1 Apologies for Absence – Mr J Broughton, Mr M Duplock, Mrs C Forsey, Mr K Ronaldson (District Councillor), Mr J Sharpe (County Councillor)

Other absentees: Mrs S Dickie, Mr R Shutler

2 Declaration of Interests

C Willy declared an interest in the item regarding the barrier across the entrance to Hamsfield off Bridge Road.

3 Young People’s Parish Council

No report.

4 Late Correspondence

K Dexter had submitted a plan for seats in the churchyard.

5 Agreement of Minutes

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 5 January 2009 were approved and signed as a correct record after agreeing that “at each end” was replaced by “on Hayes End and Lightgate Road” in item 8.f) and correcting “Pewell” with “Pule” in item 9.c)

6 Matters Arising

There were no matters arising

7 PCSO’s

Charlotte Rodgers gave apologies on behalf of Iain Seeley unable to attend due to weather conditions. She noted that the most prominent current issue that they were addressing was parking, including around the Hayes End/Coles Lane roundabout.

8 New Planning Applications

a) 04360ful The erection of two poultry buildings and machinery store at Frogmary

Green Farm, West Street – amended plans, for information only. Plans ratified at January 2009 meeting.

b) 03775ful Amended Plans: Demolition of existing dwelling and garage and the erection of 6 new

dwellings and the conversion of the existing barn into 3 dwellings all with associated garages/carports at

Flamberts, Prigg Lane; Revised layout and access. The Council noted that none of their concerns had been addressed and that therefore their recommendation was as agreed at the October 2009 meeting: “SP recommends approval but only if certain conditions are applied as this is in the centre of the conservation area. The conditions being that all the material should be hamstone and not rendering and this should be a condition not delegated to the planners to agree. There should be no permitted development rights. Whilst recognising that Somerset Highways are the experts in such matters SPPC had serious concerns about the safety of the access on to Prigg Lane. Ensure that contributions are requested towards education (infants school is already over subscribed) highways, recreational, sports and play facilities in SP. Consideration should be given to their being adequate drainage from the area which being so close the brook has in the past been known to flood. Ideally there should be a walk through to the St James Street car park if the strip of land which is in different ownership could be incorporated”. In addition it was noted that there should remain a stress on the materials used for all visible elevations.

c) 04754adv The display of two non-illuminated fascia signs, The Red House (Vets). The Council recommended refusal unless the size of the signs was reduced.

9 Highway Matters

a) Further correspondence had been received regarding the need for a pavement along Lightgate Road.

b) Somerset Highways had indicated their plans to mark and sign the junction of the old A303 and Over Stratton during 2009 though some concern had been expressed about not being able to turn right on emerging from Over Stratton. A speed assessment was also planned for the area.

c) Potholes had been reported in St James’s Street and in Silver Street.

d) The revised quote received from SCC Lighting Department for a light on the junction of Lightgate Road and Silver Street was formally accepted.

e) C Willy noted that the cover was lifting after heavy rain on the drain from the Hayes End roundabout to Yeabridge. This has already been reported.

f) Parking opposite Hayes End Manor entrance was becoming dangerous. It was noted that parking by contractors working on the site was making access difficult and had at one point blocked Hayes End. Residents had reported the parking to the police but they did not attend. The matter had been brought to David Laws MP’s attention. Double yellow lines were suggested. K Dexter would look into the issue.

g) It had been brought to the Council’s attention that some vehicles had been left in Stoodham with expired road fund licenses. Details would be given to the clerk who would report the matter.

h) The street light erected in Over Stratton on a metal pole rather than the expected wooden one that would be more appropriate, was not yet operational.

i) A light by the old bus shelter on Hayes End roundabout had been damaged with the lamp unit on the ground.

P Robathan would bring this to the Highway Agency’s attention.

10 Footpaths

a) J Johnson reported that Peter Kidner had completed a list of the conditions of footpaths. This would be available to be viewed with the papers for the March meeting.

b) C Willy left for the discussion of the gate that had been placed across Hamsfield. It was noted that this was now accessible to walkers but not to horses. John Johnson would speak to the landowner to see if access could be further improved and to notify them of the Councils wish to add the route to the SCC Rights of Way improvement plan.

11 Recreation Ground

A new bin by the youth shelter was not being emptied. S Doble had reported this to SSDC and it was thought to be an oversight.

12 Cemetery

Memorial Woodland – £750 sought from the Community Chest fund had been verbally agreed. Whilst the exact figure raised to-date was not known at the meeting (thought to be about £300 short of the required amount) it was agreed that the work should now be given the go-ahead.

13 Churchyard

K Dexter and S Nevitt had submitted a proposal for the location of seats in the churchyard. Four locations were identified. It was agreed that whilst the seats would be available for donation, the ordering and selection would remain with the Parish Council for consistency. The clerk would write with details to the Parochial Church Council.

14 Approval of Cheque Payments

Approval was given for cheques 3825 – 3837 value £5,247.59 drawn as indicated on the list attached to these minutes. Cheque number 3837 had been cancelled. A transfer was agreed from the Bath BS account to NatWest of £20,000.

15 District Councillor’s Report

P Robathan spoke on behalf of SSDC

a) He was addressing at a high level the issue of the planning process adopted for the garage at Manor Gardens, Hayes End. Residents were concerned that the wrong people had been contacted and that the plans had not been posted on the website.

b) P Robathan reported that the development on land adjacent to 50, Compton Road did not need planning permission on the grounds of agricultural use.

c) Concerns had been raised about the appeal for permission for the proposed development in Roundwell Street. The criticism had been raised that this had been a unilateral undertaking. S Gale, SSDC Development and Building Control Manager, was responding to the comments.

d) He welcomed the introduction of the Joint Area Committees as a good initiative. P Robathan cited SP hospital as a good example where diverse aspects could be investigated in the same forum, such as moving the speed limit, footpath access and routing buses conveniently.

16 To Consider

a) Community Safety Grants – Councillors were asked to submit any ideas that may benefit.

b) Model Publication Scheme – S Dickie and S Blake had looked into the proposed model and determined that it was not materially different from the model currently in place.

c) Explore Somerset Questionnaire – J Johnson would look at this and add to as appropriate.

d) Youth Club Ramp. It was agreed that the Youth Club could go ahead with this. No planning permission was required but it would be recommended that advice be sought on Building Regulations.

e) Communities in Control Consultation – R Neve would look into this.

f) October Meeting Date - It was agreed to move this to the first Tuesday at 7.45pm.

g) Poop Scoop/Litter Bins - A number of sites had been considered, including Pule and Mere Linches. There were funds available in the Village Enhancement budget and the Council agreed to pursue the plan.

h) Insurance - C Hockey had agreed to look at the policy and it was agreed that he be requested to do so.

i) South Petherton in Bloom - A letter with information and a proposal had been received from Mrs M Moore. She had offered to take the task on board and was looking for support from the Parish Council. The Council endorsed the concept and would take an interest as the scheme developed.

17 Meetings

SMTF – thought more related to the Parish Plan.

Meeting closed to the public at 8.35pm.

18 Grass Maintenance Tenders

These were not all available for the meeting. Responsibility was therefore delegated to a committee comprising S Dickie, C Willy, J Broughton and K Dexter.

Chairman……………………… Date…………….