Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton
Parish Council Office,
Winscombe Community Centre,
11 Sandford Road, Winscombe,
North Somerset BS25 1JA
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A meeting of the Award Land Committee was held on
Monday 17th May 2010 at 7.00 p.m, The Amesbury Room, Winscombe Community Centre
Committee Members Present: Mrs. A Brading (ABr), Mrs P Bushnell (PB), Mrs P Cram (PC)
Mr A Forbes (AF), Mr G Luckett (GLu), Mrs V McGann (VM),
Mr J Westlake (chairman)
Assistant Clerk: Mrs N Flint
Members of the public: 5
Press: Pippa Chambers, Weston Mercury
1. To Receive Apologies for Absence:
None Received
2 Update of the minutes of the last meeting, dated 18th January 2010
There were none other than those included as agenda items
3. Declaration of Interest :
None Received
4. Public Participation: A maximum time limit of 15 minutes will be allowed for a session open to the
Public to present comments, observations, information, petitions or lead deputations and is the
only time members of the public may participate during the meeting. Parishioners may submit a
written script of speeches made to the Clerk:
Mrs P Cram arrived at 7.15pm.
In accordance with Standing Orders the Chairman suspended the meeting to allow members of the public to
participate during the meeting.
Members of the public raised concerns about work recently undertaken on the Award Land feeling that it was
a little excessive and not managed in a responsible way by the parish council. Reference was made to the
Winscombe & Sandford Award Land Woodland Management Plan April 2007 – April 2027, in particular
to the deer culling. Committee Members unanimously confirmed that the Parish Council does not carry out
any kind of deer culling.
A bee-hive has been placed on the Award Land resulting in a number of parishioners concerned about its
location and asking the parish council’s view on the matter.
Interest was expressed regarding the position of Advisor to the Council and what requirements were needed
for the position.
The Chairman re-opened the meeting to continue the agenda.
5. To discuss and decide up-keep on bridleway, Mike’s Path and Railway Carriage.
It was felt that in view of the recent work carried out to the Rides and Paths that no further work would be
necessary until the autumn thus allowing the natural regeneration of wildlife and fauna to take
place.
The Railway Carriage has been vandalised raising questions as to whether or not it should be removed or
repaired. It was decided to leave it in its present condition for the time being as it was considered safe..
6. To discuss management plan and decide on future work.
The committee members apologised to the parishioners present for the unintentional upset caused by the
work recently undertaken on the parish council’s behalf. It was accepted that the work carried out could be
considered excessive and any future work would be carried out by suitably qualified contractors. The committee Chairman advised that there are in excess of 100 evergreen oaks visible from Mike’s Path with only ten of these being cut down over the past three years.
It was resolved that the Winscombe & Sandford Award Land Woodland Management Plan
April 2007 – April 2027 is reviewed with the assistance of the original agent, North Somerset Council
Tree Officer and the Forestry Commission and any recommendations carried out after bird nesting
season and with the appropriate level of supervision.
Proposed: V McGann Seconded: A Brading
All in Favour
It was resolved that any reference to deer culling is removed from the Winscombe & Sandford
Award Land Management Plan April 2007 – April 2027.
Proposed: V McGann Seconded: A Forbes
All in Favour
7. To discuss the position regarding bee-hive and enclosure and if necessary to make recommendation
to Parish Council regarding use of land.
No further action taken as the hive owner has removed the bee-hive from the Award land.
8. Financial Update – A detailed statement showing actual expenditure against budget for the financial year
2010/11 was handed to all committee members.
9. Land Registration Update
Various documents at the Parish Office have been forwarded to Land Registry and we are still awaiting confirmation if this is sufficient for registration. Assistant Clerk to investigate.
10. To agree Award land map for computerised mapping system
Committee Members agreed that until definitive comments are received from the Land Registry no decision regarding the Award Land map for the computerised mapping system could be made.
11. Forge
(a) – To discuss and decide on possible work to retaining wall at rear
It was requested that 3 quotations are obtained to establish the cost and what work is necessary to make good the west end side of the retaining wall.
(b) – To discuss and decide on possible future work to the Forge including cover.
Committee Members agreed that no further work is carried out to the Forge until the above-mentioned quotations are received and if necessary relevant work carried out to the retaining wall.
It was resolved that the sheet of corrugated metal presently covering the Forge is removed
Proposed: A Forbes Seconded: V McGann
All in Favour
12. To renew Badger Licence
It was unanimously agreed that this should be renewed on an annual basis..
.
13. Information – other points of information or subjects for discussion at next meeting –
Woodland Management Plan
Co-option of further committee members
Quotations for retaining wall at Forge
12. Date of next meeting: 20th September 2010
Meeting Closed: 8.05 p.m.
Minutes: NF Checked: JW
Signed……………………………………………(Award Land Committee Chairman)
Date………………………………………………..