Cutcombe Parish Council

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Annual Parish Meeting

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

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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

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

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

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. Back to top 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. Back to top

2006 Archive Page

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July 2006	August 2006	September 2006	October 2006	November 2006	December 2006	2007 Archive	2008 Archive

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.

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.

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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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1. 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

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.

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.

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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

1. Apologies for absence
2. Declarations of interest
3. 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

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   AUGUST 2006

   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

   1. Apologies for absence

   2. 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

   1. Apologies for absence
   2. Declarations of interest
   3. To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 18th July and 1st August and any matters arising
   4. 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.

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   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

   1. Apologies for absence
   2. Declarations of interest
   3. 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.

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      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

      1. Apologies for absence
      2. Declarations of interest
      3. To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 19th September and any matters arising
      4. 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.

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   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

   1. Apologies for absence
   2. Declarations of interest
   3. To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 17th October and any matters arising
   4. Report on local policing matters: Sgt N Dillon and
      PCSO Sue Hurley, Minehead Police
   5. 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.

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   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

   1. Apologies for absence
   2. Declarations of interest
   3. To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 21st November and any matters arising
   4. 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.

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   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