1 Apologies for Absence: Mr W Davis and Mr H Warden.

2 Declaration of Interests

a) R Beale declared an interest in the tenders for work at the cemetery.

b) C Hockey declared an interest in the planning applications for 3 Jubilee Gardens and 50 Compton Road.

d) After discussion it was decided that it would not be necessary for B Priddle to declare an interest in the planning application for Stoodham, but it was noted that the access to one of his fields used the same access road as the proposed development.

3 Young People’s Parish Council

a) The presentation from the Chairman of the Young People’s Parish Council was deferred until next meeting.

b) The YP PC is advertising for some more members, currently thirteen.

c) They are looking into the feasibility of a light in West Street and will then submit an application for funding. There have some other ideas that they are considering before presenting them to the Parish Council.

d) The YP PC and some other young people from the village have a trip to parliament planned for 11 February 2005.

e) They are planning to launch a quarterly newsletter.

f) They have agreed to help with the project to improve the memorial garden at the recreation field.

g) An invitation was extended to all Parish Councillors to attend the YP PC meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of each month at the Blake Hall Committee Room.

4 Late Correspondence

This will be dealt with under the appropriate agenda item ie play inspection reports and planning decisions.

5 Agreement of Minutes

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 11 January 2005 were signed as a correct record.

6 Matters Arising or Raised by Members

a) Through the website an enquiry has been received about a South Petherton Silver Jubilee mug. The schools in the village issued these in 1977.

b) There is no satisfactory answer yet as to why a fee of between £50 and £150 is payable for replacement windows that come under building control but SSDC officers have no time to inspect the work.

c) Applications for the New Year’s Honours List have to be made on the appropriate form through the Lord Chancellors Office. Any proposals will be discussed at a later date.

d) The caretaker has not yet returned his £100 float or the receipts for the purchases. C Willy offered to discuss this with him again. There have been some unspecified complaints that the Recreation Filed is not as tidy as it should be.

e) The light in Prigg Lane car perk has not worked for the past year, SSDC refer to South Somerset Homes and visa versa, as the car park is owned by SSDC and the garages were believed to owned by South Somerset Homes. The District Councillors were asked for their help in resolving this

7 Planning Verdicts

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

8 New Planning Applications

a) 00046ful Erection of 19 new homes on land at Stoodham. The Parish Council recommended approval and made a few observations for consideration by the planning officer.

- These homes should be low cost housing on a shared equity basis to encourage young people to stay in the village. It is understood that this is the intention of South Somerset Homes, but the Parish Council would like this to be a condition on the determination of this planning application.

- The width of the access road through Stoodham to this site is only nine feet wide and with cars parked it is difficult for farm machinery to pass. This problem is made worse when the hedge between the field and the access road is overgrown. Support from South Somerset Homes should be sought to ensure that this hedge is kept cut back at all times for the benefit of all residents.

- The width of the only vehicular access to Stoodham, which is from Silver Street, is an ongoing safety concern. The support of both SSDC and South Somerset Homes would be sought to ensure that the 'no parking' hatching in Silver Street on either is of the Stoodham access is reinstated.

- From the plans it is difficult to understand how some of the new homes will access their parking places. A problem that needs to be resolved with more homes in a small area and no garages.

- Access to the homes of all existing residents at Stoodham needs to be retained during the building of the new homes

- Eight homes were demolished and are now being replaced with 19. Whilst the Parish Council is supportive of this development they would not like this to set any precedent for further demolition and rebuilding in increased numbers elsewhere in Stoodham or South Petherton

b) 00062ful Erection of a two storey extension and double garage at Appletrees, Harp Road. The Parish Council recommended approval.

c) 00196ful Erection of a house and garage and extension of the curtilage at Hillside, Watergore. The Parish Council recommended approval.

d) 00014ful Erection of first floor extension and conservatory at 3 Jubilee Gardens. The Parish Council recommended approval.

e) 00060cou Siting of a mobile home on land adjoining 50 Compton Road. The parish Council recommended approval on a temporary basis only.

f) 00120out Proposed detached dwelling at Walcott, Over Stratton. The Parish Council recommended refusal until such time as accurate plans are provided showing the correct size/shape of the neighbouring building, The Nuttery and the levels of the land, there being a difference of approximately four feet between this property and the neighbouring Nuttery. When accurate plans have been provided the Parish Council will reconsider their recommendation but had a number of other concerns that they would then like to bring to the attention of the planning officer before the final determination of this planning application.

(J Sharpe arrived)

g) 00167ful Erection of first floor extension to rear of dwelling at 19 South Street. The Parish Council recommended refusal on the basis of over development of the site and hence overbearing for the neighbouring properties. Also the loss of light to neighbouring properties. It was noted that the location plan submitted is misleading as it does not show the existing extension and hence gives a misleading impression of the development on this site.

Whilst not mentioned in the text of the planning application, the plans show the inclusion of dormer windows in the roof, both front and back and the Parish Council also recommend refusal of these as having an inappropriate visual impact.

h) 00108tca Fell two Leylandii trees at Mistlehurst, Roundwell Street. The Parish Council recommended approval

i) 00261ful Siting of one static caravan for site manager (renewal of permission) at Westdown Orchard Touring Caravan Park. It is not clear from the application whether this application is for permanent or temporary permission. The Parish Council recommended approval on a temporary basis only.

The previous permission for one caravan for the site manager was a temporary permission and has, on occasions, since temporary permission was granted, increased to two static caravans for the site manager’s family. This demonstrates non-adherence to the previous permission that was granted; hence the parish Council would only recommend approval a temporary/renewable basis

j) 00260ful Erection of a conservatory to rear of 22 Compton Road, deferred until the next meeting, as the plans were not available.

k) 00297tca Fell one conifer tree at Tanglin, South Street. The Parish Council recommended approval.

l) 03597ful Change of use of existing agricultural barn and conversion to domestic accommodation at bridge Wood Barn, Drayton Farm Lane. The Parish Council recommended approval of the amended plan showing a revised access, but noted that they would be just as happy to recommend approval of the originally proposed access.

m) 03139ful Demolition of bus garage and erection of three new houses, conversion of existing office and store to form four new houses at Safeway Services, North Street. Following the site meeting, the Parish Council revised their comments. The Parish Council recommended approval but only if, before the application is determined, they receive written confirmation that the height of the boundary wall will be increased. This is to mitigate the problem of the different levels between the neighbouring properties.

9 Footpaths

a) It was noted that when the Parish Council receive official communication/consultation from SCC or SSDC on complaints about footpaths, the Parish Council will consider these.

b) The Parish Council footpath committee met on 3 February 2005 and P Attwell from SSDC also attended and H Brunton for part of the meeting. B Herrick reported on this meeting.

c) C Hockey explained the situation as he saw it, as Parish Council Chairman, when there was a difference of opinion between committee members; the valued contribution that B Herrick brings to the Parish Council and P Kidner to the footpath committee. When the Parish Council is discussing Barcroft Lane, B Herrick, as with any other Parish Councillor with an interest, would declare an interest and be asked to leave whilst the matter was discussed.

d) C Willy recommend that there should be a meeting between all interested parties to discuss Barcroft Lane and P Robathan offered to chair such a meeting.

e) It was confirmed that minor day-to-day items, such as fallen tree, broken stile should, in the first instance, continue to be reported to SSDC as they are now, but more serious items should be by written correspondence.

f) B Herrick also gave a summary of the correspondence that he has received to date relating to Barcroft Lane and the footpaths on his land.

10 Recreation Field

a) The area near the steps at Bridge Road needs to be planted with a deep routed plant such as juniper across the top and the slope seeded; estimated cost £100 and the Lengthsman will be asked to carry out the work.

b) SPRUG were too late to make an application to the SSDC Area North Safety Action Panel for this year.

c) Gerard Tucker, SSDC, is interested in attending the skate board park meeting.

d) A further grant of £1,000 has been received for the MUGA. Whilst waiting for the outcome of the outstanding applications for grants, the Parish Council agreed an advance of the £5,000 that they have ear marked for the recreation field for next year, to enable to MUGA to be built ready for the summer.

e) A Cato, SSDC Planning Officer has now agreed that planning permission is not necessary for the MUGA.

f) The ground under the new fencing by the car park needs spraying. Countryside Conservation Services will be asked to do this when they come to spray the kerbs and pavements.

g) The Junior School and the Busy Bees Pre-School have expressed an interest in helping P Turner with the memorial garden at the recreation field. He will be invited to a meeting of the Young People’s Parish Council.

h) The cricket club has obtained three quotes ranging from £200 to £500 for replacing the high netting. It was agreed to take the middle quote and C Willy would arrange for the netting to be replaced.

i) The tennis club has asked if the Parish Council would arrange to have the extra trimmings form their hedge cutting removed

11 Cemetery Matters

a) Quotes for the work to the track through the cemetery will be dealt with at the end of the meeting.

b) It suggested by R Beale, that the gates should be removed and the piers moved back. It was decided not to pursue this at the present time

c) The kerbs at the end near the memorial garden need clearing. People are driving on to the memorial area to turn their car with out realising that there are cremated remains in that area of the cemetery. To prevent this bollards or a sign were suggested.

d) It is unclear where the boundary between the cottage and the cemetery lies, is it the fence or the hamstone wall. This needs resolving and the area cleared and maintained.

e) There is an area past the cottage where the greenery is overhanging the fence and affecting the graves.

f) The cemetery committee was asked to meet and come back with recommendations

12 Churchyard Matters

Nothing to report.

13 Pavilion Matters

Following the fire inspector’s recommendations, some money needs t be spent on improving the main door.

14 Lengthsman

a) Interviews were held on 25 January 2005 and David Muir has been appointed.

b) There is a query about how waste should be disposed of, which is still to be resolved.

c) All requests for work to be carried out by the Lengthsman must be through D Harvey the co-ordinator for South Petherton parish.

d) A Scheme Co-ordinator is still required.

15 Highways

a) The hatching to prevent parking in Silver Street by the junction with Stoodham is still required. This is a dangerous junction and hence a safety issue.

b) The hedge has been cut in Hospital Lane, but has been left with sharp protruding branches.

16 Community Speed Watch

a) Little activity in the village at present.

b) P Mottram attended a meting for Speed Watch Co-ordinators, where Insp. Sabin said there were 18 people waiting to be trained, of which 7 are in South Petherton and this would be sorted within one week, but nothing has yet been heard. P Mottram has kept in touch with the 7 volunteers, but some are now loosing their enthusiasm having volunteered months ago. Insp. Sabin is due to be attending the SSDC Area North Meeting and the District Councillors agreed to raise this with him. The Parish Council will also write to Insp. Sabin.

c) It is estimated that there are approximately 7,000 letters waiting to be sent out, and disappointment at the police response was expressed. The Community Safety Action Panel who has allocated £3,000 for new cameras and £2,000 for clerical resources for six months to clear the backlog discussed this problem.

17 County Councillor’s Report

a) Footpath 13 is going to be closed for up to six months as the bridge is unsafe.

b) The Parrett Catchment Project is an important issue in which the parish Council should consider becoming more involved. This project is closely linked to the Levels and Moors Partnership, who are making a presentation at the next parish Council meeting.

c) The Nippy bus service has started in the South Petherton, but to date has not been used much. It links Martock and South Petherton and is timed to link in with the Safeway Services bus to Yeovil. It has facilities to carry up to five wheelchairs. Importantly this service includes a facility to book a pick-up from various points as far out as Hambridge, Puckington and Barrington etc broadly within 15 minutes drive of South Petherton, to bring people in for the scheduled Nippy bus service. It includes a service to South Petherton hospital. Leaflets giving more information and costs are available in the library or more information can be obtained from 01935 423700.

d) The integrated public transport unit will be reviewing bus services during the next six months.

18 District Councillors’ Report

a) To be confirmed at the full council meeting, SSDC are aiming for a 3% increase in Council Tax.

b) Gerard Tucker, SSDC Community Development Officer is arranging a business seminar in Martock for early in April, discussing Business link, Business Rates, Inland Revenue etc.

c) An organised market, not a farmers’ market might be considered for South Petherton.

19 South Petherton Village Plan

a) 85% response too the survey was the best in the UK, but this success is presenting a problem with the analysis. The software for this task has been tested, but it is now thought that this is too onerous task for the volunteers in the village and the work should go to an outside agency, but for this the cost would be £3,100 or £4,700 if they were to analyse the additional comments. Currently the balance of the grant is £1,800. An application for an additional £2,500 can be made to the Countryside Agency, but responsibility for this is passing to DEFRA in March 2005.

b) The proposed deadline of 5 Mach for the analysis to be complete will not now be met. B Herrick is now writing and testing a new input system for the Village Plan survey.

c) Once this important phase has been completed, there will be a summary document for all households in the village; actions identified for the future and it will then be passed to the parish Council for future implementation.

20 Donation Request

A donation of £100 to the 1^St South Petherton Rainbows was approved.

21 Approval of Cheque Payments

Approval was given for cheques drawn as indicated on the list attached to these minutes plus a cheque for £534.85 to SWEB.

22 Annual Parish Meeting

The Annual Parish meting will be at 7.30pm on Monday 25 April 2005 at the Blake Hall.

23 Annual Newsletter

Copy for the Annual Parish News letter should be with the clerk by 21 March 2005 and will include the Village Plan, Community Speed Watch, Lengthsman Scheme, Website, Recreation Field, SPRUG, Cemetery, Nippy Buses and allotments

24 Grass Cutting Tenders

a) The Parish Council went into a closed session to discuss the grass cutting tenders for 2005/2006.

The churchyard was awarded to SSL and will be managed by R Beale.

The cemetery was awarded to Mike Davis and will be managed by L Port.

The Recreation Field was awarded to SSL and will be managed by C Willy.

b) The removal of the trees in the memorial area at the cemetery was awarded to Trim Trees and will be managed by L Port

c) The improvements to the driveway at the cemetery were awarded to R Beale.

The meeting closed 10.16pm

Minutes Approved by: Chairman………………………

Date………………………..