MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 14th JULY 2025 IN THE MEMORIAL HALL, PENSFORD
Attendees:
Sue Grimes, Steve Grimes, Tracy Jones, Jenny Gully, Paul Baxter, Claire Dinsdale, Steve Filer, Layla Malt, William Tantam, Paul May (Ward Councillor) and 7 members of public
Apologies for Absence:
Helen Richardson (Clerk)
Public Participation:
Request for financial sponsorship for planters on Pensford Hill approx. £50pa. New soil and bulbs required. A team of 3 currently do the watering. The planters need painting.
Can the footpaths officer go through the footpath from Old Road through Leigh Farm then onto Birchwood Lane and then go down the bridle path toward Woollard.
A concern was raised about digging/new ground works being done in a paddock just by Sandbanks on Birchwood Lane.
Declarations of interest:
None
Minutes of Previous Meeting:
The minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 9th June 2025 were agreed as a true and fair record and the Chairman Signed them.
Planning:
Applications to consult:
None
Decision Notification:
1. 25/00338/FUL, Portal , Publow Lane, Publow.: Erection of two-storey front extension, demolition of existing lean-to conservatory, extension of existing single storey pitched roof shed to side, raising of existing ridge by 1m to facilitate loft conversion with front and rear dormers, and erection of double garage. PERMIT
2. 24/01202/FUL : The Hollies, Hillcrest, Pensford. Erection of 3 bedroom bungalow on the gardens of The Hollies. APPEAL DISMISSED
Matters for Discussion:
a) To support request for parking restrictions on access to shared drive on High Street opposite the Old School House.
It was agreed that the Parish Council will propose and support white lines on the corners of the private drive. Helen to action.
b) To support the request for further restrictions to parking around the Village Green & Lock up.
It was agreed that the parish council will propose to have the white lines repainted and have new signs putting up. For example, “shared space/access” or “School Children in Road” or “Pedestrians in Road” Helen to action
c) To comment on the Local Plan Housing development boundary review
No comment and the Parish Council agreed to not review the Housing Development Boundary.
d) To approve content of information sheet regarding the Village Parking Project and agree its publication.
One Parish Councillor did not receive the email so cannot discuss this document. It was agreed that we will hold a Parish Council meeting on 18 August 2025 @ 7pm to discuss the document. Helen to organise.
e) To approve expenditure for footpath officer to carry out maintenance on Acker Bilk bench and surrounding area by the village green.
It was agreed that we would ask the Footpath Officer to maintain the bench and remove the planter from the village green. Maximum spend of £300.00. Staffing Panel to liaise with Frank.
Financial Matters:
a) Financial Report was approved
b) Payments to be authorised in July was approved
Payee – Description – Amount – VAT to reclaim
Helen Richardson Clerk Salary (July) tbc £893.50 N/A
HMRC Month 4 343.39 N/A
DPM Lucas Grass Cutting £25 N/A
Christine Wilkins Internal Audit £200 N/A
Frank Schofield Footpath officer £115 N/A
National Allotment Society Annual Subscription – waiting for invoice Y
B&NES Ward Councillor: To receive an update on district matters from Cllr P May
4th September B&NES Cabinet will be discussing an Options Document which includes a discussion on affordable housing in Bath and the government request for 10 more Romany pitches. There is a Romany site on Hursley Hill which the owner wishes to expand by 2 more pitches. 11 September there will be a further Cabinet meeting followed by public consultation. Interpretation of the grey belt can affect us and surrounding villages will become incredibly vulnerable.
Paul met new person in charge of Somer Valley links – it was a positive meeting. Paul expressed the concerns of the village and hopefully the scheme will be abandoned.
TRO – High Street – It was agreed that the Parish Council do not support the TRO in its current state. Helen to let BANES know the response. We need to discuss with BANES what can be done to make the area safer.
To receive reports/updates on current matters:
a. PCAA
Steve couldn’t attend meeting. Minutes yet to be circulated.
b. Allotments
People come and go and beans are growing
c. Modification order to divert PROW
Response received from CURO re our request and passed to BANES – all good. Met with allotment holder which did not go well.
d. Village Hall
Nothing to report
e. Clerks Progress Report
No report
f. Chairman’s Report
Wick Lane – It was agreed that Sue was to report to enforcement for tipping
Items of report to carry forward to the next meeting
Request for sponsorship for planters
To Note Future Meetings
DATE OF NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING: 18 August 2025