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.