Present Julia Clewes (Chairman), John Hembrow, Sue Hembrow, Ian Parker,

Chris Pitman & David House.

In attendance Liz Smith (Clerk) & David Lake (Footpath Officer & Tree Warden),

Apologies were accepted from Irene Browning, Trevor Williams & Robert Hembrow.

The Clerk was asked to write to JH offering the Council’s condolences on the loss of his wife.

Matters arising:

Footpaths

DL reported that the path from Huntham Close, T25/11 had been surfaced but not in accordance with the specification. The TDBC Footpath Officer has been out to look at it. The fingerpost at the bottom of Windmill has been mended and secured.

Burial Ground

No reply has been received from Mr Walls about the grass clippings.

Guard Rails at Pincombe Bridge

The Environment Agency has replied saying that they have no interest in this bridge; it is the responsibility of the riparian owner. It is difficult to establish who does own the bridge. Further, the droves are in private ownership. It was also felt that the Council should not be encouraging horse riding on West Sedgemoor because of the unsuitable condition of the droves, which very often have deep ruts and unstable edges. The clerk to write to Mrs Finn.

Low Cost Housing

The Chairman said she had heard from Justin Roxburgh: The registration of interest has been completed. He has had firm commitment for funding. There is sufficient demand for five houses; 3 in low-cost ownership, two for rent. He anticipated that they would apply for planning permission for eight houses as there may be additional demand later. The building would take place in two phases. He hoped to start on site in September. The approach to the site would probably incorporate a bend to help traffic calming. SH asked about the name of the new development.

Community Transport

SCC had not replied to the Council’s letter but just sent a booklet about transport. The clerk was asked to contact Graham Joll as he has looked into this in the past.

Memorial on Playing Field

SH asked if the clerk had written to Nick Sloane. SH said that the Playing Field AGM would be held on Tuesday 15^th March. The memorial will probably be situated on the corner of the field by the phone box. JC asked if there might be an event in the afternoon after the memorial service, possibly some kind of sporting activity.

Dog Waste bin

TDBC are considering the Council’s request for a bin by the children’s play area.

Bus shelter

JC said she had been to clean it. TDBC has sent a copy letter to the Council reminding them that it is their responsibility to insure and clean the shelter.

Berrys and SCC have been reminded about using the bus stop and not stopping outside the Royal Oak.

Wick Railway Bridge

A considerable amount of work remains to be done and it does not appear likely that the bridge will be open by mid-March as promised. The clerk to enquire about the situation.

Polkesfield Warden

Is waiting to hear the result of the appeal to see if she can remain in her house. The appeal will be determined by the Housing Officer together with the Housing Portfolio Officer, not an independent person.

Planning

36/2005/001 Replacement agricultural store at Meare Green Court.

36/2005/003 Two storey extension to the front of 17 Church Close.

TDBC advise that planning permission for the above has been granted.

JC & DH visited the following sites:

36/2005/004LB Erection of dormer window at 2 Woodhill Farm.

Planning permission is only required because this is a listed building. There have been dormer windows in the past. It was felt that the change would probably be an improvement. There were no objections.

36/2005/005 2 Storey front extension and single storey rear extension at 1 & 2 Woodhill Cottages. A small extension to the rear and middle front in order to put a staircase in the centre of the house. It is in keeping with the rest of the building and does not overlook anyone. There were no objections. The clerk to remind TDBC that once again there was no yellow sign outside the house.

36/2005/006 Erection of garage and roof over existing building at the Paddocks, Windmill. There were no objections.

The Clerk was asked if any application has been lodged in respect of Helland Cottage.

A parishioner has reported that he feels the condition of the Coal Yard is becoming dangerous; the galvanise and asbestos is coming loose, etc. The clerk was asked to write to the owner. The clerk was also asked to remind the owner that the Coal Yard is in the Local Plan for development for light industrial use.

Finance

000458 SALC 159.94 Annual subscription

000459 Taunton CAB 25.00 Donation

It was proposed that the above cheques be passed for payment. Proposed: CP, seconded: JH, All in favour.

The clerk reported that £564.00 has been received for an interment and also the right to a grave.

Feedback from Meetings

DH said he had spent the day looking at the Parrett Catchment Project. Coach trips had been arranged and they had looked at holding pens for water, visited Burrow Mump and heard a report on the Halswater soils project – about management of fields and drains. There had been a talk on the Parrett Sluice, which would protect houses in Bridgwater from flooding and generate electricity. There is an elver access pipe to enable elvers to get upstream past the sluices. It had been an interesting day.

 

Correspondence

Included information on the Licensing Act 2003. DH said that TDBC has not received any applications to date and there is concern in case there is a flood of applications in August.

Matters for Discussion

There are white stones outside a property in Meare Green. The clerk was asked to contact the Highways Agency to discover who owns the verges and whether stones can be placed there or not.

There being no further business, the meeting closed at 8.55pm.