MILVERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 

7^th December 2015

7.30pm in the Victoria Rooms Fore Street

AGENDA

Questions from the Public.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and address the Parish Council to provide information and raise matters of concern.

1. Apologies

Members will be expected to provide reasons for absence. Members are reminded that absence for 6 consecutive meetings without approval could lead to disqualification.

2. Declarations of Interest

The Code of Conduct requires that Members disclose interests of a

personal, prejudicial and pecuniary nature that may be pertinent to tonight's business. A prejudicial or pecuniary interest will require the member to leave the room during the discussion of the relevant item.

In cases of uncertainty members are recommended to consult the Clerk.

3. Minutes and Matters Arising from minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12^th October and 2^nd November have been circulated. Members will be asked to consider them for accuracy and if satisfied pass a resolution of approval that they be signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

The Actions from the last meeting will be considered unless elsewhere on the agenda.

4. Planning

1. For Parish Council Decision

4.1.1 23/15/0023 CREATION OF PEDESTRIAN ACCESS AND ERECTION OF TIMBER GATE AT HILLVIEW WOOD STREET MILVERTON

4.1.2 23/15/0027 CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST FLOOR BALCONY TO REAR ELEVATION AT 26 CREEDWELL ORCHARD, MILVERTON

2. For Parish Council Comment

4.2.2 23/15/0024 CHANGE OF USE OF LAND FROM AGRICULTURAL TO EQUESTRIAN WITH CONSTRUCTION OF A YEAR ROUND MENAGE AT SCREEDY FARM, SCREEDY LANE MILVERTON.

4.2.3 23/15/0026 CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST FLOOR AT THE ANNEXE, COBBLESIDE, NORTH STREET, MILVERTON (RESUBMISSION OF 23/15/0009)

4.2.4 23/15/0028LB CONSTRUCTION OF FIRST FLOOR AT THE ANNEXE, COBBLESIDE,NORTH STREET, MILVERTON

2. Other Planning Matters

The Clerk will propose a date for the next planning meeting.

5. Creedwell

The Chairman will provide a report on the present situation.

6. Crime

Members will receive and comment on the monthly crime report.

7. Roads and Footpaths

a)Footpaths

Mrs Pine and Mrs Richardson will report on the footpaths.

b)Roads

1. Monthly Report

Members will discuss current road issues.

2. Street Naming & Numbering

Councillors will discuss the TDBC consultation

3. Speed Meeting with SCC

The Clerk will provide a brief report.

8. TDBC Asset Management Strategy Consultation

The Clerk will lead the discussion.

9. Public Toilets

The Chairman will report on TDBC's response to the Parish Council's counter offer.

10. SCC Bus Service Consultation

Mrs Hoyle will lead the discussion.

11. SCC Funding Consultation

Mrs Hoyle will lead the discussion.

12. Victoria Rooms representative
13. Parish Council Record Storage
14. Correspondence
15. Finance

1. Precept 2016/17

The Clerk will present the a Draft Work Plan and Estimates for next year with a recommended figure for the Precept.

2. Monthly Finance Report
3. Audit Opt Out (email 13/11)

The monthly report will request payments for Salaries, PAYE, Play Area, Election Expenses and grasscutting.

16. Matters to Report

Members are invited to report matters of interest and raise matters of concern for future consideration by the Council, including items from the following external bodies:

Twinning; Victoria Rooms; Milverton United Charities; SALC; Traffic Working Party; Youth Project; Milverton Trust; Milverton Action Group and 10 Parishes.

Report on Meeting of Milverton Parish Council

2^nd November 2015

Parish Council meetings always start with Public Questions and this month the Council was told that the existing rubbish arrangements in the Jubilee Gardens were inadequate and was asked to provide a new bin. Councillor's were happy to agree and will ask TDBC for a price.

Under Planning Councillors were asked for comments on an application to change of use the use of farm buildings at Weekmoor to a dwelling. Given that Government policy is supportive of such applications Councillors confined their comments to requesting that no drainage or nuisance issues resulted from the proposal.

Noting recent planning decisions Councillors were concerned that the TDBC Tree Officer seemed to have changed his mind over the Horse Chestnut tree at Felton Hall and did not object to it's removal. The Clerk was asked to find out why TDBC had not been willing to protect a healthy and important tree within the Conservation Area.

Councillors asked for an update on TDBC enforcement particularly the new agricultural access on the Wiveliscombe Road which was spreading mud on the carriageway and creating a significant hazard to traffic.

Despite the refusal of the planning application Creedwell continues figure at Council meetings. On this occasion thanks were offered to those who had attended and contributed at the TDBC Planning Committee. Particular thanks were offered to Mr Reynolds of the Action Group and Mr Houghton who had provided important legal and planning advice.

PCSO Louise Fyne reported 125 calls to the Beat Area in October and 2 crimes in Milverton itself. She is investigating the destruction of the bench at the Colesmore Viewing Area and has circulated descriptions of some youths who may have information.

In October the Parish Council spent £1154 on salaries and a grant to Milverton Parochial Church Council.

The Clerk reported that TDBC was consulting on the future of the Council Tax support scheme. Councillors noted the irony of TDBC was trying to 'cascade' more functions onto Parish Councils whilst at the same time seeking to deprive them of funding.

Cllr Cotton was thanked for his role in obtaining a Community Defibrillator for Milverton and organising training for volunteers. Two well attended training days had recently taken place and there was also interest from the school. He reported plans for another course at Wiveliscombe Rugby Club in November.

Milverton Parish Council

Report of Meeting held on 5^th October 2015

The Chairman reported receipt of a letter from Buckingham Palace thanking the Parish Council for it's congratulations to Her Majesty for becoming Great Britain's longest reigning monarch.

The meeting was preceded by a presentation from Lesley Knight of Somerset County Council's Civil Contingencies Unit (CCU). SCC is trying to revive its Emergency Plan and list of local contacts which fell into abeyance several years ago. The Flooding events of recent years have acted as a catalyst to restore the plan and so SCC is getting in touch with Parishes to ask them to nominate local contacts from councillors, Emergency Planning Groups etc. These contacts will be expected to have good local knowledge and will be asked to give and receive information to and from emergency services and utility providers, to ensure good communication of a situation both at a local and county level. To be effective it is important that these contacts are representative of all a parish including outlying hamlets and settlements. The CCU is also providing support to local resilience strategies and has examples on its website. SCC is in the process of setting up a single number for emergency events so that accurate and timely information can be passed – until that is set up the contact number is 01823 356804.

Councillors thanks Ms Knight for the presentation and agreed to re-convene the Emergency Planning Committee to discuss a local Emergency Plan. The Clerk was asked to pass the details of the Committee to SCC as local contacts.

Under Matters arising Mr Cotton reported that there would be two meetings in the Victoria Rooms on 27^th and 31^st October to give residents a briefing on the use of the Community Defibrillator.

Under Planning Councillors unanimously approved applications for small extensions to Glendowan and 5 Woodbarton. Comments were also made in relation to an application to carry out work to trees at the Vicarage. The Chairman reported on the Urgency Committees objection to the application to fell a tree at Felton Hall.

The Clerk was asked for an update on the new access that had been made on the Wiveliscombe Road. He reported that TDBC was aware of it and was pursuing its normal enforcement procedures. He was also asked to chase TDBC for a progress report on Burn Hill woods and Lancaster House.

The Chairman reported that the Creedwell application would be at last coming to the TDBC Planning Committee at 5pm on 14^th October. At the time of the meeting the report was not available and there was no indication of the Officers recommendation. This was expected on the 6^th October so Councillors resolved to hold an extra meeting on 12^th October to discuss the report and the Parish Council's response. It will be held in the Victoria Rooms at 7pm.

In response to the many concerns raised recently about the speed size and volume of traffic the Chairman had begun to write a paper setting out the issues and examining how they could be addressed and by whom. He was thanked for this and it was agreed to discuss it when the Creedwell application had been decided.

PCSO Louise Fyne attended the meeting and gave the monthly Crime Report. It had been a quiet month in Milverton although there were a spate of shed burglaries in and around the district. She also gave advice on doorstep crime and how neighbours could help prevent fraudsters preying on the elderly and vulnerable.

In the light of the ongoing discussions about taking on the toilets Councillor discussed whether transferring all its property assets to a separate entity controlled by the Council would be beneficial. There was support for the idea in principle but Councillors wanted to know how in detail such an arrangement would work and what the risks were. It was agreed that the Chairman would draft a 'template' for a company that could hold, manage and purchase assets on behalf of the Council.

The Clerk reported that, following the loss of the gardener he had asked the Gardening Club to tidy up the Jubilee Gardens before winter. A team of 6 volunteers had done an excellent job and he recommended that the Council make a donation of £100 towards Club funds. Councillors were delighted

In September the Council spent £1406 on salaries, gardening, grass cutting and planning officer attendance at meetings.

Gwilym Wren

Clerk to Milverton Parish Council

8^th October 2015

Milverton Parish Council

6^th October 2015

EXTRAORDINARY PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 12^th October 2015

7.00pm in the Victoria Rooms Fore Street

AGENDA

Questions from the Public

Members of the public are welcome to attend and address the Parish Council to provide information and raise matters of concern.

1. Apologies
   

Members will be expected to provide reasons for absence. Members are reminded that absence for 6 consecutive meetings without approval could lead to disqualification.

2. Declarations of Interest
   

The Code of Conduct requires that Members disclose interests of a personal, prejudicial and pecuniary nature that may be pertinent to tonight's business. A prejudicial or pecuniary interest will require the member to leave the room during the discussion of the relevant item.

In cases of uncertainty members are recommended to consult the Clerk.

3. Minutes
   

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5^th October 2015 will be circulated in time for the next meeting on 2^nd November.

4. Planning
   

For Parish Council Comment

23/14/ 0014 ERECTION OF 70 No. DWELLINGS WITH ASSOCIATED WORKS ON LAND AT CREEDWELL ORCHARD, MILVERTON

Councillors will consider the report to be put before the TDBC Planning Committee on 14^th October.

This is an extract for the TDBC Planning officers Report about the 
ERECTION OF 70 NO. DWELLINGS WITH ASSOCIATED WORKS ON LAND AT
CREEDWELL ORCHARD, MILVERTON
Location: CREEDWELL ORCHARD, MILVERTON, TAUNTON
Grid Reference: 312361.125598 Full Planning Permission
___________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION AND REASON(S)
Recommended Decision: Refusal
1 The proposed development would not provide any on site affordable housing. The proposed off-site contribution is both unacceptable in principle and insufficient in amount and the proposal is, therefore, contrary to Policy H4 of the Taunton Deane Core Strategy.
The development would have a harmful impact upon the character and appearance of the Milverton Conservation Area as the location and scale of the development would undermine the connection that the village enjoys with the surrounding rural landscape, contrary to Policy CP8 of the Taunton Deane Core Strategy. The harm would not be outweighed by other public benefits of the proposal when assessed in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The proposed development fails to provide an acceptable travel plan and future residents would likely be reliant on the private car for most of their day to day needs with insufficient measures in place to encourage travel by other modes, contrary to Policy CP6 of the Taunton Deane Core Strategy,
policy A2 of the Draft Site Allocations and Development Management Plan and guidance in the NPPF.
The proposed development would provide insufficient children's play space to meet the needs of the development, contrary to retained Policy C4 of the Taunton Deane Local Plan or policy C2 of the Draft Site Allocations and
Development Policies Plan.
Insufficient information has been provided to assess the likely impact upon potential archaeological interests on the site, contrary to Policy CP8 of the Taunton Deane Core Strategy and guidance in the NPPF.
In accordance with Policy SD1 of the Taunton Deane Core Strategy and Paragraph 14 of the NPPF it is considered that there are very limited benefits to outweigh these significant and demonstrable harms and the proposal is, therefore, not sustainable development.

MILVERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

5^th October 2015

7.30pm in the Victoria Rooms

AGENDA

Civil Contingencies

The meeting will be preceded by a presentation from Lesley Knight of SCC Civil Contingencies Unit.

Questions from the Public.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and address the Parish Council to provide information and raise matters of concern.

1. Apologies

Members will be expected to provide reasons for absence. Members are reminded that absence for 6 consecutive meetings without approval could lead to disqualification.

2. Declarations of Interest

The Code of Conduct requires that Members disclose interests of a

personal, prejudicial and pecuniary nature that may be pertinent to tonight's business. A prejudicial or pecuniary interest will require the member to leave the room during the discussion of the relevant item.

In cases of uncertainty members are recommended to consult the Clerk.

3. Minutes and Matters Arising from minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7^th September will be circulated shortly. Members will be asked to consider them for accuracy and if satisfied pass a resolution of approval that they be signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

The Actions from the last meeting will be considered unless elsewhere on the agenda.

4. Planning

1. For Parish Council Decision

4.1.1 23/15/0019 ERECTION OF SUN ROOM EXTENSION ON FRONT ELEVATION AT GLENDOWAN, MILVERTON

4.1.2 23/15/0020 NEW SINGLE STOREY EXTENSION TO REAR OF EXISTING GARAGE AT 5 WOODBARTON, MILVERTON

2. For Parish Council Comment

4.2.2 23/15/00022/T NOTIFICATION TO CARRY OUT MANAGEMENT WORK TO 4 BEECH TREES, 3 BAY TREES AND ONE YEW WITHIN MILVERTON CONSERVATION AREA AT THE VICARAGE, PARSONAGE LANE, MILVERTON

4.2.3 23/15/0021/T NOTIFICATION TO FELL ONE HORSE CHESTNUT TREE WITHIN MILVERTON CONSERVATION AREA AT FELTON HALL, PARSONAGE LANE, MILVERTON

The Chairman will report on the outcome of the Urgency committee visit.

2. Other Planning Matters

The Clerk will propose a date for the next planning meeting.

5. Creedwell

The Chairman will provide a report on the present situation and decide whether an extra meeting is necessary before the matter is presented to TDBC Planning Committee.

6. Crime

Members will receive and comment on the monthly crime report.

7. Roads and Footpaths

a)Footpaths

Mrs Pine and Mrs Richardson will report on the footpaths.

b)Roads

The Clerk will provide a brief report.

8. Property Management

The Chairman will provide a report on the benefits of the Council creating a not for profit Community Interest company report on hold its property assets.

9. Correspondence
10. Finance

The monthly report will request payments for Salaries, PAYE, SALC and grasscutting.

11. Matters to Report

Members are invited to report matters of interest and raise matters of concern for future consideration by the Council, including items from the following external bodies:

Twinning; Victoria Rooms; Milverton United Charities; SALC; Traffic Working Party; Youth Project; Milverton Trust; Milverton Action Group and 10 Parishes.

Report of Milverton Parish Council Meeting

7^th September 2015

The meeting was preceded by a presentation from Nicky Gibbard who has recently been appointed the Village Agent for the area. Village Agents were created by the Somerset Community Council to help rural communities who have poor access to services. Local Authorities often struggle to extend their remits beyond urban areas and Village Agents can help bridge that gap by helping with such diverse issues from checking benefit entitlements through to disposing of old freezers. Nicky accepts that she does not know all the answers but is able to find someone ho does and that is often the most difficult issue when trying to resolve a problem. Some examples are:

• Helping carers receive support they are entitled to by putting them in contact with agencies and charities like Age UK.
• Arranging for the Fire Brigade to carry out a free smoke alarm test for the over 55s.
• Helping communities survey service provision to help spot gaps and vulnerable groups.
• She also helps to redistribute winter fuel payments that are offered up by those who do not need the money.

The service that Nicky offers is free, confidential and available to everyone of all ages. The Community Council has a website www.somersetrcc.org.uk with a section for Village Agents and these can be accessed from public computers like the one in the Creedwell Community room. She is keen to work closely with Parish Councils and was very pleased to receive the invitation from Milverton. It was agreed that she would be put on the mailing list for agendas and be most welcome at any future meeting. She can be contacted by email on nicky@somersetrcc.org.uk or by phone on 01823 331222 or 07746 340546.

The Council received questions from residents about the Market Cross and speeding traffic. There are increasing concerns about traffic speeds in the village particularly into Sand Street where a recent Police camera picked up 30 drivers exceeding the 20mph limit in three quarters of an hour. There are also concerns about the size of vehicles and the damage that large lorries cause to historic buildings and underground services like drains and electric cables. Councillors acknowledge that these have been long standing problems with the highway authority, Somerset County Council having little interest in improving the situation because of pressing issues elsewhere. However, Councillors did agree to contact SCC again to see what options there were for traffic calming on the approach roads to the village.

Under Creedwell the Chairman reported that the application was unlikely to come to Committee before the end of October.

Several crimes in and around Milverton were reported by PCSO Louise Fyne. These included motor vehicle theft, Actual Bodily Harm and criminal damage.

Following a request to remove the kissing gate on the footpath between High Street and Wood Street the Council and SCC had been trying to establish who owned the land. Since no owner could be found Councillors agreed to remove and store the gate temporarily to see how the path worked with out it. They reserved the right to restore it if it became a rat run for cyclists and motor bikes.

The recent visits to the village by SCC Highways officers was noted with thanks. Several of the issues discussed had been dealt with but others, such as vegetation and the collapsed wall in Butts Way were dependent on cooperation from the landowners.

In relation to the proposed transfer of the toilets to the Parish, the Chairman reported that TDBC had finally responded to the Parish Council's counteroffer in and had roundly rejected it. Councillors felt that this was extremely disappointing and were perplexed as to why TDBC needed to retain a hold on a facility that it had rejected as too expensive. The Chairman agreed to draft a suitable response for circulation and approval.

The Clerk reported that he had recently established that the contractor engaged to look after the Jubilee Gardens had taken a full time job. The gardens were now in some need to tidying up so he proposed contacting the Gardening Club to see if they could tidy it up for winter. He would then tender for gardening and grass-cutting services for the 2016 season.

Under the provisions of the Localism Act local Councils can award themselves the Power of Competence to become involved in or carry out non statutory activities including expenditure to benefit local communities. Milverton Parish Councillors were satisfied that they met the criteria laid down by legislation and and voted unanimously to award the Council the Power.

The Clerk reported expenditure of £1783 in August on salaries, subscriptions, Councillor training, grass-cutting and audit.

Gwilym Wren

Clerk to Milverton Parish Council

PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 7^th September 2015

7.30pm in the Victoria Rooms Fore Street

AGENDA

Village Agent

The meeting will be preceded by an introductory presentation by the new Village Agent, Nicky Gibbard.

Questions from the Public.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and address the Parish Council to provide information and raise matters of concern.

1. Apologies

Members will be expected to provide reasons for absence. Members are reminded that absence for 6 consecutive meetings without approval could lead to disqualification.

2. Declarations of Acceptance of Office and Interest

The Code of Conduct requires that Members disclose interests of a

personal, prejudicial and pecuniary nature that may be pertinent to tonight's business. A prejudicial or pecuniary interest will require the member to leave the room during the discussion of the relevant item.

In cases of uncertainty members are recommended to consult the Clerk.

3. Minutes and Matters Arising from minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 3^rd August will be circulated shortly. Members will be asked to consider them for accuracy and if satisfied pass a resolution of approval that they be signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

The Actions from the last meeting will be considered unless elsewhere on the agenda.

4. Planning

1. For Parish Council Comment

1. 23/15/00017/T NOTIFICATION TO FELL ONE YEW TREE WITHIN MILVERTON CONSERVATION AREA AT TANNERS, JUBILEE GARDENS, MILVERTON
2. 23/15/0018/T NOTIFICATION TO FELL ONE CYPRESS TREE WITHIN MILVERTON CONSERVATION AREA AT HIGHCROFT, HIGH STREET, MILVERTON

The Chairman will report on the outcome of the Urgency committee visit.

2. Other Planning Matters

The Clerk will provide an update on CIL and SHLAA and propose a date for the next planning meeting.

5. Audit 2014/15

Councillors will feedback on the Clerk's initial report and make suggestions for the final report which will be discussed in October.

6. Creedwell

The Chairman will provide a report on the present situation.

7. Crime

Members will receive and comment on the monthly crime report.

8. Roads and Footpaths

a)Footpaths

I) SCC Adopt A Path Scheme

Mrs Lumby will report on progress

II) Monthly Footpath Report

Mrs Pine and Mrs Richardson will report on the footpaths.

b)Roads

1. Monthly Report

Members will discuss current road issues.

2. Visit with SCC Highways Personnel

The Clerk will provide a brief report on issues discussed and solutions proposed.

3. Speed Indicator Device (SID)

The Clerk will provide a brief report.

9. Public Toilets

The Chairman will report on TDBC's response to the Parish Council's counter offer.

10. Internet

Mr Hendy will give an update on the Milverton Website

11. Allotments

The Allotment Committee will report on the issues raised by its recent visit.

12. Coronation Meadows

Mrs Lumby will suggest that Milverton finds a site.

13. Jubilee Gardens

The Clerk will report on the gardening contract.

14. Power of Competence

The Council will discuss renewing this Power.

15. Correspondence
16. Finance

a) Monthly report

The monthly report will request payments for Salaries, PAYE, SALC and grasscutting.

b) New Bank Account Signatories

The Clerk will finalise signatories for the Nat West and Bank of Ireland Accounts.

17. Matters to Report

Members are invited to report matters of interest and raise matters of concern for future consideration by the Council, including items from the following external bodies:

Twinning; Victoria Rooms; Milverton United Charities; SALC; Traffic Working Party; Youth Project; Milverton Trust; Milverton Action Group and 10 Parishes.