Category Archives: Minutes

Minutes

Minutes

Village Meeting Minutes 2023

MINUTES OF ANNUAL VILLAGE MEETING HELD ON MONDAY 22nd MAY 2023 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PUBLOW LANE, PENSFORD, AT 7PM 

Present: Mrs J Stephenson (Chairman), Mrs T Jones, Mr P Baxter, C Dinsdale, Mrs S Grimes, Mr S Grimes, Dr L Malt. Also Present Mrs H Richardson (Clerk) and 5 members of the public.

a) Chairmans Report:

The Chairman thanked the members of public who regularly attend Parish Council meetings and said that it was good to see their contribution to the Public Participation section at the start of the meetings.

She expressed thanks to the three guardians of the defibrillators who check the equipment on a weekly basis to ensure that it is operational if needed in a medical emergency.

She thanked the volunteers who help to keep the parish clear of litter, in particular Mike Daniels & Simon King for emptying the litter bins.

The Parish Council have been consulted on a large number of planning applications; she said that the Parish Council appreciate the contributions from residents which help inform our decisions.

The fingerposts have now all been renovated, and she thanked all involved in the project.

The Chairman thanked Mark McMullen for keeping the footpaths clear around the Parish.

Finally the Chairman thanked all the councillors for their time and energy and thanked the Clerk for her work.

b) Financial Report:

The Clerk gave a summary of the current finances of the Parish Council as at 31st March 2023.

c) Report from the Ward Councillor:

The Ward Councillor sent his apologies as he was unable to attend.

d) Items of Interest from Residents:

A resident asked why there were no village events in Pensford. There seemed to be a lack of community spirit and there appears to be more going on in other villages.

Meeting Closed at 7.27pm

Minutes

Parish Council Minutes – 12th February 2024

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Held on Monday 12th February 2024 in the Memorial Hall, Pensford

Present: Mr S Filer, Mrs S Grimes(Chairman), Mr S Grimes, Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, Mrs J Stephenson, Mr W Tantam, Mr Paul May(Ward Councillor), Mrs H Richardson (Clerk) and 4 Members of Public.

Public Participation: A Resident asked the PC to report running water on Birchwood Lane.

47.1. Mr P Baxter, Ms C Dinsdale, Mrs J Gully

47.2. Declarations of Interest: None

47.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 8th January 2024 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

47.4. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:
i) 24/00151/VAR: Gospel Hall High Street, Pensford. Variation of condition 8 (Plans List) of application 22/04725/FUL (Proposed conversion and extension to create a dwelling). The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the variation.

b) Decision Notification:
i) 23/04030/FUL, The Teasel Barn, Stanton Road, Pensford. Demolition of existing detached single storey garage to be replaced with a two storey, two bedroom detached dwelling (annex). REFUSE
ii) 23/04536/FUL: Greenmeadow, Woollard Lane, Publow. Conversion of garage raising of roof and extension behind. PERMIT.
iii) 23/00549/FUL. Land Adjacent To Meadow Barn, Wick Lane, Pensford: Creation of a vehicular access onto an agricultural field with the erection of gates and fencing. PERMIT
iv) 23/04465/FUL: 6 Hillcrest, Pensford. Erection of first floor extension and alterations. REFUSE.

47.5. Matters for Discussion / Decision

a) The Parish Council resolved to defer the discussion regarding new financial regulations until NALC produce their new model Financial Regulation, expected in March.
b) The Parish Council resolved to appoint Unity Bank as their new Bank subject to the adoption of new financial regulations which will allow the use of online banking.
c) IT was reported that the Parish Council had not received a response to numerous letters requesting a refund from the contractor which has failed to install the ANPR cameras. The Clerk was instructed to seek legal advice from NALC regarding the retrieval of funds.
d) The Parish Council discussed the Local Plan consultations, The chair would attend the drop-in session at Whitchurch and the councillors would look into the proposed plan and discuss again next month. It was noted that officers had said that Pensford was a sustainable location.
e) The Parish Council agreed that the dog bin at Old Road should be removed as it is repeatedly being used for household rubbish and very few dog walkers pass the location.
f) The Parish Council discussed the creation of a Parish Nature Action Plan. The Parish Nature Group would be asked whether they want to take it forward.
g) The Parish Council approved expenditure to replace the gate post on the allotments. Of the two quotes that had been received Quote A was preferred and would be accepted on the 19th February unless the third quote was received and was preferable.
h) The Parish Council reviewed the proposal to introduce a speed limit of 30 mph on the B3130 through the narrows. The Parish Council resolved to OBJECT and ask for 20mph as they had to protect pedestrians walking though the narrows.
i) The Parish Council resolved to accept the offer from the Somerset District Miners Welfare Society and request the two metal miners are installed, by the boundary stones at each end of Pensford. If only one miner is offered, then the preferred site would be at the Chelwood end of the village.

47.6. Financial Matters

a) The Financial Report was accepted
b) February payments were approved.

Purpose for Expense Mark McMullen – footpaths
Amount £85.00
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense Mrs Helen Richardson (45.5j) – Salary
Amount £882.18
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense Number One Electrical – reimburse Layla Malt
Amount £86.40
VAT £14.40
Recover Y

Purpose for Expense Pensford Memorial Hall, reissue lost cheque
Amount £1006.93
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense Titan Internet – reimburse H Richardson
Amount £240
VAT £40
Recover Y

Purpose for Expense H Richardson Reimburse(Stamps & Special del)
Amount £27.35
VAT £-
Recover N/A

47.7. B&NES Ward Councillor confirmed that Council tax would be raised by 4.99 percent. An extra £5 million had been provided for Children’s services. There would be a review of the voluntary sector as opposed to the feared cut of £1.1 million. Following the fundraising for the clock on the church tower, the church have approved the works to commence.

47.8. Reports

a) PCAA: The Parish Council asked the Clerk to write to Paul May to ask him to object to the removal of greenbelt from the NSC local plan to 2039.
b) Allotments: There are a few vacant plots to be advertised, The Parish Council agreed to give one plot to the school foc, Rent increase would be discussed next month.
c) Parish Council Working Group – No meeting this month
d) War memorial – Local stone mason not interested and so Chair had contacted the War Memorial Trust. A resident had made some enquiries and found some other names that could be added, but more investigations were needed. War Memorial was originally unveiled in July 1925 and would be good to honour the Centenary.
e) Flood Representatives: the volunteer position had been advertised to residents and no-one had come forward,.
f) Clerks Report – circulated. The clerk would get some quotes for fly-tipping signs
g) Chairmans report- circulated. The Chairman had been in discussions with the Community Trust and would submit an application to part fund two defibrillators & blood packs. The Parish Council would also write to other community organisations/business for donations.

47.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Allotment rent, Gate (Confirm accepted quote) ANPR Update, Financial Regs, Local Plan, Parish Nature Action Plan

47.10. To note Future Meetings
Parishes Liaison –28th Feb, 19th June, 18th September 2024
Chew Valley Forum – early 2024
ALCA Meeting 23 Jan, 11th June.

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 11th March 2024 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall.
The meeting closed at 20.36 pm

Minutes

Parish Council Minutes – 8th January 2024

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Held on Monday 8th January 2024 in the Memorial Hall, Pensford

Present: Mr P Baxter(Chairman), Mr S Filer, Mrs T Jones, Ms C Dinsdale Mrs J Stephenson, Mr W Tantam, Mr Paul May(Ward Councillor), Mrs H Richardson (Clerk) and 5 Members of Public.

Public Participation: A resident requested an update on the ‘metal miners’ The Clerk would chase a response from the Miners Welfare to see if they would like to be involved. Continue reading Parish Council Minutes – 8th January 2024 →

Minutes

Parish Council Minutes – 11th December 2023

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Held on Monday 11th December 2023 in the Memorial Hall, Pensford

Present: Mr P Baxter, Mr S Filer, Mr S Grimes, Mrs S Grimes (Chairman), Dr L Malt, Mrs J Stephenson, Mrs H Richardson (Clerk) and 11 Members of Public.

Public Participation: A resident representative from Avon needs Trees updated the Parish Council about planting in the Great Avon Wood, and addressed some concerns from Local Residents. Continue reading Parish Council Minutes – 11th December 2023 →

Minutes

Parish Council Minutes – 13th November 2023

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Held on Monday 13th November 2023 in the Memorial Hall, Pensford

Present: Mr P Baxter, C Dinsdale, Mr S Filer, Mr S Grimes, Mrs S Grimes (Chairman), , Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, Mrs J Stephenson, Mr W Tantam, Paul May (Ward Councillor) Mrs H Richardson (Clerk) and 8 Members of Public.

Public Participation: A resident suggested that the bin at the top of Pensford Hill is removed as it is being filled with bags of household waste and fly tipping. A resident asked whether repairs would be carried out on the lock up as was agreed some time ago. A resident asked if the Parish Council could help to stop inconsiderate parking by the Old Gospel Hall on Old Road. A resident reported that a 10ft section of a hedge has been removed at the top of Hillcrest and asked the Parish Council to report it on their behalf.

A letter was read out from the resident that proposed the ANPR project withdrawing his support.

44.1. Apologies: Mrs J Gully

44.2. Declarations of Interest: None

44.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 9th October 2023 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.

44.4. Planning:

a) Applications to consult:

i) 23/03847/FUL: Publow Oak Barn , Blackrock Lane, Publow. Proposed Solar panels. The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application.
ii) 23/03848/LBA: Publow Oak Barn , Blackrock Lane, Publow. Proposed Solar panels The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application.
iii) 23/04077/FUL: Camelot, 4 Station Approach, Pensford. Refurbishment of existing property including modifications to primary elevation. The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application.

b) Decision Notification:

i) 23/02214/FUL: 13 Hillcrest, Pensford: Erection of two storey side extension and internal alterations, provision of rear decking area, formation of new vehicular access and replacement part of rear boundary hedge with timber fence (Resubmission). PERMITTED

44.5. Matters for Discussion / Decision

a) The Parish Council agreed to extend the role of the footpath officer, to include additional jobs around the parish as agreed on a month-by-month basis at an agreed rate of £15 per hour.
b) The Parish Council agreed to appoint Steve Grimes as the representative to the Parish Council Airport Association.
c) It was agreed that the Parish Council would adopt the new model standing orders and amend them to include some details from the Parish Councils old Standing Orders. Steve Grimes would compile the new amended standing orders for approval next meeting.
d) The Parish Council nominated Steve Fluke to be put forward for the Chelwood Bridge Rotary Club Community Award
e) The Parish Council considered advice to replace defibrillator cabinets (cost £1000 each) as they were out of warranty as they are now 15 years old. LM to get a second opinion. A bleed Kit has been donated to the cabinet at the post office and others could be purchased at £190 each. It was agreed that if Bleed Kits were deemed to necessary, they could be bought cheaper online.
f) The Parish council considered the request to install a bench on Hillcrest by the post box & bus stop. The Parish Council agreed that they would be happy to consider the request if the resident could demonstrate that they have support from the wider community.
g) A request to repair a planter was considered but a volunteer stepped forward to repair the planter. The planters are not owned by the Parish Council.
h) The Parish Council reviewed the consultation on district & polling places 2023 and had no recommendations for change.
i) £35 was approved to purchase a plaque for the Jubilee Tree, (LM)
j) The Parish Council reviewed the first draft of the budget and amendments put forward would be circulated in draft 2.

44.6. Financial Matters

a) The Financial Report was accepted
b) November payments were approved.

Purpose for Expense Mark McMullen – footpaths 
Amount £85.00
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense Mrs Helen Richardson (33.5f) – Salary
Amount £826.26
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense British Legion Poppies (Reimburse H Richardson)
Amount £75.00
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense Post Office – Special Delivery (reimburse H Richardson)
Amount £7.35
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense DPM Lucas – Grass Cutting
Amount £75.00
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense Mark Goulding (Bugle Player)
Amount £30.00
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense ALCA Training
Amount £30.00
VAT £-
Recover N/A

Purpose for Expense Cable Ties(Reimburse S Grimes)
Amount £7.49
VAT £1.25
Recover Y

Purpose for Expense SLCC Membership
Amount £80.91
VAT £-
Recover N

44.7. B&NES Ward Councillor reported that he was pleased to be able to help with a grant for the Clocktower project. He is holding a public meeting in Whitchurch regarding the Local Plan due to the proposal for 2500 extra homes near horseworld. The budget is about £6.5 million short, but early in the process. There will be a series of events to combat Knife crime throughout B&NES following 3 deaths in the last 12 months.

44.8. Reports

a) PCAA: Meeting this week – Minutes circulated.
b) ANPR: Installation date Friday 17th, if no show, contract will be cancelled.
c) Allotments: Plots available
d) Remembrance: was well attended with over 100 people. All went well.
e) Clerks Report – circulated. Local Government Pay Agreement 2023 was noted.
f) The Chairman- The Working group looked at safe routes to the playing fields and looked at the land by the allotments. The Chair of the Community Trust has asked if they could help financially with any projects.

44.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Budgets, Standing Orders.

44.10. To note Future Meetings
Parishes Liaison –28th Feb, 19th June, 18th September 2024
Chew Valley Forum – early 2024
ALCA Meeting 23 Jan, 11th June.

DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 11th December 2023
The meeting closed at 21.35pm