1 Apologies for Absence – Mr J Broughton, Mr P Robatham (District Councillor)

Other absentees: Mr. P. Mottram, Mr J Sharpe (County Councillor)

2 Declaration of Interests

a) J Derbyshire declared an interest in the Blake Hall planning application.

b) R Shutler declared an interest in the change of use planning application for Hillberry, North Street.

c) C Willy declared an interest in the item regarding Bridge Road Closure

3 Young People’s Parish Council

No report.

4 Late Correspondence

a) A further letter regarding the boarding alongside the entrance to the Hayes End Development. was received from Mrs. ???????????? It was noted that the boarding was likely to remain in place but be painted green.

b) A letter was received from Mr. Calvert regarding the Bridge Road Closure, pointing out the poor signage.

5 Agreement of Minutes

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 1 December 2008 were approved and signed as a correct record after agreeing that “unacceptable” was replaced by “acceptable” in item 8.a) and correcting “saplings” with “scalpings” in item 9.d)

6 Matters Arising

There were no matters arising

7 New Planning Applications

a) 04771ful Conversion of part of first floor of office/storage building to form a flat for occupation during construction of a house on adjoining site at The Firs, South Harp, Over Stratton – refusal already submitted, ratified by the Council

b) 04882ful The erection of a gazebo at Over Stratton Village Hall. SP PC recommended approval.

c) 04981ful Conversion of first floor of garage block to form a self contained residential unit for letting and alterations to the boundary wall at Willowbrook, North Street. SP PC recommended approval but would note errors found on the application to SSDC.

d) 05122ful Erection of an industrial building for B1/B2 use at Lopen head Nursery. SP PC recommended approval but this being subject to the consideration of any potential flooding issues from the proposed drainage runoff towards West Street.

e) 04360ful Erection of two poultry buildings and machinery store at Frogmary Green Farm, West Street – amended plans. Approval ratified by the Council

f) 05225cou The change of use of land to form extension to residential curtilage at Hillberry, North Street. SP PC recommended approval.

g) 05279ful The formation of junction with Mill Lane and the change of use of part of the engineering workshop to a bus depot at Land OS7519 Mill Lane, Lopen. SP PC would maintain their existing views regarding the dangerous access and support Lopen Parish Council in recommending refusal.

8 Highway Matters

a) Somerset Highways has discussed and agreed to remove three signs at the Hayes End village entrance, a twinning sign would be installed.

b) Zigzag markings on the road outside the Co-op in St. James’ Street are no longer applicable and will be removed

c) The drains and gulleys in Over Stratton drains remain a problem and pressure will be maintained to get these properly cleared.

d) Consideration would be given to the location of salt bins (that would have too be funded by the Parish Council but refilled by SSDC) in the area. It was noted that the junction of South Street and Coles Lane had recently been suffering with black ice.

e) Pressure will be maintained on Somerset Highways to improve the surfacing and therefore the safety of those using Doctors Walk.

f) Bridge Road. It was agreed that signage is currently poor and that “No Through Road” signs should be prominently displayed on Hayes End and Lightgate Road. Any further action should depend on whether the new signs were successful in curtailing the accidental use of the road.

9 Footpaths

a) Problems with the footpaths across the Persimmon site have now been mostly overcome with the paths becoming useable again.

b) A vandalised sign for the path off Silver Street had been put back in place. J Johnson would check that it was installed properly.

c) A dog bin previously in Pule had been removed. The Parish Council would have to pay if it still required one in that location.

10 Recreation Ground

a) C Willy has spoken again with the Vaux family about buying or renting land to extend the recreation ground. He proposed that the wording of a letter detailing the Parish Council’s intent should be discussed between himself, S Dickie and R Neve prior to submission to the owners.

b) The hedges and banks alongside Bridge Road had been cut back

11 Cemetery

Memorial Woodland – The determination of grants towards this were under consideration, it was also noted that a submission could now be made to the Community Chest fund. The Clerk would arrange this. The matter would be discussed at the February meeting with a view to proceeding should sufficient funding be in place. This would still be early enough in the year to carry out planting.

12 Churchyard

a) The meeting between K Dexter and S Nevitt to come up with a proposed policy of where seats could be situated in the churchyard had not yet taken place but was planned for early January.

b) The state regarding quotes for the repair/replacement of the walkway through the churchyard remained as in December. It is understood that possible sources of funding may be available if applications were made by the Parochial Church Council or an associated group as not all funding sources are available to the parish council. The Rector had shown a positive will towards assisting with the replacement of one of the paths in particular.

c) Tree stumps remained from the removed trees but the contractor had not yet been paid and would complete this work.

13 PCSO

Michelle Haymes introduced her replacement officer, Charlotte Rogers. Michelle was thanked for her work in the Parish.

14 Approval of Cheque Payments

Approval was given for cheques 3812 – 3824 drawn as indicated on the list attached to these minutes.

15 District Councillor’s Report

K. Ronaldson spoke on behalf of SSDC

a) He recommended attendance at the next Flood Awareness Workshop and pointed out it’s achievements in the light of recent weather conditions.

b) He introduced the Council to the Draft Corporate Plan that was being discussed at the next District Council meeting

16 To Consider

a) Allotments – A grant made some time ago by the District was discussed as allotment holders could not agree on its use. It was agreed that the Council would go ahead and fence along one side of the plots rather than return the grant and reply at a later date. Tenants would be informed in advance.

b) Blake Hall Planning Application – It was agreed that this would be submitted in the name of the Parish Council.

c) CAB Leaflets – It was agreed that leaflets were more likely to be read by potential beneficiaries than if written into TA13. J Johnson would investigate whether the volunteers who distributed TA13 would be likely to charge for this additional work.

d) Christmas Lights – The Council was pleased with the way the Christmas trees had looked and had received favourable comments. Mr. C Hockey was thanked for the initiative and work that he had put in.

e) Grass Maintenance Specification – The Clerk reported that there was to be little change in the specification. All five corners off the A303 roundabout would now be included. Mr. P. Kidner would continue to maintain along the side of the A303.

f) Healthy Living Pooled Fund. Councillors were asked to consider potential applicants and contact the Clerk with any ideas.

g) Quotation Limit. It was agreed that the minimum level for requesting quotations for work should be raised from £300 to £500.

17 Meetings

Annual Parish Meeting – The Council was reminded that this had been set for 27 April 2009.

May Annual Parish Council meeting would be on Tuesday at 8.00pm

Somerset Play Forum Conference – there would be no Parish Council representation

Stronger Neighbourhoods Roadshow – R Neve to attend.

Meeting closed at 8.20pm.

Chairman……………………… Date…………….