THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING FOLLOWED BY A MONTHLY MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY 13th APRIL 2015 7.15 pm AT THE MEMORIAL HALL PUBLOW LANE PENSFORD

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING:

a) Chairman’s Report (attached) – Retired Chairman Mr Tony Heaford gave his Chairman’s report for the nine months to December 2015. Following which current Chair Mrs Janette Stephenson gave her report for January to March 23015. Mr Heaford extended thanks to Cllr P Edwards for his twelve years as our Ward Councillor and all of the work and assistance which he has given to our Parish Council over those years. Cllr Edwards will be retiring at the end of April.

b) Financial Report (attached): The Responsible Financial Officer, Mr Kelly circulated the Financial Report. Mr Heaford commented that it is “Indicative of the amount of time spent on it”.

c) Memorial Hall Report: An update from the Memorial Hall Chairman will be requested. It was understood that a meeting held recently was not well attended. The Play Area is again suffering with problems. The last two fundraising events were thought to be well attended.

Miners Welfare Institute: Mrs Gully gave an update on the Miners Welfare Institute and reported the Cafe is trading well and the building is well maintained. The owners are currently considering how they can further benefit the community.

MONTHLY MEETING:

1) Members of the Public: Members of the Public were concerned that potholes reported 2 months ago had not been filled in. Clerk will follow this up. The Sign at the end of Birchwood Lane is still missing. Clerk to follow up. The metal seat in Woollard is reported to be in need of attention as the rails are now quite old.

2) Apologies for Absence were received from Mrs Jones & Mr Filer.

3) Minutes of Monday 9th March 2015 after being circulated and read were signed as a correct record.

4) Matters Arising from the previous minutes: There were no matters arising.

5) Items for Discussion:

a) Response to Member of the Public -”Question”: The Chairman reported that the member of the public who posed the question about a Parish Referendum has been given the information sought and had not responded. Therefore there was no need to discuss this matter further.

b) Pensford 10K – Sunday 26th April 2015: There had been a good number of entries received. Marshalls had been recruited. Social Media has been used to advertise the event. Road Closures had been confirmed and advertised. The route incorporated a lane to allow normal running of the Public House in Compton Dando.

c) Neighbourhood Planning Meeting Update: Mrs Grimes gave an update from the last meeting held on Wednesday 1st April 2015. Six logos had been produced by the school and one was chosen. It was amended slightly to include the wording “Publow with Pensford.” Renewable Energy was discussed. Including Solar Panels for the Viaduct and a Micro Hydro Scheme. Mr Ford & Mr James will meet to adapt and submit the grant application form. Information Leaflets and posters and a draft banner had been produced by Mr King. Display Boards for the Open Meetings were discussed. Some will depict Pensford through the Ages. The Questionnaires will be going out after the Open Meetings. Parish Council members have offered help of delivering the questionnaires. The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 22nd April 2015.

d) Elections 2015: Disappointment and surprise was expressed that no prospective candidates had attended the public session in order to learn about the processes of the Parish Council and also to discuss how they would benefit the Community.
Several councillors had been asked by parishioners about the significance of ‘Your Vote’ in the Candidate Description column of the list of persons nominated. Advice was that while this was misleading it was nevertheless still compliant.

e) Update following Meeting with Highways Representatives Wednesday 11th March 2015: A walk around the village was undertaken with Parish Council members and Sadie Cox & Stefan Chiffers from Traffic & Safety Team BANES. Prior to the meeting a scheme had been drawn up by BANES as to where they advised would be best to put double yellow lines to help with the current problems in the village regarding parking. BANES Traffic propose Double Yellow Lines in front of Lock Up Cottages to stop parking at this dangerous corner. Double Yellow Lines will also be put where the current advisory keep clear lines are leading down to the A37 from the High Street. Double Yellow Lines will be put by the War Memorial.
Because of the safety concerns due to the narrow bridge, it is proposed to put Double Yellow Lines by the Church Rooms where there is already advisory No Parking Lines in place. Cars consistently park by the Church Room and in front of the Church Gates. This does not allow for picking up and dropping off of visitors to the Church Room and also prevents wheelchair access. Church Street will also have double yellow lines along where the existing lines are. A public consultation will be undertaken in relation to the scheme before anything goes ahead and the Parish Council can ask for changes to the scheme to be made but BANES Traffic insisted that Public Safety was paramount.

No Entry: It was noted that the No Entry road markings in Church Street which you should note when exiting Wick Lane have worn away. BANES will replace these as traffic is often seen coming the wrong way out of the One-Way system. The Post Office owner remains concerned regarding the amount of traffic which enters the One Way System the wrong way and have asked for extra signage.
Time restricted spaces will be followed up as reports have been made about a car which often parks outside of the Post Office for long periods of time.
Clerk to contact BANES and ask for details regarding the proposed timescale for the public consultation.

Register of Concern re: Parking: A letter was given to the Parish Council regarding the issues of parking outside of the Post Office on Church Street. The concern was raised regarding placing a time limit on the parking bays outside of the Post Office as there is “little residential parking on Church Street. Many people park on Church Street for example walkers, users of the Church Rooms, Pensford School Teachers, parents collecting their children from school. It is often the case that residents have to park in the parking bays near the post office in order that they can park anywhere near their own home.”
The Parish Council appreciate the parking problems and have suggested in the past that the Memorial Hall is used for Walkers, Teachers etc. All matters will be discussed with BANES during the consultation period.

f) Annual Civic Reception held on 17th March 2015: Chairman and her husband attended the Civic Reception which was again held in the Pump Rooms in Bath.

g) Local Flood Representative Nomination: Parish Council agreed that a representative should be nominated. Mrs Gully offered to be the representative. Clerk to forward details to BANES.

6) Clerks Progress Report:

Redundant Bus Shelter: Matter still ongoing. Traffic & Safety Team confirmed that the footpath would not have to be closed as there are metal railings in front of the bus stop which would protect passing pedestrians from the A37 traffic.

Highways: Council Connect have been reminded about the Pot holes in Church Street also there are bad potholes in Belluton which have now been reported to Council Connect.

Church Street: The white No Entry Sign has worn away in Church Street outside of Waterside Cottage. This was pointed out to Traffic & Safety during their site visit. It has since been noted that cars are entering the No Entry by the Post Office. Highways will be asked to highlight the No Entry and the One Way system.

Bus shelter Pensford Hill: A box of bottles & cans has been dumped in the Bus shelter. This has been reported to Council Connect for clearing.

Your Care Your Way: The consultation event in conjunction with BANES Council, NHS BANES Clinical Commissioning Group and the Village Agents takes place on Tuesday 14th April 10.00am to 12.00noon at the Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury.

Rotary of Chelwood Bridge Community Award: Clerk had emailed asking for details of the results of the Community Awards. Unfortunately the Parish Councils nomination for the Miners Welfare Coffee Shop, Sally Daniels had not won an award. However a certificate will be sent in due course to mark Sally’s worthy role in the Community.

Pensford Viaduct: Clerk has been researching who now owns the Viaduct. BRB Residuary has now been abolished and its continuing functions have been dispersed to various successor bodies. The ownership of the viaduct is with the Department for Transport. The Historical Railway Estate team is responsible for the structure on behalf of the Secretary of State.

Woollard Bridge: Once again BANES Council have been asked when the Bridge is likely to be painted. Compton Dando Parish Council have also asked the same question. BANES report that the painting works will be carried out “during the warmer months of the year to
ensure the paint can cure as per manufactures recommendations. Therefore we aim to have the works carried out before the end of summer 2015.”

Chew Valley Crime Report: PC Gemma Hill is now on maternity leave for approximately 12 months. We are advised that someone is likely to be covering her beat whilst she is off but this has not yet been confirmed. In the meantime, PCSO 8079 BRAGG and PCSO 6903 BAILEY should be our points of contact by calling 101. A Crime Report from PC Hill for the Chew Valley is attached to my Progress Report.

Planning: Further to an email received from a resident in Gibbett Lane raising concerns regarding the former Railway Bungalow, Cllr Liz Richardson has looked into the planning permissions on site. It is reported that the property is now known as “Stonewell”. The application for the new barn recently erected was made under the new property name in March last year and was permitted under the Permitted development rights. Cllr Richardson has written to the resident in Gibbett Lane and explained this.

St Thomas a Becket Churchyard Closure: Clerk has written to the Secretary of the PCC and BANES Council representative confirming that the Parish Council have proposed to resolve not to take on the Maintenance Obligation

7) Planning:

Application to discuss:

15/01128/FUL Hareclive Properties Ltd Pensford Garage New Road Pensford. Redevelopment of car sales site to include erection of 3no. new buildings to provide 6 no. 3 bedroom houses. Conversion of garage workshop with associated works to provide 2 no. 3 bedroom cottages and demolition of existing showroom. The owner of the site attended the Parish Council Meeting and gave the Parish Council further details regarding the proposal. It was explained that there is no change of use application because there is a “Clause in legislation which allows the move of Light Industrial to Residential without an application. The site has been owned by the same person for 13 years and it has been a long term plan to build houses here. No-one locally is employed on the site. The housing proposal will be for affordable housing with the option to Rent or to Buy. The Parish Council supported this application.

15/01239/FUL Mr & Mrs A Smart Sunningdale Woollard Lane. Single Storey rear extension. Parish Council concerned that this is a property which has been largely extended over the years. The proposal is mostly glass and concerns were raised regarding the reflection it will cause. Clerk to reply to Planning.

Application discussed by Sub-Committee:

14/05884/FUL Summerhouse. Old Stables Stanton Road. Change of use of three existing bedrooms and a reception room in the Old Stables from residential to bed and breakfast. Use of sun/garden room as a lounge in the Old Stables for guests and as a breakfast room. Use of swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room and fitness equipment in The Granary as ancillary to bed and breakfast. Parish Council support this but note that it should be a retrospective application.

15/01165/TCA: Hill House Pensford Hill. Ash Saplings, Beech, Hazel, Field Maple – Reduce in Height. Beech & Laurel reduce to hedge height. Parish Council Support.

Planning Outcomes:

15/00548/FUL Mr Baber 85 Hillcrest Pensford. First floor extension to rear and side with sky light in roof. Wall to be built on boundary. Porch at front of the house. WITHDRAWN
15/00820/OUT Mr & Mrs Fear 31 Hillcrest Pensford. Erection of 1 no. Dwelling (Outline application). WITHDRAWN

15/00853/FUL Mr D Lowe Sunningdale Hillcrest Pensford. Erection of Detached Garage. PERMITTED

Appeal:

Appeal Ref: 15/00018/HOUSE Mr & Mrs Sessford Birchwood Lodge Pensford. Erection of Detached double garage.

Tree Works: 15/01445/TCA Chew Cottage Mill Lane Woollard. Fell 6 x conifers forming hedge.

8) Financial Matters:

HMRC tax-free allowance – Clerk Use of Home as Office: The RFO of the Council explained that through budget information received from ALCA it was learnt that the Clerk should be claiming for a portion of her “home as office”. The amount recommended is £16 per month. The Responsible Financial Officer suggested a separate meeting should be convened to discuss the timescale of back pay for this claim.
As there were now minor changes to be made to the quarterly accounts it was agreed that they would now be tabled at the May Meeting.

Payments to be authorised over £100.00
Mrs J Bragg Clerk Salary March 637.52

Payments to be authorised:
Mrs J Bragg Clerk Imprest £15.98 + Ink Cartridges £26.98 42.96
Mrs J Bragg New Printer 81.98
CPRE Subscription 2015/16 36.00
ALCA External Audit Process/Annual Return 15.00
P Holmes Footpaths 7.5 Hours + £38.19 Equipment 98.19

Payments Received:
BANES 1st Part Precept 5500.00
BANES Parish Grant 345.00

9) Any Other Business:

Mrs Gully had a catalogue of wooden benches. Two prices for benches were from Fountain Timber and were £227.45 and £246.00 for a larger bench. Mrs Gully will speak with Mrs Bilk.

Primary School: It was noted that the school will be celebrating its Centenary this year in October/November 2015.

Scarecrow Trail: It was thought to be a good idea to have Pensford included in the Winford Parish Council Scarecrow Appeal next year. Mrs Jones will progress this.

Tennis Club: Are very grateful for the recent donation from the Community Trust. The courts can now be repaired to a deeper level than expected.
The Memorial Hall have agreed to allow the small children to use the hall in bad weather.

Date of Next Meeting: Mr Heaford proposed that the date of the next meeting should be changed to the 18th May 2015. Parish Council supported this.

9) Notice of Future Meetings:
DATE OF NEXT MEETING MONDAY 18th May 2015 AT 7.15 pm
This will be the ANNUAL MEETING & A MONTHLY Meeting of the Parish Council.
Tower Friends ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING- Church Room Tuesday 21st April at 8pm

 

MINUTES OF AN ANNUAL FOLLOWED BY A MONTHLY MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 18th MAY 2015 AT 7.15 pm AT THE MEMORIAL HALL PUBLOW LANE PENSFORD

Present: Mrs J Stephenson, Mr T Heaford, Mrs J Gully, Mrs L Cains,
Mrs D Custance, Mr S Filer, Mr J Kelly, Mrs T Jones, Cllr P May, Mr P Baxter.
Clerk: Mrs J Bragg.
There were 12 Members of the Public present.
Clerk welcomed everyone to the Annual & Monthly Meeting. Clerk then asked for proposals for the position of Chairman.

1. Election of Chairman, Vice-Chairman & Parish Councillors: Chairman: Mrs Janette Stephenson was proposed for the position chairman by Mr Heaford. This was seconded by Mrs Gully and Mrs L Cains. Vice-Chairman: Mr Tony Heaford was proposed for the position of Vice-Chairman by Mrs Gully and seconded by Mr Filer. All other members attending were elected to their position of Parish Councillor. At this point Mr Baxter informed the Parish Council that “Your Vote” achieved 48% of the votes. The official figures will be obtained and reported under Matters Arising at the June meeting.

2. Signing of Declaration & Acceptance of Office Book: The Declaration & Acceptance of Office Book was duly signed by the newly elected members of the Parish Council.
Clerk circulated a Register of Members Interests to all for completion and return to the Council within 28 Days.
Clerk circulated a copy of the Standing Orders of the Parish Council.

3. Members of the Public: First Member of the Public to speak informed the Parish Council that she had lived on Pensford Hill for 30 years and is now very concerned about the Accident Rate on the A37 and urges the Parish Council and the Local Authority to take action. There have been numerous accidents in the past months with fatalities. Lorries have been reported to have brushed a pedestrian whilst walking up Pensford Hill. Lorries have mounted the pavement on Pensford Hill damaging bollards. Parents have been reported to have moved their children to different schools in the local area to get them away from the main A37.

Suggestions on how to improve the current road layout were discussed with ideas such as a Roundabout at the turning for the B3130 at the top of Pensford Hill. Traffic Lights and Traffic Calming measures. A concern was that if too much traffic calming was undertaken then traffic may start using the smaller side roads as a cut through. A Member of the Public asked the Parish Council to find out what Criteria apply for formal Traffic Calming on Speed Limits.
Cllr Paul May was very supportive to all concerns and is happy to support in any way he can. Parish Council will pursue Traffic Incident Reports from the Police & Highways. Evidence from Members of the Public will also help put together a report for Highways.

Proposed Yellow Lines for Church Street: A member of the Public who lives in Church Street raised his concerns regarding the proposed restrictions and the detrimental effect it will have on the current parking problems which exist in the village. The Chairman informed members of the public that this is currently an informal consultation led by BANES who are firstly consulting with the Parish Council. The next stage will be a formal consultation during which Members of the Public can send in their comments to BANES. It was noted that there is a proposal to put Yellow Lines where a current Keep Clear Line is outside of Church House. The proposed Yellow Line would go across the Garage of this property. Clerk will notify BANES that the line should not go across the garage.

Church Street: Signs are overgrown with vegetation. This was pointed out at a recent meeting with BANES and should be in hand.
4. Apologies for Absence were received from Mrs S Grimes & Mrs J Jones

5. Minutes of Monday 13th April 2015 after being circulated were signed as a correct record.

6. Matters Arising from the previous minutes: There were no matters arising which were not covered on the Agenda or on the Clerks Progress Report.

7. Appointment of Representatives for: Memorial Hall Committee: Jenny Gully, Julie Bragg & Tracy Jones. Parish Council’s Airport Association: Tony Heaford & Sue Grimes. Parish Liaison Meetings: Janette Stephenson & Sue Grimes.  ALCA Meetings: Tony Heaford. Mr Heaford also attends the ALCA Executive Committee Meetings. Chew Valley Forum: Tony Heaford & Sue Grimes. Flood Representative: Paul Baxter & Jenny Gully. Planning Sub Committee: Tony Heaford, John Kelly, Janette Stephenson & Lisa Cains. Guardians for Defibrillators: Hillcrest: Lisa Cains & Dawn Custance. Post Office Pensford: Jennie Jones. Woollard: Janette Stephenson. Allotments: Steve Filer.

8. Parish Council Charity Donation: There had been no requests for donations it was therefore agreed that requests will be dealt with as and when they are received.

9. Items for Discussion:

a) Neighbourhood Plan Update: Parish Council were reminded of the Dates and Times for the Open Drop in Sessions. Display Boards for comments will be put up around the room with supporting information and pictures from around the village. There will also be pictures of Past Pensford. It is hoped that the Questionnaire will go out sometime in September. A Grant process is in hand. Funding is available for three years. Parish Council are funding expenses at the moment. Cllr May reported that Whitchurch Neighbourhood Planning Committee have received 190 questionnaires back out of 450 sent out.

b) Pensford 10K Update: The whole event went well. The total amount of runners entering was slightly down on last year. The date for next year is 26th April 2016.

c) New Signs for Village: Progressing this had been put on hold until the Elections had taken place. Pictures of the Farrington Gurney Signs will be obtained. It was reported that they cost in the region of £750.00 each and Traffic & Safety will be looking for a donation from the Parish Council. It was agreed that if the signs were purchased the word “Publow” has to be on the sign. i.e. Publow with Pensford Parish

d) Accounts: After the April Meeting small changes had been made to the accounts. The Annual Return had been completed and all now ready to go to Audit. Mr Kelly the Responsible Financial Officer read out an updated Financial Report. Mr Heaford proposed that the Accounts were agreed and signed. This was unanimously supported.

Number Square for School: Previously the Parish Council had donated £300.00 to the Primary School for a Number Square in the Playground. It was noted that the Number Square has not been put down, but in fact further fundraising is being undertaken to add additional items to the number grid. £350.00 was raised at the 10K. Mrs Cains will update Parish Council on the progress of this.

e) Presentation of Community Award Certificate: A certificate has been awarded to Sally Daniels of the Miners Coffee Shop for her contribution to the Community. Parish Council to arrange a date for presentation of the certificate.
f) Traffic & Safety on the A37 – Pensford Hill: Discussed under Members of the Public.

g) The Community Bus: An application had been received from the Community Playbus seeking funding to run further play schemes in Pensford. The Community Bus is a holiday play scheme, which is provided for five to 12-year-olds in Pensford. It was a huge success in April with 21 children attending the morning session and 24 the afternoon. The Organizers have to pay £70.00 for the hire of the Memorial Hall. On discussion the Responsible Financial Officer proposed that £500.00 should be donated. A request for details of Accounts will be made for future years.

h) Proposed Traffic Regulation Order – BANES Highways & Traffic: The existing tensions in relation to parking in Church Street were discussed. Parish Council Chairman re-iterated that this consultation has been prepared by BANES. BANES had determined the areas where there was a need for safety. It is proposed to replace the existing white Keep Clear Lines with Double Yellow Lines outside of the Church Room to allow Wheelchair Access. The Church Room is used frequently. A resident in Church Street is of the opinion that Yellow Lines will not stop residents parking in front of the Church Room.

The Primary School recently had a visit to the Church Room and the children had to walk in the road because of cars parked on the pavements outside of their homes.

10. Clerks Progress Report:

Redundant Bus Shelter: Matter still ongoing.

Highways: Council Connect have again been reminded about the Potholes in Church Street.

Hursley Hill: Clerk has reported two separate incidents of Fly Tipping which have occurred in the Lay By at the bottom of Hursley Hill.

Church Street: Highways have been asked to highlight the white No Entry Sign in Church Street outside of Waterside Cottage. This was pointed out to Traffic & Safety during their site visit. It has since been noted that cars are entering the No Entry by the Post Office. Highways will be asked to highlight the No Entry and the One Way system.

Traffic Regulation Order: Item 9 h) on the Agenda. Clerk has spoken with the Traffic Management Team who welcome the Parish Councils comments after tonight’s meeting and report that the Public Consultation would take place about 3 weeks after the end of the Informal Consultation so towards the end of next month and it will run for a period of 21 days.

Tennis Club: Tennis courts are in use but final surface/painting needs to be done once the league matches are completed. This has been deliberately delayed to enable league matches to go ahead.

Footpaths: A Complaint was received by Sheila Petherbridge at PROW regarding an overhanging hedge at Bluebell Cottage. Sheila has visited and this has now been cut back a footpath. Clerk has asked the Footpaths Officer to attend to surface vegetation on the path.

Rubble in Publow Lane: The Highways Inspector has been notified about the rubble in Publow Lane lay by. Members of the Public have complained to the Clerk. A follow up call to Highways was made.

Neighbourhood Planning Banners: Highways confirmed that they were happy for these banners to be displayed on the railings on Pensford Bridge.

St Thomas a Becket Churchyard: Notification has been received from the PCC in relation to the Insurance Policy being cancelled as of 15th May 2015 and the responsibility will now be passed to the Council.

Planning:

15/01759/TCA Mr & Mrs Baxter The Former St Thomas a Becket Church. Fell Holly tree – no intention to replace. Parish Council have queried with BANES the current ownership of the land, and if transfer is not complete have the Church of England been notified of the intention to remove this tree. The Arboriculture Officer has confirmed that “The ownership of the tree is not a material consideration in how the council determines a notification for tree works, however, an advisory note will be added to indicate that the permission of the land owner would need to be obtained.”

Correspondence:

Flood Risk Management Strategy Briefing Workshop: An invitation has been received to attend a briefing workshop/session on Local Flood Risk Management which will take place on Wednesday 17th June 2015 at Keynsham Civic Centre, Market Walk, Keynsham. 10am till 12pm

Footpaths Agency Agreement: Public Rights of Way have confirmed that the amount for the Footpaths Officer 2015/2016 is £821.82. Clerk has raised an invoice for this amount.

Greenfeasts: Parish Council have received an email from Sally Jenkins who for the last couple of years has been developing plans for a new community supported farm on Stanton Lane. Sally attended a Parish Council meeting in October 2013 to introduce herself and the project. Sally would like to attend a future Parish Council meeting to give an update. Permission has just been granted for Sally to build a barn to create essential facilities for this enterprise. Details can be found under the Planning section in BANES 15/01172/AGRN Wild Things Farm Old Down Pensford Lane Stanton Drew.

Planning Question:

Paul Baxter Public Session Meeting of 9 February. In response to a question from Mr Heaford Mr Baxter stated that he stood by the statement he made in the Public Session of the Meeting of 9 February that he had been offered and turned down monetary inducements related to planning. He said he had not informed the police and declared that he did not wish to say any more about the matter. Mr May commented that in many years working in the public sector he was unaware of anything similar taking place. He did warn that while members of the public were to a large extent free to report or not to report the offer of inducements parish councillors had an absolute duty in such circumstances to immediately inform the police.

11. Planning:

Applications to be considered: 15/01672/OUT Mr & Mrs Fear
31 Hillcrest, Pensford. Erection of 1no. Dwelling with associated parking (Resubmission). Parish Council could not see any major difference in the resubmission and gave their support to the application.

Applications considered by Sub-Committee: 15/01415/FUL Mr Baber 85 Hillcrest Erection of single storey rear extension. Parish Council Support.

Tree Works Notification: 15/01759/TCA Mr & Mrs Baxter The Former St Thomas A Becket’s Church. Fell Holly tree. No intention to replace. Parish Council submitted comments. An interest should have been declared. However, Mr Baxter reported that the land on which the Holly Tree stands has now been transferred to himself.

Planning Appeal Lodged: 14/05615/ADCOU AMP Electrical Belluton Barn Belluton Farm, Stanton Road. Prior approval request for change of use from Agricultural Barn to Dwelling (C3).

Planning Appeal Decision:

14/04771/FUL Mr & Mrs Sessford Birchwood Lodge. Detached Double Garage (Resubmission). Appeal Dismissed.

14/04826/FUL Mr T Gibbons 13 Hillcrest Pensford. 2 Bed Dwelling to be built to the side of 13 Hillcrest. Appeal Dismissed.

Outcomes:

15/00329/LBA Parsonage Farm, Parsonage Lane. Internal Works. Consent.

15/00598/FUL Mr & Mrs Radford The Rising Sun. Alteration of existing first floor window openings to create a new escape door access to new external fire escape. PERMIT.

15/01165/TCA Hill House Pensford Hill. Tree Works in Conservation Area. No Objection.

15/01445/TCA Mr P Clouting Chew Cottage Mill Lane Woollard. Tree Works in Conservation Area. No Objection.

12. Financial Matters:

Payments to be Authorised over £100.00

Mrs J Bragg April Salary Net 637.32
Zurich Insurance Cover 732.31

Payments to be Authorised:

National Allotment Soc Membership Renewal 25.00
Mrs J Bragg Imprest 31.50
Mr S King Neighbourhood Plan Banners 72.26

Payments Authorised:

Mrs J Bragg Use of Home as Office 416.00

Insurance: An insurance comparison had been carried out in the last Financial Month and the Parish Council Insurance had moved from AON to Zurich at a saving in excess of £200.

13. Any Other Business:

Footpath needing clearing: The footpath which runs from Leigh Farm to Lordswood was reported to be in need of clearing. Mrs Stephenson will mention it to the footpaths officer.

The Footpath from the Garage up towards Nursery Corner and up to Whitley Batts is still in need of attention. BANES will be asked again to clear it. The responsibility of the wall will be questioned.

Policeman’s Lane: Is reported to be overgrown.

Bus Stop, Hillcrest: Concerns were raised regarding the wall by the bus stop. There are large cracks in the wall which look to be getting worse.

Pre-School Provision: Cllr P May asked if there was pre-school provision in the Parish. He was informed that there is Stanton Drew & Pensford Pre-School at the Village Hall in Stanton Drew. The Pre-School is currently seeking funds to help keep it running.

Publow Lane: Dumped brickwork is understood to be ongoing. It was noted that there is a lack of signage for Publow. Clerk reported that the sign on the fingerpost on A37 giving directions to Publow was removed for repairs and never put back by BANES. Clerk to follow up.

Wick Lane: There are bags of rubbish dumped at the side of the road by the “Old Doctors Surgery”, in Wick Lane. Clerk to report and get it removed.

Waterside Cottage: The ivy is overgrowing the No Entry sign. The rubbish around the property makes an unsightly Conservation Area.

Employees Pension: Clerk was reminded about this new initiative. Clerk has details from ALCA.

14. Notice of Future Meetings:

DATE OF NEXT MEETING MONDAY 8TH JUNE 2015 AT 7.15p.m.

 

 

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 9th MARCH 2015 AT 7.15 pm AT THE MEMORIAL HALL PUBLOW LANE PENSFORD

Present: Chairman: Mrs J Stephenson, Mr S Filer, Mr J Kelly, Mr L Seymour, Mr T Heaford, Cllr P Edwards, Mrs J Gully, Mrs L Cains, Mrs T Jones, Mrs S Grimes.
Clerk: Mrs J Bragg PCSO Bailey & PCSO Hambridge Mrs D White ALCA Secretary
Mr & Mrs Hunt, Mr P Baxter and 8 further members of the public.

1) Members of the Public:

At the beginning of the Public Session the Chairman reminded the Parish Council and members of the public attending that at the February meeting a member of the public attending the meeting had asked the Parish Council to vote “on an issue by a show of hands”. The member of public was asked to put in writing “the issue” and return to the March meeting of the Parish Council. The issue was defined thus – “If a properly held referendum was held would the Parish Council support the result?” Then two members of the public addressed the Parish Council from written notes. Both made reference to historical events which have influenced democracy in the United Kingdom.

A third member of the public informed the Parish Council that he was unhappy to be told at a recent Public Consultation that the proposed, but not yet submitted, housing scheme for Wick Lane which adjoins his property had the “backing” of the Parish Council. He was concerned that that any development would devalue his property, which he intended to sell. The Parish Council Chairman informed the meeting that this proposal did not have the “backing” of the Parish Council and the Parish Council indeed could be acting unlawfully if they commented on an application which has not yet been submitted.

Regarding the “issue” the Solicitor to the Council had, in the interim, been consulted on the question “If an individual takes it upon himself to hold a referendum, is this legally binding and if the Parish Council as the representatives of the people disagree with what is put forward is the Council within its rights to give an opposing point of view.” The advice was that it is up to the Council and the Council alone to decide on its procedure within the legal framework. Any referendum or poll of residents is not binding on the council. The member of the public stated that he was aware of this but his question remained as irrespective of the legal position would the Parish Council support ‘a properly held referendum’.

It was again asked what was the question or issue to be contained in the referendum and the answer from the floor was “anything”. The Chair informed members of the public that if the question/issue is in relation to the Wick Lane proposal then the most effective action at this stage would be to take up any concerns with the agent.

The Chair then informed members of the public attending that the 15 minute Public Session had ended. She stated that the question “If a properly held referendum was held would the Parish Council support the result?” would be on the agenda for the next Parish Council meeting. She reminded those present that while members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting they will only be permitted to speak during the Public Session.

2) Apologies for Absence were received from Mrs J Jones.

3) Minutes of Monday 9th FEBRUARY 2015 after being circulated and read were signed as a correct record.

4) Matters Arising from the previous minutes: It was reported that a Planning Application at the Old Colliery Site Wick Lane for 7 houses has been submitted. Clerk to obtain a copy of the planning application. Parish Council will submit their comments as an adjoining Parish.

5) Items for Discussion:

a) Update from ‘Being a Good Councillor’ Course: Mrs Stephenson and Mrs Grimes attended the Course. Notes brought from the Course were:

A Single Councillor cannot make a decision. Apologies for absence must be given to the Clerk along for the reason of the absence. A Responsible Financial Officer is not a member of the Parish Council. It is quite often the Clerk. The Agenda is the Clerks’ Agenda. There should be no A.O.B on the Agenda. Everything to be discussed should be an agenda item.

Chairman suggested that the layout of the Agenda is altered in the future.

It was a useful course with 8 other Parish Council members attending from various Parish Councils.

b) Parish Liaison Meeting – 25th February: A Presentation took place on the Implementation of the Care Act 2014 by Nick Willmore Programme Manager Care act Adult Social care. April 2015 sees new legal changes. April 2016 new funding changes. There is a new website my care my support website being developed.

Carers will be able to ask for an assessment of their needs and if eligible they can receive services in their own right. Service users will do as much of the planning for themselves and information and advice will have to be provided by councils as a lot of people get the wrong sort of care. Direct Payments will be the default where the person has a cash payment to use themselves to buy in services’. The increase in the funding for local authorities to support their new duties is about 3% of current spend – the total gain for people is expected to be modest. 50% people in BANES care homes are self funding.

From April the current arrangement that allows people to defer their care cost in a care home becomes a statutory duty. This is essentially a loan, with costs, that is repaid out of the person’s estate. This avoids people having to sell their home in their own lifetime

From April 2016 the personal contribution towards care will be limited to £72,000. It is estimated that it would take nearly 3 years to reach the cap as board and lodging of £247 per week and nursing contribution £105 will be subtracted from the amount.

The level of capital when the local authority starts to contribute is to increase from the current £23,500 to £118,000

Local Development framework:

Placemaking Plan: Consultation options closed end of January. Draft will be prepared for consideration banes cabinet Sept 2015 and then submission for examination.

Housing development boundaries review deadline was 27th Feb

Designation of local green Spaces: The government gave the opportunity for green spaces with special community importance to qualify for a new protection status.

Community infrastructure Levy: A tax on development comes into being 6 April. Any decisions thereafter or approved thereafter will be CIL liable.

BANES budget 2015/6 approved. No Council Tax increase. Funds received from government reduced but cost reductions made… number of offices reduced, improved IT, saving heating costs new Keynsham offices’

Briefing note performance Planning delegation Scheme Statistics given on decisions made at officer level. Lisa Bartlett justified decisions made at officer level. It was agreed that if the Parish Council would like more information they can contact case officer direct.

Provision of improved broadband: 2/3 villages in BANES are not covered by superfast broadband. A Map of BANES was circulated showing broadband coverage given. It was mentioned that in order to get traffic off road and get people homeworking that improved broadband is needed in rural areas. Parishes requested a ½ day seminar in summer to get more information. It was agreed to take this to cabinet member for a date.

Parish Sweeper: A review of the parish sweeper scheme will be undertaken.

Energy at |Home: There will be a new energy at home advice service … how to use less energy, get grants etc.

c) St Thomas a Becket Churchyard: The Parish Council had received notice from the Parochial Church Council that it was their intention to transfer maintenance obligation to the Parish Council. The Parish Council proposed to resolve not to take on the Maintenance Obligation, therefore the Town Council must take over the maintenance of the Churchyard. The Parish Council have three months in which to give written notice of their resolution to the town Council and the PCC.

d) Neighbourhood Planning Workshop: A Neighbourhood Planning Workshop had been attended by Mrs Stephenson, Mr C James, Mrs S Grimes. It was reported that Backwell have just completed their Neighbourhood Plan which has taken 5 years to complete with a lot of work involved. A Planning Lecturer attended the Workshop from UWE. There are 60 students who have to do a 5 week work placement. It was suggested that possibly 3 students could be provided to progress 3 subject items in the Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood Planning Update: New Funding is now being released for Neighbourhood Planning. The Dates for the Open Meetings are Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd May. Banners will be put up in Pensford and Woollard. Posters will be put up. A maildrop will be undertaken to all households in the Parish. Display boards will be on show at the Open Meetings. It is hoped to display Pensford as it was, Pensford as it is now, then have a section for Members of the Public to add Pensford “What they would like to see” at the end.
The Neighbourhood Planning Committee are looking at a Prize Draw Incentive for the return of questionnaires. Sources of Renewable Energy were discussed. Mr Ford gave a slid show presentation on how the end results of the questionnaires will be analysed.

e) Chew Valley Forum Meeting: Mr Heaford attended this meeting. The meeting was in two sections with the first section for the Public then second was a detailed presentation from the Health & Well being Board who introduced their review of community health and social care services. It was discussed how access to services can be improved for rural areas. There was a report from the Police who reported the latest crime figures for the whole of the Chew Valley. It was reported that many thefts and burglaries could be avoided if Members of the Public took more care. A presentation was received from Radstock HQ Fire Brigade.

f) Bench for Acker Bilk: The Family of Acker Bilk support the Parish Councils suggestion of a Bench in his memory. Mrs Gully is looking at suitable Benches at present. It was agreed that it could be placed next to the Lock Up and maybe re-locate the iron bench elsewhere in the Parish, maybe the Memorial Hall.

Mrs Cains is progressing the idea of new signs for the Village. Contact has been made with Caroline Roberts, Cabinet Member for Transport who has been involved with new signs for Farrington Gurney as part of a project to ‘de-clutter’ the A37, reducing unnecessary signage and replacing damaged signs, focusing on A37 from Farrington Gurney to Whitchurch. It is hoped that Pensford will meet this criteria.

g) Elections 7th May 2015: Parish Councillors were asked by show of hands if they wished to re-stand for the Elections. All members of Parish Council wished to be re-elected.
Clerk reported that nomination papers had been received. A meeting will be convened to complete the papers. A nominated person will deliver them to the Guildhall.

h) Allotments & Footpaths: A meeting had taken place with the Footpaths Officer on the Allotment Site. He will tidy the pathways and strim where necessary to keep the overgrowth down. A meeting between the Footpaths Officer and Public Rights Of Way Inspector from BANES had taken place. Ringspit Lane issues had been looked at.

A letter was received from an allotment tenant who said that he was delighted to see the vacant plots next to his and the path along the bottom of the allotments had been strimmed. However it was unfortunate that a wheelbarrow has disappeared from the site.

i) Pensford Tennis Club: A meeting was held on 17th March 2015. It will cost approximately £14,000 to have both courts re-surfaced. The Tennis Club do not wish to use all their reserves on the courts as the fencing also needs replacing. An application of £3,000 has been made to the Community Trust to help with resurfacing one court and refurbishing another.

Tennis Coaching has started now. The After School Club is well attended. Costs of using the Memorial Hall in bad weather is being looked into. The cost per 1.5 hours is £4.50 at present.

j) Donation from Parishioner: A member of the Parish and a group of volunteers who were responsible for planting the daffodils around the village have a pot of money which they would like to donate to the Parish Council to put towards the work around the village or the Bus Shelter Project. They will keep money to purchase more daffodil bulbs and donate the rest to Parish Council.

6) Clerks Progress Report:

Redundant Bus Shelter: Matter still ongoing. One local builder has shown an interest in carrying out the works. Notification awaited from BANES in relation possibly closing the footpath whilst works are undertaken.

Gritting: Woollard had been missed off of the gritting route recently. This was reported to Council Connect.

Transportation & Highways: Further to my email sent to this department of BANES no response was received. A copy of my email was sent to Council Connect and Nick Jeanes. Nick passed the email to Sadie Cox who would like to arrange a meeting in Pensford to look at all problem areas with Members of the Parish Council.

Speeding: In relation to concerns regarding speeding Clerk has written to BANES Mr Tom Hayward challenging the Capital Schemes Programme Rural 20mph Speed Limit Programme. No reply has been received to date.

War Memorial in Church Street: Cars and vans are reported to still park up tight to the wall around this monument. This will be discussed during the meeting with BANES representative.

Highways: Potholes in Church Street have been reported to Council Connect.

Your Care Your Way: Extra Leaflets have been requested. Further to this an invitation has been received from the Village Agents to a consultation event, Introducing “Your Care, Your Way” on Tuesday 14th April 10.00am to 12.00noon

The Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury. The Village Agents are hosting this event, in conjunction with BANES Council and NHS BANES Clinical Commissioning Group.

Sign damaged by Hedgecutter: Damaged signs by Church Farm have been reported to Council Connect.

Birchwood Lane Sign: Council Connect have been informed that this sign is in need of repair.

Woollard Lane: A sign was damaged by the Hedgecutter, Clerk has reported this to Council Connect and asked for a replacement.

Pavement from Garage to Whitley Batts: This has been reported to Council Connect and Highways Inspector. Clerk has asked for all overgrown vegetation to be dealt with and for a litter pick to be undertaken. Also the condition of the footpath in places requires attention.

Rotary of Chelwood Bridge Community Award: The Parish Councils nomination for this award has been sent. The closing date for nominations is the end of March. The Rotary described our nomination as “very Worthy”…

Planning: An email has been received from a resident in Gibbet Lane which looks over the property Railway Bungalow. The concerns raised are in relation to the agricultural barn which has been put up recently and asks the question “why planning permission was given to this huge property and equally large industrial warehouse, in this; an area of outstanding natural beauty which we understand implies no property development. We live on Gibbet Lane and we all have this now as our view. We note that industrial machinery and vehicles frequent these buildings which are obviously being used as business premises”. Clerk is in touch with Cllr Liz Richardson regarding this.

Winford Parish Council: Clerk was contacted by Winford Parish Council who were asking for a contact for M & M Cable Works.

Winford Parish have also suffered with damaged banks not being reinstated following recent works by this company.

New Bus Service for Whitchurch: There is a new bus service operating the 637 service which starts at Keynsham, Somerdale travels through Keynsham along Charlton Road, it stops at Whitchurch Maes Knoll before travelling to Oatlands Avenue, Whitchurch (by Asda), then terminates at the South Bristol Hospital.

Council’s Annual Civic Reception at the Pump Rooms, Bath: Parish Council Chairman and her Husband will be attending the Civic Reception. Clerk has sent a reply.

7) Planning: Applications to discuss:

15/00598/FUL Rising Sun Church Street Pensford. Alteration of existing first floor window openings to create a new escape door access to new external fire escape stair. Parish Council Support

15/005548/FUL Mr M Baber 85 Hillcrest Pensford Erection of first floor extension to rear and side with sky light in roof. Erection of wall to be built on boundary. Erection of Porch at the front of the house. Parish Council Support.

15/0820/OUT Mr & Mrs Fear 31 Hillcrest Pensford. Erection of 1no.dwelling (Outline application with access and layout to be determined all other matters reserved). Parish Council Support.

15/00853/FUL Mr D Lowe Sunningdale Hillcrest Pensford. Erection of a Detached Garage.

Parish Council support this application. However Planning will be asked to note that a member of the public has reported to the Parish Council that there is possibly a business operating from this address.

Planning Outcomes:

15/00187/TCA 1 The Old School House High Street Pensford. Reduce end weight on tow limbs overhanging on Himalayan Birch. 1 x Lawson Cypress fell to ground. NO OBJECTION

15/00120/TCA Rosemere Publow Lane Woollard. 1 x Bramley Apple – prune overall reduction 15% NO OBJECTION

15/00119/TCA Woollard House Mill Lane Woollard. 1 x Pine – Fell. NO OBJECTION

14/04771/FUL Mr & Mrs Sessford Birchwood Lodge Wells Road. Erection of detached double garage (resubmission). REFUSED.

8) Financial Matters:

Payments over £100.00 to be Authorised:

Mrs J Bragg Salary February + 20hrs Neighbourhood Planning Work 801.52
ALCA Annual Subscription 2015/16 200.86
HMRC Clerk Tax & NI to 31/3/2015 208.44

Further payments to be authorised:

Mrs J Bragg Clerk Imprest 15.60
ALCA Being a Good Councillor Course – SG 60.00
ALCA Being a Good Councillor Course – JS 60.00

Payments Received:

None to Report

9. Any Other Business:

Community Trust: The AGM takes place on 23rd March 2015 at the George & Dragon, Pensford. All Welcome.

Bus Service 637: This new bus service commences on 29th March 2015 and is run hourly.

10. Notice of Future Meetings:

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING followed by the Monthly Parish Council Meeting will take place on MONDAY 13th APRIL 2015 AT 7.15 pm