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Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council, which took place on Monday 22 September 2008.

PRESENT Cllrs Humphreys (Chair), Cripps, England, Hallett, Hawkins, Sarker, Wakely, Walshe, Messrs K Ronaldson & P Robathan (District Councillors, J Sharpe (County Councillor) and 5 parishioners.

APOLOGIES Cllr Rowswell Mr Robathan apologised for arriving late.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mr Jeffery Clements introduced himself as Agent for a planning applicant wishing to build on a brown field site.

MINUTES The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed and signed.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

No interests were declared.

DC REPORT

Mr Ronaldson read the recent Neighbourhood Watch Report, noting thefts of satellite navigation equipment from cars and domestic oil from fuel tanks. The District Council has a supply of spring bulbs again for planting in parishes and Mr Ronaldson will order some. There are proposals for South Somerset Homes to break away from the District Council and operate alone under the name Avalon.

Mr Robathan said the District Council will decide at a meeting on 30 October whether to opt into the Sustainable Communities Act. He spoke of the much improved Planning Service.

CC REPORT

Mr Sharp spoke about the NHS Primary Care Trust’s plans for South Petherton Hospital, a new Doctor’s Surgery in Merriott and the development and rebuilding of Crewkerne Hospital. There is some concern about overcrowding on the early bus to Taunton. Parish Councillors have been invited to a meeting with parents and school governors as the first step of applying for primary status.

PLANNING

No objections were raised to applications to: Erect a bungalow on land to the rear of Highfield, Lambrook Road. Demolish conservatory and carry out alterations to St Gabriels, North Street. Convert loft space, replace roof and install two roof lights to rear of
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Duke of York Cottage (provided the windows are the size allowed in a conservation area) and change colour of window frames and doors. Permission has been granted for internal alterations and erection of single storey rear extension and front entrance porch to The Jays, Lambrook Road.

PARISH PLAN

The Chairman spoke of the successful Fun Run, with 160 runners and good weather.

Cllr Cripps said a full scale survey of the land at Cowleaze had been suggested, due to its use for sewerage treatment, in connection with a bid for lottery funding. The District Councillors agreed to be referees for the application and it was suggested the District Council may be prepared to be the accountable body. Mr Robathan offered the Group a second hand mower for trimming the grass there. The councillors would like to spend the County Councillor’s grant on the children’s area at Cowleaze.

Cllr Walshe was pleased to report that the new showers are complete at the pavilion.

LENGTHMAN

The Lengthman has been asked to clean the notice above the pump.

HIGHWAYS

Mr Ronaldson will advise Kim Sharp of a blocked drain near the clock shop, the condition of the pavement near the butcher’s shop, a bollard which needs replacing in Lambrook Road and potholes along Barrington Main. Concern was expressed about the speed of agricultural vehicles through the village.

FLOOD AWARENESS

With winter approaching and flash flooding becoming more frequent, the District Council advised that they can provide up to six sandbags, free of charge, per doorway to domestic properties at risk of flooding.

FOOTPATHS

The Parish Council is grateful to the District Council Rights of Way Department and the Ramblers Association for their help with surfacing the footpath at the Recreation Field.

ACCOUNTS

Cheques were drawn for: Shaw & Sons – Receipts & Payments Book £93.26
ACRYFLOR – Pavilion shower floor and walls 5,502.36

The meeting closed at 10.15 pm.