1 Apologies for Absence: Mr J Broughton, Mrs J Derbyshire and Mr P Robathan (District Councillor)

2 Co-option/Parish Council Vacancies

Mr Mick Duplock was co-opted by the Council but as there was no Acceptance of Office available he was not able to contribute during his first meeting. There remains one vacancy and another potential.

3 Declaration of Interests

a) R Neve declared an interest in the planning application for Land OS 6577, South Harp.

b) C Willy declared an interest in the planning applications for 5, Yeabridge and Bridgewood Barn, Drayton Farm Lane

c) R Shutler declared an interest in the planning application for 42, Compton Road.

4 Late Correspondence

The notification of the Appeal Decision ref APP/R3325/A/07/2049151 on the development of land between St Michaels Gardens and Lightgate Lane was received late. The meeting associated with this was attended by Mr J Johnson on behalf of the Parish Council (see below). Copies were made available to Councillors.

5 Agreement of Minutes

The minutes of the monthly meeting held on 1 October 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record.

6 Matters Arising

Cardboard recycling. It was reported that local residents had prevented the positioning of the recycling skip in Prigg Lane car park last month. The District Council are in any case concerned at the damage to the car park caused by the skip so no further cardboard collections will be made until an alternative site is found.

J Johnson reported on the Appeal noted above. The meeting was well attended though most left at midday. Mr Johnson summarised that the appeal determined that only the St Michaels Gardens entrance should be used for all traffic with the exception of emergency vehicles, pedestrians and cycles that could use Lightgate Lane. He noted that some of the major issues of the day were introduced in the afternoon session where emphasis was placed on the limited extent of the accompanying S106. This did not adequately address the additional needs of the extra population in terms of the secondary school and its sports facilities.

7 New Planning Applications

a) 04424ful Alterations and the erection of kitchen extension to include conservatory at 21 Palmer Street. South Petherton Parish Council recommended refusal because this would be over-development of the site.

b) 04454ful Erection of ground floor extension at 4, Silver Street. South Petherton Parish Council recommended approval.

c) 04536ful Replacement of existing single bay garage with two storey double bay garage/utility/utility/store/WC at Hamdon View, Over Stratton. SP Parish Council recommended approval.

d) 04674ful Demolition of bungalow and erection of replacement bungalow with garage/carport at Highridge, Watergore. SP Parish Council recommended approval.

e) 04748lbc Replacement of two doors on front elevation at 5, Yeabridge. C Willy declared an interest and left the room. SP Parish Council recommended approval

f) 04648ful Change of use of existing agricultural barn and conversion to domestic accommodation at Bridgewood Barn, Drayton Farm Lane. C Willy declared an interest and left the room. SP Parish Council recommended refusal on the grounds that the position was inappropriate for residential use.

g) 04751cou Change of Use of Land OS6577 Part, South Harp, from agricultural to class B1 (light industrial). R Neve declared an interest and left the room. SP Parish Council recommended refusal on the grounds that the application gave insufficient information as to the proposed use of the site, position was inappropriate and there would be an adverse impact with the increased level of traffic

h) 04803ful Construction of tree house at 4, West Street. SP Parish Council recommended approval

i) 04819ful Installation of ATM cash machine and bollards at Harp Road garage. SP Parish Council recommended approval

j) 04547ful Erection of extension to form garden room at 42, Compton Road. R Shutler declared an interest and left the room. SP Parish Council recommended approval

k) 04976ful The erection of a bungalow and garage at land Adjoining St. Michaels Church, Lightgate Road. SP Parish Council recommended approval

8 Highway Matters

K Dexter gave a report on Highways matters:

· South Somerset Highways had been asked to revisit the track off Compton Road which was seen as in need of improvement; The purpose being to determine appropriate action.

· North Street/Droveway drainage area. Highways have agreed to repair but no action yet.

· A section of Knapp Hill/Harvey’s Road was being considered for suitability for hatching with double yellow lines.

· Removal of telegraph poles and overhead wires from the village centre. It was agreed by the Council that Openreach Networks should be approached to carry out a detailed quote for the work for £200. Mr Dexter would ask that the quotes would give a breakdown by pole/group of poles.

· The dog-bin in Hele Lane/Pewell had been vandalised with a firework. This had been reported and the District Council had cleared up the mess and made a temporary repair.

· More dog bins would be considered following Keith Ronaldson investigating whether they could be emptied more frequently.

· Mr Ronaldson to pursue the possible replacement of a street light in Whitfield lane that had been removed and not replaced some time ago.

· Mr Ronaldson would also look into the signing to the District Council car park from the Parish Council Prigg Lane car park. It was noted that the existing sign was too small and was frequently moved to point the wrong direction.

9 Footpaths

J Johnson had attended a meeting with Peter Hobley. Many issues were raised including the fact that the website design made it difficult to report footpath problems. This was a hindrance to the process. Mr Johnson and Mr Kidner had overcome the difficulties and were able to use the website.

It was noted that Liaison Officers had been given basic toolkits to address minor footpath problems and would report these as being resolved.

It was noted that significant runoff of water from the A303 made Moondown Lane extremely muddy and made passage difficult. Mr. Johnson would draft a letter for the Clerk to forward to the Highways manager.

Mrs. E. M. Willy pointed out that the Doctors Lane was becoming dangerous, the surface being very slippery at times. This would be reported on the website.

10 Recreation Ground

a) Mr Willy had attended a meeting at the Pavilion where the Sports and Social Club had re-elected Mr Pete Bussell as Chairman but failed to appoint a secretary or treasurer. There was no enthusiasm shown for appointing an auditor. There would be a meeting of the new committee on the 21^st November 2007. Mr. Willy and Mr Mottram would attend on behalf of the Parish Council and report back

b) It was noted that there was no issue with Legionnaires Disease at the Pavilion as there was no header tank for the water.

c) The wire at the top and bottom of the chain-link fencing around the play area needs attention. C Willy to contact the contractor that installed the tennis courts to have a look at it.

d) The cricket club were commended for the efforts they had made with the square.

e) There was reported to be no likelihood of an opportunity to extend the recreation field to the south.

f) The Scouts were to be asked if they would again clear the leaves in the Memorial Garden.

g) C Willy was given the go ahead to organise the cutting back of the hedge in Bridge Road.

11 Cemetery and Churchyard

Cemetery. Loxstons had agreed to trim back the trees for the cost of the diesel. J Broughton would supply this.

It was noted that the plan regarding trees in the cemetery could not have gone ahead even if approved due to the drain alongside the path.

Churchyard. K Dexter had spoken to the Rector regarding repairs required to the pillars and wall. The Rector had asked for further details before requesting a faculty for the work.

12 Approval of Cheque Payments

Approval was given for cheques 3581 – 3595 drawn as indicated on the list attached to these minutes. The Clerk was given the go-ahead to release the final tennis court payment, having received and banked a cheque for £500 from the Tennis Club.

13 District Councillors’ Report

Keith Ronaldson spoke on behalf of the District Council.

a) The gates to be placed in front of the library would be subject to the County Council’s rather slow planning procedure and would benefit from a letter of support from the Parish Council when under consideration. The Parish Council agreed this.

b) He reported that the Beat Policeman Mark Edgington had been promoted to Sergeant and a replacement was being organised.

Mr Ronaldson would look into the security of the Police Post. Michelle Haimes had reported that it was still seen as impossible to use the Internet from there.

Toilets in Prigg Lane were closed temporarily due to repairs following further vandalism. The cost since April 2006 for this was about £3,000. Should the vandalism continue at this level, the toilets may be closed permanently. This was an issue for the Local Action Group. Paull Robathan was following it up.

14 To Consider

a) South Petherton Hospital Consultation The plan was welcomed, particularly if the Key Milestone dates would be achieved. The clerk was asked to write a letter of support.

b) Interpretation/Information Boards – SCC reported two letters of objection that had been received regarding the Board in the Market Square. There seemed to be a lack of clarity over the purpose of the board and its location and the objections were not felt to be valid. Nikki Greenleaf would draft a reply which the Clerk would send to the County Council addressing the issues raised.

c) CCTV - It is possible that some funding for mobile CCTV will be available from the Market Towns Investment Group. Although the Council has previously voted against fixed CCTV cameras in the village it was agreed to pursue the mobile option if the opportunity arises via the MTIG or elsewhere.

d) Community Safety Volunteer – Mr Duplock had expressed an interest in this role but requested more information. It was briefly outlined that there should be liaison with Police Post Volunteers and the Local Action Group, attending LAG meetings and reporting back to the Parish Council. There would be some involvement with the Parish Plan Group and local Neighbourhood Watch groups.

e) Timeout Bus – It was noted that the first date that the bus was to be in situ was the night of the current meeting. Publicity was to be given via TA13 and it was noted that volunteers were being sought.

f) Waste Management Consultation Document Questionnaire – the Chairman agreed to complete and return this.

g) Somerset Arts Week – It was agreed that a £30 donation would be made

h) Plaque on the Seat at the Methodist Church – The Council supported the request that had been made to place a plaque as a tribute to the late Jo Coombes.

i) Tree Working Group – K Parkin had written to the Parish Council requesting the recognition of such a group comprising Rob Cotterill, Rob Shutler (cllr), Mike Wakely, Peter Kidner and himself, with the intention of stimulating tree planting and care in the Parish. The Council agreed to support the group. R Neve and N Greenleaf will look at this as part of the previously agreed action to examine the linkage between the Parish Council and the Parish Plan.

j) The Clerk was asked to contact the owner of the hedge along Hospital Lane in order to get it cut back.

15 County Councillor’s Report

a) J Sharpe drew the Council’s attention to the Waste Consultation Document (see 14.f., above) looking at Waste Policy.

b) He was disappointed that no-one from the County Council had been in touch regarding the George Lane light despite a promise to do so. He would again pursue this.

17 Meetings

a) Stanchester Night of Achievement – no volunteers to attend.

b) SSDC State of the District meeting – R Neve would attend.

c) SCC Consultation on Waste Management – R Neve to attend

d) SSDC Area North Town and Parish Council meeting – R Shutler to attend

e) SLCC Regional Conference – No councillors to attend, to be mentioned to Sharon Blake for her consideration.

The meeting closed to the public at 9.10pm

18 Contracts

Tenders for tree work at the Cemetery were considered. It was felt that the quotes were materially different in content. Therefore a committee was formed to look at the quotes and report back to the Council. This comprised C Willy, R Shutler, J Broughton and K Parkin. C Willy took the quotes. They would also look at a quote submitted the evening of the meeting by Peter Kidner for work along the side of the Cemetery.

The meeting closed at 9.20pm

Chairman……………………… Date…………….