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BECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL (www.beckington.org.uk/parish-
Clerk: Miss M J Book 5 The Cooperage Tel: (01373) 300184 FROME Email: jbo@blueyonder.co.uk Somerset BA11 1JX UNCONFIRMED
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD on 16 January at Beckington Memorial Hall
Present: Mr S Wilson Chair, Mr C Rose Vice Chair, Messrs J Yerbury, R Hayes and D Wright, Miss J Book Clerk, Cllr P Knibbs District Councillor, Cllr M Ellis County Councillor (left meeting at 7.45pm) Mr Edward Lewis First Step Homes (left meeting at 8.25pm)
Mr Wilson invited Cllr Ellis to speak first. i. Cllr Ellis reported that there may be some funding available for safety schemes which may encourage more people to walk or cycle eg. crossings, barriers, improvements to pavements. The funding would be available in the next financial year. Each County Councillor can put forward two schemes for consideration. Parish Council will consider this matter. ii. SCC are reviewing their Speed Indicator Device policy. In the past, privately bought equipment could not be placed on Highways land. This policy is changing so that indicators may be placed on Highways land, with their approval. SCC are considering purchasing more SIDs so they can be kept in one position for longer to avoid the expense of moving them, or may encourage Parish Councils to purchase their own equipment. If SCC consider there is a need for the placement of a permanent SID, they may help fund its purchase.
Mr Wilson then outlined the problems the Parish Council are experiencing with SCC Highways department and the planting of trees on their verge. Cllr Ellis asked to be kept informed.
1. Notice of Meeting correctly posted
2. Apologies for absence Mrs J Slay, Mr P West
3. Public Participation None
4. First Step Homes Housing Association Presentation Mr Lewis, Land Manager, informed the council that he was looking at Rural Exception Sites for affordable housing. He explained that Rural Exception Sites do not necessarily have to be used solely for affordable housing. Some open market properties may also be permitted. Mr Lewis is currently in talks with two landowners but has no definite site at present. Government funding has been cut back dramatically over the last couple of years and Housing Associations no longer have the money to pay for expensive land. Beckington has been identified as a possible suitable area for development due to the high cost of open market housing and its location in relation to Bath and Bristol. According to the requirement for housing within Beckington, First Step Homes has
a variety of schemes under which it can meet the need eg. low cost market, discounted
market, age restricted properties, social renting, shared ownership, affordable rent
etc. First Step Homes normally need to build a minimum of 10 units, with a preference
of 15- First Step Homes offers some flexibility in the house design and materials used but this is dependent on available funding. Mr Lewis invited the Councillors to visit the site that First Step Homes has recently completed in Cheddar. A new scheme involving Cross Market Subsidy, whereby open market housing enables the provision of affordable homes, may be used in villages and towns where policy permits its use, although First Step Homes prefers not to use it. If suitable land is found, First Steps Homes will run a pre- Mr Wilson briefly spoke about the Parish Survey which was carried out in 2008.
5. Declarations of Interest -
6. Minutes of previous meeting held on 19 December 2011 Two minor changes were made to Item 10. A revised copy of the Parish Council criteria for evaluating proposed developments will be circulated to the Councillors. The minutes were then agreed as an accurate record of the meeting.
7. Matters Outstanding or Arising from Previous Meeting 7.1 Somerset Local Authority Civil Contingencies Unit: A list of contacts is required to fill the various roles listed in the Contingency Booklet (below). The Hall Committee and Parish Council would liaise if the need arose.
Manager Chair or Vice Chair of the Hall Committee Administration Clerk to Parish Council Catering Caring Ministers/volunteers from the church Building Representative
The Contingency Unit will be attending the next Hall Committee meeting on 8 February. 7.2 Graffitti and Overhanging Tree, Bridge, Goose Street: Another attempt has been made to remove the graffiti. No further action. Clerk to chase overhanging tree. SCC Aboretist had indicated that this work would be done early in January. 7.3 Streetlight, The Drang: This should be replaced soon. 7.4 Hardcore in Rudge Paddock: David Woodbridge, MDC has reported that the landowner has agreed to have the rubble removed. There is similar hardcore in a field on the Wiltshire border. The contractor undertaking the removal of the rubble from the Rudge site is unable to access the Wiltshire site as the lanes are too narrow. It is therefore planned that the rubble on the Wiltshire border is removed from that site to the Rudge site using a smaller vehicle. The Rudge contractor will then remove all the rubble from the Rudge site. 7.5 Speed Sensor Installation: Jeff Bunting has given the location of the speed sensor device as being placed on Number 3 column on Frome Road. It was situated looking away from the 20mph zone. Clerk to send readings to the Police for enforcement action. Cllr P Knibbs had emailed Sgt Nigel Butler the results of the survey but has not received a response. Cllr Knibbs will follow this up and will supply Clerk with Sgt Butlers contact details. 7.6 Homefield Close Bush: The shrub has been cut back. 7.7 Church Farm (Rode) Development: The application has been submitted but is currently incomplete. Clerk has arranged for the plans to be emailed when they are validated. 7.8 Network Distribution: There are currently no Network distributors delivering in the Green Park Lane area. Copies of Network are available in Mes Amis should any residents wish to collect a copy from there.
8. Mr Donald Leatham Legacy Meeting arranged for 26 January with SCC, Avon Landscapes and Parish Councillors to assess the siting of the trees and possible implications of the drain running along the verge.
9. Snow Treatment Mr Wilson has spoken to Andy Fussell who has everything in place to carry out the
gritting service. Mr Wilson had attended the last Rode Parish Council meeting and
explained how Beckington was planning to make the decision to grit and requested
that they were involved with this process. Rode PC have agreed to this and have
supplied 3 contact names. Beckington have reciprocated. Beckington plan to pre-
10. Parish Survey (LDF) Cllr Knibbs will find out the dates and procedure for Mendip District Councils adoption of the Core Strategy and mail Clerk the details.
11. Correspondence CCLA Statement CPRE Planning Explained booklet Letter resident requesting results of previous parish survey. Clerk to arrange for a copy to be sent. Clerks and Councils Direct NHS Somerset Joint Strategies Needs Assessment 2011
12. Accounts - (NatWest Current Account £10.00). 13.1 Payment of Accounts Cheque 516 Clerks Salary & Expenses (December) £161.94 Cheque 517 PO Ltd - Cheque 518 Tree Surgeon (Nick Ives) Homefield Close £128.00 Proposed Mr Rose Seconded Mr Yerbury 13.2 Beckington Charities: Mr Yerbury had made further enquiries and two families had received £60 each. 13.3 Grants and Donations for approval: Beckington Memorial Hall Grasscutting Contribution £200 Beckington Baptist (increased to) £100 Network £50 Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance £100 Citizens Advice Bureau £50 Mendip Community Transport £50 Mr Hayes proposed removing Somerset Artworks and replacing them with Mendip Community Transport. Agreed.
13. Planning Applications Planning ref: - process.
Planning ref: -
Planning ref: -
Planning ref: - Proposal: Renovation of an existing old Forge from a derelict building into a garage for parking 1 car and simple (bedsitting room) living accommodation with shower room. Applicant: Mr I Mee. Location: 5 Bath Road, Beckington, BA11 6SW. Five members of the Parish Council examined the Planning Application on Thursday 22nd December and after consideration recommend to Mendip District Council approval.
Planning consents, refusals and enforcements:- Planning ref: - Mendip District Council granted planning permission on 4th January 2012.
14. Any Other Business
15. Date & Venue of Next Meeting Monday 20 February 2012 at 7.30pm at Beckington Memorial Hall, Clifford Suite Monday 19 Maarch 2012 at 7.30pm at Beckington Memorial Hall, Clifford Suite
Meeting closed at 9.25pm
Signed Date .
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BECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL (www.beckington.org.uk/parish-
Clerk: Miss M J Book 5 The Cooperage Tel: (01373) 300184 FROME Email: jbo@blueyonder.co.uk Somerset BA11 1JX UNCONFIRMED
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD on 19 December 2011 at Beckington Memorial Hall
Present: Mr S Wilson Chair, Mr C Rose Vice Chair, Messrs J Yerbury and D Wright, Mrs J Slay, Miss J Book Clerk
1. Notice of Meeting correctly posted
2. Apologies for absence Cllr M Ellis County Councillor, Mr R Hayes, Mr P West
3. Public Participation -
4. Declarations of Interest -
5. Minutes of previous meeting held on 21 November 2011 Mr Rose requested that Item 8 be changed to replace clearance with treatment. The minutes were then agreed and signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
6. Matters Outstanding or Arising from Previous Meeting 6.1 Somerset Local Authority Civil Contingencies Unit: Unit would like to progress
this and have offered to attend again. Clerk has requested Hall Committee dates
but has received no reply. Mr Wilson will give them to Clerk. Mr Wilson has spoken
to Revd Chalkley who is supportive but was unable to discuss the matter fully until
the new year. Mr Wilson to re- 6.2 Gutters: To be reviewed again in spring. 6.3 Graffitti and Overhanging Tree, Bridge, Goose Street: Most of the graffitti has been removed. Trees are very overgrown and no action has been taken. Clerk to chase. 6.4 Streetlight, The Drang: Temporary light is still in place. Clerk to chase Southern Electric. 6.5 Hardcore in Rudge Paddock: Wiltshire CC and Somerset CC will be following this up in February. 6.6 Speed Sensor Installation: Highways have taken readings for one week and have reported that generally the figures do not indicate a major problem although there are a few incidences of cars travelling in excess of over 20mph above the speed limit which is an actionable figure. Clerk to ascertain from Highways the exact location of the speed sensor before contacting the Police for advice on how to enforce the limit. 6.7 Homefield Close Bush: Southern Electric have inspected the tree and reported that it is not on their land. As the owner is unknown the Parish Council will take responsibility for the tree. Clerk to contact tree surgeon to ask for it to be cut back.
7. Asset Inspections -
8. Mr Donald Leatham Legacy Avon Landscapes have attended a site meeting and recommended that seven trees are planted. The positions have been marked on a 171 agreement for submission to SCC for their approval. Clerk to chase quote for extra trees and SCC for 142 Licence agreement.
9. Snow Treatment The Parish Council are not in a position to take on SCCs role as a highway Authority since they do not have the resources or finances. The Parish Council will treat snow within its budget restraints. Mr Wilson has been unsuccessful in contacting Mr Fussell to arrange a meeting.
10. Parish Survey (LDF) 10.1 Parish Forum Meeting: Two items came out of this meeting. Firstly, when identifying development sites, MDC intends to give primacy to the view of communities ultimately given through the Parish Council and secondly the residual number of houses to be built in Beckington between now and 2026 is 43 when taking into account those already built and those with planning permission already granted. A housing needs survey is currently being drafted and should be available in February 2012. This should give a more detailed indication of what type of housing is required in each area. The draft MDC Core Strategy should be available by the end of March 2012. 10.2 Revision of Parish Council criteria for evaluating proposed developments: Mr Wilson proposed that this council adopt the previous criterion adopted in August 2008 (listed below) with the addition of Residents concerns and viewpoints, taking account of the Parish Survey. All approved and the following criterion will be used to assess development proposals : 1. The impact of the proposed development on the landscape setting of the area. 2. Any change caused by the proposed development to the character and open approaches of the villages, and any perceived urbanisation of the rural character of the area. 3. The impact of the proposed development on existing traffic conditions or the creation of additional traffic problems. 4. Any perceived diminishment of the amenity of existing neighbouring properties. 5. Any additional burden on existing community facilities. 10.3 Responding to pre- 1. Presentations/discussions will be in open meetings, normally the monthly Parish Council meeting. 2. Proposals will be considered in general terms but Councillors will be able to give personal assessments at the meeting. 3. The Parish Council will not give a formal indication of approval (or disapproval) at this stage. 4. Any opinions expressed will not be seen as predetermining a final decision when an application is formally submitted for consideration.
11. Correspondence SALC Community Infrastructure Levy Consultation Police Budget consultation MDC Gypsy and Traveller Count Mendip Ramblers -
12. Accounts - (NatWest Current Account £10.00). 13.1 Payment of Accounts Cheque 516 Clerks Salary & Expenses (November) £181.19 Changes to Clerks expenses proposed by Mr Rose Seconded by Mr Yerbury Cheque 517 PO Ltd - Cheque 518 SCC 171 Agreement for Highway Tree Planting £44.00 Proposed Mr Rose Seconded Mr Wright 13.2 Beckington Charities: Mr Yerbury has made enquiries regarding suitable benefactors but none are currently known. Mr Wilson proposed a fallow year unless someone is identified in the next week. It was felt that a more substantial donation to fewer people would be more beneficial to the recipients. 13.3 Budget: After a short discussion Mr Rose proposed a 0% increase to the precept. Therefore the precept for 2012/13 was set at £7,500, proposed by Mr Yerbury and seconded by Mrs Slay.
13. Planning Applications Planning ref: - The Parish Council has no objection to the application and recommends that the decision be left to the Planning Officer following the consultation process.
14. Any Other Business 14.1 Mrs Slay asked whether Beckington would automatically receive the planning application for the Church Farm development in Rode as she expressed concerns regarding the proposed access into Parkgate Lane. Clerk to ask MDC for a copy of plans. 14.2 Network distribution: Several houses in Green Park Lane are not receiving Network. This limits the circulation of Parish Council information. Clerk to contact Editor. 14.3 Christmas Tree: Mr Wilson to write to people responsible to acknowledge their efforts and thank them for the wonderful display.
14. Date & Venue of Next Meeting Monday 16 January 2012 at 7.30pm at Beckington Memorial Hall, Clifford Suite Monday 20 February 2012 at 7.30pm at Beckington Memorial Hall, Clifford Suite
Meeting closed at 8.45pm
Signed Date .
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BECKINGTON PARISH COUNCIL (www.beckington.org.uk/parish-
Clerk: Miss M J Book 5 The Cooperage Tel: (01373) 300184 FROME Email: jbo@blueyonder.co.uk Somerset BA11 1JX UNCONFIRMED
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD on 21 November 2011 at Beckington Memorial Hall
Present: Mr S Wilson Chair, Messrs R Hayes, P West, J Yerbury and D Wright, Mrs J Slay, Miss J Book Clerk, Cllr P Knibbs District Councillor
1. Notice of Meeting correctly posted
2. Apologies for absence Mr C Rose, Cllr M Ellis County Councillor,
3. Public Participation -
4. Declarations of Interest -
5. Minutes of previous meeting held on 17 October 2011 The minutes were agreed and signed as an accurate record of the meeting.
6. Matters Outstanding or Arising from Previous Meeting 6.1 Somerset Local Authority Civil Contingencies Unit: Two booklets have been received from the Unit giving more details on evacuation procedure and requirements. Clerk will forward one to the Hall Committee. A risk assessment will be required. Mr Wilson will approach the church to make them aware of the scheme and request their support. Clerk to ask Unit for details regarding training. 6.2 Footways Beckington to Oldford: This has been done. 6.3 Gutters: Request to clear gutters has appeared in Network. Review next month. 6.4 Visibility- 6.5 Graffitti and Overhanging Tree, Bridge, Goose Street: Some of the graffiti has been removed. The overhanging tree is on a schedule to be inspected. 6.6 Streetlight, The Drang: Mr Yerbury has put up a temporary light and is chasing his contact to have the light replaced permanently. 6.7 Bollard by The Woolpack: Bollard has been replaced. 6.8 Hardcore in Rudge Paddock: Max Gridley, Enforcement Officer, has now left MDC. Mr Wilson has spoken to another member of his department who has passed the matter to SCC Enforcement as it is an environmental waste issue. Cllr Knibbs has spoken to Stuart Finney, MDC regarding rubble that has been reported in the hedgerow. 6.9 Wheelie Bins, Sandy Lane: Bins have been removed. 6.10 Speed Sensor Installation: Cllr Knibbs reported that Dave Grabham requires the Parish Councils support to install the speed sensors. Cllr Knibbs proposed placing the sensors in the 20mph zone but this was not considered the most suitable location. The Parish Council agreed to support the installation of the sensors if they were placed in the 30mph zone on Frome Road, if there were no cost implications and it led to suitable action being taken, ideally a periodic police presence to deter speeding traffic. Clerk to write to SCC requesting sensors. Mr Wilson pointed out that the figures would need to be carefully interpreted as they may not necessarily distinguish the direction of the traffic. 6.11 Grasscutting Contract: Mr Baxter had queried that the number of cuts per year had not been entered into the contract. This had been omitted as some years the weather would promote growth and other years reduce growth. Mr West will ask Mr Baxter to sign and return the contract. 6.11 PMSA Licence: The Parish Council now hold this licence. 6.12 Homefield Close Bush: No response. Clerk to chase.
7. Mr Donald Leatham Legacy Mr Wilson has met with BT at the site and the boxes are not theirs. Mr Wilson will contact the local farmer to ascertain whether he knows who is responsible for them. Clerk to arrange planting of trees. After the purchase of the trees, £1,317.60 will remain in the Legacy Account. This is set aside for bulbs which will be planted next year.
8. Snow and Ice Clearance Mr Wilson had attended a talk by SCC and MDC regarding snow clearance and reported that there is no likelihood of Beckington and Rode being placed on the primary gritting route. They are however, on the secondary route which should be gritted 24 hours after the primary routes are gritted. Clerk to obtain a copy of the map that shows secondary gritting routes from Cllr Ellis. Cllr Knibbs asked if any provision for clearance of snow to the surgery had been made. This is included in the proposed Parish Council gritting schedule. Insurance Company has confirmed that the Parish Council are covered for gritting but stipulates that, should the Parish Council undertake to grit, during any one period of snow or ice, they are then required to continue to grit until the weather has sufficiently improved to not warrant further gritting. The Parish Council noted that they have limited funds for gritting and during a winter with many bouts of snow, they may not have sufficient funds to continue a gritting programme and would have to decide not to grit at the start of a fresh bout snow/ice and would therefore not have legal liability. After a lengthy discussion regarding the pros, cons and implications of gritting, Mr West proposed and Mr Yerbury seconded that the Parish Council should undertake to grit within the budget constraints. The motion was carried with one abstention. A formal arrangement with Andy Fussell will now be drawn up. Clerk to ascertain that the route and prices remain the same, whether suitable public liability insurance is held, and whether Mr Fussell is in a position to continue a gritting programme once begun ie. sufficient grit and manpower. Bonnyleigh Hill to be removed from gritting route. Route on Frome Road will now stop at the end of the 30mph zone.
9. Parish Survey (LDF) 9.1 Parish Forum Meeting: Mr Wilson will be attending the meeting on 28 November. Cllr Knibbs reported that the LDF will be adopted in late 2012 after the Core Strategy has been adopted.
10. Correspondence SCC Parking Strategy SCC Replacing defective paving with tarmacadam Parish Council have no areas at present but would take up the offer to supplement funding on a like for like replacement in the future should this be required. SCC Winter Guide Citizens Advice Bureau request for donation ) to be discussed in January Mendip Community Transport request for donation ) with other grants SALC Agenda for East Area meeting Clerks and Councils Magazine
11. Accounts - (NatWest Current Account £10.00). 12.1 Payment of Accounts Cheque 513 T Baxter, Grasscutting (October) £120.00 Cheque 514 PO Ltd - Cheque 515 Clerks Salary & Expenses (October) £161.36 Proposed Mr Hayes Seconded Mr West 12.2 Budget: MDC require precept by 9 January. Clerk presented a draft budget for consideration and full discussion will take place at the December meeting.
12. Planning Applications None
13. Any Other Business 13.1 Asset Inspections: These are now due. Mr Wilson had inspected his assets and reported they were in good order. Mr Wright reported that the water cupboard doors now fit properly. 13.2 Mr Yerbury reported that the Beckington Charities would require topping up. The amount is currently unknown. Councillors wish to continue with the charity. Mr Wilson mentioned a previous discussion in which more money could be used to top up the charity one year to enable a larger donation then the following year no donations would be made. This will be given more consideration.
14. Date & Venue of Next Meeting Monday 19 December 2011 at 7.30pm at Beckington Memorial Hall, Clifford Suite Monday 16 January 2012 at 7.30pm at Beckington Memorial Hall, Clifford Suite
Meeting closed at 9.20pm
Signed Date .
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