MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 10th FEBRUARY 2025 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD
Present:, Mr P Baxter, Ms C Dinsdale, Mr S Filer, Mrs S Grimes(Chairman),, Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, Mrs J Stephenson, Mr W Tantam, Mr Paul May (Ward Councillor), Mrs H Richardson (Clerk) and 2 Members of Public.
Public Participation:
60.1. Apologies for absence: None
60.2. Declarations of Interest: None
60.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 13th January 2025 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.
60.4. Planning:
a) Applications to consult:
i) 25/00338/FUL: Portal, Publow Lane, Publow. Erection of two-storey front extension, demolition of existing lean-to conservatory, extension of existing single storey pitched roof shed to side, raising of existing ridge by 1m to facilitate loft conversion with front and rear dormers, and erection of double garage. The Parish council resolved to SUPPORT the application.
ii) 25/00258/FUL. Leigh Farm, Old Road, Pensford. Alterations and Change of Use of Holiday Let Accommodation to Two Residential Dwellings. The Parish Council resolved to SUPPORT the application.
b) Decision Notification: None
60.5. Matters for Discussion / Decision
a) The Parish Council consider the quotes for a housing needs survey provided by WERN and even though the cost would be met by WERN & B&NES, the Parish Council resolved to undertake the housing needs survey in house. Details to be discussed again next meeting.
b) The Parish Council resolved to respond to the Consultation report on the Pensford Lock up and agreed to the descheduling of the monument but that it should retain its Grade II listing, thereby removing its dual designation.
c) The Parish Council considered the condition and operation of the Parish Bins as some are now broken and need replacing or removing. It was agreed that Paul May would ask B&NES again if they would consider taking over the operation of the bins. Paul Baxter would look at the price of replacing them with barrels, Tracy Jones would ask a local tradesman the cost of replacing them, and Steve Filer would find the cost of fabrications to create a lid to prevent homeowners dumping household waste – to be discussed again next meeting.
d) The Parish Council agreed to sign the application to CURO for access consent on Pensford Lane to regularise the access to the allotments.
e) The Consultation for the Somer Valley Links is open from 4th Feb to the16th March it was agreed that Councillors would attend the consultation events (one at Pensford Memorial Hall on 27th February) to review the changes to the initial consultation and report back to the Parish Council and make necessary comments before the next meeting.
f) The Parish council supported a proposal for an extension of 30mph speed limit to North Pensford/ Belluton and new pedestrian crossing and associated road signage. This should be done in tandem with other highways improvements the Parish Council have requested and so the request for a 20mph through the village would be added to the report (CD) and then submitted to the Ward Councillor, who would ask that this is considered as part of the Somer Vally Links consultation.
60.6. Financial Matters
a) The Financial Report was accepted
b) February payments were approved.
Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover
Mark McMullen – footpaths £85.00 £- N/A
Mrs Helen Richardson (45.5j) – Salary £1198.92 £- N/A
Titan Internet (H Richardson Reimburse) £281.76 £- N/A
HMRC (Month 11) £459.01 £- N/A
William Tantam (reimburse for Strimmer) £128.85 £26.48 Y
Pensford Memorial Hall -Waste £618.80 £- N/A
Pensford Memorial Hall- Rent £220.00 £- N/A
60.7. The Ward Councillor reported that there had been thefts of a wooden bench in Whitchurch, provided by the Parish Council. The Local Plan has started again with a call for sites. B&NES have finalised their budget and were expected to announce a 5% increase in Council Tax.
60.8. Reports
a) PCAA: Have submitted their response to the Bristol Airport Masterplan consultation. There was a meeting on 16th January which Paul May attended. SG would attend the next meeting on 27th March.
b) Allotments: Strimmer is now in use.
c) Footpath Officer Vacancy. Advert would be updated and submitted to the Parish Magazine
d) Village Hall. Need more people to fill vacancies.
e) Clerks Progress Report was circulated.
f) Chairman’s Report. Circulated a note & Photos of the Great Flood from a member of Public.
g) Police: No report
60.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Somer Valley Links, Quotes for bins, Housing needs survey
60.10. To note Future Meetings
DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 10th March 2025 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall
The meeting closed at 20.37pm