Brief Report on Milverton Parish Council Meeting 1st July 2013

The Parish Council passed the following planning applications under delegated powers: 

23/13/0020 Construction of Catslide Dormer Window at the Stables Joyces Farm, Preston Bowyer 

23/13/0017 Erection of Single Storey Extension to rear of Newfield, Butts Way Milverton

Councillors discussed how they would like to scope consultation for the Neighbourhood Plan process. Rather than bluntly ask about house numbers they would prefer to get an understanding of how parishioners would like to see the village develop in terms of housing and jobs.

Councillors had their first chance to look at the proposals coming out of Taunton Deane's Strategic Housing Land Assessment and village boundary consultations. As well as the original five areas being put forward for development, local landowners have added an extra seven, which effectively circle the village. Councillors have asked a small group to consider the sites in detail and to bring draft recommendations to the next meeting on 6th August.

Councillors will also be looking to apply for a grant under the Somerset County Council Flood Mitigation Fund. As the deadline is 26th July a small group of Councillors will meet to identify areas that will benefit and report to the Amenity sub Committee on 15th July. The sub Committee will consider the suggestions and agree which ones will be put forward.

It was reported that the hearing into the footpath diversions south of Preston Bowyer would be probably held in November. Councillors resolved to discuss the proposals in detail at the August meeting and hope that all interested parties will attend.

A representative from the village Speed Watch group attended the meeting and reported that the Police had agreed a safe position from which to monitor speeds in the lower section of Butts Way. This location will now be added to the programme.

Councillors were informed that the Post Office would be consulting on a change in hours at Milverton. They noted that the new hours had started on 1st July.

Following the Clerks successful completion of the Certificate in Local Council Administration Councillors  unanimously resolved to grant the Parish Council a general Power of Competence.

Conferred by the Localism Act the Power of Competence (PoC) gives local authorities “the power to do anything that individuals generally may do” as long as they stay within the law. Councils are expected to consider using it before embarking on any action.

The eligibility criteria require that at least 2/3^rd of Councillors have faced election and that the Clerk has an appropriate qualification. Once passed this resolution holds until the Annual Parish Council meeting following the next election.