Milverton Parish Council Monthly report

November 2014

The Council met on 3^rd November

Under Planning Councillors support applications for a swimming pool at Bickley and rendering works to a house in North Street.

The Chairman reported no progress on getting the Creedwell planning application to the TDBC Planning Committee. There appear to be many unanswered questions about how the site will be drained and further detailed information from the applicant was awaited. However, it appeared that one issue had been resolved in that Notaro had accepted that the development would be subject to a Community Infrastructure Levy payment of approximately £1.4m.

The Clerk reported that the company proposing to install a mobile phone mast north of the village had been unable to secure a site but was continuing to search. This meant that there would be an unspecified delay in providing improved mobile phone reception.

The Clerk also reported that he has been in contact with TDBC about the scale of the works at Lancaster House. He was expecting a reply from the Enforcement Officer which he would pass on.

In view of the possibility of the Vicarage coach house being used for the archive the Clerk was asked in investigate whether or not it was Listed.

Members gave the Vice Chairman Mrs Hoyle a Formal Vote of Thanks for her sterling work in delivering the new play area at the Recreation Ground. The installation is now complete and was formally opened by the Mayor Cllr Dave Durdan on 21^st October. The Clerk reported a donation from Milverton WI towards the project and will pay the final invoice when he receives the promised funds from TDBC.

Councillors were concerned that crime within the Parish seemed to be at increased levels with reports of burglaries and criminal damage being made by the Police.

Councillors discussed the kissing gate between High Street and Wood Street. There is pressure to have it removed to accommodate motorised and children's buggies. The Chairman observed that the kissing gate was no longer consistent with the principle of widening access for all. However, he acknowledged that the last time the gate was removed it had to be replaced because because of cycle use. As a result any change ought to be accompanied by a Risk Assessment. The Council therefore resolved to ask SCC to deliver a solution that increased accessibility for users but without increasing the risk of using the path.

Councillors have been discussing the potential options for reducing street lighting in Milverton which is very bright and intrusive in places. Following informal soundings there appeared to be some support for a reduction and Councillors agreed to follow this up with a formal survey of residents away from the main roads.

Councillor received a report that the Editor of the Parish Magazine was moving and a replacement being sought.