A MEETING

A MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL

was held Thursday 19^th April 2007

Winscombe Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.

Present: Mrs. M Ballard, Mrs. A Brading, Mr. S Bridges, Mrs. P Cram (vice-chair), Mr. A Forbes,

Mr. R Jones, Mr. G Luckett, Ms. D Powell (vice-chair), Miss B Roper, Mr. C Sampson (chairman) Mr. J Westlake.

Ward Councillor: Mrs. A Harley

Members of the public: two

Police: P.C.Church, Beat Manager, PCSO Wright

Guest Speakers: Mr F McCaig, Puxton Park Project Manager

Mr P Searle, Chairman Winscombe Cricket Club Playing Committee

Clerk: Mrs. L Rampton

Press Representatives: Mr G Jones – Freelance Reporter

Mr. M Mistry – Weston & Somerset Mercury

Apologies for absence: Mr. G Lloyd, Mr. J Foster NSC Parish Liaison Officer

183 CHAPLAIN – Mrs. A Brading

(Agenda item 1)

184. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST - none declared

(Agenda item 3)

185. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD 15^TH MARCH 2007.

(Agenda item 4)

The minutes of the meeting were accepted and signed as a correct record.

Proposed: Mr J Westlake Seconded: Mrs. A Brading

All in favour

186. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES & CLERKS REPORTS– Annex 1

(Agenda item 5)

Min 162. Matters Arising, Strawberry Line Works- this matter is in the hands of contractors and no firm time scale can be given by NSC as to completion of works.

Min 182. AOB Towerhead Public Inquiry – the Inspector has now confirmed that the public inquiry will be held on 9^th May at Lyncombe Lodge Hotel.

187. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION - none

(Agenda item 6)

188. CRIME REPORT 15^TH MARCH – 19^TH APRIL 2007 – PC CHURCH Annex 2

Direct office no 01934 638123

(Agenda item 7)

PC Church distributed yellow cards issued by Avon & Somerset Constabulary regarding advice on bogus callers; further supplies of these cards are available from the weekly Police Surgery at the Community Centre on Tuesday mornings. PC Church reminded Councillors that the ‘Bobby Van’ provide a free service to vulnerable people who can benefit from an upgrade to their security systems.

Police are aware of the recent attempted arson attacks on the new play area at the WMRG and this matter is being fully investigated.

PCSO Wright advised that the number of parking tickets being issued is gradually reducing and this could partly be due to improved marking and signage at Appletree Drive. All Primary Schools within the Parish have now been visited.

189. PUXTON PARK – Mr F McCaig, Puxton Park Project Manager

(Agenda item 8)

The Mead family, owners of this site have farmed in this area for several generations. Mr A Mead has employed Mr McCaig as Project Manager until the park opens, then his title will be amended to General Manager. Mr McCaig welcomed the opportunity to provide an update as to current progress of this project and to answer any questions.

After an initial refusal of the planning application by NSC, it was recognised that WSM currently lacks high volume visitor attractions of this nature and the application subsequently approved. It is anticipated that the farm will attract in the region of 120,000 visitors each year. The impact of traffic on surrounding rounds has been addressed and traffic exiting the site will only be able to turn left. Parking provision has been made for 360 cars and 19 coaches. Public transport provision is currently being investigated and it is hoped that a complimentary land train/minibus will run a regular service from the bus stop to the park. Cycle racks are to be installed and a request has been made to NSC that the cycle route is extended to the park although this request has been declined at present.

Puxton Park is a 70 acre organic farm that will provide an all year, all weather attraction to visitors and offer a chance to explore and discover the connection between food farming and conservation – Puxton Park is not a ‘petting farm’ but a working farm that may in the future offer the opportunity for visitors to see cows milked and the journey of this product through to produce sold in the farm shop such as milk and yogurt.

Careful consideration in the planning of the Park has resulted in the planting of additional trees and hedgerow along with energy saving procedures used in the construction of buildings. All buildings are designed to have minimal impact on the surrounding countryside with low profile barrel roofs and built of materials that easily blend with the environment. Construction of the buildings is now 85% complete. Levels of the site along with signage and other factors have been taken into account especially in regard to DDA requirements. In response to a question, it was confirmed that mobility buggies will be available to hire at the Park.

86% of supplies in the farm shop and restaurants will be from sources in Somerset and North Somerset including meat from local butchers and a range provided for vegetarians. The use of imported produce from outside Europe will be kept to a minimum within the remaining 14%.

Sixty members of staff will be employed at the site (equivalent to 45 full time positions) and the six ‘Head of Departments’ have now been appointed. Traditional customer service values will be used at the park. Publicity in the form of posters and advertising has now commenced with an anticipated launch date of 7^th July 2007.

The Chairman thanked Mr McCaig for attending the meeting and welcomed him to his new home within the Parish.

190. TO AUTHORISE BILLS FOR PAYMENT – The Clerk Annex 3

(Agenda item 9)

The Clerk advised that the first instalment precept has now been received.

Proposed: Mr. J Westlake Seconded: Mr A Forbes

All in favour.

191. PRIMARY CARE TRUST REPORT – Miss B Roper

(Agenda item 10)

The cluster group has not met since the last meeting of the Parish Council with the next scheduled meeting being on 23^rd April 2007 at St James Church Hall, Winscombe at 4 pm. This meeting is open to the public and the Churchill practice is represented at these meetings.

The Winscombe & Banwell Doctor’s Surgery does not currently have a Patient Practice Partnership but now appears to be working towards this. Miss Roper will forward a report of the last PCT meeting to the Clerk for circulation.

192. PARISH COUNCILLOR NOMINATIONS FOR ELECTION 3^RD MAY 2007

(Agenda item 11)

The Clerk advised that 16 nominations for 15 Parish Councillor vacancies had been received at NSC by the deadline date of 4^th April 2007 with no withdrawal of candidature by 11^th April 2007. An election of this Parish Council will now take place on 3^rd May 2007 with results of this being counted in WSM on Friday 4^th May. In response to a question, it was confirmed that the cost of an election to this Parish is likely to exceed £2,000.

It was noted that one nominee residing outside this Parish has applied for the position of Parish Councillor in nine Parishes within Somerset & North Somerset.

193. KNIGHTSTONE HOUSING AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMMUTED SUM Annex 4

(Agenda item 12)

Mr Luckett read a statement prepared by him to the Council advising that a recent planning application for change of use from employment to residential purposes on a flat now contradicts policy H/7 of the Replacement Local Plan and has therefore been refused by NSC. The proposal was not considered acceptable as it will result in urban housing needs being met outside the four main towns, contributing to the creation of a dormitory settlement with high levels of out-commuting.

The adoption of the Replacement Local Plan on 30^th March 2007 policy H/7 does not permit additional dwellings to be built outside the four main towns unless facilities for employment are included within or adjacent to the dwelling.

Mr Luckett suggested that this policy will restrict the number of ‘starter homes’ available outside the four main towns.

The letter from Knightstone Housing Association was considered by the Council. The idea of this scheme was to enable people with a close link to the Parish to be able to purchase a home, with assistance in the Parish. This concept is proving difficult to fulfil due to the high property costs within the Parish.

It was proposed that the restriction currently applying to the Knightstone Housing Association for distribution of Winscombe & Sandford Parish Council 106 agreement funds be changed to allow a purchase within a 5 mile radius of the Parish.

Proposed: Mrs A Brading Seconded: Miss B Roper

All in favour

194. WAR MEMORIAL RECREATION GROUND COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr A Forbes Annex 5

(Agenda item 13)

a.) Installation of Cricket Nets at WMRG – Mr P Searle, Winscombe Cricket Club Playing Committee

Mr Searle thanked the Council for the opportunity to address the meeting.

A history leading to this application was given and the Council advised that the youth section of the club had expanded from 70 children last year to a likely figure of 120 youth members this year. Ten ECB qualified coaches work with the children in limited practice areas making up five youth teams with a girls team planned for the next season.

Monies to install new cricket practice nets has been raised far quicker than anticipated, and with the support of the WMRG Committee and Parish Council, the Cricket Club would like to commence with the installation of the nets so that these may be used this season.

With WMRG Committee members, a location on the playing field at the site of the former cricket nets has been recommended as this is well away from other practice areas, children’s play areas and walkways. It would also tidy-up an overgrown section of the ground at no cost to the Parish Council.

The Parish Council approve the installation of new cricket nets in the recommended location

Proposed: Mr A Forbes Seconded: Mr J Westlake

All in favour

Mr Searle, as Cricket Club representative was thanked by the Parish Council for supporting youth in this sport.

It was noted that registration of the War Memorial Recreation Ground is now complete under freehold title ST 253358 and long leasehold title ST 254758. The deed dated 9^th March 1988 referred to on the Register is the deed between the Parish Council and the Tennis Club. These registrations are now the evidence of title and supersede the unregistered (pre-registration) title deeds.

195. PLAY AREA & SKATE PARK COMMITTEE REPORT – Mrs. A Brading

(Agenda item 14)

The new children’s play area at the War Memorial Recreation Ground is now being heavily used and lots of positive comments received in support of this along with requests for additional seating. The official opening of the area is to be held on Friday 4^th May 2007 at 10.00 am.

Three small separate incidents involving fire have been reported which police are now investigating. The field gate onto the Sidcot Rugby field has been secured with a chain and lock to prevent vehicles driving on to the training field.

196. ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. G Lloyd Annex 6

(Agenda item 15)

The minutes for the Environment Committee from the meeting dated 3^rd April 2007 were approved and signed as a correct record subject to an amendment being made to 15 b.) level 1 & 2 being replaced with level 2 & 3.

Proposed: Mrs P Cram Seconded: Mr A Forbes

All Committee members present were in favour

Mr Forbes spoke on the subject of a B.O.A.T application at Towerhead, Banwell and the interest of this Parish as this leads on to Ilex Lane.

The Parish Council object to this order being confirmed and should be represented by the Environment B.O.A.T sub-committee at the forthcoming public inquiry into the Towerhead modification order.

Proposed: Mr A Forbes Seconded: Mr S Bridges

All in favour

Min 12 ii) it was reported that an update on policy regarding ‘H’ markings on the carriageway was expected imminently from a NSC Officer.

The decisions of the Committee were considered and recommended for action by the Parish Council.

Proposed: Mrs. A Brading Seconded: Mrs P Cram

All in favour

197. AWARD LAND COMMITTEE REPORT – Mr. J Westlake Annex 7

(Agenda item 16)

The Mendip Warden arranging the installation of the information panel at the Award Land has not yet submitted a draft for final approval and the waste reported behind a wall will be discussed by the Committee at a future meeting along with the pointing of the wall.

The NSC Archaeologist has suggested that the forge may be covered and possibly have a chimney.

198. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

(Agenda item 17)

Parish Office Opening – Miss Roper suggested that it can be difficult for Parishioners to gain access to the Clerk during office opening hours due to Councillor attendance. This matter could be considered by the new Parish Council at a future date.

Sandford Village Hall – the Parish Council was thanked for past support of this village amenity.

The Brunch morning recently held at the hall proved to be a big success serving 100 people and raising over £300 for hall funds. Other fundraising efforts continue and include a Strawberry Tea to be held in June.

Mrs Cram proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for his efforts and hard work during the life of this Council. Numerous problems had been sorted and many achievements made.

Mr Sampson responded by thanking the vice-chairmen and Councillors for their continued support and said that he has been proud to be Chair of this Parish Council.

With no further business, the meeting concluded at 8.50 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.