SOUTH PETHERTON PARISH COUNCIL

1 Apologies: Mr P Mottram

Mr C Willy

Mr M Duplock

Mrs C Forsey

Mr P Robathan – District Councillor

Mrs S Blake - Clerk

2 Parish Council Vacancies

There are two vacancies on the Parish Council. No-one has yet come forward for co-option.

3 Declaration of Interests

There were no declarations of interest.

4 Late Correspondence

The Clerk noted late correspondence. A personal letter was written by Mr. S. Roberts concerned about a number of minor accidents that had occurred due to the removal of the light in George Lane. He had been given to understand that the order to remove the light had been due to the Parish Council. It was confirmed that this was not the case. Mr Sharpe reported later in the meeting that he had been told that a specific lantern had been selected and would be installed, assuming availability, within 8 weeks from the 4^th February.

Also, there was notification that Moore Stephens was proposed to be retained as external auditor for a further 5 years. And confirmation that another vacancy may be co-opted (following Nuala Symes resignation).

5 Youth Parish Council

Mrs J Derbyshire reported that there were two choices of project currently being looked at; A graffiti project and regeneration of the Youth Club. It was not known which had been selected.

6 Agreement of Minutes

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 7^th January 2008 were approved and signed as a correct record following a correction to Point 10. a) removing the comment regarding SCC funding the library gates. These would actually be funded by the owners of the property.

7 Visit by Karl Hines, Community Council for Somerset`, regarding Rural Housing Needs

Mr Hines reported on a survey that had been carried out before Christmas, looking to establish details regarding the likely need for affordable housing in the village. Disappointingly, only 14 houses had responded, reporting a need. He left copies of the report with the Council.

8 Visit by Simon Bridgen of Gleesons, regarding the Hayes End development

Mr Bridgen gave a brief summary of Gleesons’ background and brought copies of plans for the site. A large plan was left to be placed in the library. The principle of affordable housing was discussed in the light of findings from Mr Hines’ survey. The matter would be placed on the March agenda. The public were given the opportunity to ask questions.

9 Matters Arising There were no matters arising.

10 New Planning Applications

a) 00250FUL Erection of an industrial building for B1/B2 at Lopenhead Nursery, Lopenhead (Lopen Parish). SP Parish Council whilst noting the comments of Lopen Paris Council, recommended approval but registered a concern regarding the eyesore of the remaining site.

b) 05673LBCRemoval of asbestos slates and replace with Welsh on front and new Spanish on rear of The Brewers Arms, St. James’s Street. SP Parish Council recommended approval.

c) 00070FUL Erection of house on former beer garden at land adjacent to 37, Silver Street. SP Parish Council recommended approval following a vote with 9 in favour and 1 abstention.

11 Highway Matters

1. Mr Ken Dexter reported the following to the parish Council:

a) Residents at St. Elizabeth’s Way looking to improve visibility on access with a mirror on the property opposite will pursue with the appropriate agencies.

b) Tarmac on the bridge over the brook in St. James’s Street had deteriorated and had been referred to the District Council.

c) Some subsidence had occurred in the parking area of Market Square and had been referred to the SCC.

d) The sign for the Prigg Lane SCC car park from the car park on the St. James’s Street car park was in need of improvement including being larger and more obvious.

e) Mr Dexter was pressing for a “No Right Turn” on the exit from Over Stratton onto the old A303.

Residents had reported that the pothole outside Hayes End Manor had been mended swiftly.
Parking causing access difficulties and potential risk in West Street. Two letters had been received noting a number of points and requesting bollards. The Parish Council would not pursue it.
A letter from Mike Rawlinson reporting the unannounced closure of Silver Street for repairs was noted.

12 Footpaths

a) Mr. J Johnson reported that South Somerset Homes had closed a commonly used path to the rear of the old people’s bungalows in Pitway with a fence. He pointed out that this was regularly used but was not actually a designated right of way. Mr Johnson, rather than requesting that the path be re-opened as it had been in use for more than 20 years, was in favour of the existing footpath giving access to Silver Street from the new development, currently in a very poor state, be added to the 106 agreement, if not too late. Mr. John Sharpe would establish the position on whether the path was already on the agreement and meet with those appropriate to try to ensure that it would be. There was concern that the finally agreed clause should be reported to the Parish Council, this was not always the case. The clerk would write a letter to request this.

b) Horses have been using footpath Y24/76 at Wigborough. Mr. J. Broughton noted that Paul Attewell had agreed with land owners to erect signs prohibiting horses from using paths not designated as bridleways.

c) Doctor’s Lane was in a hazardous state. It could be patched or a proper repair carried out. Responsibility for the walk was unclear, this would be referred to Mrs S Blake. Mr Keith Ronaldson also to pursue.

d) The stile linking Barcroft Lane with Stoodham Lane was broken and needed repair. George Montague was following this up.

13 Recreation Ground There was no report.

14 Cemetery

It was agreed that a reflective, double-sided sign would be placed by the A303 entrance to the Cemetery. Joe Broughton would liaise with the Clerk on this.

15 Churchyard

Mr K Dexter noted that it was being difficult to get stone mason’s to repair the entrance piers.

He also pointed out that there was an area opposite Number 1West Street that had been tended as a flower bed by Mr and Mrs Thompson for several years but that they were unable to continue with this. Mr Dexter would approach the Scouts to see if they would be prepared to take it over.

16 Approval of Cheque Payments

Approval was given for cheques 3628- 3634 drawn as indicated on the list attached to these minutes.

17 County Councillor’s Report

a) J Sharpe reported that the SCC budget was looking promising to give a Council tax rise of 3.5% to 4% with no impact on the level of service. In particular he noted that libraries were seen as a high priority. There looked to be a £20m capital spending programme that would include replacement school building.

b) Taunton East Park and Ride scheme planning was being considered.

18 District Councillors’ Report

Mr Keith Ronaldson spoke on behalf of the District Council

a) South Somerset were not taking part in the trialling of plastic and cardboard collection for recycling, should the trials be successful, the scheme would be rolled out in about 2 years. One of the difficulties being the availability of the size of collection vehicles required.

b) The appeal regarding the gates in Barcroft Lane was now scheduled for the Autumn.

c) He noted that the responsibility for the public toilets in Martock had been transferred to the Parish Council and that this may have an impact on the position regarding the facilities in Prigg Lane.

19 To Consider

a) Market Towns Initiative –

i) The Council was asked to consider potential locations for flashing speed signs. Funding was being sought for this as they were seen as more effective than speed cameras.

ii)Funding of £46k had been set aside for a radio-link system for the use of CCTV. Mobile cameras had been found to be the most useful. There would be an open meeting on this on the 27 February.

b) Local Plan – R Neve, R Shutler and J Broughton would consider the next phase of the plan which would require a swift response. C Willy, S Dickie and M Willy would be willing to deputise.

c) Parish Flood Fair. This was not thought to apply to South Petherton. There would be no attendees.

d) Model Code of Conduct presentation – Councillors were encouraged to attend this to be made aware of changes in the code.

e) Youth behaviour in the village centre – Following receipt of a letter from a resident, this was considered. It was noted that there were a number of positive initiatives that were being tried but that 1% were affecting the behaviour of the rest and there would be no easy answers. These initiatives would also be backed up by the use of the Mosquito system to deter anti-social gatherings.

f) Tree planting at the Cemetery – Mr Ken Parkin outlined a plan to use birch trees for commemorative purposes, with a view to leasing these over long terms to those wishing to remember cremated relatives/friends. He noted that this sort of scheme had been employed successfully elsewhere and could be set up to not only return the outlay but to make a small profit over a number of years. The PC agreed this in principle (on the understanding that the field would be available), enabling the Tree Group to commence seeking grant funding. Mr. Parkin said that he would like to see the scheme begin during National Tree Week in November.

Mr Shutler noted that funding was already available for 25 trees around the village and that locations would have to be submitted before April to ensure that it could be used. Proposals were requested.

h) Insurance – The Council considered the renewal proposal and agreed that it should be taken up.

The meeting closed to the public at 9.20pm

20 Grass Cutting Tenders

Three tenders were received. It was agreed that the work should continue to be placed with SLL.

The meeting closed at 9.25pm

Chairman……………………… Date…………….