A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL
was held Thursday 16th April 2009, Sandford Village Hall at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mrs. P Cram, Mr. A Forbes, Mr. G Luckett, Mrs A Richmond,
Miss B Roper, Mr. C Sampson (Chairman), Mr J Westlake, Mr M Williamson.
Ward Councillors: Mr A Lake
NSC Liaison Officer: M J Foster
Police: PC Church & PCSO Wright
Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton
Press Representatives: Mr. I Matt, Cheddar Valley Gazette
Mr A Ross, Weston Mercury
Mr G Jones, freelance reporter
Members of the public: Five
Apologies for absence: Mrs P Bushnell, Mr. R Jones (Vice-Chair), Mr. G Lloyd, Mrs V McGann, Ms. D Powell (Vice-Chair), Ward Cllr Harley & Ward Cllr Marter.
196. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (Agenda item 3) No Interests were declared
197. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 19TH MARCH 2009 (Agenda item 4)
The minutes to the meeting were approved & signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mr A Forbes
All members present at the last meeting were in favour
198. MINUTE UPDATE FROM THE MARCH MINUTES AND APRIL CLERK’S REPORT– Annex 1
(Agenda item 5)
Min 183 – It was advised that the 121 bus service operating through this Parish is now to continue.
Min 186 – No Response has been received to the Parish Council request for the reinstatement of the ALCA representative on the NS Strategic Partnership Board.
Min 187 – Councillors were reminded that volunteers are required to be present at the May Fair on The Millennium Green Parish Council stall. Mr Westlake advised that he will be present throughout the afternoon and will supply table & chairs. Cllr Westlake advised that he has provisionally booked the Parish Council stall at the Michaelmas Fair in September.
Clerk’s Report – Councillors attention was drawn to the independence of Mazzars as appointed external auditor to the Parish Council. Any potential conflicts of interest should be reported to the Clerk immediately.
199 CRIME REPORT 19TH MARCH TO 16TH APRIL 2009– Annex 2 (Agenda item 6)
Direct office no 01934 638123. Weekly Beat Surgery Tuesday 10 am – 1 pm & 6 - 7PM Prior to a Parish Council meeting.
Calls from the Parish to Police are significantly up on the same period last year along with recorded crime. The breakdown of recorded crime was detailed to the meeting and members advised that the last of the ‘red nose’ incidents are still filtering through. No alteration to the current local policing priorities (LPP) were considered necessary by the Council and members of the public were advised that they could also influence LPPs at this meeting through the ‘public participation’ section. A number of questions were asked by Councillors regarding the effect of the recently installed vehicle activated signs in Sandford, theft of petrol and the bin set fire to by the Woodborough Road railway bridge.
200. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Agenda item 7) The Sandford resident who voiced her concerns at the removal of the 121 bus service during the March Parish Council meeting thanked the Council for writing to NSC against the removal of the service. Police representatives were advised that traffic exiting Sandford increases in speed towards Churchill.
201 WARD COUNCILLOR UPDATE & NSC PARISH LIAISON OFFICER UPDATE (Agenda item 8)
Parish Liaison Officer Mr Foster spoke on the reinstatement of the 121 bus service that is now to be subsidised by NSC. Works to reopen the Grand Pier in WSM are progressing following approval of planning permission and the new pier structures on barges in the Severn Estuary can be viewed from the big wheel on the seafront.
202. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 3 (Agenda item 9)
Mr Williamson questioned if payment of cq 102694, £29.00 to CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England) was in fact necessary and a debate ensued.
Resolved: The annual subscription to CPRE of £29.00 should be paid and the Parish Council remain as members. Proposed by Mr Bridges, seconded by Mrs Brading. 9 in favour, 1 abstention.
Cheques 102682 - 102711 and direct debits payments detailed were authorised for payment
Proposed: Mrs P Cram Seconded: Mrs A Brading All in favour.
203. WINSCOMBE WOODBOROUGH PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT – Mrs P Cram (Agenda item 10)
The school has received an overall score of ‘good’ in the recent Ofsted Inspection with one teacher being marked in the ‘outstanding’ category and the behaviour of the children also being described as outstanding. It was advised that the school is in the top 5% in the country for Value added, a measure used to show improvement from KS1 to KS2 SATs results. The wind turbine has now produced 625 Kwh of energy with a Co2 reduction of 312kg. Pupils will again be May Pole Dancing at the Millennium Green May Fair and SATs are shortly to be taken.
204. SANDFORD PRIMARY SCHOOL REPORT (Agenda item 11)
A report from the school has not been received.
205. AFFORDABLE HOUSING UPDATE – Mr S Bridges (Agenda item 12)
It was stated by the Chairperson of NSC South Area Committee on 23rd March at an Area Forum to discuss the general provision of Affordable Housing in Winscombe that Councillors would be unable to comment on a particular proposal because it could prejudice their future consideration should that proposal subsequently come before the Committee as a planning application. After initial introductions, the Forum was suspended by the Chairperson to allow an action group to present their objections to a potential proposed site at the end of Well Close for which no planning application has been submitted. This action immediately disqualified Parish Councillors from speaking at the meeting or to answer questions about a specific site as this action could prejudice their future consideration should a proposal subsequently come before the Parish Council as a planning application. Some Parish Councillors considered that this Area Forum may have given NSC a one-sided view of any planning application that may be submitted on the potential Well Close site.
Subsequent to the meeting, an update to the sequential site test to include Sandford is to be undertaken by English Rural Housing Association representatives and the Parish Council. Land owners of other sites within the Parish already identified by NSC as ‘high priority’ sites for affordable housing have again been approached regarding their willingness to sell land for an affordable housing development at the present time and at an affordable price. An application has been made to NSC planning department (09/P/0483/EIA) by the landowner for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening opinion for the Well Close site which is a check against legislation only & will determine if an EIA is required to be submitted as part of a planning application for the proposed site. As the proposed site lies within the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it is considered ‘environmentally sensitive’ and must be screened to determine whether this is an EIA development – hence the process.
Post meeting note: The decision of NSC is that this screening opinion is not for an EIA development & an EIA Assessment not required should a planning application be submitted for the development of 30 houses off Well Close.
206. TOWN & PARISH COUNCILCOMMUNITY EMERGENCY PLANS (Agenda item 13)
A template from which a Community Emergency plan could be developed has been provided by the NSC Emergency Management Officer. There is no legal or formalised role for Parish Councils in emergencies but should the Parish Council choose to maintain a basic plan this may enable the community to help itself should it become isolated or if outside help was severely delayed. The benefits of creating such a document were debated by the council with consideration being given to a scaled down document. It was confirmed that NSC already hold contact details for all NSC owned buildings such as schools and sports centres in the area although key contact names and local knowledge could prove beneficial in an emergency.
It was proposed that Mr Bridges & Mr Luckett further investigate the creation of an emergency plan for this Parish. 3 in favour, 6 against, 1 abstention. Motion not carried.
207. REPORT ON SIGNPOSTING EVENT 12TH MARCH 2009 – Mr C Sampson (Agenda item 14)
This event sponsored by NSC was for all groups including Church & Faith groups involved in supporting their community. Information from ‘Signposting’ should enable local Voluntary Organisations including Parish Councils to be better able to inform people of where help is available. The Signposting directory & organisation guides are available to view in the Parish Office.
208. BANWELL, WINSCOMBE & SANDFORD CHILDREN’S CENTRE REPORT – Mr G Luckett (Agenda item 15)
Under a reorganisation of Children’s & Young Peoples Services in NSC each centre is to have its own leader with a leader yet to be appointed for Banwell. The current Banwell Development Manager will become an Assistant Locality Leader. Under the Partnership Group Representation there are no representatives for Banwell Parish Council or for Parents. Seven of the ten daytime sessions are now being used with Weston College using one session for a Parent’s Maths Course. The remaining sessions are available to meet the needs of children, young people & their families. Banwell Youth Club uses the centre on a Monday & Tuesday evening. Under the ‘outreach’ services, ‘Stay & Play’ (scramblers) in Winscombe is regularly visited by health visitors whilst the same scheme at Sandford has not appeared so successful and questionnaires are being distributed to find out the range of services actually required. Mr Luckett also reported that the Winscombe Youth Club may have to close due to a lack of volunteer helpers & they have been advised to contact the Principle NSC Youth Officer. Banwell Youth Club Leaders are not volunteers but employed by NSC.
In discussion it was suggested that the Winscombe Youth Club could use the facilities provided by Banwell and an approach could be made to NSC for funding towards paid leaders? Some considered that the Youth Club could approach the Parish Council should they require further assistance.
It was proposed by Mrs Richmond, seconded by Mr Williamson that the Winscombe Youth Club leaders be contacted, inviting them to talk with Parish Council representatives & to enquire what assistance they may require for the general running of the facility. All members were in favour.
Mr Foster will ask the relevant NSC department to contact the Clerk in this regard.
209. EMPLOYMENT & POLICIES COMMITTEE REPORT - Annex 4 (Agenda item 16)
A paper from Mr R Jones, Committee Chairman had been circulated to all in advance of the meeting requesting that the Parish Council should accept the minutes of this committee and those that also refer to the amalgamation of committees as correct but defer action in respect of this proposal until the issue has been discussed, firstly at the Chairman’s Committee on 21st April 2009.
A lengthy debate took place with a Councillor questioning the accuracy of the committee meeting minutes and suggesting that as the Committee Chairman was not present, that this item be deferred to the next meeting of the Parish Council. The meeting was advised that the draft minutes had been agreed by the Committee Chairman & Ms Powell prior to these being circulated. In discussion Mr Williamson & Miss Roper confirmed that they were unhappy with one word in the meeting minutes.
Resolved: The minutes for the Employment & Policies Committee meeting dated 23rd March 2009 were approved and signed as a correct record subject to min 9 c) Stage Two second line, being amended from ‘Deputy’ Clerk to read ‘Assistant’ Clerk.
Proposed: Mr S Bridges Seconded: Miss B Roper
3 Committee members present were in favour, one remaining committee member present abstained.
With the exception of minute 9 c.) to consider the possible amalgamation of committees which will be discussed by a meeting of the Chairmans Committee on 21st April 2009, the decisions of the Committee were recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr S Bridges Seconded: Mrs A Brading 8 in favour, 1 abstention, 1 against.
210. AWARD LAND CHAIRMAN’S REPORT Annex 5 – Mr J Westlake (Agenda item 17)
The minutes for the Award Land Committee from the meeting dated 30th March 2009 were approved and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr A Forbes
All Committee members present were in favour
Mr Westlake advised that workmen appointed by owners of the ski centre have been seen taking measurements to install a fence to demark boundaries. Forge repair quotations are being requested and it was reported that problems with motorbikes and quad bikes on the land continue. Fox are ripping open refuse bags should these be left out too early for collection on Quarry Road.
With the exception of minute 6) to consider the possible amalgamation of committees which will be discussed by a meeting of the Chairmans Committee on 21st April 2009, the decisions of the Committee were recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mr A Forbes All in favour.
211. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Annex 6 (Agenda item 18)
The minutes for the Environment Committee from the meeting dated 7th April 2009 were approved and signed as a correct record.
Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Mrs P Cram
All Committee members present were in favour
With the exception of minute 7) to consider the possible amalgamation of committees which will be discussed by a meeting of the Chairmans Committee on 21st April 2009, the decisions of the Committee were recommended for action by the Parish Council.
Proposed: Mr A Forbes Seconded: Mrs A Brading All in favour.
212. CEMETERY & ALLOTMENT UPDATE – Mr M Williamson (Agenda item 19)
Fruit & oak trees to comply with planning consent for the cemetery extension area have now been planted and the new cemetery area seeded. The sand slit surface drains are to be installed in the next two months and following this, the shelter, walls & hedges will then be completed. A quotation has been accepted for the installation of a hard path from the car park area & running the entire length of the allotment plots and these works will be carried out as soon as possible along with the laying of grass paths to demark the new allotment plots. All new allotment plots have been let to Parishioners & a waiting list for allotments again exists.
213. CHAIRMAN’S COMMITTEE REPORT Annex 7 – Mr C Sampson (Agenda item 20)
A meeting had been convened to agree a contractor for the installation of a hard path to the Ilex Lane allotments and expenditure for this vired from Parish Council reserve funds for the 2009/2010 financial year.
The minutes for the Chairman’s Committee from the meeting dated 14th April 2009 were approved and signed as a correct record subject to one amendment.
Proposed: Mr M Williamson Seconded: Mrs A Brading
All Committee members present were in favour
214. PLAY AREA & SKATE PARK COMMITTEE – ALLOCATION OF FUNDING FOR TARMAC ENTRANCE TO WMRG INFANT PLAY AREA – Mrs A Brading (Agenda item 21)
Whilst instruction has been given to carry out the above mentioned works, due to contractor work load, these were unable to be completed in the 2008/09 financial year.
It was proposed that £812 from the 2008/09 Play Area budget be carried forward to the same budget head for the 2009/10 financial year. Proposed by Mrs A Brading, seconded by Mr A Forbes, all in favour.
215. WAR MEMORIAL RECREATION GROUND – AMENDMENT TO CONSTITUTION AS AGREED BY THE COMMITTEE AT THE JANUARY 2009 MEETING – Annex 8 Mr S Bridges (Agenda item 22)
The final draft of this document as put to the Parish Council at the February meeting through committee minutes was presented to the council for information. Changes to this document include the removal of the Annual General Meeting of the WMRG Committee following the Annual Parish Assembly to allow greater flexibility to the Parish when holding this meeting and reference to ‘secretary’ being removed as meetings are attended & minuted by the Clerk. The document will be considered at the Annual Parish Assembly to be held on 30th April 2009. A Councillor stated that this could increase the number of separate evening meetings attended by the Clerk.
195. MATTERS FOR INFORMATION (Agenda item 20)
· Village Festival 2010. A meeting is to be held on 21st April to further consider the festival. A response should be sent advising that the Parish Council support this, but do not have the resources or staff to organise such an event.
· Avon Wildlife Trust – lunch with the Living Landscape Project. An invitation has been received to the Avon’s Wildflower Grassland Project on 28th April. Councillors wishing to attend should contact the Clerk.
· The next NSC Area Officer Surgery is to be held at the Parish Offices on 23rd April 2009 between 10 am and 12 noon.
· St Monica Trust planning application for the erection of a 72 bed nursing home 09/P/0147/F has been refused by NSC South Area Committee and will now be referred to the Policy & Regulatory Committee meeting to be held on 22nd April 2009.
With no further business, the meeting concluded at 9.25 pm
Signed................................................................... (Chairman)
Date.......................................................................
Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council acknowledges the general duty placed upon it by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. The Council will continue within its functions and policies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and promote racial equality of different racial groups.