Cutcombe
Parish Council
2007
ARCHIVE
JANUARY
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 16th January
2007 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Apologies for absence
2 Declarations of interest
3 To approve the minutes of the meetings
held on 19th December 2006, and any matters arising
4 Planning Applications and related business
4.1 Consideration of planning
applications
6/8/07/101LB Cutcombe C of E First School: Listed Building
Consent for a proposed kitchen/toilet; 6/8/07/102 Cutcombe
C of E First School Proposed kitchen/toilet extensions
4.2 To note ENP decisions on
previous applications
4.3 Other relevant matters
5 To consider highways and transport matters,
and related items
6 Review of Clerk’s Contract
7 Review of use of the Parish Council Noticeboards
8 Consultation re schools federations
9 Update on Parish Plan application
10 Debate on Unitary Authority Proposals
11 Update on ENPA Management Plan Consultation
12 Update on Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride Scheme
13 Finance
13.1 To consider a report on the accounts
to 31 December 2006
13.2 To consider requests for grants under
Section 137 from: Dorset &
Somerset Air Ambulance; Age Concern Somerset and St Margaret’s
Hospice (New Build Appeal)
13.3 To consider and, if approved, pay a
contribution towards the cost of printing a Snowdrop Valley
Park and Ride 2007 promotional leaflet
14
Correspondence and meetings
14.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence
received
14.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
14.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence
received
14.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings
attended
15 Any other business
Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16th
January 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Eric Clarbull, Linda Atkins, John
Davis, Maria Davies, Tim Gardner and Barry Shelley were present
as was Somerset County Councillor John Edwards
92.1
No apologies for absence.
92.2 There were no declarations of interest.
92.3 The minutes of the meeting held on
19th December were approved and signed by the Chairman as
a true record.
92.4 92.4.1 Planning Applications 6/8/07/101LB
and 6/8/07/102 Cutcombe C of E First School Proposed kitchen/toilet
extension: discussion of this application was deferred as
it is understood that the application is to be withdrawn or
substantially amended.
92.4.2 There were no ENPA decisions on previous applications
to note.
92.4.3 After a short debate Cllr Webber agreed to look into
a qualification question regarding local needs housing.
92.5 Cllr Atkins reported that she was to
take up Highways matters at Luckwell Bridge again and would
report back to Council.
Council expressed concern at the cost of repairs due to bad
workmanship. County Cllr John Edwards reported that he was
investigating issues relating to the quality of the work recently
completed at Drapers Way and other Highways issues relating
to quality control.
The Clerk reported that potholes at Trotsway Cross, Codsend
and Putham Lane had been reported to Highways who had promised
to investigate and repair as required in the near future.
At Council’s request she agreed to pursue the issue
of missing white lines and cat’s eyes on the B3224 and
blocked gulleys in Cutcombe and water flooding across the
road between Lype Corner and Couple Cross. She also reported
that she had been pursuing the matter of the use of low floor
buses on the Exford route with John Perrett of Somerset County
Council and would go back to him to arrange a further site
meeting when he has full details of the proposed works including
costs and timescale.
92.6 As requested by Council in October,
the Clerk reported on the hours which she had spent working
on Parish Council matters since taking up the post in March
and time spent in meetings, training and a conference day.
The Chairman and Vice-Chairman agreed to discuss the matter
and report back in February.
92.7 Council and the Clerk reported that
no one was aware of any issues relating to the current use
of the Parish Council noticeboards: the Clerk was managing
to display all suitable notices as per the policy agreed in
September 2006 and outlined on the noticeboards at Wheddon
Cross.
92.8
County Cllr John Edwards gave a positive report to Council
on meetings relating to the federation of Exford C of E V
C First School and Dulverton All Saints C of E V C First School
and Dulverton Middle & Community Schools. A short debate
ensued during which Cllr Webber pointed out that Federation
meant that individual schools retained their budgets, which
would not be so in the case in amalgamation, and he had been
reassured that no job losses would take place. Council expressed
faith in, and support for, the governors of Cutcombe and Timberscombe
schools and were certain that they would do their best endeavours
in achieving federation and hoped that this would broaden
the schools’ involvement with other local schools. Concern
was expressed, however, regarding the catchment areas for
Cutcombe and Timberscombe and it was agreed, if necessary,
to approach the County Council for assistance with this matter
so that a steady flow of children through Cutcombe/Timberscombe
school(s) could be achieved.
92.9 The Clerk read out a letter received
from the Community Council for Somerset in respect of Cutcombe’s
application for funding for the preparation of a Parish Plan.
In summary this said that Cutcombe met the criteria for funding
and had evidenced support from County and District Councils
and Exmoor National Park Authority and demonstrated a strong
community ethos, particularly with regard to the success of
the Moorland Hall. However Cutcombe needed to provide a more
detailed application, particularly with regard to project
costs and budget, by 31st March 2007. It was agreed that the
Clerk would arrange an open meeting in February and invite
Katy Calvert from the Community Council to outline the steps
involved and answer questions from parishioners. The Clerk
reported that she would be attending a Parish Plan workshop
with Cllr Atkins in Taunton on 3rd February.
92.10 Council was provided with a short summary of West Somerset
District Council’s correspondence regarding Local Government
Reorganisation which indicated that 45% (18/42) of the Parish/Town
Councils in Somerset had responded to a letter outlining three
possible options and that: 0% of respondees were in favour
of a single unitary authority; 16% were in favour of 2 unitary
authorities serving the whole of Somerset (based upon South
Somerset/Mendip and Sedgemoor/ Taunton Deane/West Somerset);
68% were in favour of enhanced two-tier working and 16% were
undecided. A briefing meeting for all Parish/Town Councils
had been arranged at Danesfield School on Friday 19th January
at 6.30 pm. Cllr Webber would attend and Cllr Davis hoped
to be in a position to attend. Somerset County Council’s
Business Case to create a Unitary Council for Somerset was
circulated to Council together with a brief timetable for
the process: the vote will be taken at a meeting of SCC on
22nd January. After some debate Council resolved by a majority,
with one abstention, to express its opposition to SCC’s
proposal to submit a business case to create a Single Unitary
Authority for Somerset
92.11
Consultation Draft of the ENP Management Plan 2007-2012: A
Sustainable future for Exmoor. The consultation period had
not been extended beyond 5th January but comments could be
submitted up to 31st January: the Clerk agreed to submit a
comment that Parish Council was most concerned with Section
H: Trends and Issues Affecting Exmoor’s People and Communities
and would continue to work closely with ENPA on the issues
outlined therein.
92.12 Cllr Clarbull reported on a positive open meeting
held on 10th January to discuss the future of the Snowdrop
Valley Park and Ride Scheme at which the community had agreed
in principle to work closely with ENPA to find a way forward
for future years. A Steering Group had been appointed to discuss
the issues involved with a view to monitoring the operation
of the Scheme during 2007. A further open public meeting had
been arranged for 8th March, 6.30 pm at the Moorland Hall.
Cllr Shelley reported that the joining up of the Coleridge
Way at Drapers Way and the top of the path adjoining Sir Robin’s
Path had not been completed although ENPA had indicated that
this would be done by the start of the Park and Ride Scheme.
The Clerk agreed to contact the ENPA with a view to arranging
a site meeting with Cllr Shelley to discuss the issues involved
and a timetable for the works.
92.13 92.13.1 The Finance Working Party reported on
a meeting earlier this month to review the PC’s accounts.
The Chairman wished to record a vote of thanks to the Clerk,
the ex-Clerk and the Working Party for prudently managing
the finances and ensuring that adequate funds would be available
for the new Council, after the May elections, to undertake
projects of benefit to the community during 2007/08.
92.13.2 Grants under section 137: Council resolved to award
the following grants: £50 to Dorset and Somerset Air
Ambulance; £50 to St Margaret’s Hospice New Build
Fund; £25 to Age Concern Somerset.
92.13.3 It was resolved to pay the sum of £50 as a contribution
to the cost of printing the Snowdrop Valley Park & Ride
promotional leaflet.
92.14 92.14.1 The Clerk reported on items of correspondence
received including a letter from the Trustees of the Moorland
Hall regarding dog excrement on the recreation ground which
had interrupted football matches. It was agreed that Cllrs
Atkins and Davis would meet with representatives of the Trustees
to investigate possible improved signage and information
to inform dog owners that there is a designated dog walking
area on the opposite side of the field to the car park. The
Clerk agreed to display a notice and insert an item in the
Parish magazine reminding local dog owners not to allow their
dogs onto the playing field.
Clr Davies agreed to attend a meeting on 21st February
at Brompton Regis relating to UK Ironman 2007. Other items
of correspondence circulated include Exmoor Local Access Forum
Annual Report 05/06; Rural Focus magazine; Opendoor (Magna
Housing); Update on the Regional Spatial Strategy for the
South West 06/26; Have Your Say regarding Taunton & Somerset
NHS Trust becoming a Foundation Trust;
Travelwise Railway Timetable for Somerset; ENPA Draft Consultation:
Exmoor Guidelines for the Management of Game Birds in the
National Park; Environment Agency, Wessex North Area: Flood
Incident Management Calendar.
92.14.2 The Clerk had no attendance at meetings to report.
92.14.3 Council had no correspondence received to report.
92.14.3 92.14.3 Cllr Atkins reported that she had attended
a Patient Group Meeting In December at Brushford which had
been poorly attended. The next meeting is in March at The
Moorland Hall and she will use her best endeavours to see
that everyone is informed of this meeting and hopefully boost
attendance.The next meeting is in March at The Moorland Hall
and she will use her best endeavours to see that everyone
is informed of this meeting and hopefully boost attendance.
92.15 Cllr Shelley raised a problem which had occurred
at Wheddon Cross Public Toilets when Cleanaway had had to
be called in.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.35 pm.
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be at 7.30 pm
on Tuesday 20th February in the Moorland Hall.
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FEBRUARY
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 20th February
2007at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Apologies for absence
2 Declarations of interest
3 To approve the minutes of the meetings
held on 16th January 2007, and any matters arising
4 Report on Local Policing Matters: WPCSO
Sue Hurley
5 Planning Applications and related business
5.1 Planning Consultation
6/40/07/102 Erection of one wooden pole (in accordance with
Town & Country Planning [General Permitted Development]
Order 1995 Part 24), Beechdale House, Exford (BT Openreach)
5.2 To note ENP decisions on
previous applications
5.3 Other relevant matters
6 To consider highways and transport matters,
and related items
6.1
To consider and, if approved resolve to enter into, a Licence
Agreement between Somerset County Council and Cutcombe
Parish Council regarding a Wheddon Cross village name sign.
6.2
Other highways matters
7 Parish Council Elections May 2007
8 Update on Parish Plan Application
9 Revisions to the Model Code of Conduct
on Standards:
Clerk’s Report and Consultation Process
10 Report on Wheddon Cross Toilets: WSC
11 Annual review of Clerk’s Contract
12 Finance
12.1 To consider and, if approved, pay retrospectively
an EDF Energy Bill for electricity at Wheddon Cross Toilets
for £255.59.
12.2 Appointment of external auditor for
Cutcombe PC.
13
Correspondence and meetings
13.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence
received
13.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
13.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence
received
13.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings
attended
14 Any other business and items for the next Agenda
Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 20th February
2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Eric Clarbull, Linda Atkins, John
Davis, Maria Davies, Tim Gardner and Barry Shelley were present
as was Somerset County Councillor John Edwards and two parishioners.
93.1
No apologies for absence.
93.2 There were no declarations of interest.
93.3 The minutes of the meeting held on
16th January were approved and signed by the Chairman as a
true record. Matters arising: 92.4.3: Cllr Webber reported
that he had been in touch with ENPA’s Chief Planning
Officer but had nothing yet to report; 92.10: Cllr Webber
reported on the vote at the meeting for Parish/Town Councils
at which WSDC voted not to support SCC’s proposal for
a unitary authority; 92.12: the joining up path between the
Coleridge Way and the top of Sir Robin’s Path had been
completed but not cleared for use: Cllr Shelley to meet with
ENPA Ranger to look into; 92.14.1: Cllrs Atkins & Davis
had not yet met with a representative of the Moorland Hall
Committee but this meeting would take place in the near future.
93.4 WPCSO Sue Hurley reported on local
policing matters: she was pleased to report that there had
been no serious crime or traffic incidents in the Parish since
1st December; Sgt David Butter was to take up the post of
Rural Sergeant from 26/02 working out of Dulverton Police
Station twice a week; no Beat Officer had yet been appointed
to replace PC Sheldon Horn. Co Cllr Edwards requested a list
of all police contacts for the Exmoor/Dulverton areas which
WPCSO Hurley agreed to compile and pass on and she also agreed
to look into problems at Luckwell Bridge: visibility when
joining the B3224 and the problem of trials bikes using the
Restricted Byway. Her presence in Cutcombe on foot patrol
was noted and commended.
93.5. 93.5.1 Planning Consultation 6/40/07/102
Erection of one wooden pole (in accordance with Town &
Country Planning [general Permitted Devt] Order 1995 Pt 24)
Beechdale House, Exford: BT OpenReach: Council would like
a response to be sent to ENPA pointing out that underground
lines would always be preferable to overhead.
93.5.2 6/8/06/114 Putham Farm: Erection of kitchen extension
and weather porch (full): granted subject to timber framed
doors & windows; 6/8/06/115 (full): Park Lane Bungalow,
Higher Park Lane, Erection of conservatory: granted subject
to timber frame and timber doors.
93.5.3 Cllr Webber reported that he hoped to be able to report
on progress in relation to the market site at the Annual Parish
Meeting of Electors on 29/03/07.
93.6
93.6.1 Council considered the Proposed Licence Agreement between
the Director for Environment and Property (SCC) and Cutcombe
PC. The Clerk agreed to check Clause 2(d) in respect of Council’s
insurance and report back at the March meeting.
93.6.2 Cllrs Webber and Atkins & Co Cllr Edwards agreed
to take up various Highways matters including those at Luckwell
Bridge and report back to Council. Items reported to be taken
up: Putham Lane needs resurfacing (not patching up); Ashwell
Lane: quality control should be monitored; potholes at Cutcombe:
some have been filled in, not others, overall standard of
workmanship poor; Draper’s Way: the new surface is already
wearing away. It was reported that missing white lines and
side lines on the B3224 are in the budget for being painted
and also centre lining at the Round House; damaged chevron
on Cutcombe Hill has been repaired. Co Cllr Edwards is to
meet with Sonia Davidson in the near future with regard to
Highways matters and he reported that he had been following
up various items including speed signs and visibility problems
at Beulah Chapel. It was agreed to put an item on the Agenda
for a future Exmoor Panel Meeting regarding the lack of delivery
by SCC/WS Atkins on Highways matters.
93.7 The Clerk reported that she had received
a Democracy Pack of material for local use in promoting the
Elections to be held on Thursday 3rd May 2007, notices of
which will be displayed locally by 27th March; last date and
time for nomination is 12 noon Wednesday 4th April. It was
brought to Council’s attention that legislation bringing
in the candidacy at age 18 is effective for these elections
onwards.
93.8 The Clerk reported that 18 people had
attended the Parish Plan meeting on 12th February, with 2
apologies for absence. Further information on producing a
Parish Plan would be available at the Annual Parish Meeting
of Electors on 29/03. Cllr Atkins and the Clerk would be attending
a workshop on completing a Parish Plan application to be held
at Creech St Michael on 17/03.
93.9 The Clerk circulated a summary to Council
of the proposed amendments to the Model Code of Conduct for
Local Authority Members: deadline for responses to the consultation
being 09/03. Council’s particular concern was in respect
of the disclosure of confidential information and it will
seek clarification on this point.
93.10 The Clerk read out a letter from WSC and Hi-Tec
Drains’ report on the Wheddon Cross toilets. Cllr Shelly
has asked the cleaning contractor to comply with the requirements
of WSC with regard to blockages and flooding problems and
the Clerk agreed to follow this up in writing.
93.11 The Clerk read out a summary of hours spent during
her first year in the post, including additional time spent
on extra-Parish Council matters such as Snowdrop Valley Park
and Ride and the proposed Parish Plan application. Council
resolved to pay the extra-PC hours and expenses incurred and
indicated that the Clerk’s contract would be reviewed
by the new Council after the May elections.
93.12
93.12.1 Council resolved to pay the bill for EDF Energy for
electricity at Wheddon Cross toilets in the sum of £255.59.
93.12.2 Council resolved to appoint Moore Stephens as auditor
to Cutcombe Parish Council for the financial year 2006/07
as outlined in a proposal from the Audit Commission dated
09/02.
93.13 93.13.1 The Clerk had circulated a list of correspondence
received to Council prior to the meeting. Council discussed
the Parish Champion scheme as posted on the noticeboard amongst
other items of correspondence.
93.13.2 The Clerk reported on a meeting of the Snowdrop Valley
Park and Ride Steering Group on 01/02 and a meeting regarding
Broadband in Villages which had taken place at the Moorland
Hall on 20/02.
93.13.3 None to report.
93.13.4 None to report.
93.14
Agenda item for March: the possibility of the Parish Council
promoting an Award for a Parish Group.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.35 pm. The
next meeting of the Parish Council will be at 7.30 pm on Tuesday
20th March in the Moorland Hall.
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MARCH
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 20th March
2007at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the Parish Council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Apologies for absence
2 Declarations of interest
3 To approve the minutes of the meetings
held on 20th February 2007, and any matters arising
4 Planning Applications and related business
4.1 To consider planning applications
4.2 To note ENP decisions on previous
applications
4.3 Other relevant matters
5 To consider highways and transport matters,
and related items
5.1 To consider and, if approved
resolve to enter into, a Licence Agreement between Somerset
County Council and Cutcombe Parish Council regarding
a Wheddon Cross village name sign.
5.2 Other highways matters
6 Annual Parish Meeting of Electors 29/03/07
7 Local Elections: nomination paper pack &
timetable
for all Councillors
8 To consider the awarding of an annual Parish
Council Award in recognition of the work of a Local Group
9 Local Government Review: Written Update from
Tim Howes WSDC
10 Finance
10.1 To consider and, if approved, pay the
Clerk’s salary (£377.55) and expenses (£330.91).
10.2 To consider and, if approved, pay the
annual Affiliation Fee to the Somerset Association of Local
Councils in the sum of £86.47.
10.3 Wheddon Cross Toilets Reconciliation.
10.4 To pay an invoice from Wessex Water
in the sum of £878.11 for water supply at Wheddon Cross
toilets
10.5 To consider and, if approved, pay an
invoice from the Moorland Hall and Recreation Ground in the
sum of £48.00 for hire of the Committee Room for Parish
Council meetings and a Parish
Plan meeting.
10.6 To consider a request from the Snowdrop
Valley Park & Ride Scheme Steering Group for financial
help with the preparation of a bid to the Sustainable Development
Fund.
11 Correspondence and meetings
11.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence
received
11.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
11.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence
received
11.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings
attended
12 Any other business and items for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 20th March 2007 at
the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Eric Clarbull, Linda Atkins, John
Davis, Maria Davies, Tim Gardner and Barry Shelley were present
as was one parishioner.
94.1
Apology for absence was accepted from County Councillor John
Edwards.
94.2 Cllr Clarbull declared a personal interest
in item 10.5 as Chairman of the Moorland Hall & Recreation
Ground Committee.
94.3 The minutes of the meeting held on
20th February were approved and signed by the Chairman as
a true record. Matters arising: 93.3: Cllr Webber reported
that he had still not heard from ENPA Chief Planning Officer
with regard to 93.4.3.
94.4 94.4.1 There were no planning applications
for consideration.
94.4.2 There were no ENPA decisions on previous applications
to report.
94.4.3 The Clerk reported that she had been in touch with
ENPA regarding concerns expressed with regard to works at
Langham and was awaiting a reply.
94.5. 94.5.1 The Clerk reported that she had spoken
with Council’s insurers regarding the redundant Wheddon
Cross sign. Whilst cover is in place for public and employer’s
liability an additional premium would be required to cover
accidental damage to the sign. After a debate Council decided
that by its very nature the sign could not be replaced like
for like and therefore would not place a replacement value
on it. Council resolved to enter into the Licence Agreement
with Somerset County Council regarding the sign.
94.5.2 Cllr Webber reported that he had inspected the work
at Ashwell Lane and Drapers Way with Co Cllr Edwards and the
latter would be reporting back to Highways. Ashwell Lane appears
to be unfinished. The Exmoor Area Panel Meeting will be debating
Highways issues at its next meeting. Cllr Gardner suggested
that it would be useful to have an indication from Highways
of their proposed works over the next year and the Clerk agreed
to follow up this suggestion. Cllr Atkins agreed to follow
up various other Highways matters including water from the
bridleway at Drapers Way, below the Coleridge Way junction
and potholes in Cutcombe, at Lype Corner and Drapers Way.
The Clerk had reported the dangerously loose sign on Cutcombe
Hill.
94.6 The Agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting
of Electors on Thursday 29th March 2007 is now set and approved.
94.7 All Councillors were reminded of the
forthcoming elections in May and nomination packs were distributed.
94.8
Cllr Webber reported that he had attended WSDC’s ceremony
with regard to the Parish Champions scheme which had been
a success. Council decided to raise the matter of a Parish
Champion scheme for Cutcombe at the APME on 29th March and
ask parishioners for nominations.
94.9 The Clerk read out a letter from Tim
Howes, WSDC regarding the Local Government Review. Council
resolved to write to the Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP expressing its
concern at the lack of information and consultation with regard
to the Unitary Council Submission by Somerset County Council.
Cllr Webber reported on the meeting in London to hand in a
petition and reported that some Parishes are writing and asking
for a referendum on the matter in view of the fact that none
of the Parishes who had responded to WSDC’s questionnaire
had supported the single unitary option.
94.10 94.10.1 Council resolved to pay the Clerk’s
quarterly salary of £377.55 and expenses of £330.91.
94.10.2 Council resolved to pay the annual Affiliation Fee
of £86.47 to the Somerset Association of Local Councils.
94.10.3 Council noted the annual Wheddon Cross Toilets Reconciliation
figures with WSDC and the RPI increase for 2007/08.
94.10.4 Council resolved to pay the invoice from Wessex Water
in the sum of £878.11 for the Wheddon Cross toilets.
94.10.5 Council resolved to pay the invoice from the Moorland
Hall and Recreation Ground Committee in the sum of £48
for hall hire for meetings.
94.10.6 Council agreed in principle to give financial support
for someone to prepare a funding bid to the Sustainable Development
Fund for the continuation of the Snowdrop Valley Park &
Ride Scheme. It was proposed that a meeting be arranged with
ENPA before the next Parish Council meeting to discuss preparation
of a bid so that the time required could be assessed more
accurately.
94.11 94.11.1 Council debated various items of correspondence
received including a request for a local collector for the
League of Friends of Minehead & West Somerset Hospital,
as advertised on the noticeboard and in the Parish Magazine;
the next Exmoor Panel Meeting on 22nd March to be held at
the Moorland Hall; and letters of introduction from Christine
Miles, Planning Officer for WSDC and Timeke Tammes, Liaison
Officer between Somerset County Council and West Somerset
with a specific remit to help deliver the Local Area Agreement.
94.11.2 The Clerk reported on the Snowdrop Valley Meeting
which had taken place on 8th March at which it had been agreed
to approach the Parish Council with regard to 94.10.6.
94.11.3 No correspondence received by Councillors to report.
94.11.4 Cllr Atkins reported positively on a Parish Plan Workshop
which she had attended with the Clerk on 17th March. Cllrs
Davies and
Atkins reported that the Patients’ Group Open Meeting
to discuss the Choose and Book system had been well attended,
useful and interesting. Cllr Davies reported that she had
attended the meeting for Ironman 2007 which had been well
organized and informative: she had been the only Parish Councillor
present. The event is to be expanded this year, the number
of entrants already being up by 400.
94.12 Cllr Shelley reported that he had spoken with
Patrick Watts-Abbot, ENPA Ranger, who had indicated that the
link up path between the Coleridge Way and the path adjoining
Sir Robin’s Path was not going to be put into a further
finished state. The Clerk reported that in her opinion there
was still some clearing to be done in order to make the path
safer and she would contact the Head ENPA Ranger with a view
to discussing this matter. Cllr Shelley further reported on
a fire at the Wheddon Cross toilets; both himself and the
Clerk had been in touch with WSDC on this matter and Cllr
Shelley had a meeting arranged with them to discuss renovations
and repairs on 21st March.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.25 pm.
The next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place
at 7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall on Tuesday 17th April.
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Cutcombe Parish Council
Annual
Parish Meeting
All
local government electors in the parish are invited to the
Annual Parish Meeting for Cutcombe which will be held in the
Moorland Hall on Thursday 29th March 2007 at 7.30 pm
or as soon thereafter as public questions and statements are
concluded
Refreshments
and the minutes of last year’s meeting will be available
from 7 pm.
AGENDA
- Apologies
for absence
- To
approve the minutes of last year’s Annual Parish
Meeting held on 29th March 2006 and any matters arising
therefrom
- Report
by Sean Walsh (Chairman of Governors) on Cutcombe First
School
- Parish
Council Chairman’s Report
- Talk
by Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance
- Forthcoming
Parish Council Elections
- Parish
Plan Application
- The
Joyce Charity
- The
West Charity
Minutes of the Annual Cutcombe Parish Meeting of Electors
held on Thursday 29 March 2007at 7.30 pm
at the Moorland Hall
- There
were 28 parishioners present. Apologies were received
from County Councillor John Edwards, Charles Woolmer,
Enid Mantin and Wendy Schofield.
- Cllr
Roger Webber welcomed those present to the meeting. The
minutes of the meeting held on 29 March 2006 were approved
(with one spelling change at item 1: change John Troughton
to Jon Trouton) and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
There were no matters arising.
- Mr
Graham Deasy from the Devon and Somerset Air Ambulance
gave an interesting presentation on the history and work
of the service.
- Sean
Walsh, Chairman of the Board of Governors for Cutcombe
First School gave a summary of events over the past year.
The recent federation with Timberscombe is seen as a positive
step for both schools who will be sharing resources, activities
and the joint aim of providing 4/5-9 year olds with the
best possible education locally. He thanked everyone for
the support received from parents, the Parish Council,
the community and Sheralee Matravers for all her work
with the Dunkery Pre-School and his staff and fellow governors
for all their hard work. It is anticipated that the roll
at September 2007 will increase to 31. A new Key Stage
2 teacher is to be recruited due to retirement.
- Cllr
Webber gave his report as Chairman of the Parish Council
and outlined events and changes over the past year including
Highways matters, Planning issues, the future of the Snowdrop
Valley Park and Ride Scheme, policing and vandalism in
the Parish and financial matters. He thanked his fellow
Councillors and the Clerk for their hard work over the
past year.
- District
and Parish Council elections are to take place on Thursday
3rd May 2007 and Cllr Webber expressed his hope that Cutcombe
would be in a position to apply for Quality Parish Status
in the near future. The Clerk outlined procedural matters
and the timetable.
- A
short discussion ensued on the proposed Parish Plan application
and a proposal to distribute a questionnaire in the Parish
to gauge interest in preparing the Plan before a funding
bid is submitted. Having a Parish Plan in place could
be of great benefit to the community particularly in view
of the proposed changes in Local Government.
- Cllr
Webber gave a report on the Joyce Charity which had distributed
£750 to 11 parishioners over the past year.
- Cllr
Webber gave a report on the West Charity which had distributed
£380 to 9 parishioners in need on the grounds of
ill health or age in 2006.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.
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APRIL
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 17th April 2007at
7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions and statements
are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a
maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Apologies for absence
2 Declarations of interest
3 To approve the minutes of the meetings
held on 20th March 2007, and any matters arising
4 Report on local policing matters by
WPCSO Sue Hurley
5 Planning Applications and related business
5.1 6/8/07/103 Erection of individual
wind turbines and solar panels to each dwelling: 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 8 Bouverie Close, Wheddon Cross.
5.2 To note ENP decisions on previous
applications
5.3 Other relevant matters
6 To consider highways and transport matters,
and related items
6.1
Parish Council Survey of Highway Related Matters y/end 31/03/07
6.2
Other highways matters
7 Report on the Annual Parish Meeting
of Electors 29/03/07
8 Local Elections
9 To consider the appointment of a trustee
to the Joyce Charity
10 Somerset County Council’s Unitary Proposals
11 Finance
11.1 To consider and, if approved, resolve
to pay the annual subscription to the Community Council
for Somerset in the sum of £25.00
12 Correspondence and meetings
12.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence
received
12.2 Clerk’s report on meetings
attended
12.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence
received
12.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings
attended
13 Any other business and items for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 17th April 2007
at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Eric Clarbull, John Davis, Tim
Gardner and Barry Shelley were present as was County Councillor
John Edwards and two parishioners.
95.1
Apology for absence was accepted from Cllrs Linda Atkins
and Maria Davies.
95.2 Cllr Webber declared a personal interest
in item 5.1 as he would be able to see the wind turbines
from his farm and item 10 as he is standing for West Somerset
Council in the forthcoming elections.
95.3 The minutes of the meeting held on
20th March were approved and signed by the Chairman as a
true record. Matters arising: 94.5.2: Co Cllr John Edwards
reported that he had been in correspondence with Somerset
County Council with regard to Highways’ quality control
and had been informed that the contractors sign off and
monitor their own work: he is awaiting a reply to a subsequent
letter on this point and has also taken up the matter of
the trees being cut back at Beulah Chapel.
95.4 WPCSO Sue Hurley reported that there
had been little crime in the local area and that a local
beat officer had yet to be appointed. Council discussed
local petty crime issues and WPCSO Hurley agreed to follow
these up.
95.5 95.5.1 6/8/07/103 Erection of individual
wind turbines and solar panels to each dwelling: 2, 3, 4,
5, 6, 8 Bouverie Close, Wheddon Cross. After a debate Council
resolved not to support this application, notwithstanding
that it is, in principle, in favour of renewable energy
measures. Concern was expressed regarding the potential
noise and visual impact of the individual wind turbines;
the setting of a precedent should permission be granted
and further information was requested regarding the efficiency
of 6 individual wind turbines.
95.5.2 No ENP decisions on previous applications had been
received.
95.5.3 No other planning matters were raised.
95.6 95.6.1 The Parish/Town Council Questionnaire
for Highway Related Services y/end 31/03/07, was debated
and the Clerk instructed to complete and submit the questionnaire.
95.6.2 Co Cllr John Edwards agreed to look into the possibility
of a sign being erected at Wheddon Cross crossroads to warn
drivers from Taunton that they should not attempt to turn
left or right at the junction and to arrange a meeting regarding
drainage on Drapers Way.
The Clerk reported that the Licence with Somerset County
Council in relation to the Wheddon Cross Village Sign was
now in force.
95.7 Cllr Webber gave a short summary
of the Annual Parish Meeting of Electors held on 29/03/07,
draft minutes of which are available on the village website.
95.8
The Clerk reported that seven people had been nominated
as Parish Councillors for Cutcombe and that a Notice of
Uncontested Election had been received from the Returning
Officer. Cllr Webber thanked
Cllr Shelley for his services over the past years and all
Councillors for their work over the last four years.
95.9 Cllr Webber was proposed, seconded
and duly elected to continue as a Trustee of the Joyce Charity.
95.10 Council debated correspondence received from
Somerset County Council and West Somerset Council with regard
to Somerset’s proposal to become a Unitary Authority
which is now open for stakeholder consultation and discussion
with Parish Councils. It was agreed that the Keep Somerset
Local petition would be displayed on the Parish Council
noticeboards so that anyone wishing for further information
could contact the Clerk. Cllr Webber reported on a meeting
he had attend 16/04 with the County Council to discuss their
proposal.
95.11 95.11.1 Council resolved to pay the annual subscription
to the Community Council for Somerset in the sum of £25.00.
95.12 95.12.1 The Clerk had circulated a list of correspondence
received prior to the meeting.
95.12.2 The Clerk had no attendances at meetings to report.
95.12.3 No correspondence received by Councillors to report.
95.12.4 No further meetings attended reported by Councillors.
95.13 Cllr Shelley reported on Somerset County Council’s
Environment Directorate Rights of Way Network Management
Survey of Rights of Way in the Parish. The Clerk agreed
to complete the Survey documentation in accordance with
Cllr Shelley’s report and submit it by 30/04/07.There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.25 pm.
The next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place
at 7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall on Tuesday 26th April and
subsequently on Tuesday 15th May 2007.
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Thursday 26th April 2007
at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions and
statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a
maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
- Apologies
for absence
- Declarations
of interest
-
Planning Applications and related business 3.1 Consideration
of planning applications: 6/8/07/104 Little Brendon
Hill Farm, Wheddon Cross 1) Change of use of hay store
to 3 stables; 2) Extension to form hay/feed store; 3)
Erection of porch on dwelling house
Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday
26th April 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Eric Clarbull, Maria Davies, John Davis, Tim
Gardner were present. Cllr Clarbull took the Chair on this
occasion.
96.1
An apology for absence was accepted from Cllr Roger Webber
as he had declared a personal interest in item 3 as his
farmland adjoins Little Brendon Hill Farm.
96.2 See above.
96.3 Consideration of planning application
6/8/07/104 Little Brendon Hill Farm, Wheddon Cross
1) Change of use of hay store to 3 stables; 2) Extension
to form hay/feed store; 3) Erection of porch on dwelling
house
After debate Council resolved unanimously to support this
application but expressed concern that, should permission
be granted for item 1) of the application, there would be
a disproportionate number of stables in relation to grazing
land at the property. No comments with regard to items 2)
and 3).
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 8.00 pm.
The next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will be the
Annual Parish Council Meeting and will take place at 7.30
pm in the Moorland Hall on Tuesday 15th May 2007.
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MAY
2007
Annual
Parish Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday
15th May 2007 at 7.30 pm at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Election of Chairman and Receipt of Chairman’s Declaration
of Acceptance of Office and Acceptance of The Code of Conduct
2 Election of Vice-Chairman
and Receipt of Chairman’s Declaration of Acceptance
of Office and Acceptance of The Code of Conduct
3 Receipt of Individual
Councillor’s Declaration of Acceptance of Office and
Acceptance of the Code of Conduct
4 Apologies for Absence
5 Declarations of Interest
6 To approve the minutes
of the meeting held on 17th April 2007 and any matters arising
7 To approve the minutes
of the meeting held on 26th April 2007 and any matters arising
8 Planning Applications
8.1
Consideration of planning applications
8.1.1 6/8/07/105 Gunns Farm, Luckwell Bridge: Replacement
of existing agricultural building (42m2)
8.1.2 6/8/07/106LB Lypefoot, Wheddon Cross. Listed Building
Consent for a pitched roof extension and cladding of metal
carport (retrospective)
8.2 To note ENP decisions
on previous applications
8.3 Other relevant matters
9 To consider highways
and transport and related items
10 To decide on areas of responsibility
for individual Council members as well as attendance at external
bodies
11 To elect a Finance Sub-Committee,
a Chairman and Members for the Grievance & Disciplinary
Procedures Committee and the Appeals Committee
12 To consider nominations for a Parish
member to be appointed to the Exmoor National Park Authority
13 To consider nominations for a Parish
Councillor to serve on the West Somerset District Council
Standards Committee
14 To set dates for meetings for the
remainder of 2007
15 To consider and, if approved, resolve
to formally adopt the mandatory Model Code of Conduct 2007
including para. 12(2).
16 To consider and, if approved, resolve
to change paras 46 and 57 of Standing Orders in order to comply
with the Revised Model Code of Conduct
17 Update on Somerset County Council’s
Proposal to create a Unitary Council for Somerset: Secretary
of State’s Consultation
18 Items for the Agenda for the Exmoor
Consultative and Parish Forum to be held on Wednesday 13th
June 2007, ENP 6.30 pm
19 Local Development Framework Consultation
20 NHS Foundation Trust Application:
Consultation Document
21 Finance
21.1
To approve the appointment of Colin Stevenson as Internal
Auditor for the Council
21.2 To consider the Annual Return for the
year ended 31st March 2007
21.3 To note the Statement of Accounts for
the last financial year, to approve the accounts and to authorize
the Chairman to sign them
21.4 To note the Statement of Assurance,
to approve it and to authorize the Chairman and Clerk to sign
it
21.5 To note the comments of the Internal Auditor
on the Return
21.6 To consider and, if approved, pay the
annual insurance premium from Allianz Cornhill in the sum
of £560.82.
21.7 To formally change the list of signatories
to the Council’s National Westminster Bank in line with
the new Council
21.8 To consider and, if approved, pay an
invoice from the Moorland Hall & Recreation Ground in
the sum of £20.50 for the hire of rooms for meetings
21.9 To consider and, if approved, book
a place on a Training Event for New Councillors at £20
per individual
21.10 Parish Council to note the RPI increase applicable
to its contract for 2007/08 with WSDC and approve the payment
of £3892.44 to Jonathan Webber for the cleaning contract
for the financial year 2007/08
22
Correspondence and Meetings
22.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence
received
22.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
22.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence
received
22.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings
attended
Minutes of the Annual Parish Council Meeting held at 7.30pm
on Tuesday 15th May 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Eric Clarbull, Linda Atkins, Maria
Davies, John Davis, Tim Gardner and Susie Sanders were present.
97.1
Councillor Webber was unanimously elected Chairman of the
Parish Council for the coming year and signed the Declaration
of Office and Acceptance of the Code of Conduct.
97.2 Cllr Atkins was unanimously elected
Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council and signed the Declaration
of office and Acceptance of the Code of Conduct. Cllr Webber
thanked Cllr Clarbull for his services as Vice-Chairman over
the past few years.
97.3 Cllrs Clarbull, Davies, Davis, Gardner
and Sanders each signed the Declaration of Office and Acceptance
of the Code of Conduct.
97.4 There were no apologies for acceptance
from Cllrs. WPCSO Sue Hurley had sent a message to say that
she was unable to attend tonight’s meeting.
97.5 There were no Declarations of Interest.
97.6 The minutes of the meeting held on
17th April 2007 were unanimously accepted as a true record
and signed by the Chairman.
97.7 The minutes of the meeting held on
26th April 2007 were unanimously accepted as a true record
and signed by the Chairman.
97.8 Planning Applications
97.8.1.1 6/8/07/105 Gunns Farm, Luckwell Bridge: replacement
of existing agricultural building 42m2: after a short debate
Council resolved to support this application as an improvement
to the site.
97.8.1.2 6/8/07/106LB & 6/8/07/107 Lypefoot, Wheddon Cross:
Listed Building Consent & Planning Consent for a pitched
roof extension and cladding of metal carport (retrospective):
Council resolved to arrange for a site visit as soon as possible
and debate on this application was therefore deferred until
after the visit.
97.8.2 Council noted the receipt of outline planning consent
for 6/8/06/108 Paddock adjoining Carrick, Higher Park Lane,
Cutcombe: two affordable local needs houses.
97.8.3 Council expressed concern at the work which had been
carried out at Langham, Wheddon Cross (Planning Application
6/8/05/111) and the Clerk agreed to write to ENPA on this
matter.
97.9 It was agreed to defer the discussion
of Highways matters until the June 19th meeting after Cllr
Atkins had had a chance to meet with
Roy Takle. The Clerk reported on several items: a) an e-mail
from Paul Hawkins, ENPA relating to the Restricted Byways
Consultation (Putham Lane): further consultations are currently
on hold and awaiting clarification from Somerset County Council
regarding legal issues; the bridleway top of Putham Lane:
over the next two months a trial is
to be carried out using a finely crushed stone surface bonded
onto the bedrock to improve the slippery surface; b) Temporary
Road Closure Armoor Lane, Exton & Brompton Regis: 2 weeks
starting 21/05/07: diversion via Heathpoult Cross (B3224);
c) Surface Dressing Programme 2007 (leaflet): Steart Lane
and Part Drapers Way to be Surface Dressed early June;
d) e-mail from West Somerset Highways saying that a programme
of maintenance for the next twelve months is not available:
the Clerk to progress this further.
97.10 The Clerk read out a list of individual portfolio
areas and external bodies at which attendance is preferable:
Councillors agreed to defer any decisions until the next meeting.
97.11 Cllrs Clarbull and Gardner were unanimously elected
to the Finance Sub-Committee; Cllr Clarbull was unanimously
elected as Chairman, and Cllrs Atkins and Gardner as Members,
of the Grievance & Disciplinary Procedures Committee;
Cllr Webber was unanimously elected as Chairman, and Cllrs
Davis and Sanders as Members, of the Appeals Committee.
97.12 After a short debate it was unanimously resolved
to nominate
Cllr Atkins as a Parish member to be appointed to the ENPA.
97.13 After a short debate it was unanimously resolved
to nominate
Cllr J Davis as a Parish Councillor to serve on the WSDC Standards
Committee.
97.14 It was decided to keep future Parish Council monthly
meetings to the third Tuesday in each month for the remainder
of 2007, with the exception of December which was brought
forward to 11th due to the proximity of the 18th to the Christmas
and New Year holidays.
97.15 It was decided to defer discussion of the new
Model Code of Conduct 2007 until after Council had received
training in the new Code.
97.16 The debate on changing Standing Orders is therefore
also deferred in the light of the decision minuted at 97.15.
97.17 The Clerk circulated documentation from WSDC and
Somerset County Council regarding the latter’s bid to
form a Single Unitary Authority and read out a relevant letter
from a parishioner. The Clerk agreed to summarise previous
debates and circulate to Members so that an answer to the
Somerset Association of Local Councils’ Stakeholder
Consultation Document could be formulated at the next meeting.
97.18 After a short debate the Clerk agreed to formulate
an Agenda Item relating to ENPA’s staffing re-alignment
vis-à-vis communication with Parishes and the management
of ENPA staff morale. Cllr Sanders and the Clerk agreed
to attend the meeting on 13th June.
97.19 The Local Development Framework Consultation (Sedgemoor
DC, Taunton Deane Borough Council and WSDC) document was in
circulation for comments by 21/06/07.
97.20 The NHS Foundation Trust Application: Consultation
Document was debated; Council is of a mind to support but
will debate more fully after Cllr Atkins has attended a meeting
on 24th May and reported back.
97.21 97.21.1 Colin Stevenson was unanimously appointed
as Internal Auditor for the Council.
97.21.2 The Annual Return for the year ended 31st March 2007
was considered by Council.
97.21.3 The Statement of Accounts for the last financial year
was noted and the accounts authorized by Council and signed
by the Chairman.
97.21.4 The Statement of Assurance (Annual Governance
Statement) was noted and approved and Council authorized the
Chairman and the Clerk to sign it.
97.21.5 The comments of the Internal Auditor on the Annual
Return were noted.
97.21.6 It was resolved to pay the annual insurance premium
from Allianz Cornhill in the sum of £560.82.
97.21.7 Change of Signatories to PC’s bank Account:
It was agreed to defer this item until the next meeting due
to time constraints.
97.21.8 It was resolved to pay an invoice from the Moorland
Hall & Recreation Ground in the sum of £20.50 for
the hire of meeting rooms.
97.21.9 It was resolved to book 3 training places for
new Councillors at a cost of £40 (£20 each but
3 for the price of 2).
97.21.10 Council noted the RPI increase applicable to its
contract for 2007/08 with WSDC and approved the payment of
£3892.44 to Jonathan Webber for the cleaning contract
for 2007/08, payable in twelve equal instalments.
97.22 97.22.1 The Clerk had circulated a list of correspondence
received to Council before the meeting, many of the items
having already been debated during the meeting and already
circulated to Council.
97.22.2, 97.22.3, 97.22.4: meetings & correspondence:
these items deferred to the next meeting.
97.23 Other business: The Clerk was asked to arrange
a meeting with Council and WSDC regarding the state of the
recycling bins in the car park at the Rest and Be thankful
Inn, Wheddon Cross.
Due
to the high volume of business it was agreed to arrange an
extraordinary meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council on Wednesday
6th June in addition to the usual monthly Parish Council meeting
which will take place on Tuesday 19th June. Both meeting will
start at 7.30 pm and take place in the Moorland Hall.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.25 pm.
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JUNE
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Wednesday 6th June 2007
at 7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall
Note:
Planning Application 6.1.2 6/8/07/109 The Rest & Be Thankful
Inn, Wheddon Cross: Extensions & alterations, landscaping
works including two storey extension will be available at
this meeting from 7pm and the applicant will be present in
order to answer any questions. The planning application will
be discussed by Council at its meeting on 19th June, the plans
will also be available to view at this meeting.
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the Parish Council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Apologies for Absence
2 Declarations of Interest:
Update of Register Forms
3 Planning Applications
3.1
Consideration of Planning Application
8.1.2
6/8/07/106LB Lypefoot, Wheddon Cross. Listed Building Consent
for a pitched roof extension and cladding of metal carport
(retrospective)
4 To decide on areas of
responsibility for individual Council members as well as attendance
at external bodies
5 To vote for Parish members
to be appointed to the Exmoor National Park Authority
6 To vote for Parish Councillors
to serve on the West Somerset District Council Standards Committee
7 To debate and complete
the Consultation Stakeholder Document from the Somerset Association
of Local Councils regarding Council’s Views on Somerset
County Council’s Proposal to create a Single Unitary
Authority for Somerset
8 Finance
8.1 To formally change
the list of signatories to the Council’s National Westminster
Bank in line with the new Council
8.2 To consider and, if
approve, pay retrospectively the EDF Energy Bill for Wheddon
Cross toilets in the sum of £246.59
9 Correspondence and Meetings
9.1 Clerk’s report
on meetings attended
9.2 Councillors’
reports on correspondence received
9.3 Councillors’
reports on meetings attended
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday
6th June 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Eric Clarbull, Maria
Davies, John Davis, Tim Gardner and Susie Sanders were present
as was County Councillor John Edwards and 3 parishioners.
98.1
There were no apologies for absence.
98.2 There were no declarations of interest.
Councillors were asked to ensure that an updated Register
of Interests form is with the Clerk by the next meeting for
submission to the Monitoring Officer.
98.3 Planning Application 6/8/07/106LB and
6/8/07/107: Lypefoot, Listed Building Consent & Planning
Application (retrospective) for a pitched roof extension and
cladding of metal carport: Council expressed the following
concerns: a) that the retrospective application is
confusing as it contains amendments to a carport
which is there without planning permission; b) that the roof
apex would make the carport larger and more visible: concerns
expressed regarding the size, scale, mass and proportion of
the carport. The new materials proposed would be preferable
to the existing ones.
98.4 Individual Portfolios were agreed as
follows: Cllr Webber: attendance at SALC meetings and any
others where the portfolio holder was unable to attend; Cllr
Atkins: Exmoor Panel, Highways, Health & The Dulverton
Patient Group; Cllr Clarbull: SALC, Moorland Hall, Finance
Sub-Committee, checking of the phone box, street lighting
and the toilets; Cllr Davies: Police, Law and Order, Prescriptions
and Health; Cllr Davis: Housing, Youth and Leisure, Village
Hall; Cllr Gardner: Finance Sub-Committee; Cllr Sanders: Environment,
fallen trees on footpaths and bridleways, Highways liaison.
98.5 After a debate and due consideration
of the 14 applications Council resolved to support Cllrs Atkins,
Collins, Rigby and Rodway as Parish Members to serve on the
Exmoor National Park Authority.
98.6 After due debate and consideration
of the 7 applications Council resolved to support Cllrs Davis,
Sawyer and Woods to serve on the West Somerset District Council
Standards Committee.
98.7 The Clerk summarized Council’s
previous discussions on the County Council’s proposal
to create a Single Unitary Authority for Somerset. After a
further debate it was agreed to submit these to SALC (in response
to the stakeholder consultation) as Council’s Headline
Views (majority opposed) together with reasons; the Minority
view expressed related to lack of sufficient information having
been forthcoming and concerns regarding implementation and
that the management processes of a large authority may be
too inflexible to deal with the execution of large scale projects.
98.8 98.8.1 Council resolved to change the
signatories to its NatWest Bank Accounts in line with the
new Council.
98.8.2
Council resolved retrospectively to approve payment of £246.59
to EDF Energy for electricity at the Wheddon Cross toilets.
98.9 98.9.1 The Clerk reported on a 4th
June meeting which she attended (with several Councillors)
with Andy Mallinson, West Somerset District Council’s
Recycling Officer, to discuss the recycling bins at Wheddon
Cross car park. Mr Mallinson agreed to arrange for cleaning
up of the area (now completed) and removal of the Planet Aid
Clothes Bank. The Clerk agreed to insert a paragraph in the
next Parish magazine relating to the use of the kerbside collection
recycling bins. The Clerk reported that there would be a meeting
of SALC on 7th June, all other correspondence to be reported
at Council’s meeting on 19th June.
98.9.2 Councillors did not have any correspondence to report.
98.9.3 Cllr Atkins reported on a NHS Trust Consultation Meeting
(Making Mental Health Matter) which she had attended. Feedback
forms are available from the Clerk (to be received by 15/07/07).
98.10 The ongoing matter of the low floor buses on the
Exford route being unable to pick up and set down at the bus
shelter was discussed. Co Cllr Edwards agreed to pursue this
matter with John Perrett, Team Leader, Public Transport, Somerset
County Council in order to resolve the issue to everyone’s
satisfaction.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 21.25. The next
meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place on Tuesday
19th June at the Moorland Hall.
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 19th June 2007
at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions and
statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
- Apologies
for absence
- Declarations
of interest
- To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on 15th May and
6th June 2007 and any matters arising
- Snowdrop
Valley Park and Ride Scheme 2008 onwards
5 Planning Applications
and related business
5.1 Consideration
of planning applications:
5.1.1 6/8/07/109 The Rest & Be Thankful Inn, Wheddon
Cross: Extensions & alterations, landscaping works
including two storey extension
5.1.2 HRN 07/01 Warrs Farm, Luckwell Bridge: hedgerow
removal notice.
5.2 To note ENP decisions
on previous applications
5.3 Other relevant
matters
6 To consider highways
and transport matters and related items
6.1 Luckwell Bridge Triangle Improvement Scheme
6.2 Other related business
7 Finance
7.1 To agree the payment of £40 per annum to Colin
Stevenson as internal auditor
7.2 To consider grant requests under Section 137 grants
from Clowns and Victim Support Somerset
7.3 To consider and if approved pay the Clerk’s
quarterly salary (£377.55) and expenses (£156.32)
7.3 To note the Annual VAT return and repayment of £198.79
8 To look at the Council’s
Risk Assessment
9 Review of Clerk’s
contract and expenses
10 Correspondence and meetings
10.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence
received
10.2 Clerk’s report on meetings
attended
10.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence
received
10.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings
attended
11 Any other business including
items for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 19th
June 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Eric Clarbull, Maria
Davies,
John Davis, Tim Gardner and Susie Sanders were present as
was County Councillor John Edwards, WPCSO Sue Hurley and
two parishioners.
99.1
There were no apologies for absence.
99.2 Cllrs Webber and Gardner declared a
personal and prejudicial interest in item 5.1 (overlook the
property) and both left the room for the debate and the vote.
Cllr Gardner declared a personal interest in item 4 (bus operator);
Cllr Davis declared a personal and prejudicial interest later
in the meeting (before the discussion on affordable housing)
in item 5.3 and left the room for the discussion.
99.3 The minutes of the meetings held on
15th May and 6th June were approved and signed by the Chairman
as a true record. Matters arising: 98.9.1: the Clerk reported
that she had asked Andy Mallinson to arrange for recycling
boxes to be delivered to all residents of Luckwell Bridge.
99.4 Council debated the future of the Snowdrop
Valley Park and Ride Scheme and resolved to give Colin Stevenson
a clear mandate to act on its behalf in discussions with ENPA
and SDF and to pay him for the work at the rate of £10
per hour to a maximum of 15 hours. A letter would be sent
to ENPA & Mr Stevenson informing them of the mandate.
Mr Stevenson would be asked to report back to Council at the
next meeting regarding progress.
99.4A WPCSO Sue Hurley reported that the area now has
a new Beat Manager in post, WPC Clare Whysall and that mini
motor bikes cannot have insurance and therefore it is always
illegal for them to be ridden in a public place.
99.5 99.5.1 Planning Application 6/8/07/109
The Rest & Be Thankful Inn, Wheddon Cross: Extensions
& alterations, landscaping works including two storey
extension & amended plan: Council resolved unanimously
to support this application. Cllrs Gardner & Webber left
the room for the debte and resolution on this item.
HRN 07/01 Warrs Farm, Luckwell Bridge: hedgerow removal notice:
Council had not objections to this proposal.
99.5.2 No ENPA decisions on previous applications to report.
99.5.3 The Clerk read out a letter from the Chief Planning
Officer in response to hers re Langham, Wheddon Cross. After
a debate Council agreed to reply to the letter seeking reassurance
that secure procedures are in place to protect historic farmhouses
on Exmoor.
Cllr Davis left the room. Council raised the issue of ENPA
requirements in relation to reserved matters for affordable
housing: if expensive materials are required then could the
cost of the building to the applicant be inflated over and
above what could be deemed to be within the affordable bracket?
Council agreed to monitor the situation if possible within
the Parish. Cllr Davis returned to the room.
In response to a request from ENPA Council agreed to receive
all matters relating to planning digitally with the exception
of application and permission documents.
99.6 99.6.1 Luckwell Bridge Triangle Improvement
Scheme: Cllr Sanders reported on a site meeting with Cllr
Webber and Roy Takle: it was agreed that more parking was
needed, the area tidied up, the outline of the triangle clearly
delineated and the hedge laid. Cllr Webber had been in contact
with the hedge owner and was expecting a site meeting shortly.
Cllr Edwards agreed to move things forward re highways issues.
The Clerk agreed to report the phone box out of order.
99.6.2 The Clerk reported that she had sent a letter of consent
from the owners of the Wheddon Cross car park to John Perrett,
Team Leader - Public Transport, Somerset County Council re
widening of the car park entrance and would report back any
progress to the next meeting.
The Clerk agreed to follow up the lack of signage where the
Coleridge Way Bridleway crosses Cutcombe Hill. Cllrs Webber
and Atkins agreed to raise the bad state of repair of Cutcombe
village roads to Highways.
99.7 99.7.1 Council resolved to approve
a payment of £40 per annum to Colin Stevenson to act
as internal auditor.
99.7.2 After due debate Council resolved to award the sum
of £100 as a grant under Section 137 to Clowns.
99.7.3 Council resolved to pay the Clerk’s quarterly
salary in the sum of £377.55 and quarterly expenses
in the sum of £156.32.
99.7.4 Council noted the Annual VAT repayment (2006-7) of
£198.79.
99.8 A list of possible areas of risk was
circulated to Council who agreed to bring this back to the
July meeting after due consideration; an update of the Council’s
Asset Register will also be considered then.
99.9 The Clerk reported on hours spent working
on behalf of the Council during the year and a quarter in
post. Council agreed to bring a proposal back to the July
meeting.
99.10 99.10.1 A list of correspondence received had
been circulated to Council prior to the meeting. Items of
particular note were: the result of the postal ballot for
4 Parish Members to ENPA (Cllrs Collins, Pile, Rawle and Rigby
having been elected); the result of the postal ballot for
3 Parish Members to the WSDC Standards Committee (Cllrs Davis,
DeRenzy-Martin and Sawyer having been elected); the competition
for Calor Village of the Year, details posted in the July
Parish magazine; the Launch of the ENPA Management Plan 2007-12
to take place on 24th July at 12 noon at the Moorland Hall;
results of the countywide poll organised by the Keep Somerset
Local campaign: 53.9% of those eligible voted, 20.3% in favour
of a unitary authority, 79.7% against.
99.10.2 The Clerk had no meetings to report.
99.10.2 Councillors had no correspondence to report.
99.10.3 Cllr Sanders reported on the Exmoor Consultative and
Parish Forum meeting held at ENPA who had reported that understaffing
problems had occasioned the delay in replying to queries from
Parishes. Cllr Webber reported on nef meeting he had attended:
“The rural job juggle, does it work for you?”.
99.11 The Clerk agreed to check on regulations relating
to dog fouling in response to a complaint by the Cricket Club
re the Recreation Ground; Cllr Clarbull agreed to look into
preventative measures: mesh to prevent loose dogs from entering
the cricket pitch area.
The
next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place on
Tuesday 17th July at 7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.40 pm.
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JULY
2007
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 17th
July 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Eric Clarbull, Maria
Davies, John Davis, Tim Gardner were present as was
County Councillor John Edwards.
100.1
An apology for absence was accepted from Cllr Sanders.
100.2 Cllr Gardner declared a personal interest in item
4 as he runs a bus company (minuted); Cllr Clarbull declared
a personal interest in item 13.1 as he is Chairman of the
Moorland Hall & Recreation Ground Committee (minuted);
Cllr Webber declared a personal interest in item 13.2 as he
is a member of Cutcombe PCC (minuted and abstained from the
vote).
100.3 The minutes of the meetings held on 19th June
were approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
100.4 Snowdrop Valley Park & Ride: Cllr Webber summarized
correspondence received from Mr Colin Stevenson and reported
on a meeting with Tim Braund (ENPA) which he had attended
with Cllr Atkins on 17th July. Various points had been raised
and it is hoped that Mr Braund will have answers which can
be brought back to the August meeting. Both Cllrs reported
that the meeting had been positive and were confident that
a way forward can be found for the scheme.
100.5 100.5.1 There were no planning applications for
consideration.
100.5.2 The clerk reported that the following applications
had been approved: 6/8/07/104 Little Brendon Hill Farm: Change
of use of hay store to 3 stables, extension to form hay/feed
store and erection of porch to dwelling house; 6/8/07/105
Gunns Farm, Luckwell Bridge: Replacement of Agricultural Building
(42m2); 6/8/07/106LB & 6/8/07/107 Lypefoot, listed building
& planning consents for a pitched roof extension &
cladding of metal carport (retrospective).
100.5.3 No reply had yet been received from ENPA in
respect of the Clerk’s letter re Langham.
100.6 100.6.1 Cllrs Webber and Atkins reported on a
meeting with
Cllr Sanders and residents regarding the Luckwell Bridge Triangle
Improvement Scheme. A letter from Cllr Sanders to the owner
of the hedges requesting that the PC be allowed to cut them
back to improve sight line visibility and for tidying up purposes
was read out to Council.
100.6.2 Cllr Atkins had received a reply from David
Peake, Highways, regarding a) hedge cutting on Higher Park
Lane which is scheduled for one cut per annum in July: Cllr
Atkins to ask for 2 cuts per annum and to question the quality
of the cutting; b) a replacement No Through Sign was on order
for Luckwell Bridge as well as debris clearing planned &
filling in of potholes in Edbrooke lane; c) resurfacing of
the first 200m of road past Cutcombe school scheduled for
resurfacing Feb. 2008: Cllr
Atkins to query the time of year scheduled and point out that
the whole road needs resurfacing. Co Cllr Edwards agreed to
take up the matter of visibility/tree trimming at the Treborough
turnoff on the B3224. The Clerk reported that the proposed
widening of the car park entrance at the Rest & Be Thankful
Inn was moving forward in order to accommodate the low floor
buses on the Exford route.
100.7 Council conducted its annual review of the Risk
Assessment document and Asset Register and resolved to make
no changes to either for 2007/08.
100.8 Cllrs Atkins and Davis agreed to look at the production
of a Parish Emergency Plan and report back to the August meeting.
100.9 Council agreed to increase the number of hours
paid per annum to the Clerk from 180 to 210, payable at the
same rate, in order to reflect the increased workload. This
increase to take effect from the current quarter, 1st July
to 30th September 2007. Next review to take place in June
2008.
100.10 The Clerk reported that Cutcombe’s bid
for funding to produce a Parish Plan had been submitted to
Defra via the Community Council for Somerset. A decision was
expected in August. Council wished an expression of thanks
to the Clerk for her contribution in completing the bid application
to be minuted.
100.11 Cllr Webber summarized the new Choice Based Letting
System proposed by WSDC: Cllrs Atkins, Davies and Davis to
look into responding to the Consultation document. Cllr Davis
is also looking into the Home2Own Shared Ownership Scheme
to see if this could be of interest to local people.
100.12 West Somerset Area Panel: Proposed Applications
for Funding: the Exmoor Panel is to identify priorities for
the West Somerset Area and Potential Bids at its July meeting.
Council noted the priorities for the West Somerset area identified
so far by the Panel. It was noted that C.L.O.W.N.S. had just
submitted a bid and Watchet has been allocated funding to
deter anti-social behaviour.
100.13 100.13.1 The invoice for £64.23 for line
rental at the Moorland Hall has been paid by the Moorland
Hall and Recreation Ground Committee who will continue to
pay for the telephone line service. In the light of the inefficiency
of BT in sorting out clear accounting for the broadband service
it was decided to defer payment of the outstanding bill of
£327.13 until after a meeting with Simon Duncan from
Evolve South West who would be advising Council on 18/07 re
changing the broadband supplier and to allow time for the
Clerk to resolve matters with BT.
100.13.2 Council resolved to pay £100 to the Parochial
Church Council towards upkeep of the burial ground. In view
of the escalating costs of the upkeep the Clerk is to contact
the PCC and ask if a representative can attend the August
meeting and talk to Council re these costs.
100.14 100.14.1 A list of correspondence received had been
circulated to Council prior to the meeting. Items of particular
note were: ENPA Business Plan 2007/08: circulated: queries
and comments to be brought back at the August meeting; Active
Exmoor Tour of Britain: meeting at the Moorland Hall 19/07;
Cutcombe/Timberscombe First School had received capital funding
of £74,587 for school projects; increase in room hire
fees at the Moorland Hall.
100.14.2 The Clerk had no meetings to report.
100.14.2 Councillors had no correspondence to report.
100.14.3 Cllr Davis reported on a meeting of the Standards
Committee. Cllr Davies reported on her Councillor training
session. Cllr Webber reported on the Exmoor Association of
Parish Councils meeting, of which he is now Chairman.
100.15 Cllr Clarbull reported that there are 2 broken
panes of laminated glass in the bus shelter. The Clerk to
acquire an insurance claim form for the August meeting.
The next
meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place on Tuesday
21st August at 7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.10 pm.
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AUGUST
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 21st August 2007
at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions and
statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
- Apologies
for absence
- Declarations
of interest
- To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on 17th July
and any matters arising
4
ENPA Business Plan 2007/08: Observations & Queries
5 Planning Applications
and related business
5.1 Consideration of planning
applications:6/8/07/110 Oaktrow Farm, Timberscombe: Erection
of Agricultural Building for Livestock & Storage (139
sq m); 6/8/07/111 Site Adjacent to Carrick, Cutcombe: Reserved
Matters details for the construction of a local needs affordable
dwelling & garage pursuant to Application 6/8/06/108;
6/8/07/112 Site Adjacent to Carrick, Cutcombe: Stationing
of Mobile Home for a temporary 18 month period in connection
with construction of a local needs affordable dwelling.
5.2 To note ENP decisions
on previous applications
5.3 Other relevant matters
6 To consider highways
and transport matters and related items
7 Parochial Church Council:
Treasurer to update PC on rising
costs associated with the upkeep of the burial ground
8 Report by Cllrs Atkins
& Davis re production of a Parish Emergency Plan
9 To consider and, if
approved, resolve to formally adopt the mandatory Model Code
of Conduct 2007 including para. 12(2).
10 To consider and, if approved, resolve
to change paras 46 and 57 of Standing Orders in order to comply
with the Revised Model Code of Conduct
11 Matters relating to 6 Bouverie
Close
12 Snow Drop Valley Park and Ride
Scheme 2008: update
13 Finance
13.1. To consider and, if approved, pay a final
bill from British Telecom in the sum £192.39 in respect
of the broadband service at the Moorland Hall
13.2 To consider and, if approved, pay the annual
subscription to the Somerset Playing Fields Association of
£10.00
13.3 To consider and, if approved, pay retrospectively
an invoice from Moore Stephens for the Annual Parish Council
Audit in the sum of £158.63.
13.4 To consider and, if approved, pay an
invoice from the Moorland Hall & Recreation Ground for
room hire in the sum of £40.00.
13.5 To consider and, if approved, complete an
insurance claim form for replacement glass at the bus shelter.
13.6 To consider and, if approved, pay an
invoice from Newnet for the set up and one month's supply
of Broadband at the Moorland Hall in the sum of £52.90
and to sign a direct debit in the sum of £12.95 per
month for the broadband supply
14
Correspondence and meetings
14.1 Clerk's report on correspondence received
including the ENPA Management Plan 2007-12
14.2 Clerk's report on meetings attended
14.3 Councillors' reports on correspondence
received
14.4 Councillors' reports on meetings attended
15 Any other business including items
for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 21st August 2007
at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Eric Clarbull, Maria
Davies, Tim Gardner and Susie Sanders were present as was
County Councillor John Edwards and two parishioners.
101.1
An apology for absence was accepted from Cllr Davis.
101.2 Cllr Webber declared a personal interest in item 7 (member
of the PCC); Cllr Clarbull declared a personal interest in
items 13.1 and 13.6 (Chairman of the MH&RG Cmte); Cllr
Gardner expressed a personal interest in item 12 (bus company
operator).
101.3 The minutes of the meetings held on 17th July were approved
and signed by the Chairman as a true record. Matters arising:
100.6.2:
Co Cllr Edwards had written to David Peak re visibility at
Treborough: no reply yet received.
101.4 ENPA Business Plan 2007/08: Cllr Gardner noted that
provision for the development of the Auction Site was noted
for 2008/09.
101.5 101.5.1 Planning Applications: 6/8/07/110 Oaktrow Farm,
Timberscombe: Erection of Agricultural Building for Livestock
& Storage (139 sq m): Council resolved to support this
application: confident that ENPA officers would ensure suitable
materials; 6/8/07/111 Site adjacent to Carrick, Cutcombe:
Reserved Matters for local needs affordable dwelling &
garage: Council noted one letter of concern from a local resident
but resolved to support this application: no objections to
design & position given the shape of the site; 6/8/07/112
Site adjacent to Carrick, Cutcombe: Stationing of Mobile Home
for temporary 18 month period in connection with construction
of local needs dwelling: Council resolved to support this
application on condition that ENPA had a mechanism in place
to remove the mobile home should the construction period extend
beyond 18 months.
101.5.2 6/8/07/106 LB & 6/8/07/107: Listed Building &
Planning Consents for a pitched roof extension and cladding
of metal car park (full, retrospective), Lypefoot, Wheddon
Cross: approved; 6/8/07/109 The Rest & Be Thankful Inn,
Wheddon Cross, extensions: approved.
101.5.3 The Clerk read out a letter from the Chief Planning
Officer, ENPA re the development at Langham.
101.6 101.6.1 Luckwell Bridge: Cllr Sanders reported that
she had not yet received a reply re improvement to hedging
but potholes on the route to Edbrooke Farm had been filled;
Cllrs Atkins & Webber reported that Highways are prepared
to resurface the triangle if the PC carries out preparatory
works: quotes to be obtained; Cllr Webber reported that he,
Cllr Atkins & Co Cllr Edwards had averted a 5 week full
road closure in September: road will be closed for cross drainage
repairs in June 08. 6pm to midnight only for repairs.
Public Question Time:
Mr Jon Trouton asked if Council would consider asking for
a speed
restriction sign to be erected at Luckwell Bridge. Co Cllr
Edwards to look into the possibility of slow signs being painted
on the road; Cllr Sanders to enquire of local residents what
they would like to see as part of her questionnaire regarding
the LB Triangle Improvement Scheme.
Cutcombe: Cllr Atkins reported on: a) an e-mail from Highways:
a second annual cut of Higher Park Lane is unlikely to be
re-instated: Council resolved to ask parishioners if they
wished to co-operate on organizing this; b) Carriageway maintenance
in Higher Park Lane: first 200m past school to be resurfaced
February, rest surface dressed summer, 2008: weather conditions
to be monitored. Cark park entrance widening at The Rest &
Be Thankful Inn: the clerk to be informed by Somerset Co Council
when the work is to begin.
101.7 The Chairman took comments from Mrs Mully Woolmer, Treasurer
of the Parochial Church Council, at the beginning of the meeting:
she outlined the increased cost of the burial ground maintenance,
largely due to the death of Roly Langdon who had only charged
a nominal sum for his work and provided equipment free of
charge. Costs were currently £840 for 12 cuts per year,
total maintenance in the region of £1,400 per annum;
PCC relies on own fund-raising & collections; £8,000
per annum needed for the parochial fee, oil, insurance &
other running costs. Council noted that the burial ground
is currently in a very good state of maintenance and the Finance
Sub-Committee resolved to discuss the possibility of raising
its annual budgeted figure for burial ground maintenance and
report back to Council asap.
101.8 Cllrs Atkins & Davis raised queries re the production
of a Parish Emergency Plan: to report back to September meeting.
101.9 Council resolved to formally adopt the mandatory Model
Code of Conduct 2007 including para. 12(2).
101.10 Council resolved to change paras 46 and 57 of the Standing
Orders in order to comply with the Revised Model Code of Conduct,
in particular para 12(2) as adopted at 101.9 above.
101.11 Following local complaints the Clerk was asked to write
to Magna Housing re the untidy state of 6 Bouverie Close,
in particular the garden, and to ask Magna for clarification
of its letting policy particularly with respect to the housing
needs of local people.
101.12 Cllr Webber reported on a meeting with Cllr Atkins,
Colin Stevenson and Tim Braund (ENPA) in relation to Snowdrop
Valley Park and Ride 2008. A letter from Sally Parish was
read out expressing her willingness to run the scheme: PC
resolved to write to Sally asking her to report to September
meeting on the issues raised so far.
101.13 101.13.1 Council resolved to pay the final bill from
British Telecom for £192.39 in respect of the broadband
supply to the Moorland Hall.
101.13.2 Council resolved not to renew its subscription to
the Somerset Playing Fields Association as the Moorland Hall
& Recreation Ground is also a member.
101.13.3 Council resolved to pay, retrospectively, the invoice
from Moore Stephens for £158.63 in respect of the Annual
PC Audit.
101.13.4 Council resolved to pay the invoice for £40
from the MH&RG Committee for room hire.
101.13.5 Council resolved to complete the insurance claim
form re the bus shelter (broken glass & graffiti) asap.
101.13.6 Council resolved to pay an invoice from Newnet for
a month’s supply & set up fee for broadband at the
Moorland Hall and resolved to continue to support the service
by signing a direct debit to Newnet for continuation of the
broadband supply.
101.14 101.14.1 A list of correspondence received had been
circulated to Council prior to the meeting. Items of particular
note were: Tour of Britain: events to take place on the Recreation
Ground on Tuesday 11th September involving Cutcombe school.
101.14.2 The Clerk had no meetings to report.
101.14.3 Councillors had no correspondence to report.
101.14.4 Cllr Webber reported on the Exmoor Panel Meeting.
101.15 Cllr Gardner raised the possibility of CCTV being erected
at the bus shelter: Cllr Clarbull to follow up. Cllr Clarbull
reported on blocked drains at the Wheddon Cross toilets due
to a design fault: situation resolved & to be monitored
by the cleaning contractor.
The
next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place on
Tuesday 18th September at 7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.45 pm.
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SEPTEMBER
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 18th September
2007 at 7.30 pm
(or as soon thereafter as public questions and statements
are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
AGENDA
1 Apologies for absence
2 Declarations of interest
3 To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 21st August
and any matters arising
4 Planning Applications and related business
4.1 To note ENP decisions on previous applications
4.2 Other relevant matters
5 To consider highways and transport matters and related items
6 Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride Scheme 2008
7 Finance
7.1.To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice for work
and expenses from Colin Stevenson in relation to the Snowdrop
Valley Park & Ride Scheme in the sum of £77.97
7.2 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice for water
and sewerage in respect of the Wheddon Cross toilets in the
sum
of £882.01
7.3 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice for the Clerk’s
quarterly salary in the sum of £440.47 and expenses
of £85.86
8 Correspondence and meetings
8.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence received
8.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
8.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence received
8.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings attended
9 Any other business including items for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 18th
September 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Maria Davies, John
Davis and Susie Sanders were present as was one parishioner.
102.1
Apologies for absence were accepted from Cllrs Clarbull and
Gardner and County Cllr John Edwards.
102.2 Cllr Davies declared a personal interest in item
6 (employee of Webber Bus): minuted.
102.3 The minutes of the meetings held on 21st August
were approved
and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
Matters arising: 101.11 The Clerk reported that she had received
a reply from the Director of Magna delegating the points raised
to other Magna officers; 101.13.6 The Clerk reported that
the Newnet broadband service is now up and running in the
Moorland Hall.
102.4 102.4.1 There were no planning applications for
consideration and no decisions on previous applications to
note.
102.4.2 There were no other relevant planning matters.
102.5 102.5.1 Luckwell Bridge Improvement Scheme:
Cllr Sanders reported that two contractors are to quote on
the req uisite works shortly. The area to
be repaired is to be clearly defined after consultation with
local residents and Council. Co Cllr Edwards has been progressing
the Slow signs on the highway: it would seem that the residents
are split as to whether or not these are a good idea as with
the reduced speed limit: Cllr Sanders to liaise with Co Cllr
Edwards and progress.
102.5.2 Parish Lengthsman Scheme: Cllr Webber reported that
the Exmoor Panel is looking into which parishes would be willing
to join the scheme. A co-ordinator is actively being sought.
The Parish contribution would be determined by the number
of hours used: the scheme to be funded by Parish, District
& County Councils and the Area Working Board.
102.5.3 The Clerk had not heard further from John Perrett
re the widening of the entrance to the Rest & Be Thankful
Inn car park: she will progress. She reported on the HGV pinch
point consultation letter from Somerset County Council: to
liaise with Co Cllr Edwards on this.
102.6 Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride Scheme
2008: By concensus of Council this item was taken in confidential
session and the press and public were temporarily excluded
from the meeting with the exception of Mrs Sally Parish who
presented a report on behalf of the Council.
102.7 102.7.1 Council resolved to pay an invoice from
Colin Stevenson
in relation to the Snowdrop Valley Park & Ride Scheme
for £77.97.
102.7.2 Council resolved to pay an invoice for Wessex Water
in relation to the Wheddon Cross toilets in the sum of £882.01.
102.7.3 Council resolved to pay the Clerk’s quarterly
salary of £440.47 and quarterly expenses of £85.86.
102.8 102.8.1 A list of correspondence received had been circulated
to Council prior to the meeting. Items of particular note
were: West Somerset Sustainable Community Strategy 2007-2010;
Clerk’s training for the new Code of Conduct (14/11:
Clerk to attend) and training available in October for the
Certificate in Local Council Administration; Allianz-Cornhill
had approved the insurance claim for repair work at the bus
shelter.
102.14.2 The Clerk had no meetings to report.
102.14.3 Councillors had no correspondence to report.
102.14.4 Councillors had no further meetings to report.
102.15 Cllr Atkins requested that a vote of thanks to
the Clerk be recorded for her work in obtaining the funding
grant for Cutcombe to produce a Parish Plan.
The
next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place on
Tuesday 16th October at 7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.15 pm.
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OCTOBER
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 16th October
2007 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
AGENDA
- Apologies
for absence
- Declarations
of interest
- To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on 18th September
and any matters arising
4
Planning Applications and related business
4.1 Planning Application
6/8/07/113 Reservoir Buildings, Dunkery View, Wheddon
Cross: increase the height by 900mm of the extension to
fodder/machinery store approved under 6.8.06/112
4.2 To note ENP decisions
on previous applications
4.3 Other relevant
matters
5 To consider highways
and transport matters and related items
5.1 The Luckwell Bridge Triangle Improvement Scheme
6 Snowdrop Valley
Park and Ride Scheme
7 Finance
7.1 Report of the Finance Sub-Committee
8 Correspondence and
meetings
8.1 Clerk’s
report on correspondence received
8.2 Clerk’s
report on meetings attended
8.3 Councillors’
reports on correspondence received
8.4 Councillors’
reports on meetings attended
9 Any other business
including items for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16th October
2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Eric Clarbull,
Maria Davies, John Davis, Tim Gardner and Susie Sanders
were present as was one parishioner and WPCSO Sue Hurley.
Cllr
Webber spoke during public session with regard to his planning
application (item 4) in accordance with para 12(2) of the
Model Code of Conduct 2007.
103.1 There were no apologies for absence.
103.2 Cllr Webber declared a prejudicial interest
in item 4.1 as the applicant and left the room for the discussion
and the vote; Cllr Gardner declared a prejudicial interest
in item 4.1 as a near neighbour and left the room for the
discussion and the vote; Cllr Gardner declared a prejudicial
interest in item 6 as the owner of a bus operating company
and left the room for the discussion of financial matters;
Cllr J Davis declared a prejudicial interest in item 4.3
(land adjacent to Carrick, reserved matters) as the owner
of one of the plots and left the room for the discussion;
Cllr M Davies declared a personal interest in item 6 as
she works for Webber Bus and abstained from any voting.
Cllr Webber declared a personal interest in item 7.1 as
a member of the PCC and abstained from the vote.
103.3 The minutes of the meetings held on 18th September
were approved and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
Matters Arising:
101.11 The Clerk read out e-mails from Magna Housing relating
to 6 Bouverie Close and Magna Housing’s letting policy.
102.8.1 The Clerk is awaiting invoices for work carried
out to rectify damage at the bus shelter; a bursary has
been awarded towards the training costs for the Clerk, Certificate
in Local Council Administration.
103.4 103.4.1 Planning Application 6.8.07/113 Reservoir
Buildings, Dunkery View, Wheddon Cross: increase the height
by 900mm of the extension to fodder/machinery store approved
under 6/8/06/112: no objections were raised and Council
resolved to support this application.
103.4.2 There were no decisions on previous applications
to note.
103.4.2 The Clerk reported on a conversation with ENPA regarding
Planning Application 6/8/07/111 Reserved Matters for the
construction of a local needs dwelling, land adjacent to
Carrick in response to her query re a delay in ENPA’s
decision. Cllr Webber reported that the Methodist Chapel
had been sold at auction.
103.5 103.5.1 Luckwell Bridge Improvement
Scheme: Cllr Sanders reported that the area for repair/resurfacing
had been marked out and the job was out for quotes; she
is co-ordinating with Highways. Residents were happy
that the triangle had been cleared and tidied. She is investigating
possible sources of funding and will report back to the
November meeting.
103.5.2
Cllr Sanders reported on the Exmoor Panel meeting regarding
the Parish Lengthsman scheme: Cutcombe’s potential
requirements were debated; the agreement between parishes
will be debated at the Panel’s meeting on November
8th: Cllr Sanders to attend; WPCSO Hurley reported on pinch
points which had been identified locally & local crime
incidents; a road closure at Wheddon Cross next Monday and
Tuesday was noted as was the Neil Westcott Trial to take
place on 25th November. Cllr Webber asked for comments on
the Putham Lane experiment with regard to the new surfacing
material; the Clerk mentioned the ENPA Rights of Way Workshop,
24th October at Exmoor House: Cllrs Sanders & Webber
to attend.
103.6 Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride Scheme
2008: By consensus of Council this item was taken in confidential
session and the press and public were temporarily
excluded from the meeting with the exception of Mrs Sally
Parish who presented a report on behalf of the Council.
103.7 103.7.1 The Finance Sub-Committee reported on
its quarterly inspection of the accounts. A recommendation
was made to increase the annual budgeted grant to the PCC
for upkeep of the burial ground to £500 for the 2008/09
budget, the second payment for 2007/08 to be increased from
£100 to £250: Council resolved to support the
recommendation.
103.8 103.8.1 The Clerk had circulated a list of correspondence
received prior to the meeting which included: Waste Management:
Environment Directorate: Presentation and discussion session
Friday 26/11 Minehead Library (9.30am to 4pm); The Ramblers’
Association: Rights of Way Issues in Somerset: Parish Consultation
on a Path Prioritisation System for Somerset; Exmoor Association
of Parish Councils: Minutes of meeting held 16/07/07.
103.8.2 The Clerk reported on a Parish Plan meeting: details
of further meetings to appear in the November Parish magazine.
103.8.3 Councillors had no correspondence to report.
103.8.4 Councillors had no further meetings to report.
103.9 Cllr Davies had been working on the Parish Emergency
Plan; the Clerk agreed to liaise with her on this.
The
next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place
on Tuesday 20th November at 7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 10.15 pm.
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NOVEMBER
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council to be held on Thursday 15th
November 2007 at 6.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public
questions and statements are concluded) at the Moorland
Hall
Please note new date
AGENDA
1.
To consider the Finance Working Party’s proposals
and agree a draft budget for 2008/09.
2.
Resolution to exclude the public and press from the
meeting: “In view of the confidential nature of
the business about to be transacted, it is advisable
in the public interest that the press and public be
excluded from this part of the meeting and that they
are requested to withdraw” (discussion of contracts
and financial matters in relation to Item 3).
3.
Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride Scheme 2008
Minutes
of the Extraordinary Meeting held at 6.30pm on Thursday
15th November 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Eric Clarbull,
Tim Gardner and Susie Sanders were present as was County
Councillor John Edwards and one parishioner.
104.1
An apology of absence from Cllr Maria Davies was accepted.
104.2 Cllr Gardner declared a prejudicial interest
in Agenda item 3 (Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride Scheme
2008) and withdrew from the room for the debate except
when asked to return by the Chairman in order to answer
relevant questions.
104.3 Council considered the Finance Working Party’s
proposals for a draft budget for 2008/09 and agreed
to bring any amendments or suggestions for additions
to the December meeting at which the
budget will be set.
104.4 Council resolved to exclude the press and
the public from the meeting for the debate on the Snowdrop
Valley Park and Ride Scheme 2008 (Agenda Item 3). Mrs
Sally Parish remained in the room in order to report
on Item 3 as she has been employed by the Parish Council
in order to look into the 2008 scheme. There were no
other members of the Press or Public present.
104.5 Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride Scheme: this
item was held in confidential session.
The
next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place
on Tuesday 20th November at 7.30 pm in the Moorland
Hall.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 20.45
pm.
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 20th
November 2007 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public
questions and statements are concluded) at the Moorland
Hall
AGENDA
- Apologies
for absence
- Declarations
of interest
- To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on 16th
October and 15th November and any matters arising
4
Planning Applications and related business
4.1 Consideration
of Planning Applications
6/8/07/114 Cutcombe C of E First School, Wheddon Cross:
proposed extension for pre-school use to include toilets
4.2 To note ENP
decisions on previous applications
4.3 Other relevant
matters
5 To consider highways
and transport matters and related items
5.1 The Luckwell
Bridge Triangle Improvement Scheme
5.2 Update on widening
of the car park entrance, Rest & Be Thankful
Inn, to accommodate low floor buses on the Exford
route
6 Update on Snowdrop
Valley Park and Ride Scheme
7 To consider the
appointment of a Parish Paths Liaison Officer
8 Exmoor Association
of Parish Councils
9 Finance
9.1 Half-yearly report of the Internal Auditor
9.2 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice in
the sum of £40 from the internal auditor Colin
Stevenson for the financial year 2007/08
9.3 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice
in the sum of £24.50 for room hire for PC meetings
and an invoice in the sum of £10.50 for a Highways
Meeting relating to proposed roadworks at Luckwell Bridge,
both from the Moorland Hall & Recreation Ground
9.4 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice
from SALC in the sum of £185 for Clerk’s
training (Certificate in Local Council Administration)
(75% bursary cheque for £138.75 has been received
towards this expenditure)
9.5 To consider and if approved pay an invoice from
Eric Clarbull for £65 for painting out graffiti
at the bus shelter*
9.6 To consider and if approved pay an invoice from
Minehead Glass for £213.38 for 2 panes of replacement
glass at the bus shelter*
Items marked * to be claimed from Insurance less £125
excess and £31.78 reclaimable VAT
9.7 To consider and, if approved, resolve to pay, the
Clerk’s expenses incurred while studying for the
Certificate in Local Council Administration up to a
maximum to be agreed
9.8 To consider and, if approved, resolve to rejoin
the Society of Local Council Clerks (annual fee £61)
10 Correspondence and meetings
10.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence
received
10.2 Clerk’s report on meetings
attended
10.3 Councillors’ reports on
correspondence received
10.4 Councillors’ reports on
meetings attended
11 Items for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday
20th November 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Eric Clarbull,
Maria Davies, John Davis, Tim Gardner and Susie Sanders
were present as were three parishioners and County Councillor
John Edwards
105.1 There were no apologies for absence.
105.2 Cllrs Webber and Clarbull declared a prejudicial
interest in item 4.1 as members of the Ellsworth Foundation
Board of Governors (Cutcombe First School): they left
the room for the discussion and the vote on this item;
Cllr Clarbull declared a prejudicial interest in item
9.5 as he had carried out the work invoiced.
105.3 The minutes of the meeting held on 16th
October were approved and signed by the Chairman as
a true record. There were no matters arising. The minutes
of the meeting held on 15th November were approved and
signed by the Chairman as a true record. There were
no matters arising.
105.4 105.4.1 Planning Application 6/8/07/114
Cutcombe C of E First School, Wheddon Cross, Proposed
Extension for Pre-School use to include toilets. One
letter of support from a near neighbour had been received
and was read out to Council by the Clerk. After a debate
Council resolved unanimously to support this application.
105.4.2 6/8/07/103: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 8 Bouverie Close,
Wheddon Cross: erection of individual wind turbines
& solar panels to each dwelling: refused; 6/8/07/110:
Oaktrow Farm, Timberscombe, erection of agricultural
building for livestock and storage: granted; 6/8/07/112:
Site adjacent to Carrick, Cutcombe: stationing of a
mobile home for a temporary period of 18 months in connection
with construction of a local needs affordable dwelling:
granted with conditions.
105.4.3 There were no other relevant planning matters
for discussion.
105.5 105.5.1 Luckwell Bridge Improvement
Scheme: Cllr Sanders reported that she had arranged
a meeting for 27th November with Highways Officials
and other Councillors to discuss and was preparing a
bid to the Local Area Board for funding. The matter
of traffic slowing signs at Luckwell Bridge will also
be raised at this meeting.
105.5.2 The Clerk had been in touch with John Perrett
re widening of the car park opening at The Rest
& Be Thankful Inn: all parties involved to
be consulted; work expected to commence December 07,
line markings for car parking to be made after R&Be’s
extension completed.
105.6 Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride
Scheme 2008: By a resolution of Council this item was
taken in confidential session and the press and public
were temporarily excluded from the meeting with the
exception of Mrs Sally Parish who presented a report
on behalf of the Council.
105.7 An item requesting anyone interested in
becoming a Parish Paths Liaison Officer had been inserted
in the December parish magazine: such a post would help
in ensuring that all paths in the Parish are kept clear.
Somerset County Council has handed over responsibility
for paths to the Exmoor National Park Authority who
have in excess of 1,000 km of paths to look after.
105.8 Cllr Webber led a short discussion on the
role of the Exmoor Association of Parish Councils and
urged Councillors to attend the next meeting on 3rd
December, the purpose of which will be to explore a
way forward for the Association so that it can better
represent the communities of Exmoor.
105.9 105.9.1 The Clerk read out a report from
Mr Colin Stevenson, internal auditor, in respect of
his half-yearly audit of the PC accounts.
105.9.2 Council resolved to pay an invoice for £40
from Mr Colin Stevenson, internal auditor, re financial
year 2007/08.
105.9.3 Council resolved to pay an invoice for £24.50
and another for £10.50 in respect of room hire
at the Moorland Hall for meetings.
105.9.4 Council resolved to pay an invoice from SALC
for £185 in respect of the Clerk’s training
for the Certificate in Local Council Admin.
10.5.9.5 Council resolved to pay an invoice for £65
from Eric Clarbull for painting out graffiti at the
bus shelter.
105.9.6 Council resolved to pay an invoice from Minehead
Glass for £213.38 for replacement glass at the
bus shelter.
105.9.7 Council resolved to pay the Clerk’s expenses
incurred in studying for the Certificate in Local Council
Administration up to a maximum of £150. Any items
so purchased would be the property of Cutcombe Parish
Council.
105.9.8 Council resolved to renew its membership to
the Society of Local Council Clerks.
105.10 105.10.1 The Clerk had circulated a list of correspondence
received prior to the meeting including: notice of Exmoor
Archaeology Forum (1/12/07); West Somerset Area Working
Board: grant application deadline 19/12/07; letter from
Paul Hawkins re Rights of Way Work; leaflet on the New
Horizons project; West Area meeting of SALC (6/12/07);
letter from Ian Liddell-Grainger, MP.
105.10.2 The Clerk reported that she had attended a
day’s training session for the Certificate in
Local Council Administration and an evening training
session in relation to the new Model Code of Conduct.
105.10.3 Council did not have any further correspondence
to report.
105.10.4 Cllr Atkins reported on the Dulverton Patients
Group leaving party for Dr Burton. Cllr Webber &
Co Cllr Edwards: Exmoor Panel Meeting (08/11):
Lengthsman project discussed and mobile skateboard:
Cllr Davis to gauge possible interest and location for
Cutcombe and report back to Council.
The
next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place
on Tuesday 11th December at 7.30 pm in the Moorland
Hall.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.45 pm.
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DECEMBER
2007
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council to be held on Tuesday 11th
December 2007 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public
questions and statements are concluded) at the Moorland
Hall
AGENDA
1 Apologies
for absence
2 Declarations
of interest
3 To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on 20th November
and any matters arising
4
Planning Applications and related business
4.1 Consideration of Planning Applications
6/8/07/111 Site adjacent to Carrick, Cutcombe:
reserved matters details for the construction of a local
needs affordable dwelling and garage pursuant
to application 6/8/06/108 as per amended plans dated
28/11/07
4.2 To note ENP decisions on previous applications
4.3 Other relevant matters
5 To consider highways and transport matters
and related items
5.1 Luckwell Bridge Improvement Scheme
6 Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride Scheme
7 Parish Public Rights of Way Consultation
8 Contract with WSDC re Wheddon Cross Toilets
9 Parish Lengthsman Scheme
10 Finance
10.1 To consider and approve the precept for 2008/09
10.2 To consider and, if approved, pay the Clerk’s
quarterly salary in the sum of £440.47 and expenses
in the sum of £346.02
10.3 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice
from Viking Direct for a flip chart, pads & pens
in connection with the Parish Plan for £145.41
10.4 To pay the agreed annual subscription
to the Society of Local Council Clerks in the sum of
£61
10.5 To consider a request from the Parochial Church
Council for the second tranche of the already approved
money in support of upkeep of the burial ground (£250)
11
Correspondence and meetings
11.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence received
11.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
11.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence received
11.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings attended
12 Items for the next Agenda
Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm
on Tuesday 11th December 2007 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Eric Clarbull,
Maria Davies,
John Davis. Tim Gardner and Susie Sanders were present
as were three parishioners and Tim Braund (ENPA) and
WPCSO Sue Hurley
106.1 An apology of absence from Co Cllr John
Edwards was accepted.
106.2 Cllr Gardner declared a prejudicial interest
in item 6 as a bus contractor and left the room for
this item; Cllr John Davis declared a prejudicial interest
in item 4.1 as a next door neighbor and left the room
for the discussion and the vote on this item; Cllrs
Atkins, Clarbull and Davis declared a personal interest
in item 4.1 as neighbours.
106.3 The minutes of the meeting held on 20th
November were approved
and signed by the Chairman as a true record. There were
no matters arising.
106.4 106.4.1 Planning Application 6/8/07/111
Site adjacent to Carrick, Cutcombe: reserved matters
details for the construction of a local needs affordable
dwelling and garage pursuant to application 6/8/06/108
as per amended plans dated 28/11/07: after some debate
Council resolved to support this application but concerns
were expressed at the loss of a double garage (now a
single) and its resiting.
106.4.2 No ENPA decisions on previous applications to
report.
106.4.3 There were no other relevant planning matters
for discussion.
106.5 106.5.1 Luckwell Bridge Improvement Scheme:
Cllrs Sanders and Atkins had met on site with the Local
Area Board representative and Highways and were preparing
a funding bid to be submitted by 19/12/07. Council resolved
to support this scheme to a maximum of £2,000.
If the LAB bid proves unsuccessful other sources of
funding will be sought.
106.5.2 The Clerk reported on temporary road closures
in Dunster in January and that the widening of the car
park opening at The Rest & Be Thankful Inn should
start in January 2008. Concern was expressed the number
of blocked drains and gulleys in the Parish: the Clerk
to write to Highways on this matter.
106.6 Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride
Scheme 2008: It was reported that Council had resolved
to award the mini bus contract for the scheme to
WebberBus. The road closure would be applied for 2nd-24th
February 2008. Tim Braund answered questions raised
concerning ENPA’s input into the 2008 Scheme and
Sally Parish questions concerning operational procedures.
Adverts for staff to be placed asap.
106.7 Information concerning the scheme
had been circulated to Council prior to the meeting
and several members had been part of discussions regarding
the Parish Lengthsman Scheme. Council resolved to commit
£500 per annum for 2 years to the scheme.
106.8 The Clerk had been in touch with WSDC regarding
renewal of the contract to run the Wheddon Cross toilets
which expires March 2008. WSDC
are happy to renew the contract for one year on the
same terms. Council resolved to accept these renewal
terms.
106.9 Parish Lengthsman Scheme: one parishioner
had come forward as a volunteer to be the Parish Paths
Liaison Officer: information on the scheme was passed
to him for perusal and he was asked to get back to Council
if he was happy to take this on. Hopefully a team of
volunteers could be assembled to assist.
106.10 106.10.1 Council resolved to raise the precept
for 2008/09 by 3.6% to £5,800 in line with inflation
and the proposed budget already presented to Council.
106.10.2 Council resolved to pay the Clerk’s quarterly
salary in the sum of £440.47 and expenses of £346.02.
106.10.3 Council resolved to pay an invoice for £145.40
from Viking Direct in respect of the purchase of a flip
chart, pens etc. for use in connection with the Parish
Plan (Parish Plan budget).
106.10.4 Council resolved to pay an annual subscription
to the Society of Local Council Clerks in the sum of
£61.
106.10.5 Council resolved to pay the second tranche
of the pre-agreed sum of £250 to support the PCC
in the upkeep of the burial ground.
106.11 106.11.1 The Clerk had circulated a list of correspondence
received prior to the meeting including: Ironman UK:
15/06/08; correspondence regarding a reduction in the
number of doctor’s surgeries held in 2007 (Cllr
Atkins following up); letter of introduction from Sgt
Andy Whysall, Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
106.11.2 The Clerk had no meetings attended to report.
106.11.3 Cllr Davies had been completing the Parish
Emergency Plan with the help of the Clerk; Cllr Sanders
to assist with regard to Luckwell Bridge contacts.
106.11.4 Cllr Atkins reported that she had attended
the Exmoor Archaeological Forum and a meeting of the
Exmoor Association of Parish Councils: both informative
and useful.
106.12 Council agreed meeting dates for the first
half of 2008: to remain as the third Tuesday in each
month.
The next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take
place on Tuesday 15th January at 7.30 pm in the Moorland
Hall.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 9.35 pm.
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|
2006
Archive Page
JANUARY
2006
Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 17 January
2006 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Apologies for absence
2 Declarations of interest
3 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 13 December,
and any matters arising
4 Planning Applications and related business
4.1 Planning applications
6/8/05/114 Garage House, WX Amended plan for vehicular access
6/8/05/115 Langham Farm, WX Amendments to fenestration of
05/109, which proposed changes
and extensions to house, including conservatory addition,
conversion of attached barn and fenestration
6/8/05/116 Snowdon, Higher Erection of 2 storey side extension
Pk Lane, Cutcombe and
double garage (revised 04/118)
4.2 Market site: update
4.3 Other related business
5 To consider highways and transport matters, and relaetd
items
5.1 Parish Lengthsman: update
5.2 Hare Path Corner: update
5.3 Other related business
6 To consider a proposal for a new village notice board: update
7 To consider a proposal for a Triangle Enhancement Scheme
at Luckwell Bridge: update
8 Recruitment process for new parish clerk
8.1 Update on current position
8.2 To consider amendments to job description
8.3 To consider salary scale and number of hours
8.4 To consider the application process
8.5 To consider the implications for councillors of a Clerk
living outside the parish
9 West Somerset Statement of Community Involvement: Pre-Draft
Consultation
10 Somerset Drug & Alcohol Awareness in Communities Project
11 Update of Register of Members' Interests
12 To consider nominations to the WSDC Standards Committee
13 Code of Conduct:
13.1 Training for councillors
13.2 Discussion Paper on Code of Conduct
14 Annual Parish Meeting of Electors: agenda items
15 Implications of the Employment Act 2002: Grievance and
Disciplinary/Dismissal policies, panels and appeals
16 Possible meeting of Exmoor parishes with Avon & Somerset
Constabulary to discuss local policing issues
17 Finance
17.1 To consider and, if approved, reimburse the Clerk for
advertising costs for replacement clerk
17.2 To consider section 137 requests:
17.2.1 Age Concern
17.2.2 Marie Curie Cancer Care
17.2.3 Air Ambulance
17.2.4 Victim Support Somerset
17.3 To consider the third quarter's accounts and budgetary
summary
18 Correspondence and meetings
18.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence received
18.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
18.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence received
18.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings attended
19 Any other business
Minutes of the Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council
held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 17 January 2006 at Moorland Hall
75.1 Councillors Roger Webber (Chairman), Tim Gardner,
Eric Clarbull, Maria Davies, and John Davis were present,
as were two parishioners and County Councillor John Edwards.
Apologies were received from Councillor Barry Shelley, who
has been hospitalised; Councillor Daphne Brace was absent.
75.2 Councillor Roger Webber declared a prejudicial interest
in item 75.4.1 (Snowdon) and Councillor Tim Gardner declared
a prejudicial interest in item 75.4.1 (Garage House): both
left the room for the relevant items.
75.3 The minutes of the meeting held on 13 December were approved
and signed by the Chairman. Under matters arising, it was
agreed that a meeting with housing associations (see 74.4.2)
would be arranged by the Chairman. The Clerk reported that
some progress had been made on the Exmoor National Park Information
Point (see 74.12) and that Tim Braund would be contacting
both the Londis Store and Exmoor House early in February.
75.4 75.4.1 The second set of amended plans for Garage House
(6/8/05/114) were considered. The changes to the building
were, as previously, supported, but council reiterated the
concern expressed in October (see 72.6.1) about the proposed
parking being sufficient for the size of house. Council unanimously
expressed a strong desire, previously stated, that a pavement
should be an integral part of the application.
75.4.2 Council considered 6/8/05/115, concerning changes at
Langham Farm, and expressed no objection.
75.4.3 Council considered 6/8/05/116 (Vice-Chair took the
chair for this item), concerning changes at Snowdon, and expressed
no objection.
75.4.4 The Chairman reported that no date had yet been announced
for ENPA Planning Committee to consider the Market Site application.
Chairman also reported on a site visit by Chris France to
look at issues with any proposal to site traffic lights around
the crossroads. Clarification was sought about process: parish
council had been asked to comment on the outline application
and did so at its meeting on 11 October (see 71.3). The summary
conclusion was that there was insufficient information and
that clarification of a number of points was requested. Given
the lengthy period which has elapsed, council wishes to ask
ENPA for updated information on all aspects of the application,
so that a more meaningful set of comments can be given for
the ENPA Planning Committee's consideration. It is assumed
that, in the elapsed period of three months, a clearer picture
of the application with more data and information has emerged,
on which parish council's views would be useful.
75.5 75.5.1 The Clerk reported that no interest had been shown
by neighbouring parishes in the Parish Lengthsman Scheme,
at least in the model used by the Cokers. It was agreed that
council would reflect on the matter and consider later whether
a scaled-down proposal, working with a small number of hand-picked
neighbours, might be a way forward.
75.5.2 The Clerk reported that extra chevrons had been added
at Hare Path Corner, but it was noted that these had been
knocked down the previous weekend. The Chairman agreed to
raise these points with Roy Takle and to seek larger chevrons.
75.5.3 The Chairman reported on a number of highway issues
within the parish, which the Clerk and Chairman will follow
up.
75.5.4 The Clerk reported that there was no news on the referral
of the Heathpoult Cross saga to the Local Government Ombudsman.
However, there had been a number of complaints received about
alleged aggressive behaviour, including use of CCTV and a
video camera, as well as verbal abuse. The Clerk was asked
to liaise with County and the police on this matter.
75.6 It was resolved to establish a working party comprising
Councillors Eric Clarbull and Maria Davies to look more closely
into the provision of a new parish notice board and report
back to the next meeting. In the meantime, the Clerk will
pursue a further bid for funding.
75.7 The Chairman reported that discussion will be held with
a number of Luckwell Bridge residents about the proposed Triangle
Enhancement, and that a proposal would be put to the next
meeting by the Chairman.
75.8 It was reported that council currently had two applications
for the vacant post of Parish Clerk and that others were believed
to be in the pipeline. The revised job description was approved,
as were the salary scales, the proposed hours (although these
may need active monitoring during the first six months of
tenure) and the possibility of splitting the post into two
parts. Interviews will be held on the evening of Wednesday
1 February, to be organised by the Clerk, who would be available
to hold separate discussions with candidates in order to answer
any questions about the council's modus operandi. The interviewing
committee will comprise Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Councillor
Tim Gardner. Recommendations for appointment will be brought
to the next meeting for ratification. It was understood that,
in the event of the new incumbent residing outside the parish,
councillors will need actively to accept additional roles
in such matters as lighting and toilet inspection, prescriptions,
highways, footpaths, public phone etc.
75.9 The Clerk reminded council that four sets of questionnaires
had been distributed at the last meeting for the WSDC Statement
of Community Involvement. As no forms had been returned to
the Clerk, it was assumed that they had been directly returned
to WSDC.
75.10 It was agreed that council would host a local meeting
on drug and alcohol awareness and meet the cost, if necessary,
of hiring the Moorland Hall. The Clerk will progress the matter.
75.11 Members were reminded of their duty to review and, if
necessary, update their entry in the Register of Members'
Interests.
75.12 There were no nominations to the WSDC Standards Committee.
75.13 It was agreed that councillors present would attend
the Code of Conduct training to be held in Dulverton on Wednesday
22 March, and the Clerk will pursue replies from those absent
from the meeting. The ODPM Discussion Paper was noted.
75.14 The agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting of Electors
was discussed, and options considered. The Clerk will bring
a draft agenda to the next meeting.
75.15 The implications of the Employment Act 2002 –
Grievance and Disciplinary/Dismissal policies, panels and
appeals were noted, and the Clerk asked to put the required
documentation in place to be considered at the next meeting.
75.16 It was agreed that issues over local policing should
be aired at the next Exmoor Panel Meeting but that, should
a satisfactory response not be forthcoming, a senior officer
would be invited to a special meeting.
75.17 75.17.1 It was resolved to pay the Clerk £112.80
to reimburse advertising costs for the new parish clerk..
75.17.2 It was resolved to grant under section 137 the sum
of £25.00 to each of the following: Age Concern; Air
Ambulance; Victim Support.
75.17.3 The third quarter accounts and budgetary summary were
noted.
75.18 75.18.1 The Clerk reported on the following correspondence
received:
ENPA EBASE questionnaire on climate change and local awareness
(referred to Councillor Barry Shelley); Calor Village of the
Year Competition (for parish magazine); Minehead Market Site
Workshop.
75.18.2 Councillor Maria Davies reported on the recent Dulverton
Medical Practice open evening about the new surgery, and about
the proposal for defibrillators to be available locally.
75.19 The Clerk was asked to write to the Exmoor Trust to
support their bids for funds and to thank the Trustees for
their excellent work.
75.20 The next meeting is on Tuesday 21 February at 7.30 pm
in the Moorland Hall. There being no other business, the meeting
closed
at 10 pm.
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FEBRUARY
2006
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 7 February 2006
at 6.00 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions and
statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall. Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 6 pm prompt,
before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum of
15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Apologies for absence
2 Declarations of interest
3 Planning Applications and related business
3.1 To note ENPA decisions on previous applications
3.2 Planning applications
6/8/06/101 Higher Park Lane, Reserved Matters: application
for the Cutcombe construction
of one single storey
dwelling part pursuant to outline application 6/8/05/112
6/8/06/102 Thorne Farm, WX Retention of farm access track
(Retrospective)
4 To consider the recommendation of the Interview Panel for
the
appointment of a new Clerk and, if approved, to ratify their
decision
5 To consider and, if approved, authorise the purchase of
a new noticeboard
6 To note the resignation of Councillor Daphne Brace and to
note the process to replace her
7 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice to EDF Energy
8 Any other business
Minutes of the Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council
held at 6 pm on Tuesday 7 February 2006 at Moorland Hall
76.1
Councillors Roger Webber (Chairman), Tim Gardner, Barry Shelley,
Eric Clarbull, Maria Davies, and John Davis were present,
as were two parishioners. Apologies were received from County
Councillor John Edwards.
76.2
Councillor Roger Webber declared a prejudicial interest in
item 76.3.3 (6/8/06/102, Higher Park Lane) and left the room
for this item. Councillor Tim Gardner declared a personal
interest in item 76.5.
76.3
76.3.1 The Clerk reported that ENPA had approved the outline
application
6/8/05/112 for the erection of two local needs affordable
dwellings with 18 conditions.
76.3.2 The plans for the retrospective retention of the farm
access track
at Thorne Farm (6/8/06/101) were considered. This work had
been completed before ENPA consideration of an earlier GDO
and therefore needed full planning consideration. Council
had commented under the GDO that “this was supported
subject to the work being of a satisfactory standard.”
Council supported the application but commented that several
areas still needed more appropriate landscaping and that ENPA
officers should be asked to look at this before approving
the application.
76.3.3 Vice-Chairman Eric Clarbull took the chair for this
item. The plans for the Reserved Matters application for the
construction of one single storey dwelling at Higher Park
Lane (6/8/06/102) were considered. Council strongly supported
the application in its entirety and congratulated, and gave
every encouragement to, the applicant for the environmentally
sound proposal. Having perused the plans at length, Council
was happy with every aspect, including the decision not to
plant on top of the bank on the western elevation.
76.4
The Chairman reported on the interview process for the new
Clerk and Cllrs Eric Clarbull and Tim Gardner, as interview
panel members, also gave their view. Although each of the
three candidates had much to offer, it was resolved unanimously
to offer the post to Ms Marlene Allinson. It was agreed that
the post would be offered from 1 March 2006, initially with
a seven month probation period. The post will be offered at
scale point 17, with March payment being made at the revised
April rate, for 150 hours a year. Ms Allinson would be asked
to keep a log of her hours, so that a review could take place
before the September council meeting, with the possibility
of changing the conditions with effect from 1 October. It
was also agreed that, until the end of September, the present
Clerk would continue as Responsible Finance Officer, being
paid one hour a month from 1 April, with a decision on future
modus operandi being made at the September council meeting.
The present Clerk would be paid in full until 31 March and
would assist the new Clerk fully during the handover month.
The present Clerk was asked to notify all candidates accordingly.
76.5
It was unanimously resolved to proceed with the purchase and
erection of a new parish notice board of the kind agreed by
the Working Party, dependent on a positive result of the application
for a grant to the Rural Initiative Fund of at least £350
(of the requested £424). Parish Council resolved to
commit a maximum of three hundred pounds to the purchase.
Thanks were expressed to Cllr Tim Gardner for the generous
donation of one hundred pounds from F Webber & Sons. The
Clerk was asked to follow through the necessary procedures.
76.6
The resignation of Cllr Daphne Brace was noted with regret,
and the Clerk asked to write formally to thank her for her
work. The Clerk explained the procedure to replace her, whereby
a casual vacancy had already been declared, with a minimum
of ten parishioners required to request in writing before
20 February an election, failing which council will co-opt
at its meeting on 18 April.
76.7
It was resolved to pay an invoice from EDF Energy for £33.69
in payment of toilet electricity.
76.8
The Chairman informed council that an ENPA site visit to consider
6/8/05/114 (Garage House) would take place on Friday 17 February
at 1100 and that parish council representatives were invited.
76.9
The next meeting is on Tuesday 21 February at 7.30 pm in the
Moorland Hall.
There being no other business, the meeting closed at 6.50
pm.
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 21 February 2006
at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions and
statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Apologies for absence
2 Declarations of interest
3 To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 17 January
and 7 February, and any matters arising
4 Planning Applications and related business
5 To consider highways and transport matters, and related
items
5.1 Somerset Stages Rally
5.2 Jaunt & Challenge Event
5.3 Hare Path Corner
5.4 Other related business
6 Update on the acquisition of a new village notice board
7 To consider a proposal for a Triangle Enhancement Scheme
at Luckwell Bridge: update
8 ENPA Statement of Community Involvement: Consultation
9 Somerset Drug & Alcohol Awareness in Communities Project
10 Update on parish councillor casual vacancy process
11 To consider dates of meetings for the remainder of 2006
12 To consider voting to elect a member of the WSDC Standards
Committee
13 Code of Conduct: Training for councillors
14 Annual Parish Meeting of Electors: agenda items
15 Employment Act 2002: Grievance and Disciplinary/Dismissal
policies, panels and appeals
16 Arrangements for the handover of the Clerkship
17 Calor Village of the Year competition
18 WSDC Information Packs for newcomers
19 Finance
19.1 To consider a request from the Moorland Hall committee
for a grant in 2006/07 towards insurance costs
19.2 To consider a request from the All-Weather Court Association
for a grant in 2006/07
towards insurance cost
19.3 To consider whether to pay a subscription to the Society
of Local
Council Clerks on behalf of the new Clerk
20 Correspondence and meetings
20.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence received
20.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
20.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence received
20.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings attended
21 Any other business
Minutes of the Meeting of Cutcombe
Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 21 February 2006
at the Moorland Hall
77.1
Councillors Roger Webber (Chairman), Tim Gardner, Eric Clarbull,
Maria Davies, Barry Shelley and John Davis were present, as
were two parishioners and County Councillor John Edwards.
The Clerk Designate, Mrs Marlene Allinson was also present.
77.2
Councillor Eric Clarbull declared a prejudicial interest in
items 77.19.1 and 77.19.2; Councillor John Davis declared
a prejudicial interest in item 77.19.2; and Councillor Tim
Gardner declared a personal interest in item 77.6 : Councillors
Clarbull and Davis left the room for the relevant items.
77.3
The minutes of the meetings held on 17 January and 7 February
were approved and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters
arising.
77.4
There were no planning issues to report.
77.5
77.5.1 The Clerk reported on two rally events: Carbase Somerset
Stages and the Jaunt & Challenge 4X4 Event. The Clerk
will contact both organisers to remind them about speed, noise
and the dangers of the crossroads.
77.5.2 The Clerk reported that, following an accident, the
double chevron at Hare Path Corner had not been replaced.
He was asked to follow up, and Cllr Edwards also offered to
speak to Highways.
77.5.3 The Clerk reported that he had been informed that the
Local Government Ombudsman had ruled that Somerset County
Council had acted properly in their handling of the intended
clearance of the Heathpoult Cross chipping landing and that
a date would soon be announced for the work to start. This
has been an ongoing problem for many years and it is hoped
that this ruling will see an end to the uncertainty over the
use of the site. It will be necessary for local people and
visitors alike to use the site without hindrance and, if necessary,
the police will be asked to ensure that no further harassment
takes place. Thanks were expressed to Cllr Edwards and the
Clerk for their work in helping solve this problem.
77.5.4 Other items reported were: a meeting to discuss the
problems of the A396/B3224 junction; mud on the road at Combeshead
corner; the non-clearance of the A396 edges on Cutcombe Hill.
77.6
It was noted that a final decision on the noticeboard was
contingent upon a successful application for a grant to the
Rural Initiative Fund, which should be known in early March.
If unsuccessful, the matter would come back to council; if
successful within agreed financial parameters, the Clerk was
authorised to proceed.
77.7
Options for the enhancement of the Luckwell Bridge Triangle
were discussed. Highways will give a view on their possible
input both in financial and legal terms and further consultation
with the community would take place before council considered
the matter again. Improving the visibility splay on the Exford
exit would be considered.
77.8
The ENPA Statement of Community Involvement was noted.
77.9
The Somerset Alcohol and Drugs Action Team presentation on
9 March was noted.
77.10
The parish councillor casual vacancy process was noted, and
no election had been requested. Council will therefore co-opt
at its April meeting, and councillors were asked to seek actively
suitable candidates, who would be asked to complete a simple
CV form.
77.11
The dates of meetings for the remainder of 2006 were agreed,
and will be posted on the noticeboard.
77.12
Council considered the three candidates standing for election
to the WSDC Standards Committee and resolved to vote for Miss
B A Bryan.
77.13
It was agreed that councillors present and the new Clerk would
attend the Code of Conduct training to be held in Dulverton
on Wednesday 22 March, and that transport would be shared.
77.14
The agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting of Electors was discussed,
and options considered. The Clerk will bring a final draft
agenda to the next meeting.
77.15
The Employment Act 2002 – Grievance and Disciplinary/Dismissal
policies, panels and appeals were discussed, and it was resolved
at adopt the documents presented. Elections to the panels
would take place at the Annual Parish Council meeting in May.
The Clerk agreed to enquire about a dispute resolution procedure.
77.16
Arrangements for handing over the Clerkship were discussed
and agreed in principle. Informal meetings would be held to
organise the detail.
77.17
No-one had come forward to take charge of any bid for Calor
Village of the Year competition and councillors were asked
to think about who might be encouraged to help.
77.18
WSDC's request for thoughts on a Welcome Pack for newcomers
was suggested for referral to the Annual Parish Meeting of
Electors.
77.19
77.19.1 A request from the Moorland Hall for a grant was sympathetically
considered. The applicant was asked to provide more detailed
figures on insurance costs later in the year, when the next
demand was received, and also to provide evidence of comprehensive
budgeting.
77.19.2 It was resolved to grant £350.00 to the All-Weather
Court to alleviate immediate financial problems. It was noted
that this grant would not be recurrent and that it should
not preclude more effective budgeting in future. Council expressed
support for the work of the committee and its value especially
to younger parishioners.
77.19.3 It was agreed that a subscription to the Society of
Local Council Clerks should not be renewed.
77.20
77.20.1 The Clerk reported on correspondence received: from
WSDC on recycling; on a WSDC planning meeting; with WSDC on
their commitment to communication and working with parishes;
from Exmoor Food Festival; from Somerset Strategic Partnership's
Economic Strategy.
77.20.2 The Clerk reported on a meeting with Sean Walsh, Chair
of the school Governors, and it was agreed to invite him to
speak at the APME.
77.20.3 Cllr John Davis reported on a planning site meeting
at Garage House.
77.21
The next meeting is on Tuesday 21 March at 7.30 pm in the
Moorland Hall. There being no other business, the meeting
closed at 9.15 pm.
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MARCH
2006
Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday
21 March 2006 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public
questions and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall.
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of interest
3. To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 21 February,
and any matters arising
4. Planning Applications and related business
4.1 Consideration of planning applications 6/8/06/103 Higher
Park Lane, Outline application for erection of Cutcombe three
affordable needs local dwellings, access and use of part for
children’s learning area
4.2 To note ENP decisions on previous applications
4.3 Other relevant matters
5. To consider highways and transport matters, and related
items
5.1 Heathpoult Cross: update
5.2 To note the proposed closure of parts of the B3224 in
April.
5.2 Other related business
6. Update on new village notice board
6.1 Update on its acquisition
6.2 To consider and, if approved, sign, an agreement with
F Webber & Sons Ltd (Londis) concerning its siting
7. Somerset Coast PPI Forum Questionnaire
8. To consider the request from IRONMAN UK to participate
in arrangements for the event to be held on 18th June at Wimbleball
Lake.
9. To approve a change of contract for Colin Stevenson from
Parish Clerk to Responsible Finance Officer
10. Final draft agenda for the APME
11. Update on parish councillor casual vacancy process
12. To consider and, if approved, sign a revision to the contract
with West Somerset District Council for toilet cleaning and
maintenance.
13. Finance
13.1 To consider and, if approved, pay the old Clerk's quarterly
salary and expenses
13.2 To consider and, if approved, pay the new Clerk's March
salary and expenses
13.3 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice from Exmoor
Farmers for photocopying
13.4 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice from the
Moorland Hall Committee for half-yearly premises' hire
13.5 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice from Greenbarnes
Ltd. for the new Parish Noticeboard.
13.6 To approve retrospectively a payment to Wessex Water
for water & sewerage at the public toilets
13.7 To consider and, if approved, pay WSDC Non-domestic rate
bill for 2006/07.
13.8 To consider and, if approved, pay mileage allowance to
Eric Clarbull for attending a SALC Meeting at Burrowbridge
(6 miles) and Exmoor National Park Meeting (8 miles).
14. Correspondence and meetings
14.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence received
14.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
14.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence received
14.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings attended
15. Any other business
Minutes of the Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council
held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 21 March 2006 at Moorland Hall
78.1
Councillors Roger Webber (Chairman), Tim Gardner, Eric Clarbull,
Maria Davies, Barry Shelley and John Davis were present, as
were three parishioners (one being the outgoing Clerk Colin
Stevenson).
78.2
Councillor John Davis declared a prejudicial interest in item
78.4.1 as he completed the questionnaire concerning affordable
housing; Councillor Tim Gardner declared a personal interest
in item 78.6.1 and a prejudicial interest in item 78.6.2 as
the owner of Londis; Councillor Eric Clarbull declared a prejudicial
interest in item 78.13.4 as Chairman of the Moorland Hall
Committee. Councillors Davis, Gardner and Clarbull left the
room for the relevant items. The Chairman Councillor Roger
Webber made it clear that when 78.4.1 (the planning application)
appears before the Exmoor National Park Planning Committee
he will deal with the matter fairly and with an open mind
having sat in at this meeting.
78.3
The minutes of the meeting held on 21st February were approved
and signed by the Chairman. Under matters arising: 77.12:
it was reported by the Clerk that the results of the Ballot
for the vacancy on the WSDC Standards Committee were as follows:
Barbara Bryan 6 votes; Sally de Renzy-Martin 7 votes; Loretta
Whetlor 0 votes. 77.19.2: the Clerk reported that The All-Weather
Court had sent a receipt for the grant of £350 together
with their warm thanks to the Parish Council.
78.4
78.4.1 The Outline Planning Application 6/8/06/103 for the
erection of three affordable needs local dwellings at Higher
Park Lane, Cutcombe was considered. After some debate it was
agreed that Council would support the erection of 2 affordable
needs local dwellings at the northern end of the site but
wished to point out that the current outline plans should
not in any way taken to be indicative of the finished dwellings.
Council expressed a strong desire that it should be involved
as much as possible in the design of the dwellings, particularly
with regard to size, shape and orientation. Council was unanimously
opposed to any major urbanization of the area, such as the
incorporation of any pavement, footpath or verge. In addition,
concern was expressed that the remainder of the site not used
for the erection of the dwellings should be landscaped or
suitably maintained, with the fence put into a good state
of repair. It was suggested that it be a condition of any
granting of the application that the
undeveloped
portion of the site be the subject of a protection order so
that
it remain free from development, at least for the time being,
particularly as this would keep the separation between the
villages of Cutcombe and Wheddon Cross which is of local importance
and noted as such in the
Local Plan. Parish Council would like clarification with regard
to the management and co-ordination of a self-build project.
It was agreed that a letter from Sean Walsh (Chairman of Governors)
of Cutcombe First School should be enclosed with Council’s
letter to ENP.
78.4.2 There were no further planning matters to report.
78.5
78.5.1.1 It was reported that the chipping landing at Heathpoult
Cross had been cleared on 6th March: parishioners would be
asked at the forthcoming Annual Parish Meeting to report any
future problems at the site to the police.
78.5.2 The Clerk was asked to write to Somerset Highways ref
the closures of the B3224 at Brompton Regis: Withiel Hill/Blagdon
Lane to Round House Cross (18th April for 10 days) Beulah
Chapel to Withiel Hill (25th April for 3 days): this is a
very busy commuter route and it is to be hoped that factors
such as school and commuter travelling times have been taken
into account in order to minimise any impact on the community.
78.5.3 (75.5.2 refers): the Clerk was asked to follow up the
replacement of larger Chevrons at Hare Path Corner.
78.6 78.6.1 The new noticeboard was now on order, delivery
expected mid-April, the size of the board having had to be
reduced and the grant renegotiated as the original one ordered
would not now fit due to changes at the proposed site which
were out of Council’s control. The outgoing Clerk Colin
Stevenson reported that the funding would definitely be available
for the Board but might take some time to come through.
78.6.2 The agreement with F Webber & Sons (Londis) was
agreed and signed by the Chairman and Councillor Gardner on
behalf of F Webber & Sons (Londis).
78.7
It was agreed that the Parish Council did not wish to respond
to the Somerset Coast PPI Forum Questionnaire but that individual
Councillors may wish to do so.
78.8
The Clerk summarised a letter from UK Ironman 70.3 Triathlon
2006 regarding the event to take place on 18th June 2006.
The Chairman agreed to attend a Consultation Meeting at Wimbleball
Lake on Thursday 13th April at 11 am which had been arranged
with the aim of minimising any disruption to the local community
by the event.
78.9
The amendment to Colin Stevenson’s contract to reflect
his new role as the Council’s Responsible Finance Officer
was agreed and duly signed by The Chairman and Colin Stevenson.
78.10
The Agenda for the Annual Parish Meeting was finalised with
one amendment that the Chairman’s Report be presented
before the talk by Rob Wilson-North, Archaeologist, Exmoor
National Park Authority.
78.11
The Chairman reported that one person (Linda Atkins) had come
forward for the vacancy of Parish Councillor and a final decision
would be made at the April Parish Council Meeting.
78.12
Colin Stevenson reported (as Responsible Finance Officer)
that the revision to the contract with WSDC for toilet cleaning
and maintenance had not yet been received but it was known
that an amendment to the contract for 2006/07 would include
an additional £500 for utilities and council tax, and
an overall increase on the 2005/06 figure of 2.4% reflecting
the Retail Price Index. It was resolved to sign the revised
contract.
78.13
78.13.1 It was agreed to pay the outgoing Clerk’s quarterly
expenses and salary (£444.86).
78.13.2 It was agreed to pay the new Clerk’s March salary
and expenses (£105.31).
78.13.3 It was agreed to pay an invoice from Exmoor Farmers
for photocopying (£7.35).
78.13.4 It was agreed to pay an invoice from the Moorland
Hall Committee for half-yearly premises’ hire (£74.00).
78.13.5 It was agreed to pay an invoice from Greenbarnes Ltd
for the new Parish Noticeboard (£1,608.62).
78.13.6 It was agreed to pay a retrospective invoice from
Wessex Water for water & sewerage the public toilets (£902.00).
78.13.7 It was agreed to pay WSDC’s non-domestic rate
bill for 2006/07 (£771.89).
78.13.8 It was agreed to pay mileage allowance to Eric Clarbull
of 74 miles (66 miles to Burrowbridge + 18 miles to ENP meeting
£33.60).
78.14 78.14.1 The Clerk reported on a SCC Minerals and Waste
Development Framework Statement of Community Involvement:
Submission Document: all representations to be made by 26th
April: further details available from Nick Ashby (01823 3582911):
documents can be viewed at www.somerset.gov.uk/ete/planning.
78.14.2 The Clerk reported on a letter from the Somerset Coast
NHS Primary Care Trust regarding a meeting on 28th February
to consider the Outline Business Case for the redevelopment
of Bridgwater and Minehead Community Hospitals.
78.14.3 Documents relating to Stop Hinkley Forum 21 were passed
to Councillor Shelley (Environment).
78.14.4 Councillor Davies reported on a letter from the Dulverton
Medical Practice regarding their proposal to use a recently-purchased
van to deliver medicines to the door and expressed concern
at the idea of medications being left unattended at doorsteps;
in addition there were existing arrangements with the Parishes
for distribution and they had not been consulted about any
proposed changes; further concern was expressed should the
van break down or be unavailable at any time. The new arrangements
are not yet in place, the Practice is currently seeking volunteer
drivers for the vehicle.
78.14.5 Councillor Davies reported on a Drug Awareness Session
attended at the Moorland Hall on 9th March: attendance had
been poor but the organization and content of the meeting
had been very useful both the young people and adults attending
(7 of each).
78.14.6 Councillor Davis reported that he had attended a meeting
of the Exmoor Panel where he had followed up two issues relating
to community policing.
79
79.1 Councillor Shelley reported that the upgrade of the footpath
from Draper’s Way to Ralegh Manor had now been completed.
79.2 Councillor Davis reported that the Rural Youth Project
were moving the organized football coaching from the All-Weather
Court to Porlock (13 to 19 year olds) as there were insufficient
numbers to continue at Cutcombe.
80
The next meeting is on Tuesday 18 April at 7.30 pm in the
Moorland Hall. There being no other business, the meeting
closed at 9.10 pm.
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Annual
Parish Meeting 2006
All
local government electors in the parish are invited to the
Annual Parish Meeting for Cutcombe which will be held in the
Moorland Hall on Wednesday 29 March 2006 at 7.30 pm
Refreshments
and the minutes of last year’s meeting will be available
from 7 pm.
AGENDA
1.
Apologies for absence
2. To approve the minutes of last year’s Annual Parish
Meeting held on 23 March 2005 and any matters arising therefrom
3. Parish Council Chairman’s Report
4.
Report by Sean Walsh (Chairman of Governors) on Cutcombe First
School
5. Need to co-opt a new councillor
6. Update on Heathpoult Cross
7. WSDC Welcome Pack for newcomers
8. The Joyce Charity 9.
The West Charity
Minutes
of the Annual Cutcombe Parish Meeting of Electors held on
Wednesday 29 March 2006 at 7.30 pm at Moorland Hall
There
were 10 parishioners present. Apologies were received from
Cllr Eric Clarbull, Mr Stan Heley, Mr Edwin Beckett, Mr Jon
Trouton and Mrs Jacqui Ablett. Cllr Roger Webber welcomed
those present to the meeting. The minutes of the meeting held
on 23 March 2005 were approved and signed. There were no matters
arising.
-
Cllr
Roger Webber presented his report for 2005/06 as Chairman
of Cutcombe Parish Council. Cllr Webber reported that
the year had been a busy one, with 10 planning applications
considered (including several which had been back to Council
on more than one occasion). After much debate Cleeve Meadows
had finally been resolved as had Langham Court. Planning
approval had now been granted for the first affordable
homes to be built under the Exmoor National Park Local
Plan at Slade Corner. With regard to the Market Site,
the outline planning application for 11 affordable local
needs houses and 6 open market dwellings was still with
the planners who are awaiting further information from
the applicants. The Garage House application had been
approved in principle, safer pedestrian access to the
shop being wanted as a planning condition as well as adequate
parking at the house. The appeal with regard to the Dunkery
Cairns had been allowed, and the outline planning application
for 3 affordable needs dwellings at Higher Park Lane had
been considered at the last Parish Council meeting, Council’s
recommendation being for two affordable needs dwellings
and as much input as possible into the design and landscaping
of the rest of the site in order to ensure the separation
of the villages of Cutcombe and Wheddon Cross. A letter
from the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Cutcombe
First School, Sean Walsh, had been enclosed with Council’s
recommendations.
With regard to Highways, resurfacing had been carried
out at Ashwell Lane, and resurfacing parts of the B3224
is ongoing as well as works to repair potholes and improve
drainage. Safety at Hare Path Corner is to be improved
with the erection of a double decker chevron in the very
near future. Regular meetings have taken place throughout
the year with
Highways and thanks are due to Cllr John Edwards
and Mr Colin Stevenson for their endeavours in these areas.
Improvements to foothpaths include the one from
Drapers Way to Ralegh Manor.
Despite efforts to engage with the youth of the Parish,
Cllr Webber reported no single issue stands out. Cllr
Davies and Mr Colin Stevenson had attended a Drug Awareness
Session at the Moorland Hall on 9th March. The organization
and content of the meeting had been useful to the 7 adults
and 7 young people attending. Council had made a grant
of £350 to the All-Weather Court in order to help
with their costs and as recognition of their hard work
over the last 18 months.
Cllr Webber read out a notice from the Dulverton Medical
Practice regarding current arrangements for Village Surgeries
due to continuing computer problems and reported that
the new surgery and dental practice at Dulverton should
be up and running
in late 2007.
Cllr Webber reported that the Rural Housing Survey has
continued to raise issues, provision for 23 dwellings
having been initially recognized, this being rounded
down to a figure of 10 to reflect a more realistic local
need.
Unfortunately the Parish Lengthsman initiative in which
it was intended that the Parish Council and the District
employ people from within the Parish to carry out small
but necessary works had not got off the ground despite
a lot of work having been
put in by the Clerk.
Improvements to the Luckwell Bridge Triangle around the
area of the phone box and the noticeboard are in hand,
and communications within the Parish will be improved
by the delivery of a new Parish Noticeboard to be sited
near the entrance to the Londis store. This has been funded
from outside sources include the Community Chest fund
and a personal contribution from
Cllr John Edwards. The existing Parish Noticeboard at
the old Post Office will also remain in use.
Cllr Webber introduced Marlene Allinson as the new Clerk,
and expressed warm thanks on behalf of everyone to Colin
Stevenson for his work over the last 4 years, during which
time he had proved to be extremely efficient, courteous
and fair in his dealings with Parish matters and Parishioners.
In addition Cllr Webber thanked his fellow Councillors
for all their hard work over the last 12 months and expressed
his enjoyment in being allowed to continue to represent
the Parish. Particular thanks were due to Cllr Clarbull
and his Committee who saw the improvements to the Moorland
Hall through to completion and to Mr Edwin Beckett and
his team of workers.
Cllr Webber apologized that the previously-advertised
speaker Rob Wilson-North, Archaeologist, Exmoor National
Park Authority was unable to attend at the last minute
to a family matter and unfortunately no replacement could
be found.
-
Sean
Walsh, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Cutcombe
First School reported that Mrs Mo Best, Headmistress,
would be retiring at the end of the current school year.
After a rigorous selection process Mr Brian White had
been appointed as her replacement. He is relatively young
and is currently a senior teacher at Crowcombe and Stogumber
Federation School. A letter informing all parents at both
schools of the forthcoming change had just been sent out.
Mr Walsh reported that a wider consultation exercise on
the future of Education Provision in West Somerset is
taking place and Cutcombe is in a strong position to provide
education within the Parish. Dunkery Pre School now has
14 pupils and as a consequence it is hoped that roll numbers
at Cutcombe should continue to be healthy. The OFSTED
Report for Cutcombe had been very good, as was the pupil/teacher
ratio. Cllr Edwards expressed his belief that a relatively
young new Headmaster would be good for the school and
the Parish, and reported that he had been pressing County
to look at improving the provision of transport for school
children in rural areas. In response to a question from
Cllr Davies regarding catchment area, Mr Walsh replied
that this was always a contentious issue and that all
schools were now looking to co-operate in the area of
transport provision to increase catchment areas. Mr
Walsh indicated that he is happy to attend each year at
the Annual Parish Meeting to give Parish an update on
the school provision.
Cllr Webber thanked Mr Walsh and stressed the link between
the School, the Parish Council, the Church and the Community.
-
Cllr
Webber reported that no election had been requested to
elect a new Councillor after the resignation of Cllr Daphne
Brace, to whom he gave thanks for her contribution. One
candidate, Mrs Linda Atkins, had come forward as willing
to be co-opted, and the matter would be decided at the
next Parish Council meeting in April.
-
After
a long period of time the future of the redundant chipping
landing at Heathpoult Cross was now secure. Highways had
cleared the landing and it is hoped that its surface will
be improved. A report on the current situation appears
in the current Parish Magazine and Parishioners are urged
to report any incidents of harassment to the Police. The
matter has cost the Parish a great deal of the Clerk’s
time and Cllr Edwards reported that the County Council
had expended a great deal of staff time over the matter.
The Clerk was asked to seek advice as to whether any recompense
could be made to the Parish Council.
-
West
Somerset District Council had requested ideas from Council
for items to be included in a Welcome Pack for people
looking to move into the Parish. The Clerk had sent them
a copy of the Village Directory and a link to the Wheddon
Cross website. Mrs Cynthia Stevens reported that funding
is required for an update of the Village Directory; she
was asked if a map of the Parish could be included on
the website, and this would also be a good idea for inclusion
in the Welcome Pack. Mr Walsh said that he would be happy
to write a piece about the school for inclusion.
Cllr Webber asked if the Local History Group could also
write something about the area, including the historical
aspects of the separation between Cutcombe and Wheddon
Cross.
-
Cllr
Webber reported that the Cutcombe Charity of George Joyce
had made payments totalling £750 to each parish,
an increase of £250 over last year. The money is
distributed at Easter but last year the Trustees decided
to hold back some of the money in order to be able to
respond to any cases of need that came to their notice
during the year. There being none, the balance of £635
was distributed to 9 parishioners or families in total,
on the grounds of age or ill health.
-
Cllr
Webber reported that the assets of the West Charity are
held by the Charities Investment Fund and in 2005 brought
in a total of £345. This money is traditionally
distributed at Christmas but the Trustees can make payments
during the year. Parishioners are asked to contact the
Revd. Terry Staples if they know of cases of particular
hardship. In order to benefit from the Charity parishioners
must have lived in the Parish for a minimum of 4 years.
Last Christmas there were 7 beneficiaries, all on the
grounds of age or ill health. There being no other business,
the Chairman thanked the speaker and those attending,
and closed the meeting at 8.10 pm.
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-
Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 18th
April 2006 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public
questions and statements are concluded) at the Moorland
Hall
Questions and statements from parishioners will be taken
at 7.30 pm prompt, before the parish council meeting begins,
for a maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1. Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of interest
3. To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 21st
March, and any matters arising
4. Planning Applications and related business
4.1 Consideration of planning applications
4.2 To note ENP decisions on previous applications
4.2.1 6/8/05/116 Side extension and double garage, Snowdon,
Higher Park Lane
4.2.2 6/8/05/115 Amendments to fenestration, Langham Farm
4.3 Other relevant matters
5. To consider highways and transport matters, and related
items
5.1 Tour of Wessex Cycling Event 27-29 May 2006
5.2 Cutcombe/Putham finger post
5.3 Update on Hare Path Corner
5.4 Parish/Town Council Questionnaire: Highway Related
Services Year ending 31st March 2006
6. Update on new village notice board
7. To consider revised arrangements for the supervision
of the toilet contract.
8. Meetings of Town/Parish Councils and Somerset County
Council: invitation to attend a meeting on 5th June 2006
at Bridgwater
9. Local Government Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1982
Street Trading: West Somerset
10. Meetings of Town/Parish Councils and Somerset County
Council
11. Draft Statement of Community Involvement
12. Co-option of a new Parish Councillor
13. Finance
13.1 To consider and, if approved, pay the Parish’s
Subscription to the Community Council for Somerset
13.2 To consider an application for a grant towards the
upkeep of the Parish Graveyard, and, if approved, pay
£100 to the Parochial Church Council being the first
half year payment
13.3 To consider and if approved pay a Donation to the
Moorland Hall and Recreation Ground of £500
13.4 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice from
the Somerset Association of Local Councils
13.5 To approve revised contractual payments to Jonathan
Webber for toilet management services.
13.6 To consider the Budget Report covering the financial
year 2005/06.
13.7 To consider and, if approved, pay the annual insurance
premium for Cutcombe Parish Council to Allianz Cornhill
of £547.22
14. Correspondence and meetings
14.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence received
14.1.1 West Somerset Business Network Meeting 27/04/06
14.1.2 Visit Exmoor Tourism Meeting 11/05/06
14.1.3 ENP Historic Environment Review 2005
14.1.4 Consultation on the Review of British Energy Generation
Ltd’s Nuclear Power Station Authorisations (including
Hinkley Point B)
14.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
14.2.1 Code of Conduct Training Presentation by Ashfords
Solicitors at Dulverton Town Hall 22/03/06
14.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence received
14.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings attended
15. Any other business
Minutes of the Meeting of
Cutcombe Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 18th
April 2006 at the Moorland Hall
81.1
Councillors Roger Webber (Chairman), Tim Gardner, Eric
Clarbull, Maria Davies, Barry Shelley and John Davis were
present, as was one parishioner.
81.2 Councillor Roger Webber declared a personal interest
in item 81.13.2 and did not participate in the discussion.
Councillor Clarbull declared a personal interest in item
81.13.3 and did not participate in the discussion.
81.3 The minutes of the meeting held on 21st March were
approved and signed by the Chairman with the following
amendment: this sentence was added at the end of para.
78.2: “The Chairman Councillor Roger Webber made
it clear that when 78.4.1 (the planning application) appears
before the Exmoor National Park Planning Committee he
will deal with the matter fairly and with an open mind
having sat in at this meeting.”
81.4 81.4.1 There were no planning applications to consider.
81.4.2 It was reported that the following planning applications
had been approved with conditions: 6/8/05/114, 115, 116;
6/8/06/101, 102.81.5 81.5.1 It was reported that a Tour
of Wessex Cycling Event would be held 27-29 May 2006 on
open roads, restricted to 1,500 entrants: a map of the
route was studied. Councillor Clarbull reported that a
stop at the Moorland Hall for tea had been arranged.
81.5.2 The Clerk agreed to follow up with Highways the
unsatisfactory condition of the Cutcombe/Putham fingerpost
with a view to a satisfactory repair being carried out.
81.5.3 The Clerk reported that the double-decker chevron
for Hare Path Corner is shortly to be erected.
81.5.4 It was agreed that the Clerk would ask the former
Clerk Mr Colin Stevenson to complete the Parish/Town Council
Questionnaire on Highway Related Services for year ended
31/03/06 as he had been dealing with matters for this
period.
81.5.5 Councillor Davis agreed to attend the meeting of
the Exmoor Panel on Tuesday 25th April to review Highways
matters over last winter and to put in place procedures
for this winter: it was requested that he raise the problems
of double-salting of roads and the lack of salting near
to the School. Councillor Webber apologised that he would
be unable to attend this meeting due to a prior commitment.
81.5.6 Councillor Davies reported that together with Councillor
Webber she had attended the IRONMAN UK meeting on 13th
April and that it was proposed to close two small areas
of road for the event. It was not felt that this would
cause any major long-term disruptions.
81.5.7 Councillor Shelley asked if there was an update
on the improvements to the Luckwell Bridge Triangle: Councillor
Webber reported that he was soon to meet with Highways
on this matter.
81.6 Councillor Webber reported that the new noticeboard
had now arrived. Councillors Webber and Clarbull agreed
to erect this in the near future at the Londis store.
The Clerk reported that insurance cover had been put in
place.
81.7 It was agreed that Councillor Shelley would meet
with Mr Jonathan Webber to discuss supervision of the
toilet contract during Mr Webber’s anticipated absence
due to TA active service and holidays and report back
to Council. It was further agreed that Councillor Shelley
would actively monitor the carrying out of the toilet
maintenance contract. Councillor Webber reported that
there had been a further incidence of vandalism at the
site.
81.8 Councillor Gardner agreed to attend the Meeting of
Town/Parish Councils and Somerset County Council at Bridgwater
on 5th June.
81.9 Under the proposed Street Trading Scheme consent
will be required from West Somerset District Council before
trading in a Consent Street (all streets unless otherwise
designated). It was agreed that no streets in the Parish
would be nominated as Non-Consent or Limited Consent Streets
under the Scheme.
81.10 This item was considered at 81.8 above.
81.11 The Draft Statement of Community Involvement was
passed to Councillor Davies for consideration, thereafter
to be circulated to other Council members.
81.12 One application had been received for co-option
to Council: from
Mrs Linda Atkins. The Chairman Councillor Webber read
out a letter from Mrs Atkins in support of her application.
It was unanimously agreed to co-opt Mrs Atkins to the
Parish Council and she will be invited to attend the Annual
Parish Council Meeting in May and to complete a Register
of Interests form before her attendance.
81.13.1 It was agreed to pay £30 to the Community
Council for Somerset, being the Parish Council’s
Annual Subscription.
81.13.2 A grant of £200 for 2006 towards the upkeep
of the Parish Graveyard was agreed by Council, the first
£100 being a half year payment to be paid shortly.
81.13.3 Council sought further clarification from the
Responsible Finance Officer Mr Colin Stevenson relating
to this item, it was agreed to pay a donation of £500
in principle provided that the money had already been
allocated for this purpose and was not an application
for “new” money.
81.13.4 It was agreed to pay Council’s Annual Affiliation
Fee of £82.13 to the Somerset Association of Local
Councils.
81.13.5 Revised contractual payments to Jonathan Webber
for toilet management services were approved being the
original contract price of £3648 plus the 2.4% RPI
uplift.
81.13.6 The Budget Report for the Financial Year 2005/06
was considered. Councillors Clarbull and Gardner had attended
a meeting with Colin Stevenson and reported that they
were confident that the Report was properly prepared and
in order and should be presented for audit.
81.13.7 It was agreed to pay the annual insurance premium
for Cutcombe Parish Council to Allianz Cornhill Insurance
of £547.22.
81.14.1.1 & .2 West Somerset Business Network Meeting
27th April, Visit Exmoor Tourism Meeting 11th May: notices
to be posted on parish noticeboard.
81.14.1.3 ENP Historic Environment Review 2005 to be circulated
among Councillors.
81.14.1.4 Consultation on the Review of British Energy:
passed to Councillor Shelley for consideration (responsibility
for Environment).
81.14.1.5 West Somerset District Council Rebranding notice
was brought to Council’s attention.
81.14.2 The Clerk reported on the Code of Conduct Training
Presentation attended by Councillors Webber, Clarbull,
Davies and herself. It was felt to be useful and informative
and was generally well attended. Slide handout notes were
circulated for information to those Councillors not attending.
81.14.3 There were no Councillors’ reports on correspondence
received.
81.14.4 There were no Councillors’ reports on meetings
attended.
81.15.1 The Chairman drew members into a brief discussion
and sought their views relating to issues raised during
public question time regarding affordable housing needs
provision in the Parish.
81.15.2 The next meeting will the Annual Parish Council
Meeting on Tuesday 16th May at 7.30 pm in the Moorland
Hall. The meeting closed at 9.35 pm.
81.15.3 Subsequent to the meeting the Chairman, the Vice-Chairman
and the Clerk agreed to report back on clarification sought
on the points raised at 81.15.1 as an Agenda item in order
to update members at the next meeting.
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MAY
2006
Annual
Parish Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday
16th May 2006 at 7.30 pm at the Moorland Hall.
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1
Election of Chairman and Receipt of Chairman’s Declaration
of Acceptance of Office
2 Declaration of Acceptance of Office for Mrs Linda Atkins,
co-opted Councillor
3 Election of Vice-Chairman
4 To consider various appointments or nominations by Council
4.1 Appointment to the Joyce Charity of a trustee
4.2 To elect Chairman and two Councillors to be members of
the Grievance and of the Disciplinary Procedures Committees
4.3 To elect Chairman and two Councillors to be members of
the Appeals Committee
5 Apologies for Absence
6 Declarations of Interest
7 To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 18th April
2006 and any matters arising
8 Update on clarification sought from Exmoor National Park
on affordable housing needs provision in the Parish
9 Planning Applications
9.1 Consideration of planning applications
9.2 To note ENP decisions on previous applications
9.3 Other relevant matters
10 To consider highways and transport and related items
10.1 Reported incidents at Heathpoult Cross
10.2 Other highways matters
11 To decide on areas of responsibility for individual Council
members as well as attendance at external bodies
12 Changes to Police Beat Boundaries
13 Exmoor National Park Ancient Tree Hunt
14 Exmoor National Park Update on the Coleridge Way
15 Finance
15.1 To consider the Annual Return for the year ended 31st
March 2006
15.1.1 To note the Statement of Accounts for the last financial
year, to approve the accounts and to authorize the Chairman
to sign them
15.1.2 To note the Statement of Assurance, to approve it and
to authorize the Chairman and Clerk to sign it
15.1.3 To note the comments of the Internal Auditor on the
Return
15.2 To consider and, if approved, agree a retrospective payment
of £28.96 to EDF Energy for public toilet electricity
16 Suggestions for Agenda Items for inclusion at the Meeting
of the Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forum to take place
at Exmoor House on Wednesday 14th June 2006 at 6.30 pm
17 Correspondence and Meetings
17.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence received
17.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
17.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence received
17.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings attended
18 Any Other Business
Minutes
of the Meeting of the Cutcombe Annual Parish Council
Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 16th May 2006 at the Moorland
Hall
Councillors
Roger Webber (Chairman), Tim Gardner, Eric Clarbull, Maria
Davies, Barry Shelley and John Davis were present as were
Mrs Linda Atkins and one parishioner.
82.1
Councillor Webber was unanimously elected Chairman of the
Parish Council for the coming year and signed the Declaration
of Office.
82.2 Mrs Linda Atkins
signed the Declaration of Office and was welcomed to Council
as a new co-opted Councillor.
82.3 Councillor Clarbull
was unanimously elected to serve as Vice-Chairman of the Parish
Council for the coming year.
82.4 82.4.1 Mr Andrew
Schofield was unanimously elected to represent the Parish
Council as a trustee of the Joyce Charity.
82.4.2 Councillor Clarbull was unanimously elected to
serve as Chairman of the Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures
Committees; Councillors Gardner and Atkins were elected as
Committee members.
82.4.3 Councilor Webber was unanimously elected to serve as
Chairman of the Appeals Committee and Councillors Davis and
Shelley were elected as Committee members.
82.5 No Apologies for
Absence from Parish Councillors; apologies from County Councillor
John Edwards who is on holiday.
82.6 No Declarations of
Interest were received.
82.7 The minutes of the
meeting held on 18th April 2006 were approved and signed by
the Chairman. Matters arising: Councillor Shelley reported
ref 81.7 that he had met with Mr Jonathan Webber and that
the latter’s wife would be running the toilet contract
during his absence in Afghanistan, with Mandy carrying out
the cleaning assisted by her partner Jonathan. The Clerk clarified
point 81.13.3 (after consultation with the Responsible Finance
Officer): this application was not for “new” money
but had previously been agreed by Council.
82.8 Councillor Webber
read out a statement from Ms Ruth McArthur,Principal Planning
Officer (Policy & Community), Exmoor National Park, in
answer’s to Council’s request for clarification
on policy relating to affordable housing needs provision in
the Parish. The Chairman asked for Councillors’ comments
at the next meeting as the statement had only been received
from ENP and circulated shortly before this meeting. It was
agreed that this statement be filed by the Clerk as clarification
for parishioners and Council and placed on the Parish noticeboard
together with an explanatory note.
82.9 82.9.1 No Planning
Applications had been received.
82.9.2 No comments on ENP decisions/previous applications
received.
82.9.3 In response to a query from Councillor Davis
the Chairman assured Council that application 6/8/05/111 Earthworks
and Related Landscaping at Langham Farm was being monitored
by an Exmoor National Park Officer.
82.10 82.10.1 The Clerk reported on two
recent incidents involving parishioners at the redundant chipping
landing at Heathpoult Cross which had been reported to Council
and to the Police. Council expressed great concern that such
incidents were still occurring, especially in view of the
long history of this matter. The Clerk agreed to write to
Inspector Nick Crocker and request a local police contact
reporting point for such incidents as one report had been
lodged some three weeks previously and the parishioner involved
had not yet received a reply.
82.10.2 Councillor Webber reported on the poor state
of Steart Lane and Drapers Way; Councillors Clarbull and Atkins
reported on the deep, still unrepaired, potholes from Cutcombe
School to the Church and on other roads in the Parish; other
reports were received from Councillors regarding the absence
of white lining on the B3224 near Lype and the road to Round
House after resurfacing and the same problem on other roads
in the Parish. Councillor Webber reported that he was to attend
a meeting the next morning with Richard Newby of Somerset
Highways to discuss signage and improvements at the turn to
Watercombe House and the sharp bend at this point, particularly
in view of the fact that this was a crossing point for the
Coleridge Way and in the light of a bad accident at this spot
a few days previously. A parishioner had reported the potential
dangers some months ago but nothing had been done by Highways
to address the situation, nor the bad drainage due to encroaching
grass from the Old School House down to Watercombe corner
which had also been reported. Councillor Davies agreed to
attend the meeting with the Chairman. It was agreed that the
Councillors would report back to the Clerk after this meeting
and the Clerk would write to Highway Services regarding these
matters and also ask if the summer cutting back of verges
could not be earlier and more frequent. The Clerk reported
that a leaflet outlining the Summer Maintenance programme
had been put in this month’s circulation envelope for
Councillors’ attention. Councillor Clarbull reported
that he had received a report that the County Council had
retrospectively closed all RUPPs to vehicles from 2nd May
2006. The Clerk agreed to investigate this matter with
regard to the legal position. The Clerk reported a letter
from Somerset Highways regarding the Surface Dressing Programme
for 2006: Kersham Lane is to be treated in mid-June. A leaflet
explaining the procedure is available from the Clerk.
82.11
It was agreed that the following Councillors would be responsible
for these areas and attend external bodies:
Councillor Clarbull: SALC, Moorland Hall Committee, Finance,
Checking of the phone box; Councillor Gardner: Finance;
Councillor Davies: Police, Law and Order, Prescriptions, Health;
Councillor Davis: Housing, Youth and Leisure, Chairman of
All Weather Court Committee (MUGA), Exmoor Area Panel; Councillor
Shelley: Environment, checking of the toilet contract;
Councillor Atkins: Highways.
82.12 A letter from Avon and Somerset Constabulary
stating that the Neighbourhood Beats have been re-aligned
with local district council wards and that dedicated Beat
teams are in the process of being established had been received.
From the information on the Constabulary website it would
appear that Cutcombe crosses more than one beat boundary A
new Call Centre for all non-urgent calls has been established.
Councillor Gardner reported that he had spoken with the new
local Beat Officer who has indicated that he would like to
attend a meeting of the Parish Council. The Clerk agreed to
make contact and invite the Officer to the next PC meeting.
82.13 Exmoor Ancient Tree Hunt is being
launched by Exmoor National Park in 2006 and the Parish has
been asked to advertise this on the noticeboard and to local
groups. The organiser Jeremy Sabel would like anyone in the
Parish to inform him of such trees and would be willing to
meet up with such person(s).
82.14 Parish Council was informed by letter
of an update relating to the Coleridge Way including a programme
of events for 2006, new signage and an increase in trade reported
by local businesses along the route (the result of a survey
which had been conducted six months after the route’s
launch).
82.15 82.15.1.1 The Statement of Accounts
for the year ended 31st March 2006 was noted and the
accounts were approved and signed by the Chairman.
82.15.1.2 The Statement of Assurance was approved and signed
by the Chairman and the Clerk.
82.15.1.3The comments of the Internal Auditor on the Return
were noted.
82.15.2 It was resolved to pay a retrospective payment of
£28.96 to EDF Energy for public toilet electricity.
Councillors sought clarification from the Responsible Finance
Officer as to the unit cost being charged for electricity
which will be reported back by the Clerk at the next meeting.
82.16 Council discussed possible Agenda
items for the Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forum to take
place at Exmoor House on Wednesday 14th June at 6.30 pm. Councillor
Atkins and the Clerk agreed to finalise the list and attend
the meeting.
82.17
82.17.1 The Clerk reported on various items of correspondence
including:
A standardisation and detailing of Declarations of Interest
for Council Minutes to be put in place as recommended by the
Standards Committee Panel;
West Somerset District Council website www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk
which offers a free event listing for Parish Councils;
The installation of CCTV and an Automatic Number Plate Recognition
system at Household Waste Recycling Centres;
A letter from ENP Special Duties Officer Mr A Russell stating
that signs recently erected at the Londis Shop are not unlawfully
displayed.
82.17.2 None to report.
82.17.3 None to report.
82.17.4 Councillor Davis apologised for being unable to attend
the recent meeting of the Exmoor Panel on 25th April due to
a prior engagement. Councillor Atkins reported on a Patients
Meeting at which it was reported that the new computer system
should soon be up and running and that not so many patients
were being seen now that appointments had to be made at satellite
surgeries.
82.18 Councillor Shelley reported that a
number of trees had fallen across part of the Coleridge Way
from Worzels to Drapers Way. The Clerk agreed to investigate
the contact details for reporting such matters and to report
back to Councillor Shelley so that such items could be collated
and regularly reported by him to ENP. The Clerk reported that
two planning applications had been received after the posting
of this month’s Agenda and so an additional Parish Council
meeting would have to take place in order to comply with the
21 days ruling for submission of Council’s comments
to ENP. This was agreed for Tuesday 30th May at 6.30 pm at
The Moorland Hall.
The meeting closed at 8.55 pm.
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JUNE
2006
Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Friday 2nd
June 2006 at 6.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall. Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 6.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
-
Apologies
for absence
-
Declarations
of interest
-
Planning
Applications and related business
3.1 Consideration of planning applications
3.1.1 6/8/06/104 Putham Farm, Wheddon Cross.
Full application for the erection of an agricultural
implement store approx. 300 sq m
6/8/06/105 Shearwell Industrial Building, Putham
Full application for enlargement of car parking area
(approx. 20m by 35m)
4 Any other business
Minutes
of the Meeting of the Cutcombe Parish Council held at 6.30pm
on Friday 2nd June 2006 at the Moorland Hall
Present:
Councillors Eric Clarbull (who chaired the meeting in the
absence of Councillor Roger Webber), Maria Davies, Barry Shelley,
Linda Atkins and one parishioner.
83.1
Apology received from Councillor Roger Webber.
83.2 Councillor Roger
Webber wished it to be minuted that his absence was due to
the consideration of the Planning Applications at 83.3.1 and
83.3.1.1 in which he has declared a prejudicial interest and
due to the fact that parishioners might attend who would wish
to discuss these items before the meeting.
83.3 83.3.1 Planning Application
6/8/06/104 Putham Farm, Wheddon Cross, full application for
the erection of an agricultural implement store, approx. 300
sq m was discussed by Council. No objections had been received.
Council resolved to support the application.
83.3.1.1 Planning Application 6/8/06/105 Shearwell Industrial
Building, Putham, full application for the enlargement of
car parking area, approx. 20m by 35m was considered by Council.
No objections had been received. Council resolved to support
the application.
83.4 The Clerk asked Council
to consider a request from the Responsible Finance Officer:
could Mr Jonathan Webber be paid by standing order for the
toilet cleaning contract from the present time until May 2007
in view of his forthcoming absence abroad. Council resolved
unanimously to agree to this request. There being no other
business the meeting closed at 6.45 pm.
Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 20th June
2006 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall. Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a maximum
of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
1.
Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of interest
3. Report on Local Policing
Matters by Minehead Station Sergeant Dillon and PCSO Sue Hurley
4. To approve the minutes of
the meetings held on 16th May and 2nd June, and any matters
arising
5. Planning Applications
and related business
5.1 Consideration of planning
applications
6/8/06/106 Putham Farm, Cutcombe: conversion of outbuilding
within residential curtilage to a study and granary garden
room
5.2 To note ENP decisions
on previous applications
5.3 Other relevant matters
6. To consider highways
and transport matters, and related items
6.1 Update on Meeting with Highways (Cllr Webber)
6.2 Other related business
7. NHS Somerset Partnership:
Mental Health Services: Fit for the Future Consultation
8. South West Regional
Spatial Strategy Executive Summary 2006-2026
9. To set dates for Parish
Council Meetings January to June 2007
10. Finance
10.1 To consider and, if approved, pay the Clerk's quarterly
salary
and expenses
10.2 To consider and, if approved, pay the Responsible Finance
Officer’s quarterly salary and expenses
10.3 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice from Exmoor
Farmers for photocopying
10.4 To consider grants under section 137
10.5 To consider and, if approve, change
the list of signatories to the Council’s National Westminster
Bank Accounts to a) include Councillor Linda Atkins and
Marlene Allinson (Clerk) and b) to delete Daphne Brace following
her resignation and c) to change the job title of Colin Stevenson
from Parish Clerk to
Responsible Finance Officer.
11. Correspondence and meetings
11.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence
received
11.2 Clerk’s report on meetings attended
11.3 Councillors’ reports on correspondence
received
11.4 Councillors’ reports on meetings attended
12. Any other business including items
for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 20th June 2006
at the Moorland Hall
Councillors
Roger Webber (Chairman), Tim Gardner, Eric Clarbull, Maria
Davies, Barry Shelley and Linda Atkins were present as were
County Councillor John Edwards and three parishioners.
Councillor
Webber welcomed Sgt Neil Dillon and WPCSO Sue Hurley to
the meeting and invited questions from parishioners before
the start of the meeting
84.1 Cllrs accepted
an apology of absence from Cllr Davis.
84.2 Cllr Webber declared
a personal interest in item 5.1 (his brother farms in and
around Putham Farm) and indicated that he would leave the
room for this item so that the interest could not be construed
as prejudicial.
84.3 Sergeant Dillon
apologised for the absence of PC Sheldon Horne, Local Beat
Officer, who had also hoped to attend the meeting. He then
gave a talk on local policing matters, including answering
questions regarding the new Police Reporting Call Centre
for non-urgent calls and further recent incidents at Heathpoult
Cross.
WPCSO Sue Hurley said that she would write an article for
the Parish Magazine and Noticeboard regarding the new system
of policing on Exmoor and giving details of local police
contacts. It is hoped that a new Sergeant for the Exmoor
Beat Team will be appointed by 1st September 2006 and when
this has taken place a briefing note will be provided
to Parishes covered by the Team. Parish Council agreed to
furnish the local Beat Officers with a list of contacts
in the Parish so that regular contact and a two-way flow
of information could be maintained. The Chairman thanked
the police officers for attending.
84.4 The Minutes of
the meeting held on 16th May were approved subject to one
amendment proposed by Cllr Atkins: 82.11: Cllr Davies is
also responsible for Health; Cllr Atkins is not responsible
for Health. The Minutes were thus amended and signed by
the Chairman as a true record. Matters arising: 82.15.2:
the cost per unit of electricity is £0.07564 pence
per unit; 82.18: the Clerk had been in touch with ENP Rangers:
the fallen trees listed and others reported had now been
cleared. Cllr Shelley agreed to follow up this matter in
future and the Clerk handed contact details to him.
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd June were approved
and signed by Cllr Eric Clarbull, Chairman of that meeting,
as a true record with no amendments. There were no matters
arising.
84.5 84.5.1 Planning
application 6/8/06/106 Putham Farm, conversion of outbuilding
within residential curtilage to a study and granary garden
room. Cllr Webber left the room for the discussion and the
vote relating to this item. No objections had been received
by Parish Council. Several Councillors had been on a site
visit and were of the opinion that this building would be
better converted, used for private residential use and maintained,
than allowed to fall into disrepair. It was unanimously
resolved to support the application.
84.5.2
Cllr Webber returned to the room. No ENP decisions on previous
applications had been received.
84.5.3.1 6/8/05/111 Langham Farm: the Clerk read out
a letter from the Planning/Monitoring Officer ENP noting
that “the development so far has been built in accordance
with the approved plans attached to the recent planning
permissions. It is continually being monitored on [an] approximately
fortnightly basis”.
84.5.3.2 6/8/05/113 Cutcombe Market, Wheddon Cross. The
Clerk read out an update on this application: “The
Cutcombe Market is progressing very slowly because the architect
has not addressed the highway, landscape, housing, layout,
flooding and other issues to be able to progress the application.
I am reluctant to renotify neighbours and the Parish Council
etc on the relatively minor changes when it is evident that
this process would have to happen again when further information
is submitted. This is frustrating for all but this is such
an important site and all the issues must be addressed satisfactorily.”
[David Wyborn, ENP]
84.5.3.3 6/8/06/103 3 affordable needs dwellings, Paddock
adj. Half Acre. The Clerk read out an update on this application:
“Negotiations [are] continuing following my site analysis
and the views of the neighbours and the Parish Council.
Expect action in the near future to progress this site to
a decision.” [David Wyborn, ENP]
84.6 Cllr Webber reported
on a meeting with Richard Newby (Somerset Highways) relating
to traffic issues at Wheddon Cross. Watercombe Corner: A
letter had been received outlining Highways’ proposals
for improvements at or near Watercombe Corner. Cllr Webber
had also spoken to David Peake of Highways regarding the
possibility of erecting a larger, higher double chevron
at the bend: a decision had not been received. Councillors
expressed concern that the corner is a crossing point for
the Coleridge Way and for horses.
White Lining on the B3224: no action had been taken on the
matters raised at the last Parish Council meeting.
Potholes: Councillors expressed concern that there did not
appear to be a great deal of co-ordination with regard to
the filling of potholes in the Parish, and that the size
of some of them is becoming a matter of great concern.
Cllr Shelley asked for an update on any improvements at
the Luckwell Bridge Triangle.
Councillors Webber and Atkins and County Cllr John Edwards
agreed to follow up these points with Highways.
84.7 Somerset Partnership:
Mental Health Services: Fit for the Future: Consultation:
following local pressure it had been agreed to hold a consultation
meeting in Minehead. The Clerk reported that she had been
informed that this was to take place on Tuesday 27th June
but Councillors were urged to check the date, time and venue
before attending as this had yet to be confirmed.
84.8 The Clerk reported
that the South West Regional Assembly: Consultation on the
Draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006-2026
is taking place from 6th June to 30th August 2006.. A response
form can be downloaded from www.southwesteip.co.uk
or telephone 0117 900 1814 for a hard copy. A copy of the
Executive Summary is available on loan from the Clerk.
84.9 The Clerk reported
that the third Tuesday in the month from January to June
2006 should be proposed as
Parish Council Meeting Dates.
84.10 84.10.1 It was resolved to pay the
Clerk’s quarterly salary (April to June) of £308.44
and quarterly expenses of £70.04.
84.10.2 It was resolved to pay the Responsible Finance Officer’s
quarterly salary (April to June) of £24.84 and quarterly
expenses of £36.84.
84.10.3 It was resolved to pay an invoice for photocopying
from Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions Ltd. of £1.98.
84.10.4 One request had been received for a grant under
section 137: from Clowns (Creating Learning Opportunities
in WesterN Somerset for Children and Adults) who had run
fully inclusive playschemes at Wheddon Cross during the
summer of 2005 with a total of 78 children attending. It
was resolved to make a grant of £75.00 to help towards
their running costs in 2006.
84.10.5 It was resolved to change the list of signatories
to the Council’s NatWest bank accounts to include
Cllr Atkins and the Clerk as signatories and to delete Daphne
Brace as a signatory and to change the title of Colin Stevenson
from Clerk to Responsible
Finance Officer.
84.11 84.11.1 The Clerk reported on various
items of correspondence including minutes of the last meeting
of West Somerset Council’s Standards Committee and
the Avon and Somerset Constabulary Annual Report 2005/06.
A copy of the Agenda for the next meeting of the Exmoor
Panel (29th June at Porlock, 7pm) was passed to
Cllr Atkins who will endeavour to attend. Minutes of the
last meeting and the Agenda for the next will be passed
to Cllr. Davis.
84.11.2 The Clerk reported that she had attended a training
day for Clerks held at Crowcombe on 7th June covering procedural
and financial matters run by the Somerset Association of
Local Councils: this had been very useful.
84.11.3 None to report.
84.11.4 Cllr Atkins reported on a meeting of the Exmoor
Association of Parish Councils which had been attended by
herself, Cllr Webber and the Clerk.
Cllr Atkins reported on the ENP Exmoor Consultative and
Parish Forum which she had attended with Cllr Webber and
the Clerk, at which Cutcombe Parish Council had posed three
questions for the agenda relating to planning (a written
reply received), recreation and youth (written and verbal
replies received) and enforcement of the provisions of the
Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act 2006 (a verbal
update was given by Martin Evans, Head of Recreation and
Tourism). As a result of this meeting.
84.12 It was agreed that checking the
street lighting by the School and at Bouverie Close would
be added to the list of responsibilities of Cllr Clarbull.
Cllr Davies reported that the phone box was not working:
Cllr Clarbull agreed to follow this up. She also reported
that the Ironman UK event (18th June) had been well attended
and conducted.
Cllr Atkins reported that the Dulverton Patient Group was
now taking meetings to the villages every three months and
was planning to obtaining a defibrillator to trial at Exford.
Councillors were reminded to report any update necessary
to their Register of Interests within 28 days of any change.
The Clerk reported that the Central Science Laboratory would
be conducting a hedgehog survey at Wheddon Cross (by prior
arrangement) on two nights during this summer.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.10
pm.
Back
to Top
JULY
2006
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 18th July 2006
at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions and
statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at 7.30 pm
prompt, before the parish council meeting begins, for a
maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
-
Apologies
for absence
-
Declarations
of interest
-
To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on 29th and
any matters arising
4 Planning Applications
and related business
4.1 Consideration
of planning applications
4.1.1 6/8/06/107 Reserved matters for
the erection of a single storey bungalow with a single
garage for local needs accommodation (90m2) following
the granting of outline planning permission under
6/8/05/112. Higher Park Lane.
4.1.2 6/8/06/108 Outline application for the
erection of 2 local needs affordable dwellings, re-submission
following withdrawal of 6/8/06/102. Paddock adjoining
Carrick, Higher Park Lane.
4.1.3 6/8/06/109 Enclosure of cattle handling area
(approx 250 sq m), Lower House Farm, Cutcombe.
4.2 To note ENP
decisions on previous applications
4.3 Other relevant
matters
5 To consider
highways and transport matters, and related items
5.1 Update on Highways Matters
5.2 Other related business
6
To consider the use of the new Parish Noticeboard
7 Age Concern,
Somerset: Partnerships for Older People: proposed
Active Living Centres
8
To consider the West Somerset Council: Clean Neighbourhoods
and Environment Act 2005
9 To note the
ENPA: Best Value Performance Plan 2006/07
10 Finance
10.1 To note the final cost of, and funding for, the
new
Parish Noticeboard.
10.2 To note the quarterly budget outturn, quarter
ending 30th June 2006.
11 Correspondence and meetings
11.1 Clerk’s report on correspondence
received
11.2 Clerk’s report on meetings
attended
11.3 Councillors’ reports
on correspondence received
11.4 Councillors’ reports
on meetings attended
12 Any other business including
items for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 18th July
2006 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors
Roger Webber (Chairman), Eric Clarbull, Linda Atkins,
Maria Davies, John Davis, Tim Gardner, and Barry Shelley
were present as were three parishioners.
85.1 Cllrs accepted an apology of
absence from County Councillor John Edwards.
85.2 Cllr Webber declared a personal
interest in items 85.4.1.1 and a predjudicial interest
in 85.4.1.3; Cllr Davis declared a prejudicial interest
in item 85.4.1.2; Cllr Gardner declared a personal
interest in item 85.6. Details of declarations of
interest are now filed with the Minutes.
85.3 The Minutes of the meeting
held on 20th June were approved
and signed by the Chairman as a true record. There
were no matters arising.
85.4 85.4.1 .1 Planning application
6/8/06/107 Reserved matters for the erection of a
single storey bungalow with a single garage for local
needs accommodation (90m2) Higher Park Lane. Council
resolved to support this application.
85.4.1.2 Planning application 6/8/06/108 Outline application
for 2 local needs affordable dwellings, re-submission
following the withdrawal of 6/8/06/103, Paddock adjoining
Carrick, Higher Park Lane. Cllr Davis left the room
for the discussion and vote on this item. Council
resolved to support this application with the condition
that the fence along the whole plot, including the
paddock area, be tidied up and made good. Council
would like to be reassured that the selling price
of the plots is kept reasonable, within the reach
of eligible purchasers.
85.4.1.3 Planning application 6/8/06/109 Enclosure
of cattle handling area, approx 250 sq m, Lower House
Farm. Cllr Davis returned to the room. Cllr Webber
left the room for the discussion and the vote and
Cllr Clarbull took the Chair for this item. Council
resolved to support this application.
85.4.2 Cllr Webber returned to the room. Council noted
that planning applications: 6/8/06/104, 6/8/06/105
and 6/8/06/106 had all been granted with conditions.
85.4.3 Council noted the receipt of a letter from
ENPA being official notification of the withdrawal
of planning application 6/8/06/103.
85.5 85.5.1 The Clerk handed a list
of outstanding highways repairs and signage matters
to Cllr Atkins who agreed to follow these up with
Cllr Webber and Roy Takle in order to obtain a progress
report.
85.5.2 Heathpoult Cross: the Clerk read out a letter
from a parishioner to Inspector Crocker at Minehead
Police Station reporting an incident at the chipping
landing on 15th July which had also been copied to
Council and other interested parties. After debate
it was resolved that the Clerk should write to Inspector
Crocker and Chief Inspector Rob Dean urging that legal
action be taken on this matter.
Council noted a report detailing West Somerset Parishes’
response to a questionnaire relating to satisfaction
with Highways’ Department Performance for the
last financial year.
85.6 Council resolved to restrict the use of the Parish
noticeboards to the display of official Parish notices
and those of a public information nature as Council
has a duty to inform the Parish and must fulfill its
legal obligations under the Local Government Act (1972).
The Clerk agreed to a) monitor the space which the
official notices occupy and b) keep a note of the
community notices which Londis were being asked to
display and report back to Council at the end of a
two month period.
85.7 Council noted a letter from
Age Concern Somerset outlining the latter’s
proposed new 50 Active Living Centres across the County.
Cllr Clarbull reported that he has been in contact
with Alison Tanton, Age Concern’s representative
for West Somerset, who has looked at the Moorland
Hall with a view to assessing its suitability as an
Active Living Centre. The Clerk was requested to write
to Ms Tanton expressing Council’s support for
a possible Centre being sited at Wheddon Cross.
85.8 Council noted a letter from
West Somerset Council outlining the provisions of
the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
which includes a number of new powers for Parish,
Town and Community Councils. Council resolved to monitor
the take up of the Act with regard to other Councils,
and to see what measures could be adopted without
increasing the budget, and instructed the Clerk to
reply to West Somerset Council’s letter along
these lines.
85.9 The ENPA’s best Value
Performance Plan 2006/07 was noted and passed to Cllr
Davis to begin circulation around Councillors.
85.10 85.10.1 The final cost of, and funding
for, the new Parish noticeboard was noted by Council.
85.10.2 The Quarterly Budget Outturn for quarter ending
30/06/06 was noted by Council.
85.10.3 It was reported that Cllr Edwards’ Fund
was available for help with community projects during
this financial year.
85.10.4 It was agreed to sign a cheque for Moore Stephens,
auditors, in the sum of £141.00 which will be
the subject of a retrospective resolution in August,
having arrived too late for this month’s Agenda.
85.11 85.11.1 Council noted a letter of thanks
from Clowns in respect of a grant of £75 made
in June under s.137.
Council noted a letter from West Somerset Council
regarding the implementation of the Gambling Act (2005)
in 2007 regarding the issuing of Operators Licences
and Personal Licences.
Council noted a press release and invitation from
the Somerset Coast PPI Forum to attend a meeting at
the Moorland Hall on Thursday 27th July at 6.00 pm
to discuss the results of their survey.
The Clerk read out a letter from a parishioner urging
Council to support the police with regard to the illegal
use of RUPPs. The Clerk was asked to write to the
parishioner and copy the letter to Paul Hawkins, ENPA,
regarding the decline in use of RUPPs by vehicles
since the implementation of the Natural Environment
and Rural Communities
Act 2006.
The Clerk read out a letter received from a parishioner
with regard to the phone at the phone box being out
of order. Cllr Clarbull had already investigated this
matter recently and found the phone to be working.
As a result of the parishioner’s phone call
to BT's Call Centre, BT have now agreed to check out
the phone to ensure its continuation of service
awaiting upgrade to a card phone by
30th September 2006.
The Clerk circulated copies of the Neighbourhood Watch
Somerset West Police District Information Bulletin
to Council.
Cllr Davies agreed to see if she could attend the
next meeting in September as Colin Stevenson would
be unable to attend.
The Clerk reported that the National Science Laboratory’s
first hedgehog survey would be taking place on Thursday
20th July between 11pm and 4am.
85.11.2 None to report.
85.11.3 Cllr Webber reported on a letter regarding
West Somerset Council’s lottery funding for
children’s play equipment.
85.11.4 Cllr Davis reported on a meeting of the Exmoor
Panel on 29th June which had covered Highways matters;
a representative of Business Link had attended and
it was reported that funding of up to £2,000
is now available for the drawing up of Parish plans.
Cllr Davies reported on the Dulverton Patient Group:
the September meting is to be held at Exford but the
Group is hoping to meet at Wheddon Cross in the foreseeable
future.
85.12 Cllr Webber reported that West Somerset
Council is holding a Cabinet meeting at the Moorland
Hall on Monday August 7th at
6.30 pm to which all are invited.
Cllr Clarbull reported that the official opening of
the Moorland Hall is set for Friday 15th September,
in the morning.
Cllr Clarbull reported that he had been approached
by Jan Ross regarding a programme in West Somerset
of using local artists to start projects up in six
parishes. Over 400 artists had applied; the shortlist
was of 12 artists of which Cllr Clarbull and the Moorland
Hall Committee favoured a stained glass artist. A
meeting will be held in August to decide which Parishes
have been selected to take part in the programme,
which would be a community project in which everyone
could get involved with the artist to produce a piece
of stained glass.
Cllr Clarbull reported on the fact that due to the
use of low-floor buses the buses going to Winsford
and Exford no longer pull into the bus stop but outside
the Londis shop. Cllr Webber reported that he had
spoken to Cllr Barbara Child about this matter and
he would report back to Council as an Agenda item
next month.
The Clerk and Cllr Webber reported that Martin Evans
from ENPA had requested a meeting with interested
parties in the Parish to discuss arrangements for
Snowdrop Valley 2007. The Clerk agreed to consult
and draw up a list of interested parties and suggested
dates for such a meeting at the Moorland Hall.
The Clerk sought Councillors’ permission to
take a photograph and draw up a list of Councillors
details and photos to be placed on the Parish noticeboard
in the interests of communication with the Parish.
There were no dissenters and the clerk agreed to bring
a camera to the August meeting.
There being no other business the meeting adjourned
at 9.45 pm
-
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 1st August
2006 at 6.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall.
Questions and statements from parishioners will be
taken at 6.30 pm prompt, before the parish council
meeting begins, for a maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
-
Apologies
for absence
-
Declarations
of interest
3
Planning Applications and related business
3.1 Consideration of planning applications
6/8/06/109 Lower House Farm, Cutcombe: Enclosure of
cattle handling area (approx 250 sq m) as amended
by drawing dated 20/07/06)
6/8/06/110 Putham Farm, Wheddon Cross: Erection
of agricultural implement store (approx 300 sq m)
with an alternative roof structure to that permitted
under application 6/8/06/104
Minutes of the Meeting held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 1st
August 2006 at the Moorland Hall
Present:
Councillor Eric Clarbull (who chaired the meeting
in the absence of Councillor Roger Webber), Councilor
Linda Atkins and Councillor John Davis.
86.1
Apologies received from Cllrs Webber and Shelley.
86.2 Cllr Webber
wished it to be minuted that his absence was due to
the consideration of the Planning Applications at
86.3.1 and 86.3.1.1 in which he has declared a prejudicial
interest and due to the fact that parishioners might
attend who would wish to discuss these items before
the meeting.
86.3 86.3.1 Planning
Application 6/8/06/109 Lower House Farm, Cutcombe,
enclosure of cattle handling area (approx 250 sq m)
as amended by drawing dated 20/07/06. As this application
involved amended materials which were an improvement
Council resolved unanimously to support this application.
86.3.1.1 Planning Application 6/8/06/110 Putham Farm,
Wheddon Cross, erection of agricultural implement
store (approx 300 sq m) with an alternative roof structure
to that permitted under application 6/8/06/104. As
this application involved a minor amendment: change
from mono pitch to apex roof structure, thus resulting
in a considerable lowering of the roof height,
Council resolved unanimously to support this application.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at 6.40
pm.
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 15th August
2006 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall.
Questions and statements from parishioners will be
taken at 7.30 pm prompt, before the parish council
meeting begins, for a maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
- Apologies
for absence
- Declarations
of interest
- To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on 18th
July and 1st August and any matters arising
- Paul
Hawkins Exmoor National Park Authority: Public
Consultation: Putham Restricted Byway
5 Planning
Applications and related business
5.1 Consideration of planning applications
5.1.1 6/8/06/111 Excavation of part existing field
to create level paddock/ arena (720 sq m) [Retrospective].
Warrs Farm,
Luckwell Bridge
5.1.2 6/8/06/112 At Dunkery View, Wheddon Cross:
reroofing of existing agricultural shed and extension
(approx. 28 sq m); At Reservoir Buildings, Wheddon
Cross: Extension (approx. 19.5 sq m) and alterations
to existing barn 5.2
To note ENP decisions on previous applications
5.3 Other
relevant matters
6 To consider
highways and transport matters, and related items
6.1 Update on Highways Matters (Cllrs Webber &
Atkins)
6.2.1 Other related business: redundant Wheddon
Cross sign
6.2.2 Traffic congestion at Wheddon Cross crossroads
following diversions due to incidents on the A39
7
To consider the appointment of a Parish Councillor
to the Moorland Hall Committee following the resignation
of
Councillor Brace
8
To discuss new arrangements for the checking of
water and electricity meters at the public toilets
at Wheddon Cross
9 To note
the West Somerset Council Statement of Community
Involvement Submission Document July 2006
10 To discuss the change
of bus stop from the bus shelter to outside Webbers’
Garage
11 Finance
11.1 To consider and, if approved, pay a subscription
to the Somerset Playing Fields’ Association
11.2 To consider and approve a retrospective
payment for an invoice from Moore Stephens for
Cutcombe PC Annual audit year ended 31st March
2006 for £141.00
11.3 To consider and approve a retrospective
payment to EDF Energy of £46.79 for
public toilets’ electricity
11.4 To consider and, if approved, pay a
sum of £152.37 to the Moorland Hall Committee
for the purchase of anti-virus protection (5 user
licence) for the computer suite and laptop computers
12 Correspondence and
meetings
12.1 Clerk’s report on
correspondence received
12.2 Clerk’s report on
meetings attended
12.3 Councillors’ reports
on correspondence received
12.4 Councillors’ reports
on meetings attended
13 Any other business
including items for the next Agenda
Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm
on Tuesday 15th August 2006 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors
Eric Clarbull (Chairman), Linda Atkins and Maria Davies
were present as were County Councillor John Edwards
and Councillor Roger Webber for part of the meeting
as well as five parishioners.
87.1
Cllr Clarbull, as Chairman, opened the meeting and
welcomed Mr Paul Hawkins from Exmoor National Park
Authority who spoke about ENPA’s public consultation
regarding the use of Restricted Byways, the pilot
study being the monitoring of the use of Putham Lane,
Cutcombe. Mr Hawkins explained the current situation
regarding Restricted Byways (formerly RUPPs) and explained
that the Trail Bikes Fellowship has applied for permission
to use Putham Lane, but as there is a five to eight
year backlog for applications to be heard the use
of Putham Lane by motor vehicles is illegal until
the application is decided. Mr Hawkins produced statistics
showing the monitoring of vehicular use of Putham
Lane for the same period during 2004, 2005 and 2006
and also figures for Hare Path, Slade Lane and Cornham
for comparison. Information sheets and consultation
Forms have been left with the Clerk for parishioners
to complete and return to the Clerk or Mr Hawkins
by 9th October 2006. A Management Plan will then be
produced by ENPA for all Restricted Byways within
the ENP; the Authority is working closely with the
local police. Mr Hawkins stressed the need for
all users of the Restricted Byways to be consulted.
Concern was expressed by all present regard enforcement
of the new Act. The Chairman thanked
Mr Hawkins for attending the meeting.
87.2 Cllrs accepted apologies of
absence from Cllrs John Davis, Tim Gardner and Barry
Shelley.
87.3 Cllr Clarbull declared a personal
and prejudicial interest in item 87.11.4. Details
of declarations of interest are now filed with the
Minutes.
87.4 The Minutes of the meeting
held on 18th July were approved
and signed by the Chairman as a true record. The Clerk
reported on Matters Arising: 85.7 Alison Tanton, POPP
Officer (West Somerset) had visited the Keep Fit Class
held at the Moorland Hall and things are moving forward
with regard to the possibility of Wheddon Cross becoming
a Somerset Active Living Centre; 85.8: a letter had
been written to WSC as requested; 85.12: initial meeting
re Snowdrop Valley 2007 arranged at the Moorland Hall
for 22nd August at 6.30 pm; 85.11.1: first hedgehog
survey taken place, none found, second one to take
place on the night of 15th August. The Minutes of
the meeting held on 1st August were approved and signed
by the Chairman as a true record. There were no Matters
Arising.
87.5 87.5.1 .1 Planning application
6/8/06/111 Excavation of part existing field to create
level paddock /arena (720 sq m) [Retrospective]. Warrs
Farm, Luckwell Bridge. Cllr Webber now attended the
meeting, from 8.10 pm onwards. Cllrs expressed concerns
regarding the visual impact of the development, particularly
as it can be viewed from footpaths around the site,
and would like reassurance that adequate screening
by planting and hedging is in place so that there
is no visual damage to the landscape. Additional
concerns were expressed regarding adequate drainage
of the riding arena and the fact that this is a retrospective
application. Council unanimously resolved not to support
this application until adequate screening and reassurances
regarding other points raised are in place.
87.5.1.2 Planning
application 6/8/06/112 At Dunkery view, Wheddon Cross:
reroofing of existing agricultural shed and extension
(approx. 28 sq m); at Reservoir Buildings, Wheddon
Cross: Extension (approx. 19.5 sq m) and alterations
to existing barn. Cllr Webber expressed a personal
and prejudicial interest in the application as the
applicant and left the room for the discussion and
the vote. Council resolved unanimously to support
the application with the proviso that suitable materials
are used, particularly for the roofing (non-reflective),
so that the visual impact of both buildings is minimised.
87.5.2
Cllr Webber returned to the room. There were no ENP
decisions on previous applications to report.
87.5.3 No other relevant matters to report / discuss.
87.6 87.6.1 Cllrs Webber and Atkins
presented a Highways Report following an inspection
of roads in the Parish which prioritised items on
which Council would like immediate action and those
requiring action at a later date. These included resurfacing,
surface cleaning and signage- related matters. To
the high priority list were added the missing “No
Through Road” sign at Codsend lane and signage
at Couple Cross and Hare Path Corner which are unsatisfactory.
Cllr Webber to report back after a meeting with Highways
/ W S Atkins, Cllr Atkins is to liaise with Luckwell
Bridge residents. A copy of the Report is filed with
these minutes.
87.6.2.1 Council resolved unanimously to ask Highways
if this sign could be retained in its current position,
Council to take over responsibility for its maintenance
should this become necessary; the Clerk to contact
Highways with this decision.
87.6.2.2 Council expressed concern at the congestion
which occurs when traffic is diverted via Wheddon
Cross following serious traffic incidents on the A39
as happened again recently. The Clerk was requested
to write to Inspector Nic Crocker to see if a police
officer could attend a Council meeting and discuss
arrangements being put in place so that a suitable
action plan is speedily put in place when such incidents
occur.
87.7 As there were not many Councillors
present at this meeting it was unanimously decided
to postpone this agenda item until the September meeting.
87.8 The Clerk was requested to
ask Cllr Shelley to prepare a report for the September
meeting regarding toilet maintenance and the checking
of utility meters at the site. Council expressed concern
at repeated incidents of vandalism at the toilets
and is taking steps to meet with local beat officers
and everyone concerned with the toilets in an attempt
to catch the culprits.
87.9 The West Somerset Council Statement
of Community Involvement Submission Document July
2006 was noted. The document can be viewed by arrangement
with the Clerk or at local Council offices or public
libraries or online at www.westsomersetonline.gov.uk.
87.10 Cllr Webber reported that he had spoken
to Cllr Barbara Child with regard to the fact that
some buses now stop outside the Londis shop rather
than at the bus stop, with there being confusion as
to when and where certain buses stop. The Clerk was
requested to write to
Cllr Child to clarify the position as she is following
up this matter with the bus operators.
87.11 87.11.1 Council resolved unanimously to
pay a subscription of £15 to the Somerset Playing
Fields’ Association for one year’s membership.
87.11.2 Council resolved unanimously to approve the
payment of £141.00 to Moore Stephens for the
Annual Audit for Cutcombe PC.
87.11.3 Council resolved unanimously to approve the
payment of £46.79 to EDF Energy for electricity
at Wheddon Cross public toilets.
87.11.4 Cllr Clarbull left the room for the discussion
and vote on this item. Council resolved unanimously
to pay a sum of £152.37 to the Moorland Hall
for the purchase of anti-virus software for the village
computers. Council stressed the importance of having
anti-virus protection so that the computers are kept
online so that the local community has internet access.
Cllr Clarbull returned to the room.
87.12 87.12.1 The Clerk reported on various
items of correspondence received including: (i) ENPA
Core Strategy “Issues and Options” Pre-submission
Consultation under Regulation 25 of the Town and Country
Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations
2004: consultation period ends 31st August 2006: document
passed to Cllr Atkins for consideration: a questionnaire
is available online at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk;
(ii) a mobile library questionnaire: available from
the Clerk or contact PSmith@somerset.gov.uk;
(iii) ENPA Report following Workshop: Achieving a
Sustainable Economy for Exmoor held at Dulverton on
1st August 2006: the Clerk to request a CD of the
powerpoint presentation given by NEF; (iv) there will
be a meeting of the Coleridge Way Group on Tuesday
3rd October at 2pm at the Rest & Be Thankful Inn:
the BBC Countryfile report on the Coleridge Way had
generated a great deal of interest (v) Council agreed
to deal with correspondence received by the Clerk
regarding the use of the noticeboards at the Old Post
Office and the Londis shop as an Agenda item for September
when she presents her report on the use of the noticeboards;
(vi) The new Chair of the Somerset Primary Care Trust
is Jane Barrie, OBE.
87.12.2 The Clerk reported that she had attended the
first part of the West Somerset Council Cabinet Meeting
held at the Moorland Hall on 7th August as had Cllr
Clarbull. This had been interesting and informative.
Council agreed to convey thanks to Cabinet Leader
Cllr Lawrence for agreeing to hold a Cabinet Meeting
at the Moorland Hall.
87.12.3 None to report.
87.12.4 Cllrs Atkins and Webber had attended a meeting
of the Somerset Coast PPI Forum at the Moorland Hall
on 27th July. The meeting’s organisers had been
enthusiastic about the possibility of establishing
a Health and Fitness Centre on Exmoor but had not
yet fully sourced funding and the general feeling
of the meeting was that whilst the idea was
good there would be many practicalities to be overcome
to make it work. Cllr Atkins reported that there had
not been a patient group meeting this month.
87.13 Cllr Clarbull was asked to follow up reported
problems at the phone boxes at Wheddon Cross and Luckwell
Bridge, including cleaning. Apparently the boxes have
been converted to card phones only but there are no
instructions on how to obtain and use a card. Cllr
Edwards agreed to help in following up these problems
and to ask for an Agenda item to be raised on the
issue at an Area Panel meeting. The Clerk was asked
to pursue the matter of joint training with Exford
PC on the use of a speed gun for traffic calming.
There being no other business the meeting closed at
9.25 pm.
Back
to top
SEPTEMBER
2006
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 19th September
2006 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions
and statements are concluded) at
the Moorland Hall. Questions and statements from parishioners
will be taken at 7.30 pm prompt, before the parish
council meeting begins, for a maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
-
Apologies
for absence
-
Declarations
of interest
-
To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on
18th August and any matters arising
4 Planning
Applications and related business
4.1 Consideration
of planning applications
4.2 To note
ENP decisions on previous applications
4.3 Other
relevant matters
5 To consider
highways and transport matters, and related
items
5.1 Update on Highways Matters: Cllrs Webber
and Atkins
5.2 Other related business: Somerset Stages
Rally 28/10/06
6 To review
the Clerk’s contract
7 Clerk’s
report on the use of the Parish noticeboards
8 Wheddon
Cross toilets: Cllr Shelley to report
9
To consider the appointment of a Parish Councillor
to the Moorland Hall Committee following the
resignation of
Councillor Brace
10 To consider the ENPA
Local Development Framework Statement of Community
Involvement (adopted 01/08/06)
11 Finance
11.1 To consider and, if approved, pay the Responsible
Finance Officer’s quarterly salary and
expenses
11.2 To consider and, if approved, pay
the Clerk’s quarterly salary and expenses
11.3 To pay the previously approved second tranche
of the Moorland Hall and Recreation Ground grant,
being £250
11.4 To consider and, if approved, pay the Moorland
Hall and Recreation Ground invoice for the Committee
Room hire for the months of April, May, June,
July, August and September 2006 in the sum of
£48.00.
11.5 To elect a working party to draft the 2007/2008
budget
11.6 To consider and, if approved, make a retrospective
payment of £749.15 to Wessex Water in
respect of water charges for the Wheddon Cross
toilets.
11.7 To consider and, if approved, make a payment
of £6 to Fine Memorials for a replacement
rose bowl for the War Memorial
11.8 To note the revised amount for the payment
of £138.81 for the intermet security software
for the Moorland Hall computers (not £152.37
as minuted 15/08/06)
12 Correspondence and
meetings
12.1 Clerk’s report
on correspondence received
12.2 Clerk’s report
on meetings attended
12.3 Councillors’ reports
on correspondence received
12.4 Councillors’ reports
on meetings attended
13 Any other business
including items for the next Agenda
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 19th
September 2006 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors
Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Maria Davies, John
Davis, Tim Gardner and Barry Shelley were present.
88.1
Cllrs accepted apologies of absence from Cllr
Eric Clarbull and County Cllr John Edwards,
88.2 Cllr Gardner expressed
a personal interest in Item 7 as the owner of
the Londis shop at which the new Parish noticeboard
is sited
88.3 The Minutes of the meeting
held on 18th August were approved
and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
The Clerk reported on Matters Arising: 87.10:
no reply had so far been received from Cllr
Child regarding the change of buses’ stopping
point; 87.11.4: the updated internet security
software is now installed on the computers at
the Moorland Hall; 87.13: speed gun training:
this would be pursued in the Spring due to the
fact that training would be in the evening and
the days are becoming shorter.
88.4 88.4.1 No planning applications
had been received for consideration.
88.4.2 Planning applications: 6/8/06/107 Reserved
matters for the erection of a single storey
bungalow with a single garage for local needs
accommodation, Higher Park Lane: granted with
conditions; 6/8/06/109 Enclosure of a cattle
handling area as amended 20/07/06, Lower House
Farm: granted with conditions; 6/8/06/110 Erection
of agricultural implement store with an alternative
roof structure: granted with conditions.
88.4.3 No other relevant matters to report /
discuss.
88.5 88.5.1 Cllr Atkins reported
on her meeting with residents of Luckwell Bridge
on 8th September who wished to see a general
tidying of the area and an improvement to the
exit sight-lines. It was agreed that Cllrs Webber
and Atkins would meet again with Roy Takle at
Luckwell Bridge to discuss costs, timetable
and possibility of items discussed. The Clerk
agreed to pursue the matter of cleaning of the
phone box.
Cllr Webber reported on his meeting with Roy
Takle. A new pavement had been made and some
potholes filled around the parish. Concern was
expressed at the Health & Safety notice
at the building site in Higher Park Lane: Cllr
Webber agreed to speak with the builder to ensure
that the bridleway be separated off from the
site and access to it remain unobstructed. The
Clerk reported that West Somerset Highways were
preparing a licence for the Parish Council to
take over responsibility for the redundant Wheddon
Cross sign. It was agreed that she should liaise
with Cllr Edwards and Highways regarding policy
relating to white lining and cats’ eyes.
Cllr Webber reported that the next Highways
Wardens’ meeting was to take place at
the Moorland Hall on 21st September and that
PC Sheldon Horn had been in touch and hoped
to attend the Parish Council’s October
meeting to discuss traffic and policing matters
in the Parish.
88.5.2 Letters from Paul Hawkins (ENPA) and
the Route-Co-ordinator for the Somerset
Stages Rally (28/10/06) outlining the route
were noted. The organizers stressed their intention
to keep disruption to a minimum.
88.6 After discussion Council
unanimously agreed to revise the Clerk’s
Contract of Employment to 180 hours per annum
from 1st October to reflect the fact that she
would be taking over the Responsible Finance
Officer’s work from that date and that
she is now handling the Parish Council pages
of the website. It was also agreed to increase
the rate from point 17 to point 18 scale as
per the Somerset Association of Local Councils
recommended rates for 2005-2007. The contract
to be reviewed again in 6 months’ time.
The Clerk was asked to write to Colin Stevenson
expressing Council’s thanks for all his
work over the past four years as his contract
would shortly be terminated.
88.7 The Clerk read out a
report outlining notices received for, and space
available on, the new Parish Council noticeboard
at the Londis store over the last two months,
together with recommendations which were discussed
by Council. A copy of the approved recommendations
will be posted on the noticeboard together with
these minutes. The Clerk agreed to prepare advice
for those wishing to have notices displayed
and to publicise same on a Parish Council webpage
and noticeboard.
88.8 Cllr Shelley reported
that he had been in touch with the toilet cleaning
contractor who was to pass on a list of contacts
for any problems: a copy would also be given
to the Clerk. Cllr Shelley reported that large
toilet roll holders had now been installed and
that he would be responsible for checking utility
meters in future. There had been less vandalism
at the site since the matter had been reported
to, and monitored by, local police.
88.9 Council resolved to support
the appointment of Cllr Webber to fill the vacant
post as a representative of the Parish Council
on the Moorland Hall Committee, provided that
Cllr Clarbull was also in favour.
88.10 Cllr Webber outlined the ENPA Local
Development Framework Statement of Community
Involvement’s key proposals. It
was agreed to circulate the Statement around
Council members.
88.11 88.11.1 Council resolved unanimously
to pay the Responsible Finance Officer’s
quarterly (from 01/07/06 to 30/09/06) salary
of £25.17 and expenses of £16.08.
88.11.2 Council resolved unanimously to pay
the Clerk’s quarterly salary (from 01/07/06
to 30/09/06) of £308.44 and expenses (from
21/06/06 to 31/08/06) of £78.00.
88.11.3 Council resolved unanimously to approve
the payment of the second tranche of the Moorland
Hall and Recreation Ground grant of £250.
88.11.4 Council resolved unanimously to pay
the Moorland Hall and Recreation Ground invoice
for the Committee Room hire for April-September
2006 in the sum of £48.00.
88.11.5 Council resolved to re-elect Cllrs Clarbull
and Gardner and the Clerk to serve as the working
party to draft the 2007/08 budget.
88.11.6 Council resolved unanimously to make
a retrospective payment of £749.15 to
Wessex Water in respect of water and sewerage
services for the Wheddon Cross toilets (16/02/06-08/08/06).
88.11.7 Council resolved to pay an invoice for
£6 from Fine Memorials for a replacement
rose bowl for the War Memorial.
88.11.8 Council noted the reduced charge for
the internet security software for the Moorland
Hall computers of £138.81 (not £152.37
as minuted 15/08/06).
88.12 88.12.1 The Clerk reported on various
items of correspondence received including:
(i) Exmoor Visitor 2007: invitation
to submit events details (to be passed to Sally
Parish); (ii) West Somerset Council Forward
Plan October 06 to January 07; (iii) Community
Council for Somerset Annual Report & AGM
(iv) Somerset Association of Local Councils
Annual Report & AGM; (v) Somerset Rural
Youth Project
(Cllr Davis to follow up); (vi) ENCAMS booklet
Local Environment Quality: a Town and Parish
Council Guide; (vii) New Economic Foundation
Presentation CD; (viii) Exmoor Panel Meeting
Minutes.
88.12.2 The Clerk reported that she had attended
the first part of the ENPA Planning Committee
Meeting together with Cllr Clarbull on 5th September
and reported the debate and decision on Planning
Application 6/8/06/108.
88.12.3 None to report.
88.12.4 Cllrs Davis and Atkins reported that
the Patient meeting at Exford had been poorly
attended. The next one would be in December
at Brushford.
88.13 Cllr Gardner reported a lack of
signage around the recycling bins at the Wheddon
Cross car park: Cllr Webber agreed to speak
to West Somerset District Council about this.
Cllr Shelley asked what was happening about
the proposal to join up the top of Sir Robin’s
path with the Coleridge Way in Draper’s
Way: Cllr Webber agreed to set up a meeting
with the Head Ranger at the site to discuss
this and other footpath / bridleway matters.
The Clerk agreed to follow up continuation of
the internet broadband connection at the Moorland
Hall as a matter of urgency as the contract
will run out on 3rd October 2006.
There being no other business the meeting closed
at 9.15 pm. The next meeting of the Parish
Council will be at 7.30 pm on Tuesday
17th October in the Moorland Hall.
OCTOBER
2006
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 17th
October 2006 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter
as public questions and statements are concluded)
at the Moorland Hall.
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken
at 7.30 pm prompt, before the parish council
meeting begins, for a maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
- Apologies
for absence
- Declarations
of interest
- To
approve the minutes of the meetings held
on 19th September and any matters arising
- Local
Beat Officer PC Sheldon Horn to report on
local policing matters
5 Planning
Applications and related business
5.1
Consideration of planning applications:
6/8/06/113 Earthworks including raising
of levels within residential curtilage,
Lower House Farm, Wheddon Cross
5.2
To note ENP decisions on previous applications
5.3
Other relevant matters
6 To
consider highways and transport matters
and related items
6.1 Update on Highways Matters
6.2 Other related business
7 Snowdrop
Valley Park and Ride Scheme 2007
8 To
consider Agenda items for the Exmoor Consultative
and Parish Forum
9 Finance
9.1 To consider the Finance Working Party’s
proposals and agree a draft budget for 2007/08
10 Correspondence
and meetings
10.1 Clerk’s report
on correspondence received
10.2 Clerk’s report
on meetings attended
10.3 Councillors’
reports on correspondence received
10.4 Councillors’
reports on meetings attended
11 Any other business
including items for the next Agenda
Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm
on Tuesday 17th October 2006 at the Moorland
Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Eric Clarbull,
Maria Davies, John Davis,
and Barry Shelley were present as were two
parishioners.
89.1 Cllrs accepted apologies
of absence from Cllrs Linda Atkins and Tim
Gardner,
89.2 Cllr Webber expressed
a personal and a prejudicial interest in
Item 5.1 as the brother of the applicant
and left the room for the discussion and
the vote on this item.
89.3 The Minutes of the
meeting held on 19th September were approved
and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
There were no matters arising.
89.4 The Chairman welcomed
local Beat Officer PC Sheldon Horn to the
meeting. PC Horn reported on local policing
issues relating to the Wheddon Cross Toilets,
Heathpoult Cross and traffic congestion
following diversions via Wheddon Cross subsequent
to a serious accident occurring on the A39.
The Clerk agreed to follow up diversion
issues with Highways and PC Horn noted Council’s
concerns which will be reported back. Cllr.
Clarbull requested an update on the appointment
of a Rural Beat Sergeant. PC Horn indicated
that he did not know the current position
and also said that everyone had had to apply
for their jobs. In response to a public
question PC Horn reported that the Farm
Watch scheme is to be resurrected and should
be up and running in the very near future.
89.5 89.5.1 Planning Application
6/8/06/113 Earthworks including raising
of levels within residential curtilage,
Lower House Farm, Wheddon Cross. Cllr Webber
left the room at this point and Cllr Clarbull
chaired the meeting for this item. Council
resolved unanimously to support this application
but was somewhat perplexed as to why a planning
application had been required in this instance.
The Clerk agreed to follow up this point
with ENPA.
89.5.2 Cllr Webber returned to the room.
No ENP decisions on previous applications
had been received.
89.5.3 The Clerk read out a reply from ENPA
Planning regarding delays in issuing 106
Agreements which had been raised in response
to Council’s and parishioners’
requests. Cllr Webber agreed to follow up
on this issue with ENPA.
89.6 89.6.1 Due to the
absence of Cllr Atkins there was no update
on Highways matters other than those listed
at 89.6.2 below.
89.6.2 The Clerk reported that the Exmoor
Clouds Classic Trial would take place on
22nd October. No special concerns were raised.
The Clerk reported on imminent road closures:
Ashwell Lane: 31st October for 5 days: resurfacing.
Drapers Way, 1st November for 10 days, resurfacing.
B3223 Northmoor Road, Dulverton, 23rd October
for 3 weeks, ground investigation works,
trial trench, tree removal and associated
works.
Due to expressed concern by Council regarding
quality control of Highways’ resurfacing
formerly carried out, the Clerk agreed to
write to David Peake on this matter and
also visibility problems at the Treborough
turning on
the B3224 and to request a new salt box
in the car park opposite Cutcombe First
School.
89.7 The Chairman reported
that the Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride scheme
has been running at a loss in the region
of £5,000 per annum over the last
few years; the ENPA support budget is now
reduced to £500. It would therefore
be necessary for the Parish to consider
a way forward for the Scheme and he requested
that a meeting be called during November
with a representative from each group
benefiting from the scheme. The Clerk and
Cllr Clarbull to liaise on this issue and
to publish details in the Parish magazine.
89.8 The Clerk requested
Agenda items for the Exmoor Consultative
and Parish Forum meeting to be held at ENPA
, Dulverton, 1st November at 10.30 am to
which Councillors are invited as Parish
representatives.
89.9 89.9.1 Council considered
the Finance Working Party’s proposals
for a draft budget for 2007/08 and agreed
to bring any amendments or suggestions for
additions to the November meeting. A letter
received from the PCC requesting continuing
support for the upkeep of the burial ground
was considered and an allowance made in
the 07/08 budget.
89.10 89.10.1 The Clerk reported on
correspondence received including the Somerset
Local Area Agreement Summary; Gambling Act
and Fireworks Tool Kit information available
from Somerset County Council; Somerset Playing
Fields Association Annual Report & Accounts;
Environment Directorate on Cropping and
Ploughing Public Rights of Way and the Forum
21 2006 AGM Agenda and 2005 Minutes.
89.10.2 The Clerk reported that she had
attended a meeting of the Coleridge Way
Group on 3rd October. All those present
reported positive feedback from walkers
and local businesses along the route.
89.10.3 None to report.
89.10.4 Cllrs Davis and Webber reported
that they had attended the last meeting
of the Exmoor Panel at which the Panel agreed
to write letters regarding the threat to
rural Post Offices and the frequent shortages
of petrol supplies at rural garages.
89.11 Cllr Shelley reported that there
had been another blockage at the Wheddon
Cross toilets and that a footpath connecting
the Coleridge Way and Sir Robin’s
path in Drapers Way should be completed
before next February.
Cllr Davis reported that he had been invited
Madi Robinson (Somerset Rural Youth Project)
to give a presentation to Council at the
November meeting.
Cllr Davies reported that flu clinics would
be held at the Moorland Hall during November:
dates will be reported in the Parish magazine.
There
being no other business the meeting closed at
9.15 pm. The next meeting of the Parish Council
will be at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 21st November
in the Moorland Hall.
Back
to Top
NOVEMBER
2006
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 21st
November 2006 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter
as public questions and statements are concluded)
at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken at
7.30 pm prompt, before the parish council meeting
begins, for a maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
- Apologies
for absence
- Declarations
of interest
- To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on
17th October and any matters arising
- Report
on local policing matters: Sgt N Dillon and
PCSO Sue Hurley, Minehead Police
- Presentation
by Madi Robinson, Somerset Rural Youth Project
6 Planning
Applications and related business
6.1 Consideration
of planning applications:
6.2 To note
ENP decisions on previous applications
6.3 Other
relevant matters
7 To consider
highways and transport matters and related items
7.1 Update on Highways Matters including change
of bus stop at Wheddon Cross to outside Londis
shop for some services
7.2 Other related business
8 Finance
8.1 To discuss and agree a budget for
2007/08
8.2 To consider and, if approved, pay
a mileage claim from Councillor Clarbull of
£8.00 (20 miles) for attending a meeting
at ENP
8.3 To consider and, if approved, pay an invoice
for £30 from Mrs Shelagh Maxwell for internal
auditing services
9 Consideration
of the development of a Parish Plan
10 Correspondence and
meetings
10.1 Clerk’s report
on correspondence received
10.2 Clerk’s report
on meetings attended
10.3 Councillors’ reports
on correspondence received
10.4 Councillors’ reports
on meetings attended
11 Any other business
including items for the next Agenda
Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm
on Tuesday 21st November 2006 at the Moorland
Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Eric Clarbull, Linda
Atkins, Maria Davies, Tim Gardner and Barry
Shelley were present as was one parishioner
and Somerset County Councillor John Edwards
90.1 Cllrs accepted an apology
of absence from Cllr John Davis.
90.2 Cllr Clarbull expressed
a prejudicial interest in Item 8.2.
90.3 At the request of the
Chairman a paragraph was added to the minutes
of 17th October: insertion before the last para
of 89.4: “Cllr Clarbull requested an update
on the appointment of a Rural Beat Sergeant.
PC Horn indicated that he did not know the current
position and also said that everyone had had
to apply for their jobs.” After the addition
of this para. the minutes were approved and
signed by the Chairman as a true record. There
were no matters arising.
90.4 The Chairman welcomed
Sergeant Neil Dillon and WPCSO Sue Hurley to
the meeting. WPCSO Hurley reported on local
incidents including shed burglaries and impostors
posing as water board employees knocking at
doors. She stressed the need for all incidents
to be reported to the police and for lights
to be left on when homes are unoccupied. Sgt
Dillon reported on an increase in crime in the
region especially in relation to the theft of
plant, particularly from sheds, and cars. Sgt
Dillon reported that PC Sheldon Horn had been
moved to another beat area and as the selection
process for a Beat Manager is now well underway
a new officer to work with WPCSO Sue Hurley
will shortly be appointed. Inspector Carol Pearce
has been appointed for three months to replace
Inspector Crocker: it is hoped that she might
stay in post permanently. The closing date for
the position of Neighbourhood [Rural] Beat Sergeant
is close and an appointment should be made shortly.
Traffic congestion at Wheddon Cross when there
is a serious incident on the A39 was discussed
and Council was reassured that no overly large
vehicles would be diverted via Dunster. A reply
from Somerset Highways relating to liaison with
the Police on these occasions was read out to
Council by the Clerk and Council agreed to prepare
a list of Parish contacts for the police so
that improvements in communication on these
occasions might be made.
90.5 Due to the absence of
Cllr Davis and Madi Robinson the Presentation
regarding the Somerset Rural Youth Project was
postponed.
90.6 90.6.1 There were no
planning applications for consideration.
90.6.2 Planning Application 6/8/06/111 Warrs
Farm, Luckwell Bridge: excavation of part existing
field to create level paddock/arena
720 sq m: approved subject to (i) the manege
not being used for any commercial purpose and
(ii) the paddock/arena not being artificially
illuminated in any way, without prior written
permission. Planning Application 6/8/06/112
SJ & RJ Webber: Reroofing of agricultural
shed at Dunkery view and alterations to barn
at Reservoir Buildings: granted subject to external
materials being agreed prior to commencement.
90.6.3 The Clerk read out an e-mail from ENPA
Head of Planning explaining why Planning Application
6/8/06/113 had required planning permission
(earthworks including raising of levels within
residential curtilage, Lower House Farm).
90.7 It was agreed that Cllr Webber
would set up a meeting with Cllr Atkins and
Roy Takle from Highways to discuss matters at
Luckwell Bridge including possible drainage
improvements, road cleaning and hedge trimming
and that ENP Rangers would be contacted about
vegetation clearance which seems to have exacerbated
the drainage problems. Co Cllr Edwards agreed
to raise issues relating to hedge trimming,
including those along the B3224 and vehicles
being damaged by overgrown hedges, at the next
Exmoor Panel meeting. Co Cllr Edwards also reported
on the Slinky bus service now set up for those
without transport: contact tel no [01643] 707090.
Cllr Clarbull reported on a meeting 20/11/06
with a representative from First Bus Service
and John Perrett from Somerset County Council
to discuss low floor buses on the Exford service
which are unable to pull in to the bus shelter.
The smaller, higher floor, buses are being phased
out and so Mr Perrett is looking into the possibility
of widening the access to the Rest & Be
Thankful car park at the cattle market side
and will report progress back to the Clerk.
Cllr Clarbull reported that one complaint had
been received about the drainage gulleys after
the resurfacing of the top part of Drapers Way
and that Ashwell Lane resurfacing had not yet
started, Cllr Webber raised the matter of the
step between the new and old tarmacing in Drapers
Way. Cllr Gardner reported that diversions signs
were often in place when no diversion was in
operation. Cllr Davies reported potholes near
to the school. The Clerk will report these matters
back to Highways for comment; she reported that
she has a map indicating which roads will be
salted over the 06/07 winter and that the legal
agreement regarding the redundant Wheddon Cross
sign is in the process of preparation by Somerset
County Council. It was agreed not to replace
the damaged salt box at the school corner car
park but to request a rock salt dumpy bag to
be placed there instead.
90.8 90.8.1 The draft of the
2007/08 precept budget was considered. No feedback
or proposals had been received from parishioners
since the last meeting. It was therefore proposed
by Council that the precept for the next year
should be set at £5,600, an increase of
3.7% in line with the anticipated rate of inflation.
Council would like to keep the increase in line
with inflation so that a strong financial position
can be maintained and handed over to the new
Council in May after the elections. A formal
resolution to adopt the precept will be made
at the Dcember meeting after a further public
consultation period.
90.8.2 It was agreed that Cllr Clarbull need
not leave the room for this item: he had declared
a prejudicial interest at 90.2 above. It was
resolved to pay the sum of £8.00 to Cllr
Clarbull being travelling expenses for attending
an ENPA Planning Meeting.
90.8.3 It was resolved to pay an invoice for
£30.00 from Mrs Shelagh Maxwell for internal
auditing services and to minute that Mrs Maxwell
had requested that the cheque be made out directly
to St John’s Church, Cutcombe.
90.9 The Clerk reported that
funding in the sum of £2,750 may be available
from the Community Council for Somerset for
the development of a Cutcombe Parish Plan: the
deadline for funding applications is 8th December
2006. Council resolved to lodge an application
before the deadline as an expression of interest.
90.10 90.10.1 The Clerk reported on correspondence
received including details of an Affordable
Housing Review & Event, Minehead, 22/11/06;
Somerset Association of Local Councils West
Area Meeting 07/12/06; SLCC Regional Conference,
Bristol, 08/12/06; Parish Emergency Plans briefing,
Hestercombe House, 08/12/06.
90.10.2 The Clerk reported that she had attended
a meeting of the ENPA Exmoor Consultative and
Parish Forum together with Cllr Atkins and a
meeting with First Bus & Somerset County
Council together with Cllr Clarbull as reported
at 90.7 above.
90.10.3 None to report.
90.10.4 Cllr Atkins reported on the meeting
of the ENPA Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forum
attended with Cllr Webber and the Clerk; Cllrs
Clarbull and Webber reported that they had attended
a meeting of the Community Council for Somerset
at which the Moorland Hall Committee was congratulated
by Council for winning the Gwilliam Trophy for
the village hall which had done the most to
promote itself over the last year. Cllr Clarbull
reported that the amount of community involvement
with the hall had secured the trophy for the
Moorland Hall against stiff competition.
90.11 The Clerk reported that the telephone
box at Luckwell Bridge had now been cleaned
and that WSDC had instructed Hi-Tec Drains to
carry out a survey at the Wheddon Cross public
toilets regarding blockages.
There being no other business the meeting closed
at 9.26 pm. The next meeting of the Parish Council
will be at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 19th December
in the Moorland Hall.
Back
to Top
DECEMBER
2006
Meeting
of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 19th
December 2006 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter
as public questions and statements are concluded)
at the Moorland Hall
Questions
and statements from parishioners will be taken
at 7.30 pm prompt, before the parish council meeting
begins, for a maximum of 15 minutes.
AGENDA
-
Apologies
for absence
-
Declarations
of interest
-
To
approve the minutes of the meetings held on
21st November and any matters arising
-
Presentation
by Madi Robinson, Somerset Rural Youth Project
5 Planning
Applications and related business
5.1 Consideration
of planning applications
6/8/06114 Erection of kitchen extension and
weather porch, Putham Farm, Cutcombe; 6/8/06/115
Erection of Conservatory, Park Lane Bungalow,
Higher Park Lane, Cutcombe
5.2 To
note ENP decisions on previous applications
5.3 Other
relevant matters
6 To consider
highways and transport matters, and related
items
6.1 Update on Highways Matters
6.2 Other related business
7 To set
up a working party to consider the Consultation
Draft of the Exmoor National park Management
Plan 2007-2012: A Sustainable Future for Exmoor
8 Finance
8.1 To consider and approve the precept for
2007/08
8.2 To consider and, if approved, pay the
Clerk’s quarterly salary and expenses
8.3 To consider and, if approved, pay the
second instalment of the
previously-approved grant to the Parochial
Church Council for churchyard maintenance
£100
8.4 To consider and, if approved, pay
the annual registration fee of £35 to
the Information Commissioner (Data Protection)
8.5 To consider and, if approved, pay
an invoice for £0.92 from Exmoor Farmers
for photocopying
9 Correspondence
and meetings
9.1 Clerk’s
report on correspondence received
9.2 Clerk’s
report on meetings attended
9.3 Councillors’
reports on correspondence received
9.4 Councillors’
reports on meetings attended
10 Any other business
including items for the next Agenda
Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm
on Tuesday 19th December 2006 at the Moorland
Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Eric Clarbull, John
Davis, Maria Davies, Tim Gardner and Barry Shelley
were present as was one parishioner, Somerset
County Councillor John Edwards and Mr Alan Collins
(Parish Member of ENPA: Chairman of Resources
Committee and Chairman of Withypool Parish Council)
A
minute’s silence was held at the beginning
of the meeting in sympathy with Cllr Linda Atkins
and family as her husband had recently passed
away.
91.1
Cllrs accepted an apology of absence from Cllr
Atkins.
91.2 Cllr Webber declared a
personal interest in item 5.1 6/8/06/114 Planning
Application, Putham Farm, as his brother farms
next door.
91.3 Amendment to the Minutes
of the meeting held on 21/11/06: item 90.10.4
4th line: delete “Moorland Hall Committee
which” and insert in its place “Commmunity
Council for Somerset at which the Moorland Hal
Committee”. Subject to this amendment the
minutes were signed by the Chairman and the Clerk
as a true record.
91.4 The Chairman welcomed Madi
Robinson, Somerset Rural Youth Project worker,
who gave details of the project: to involve the
youth (ages 13 to 19) of eight parishes within
the Exmoor National Park (two in Devon) in traditional
skills projects for which funding is available.
Council agreed to support the project in principle
and talk to local groups with the aim of establishing
a project in the parish.
91.5 91.5.1 Planning Application
6/8/06/114: Erection of kitchen extension and
weather porch, Putham Farm: Cllr Webber left the
room for the discussion and the vote on this item.
Council agreed to support this application with
the proviso that the materials used are traditional
and in keeping with the property. Cllr Webber
returned to the room. Planning Application 6/8/06/115
Erection of Conservatory, Park Lane Bungalow,
Higher Park Lane: Council supported this application
with the proviso that the conservatory is proportionately
in keeping with the bungalow and that the materials
used are appropriate (including timber fenestration
to ENP policies).
91.5.2 Planning Application 6/8/06/113 Earthworks
including raising of levels within residential
curtilage, Lower House Farm, Wheddon Cross: approved
subject to the earthworks being no higher than
shown on the approved plans.
91.5.3 The Clerk reported a letter from Magna
Housing Association: proposed installation of
solar panels and individual wind turbines at Bouverie
Close: Magna to contact the Moorland Hall with
a view to holding a display before submitting
planning application next year.
91.6 91.6.1 Cllr Webber reported
on his meeting with Roy Takle (acting on behalf
of Somerset County Council) at which he passed
on comments made by Peter Owen (West Somerset
Highways). Quality control was discussed particularly
in relation to the recent resurfacing of Draper’s
Way, also the proposed resurfacing of Ashwell
Lane; potholes at Cutcombe village, Codsend Steep
and Trotsway Cross, missing white lines and various
other highways matters. Co Cllr Edwards agreed
to take the matter of quality control to the next
Exmoor Panel meeting. The Clerk agreed to follow
up potholes items and reported that a rock salt
dumpy bag was to be placed at the car park opposite
Cutcombe School.
91.6.2 The Clerk brought the Public Path Diversion
Order (Bridleway WL 6/1 [part]) to Council’s
attention, this having been advertised on the
Parish noticeboards for the statutory period.
91.7 Consultation Draft of the
ENP Management Plan 2007-2012: A Sustainable future
for Exmoor: The Clerk was asked to request an
extension to the consultation deadline of 5th
January 2007. Councillors present to hold meetings
and bring comments back to Council.
91.8 91.8.1 Council resolved
to adopt the previously discussed draft budget
and set the precept for the next year (2007/08)
at £5,600, an increase of 3.1%, in line
with the current rate of inflation.
91.8.2 Council resolved to pay the Clerk’s
quarterly salary of £377.55 and quarterly
expenses of £182.60.
91.8.3 Council resolved to pay the second instalment
of the budgeted grant to the Parochial Church
Council for churchyard maintenance in the sum
of £100.
91.8.4 Council agreed to pay the annual registration
fee of £35 to the Information Commissioner
(Data Protection Registry Z7331967).
91.8.5 Council resolved to pay an invoice from
Exmoor Farmers for photocopying in the sum of
£0.92.
91.9 91.9.1 A list of correspondence
received had been previously circulated to Councillors.
In response to a request from Brigadier Wolverson,
Leader of the Conservative Group, Somerset County
Council, Council debated the County Council’s
proposal to seek permission from the government
to create a unitary authority for Somerset and
the Localisation and Frontline Councillors Paper.
The Clerk agreed to summarise the debate and send
a report to Brigadier Wolverson expressing Council’s
concerns including the size of the proposed authority,
possible communication problems given a large,
rural area and lack of consultation and information
from the County Council as to how a unitary authority
would work at grass roots level given the large
number of people who would be represented by each
County Councillor. Councillors agreed to bring
comments regarding the proposed federations of
Dulverton Middle with All Saints and Exford First
Schools and Cutcombe First School with Timberscombe
First School to the January 2007 meeting.
91.9.2 The Clerk reported on a meeting with representatives
of groups using the Moorland Hall regarding the
future of the Snowdrop Valley Park and Ride. A
further meeting has been arranged for 10th January
at 6.30 pm in the Moorland Hall at which representatives
from ENPA will be present to answer questions,
prior notice of which should be given to the Clerk
or Cllr Clarbull. She also reported on a West
Area Meeting of the Somerset Association of Local
Councils which she had attended with Cllr Webber
and Co Cllr Edwards and the Annual Conference
of the Society of Local Council Clerks.
91.8.3 Cllr Davies reported on a letter from the
Dulverton surgery regarding a fire which had caused
some disruption.
91.8.4 No additional meetings to report.
91.10 The Clerk reported that the survey
of the Wheddon Cross public toilets had not yet
been carried out and she had not yet received
a response from John Perrett regarding the use
of low-floor buses on the Exford route. It was
also reported that due to a problem Minehead Hospital
was currently closed.
There being no other business
the meeting closed at 9.25 pm. The next meeting
of the Parish Council will be at 7.30 pm on Tuesday
16th January in the Moorland Hall.
Members are reminded that the Council has a general
duty to consider the following matters in the exercise
of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race,
gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any
disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety,
and Human Rights. Marlene P Allinson Parish Clerk