held on Monday July 9th 2007
Present; Stuart Campbell, Chairman Mary Stanhope, Hugh Delap, Rowena Wood, Richard Blamey, Betty Harris, Ray Benfield, Ann Ross, Mandy Knowles and Stephanie Jenkins, Clerk. The Chairman welcomed Neil Butters, District Councillor, to the meeting.1 Apologies for absence ; There were none.
2.Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting of June 11th were agreed to be an accurate record and were signed by the Chairman.
3.Planning Matters
SC informed Councillors that the District Planning Officer, Ludek Majer, would be leaving B&NES in August; a replacement had yet to be announced.
Decisions;Tennis Club Lighting; approved, but lighting must go off by 8.30pm and a planting scheme to shield lateral light spread must be submitted. RW to write supporting the lateral light condition as requested by Chris Lyons.
Hill House/ Conservatory and internal alterations; permitted.
10 The Glebe/alterations to front of property; permitted.
Combe Bottom Cottage/ extension; because of the delay in acquiring documentation for this (West Wilts) application permission had already been granted. The Clerk was asked to let Limpley Stoke’s Clerk know of the boundary areas about which Freshford would be grateful of notification when applications are made.On-going Items
Woodwyck Hall Pond; Ludek Majer had indicated that, as a swimming pond within the curtilege of the property, no permission would be necessary. Councillors believed that the pond was not a swimming pool and RW is to check whether any different rules apply.
Morris’ Stores; RW reported that John Trenoweth had been delighted to receive her letter of thanks over the eventual replacement of the glazing bars.
Park Corner Pump Area; RW reported that, once the skip has been removed, Ann Jarrett will authorise the cutting back of trees at Park House.
PC Responses since May meeting.
Flat Above the Surgery/ change of use for temporary Post Office; Freshford Parish Council supported this application with the following comment. “The existing PO closes on June 25th.To ensure the continuity of this essential service to the village, whilst the very active Freshford Shop Committee pursue alternative sites for a Community Shop and Post office, this temporary change of use permission is vital to maintain service provision. However, inconsiderate parking by users of this new temporary post office could create access problems for West View Orchard residents and residents of Brewery Lane. The Parish Council therefore requests that Highways addresses this concern. The PC would propose that a white line is marked on the Surgery side of Brewery Lane from its junction with the High Street up to the entrance into West View Orchard. Freshford Parish Council has always sought to resist white lining in the village and the request for a white line in this area should not be taken as a precedent for any further white lining in the village.”
The Old Brewery/ erection of first floor extension and free-standing wall; Parish council response was to support the scheme with four comments;
- A request for confirmation that the overhang on the west elevation is within the boundary of the Old Brewery. The west elevation is not included in the drawings, so the extent of the timber cladding above the wall is not clear.
- The replacement of the recent “mock gothic” windows by simple modern openings is an improvement.
- The louvered oak screen should not detract from the other historic features of the building, particularly the chimney.
- The contemporary design and natural robust materials are a good addition to this large building.
New Applications
Ford Cottage, The Hill/ replacement window; HD had followed this up and felt that, providing narrow glazing bars were substituted, the application could be approved. After discussion, HD was asked to return this response.General Items
B&NES Planning Committee; NB informed Councillors that job commitments meant that he was not able to become a member of the Planning Committee, but he assured them that he would represent the Parish’s interests at Planning Committee Meetings. If he should be unable to attend a meeting, he would brief a fellow Councillor to act on his behalf. In future only major applications will be taken to Committee. SC stated that the Parish Council would provide NB with “strong planning arguments” for any cases in which his help was sought. He intended to contact the Standards Board over the omission of guidance to planning committee councillors on the standards to be applied when considering applications. These had been clear in the old PPG1. He would also consider challenging the practice of Officers briefing Committee members prior to Planning Committee meetings.Dates for Planning Committee Meetings; August 8th, September 5th or 12th, October 3rd and 31st, November 28th and December 19th.Neighbour Notification; the Clerk will provide RW with a list of the most recent omissions.
Parking at The Inn; HD pointed out that, despite the restriction placed as a result of the retrospective planning application, parking on the newly-created area continues. He is to take this matter up with the enforcement officer. He will also contact the Listed Buildings Officer over the internal alterations which are believed to have been made.Removal of Post Box ; RW reported that Ludek Majer had stated that the box could be removed without the building having its status changed.Summer Break; Councillors agreed that any applications needing to be dealt with before the September meeting should be investigated and responded to by the Planning Sub-Committee, with other Councillors being informed by email.4.Freshford Mill
RW reported that she had spoken to Ludek Majer, who will be leaving B&NES on August 12th, by which time a planning officer to take over the Freshford Mill scheme will have been nominated.
He agreed that a set of drawings can be released to the Parish Council for copying. The Clerk to follow up on this.LM had confirmed that YRD are now legally able to strip the inside of the buildings.
He also confirmed that YRD will make an application for the new bat house and the change in the make up of the properties in Building H.
The Clerk had informed Hinton Charterhouse of the likely forthcoming changes to the scheme and has asked that Freshford be notified as new applications come through.
LM had met with Phil Desmond of YRD and told him that the company would need to submit a full planning application for any variation on the conditions attached to the current consent. He, LM, would not be able to authorise any variations to the conditions at officer level.
SC stated that he had received an email from Phil Desmond passing on some of this information.
SC had contacted Natural England and learned that they approved of the proposed changes to the bat house. The Environment Agency had confirmed that any significant alteration to the scheme would require a full flood risk analysis.
SC stated that the Freshford Mill Association had established that the condition of the weir had deteriorated, sending larger volumes of water along the leat channel; this had possibly been the cause of the damage to the river bank, alongside the road.
5. Parish Plan
HD reported that a new, more realistic timetable for the production of the plan had been established, leading to a deadline of March 2008.
SC warned Councillors that extra funding might be required, possibly from sponsorship or from the Parish Council.
6. Village Shop and developments re Post Office ClosureReplacement Post Box; Royal Mail have confirmed that a pillar box will be installed on the pavement just beyond the school entrance. They have also stated that the current collection schedule will be maintained.
Temporary Post Office; HD reported that planning permission has been applied for, a temporary sub-postmaster has been appointed and that the business should be operational by the end of August/beginning of September. It is hoped that, in addition to offering a full post office service for two mornings a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), it will be a meeting place serving coffee and biscuits.
SC confirmed that he had written to the Younghusband Trust thanking the trustees for their generosity in offering the use of the building free of charge.
Site for New Post Office and Shop; HD reported that the Shop Committee had canvassed public views at the recent village fete, offering three possible options for a new site.
- In the flat over the surgery (the temporary site)
- In the small barn by the Inn
- Close to the Memorial Hall.
There had been support for all three, but the third option had been a clear favourite. The Shop Committee would be holding discussions with the Hall Committee, the Parish Plan Committee and B&NES Planning Department. A shop could be sited either within a re-furbished Hall or on a strip of land alongside the Hall, which the owners, Gitte and Stephen Dawson, have indicated that they would be prepared to release.
7. Affordable Housing
HD reported on a useful meeting with Mischi Wilk and Gary ward of B&NES Social Housing Department. All original sites within the HDB have now been ruled out, either by the site owners or by the Planners. However, Site 4 has been reconsidered and land behind the Village Hall and the car park of The Inn have been proposed, without reference to the Parish Council. These are currently under review. One further idea has been raised; could the Housing Association afford to buy back any of the houses in The Glebe now privately owned, or could the garages be purchased to provide a site? It was established that Somer Housing own and rent out the garages, some to people who do not live within the Parish. Councillors suggested the idea of building flats above the garages. None of these ideas seem very likely to succeed. HD suggested that the next practical step would be to identify a site, outside the HDB, reach an agreement with an owner and then put in a planning application to challenge the Planners’ negativity.
HD was asked to pursue the criteria for suitability for Affordable Housing and to attempt to obtain a definitive response from landowner.
8. Footpaths, Walls and Trees
Footpath/Pipehouse; contact with landowner (AR) ongoing.Safety Measures for Street Sweeper; MK and the Clerk are to circulate a copy of the letter codifying safety procedures for Ian to sign. Councillors having ideas for additional procedures are asked to contact MK.
Hedges; MS stated that Ian Croker had cut back hedges which should really have been dealt with by the landowners. She had since contacted the various landowners, reminding them of the need to keep pavements clear. Councillors agreed that it was unwise to allow a precedent to be set and MK was asked to communicate this to Ian Croker. The footpath alongside Limpley Crest was in need of strimming and this job could be put onto his worksheet.
Joint Rights of Way Improvement Plan- Consultation; MS reported on the Plan. Councillors felt that there was no indication that public rights of way might be under attack and she was asked only to respond if any of the actions proposed would impinge on Freshford. HD stated that he felt it important that signage should not be allowed to proliferate unnecessarily and that rural rights of way should not involve too many steps and handrails. Councillors agreed.
9. Highways and RailwaysSchool Transport Plan; the Parish Council had been sent details of the proposed Travel Plan with a request for help with funding. Councillors agreed that a more exact account of what is proposed and what required is necessary.Flooding; with recent heavy rains two properties experienced serious flooding problems, largely as a result of blocked drains/culverts. The problem has been exacerbated by the fact that both B&NES and West Wilts are involved. SC is to approach both Councils (copying correspondence to Neil Butters).Dark Lane Closure; although the debris from the most recent section of wall to collapse has been cleared away, B&NES ruled that other sections are unsafe. RJB was asked to contact Nick Jeanes (copying correspondence to Neil Butters) to ask for the Council to press landowners for prompt action, so that the road can be opened.Doctor’s Parking Space; as yet no response from Highways.Station Planting Scheme; RW reported that a formal opening of the area has been planned for July 26th at noon. All Parish Councillors are invited, together with other interested parties and sponsors of both the garden and the noticeboard. A plaque will be placed on the wall behind the central planted area, paying tribute to the Misses Vaisey who tended the station gardens for many years. Sadly, the sunflowers, planted by the schoolchildren have been eaten by wildlife and Melanie Everard is exploring a less edibly-attractive form of planting for the area round the shelter! A grant of £500 has been received from the Heart of Wessex Partnership towards the work at the station.Station Poster for Noticeboard; Councillors had had an opportunity to comment on Phil Affleck’s finished version and a number of minor alterations had been suggested. RW stated that it would be in place in time for the opening of the station garden.First Group; RW reported that they will shortly be providing the long-awaited new seat on the Bath platform and will be trimming back the overhanging trees on that platform. RW will ensure that local residents are informed of this. The number of cycle stands has been reduced because of safety issues. Should it be the case that cycles start to be chained to the railings, First Group will readdress the matter. 10. Shared SpaceRJB reported that Hamilton-Baillie Associates had been offered three possible early Autumn dates for a public meeting/presentation on the effect of a “Shared Space” scheme on the village. He was awaiting their response.
Councillors agreed that it would be sensible to set up a small sub-committee to deal with the issue. RJB suggested involving Planning, possibly Jessica Hunnisett, at an early stage. This also met with general approval.
MK made the point that it would be necessary to publicise the meeting effectively, as there might well be doubt and negativity until residents had had the opportunity to hear Ben Hamilton-Baillie’s presentation.
SC stated that a major adverse reaction after the presentation would mean that the Parish Council would have to re-examine its position on the matter. He felt it important that no funding commitment be made until after the public meeting.
SC is to draft a Bulletin item giving advance notice of “a major presentation on traffic problems within the village”.11. Correspondence
B&NES Urban Practitioners; invitation to Retail Strategy Test and Review Workshop.
Clerks and Councils Direct; newsletter
CPRE; Voice, magazine.
B&NES NHS Primary Care Trust; information on pilot scheme for GP Out of Hours service.
Cotswold Conservation Board; Meeting Minutes.
Open Spaces Society; Annual Report and Accounts.
B&NES; Council Newsletter.
Avon & Somerset Constabulary; notice of NO VISIT of Community Contact Vehicle on August 3rd.
B&NES Electoral Services; Notice of review of Polling Districts and Polling Places.
Representations invited.
ALCA; Newsletter, Minutes, various briefings.
Community Action; notice of forthcoming poetry/prose competition.
NALC; notice of Training Day on New Model Code of Conduct.
Wiltshire County Council; consultation over claimed public path at Box.
12. FinancePayments needing to be made in JULY
Ian Croker, Street Cleaning, £196.68. Also similar payment for August.
SEC, Routine Quarterly Maintenance; £181.35.
Southern Electric, Quarterly Supply; £275.33
Alan Duck, Tree Surgery in Cemetery; £485
Stephanie Jenkins (internet purchase of printer/scanner/copier + ink cartridges)
£158.53
David Richardson, photocopying; £20
Missing Cheque; Melanie Everard had contacted the Clerk to report that her cheque for £2040.94 had been lost by her bank. Barclays confirmed that the cheque had not been presented, but advised cancelling it at a cost of £8. Councillors agreed to reissue a cheque for the same amount as the initial one.
Income
Cemetery Fees; £20
South Somerset District Council, grant for station landscaping; £500
VAT reclaimed; £519.55
Audit
On Monday July 9th, the statutory form advising members of the public of their right to inspect the accounts wass posted, giving two weeks notice. The accounts will be available for view between July 23rd and August 16th , after which they will be sent to the Auditors, Mazars.
Reserves
The balance in the Council’s Scottish Widows Tracker Account is £8539.
Chairman’s Broadband Connection
RW asked Councillors’ approval for this to be funded by the Parish Council because of the increased need to access websites and download large quantities of material.
Councillors agreed and SC is to consult to find the most cost-effective package. 13 AOBWar Memorial; RJB raised the question of the state of repair of the War Memorial.
He offered to obtain quotes for repair.Signposts; HD noted that a number of the attractive older posts needed attention.
RJB was asked to check with Highways on whether they could be cleaned and repaired.Bulletin; SC confirmed that the next edition of the Bulletin, due out shortly, would be in the new format, courtesy of Alan Cunningham.