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Present Julia Clewes (Chairman), Sue Hembrow, Trevor Williams, Chris Pitman,

Irene Browning & Robert Hembrow

A member of the public spoke in support of her planning application. She said that it was retrospective due to confusion at Taunton Deane. She said she had been advised that the windows were original openings that could be reopened, except for the kitchen. The house is an eco-house that needs sun mainly from the south, also the east and west. The north aspect to be closed up. The internal layout is of no concern to the planners. The fire escape is required by building control because of the electrical equipment in the roof. The wind turbine is not easily visible and not noisy. The house is to provide much needed holiday accommodation for the disabled.

The second member of the public spoke in support of the application, saying that the eco house was good and it is becoming an attraction.

DL offered his congratulations on the skate park. He said it is a great success, enjoyed by many young people and their parents had been there too. He particularly congratulated SH on all her hard work organizing it and said it looked very nice. SH said that she hoped other projects would follow such as cricket, tennis and football coaching to encourage more young people to use the field. The committee intended to tighten up on the use of quad bikes, etc on the field.

 

Apologies were received from David House, John Hembrow& Ian Parker, also Nobby Clarke.

SH declared an interest in item 3c on the agenda relating to the land at Polkesfield.

 

Minutes of the Previous Meetings

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 8^th August were agreed to be a correct record of that meeting and signed by the Chairman.

 

Matters Arising

Footpaths DL said that the strimming had been finished. More leaflets had been placed in the shop.

T25/27. JC said that the post had fallen down with the gate at the Athelney end of the path. Dl suggested a Bristol gate would be better here but there are no funds to supply one at present.

SH said that there is a stile with a split crossbar on T25/11. DL said he is repairing it.

The path by the school is becoming overgrown with grass and thistles. RH suggested a solution which would be best applied in spring.

Highways Graham Warnecke has been to look at the dip in Huntham Lane where the water gathers. He agreed that the drains need clearing and will put it on the programme commencing in October. He said that he would see if Dark Lane could be trimmed more frequently because it is used by children going to/from school/the school bus. Neil Pincombe writes that a patching order has been issued to repair the highway at Meare Green. The Council’s concerns about the verge trimming will be forwarded to the County Council’s project manager for consideration at the end of season review.

Polkesfield The sale of the land to Falcon Housing has not yet been completed. When it has gone through the trustees will contact the Council again with another offer.

Youth A drop in centre for young people is being started in the Church Room. JC has spoken to Mrs Hamdi.

 

Williams Memorial Hall It was agreed that the Chairman and Vice-chairman should sign the agreement for sale and the form of transfer for the Williams Memorial Hall.

Proposed: RH, Seconded: TW, All in favour.

The clerk was asked to write to the solicitors dealing with the sale to ask about the carved hamstone commemorating the opening of the old hall; that it should remain in it’s present location and if it is ever covered over or removed than it should be given to the new hall.

 

Planning

36/2005/014 Two-storey front extension at Moorside, Woodhill.

TDBC advise permission granted.

36/2005/009 Two storey extension at 1 Curload.

TDBC has approved amendments to the north elevation.

36/2005/017 Retrospective application for the change of use, conversion and alteration to building to form holiday accommodation together with erection of wind turbine at Higher House Farm, Helland Lane, Stoke St Gregory. (Alternative Scheme to approval 36/03/026)

Various members of the Council visited the site on 8^th Sept. The Chairman read out a letter from DH giving his views on the proposals. The Council had the following concerns:

the curtilage has been extended into the orchard. A building has been erected there (maybe temporary) and a garden created. The Council feels that all works should be kept within the original curtilage, including the proposed wind turbine. Permission was granted for a holiday cottage, which will not need a large garden.

Slate tiles have been used instead of reclaimed double romans, as specified on the original application. Solar panels may be visually intrusive as they will not weather.

Not in favour of the upstairs "fire escape" windows. Permission was given for a single storey building.

The hedge along the drive should be planted with native species and protected from rabbits.

The clerk was asked to comment to TDBC about the plans. It was not made clear how the new plans departed from the original permission and the plan of the upper storey was not clear.

It was agreed that the Council recommend refusal. Proposed: RH, Seconded: IB, 5 in favour, 1 abstention.

36/2005/018LB & 36/2005/019 Conversion of store/workshop into living room at Frog Lane Farm, Meare Green. This application does not differ from application 36/2005/012LB, which was withdrawn because TDBC requested a structural survey. It was proposed that the Council supports this application, which conserves an old building and is in keeping with the original. Proposed; RF, Seconded: IB, All in favour.

Finance

000485 Stoke Meals on Wheels 700.00 Donation for start up costs

000486 SSG Playing Fields 185.00 Donation

Cllr Clarke (SCC) has offered a donation of half the start up costs for the Meals on Wheels. It was agreed that the Parish Council would pay the full amount and recover the donation from SCC.

It was agreed that the above cheques be paid. Proposed: RH, Seconded: IB, All in favour.

 

Correspondence

Item 4. Community Council AGM – no one to go.

It. 6. Local Channel - ES to pass form to DE for competition.

It. 7. SALC AGM Sat 1^st Oct – ES will try to go.

It. 9. Somerset Rural Youth Newsletter – JC will pass to Tracey.

It. 20. Launch of Slinky Bus service.

Any Other Business

a. Slinky Bus Details have been received of the Slinky bus. It was agreed that if the youth groups wish to use the bus for expeditions, the Council will sponsor the cost up to £25 per month. Proposed: CP, Seconded: SH, All in favour.

The Parish Council feels that while they are happy to contribute to youth activities such as the Youth Theatre and the skate park, it would be nice if the youth could do something in return and give something back to the village so that the traffic is not all one way.

Emergency Planning Following recent events it was felt that the Council should revisit its emergency plan, which was drawn up in 1996. ES to contact County Hall for guidance. ES to also find out about running another First Aid course.

Burial Ground The owners of the land behind the Burial Ground have asked if they could fill in the ditch. Having cleared it of weeds once it has become overgrown and unsightly again. It was felt that there would probably be no objection as long as it was piped. ES to arrange meeting next month with the owners at 7.00pm prior to the next PC meeting to determine how far the filing in would extend and where the boundary would lie.

Publicity SH felt the Council should do more to publicize its activities. ES to put articles in the Gazette and Parish Magazine. SH will do article about youth/playing field.

 

 

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