MILVERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
5th December 2016
7.30pm in the Victoria Rooms Fore Street
AGENDA
The meeting will be preceded by a short presentation from Mr Julian Hosking about the a proposal to set up a Community Benefit Society for Milverton.

Questions from the Public.
Members of the public are welcome to attend and address the Parish Council to provide information and
raise matters of concern.
1. Apologies
Members will be expected to provide reasons for absence. Members are reminded that absence for 6 consecutive meetings without approval could lead to disqualification.
2. Declarations of Interest
The Code of Conduct requires that Members disclose interests of a personal, prejudicial and pecuniary nature that may be pertinent to tonight's business. A prejudicial or pecuniary interest will require the member to leave the room during the discussion of the relevant item. In cases of uncertainty members are recommended to consult the Clerk.
3. Minutes and Matters Arising from minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on 7th November have been circulated. Members will be asked to consider them for accuracy and if satisfied pass a resolution of approval that they be signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.
The Actions from the last meeting will be considered unless elsewhere on the agenda.
4. Planning
4.1 For Parish Council Decision
4.1.1 23/16/00 36 Erection of Outbuilding to the West of Siskins Bartletts Lane Milverton
4.2 For Parish Council Comment
4.2,.1 23/16/0041 Variation of Condition 02 (approved plans) and Condition 06 (obscure glazing) of Application 23/15/0015 at Silver Cottage, Silver Street, Milverton
4.2.2 23/16/0040/T Notification to fell one Cherry Tree within Milverton Conservation Area at Old Halls, North Street, Milverton
4.3 Other Planning Matters
The Clerk will report on the Inspector's Report into the TDBC Site Allocations Plan.
Mrs Pine and Mrs Lumby will report on the Planning Training on Heritage Issues
The Clerk will propose 7th January 2017 as the date for the next planning meeting.
5. Community Benefit Society
Councillors will discuss the proposals.
6.Milverton Surgery
Madam Chairman will seek input to the next meeting with the NHS Trust which will be held on 15th December.
7. Roads and Footpaths
7.1 Footpath Monthly Report
7.2 Roads Monthly Report
8. Public Toilets
The Chairman of the Amenity Committee will lead a discussion on the current situation. The Clerk will report on the quote from Cotford Contract Cleaners
9. Crime
Members will receive and comment on the monthly crime report.
10. Milverton Telephone Exchange Problems
Mrs Lumby will report on the latest issues.
11. Allotments
The Allotment Committee will report back on the recent meeting with plot holders.
12. Telephone Boxes: Houndsmoor and Courtfield
BT is consulting on closing these boxes due to lack of use.
13. Correspondence
14. Creedwell
The Vice Chairman will provide a report on the Appeal Hearing.
15. Start Time of Parish Council Meetings
Councillors will consider whether to amend the 7:30pm start time as set out in Standing Orders
16. Finance
16.1 Monthly Report
The Council will consider the monthly report and approve payments for Toilets, Grass Cutting, Gardening,Salaries, PAYE.
16.2 Precept 2017/18
The Clerk will provide a report on the Council's finances prior to a decision on the 2017/18 at the January meeting.
17. Parish Council Trustee for Victoria Rooms
An invitation has been received to nominate a Parish Council trustee for the Victoria Rooms. Mrs Lumby is the current incumbent and is happy to stand again.
18. Matters to Report

Milverton Parish Council Report

November 2016

Milverton Parish Council met on 7^th November to consider a very full agenda that covered a diverse rage of topics from planning to public toilets.

Councillors discussed two significant planning applications. The first was for Prior Approval to convert an Agricultural Building near Spring Grove Cross to residential use. Councillors voted to unanimously oppose the application and posed several questions to TDBC planners about the proposal and the history of the site.

The second application was for 5 houses in High Street which attracted a lot of interest from nearby residents. Whilst the Parish Council is supportive of small affordable housing developments in the village it did not consider this site suitable as the application made no reference to the Conservation Area or its impact upon it. Councillors also expressed concern about the vague nature of the proposal and the strong possibility of overlooking adjoining properties because of the size and width of the site. As a result Councillors voted unanimously to object to the proposal..

Councillor Jenkins briefed the meeting on the Creedwell Planning appeal which was to be heard the following day. The Parish Council would be supporting the TDBC planning officers but also casting doubt on the value of the Certificate of Lawfulness.

Madam Chairman reported on a useful meeting with the new NHS Partnership that was taking over the Milverton and Wiveliscombe GP practice. Although it was early days the Partnership had employed new staff and was moving to firm up arrangements in other areas. There would another meeting in December and representatives of other parishes with patients at the Practice would be invited.

Councillor Mrs Pine reported that the long awaited repairs and widening of the footpaths around Milverton Court had now been completed by SCC.

Councillors received the latest speed readings from the indicator device in Wood Street, They noted that that speeds recorded meant that Wood Street qualified for inclusion in the SCC Speed Indicator programme. To facilitate this SCC was prepared to install a post and Councillors agreed that this would be a good idea.

Councillor Cotton, the Chairman of the Amenities Committee reported that the asbestos reports on the toilets had been received. They did not reveal any unexpected levels of asbestos but it was acknowledged that any proposed work on the Fore Street toilets would require a new specific survey as well as specialist involvement. Councillors also discussed TDBCs new toilets and street cleaning contractors quote for carrying on the service. The price for both toilets would increase by about 160% meaning the Precept would have to effectively double. Given that TDBC had consistently maintained that it would continue to service the toilets 'at cost' this was a very disappointing outcome. Councillors also recognised that this increase would bring Milverton Parish Council into the Government's proposed capping regime. After some debate about this and the possible implications of village referenda Cllr Mrs Hoyle proposed a motion that the Parish Council could no longer afford to run the Fore Street toilets as public conveniences but would nevertheless be interested in taking on the building for other community uses. This was passed unanimously. It is fair to say that Councillors are extremely disappointed by the recent asbestos revelations and the now steepling costs. These issues plus the fact that the whole business has been dragging on for 3-4 years and just highlights the complete unreasonableness of a higher tier Council cascading services onto very small parishes with extremely limited resources.

Councillors also discussed the development of an Emergency Plan for Milverton which would cover events such as extreme weather which may not prompt an immediate response from the Emergency Services. The Plan has been referred back to the Emergency Committee who will meet on 6^th December with a view to finalising the documents and setting out arrangements for it's wider dissemination within the village.

TDBC Councillor Wren spoke briefly about the roll out of Universal Credit and the need for recipients to claim and maintain accounts on-line. Clearly this raises an issue about support for those without the skills or access to computer equipment or with poor connectivity. He has spoken to TDBC about possible access to the hub computer in the Creedwell Community Rooms and will be working with officers to find the best way to make this work. He is also likely to put out a call for volunteers to help vulnerable residents who do not have friends or family to help with claims and changes of circumstance.

As well as removing the large red maple in the Jubilee Gardens Councillors discussed cutting back the shrubs on the boundaries so that the gardener Lucy Reynolds could get the borders under control again. He was asked to draw up a contract to cover both areas of work.

In October the Council spent £980 on salaries, gardening and asbestos surveys.

MILVERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

3rd October  2016

7.30pm in the Victoria Rooms Fore Street

AGENDA

          

Questions from the Public.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and address the Parish Council to provide information and raise matters of concern.

1.    Apologies

Members will be expected to provide reasons for absence. Members are reminded that absence for 6 consecutive meetings without approval could lead to disqualification.

2. Declarations of Interest

The Code of Conduct requires that Members disclose interests of a personal, prejudicial and pecuniary nature that may be pertinent to tonight's business. A prejudicial or pecuniary interest will require the member to leave the room during the discussion of the relevant item. In cases of uncertainty members are recommended to consult the Clerk.   

3. Minutes and Matters Arising from minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5th September have been circulated. Members will be asked to consider them for accuracy and if satisfied pass a resolution of approval that they be signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

The Actions from the last meeting will be considered unless elsewhere on the agenda.

4. Planning        

4.1 For Parish Council Comment

4.1.1 23/16/0029 Conversion of Dutch Barn to Dog Boarding Kennels with Associated Parking and Passing Place at lovelynch Farm, Milverton

4.1.2 23/16/000034/T Application to Fell One Lime Tree included in the Taunton Deane Borough (Milverton No 1) Tree Preservation Order 1995 at Bailiffs Cottage, High Street, Milverton

4.2 Other Planning Matters

The Clerk will propose a date for the next planning meeting.

5. Creedwell

The Chairman will provide a report on the present situation.

6.Milverton Surgery

Madam Chairman will report on any developments related to the handover..

7. Roads and Footpaths

7.1 Footpath Monthly Report

7.2 Roads Monthly Report

8. Public Toilets

The Chairman of the Amenity Committee will report on the current situation.

9. Crime

Members will receive and comment on the monthly crime report.

10. Government Capping Consultation

Councillors will discuss the proposals and formulate a response.

11. Parish Council Storage in The Victoria Rooms

Councillors will discuss some recent issues at the allotments.

12. Trees in the Jubilee Gardens

Councilors will consider whether any action needs to be taken in respect of the Acer and Silver Birch

Correspondence

13. Finance

The Council will consider the monthly report and approve payments for Grass Cutting, Gardening, Salaries, PAYE,

14. Matters to Report

Milverton Parish Council

Report of Meeting on 5^th September 2016

The meeting opened with a question from a concerned resident about speeding in Wood Street. SCC had promised to install a speed loop but it had not been placed yet. Councillors promised to chase County Highways about it. The Police have promised to deploy a mobile speed camera in Wood Street to catch offenders.

The Parish Council is currently in negotiations to acquire the public toilets in Fore Street. As part of the contract papers an asbestos report had been received which revealed asbestos in the damp proof course, the lavatory seats and the cistern. Councillors were very concerned not least because the brickwork around the damp proof course required repair. The Clerk has written to TDBC asking for rectification of these issues or alternatively an indemnity from TDBC. Councillors agreed to suspend legal procedures until TDBC had responded to this request.

Under planning Councillors approved extensions to properties in Screedy and Fairfield Terrace.

The Vice Chairman reported that the he had submitted theCreedwell appeal documents to the Planning Inspectorate. Broadly the Parish Council was supporting the TDBC position but also challenging the Certificate of Lawfulness. The appeal is to be decided at a hearing on 8^th November.

Regarding the changes of management at the surgery Madam Chairman reported that she had received a letter from the NHS Trust Dr Diwayni confirming that the transfer had taken place. Regular contact and Parish Council was promised with a first meeting set for 28^th October.

The Council spent just over £4000 in August. The main expenditure was to TDBC for operating the toilets in Fore Street and the Recreation Ground in April, May and June. This came to £1572. Mowing of footpaths and Council land cost just under £1500. The rest of the expenditure was on salaries (£514), Audit (£100), play equipment repairs (£135) and gardening (£70).

The next meeting will be on Monday 3^rd October in the Victoria Rooms at 7:30pm.

Milverton Parish Council Report

August 2016

Madam Chairman reported a useful meeting with the NHS Partnership Trust and the retiring GP partners. A good line of communication has been established and the Council is proposing to work very closely with the Partnership Trust to ensure a smooth handover and continuity for Milverton Surgery.

Under planning Councillors agreed an extension at Fairfield Terrace and supported the removal of a eucalyptus tree from a property in High Street.

The Council noted that the Planning Inspectorate had confirmed the Notaro appeal over the Creedwell field. Any representations have to be with the Inspectorate by 23^rd August.

Following continuing complains from residents the Clerk reported that SCC was proposing to install speed loops in Wood Street in an attempt to curb traffic speed. Additionally a mobile police speed camera will also operate from time to time.

Under crime it was reported that there had been multiple shed break-ins at the Allotments with a variety of items stolen. The Police have visited and have offered to mark equipment in order to deter future thefts.

The Clerk reported that the Electoral Commission is in the middle of a 10 week public consultation during which it is asking for proposals for new wards. The closing date is 5^th September. After considering presentations the Commission will publish draft recommendations in November 2016. There will then be a further round of consultations with final recommendations to be published in March 2017. Any changes will come into effect for the 2019 elections.

Cllr Wren reported that TDBC had agreed to pursue a merger with West Somerset District Council (WSDC) at a meeting on 26^th July. WSDC was meeting to decide on 6^h September. Cllr Wren had not been happy that the decisions were so far apart and would have preferred them to be on the same day as originally planned. If approved both Councils would cease to exist in 2019 and elections would be held for the new larger Council area.

Mrs Pine the Footpath Officer reported that SCC had promised repairs to Footpath 7/24 near Milverton Court 'this summer'. The footpath across the Creedwell field had now been cut and was passable. However, path 7/10 which did not join on the map would be dealt with next year under the provisions of the Deregulation Act.

Councillors received complaints from allotment holders about bonfires being lit in contravention of the Tenancy Agreement. It was revealed that household as well as vegetative matter was being burnt which was a hazard to human health and could contaminate the soil. It was agreed that the Council would send a letter to all plot holders and the Allotment Committee would make a series of unannounced visits. Anyone found breaking their agreement would be served with a notice.

In July the Council spent £629 on salaries PAYE and gardening.

MILVERTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

1st August 2016

7.30pm in the Victoria Rooms Fore Street

AGENDA

          

Questions from the Public.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and address the Parish Council to provide information and raise matters of concern.

1.    Apologies

Members will be expected to provide reasons for absence. Members are reminded that absence for 6 consecutive meetings without approval could lead to disqualification.

2. Declarations of Interest

The Code of Conduct requires that Members disclose interests of a personal, prejudicial and pecuniary nature that may be pertinent to tonight's business. A prejudicial or pecuniary interest will require the member to leave the room during the discussion of the relevant item. In cases of uncertainty members are recommended to consult the Clerk.   

3. Minutes and Matters Arising from minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 4th July have been circulated. Members will be asked to consider them for accuracy and if satisfied pass a resolution of approval that they be signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record.

The Actions from the last meeting will be considered unless elsewhere on the agenda.

4. Planning        

4.1 For Parish Council Decision

4.1.1 23/16/0019 Erection of a single and two storey extension at 3 Fairfield Terrace, Wood St Milverton

4.2 For Parish Council Comment

4.2,.1 23/16/0017 Replacement of single storey extension at Honeysuckle End Screedy Lane Milverton

4.2.2 23/16/0018/T Fell one Eucalyptus at Sunny Dene High Street

4.2.3 23/16/0022/CQ Prior Approval of Proposed Change of Use from an Agricultural Building to a Dwelling House (Use Class C3) and Associated Operational Development at Weekmoor Farm, Weekmoor Lane, Milevrton

4.3 Other Planning Matters

The Clerk will propose a date for the next planning meeting.

5. Creedwell

The Chairman will provide a report on the present situation.

6.Milverton Surgery

Madam Chairman will report on the meeting with the Partners and the NHS Trust.

7. Roads and Footpaths

7.1 Footpath Monthly Report

7.2 Roads Monthly Report

7.3 Speed Watch and SID Deployment

The Clerk will provide a brief report.

8. Public Toilets

The Vice Chairman will report on the current situation.

9. Crime

Members will receive and comment on the monthly crime report.

10. Clerk Salary Review

The Personnel Committee will report

11. Taunton Deane Electoral Review

Councillors will discuss the consultation.

12. Proposed Merger of West Somerset and Taunton Deane District Councils

Councillors will discuss the options.

13. Allotments

Councillors will discuss some recent issues at the allotments.

14. Correspondence

15. Finance

The Council will consider the monthly report and approve payments for Grass Cutting, Stationery, Gardening, Salaries, PAYE,

16. Matters to Report

Notaro Planning Appeal

 

TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT 1990

Appeal by: S NOTARO LTD

Site: CREEDWELL ORCHARD, MILVERTON, TAUNTON

Proposal: ERECTION OF 70 NO. DWELLINGS WITH ASSOCIATED WORKS

ON LAND AT CREEDWELL ORCHARD, MILVERTON

Application Type: Full Planning Permission

Grid Reference: 312361.125598

..

I am writing to inform you that an appeal has been lodged with The First Secretary of

State against the decision of the Taunton Deane Borough Council to refuse planning

permission for the above application.

Permission was refused for the following reasons:

1. The proposed development would not provide any on site affordable housing.

The proposed off-site contribution is both unacceptable in principle and

insufficient in amount and the proposal is, therefore, contrary to Policy CP4 of

the Taunton Deane Core Strategy.

The development would have a harmful impact upon the character and

appearance of the Milverton Conservation Area as the location and scale of the

development would undermine the connection that the village enjoys with the

surrounding rural landscape, contrary to Policy CP8 of the Taunton Deane Core

Strategy. The harm would not be outweighed by other public benefits of the

proposal when assessed in accordance with the National Planning Policy

Framework (NPPF).

The proposed development fails to provide an acceptable travel plan and future

residents would likely be reliant on the private car for most of their day to day

needs with insufficient measures in place to encourage travel by other modes,

contrary to Policy CP6 of the Taunton Deane Core Strategy, policy A2 of the

Draft Site Allocations and Development Management Plan and guidance in the

NPPF.

The proposed development would provide insufficient children's play space to

meet the needs of the development, contrary to retained Policy C4 of the

Taunton Deane Local Plan or policy C2 of the Draft Site Allocations and

Development Policies Plan.

Insufficient information has been provided to assess the likely impact upon

potential archaeological interests on the site, contrary to Policy CP8 of the

Taunton Deane Core Strategy and guidance in the NPPF.

In accordance with Policy SD1 of the Taunton Deane Core Strategy and

Paragraph 14 of the NPPF it is considered that there are very limited benefits to

outweigh these significant and demonstrable harms and the proposal is,

therefore, not sustainable development.

The appeal will be determined on the basis of hearing. The procedure to be

followed is set out in the Town and Country Planning (Hearings Procedure)

(England) Rules 2000.

We have forwarded all the representations made to us on the application to the

Planning Inspectorate and the appellant. These will be considered by the Inspector

when determining the appeal.

If you wish to make comments, or modify/withdraw your previous representation, you

can do so on the Planning Portal at www.planningportal.gov.uk/pcs or by emailing.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can send three copies to:

Case Officer: MS E SHERMAN

THE PLANNING INSPECTORATE

ROOM 3/18

TEMPLE QUAY HOUSE

BRISTOL

BS1 6PN

E-mail: TeampNI@pins.gsi.gov.uk

All representations must be received by 23 August 2016. Any representations

submitted after the deadline will not usually be considered and will be returned. The

Planning Inspectorate does not acknowledge representations. All representations

must quote the appeal reference APP/D3315/W/16/3148085.

Please note that any representations you submit to the Planning Inspectorate will be

copied to the appellant and this local planning authority and will be considered by

the Inspector when determining the appeal.

The appeal documents are available for inspection on the Planning Portal at

www.planningportal.gov.uk/pcs or at Taunton Deane Borough Council Offices at The

Deane House, Belvedere Road, Taunton, TA1 1HE between 8.30am and 5.00pm

Monday to Thursday and 9.30am until 4.30pm on Friday.

You can get a copy of one of the Planning Inspectorate’s “Guide to taking part in

planning appeals” booklets free of charge from the Planning Portal at

www.planningportal.gov.uk/pcs or from us.

When made, the decision will be published on the Planning Portal.