Report on Milverton Parish Council Meeting

June 2014

Vice Chairman Jenny Hoyle was delighted to announce that Viridor had offered the Parish Council a grant of £29000 towards the refurbishment of the Play Area at the Recreation Ground. This together with S106 monies and other funds means that there is a real prospect that the project can proceed. However, there had been an expectation that TDBC would be able to provide grant assistance as it has done to parishes in the past but she had been told that there was now no budget for play equipment. She was seeking urgent clarification and Cllr Gwil Wren also said he would approach the portfolio holder.

Councillors thanked Mrs Hoyle for her hard work on bringing the project so far. The Council will continue to press for the funds to bring the project to fruition.

Under planning

• The Parish Council approved the erection of a two storey rear extension at Walnut Tree Cottage.

• In respect of external and internal refurbishment with erection of gates to driveway and churchyard at Lancaster House, St Michaels Hill. Councillors expressed concern that the introduction of gates to the entrance from St Michaels Hill would cause vehicles to stop in the road and across the pavement whilst waiting to open the gates. cause a hazard on St Michaels Hill.

• Regarding a Notification to fell 2 laburnum trees, one eucalyptus, 4 cypress trees, 2 pears, one cherry, one group of bays, two bay trees and to coppice one large group of bays and to carry out management works to 2 holly trees, one maple, one cherry, 3 bays, one hornbeam, 4 yews and 6 robinias within Milverton Conservation Area At Lancaster House, St Michaels Hill. Councillors expressed disappointment at the proposal to fell the laburnum trees. Councillors had no further comments about the proposals but were concerned that burning of so much cut material on site might constitute a serious nuisance in the heart of the village. They therefore requested that the applicants consider chipping the cut material, particularly as the local saw mill would provide a local disposal point.

• Councillors supported the application to change the use and convert and agricultural store to holiday let at Bickley Farm, Milverton

Councillors received an update on the Creedwell application. There are continuing submissions about the weight to be attributed to the previous 'extant permission'. It is unlikely that it will come before the Planning Committee before 16^th July.

Councillors discussed the likelihood of the churchyard becoming full within five years. The Parish Council is happy to enter into discussions about establishing a new Burial Ground for the village but is awaiting confirmation of the legal position from the Parochial Church Council.

There has been no movement on the toilets and Councillors are still awaiting a proposal for transfer terms from TDBC.

The Vice Chairman reported that progress on creating a single village website had stalled and was unlikely to be pursued.

Councillors signed off the Audit for 2013/14.