MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 14th APRIL 2025 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD
Present:, Mr P Baxter (part), Ms C Dinsdale, Mr S Filer, Mrs S Grimes(Chairman),, Mr S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mrs T Jones, Dr L Malt, Mrs J Stephenson, Mr Paul May (Ward Councillor), Mrs H Richardson (Clerk) and 6 Members of Public.
Public Participation:
A resident raised concern about historical sites in the parish, including the Bonding Stone outside the old forge, the high pavement at Publow and the mile stone.
A resident proposed that the Parish Council recognised the formation of Pensford Community Volunteers.
A resident gave an update on the War Memorial and was considering whether to propose to add names of people who had a connection with the village
62.1. Apologies for absence: Mr W Tantam,
62.2. Declarations of Interest: MR P Baxter (62.5g)
62.3. The Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 10th March 2025 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman signed them.
62.4. Planning:
a) Applications to consult:
None
b) Decision Notification:
i) 25/00026/FUL, 37 Hillcrest, Pensford. Single storey front porch to replace current single storey front porch. First floor extension above existing garage to create annex. Single storey link building to connect main house with annex. Internal reconfigurations and larger patio area to front of house. PERMIT
ii) 25/00511/FUL. Unregistered Farm Buildings Adjacent To Sandhills Birchwood Lane, Publow. Provision of 2 no. detached dwellings and associated works. REFUSE
62.5. Matters for Discussion / Decision
a) The Parish Council considered the condition and operation of the Parish Bins as some are now broken and need replacing or removing. It was agreed that they should be replaced with barrels but would need tops making. Further details and costs to be agreed next month. IT was agreed that the Hillcrest Bin would be removed (TJ)
b) The Parish Council agreed that it would be a good idea to identify historic village structures and make a plan to maintain them. It was suggested that it should be discussed again next month and work with the newly formed Pensford Community Volunteers to ensure their ongoing maintenance.
c) The proposal to approve expenditure of £150 for removal of rubbish on the allotment was deferred.
d) The proposal to provide additional water in the allotments was deferred.
e) The Parish Council agreed not to spend £45 for an email spam filter,
f) The Parish Council resolved to appoint Thrings as our solicitor to assist in transferring ownership of a new plot of land, if needed. No expenditure was approved yet.
g) The Parish Council approved the application to use the Marquee for Village Bike Joust on the 17th May.
h) The Parish Council discussed a request for the addition of Double Yellow Lines or H Bar Markings to ensure access to a residential property due to inconsiderate parking in Hillcrest. The Parish Council recognised the problems cause by the limited availability of on-street parking and referred the resident to the Highways Authority, but agreed that the removal of parking spaces would cause more problems and so would not support this as a solution.
i) The Parish Council discussed correspondence regarding the dangers of the junction of Burchwood Lane and the A37 with suggestions including the installation of a pavement, and reduction of speed limit. The Ward Councillor confirmed that a new speed limit of 40mph was to be introduced as far as the Chelwood Roundabout.
j) The Parish council received correspondence regarding concerns about the coffee van trading on Stanton Lane. The Parish Council thought that the proprietors should be encouraged (providing they have the correct licences) but they would be asked to encourage customers to drink coffee on their property rather that walking on the road, and it would be suggested that they should put warning signs out for motorists to be careful of pedestrians.
62.6. Financial Matters
a) The Financial Report was accepted
b) April payments were approved.
Purpose for Expense – Amount – VAT – Recover
Mark McMullen – footpaths £85.00 £- N/A
Mrs Helen Richardson (45.5j) – Salary £893.50 £- N/A
HMRC (Month 1) £343.39 £- N/A
ALCA Subscription £332.80 £- N/A
DPM Lucas grass cutting £50.00 £- N/A
62.7. The Ward Councillor met with officers regarding the Somer valley Links to give his feedback. He confirmed that he will be putting all his allowance into the car park/ diversion of footpath. There should be an update to the Local Plan Consultation in July this year.
P Baxter left the meeting.
62.8. Reports/Updates on Current matters:
a) PCAA: B&NES have renewed their opposition to the expansion plans. The government has approved the expansion plans for Luton airport despite local objections.
b) Allotments: No report
c) Footpath Officer Vacancy. TJ & SF would go ahead with interviews.
d) VE Day: Beacon under the viaduct.
e) Housing needs survey -would include an option to return by email.
f) Annual Village Meeting -It was agreed that there should be presentation on the Car Park Project and a display of activity over the year.
g) Defibrillator. The new device at the post office would be put into the old cabinet and the move to new premises would be deferred until more is known about the future of the post office.
h) Modification order to diver the PROW: B&NES have confirmed receipt of the application and SG would be meeting with officers on site.
i) Village Hall. Nothing to report.
j) Playground -No update.
k) Clerks Progress Report was circulated.
l) Chairman’s Report. The Chairman reported that we need to join the allotment society and that the request to create a footpath to school had been refused by land owner.
m) Police: No report
62.9. Items to carry forward to the next meeting: Allotment society, additional signatories, request for 20mph limit.
62.10. To note Future Meetings
DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: Monday 12th May 2025 at 7pm in Pensford Village Hall
The meeting closed at 20.55pm