Cutcombe
Parish Council
Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Wednesday 7th May 2008 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 Planning Applications and related business
4 Consideration of planning applications:
6/8/08/113: The Chapel, Wheddon Cross: conversion of former Methodist Chapel to 2-bedroom local needs dwelling
Minutes
of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th May 2008 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Linda Atkins (Chairman for this meeting), Eric Clarbull, Maria
Davies and John Davis were present.
111.1 Apologies of absence was accepted from Cllrs Roger Webber, Tim Gardner
and Susie Sanders.
111.2 There were no declarations of interest.
111.3 Consideration of Planning Application 6/8/08/113: The Chapel, Wheddon
Cross: conversion of former Methodist Chapel to 2-bedroom local needs dwelling.
The following comments were made by Council:
In principle Cutcombe Parish Council supports local needs affordable housing
and the use of renewable energy, however concerns were expressed viz:
i) line of sight: Council expressed surprise that a full planning application
had been submitted stating that the existing vehicular and pedestrian access
is to be retained: as far as local knowledge goes there has never been any
vehicle access to the Chapel apart from, perhaps, hearses, and certainly no
parking. The line of sight when leaving via the existing gates is extremely
poor, the hedge completely obscuring visibility. No mention in the application
has been made regarding removal of the hedge or making a tuning bay or vehicle
splay. The exit is onto a very busy A road and an exiting pedestrian or vehicle
would be in a very dangerous position if this entrance is to remain as existing.
Other local affordable needs housing currently under construction in the village
(exiting onto a less busy B road) has had to ensure that a vehicle splay and
two parking bays per unit have been incorporated as a planning condition.
Ii) the solar panels should blend in well with the slate roof;
ii) the proposed new chimney: could this be more in keeping with the building?
Iii) could all or some of the leaded lights be retained (especially the north-west
window) or if not perhaps donated to the village where they could be used
in recognition of the former chapel?
The next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will be the Annual Parish Council
Meeting and will take place on Tuesday 20th May at 7.30 pm in the Moorland
Hall. There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.05 pm.
Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Tuesday 20th May 2008 at 7.30 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions and statements from parishioners 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 Election of Vice-Chairman
3 Apologies for Absence
4 Declarations of interest
5 To approve the minutes of the meetings held on 18th March 2008, and any matters arising; to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 9th May and any matters arising.
6 Planning Applications and related business
6.1 Consideration of planning applications:
6.1.1 Application No GDO 08/10: Edbrooke Farm, Luckwell Bridge,
new agricultural track (605m long) to provide access for farm vehicles/machinery
which can't get over Luckwell Bridge: track will come off at Thorne Lane.
6.1.2 Application No 6/8/08/104: Putham Farm, Cutcombe: Repair, reconstruction and conversion of barn buildings as part of small business providing accommodation and employment for two adults with learning difficulties working on the farm.
6.2 To note ENP decisions on previous applications
6.3 Other relevant matters
6.3.1 Summerfield Homes, update on the auction field proposals by Chris Winter, Director, Summerfield Homes
6.3.2 Affordable Housing Site Identification Project
7 To consider highways and transport matters,
and related items
7.1 The Luckwell Bridge Triangle Improvement Scheme
8 Recycling bins at Wheddon Cross: representative from Somerset Waste Partnership in attendance
9 Proposed Removal of Payphones within the Exmoor National Park: Consultation
10 Proposed agenda items for the Meeting of the Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forum, Wednesday 11th June, 6.30 pm at Exmoor House, Dulverton
11 Finance
11.1 To consider the Internal auditor's report 2007/08
11.2 To consider and approve the Statement of Accounts for the Year ended 31st March 2008
11.3 To consider and approve the Annual Governance Statement for the financial year ended 31st March 2008
11.4 To appoint an internal auditor for 2008/09
11.5 To pay the Allianz Cornhill insurance premium 2008/09 in the sum of £586.71
11.6 To consider and, if approved, pay an annual subscription to LCR (The Official Journal of the National Association of Local Councils) in the sum of £13.50
11.7 To consider and, if approve, pay the annual subscription to the Community Council for Somerset in the sum of £25
11.8 To consider future banking arrangements for the Parish Council
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 Items for the next Agenda
Minutes of the Meeting held at 7.30pm on Tuesday 20th May 2008 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, Andy Mallinson (Somerset Waste Partnership),
Chris Winter (Summerfield Homes) and 4 parishioners.
112.1 Councillor Webber was unanimously elected Chairman of the Parish Council
for the year 2008/09 and signed the Declaration of Office and Acceptance of
the Code of Conduct.
112.2 Councillor Atkins was unanimously elected Vice-Chairman of the Parish
Council for the year 2008/09.
112.3 An apology of absence was accepted from WPCSO Sue Hurley who had sent
in a written report.
112.4 Declarations of Interest
Item No Councillor Interest Action Taken
6.1.1 Sanders Prejudicial (Applicant) Left the room for the discussion and
the vote
6.1.2 Webber Personal (brother farms next door) Minuted
6.3.1 Webber Personal (shareholder in Exmoor Farmers Liverstock Auction) Minuted
7.1 Webber Prejudicial (brother-in-law one of the contractors quoting) Left
the room for the discussion and the vote to select a contractor
112.5 The
minutes of the meeting held on 15th April 2008 were approved and signed by
the Chairman as a true record. Matters Arising: the Clerk reported that: 110.5.2:
ENPA Ranger Richard Eales had reported that the rubbish bin in the car park
was not ENPA’s responsibility but he was hoping to have the catch fixed
anyway; the ENPA noticeboard in the car park would be updated in the near
future; the Exford bus would be driving through the car park once the building
work at The Rest & Be Thankful Inn is completed; 110.7.4: the Clerk read
out a letter to accompany the cheque for Dunkery Pre-School; 110.7.5: the
invoice for admin. work re the Snowdrop Valley Road closure had been sent
to Tim Braund, ENPA. The minutes of the meeting held on 7th May were approved
as a true record and signed by the Chairman. There were no matters arising.
112.6 112.6.1.1 Planning Application GDO 08/10: Edbrooke Farm, Luckwell Bridge,
new agricultural track (605m long) to provide access for farm vehicles/machinery
which can’t get over Luckwell Bridge, track will come off
at Thorne Lane: no objections subject to suitable, non-reflective, materials
being used for the track.
112.6.1.2 Planning Application 6/8/08/104: Putham Farm, Cutcombe: Repair,
reconstruction and conversion of barn buildings as part of small business
providing accommodation and employment for two adults with learning difficulties
working on the farm: discussion deferred until after a site visit, to be arranged
asap.
112.6.2 There were no ENA decisions on previous applications to report.
112.6.3.1 Chris Winter, Director of Summerfield Homes, answered questions
relating to the proposed development at the auction site including those relating
to size of the units, materials, parking, local needs provision, highways
matters and the commercial units.
112.6.3.2 The Clerk read out a letter from Clive Miller & Associates regarding
an Affordable Housing Site Identification Project and a letter from ENPA re
evaluating the need for affordable housing.
112.7 112.7.1 Luckwell Bridge Improvement Scheme: 2 comparable quotes had
been received (a third could not be obtained due to the small nature of the
work involved): it was resolved to accept the quotation from C J Lynch &
Sons and request a start date. Cllrs Webber and Sanders agreed to project
manage. Cllr Sanders to talk to Highways regarding their proposals for the
bridge/possible ford.
112.7.2 The Clerk reported on the Surface Dressing & Environmental Maintenance
Programmes for 2008 and correspondence with Highways regarding Roundwell Dip.
She was requested to ask for 2 cuts per annum for the hedges from the Kiosk
to Slade Corner.
112.8 The Clerk outlined concerns expressed by parishioners re the recycling
bins in the car park. Andy Mallinson (Somerset Waste Partnership) agreed that
there had been problems regarding collections. After a discussion it was agreed
that: a) problems with kerbside collections to be sorted out asap; b) Mr Mallinson
would come to the August meeting; c) there is a need for stronger management
of the collection teams. It was agreed that the aim of the Council is to seek
the removal of the recycling bins in the car park once all problems with kerbside
collections have been ironed out. Any parishioner can ask for a second black
box tel: 01643 703704.
112.9 The Clerk reported on BT’s consultation regarding payphones which
they propose to remove within ENPA area. It was resolved to write a reply
to BT protesting at the proposals, in particular with regard to the payphone
at Luckwell Bridge, and also to reply to ENPA’s letter asking for any
relevant information which might be useful in preparing its response.
112.10 Agenda Items for the meeting of the Exmoor Consultative and Parish
Forum, 11th June: a) Update on BT’s proposals re removal of payphones
within ENP; b) Action taken by ENPA re fly tipping and rubbish disposal within
ENP; c) request update on the status of RUPPs within ENP after the Winchester
case; d) update on proposed Post Office closures.
112.11112.11.1 The internal auditor’s report for 2007/08 was read out
& noted.
112.11.2 The Statement of Accounts for the financial year ended 31/03/08 was
approved and signed by the Chairman and the RFO.
112.11.3 The Annual Governance Statement for the financial year ended 31/03/08
was approved and signed by the Chairman and the Clerk.
112.11.4 It was resolved to appoint Colin Stevenson as the internal auditor
for the financial year 2008/09.
112.11.5 It was resolved to pay the Allianz Cornhill Insurance premium 2008/09
in the sum of £586.71. It was noted that the Clerk is looking into obtaining
alternative quotations for Council’s insurance.
112.11.6 It was resolved to pay the annual subscription to LCR in the sum
of £13.50.
112.11.7 It was resolved to pay the annual subscription to the Community Council
for Somerset in the sum of £25.
112.11.8 It was resolved to continue banking with NatWest as their recent
letter regarding charges had proved to be sent in error by the Bank.
112.12 112.12.1 The Clerk had circulated a list of correspondence received
prior to the meeting, which items were noted.
112.11.2 The Clerk reported on a meeting of the Exmoor Association of Parish
Councils which she had attended.
112.11.3 Cllr Davis reported on an e-mail received from David Peake, Highways,
regarding a test case relating to the use of RUPPs.
112.11.4 Cllr Sanders reported on the E4Exmoor Symposium which she had attended:
particularly interesting was a talk on micro-energy systems and reducing one’s
personal carbon footprint. Cllr Davis reported on the visit of the mobile
skatepark to Wheddon Cross; it is hoped it will visit again, perhaps this
time an evening visit during school holidays. Cllr Webber agreed to fix up
a meeting with the Clerk and Andy Giles from West Somerset Finance regarding
the Wheddon Cross toilets contract.
112.13 Agenda items for next meeting: Cllr Webber to report on District matters
including the future of the Lengthsman scheme.
The next
meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 17th June at
7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.12 pm.
Meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council held on Wednesday 28th May 2008 at 8.00 pm (or as soon thereafter as public questions and statements are concluded) at the Moorland Hall
Questions and statements from parishioners taken at 8.00 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
4.1 Consideration of planning applications:
application No 6/8/08/104:
Putham Farm, Cutcombe: Repair, reconstruction and conversion of barn buildings
as part of small business providing accommodation and employment for two adults
with learning difficulties working on the farm (following a site visit).
Minutes of the Meeting held at 8.00 pm on Wednesday 28th May 2008 at the Moorland Hall
Councillors Roger Webber, Linda Atkins, Eric Clarbull, Maria Davies, John Davis, Tim Gardner and Susie Sanders were present.
113.1 There were no apologies for absence.
113.2 Cllr Webber declared a personal interest as his brother owns a track over which the applicant has right of access and farms next door. Cllr Webber emphasized that, should this application come before ENPA Planning Committee, he would consider it fairly and with an open mind, not having regard to any observations which might be made at this meeting.
113.3 Planning Application 6/8/08/104 Putham Farm: Repair, reconstruction and conversion of barn buildings as part of small business providing accommodation and employment for two adults with learning difficulties on the farm. Following a site visit at 7pm, Council decided, unanimously, not to support this application for the following reasons:
1 Great concern was expressed that there is no guarantee from Social Services that, once the applicant has carried out the work to the buildings in question, they will be suitable for two adults with learning difficulties to live and work on the site, and so part of the planning consent, if granted, could not be complied with, therefore the applicant might seek an alternative use for the buildings. On inspection of the plans the two self-contained units are connected by a shared utility area, and could easily be made completely self contained.
2 The location is very remote: on discussions with the applicant it is not expected that the two adults would be able to drive, but would rely on a manager for their provisions and would have to occupy their own time outside working hours and perhaps at weekends. It is unclear how this would help their integration into a community and what activities might be available to them in such an isolated environment.
3 As understood from the applicant, the manager would be employed by him and would manage the day-to-day work on the farm unit. It is unclear that any supervision or management would take place outside normal working hours or at weekends, and concern was expressed as to what would happen when the manager is on holiday or unable to get to work for any reason.
4 The buildings are in an extremely poor state of repair, Council felt that it is more a new build project than a repair and reconstruction one. There appear to be no footings, no structural walls left and very little head height and a solid rock floor to one of the existing buildings. An increase in the footprint and height of the buildings would seem to be inevitable to comply with current building regulations and it is difficult to see how the buildings themselves could be made to comply without a new build taking place.
5 The farm unit is not large, with a few "pet" sheep, a few chickens, potential logging and hedging (seasonal activities), a potential veg patch and possibly a couple of bucket-fed calves would be obtained. It is Council's opinion that there would not be sufficient work for all-year-round activities for two adults.
6 The Design Statement says that the document "Care Homes for Adults" includes a particular section regarding spatial requirements: 24.9 they should be "fully accessible for the disabled". The planning application refers to adults with learning difficulties. It is felt that the site is entirely unsuited to physically disabled adults: the land falls away very steeply (not a "gradual gradient to the south east" as stated in the Design Statement) and access is not level: it is unclear as to whether the adults might be physically disabled as well as have learning difficulties.
The next meeting of Cutcombe Parish Council will take place on Tuesday 17th June at 7.30 pm in the Moorland Hall. There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.40 pm.
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
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