The Council heard Mr. Mottram’s view that there was some ambiguity over the electricity charge and noted that Mr. Bussell had paid two cheques towards the outstanding charge (totalling £773.33). Mr. Bussell had also written to one of the previously regular users of the pavilion asking for payment to be made directly to the Council. He had also agreed to set up a Direct Debit for £200 per month to be paid to the Parish Council. Following these issues and the unclear charge, Mr. Mottram recommended that £851.63 of the outstanding amount be footed by the council. The Council discussed the matter and agreed that this would be supported with the proviso that the remainder of the debt would be cleared through the Direct Debit. This was agreed unanimously. The Clerk was asked to send copies of all electricity bills to Mr. Bussell and ensure that readings were taken regularly. The Council was concerned that on an ongoing basis, clarity and transparency of the relationship between the Council and the Sports and Social Club be the highest priority with the clear agreement over each party’s responsibilities. Mr. Robatham noted that SSDC could provide legal assistance as necessary.

20 Approval of Cheque Payments

Approval was given for cheques drawn as indicated on the list attached to these minutes.

21 ALMANAC, the Annual Parish Newsletter

The Chairman noted the Clerk’s work on this and thanked both Mrs Blake and those who were distributing the newsletter.

The meeting closed 10.15pm

Minutes Approved by: Chairman……………………… Date…………….