Parish Announcements and Alerts

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 9th MARCH 2015 AT 7.15 pm AT THE MEMORIAL HALL PUBLOW LANE PENSFORD

Present: Chairman: Mrs J Stephenson, Mr S Filer, Mr J Kelly, Mr L Seymour, Mr T Heaford, Cllr P Edwards, Mrs J Gully, Mrs L Cains, Mrs T Jones, Mrs S Grimes.
Clerk: Mrs J Bragg PCSO Bailey & PCSO Hambridge Mrs D White ALCA Secretary
Mr & Mrs Hunt, Mr P Baxter and 8 further members of the public.

1) Members of the Public:

At the beginning of the Public Session the Chairman reminded the Parish Council and members of the public attending that at the February meeting a member of the public attending the meeting had asked the Parish Council to vote “on an issue by a show of hands”. The member of public was asked to put in writing “the issue” and return to the March meeting of the Parish Council. The issue was defined thus – “If a properly held referendum was held would the Parish Council support the result?” Then two members of the public addressed the Parish Council from written notes. Both made reference to historical events which have influenced democracy in the United Kingdom.

A third member of the public informed the Parish Council that he was unhappy to be told at a recent Public Consultation that the proposed, but not yet submitted, housing scheme for Wick Lane which adjoins his property had the “backing” of the Parish Council. He was concerned that that any development would devalue his property, which he intended to sell. The Parish Council Chairman informed the meeting that this proposal did not have the “backing” of the Parish Council and the Parish Council indeed could be acting unlawfully if they commented on an application which has not yet been submitted.

Regarding the “issue” the Solicitor to the Council had, in the interim, been consulted on the question “If an individual takes it upon himself to hold a referendum, is this legally binding and if the Parish Council as the representatives of the people disagree with what is put forward is the Council within its rights to give an opposing point of view.” The advice was that it is up to the Council and the Council alone to decide on its procedure within the legal framework. Any referendum or poll of residents is not binding on the council. The member of the public stated that he was aware of this but his question remained as irrespective of the legal position would the Parish Council support ‘a properly held referendum’.

It was again asked what was the question or issue to be contained in the referendum and the answer from the floor was “anything”. The Chair informed members of the public that if the question/issue is in relation to the Wick Lane proposal then the most effective action at this stage would be to take up any concerns with the agent.

The Chair then informed members of the public attending that the 15 minute Public Session had ended. She stated that the question “If a properly held referendum was held would the Parish Council support the result?” would be on the agenda for the next Parish Council meeting. She reminded those present that while members of the public are welcome to attend the meeting they will only be permitted to speak during the Public Session.

2) Apologies for Absence were received from Mrs J Jones.

3) Minutes of Monday 9th FEBRUARY 2015 after being circulated and read were signed as a correct record.

4) Matters Arising from the previous minutes: It was reported that a Planning Application at the Old Colliery Site Wick Lane for 7 houses has been submitted. Clerk to obtain a copy of the planning application. Parish Council will submit their comments as an adjoining Parish.

5) Items for Discussion:

a) Update from ‘Being a Good Councillor’ Course: Mrs Stephenson and Mrs Grimes attended the Course. Notes brought from the Course were:

A Single Councillor cannot make a decision. Apologies for absence must be given to the Clerk along for the reason of the absence. A Responsible Financial Officer is not a member of the Parish Council. It is quite often the Clerk. The Agenda is the Clerks’ Agenda. There should be no A.O.B on the Agenda. Everything to be discussed should be an agenda item.

Chairman suggested that the layout of the Agenda is altered in the future.

It was a useful course with 8 other Parish Council members attending from various Parish Councils.

b) Parish Liaison Meeting – 25th February: A Presentation took place on the Implementation of the Care Act 2014 by Nick Willmore Programme Manager Care act Adult Social care. April 2015 sees new legal changes. April 2016 new funding changes. There is a new website my care my support website being developed.

Carers will be able to ask for an assessment of their needs and if eligible they can receive services in their own right. Service users will do as much of the planning for themselves and information and advice will have to be provided by councils as a lot of people get the wrong sort of care. Direct Payments will be the default where the person has a cash payment to use themselves to buy in services’. The increase in the funding for local authorities to support their new duties is about 3% of current spend – the total gain for people is expected to be modest. 50% people in BANES care homes are self funding.

From April the current arrangement that allows people to defer their care cost in a care home becomes a statutory duty. This is essentially a loan, with costs, that is repaid out of the person’s estate. This avoids people having to sell their home in their own lifetime

From April 2016 the personal contribution towards care will be limited to £72,000. It is estimated that it would take nearly 3 years to reach the cap as board and lodging of £247 per week and nursing contribution £105 will be subtracted from the amount.

The level of capital when the local authority starts to contribute is to increase from the current £23,500 to £118,000

Local Development framework:

Placemaking Plan: Consultation options closed end of January. Draft will be prepared for consideration banes cabinet Sept 2015 and then submission for examination.

Housing development boundaries review deadline was 27th Feb

Designation of local green Spaces: The government gave the opportunity for green spaces with special community importance to qualify for a new protection status.

Community infrastructure Levy: A tax on development comes into being 6 April. Any decisions thereafter or approved thereafter will be CIL liable.

BANES budget 2015/6 approved. No Council Tax increase. Funds received from government reduced but cost reductions made… number of offices reduced, improved IT, saving heating costs new Keynsham offices’

Briefing note performance Planning delegation Scheme Statistics given on decisions made at officer level. Lisa Bartlett justified decisions made at officer level. It was agreed that if the Parish Council would like more information they can contact case officer direct.

Provision of improved broadband: 2/3 villages in BANES are not covered by superfast broadband. A Map of BANES was circulated showing broadband coverage given. It was mentioned that in order to get traffic off road and get people homeworking that improved broadband is needed in rural areas. Parishes requested a ½ day seminar in summer to get more information. It was agreed to take this to cabinet member for a date.

Parish Sweeper: A review of the parish sweeper scheme will be undertaken.

Energy at |Home: There will be a new energy at home advice service … how to use less energy, get grants etc.

c) St Thomas a Becket Churchyard: The Parish Council had received notice from the Parochial Church Council that it was their intention to transfer maintenance obligation to the Parish Council. The Parish Council proposed to resolve not to take on the Maintenance Obligation, therefore the Town Council must take over the maintenance of the Churchyard. The Parish Council have three months in which to give written notice of their resolution to the town Council and the PCC.

d) Neighbourhood Planning Workshop: A Neighbourhood Planning Workshop had been attended by Mrs Stephenson, Mr C James, Mrs S Grimes. It was reported that Backwell have just completed their Neighbourhood Plan which has taken 5 years to complete with a lot of work involved. A Planning Lecturer attended the Workshop from UWE. There are 60 students who have to do a 5 week work placement. It was suggested that possibly 3 students could be provided to progress 3 subject items in the Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood Planning Update: New Funding is now being released for Neighbourhood Planning. The Dates for the Open Meetings are Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd May. Banners will be put up in Pensford and Woollard. Posters will be put up. A maildrop will be undertaken to all households in the Parish. Display boards will be on show at the Open Meetings. It is hoped to display Pensford as it was, Pensford as it is now, then have a section for Members of the Public to add Pensford “What they would like to see” at the end.
The Neighbourhood Planning Committee are looking at a Prize Draw Incentive for the return of questionnaires. Sources of Renewable Energy were discussed. Mr Ford gave a slid show presentation on how the end results of the questionnaires will be analysed.

e) Chew Valley Forum Meeting: Mr Heaford attended this meeting. The meeting was in two sections with the first section for the Public then second was a detailed presentation from the Health & Well being Board who introduced their review of community health and social care services. It was discussed how access to services can be improved for rural areas. There was a report from the Police who reported the latest crime figures for the whole of the Chew Valley. It was reported that many thefts and burglaries could be avoided if Members of the Public took more care. A presentation was received from Radstock HQ Fire Brigade.

f) Bench for Acker Bilk: The Family of Acker Bilk support the Parish Councils suggestion of a Bench in his memory. Mrs Gully is looking at suitable Benches at present. It was agreed that it could be placed next to the Lock Up and maybe re-locate the iron bench elsewhere in the Parish, maybe the Memorial Hall.

Mrs Cains is progressing the idea of new signs for the Village. Contact has been made with Caroline Roberts, Cabinet Member for Transport who has been involved with new signs for Farrington Gurney as part of a project to ‘de-clutter’ the A37, reducing unnecessary signage and replacing damaged signs, focusing on A37 from Farrington Gurney to Whitchurch. It is hoped that Pensford will meet this criteria.

g) Elections 7th May 2015: Parish Councillors were asked by show of hands if they wished to re-stand for the Elections. All members of Parish Council wished to be re-elected.
Clerk reported that nomination papers had been received. A meeting will be convened to complete the papers. A nominated person will deliver them to the Guildhall.

h) Allotments & Footpaths: A meeting had taken place with the Footpaths Officer on the Allotment Site. He will tidy the pathways and strim where necessary to keep the overgrowth down. A meeting between the Footpaths Officer and Public Rights Of Way Inspector from BANES had taken place. Ringspit Lane issues had been looked at.

A letter was received from an allotment tenant who said that he was delighted to see the vacant plots next to his and the path along the bottom of the allotments had been strimmed. However it was unfortunate that a wheelbarrow has disappeared from the site.

i) Pensford Tennis Club: A meeting was held on 17th March 2015. It will cost approximately £14,000 to have both courts re-surfaced. The Tennis Club do not wish to use all their reserves on the courts as the fencing also needs replacing. An application of £3,000 has been made to the Community Trust to help with resurfacing one court and refurbishing another.

Tennis Coaching has started now. The After School Club is well attended. Costs of using the Memorial Hall in bad weather is being looked into. The cost per 1.5 hours is £4.50 at present.

j) Donation from Parishioner: A member of the Parish and a group of volunteers who were responsible for planting the daffodils around the village have a pot of money which they would like to donate to the Parish Council to put towards the work around the village or the Bus Shelter Project. They will keep money to purchase more daffodil bulbs and donate the rest to Parish Council.

6) Clerks Progress Report:

Redundant Bus Shelter: Matter still ongoing. One local builder has shown an interest in carrying out the works. Notification awaited from BANES in relation possibly closing the footpath whilst works are undertaken.

Gritting: Woollard had been missed off of the gritting route recently. This was reported to Council Connect.

Transportation & Highways: Further to my email sent to this department of BANES no response was received. A copy of my email was sent to Council Connect and Nick Jeanes. Nick passed the email to Sadie Cox who would like to arrange a meeting in Pensford to look at all problem areas with Members of the Parish Council.

Speeding: In relation to concerns regarding speeding Clerk has written to BANES Mr Tom Hayward challenging the Capital Schemes Programme Rural 20mph Speed Limit Programme. No reply has been received to date.

War Memorial in Church Street: Cars and vans are reported to still park up tight to the wall around this monument. This will be discussed during the meeting with BANES representative.

Highways: Potholes in Church Street have been reported to Council Connect.

Your Care Your Way: Extra Leaflets have been requested. Further to this an invitation has been received from the Village Agents to a consultation event, Introducing “Your Care, Your Way” on Tuesday 14th April 10.00am to 12.00noon

The Conygre Hall, North Road, Timsbury. The Village Agents are hosting this event, in conjunction with BANES Council and NHS BANES Clinical Commissioning Group.

Sign damaged by Hedgecutter: Damaged signs by Church Farm have been reported to Council Connect.

Birchwood Lane Sign: Council Connect have been informed that this sign is in need of repair.

Woollard Lane: A sign was damaged by the Hedgecutter, Clerk has reported this to Council Connect and asked for a replacement.

Pavement from Garage to Whitley Batts: This has been reported to Council Connect and Highways Inspector. Clerk has asked for all overgrown vegetation to be dealt with and for a litter pick to be undertaken. Also the condition of the footpath in places requires attention.

Rotary of Chelwood Bridge Community Award: The Parish Councils nomination for this award has been sent. The closing date for nominations is the end of March. The Rotary described our nomination as “very Worthy”…

Planning: An email has been received from a resident in Gibbet Lane which looks over the property Railway Bungalow. The concerns raised are in relation to the agricultural barn which has been put up recently and asks the question “why planning permission was given to this huge property and equally large industrial warehouse, in this; an area of outstanding natural beauty which we understand implies no property development. We live on Gibbet Lane and we all have this now as our view. We note that industrial machinery and vehicles frequent these buildings which are obviously being used as business premises”. Clerk is in touch with Cllr Liz Richardson regarding this.

Winford Parish Council: Clerk was contacted by Winford Parish Council who were asking for a contact for M & M Cable Works.

Winford Parish have also suffered with damaged banks not being reinstated following recent works by this company.

New Bus Service for Whitchurch: There is a new bus service operating the 637 service which starts at Keynsham, Somerdale travels through Keynsham along Charlton Road, it stops at Whitchurch Maes Knoll before travelling to Oatlands Avenue, Whitchurch (by Asda), then terminates at the South Bristol Hospital.

Council’s Annual Civic Reception at the Pump Rooms, Bath: Parish Council Chairman and her Husband will be attending the Civic Reception. Clerk has sent a reply.

7) Planning: Applications to discuss:

15/00598/FUL Rising Sun Church Street Pensford. Alteration of existing first floor window openings to create a new escape door access to new external fire escape stair. Parish Council Support

15/005548/FUL Mr M Baber 85 Hillcrest Pensford Erection of first floor extension to rear and side with sky light in roof. Erection of wall to be built on boundary. Erection of Porch at the front of the house. Parish Council Support.

15/0820/OUT Mr & Mrs Fear 31 Hillcrest Pensford. Erection of 1no.dwelling (Outline application with access and layout to be determined all other matters reserved). Parish Council Support.

15/00853/FUL Mr D Lowe Sunningdale Hillcrest Pensford. Erection of a Detached Garage.

Parish Council support this application. However Planning will be asked to note that a member of the public has reported to the Parish Council that there is possibly a business operating from this address.

Planning Outcomes:

15/00187/TCA 1 The Old School House High Street Pensford. Reduce end weight on tow limbs overhanging on Himalayan Birch. 1 x Lawson Cypress fell to ground. NO OBJECTION

15/00120/TCA Rosemere Publow Lane Woollard. 1 x Bramley Apple – prune overall reduction 15% NO OBJECTION

15/00119/TCA Woollard House Mill Lane Woollard. 1 x Pine – Fell. NO OBJECTION

14/04771/FUL Mr & Mrs Sessford Birchwood Lodge Wells Road. Erection of detached double garage (resubmission). REFUSED.

8) Financial Matters:

Payments over £100.00 to be Authorised:

Mrs J Bragg Salary February + 20hrs Neighbourhood Planning Work 801.52
ALCA Annual Subscription 2015/16 200.86
HMRC Clerk Tax & NI to 31/3/2015 208.44

Further payments to be authorised:

Mrs J Bragg Clerk Imprest 15.60
ALCA Being a Good Councillor Course – SG 60.00
ALCA Being a Good Councillor Course – JS 60.00

Payments Received:

None to Report

9. Any Other Business:

Community Trust: The AGM takes place on 23rd March 2015 at the George & Dragon, Pensford. All Welcome.

Bus Service 637: This new bus service commences on 29th March 2015 and is run hourly.

10. Notice of Future Meetings:

DATE OF NEXT MEETING: ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING followed by the Monthly Parish Council Meeting will take place on MONDAY 13th APRIL 2015 AT 7.15 pm

 

MINUTES OF A MEETING PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2015 AT 7.15 pm AT THE MEMORIAL HALL PUBLOW LANE PENSFORD

Present: Chairman Mrs J Stephenson, Mrs J Jones, Mrs L Cains, Mr S Filer, Mr J Kelly, Mrs T Jones, Mrs S Grimes, Mr T Heaford.
Members of the Public attending were Mrs R Anstey, Mr & Mrs Hunt, Mr L Comber, Mrs J Flower and Mr P Baxter.

At the start of the meeting the Chairman reminded all attending that the first quarter of an hour is dedicated to Members of the Public, each Member of the Public having three minutes to speak. The rest of the meeting will be a closed Meeting during which the Members of the Public cannot comment on what the Parish Council discuss.

1) Members of the Public: A Member of the Public attended the meeting to ask the Parish Council to vote “on an issue by a show of hands”. Parish Councillors were not happy to vote as they were not informed what “the issue” they would be voting on was. The Member of Public continued to ask that “if a vote was taken and a Referendum was held would the Parish Council be happy to back the outcome of the referendum or try to undermine it?” Member of Public was told by the Chairman that items needing discussion at a meeting should be given to the Parish Council in advance of the next Parish Council Meeting. The Member of Public was advised to put in writing to the Parish Council details of “the issue” which needs further discussion.

Birchwood Lane: The sign was reported to be coming off of the post. Clerk to advise Highways.

2) Apologies for Absence were received from Cllr P Edwards and Mr L Seymour.

3) Minutes of Monday 12th JANUARY 2015 after being circulated were amended to include Mr Seymour as absent from the meeting. The minutes were then signed as a correct record

4) Matters Arising from the previous minutes:

Memorial Hall Charges: Clerk has raised the Parish Councils concerns regarding the rise in Hire Charges. Memorial Hall Committee have reported that the Pavillion Room will not be hired separately in the future. However the Parish Council Meetings can still continue. Parish Council have arranged to half the cost of the Hire of the Hall with the Women’s Institute. The cost will therefore be £4.25 per hour.

Church Farm Footpaths: A reply is still to be sent to B&NES in response to the recent consultation. The safety of the bridge will be reported. However the ground works are all thought to be ok.

Footpaths Officer: The Footpaths Officer has been asked to strim the edge of the Allotment Site on a regular basis and to strim between beds to keep pathways clear. A meeting will be held with Mrs Stephens and the Clerk to define the allotment plots clearly. The Footpaths Officer has been asked to submit his invoice at the end of each quarter a month before the Parish Councils quarter.

Ringspit Lane: The Footpaths Officer has raised concern regarding Ringspit Lane. There is a lot of work needed along the Lane. Horse Owners are reported to be blocking the footpaths with Electric Fencing. Clerk to contact Sheila Petherbridge and ask for her help. Contact will also be made with the owner of the Snack Wagon and inform him of our intentions.

M & M Contractors – Cable Works: It was reported that the anticipated works and road closures have now been changed and will start in Chew Magna in March. There will only be full closures during the four weekends of the month of March.

5) Items for Discussion:

a) Co-option of Mrs Tracy Jones: Mrs Stephenson proposed that Mrs Jones is co-opted onto the Parish Council, this was seconded by Mr Kelly.

b) Update on Housing Proposal for Wick Lane following the Public Consultation: The Agent informed the Parish Council that they are in the process of reviewing the comments received from residents who attended the consultation event. Only 6 responses were received and the comments generally related to height and design of the terrace to the centre of the site, density and parking. The architects are currently looking into what they can do to address these points. It is likely that an application will be submitted at the end of the month / early March 2015. A member of the public interjected the meeting and reported that the Mail Shot appeared to have been restricted to the bottom of Wick Lane and the High Street and it should have been mailed out further. Member of the Public raised concerns regarding the Drainage but was advised by the Parish Council that the finer details will be down to the Developer who will obviously be advised by a Structural Engineer. Member of the Public raised concerns regarding the access to the site. Further concerns were raised regarding the large vehicles which may be passing a Grade II Listed Building. Members of the Public were advised to pass all comments to the Agent or the Architect and when the application is received there will be the statutory three week period of consultation during which comments can also be submitted. Clerk to forward details of the Agent to Member of the Public.

c) Quarterly Accounts to 31/12/2014/Budget/Precept 2015/2016: Mr Kelly had prepared the Accounts for the Nine Months ended 31st December 2014 and a forecast for the whole year. These showed a near breakeven situation and contrasted with a surplus of £1256 for 2013/14 so running a 2014/15 deficit would be acceptable. The Balance Sheet showing the assets and liabilities of the council was discussed. The new situation was virtually unchanged from 2014. The Debtors relates to the pre-paid part of the Parish Council Insurance. The Current Liabilities include the Precept and Grant which has been paid in advance. While included in the Creditors is the Clerks Salary, nine months of the Audit Fees and Room Hire.
The Budgeted Income & Expenditure Account for the Year Ended 31st March 2016 was circulated this showed a surplus of £882 prior to donations etc. The total budgeted income was explained and Clerk reported that confirmation had been received from B&NES in relation to the £11,000 Precept Money and £690.00 grant money. The Allotment Income is slightly down on previous years as there are available allotment plots. An amount of £150.00 has been put into the accounts expenditure for the Defibrillator to cover an expense of New Pads if necessary, while £500 was allocated for further work if necessary on the allotments. Parish Council supported the Accounts and Mr Kelly was thanked.

d) Neighbourhood Planning Update: No news to date as to whether we have been designated as yet. It was agreed that Local Groups would be spoken to in order raise awareness of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Grant Money: It was reported that any Grant Money received will be paid directly to the Parish Council and has to be controlled by the Parish Council. Mr Kelly kindly agreed to be in charge of this. Two members of the Committee had attended a meeting at B&NES with Cleo Newcombe-Jones regarding the Questionnaire. Some really useful help came out of this meeting. The name of a Traffic Advisory Jacqui Ashman was given. The dates for a drop-in session were agreed as the 22nd & 23rd May 2015. The questionnaire will follow the drop in session with a month to return the questionnaire. Data will be analysed during the July and August holiday period.

e) Update from Community Trust Meeting: Mrs Stephenson and Mr Heaford attended this meeting. The Community Trust have achieved Charitable Status. The AGM will take place on the 23rd March at 8pm. The Community Trust now has 100 members and 13/14k has been raised. Grants have been given to Stanton Drew Primary School garden project and CCTV has been provided for the Memorial Hall. Local Groups are being encouraged to apply for grants. A Grant Making Policy is currently being written and a form will be available to download. A write up will be in the Chew Valley Gazette and the Parish Magazine. The recent Rok the Stones Marathon raised £600 and added this to the funds.

f) PCAA meeting held on 27th January 2015: Mr Heaford attended this meeting. There were thirteen parishes in attendance. As there is money in the bank in the region of 3.5K and no Consultancy Assistance required a Subscription holiday was suggested. This will be debated at the AGM. The Airport is now expanding on the Silver Zone side of the Airport.

g) B&NES ALCA Meeting 29th January 2015: A well attended meeting by 20 parishes. The ALCA Secretary gave a report from the AGM.

In 2016 Employees of the Parish Council will have to have a Pension Scheme. This includes Parish Council Clerks.
Mr Heaford suggested a Training Session for the Parish Council would be a good idea.
Transparency Act: New rules report on how meetings can be filmed and how activities have to be recorded. Payments over £100.00 have to be disclosed publicly. Clerk reported that all payments needing authorisation are put on the Agenda and also added to the minutes.
An open day will be held at the Bath World Heritage Site on 19th April 2015.
A contact from B&NES in relation to Allotments Virginia Williamson was at the meeting.
A discussion took place on Electronic Payments – not widely used.
It was unanimously rejected that the Parish Liaison Meeting will be discontinued.
Mrs Grimes will attend the next meeting on 25th February 2015.

h) BT Infinity Broadband: An email had been received from Compton Dando regarding this. Clerk to circulate the email which has a link to click if interested in BT Infinity Broadband.

i) Woollard Lane – Speed Limits: Concerns have been raised by Members of the Public to the Parish Council Chairman regarding the apparent speed of cars entering Woollard from Hunstrete. The country lanes are the national speed limit which is 60mph. The Parish Council agreed on discussion that it would be desirable to have a lower Speed Limit through Publow, Woollard and parts of Pensford. It is also arguable that 30mph could be too fast in places. Parish Council will challenge the outcome of the recent consultation seeking areas to be designated 20mph limits which refused to include Old Road and Publow Lane as a 20mph Limit.
It was reported that recently a member of the Public was walking on the Pavement coming down Pensford Hill and was clipped by a Wing Mirror of a vehicle. This was extremely distressing for the person involved.

6) Clerks Progress Report:

Litter: A member of the public complained to the Clerk about the amount of litter in and around the Bus Stop at the top of Pensford Hill. Clerk contacted Council Connect and the cleansing team were out litter picking shortly after.

Lordswood: A member of the public contacted the Clerk concerned that notices had been put up in Lordswood asking for Dogs to be kept on leads. Clerk emailed Mr Hillman asking for clarification as to who is in charge of the woods now and what the position is. A reply from Mr Hillman reported that sometimes there are the occasional boisterous dogs in the woods and, as we may imagine, dogs rampaging through the undergrowth etc do not help the wildlife! The management have put up signs at the main access points requesting the public to keep to the paths and to control dogs. A contact telephone number is also provided and it is understood that it was the gamekeeper whom has posted signs requiring that dogs be kept on a lead. It was agreed that the signage will be discussed with the Gamekeeper and the shoot management.

Redundant Bus Shelter: Clerk is struggling to obtain three quotes for the alterations to the bus shelter. One local builder has shown an interest in carrying out the works. Further queries have been raised in relation to the positioning of a skip, also would it be necessary to close the footpath and what permissions are needed from B&NES. Clerk will clarify all of this with B&NES Highways Department.

Gritting: The gritting of the High Street has been included during the recent cold weather.

The Orchard: Clerk has asked for a Grit Bin to be replaced at The Orchard.

Allotments: An advert has been placed on the notice board and a further advert sent for inclusion in the next Parish Magazine the advert has also been added as a news item and also a static page on the web site under the Village Life Tab.

Transportation & Highways: An email has been sent to this department of B&NES as follows: – Parking problems on the corner of Publow Lane in front of Lock Up Cottages. There is an advisory white line but motorists ignore it and park on the pavement in front of the new houses. This area is on a blind bend and you face oncoming cars head on if they are avoiding the cars parked on the pavement. Cars continue to park in front of the Ancient Scheduled Monument the Lock Up causing obstruction. The Parish Council would like the consideration of yellow lines being put down and maybe a raised pavement put in too high for cars to park on. This may alleviate the problem without the lines. A site visit to discuss this would be very much appreciated.

Speeding: Cars are reported to be travelling at speed along Publow Lane and through Woollard Village. We would be grateful to know if you are entering Woollard Village from Compton Dando where their 20mph limit ends and a new limit starts? If it is the national speed limit through Woollard Village then the Parish Council would like this reviewed.

Speeding is another issue which is constantly raised along Old Road in Pensford. It has been discussed many times. The Parish Council asked for it to be considered for a 20mph limit but were refused. Please can some sort of traffic calming be considered, in the form of a chicane? Speed humps? Again, a site visit to look at our options would be appreciated.

War Memorial in Church Street: Cars and vans are reported to still park up tight to the wall around this monument. The Parish Council would like to see some sort of deterrent to stop the cars parking here. Suggestions would be appreciated.

Clerk has received no reply or acknowledgement to the email sent to Transportation & Highways.

Highways: Pot holes have been reported to Council Connect for repairs by Publow Church Car Park and the Peats Hill, Priestdown areas of Publow. Council Connect were also informed that there has been a great deal of work carried out in the area by a Cable Company and the roads have suffered through the many lorries and equipment which have travelled them. Clerk asked for a thorough clean and a sweep of the lanes.

Closure of Wick Lane: A Notice has been received from B&NES to report that works are being carried to the disused Railway Bridge and resurfacing of the carriageway from 23rd February 2015 for one week. The road will only be restricted as and when traffic signs are in position and may not be effected for the whole of the period. This is anticipated to be for only 1 Day. Clerk has circulated to all Parish Council and will add a notice to the notice board and the web site.

Chairman’s Community Awards: Unfortunately our nominations were not successful in winning an award for their nominated category. They did however report an enjoyable evening.

Memorial for Acker: Further suggestion has been a village sign or signs somehow incorporating a type of memorial in some creative way with artwork or wording on it.

7) Planning:

Applications discussed:

15/00329/LBA Dr Tricks Parsonage Farm Parsonage Lane Publow. Internal alterations to ground floor south facing rooms. Works to include changes to the fireplace, restoration of a window bay, update radiators and repairs to lath and plaster ceiling. Parish Council Support.

14/05885/AR Summerhouse, Old Stables, Stanton Road, Pensford. Display of 1 number double-sided oak board sign at end of driveway. Parish Council support this application although it is retrospective.

Planning Outcomes:

14/04771/FUL Mr P Sessford Birchwood Lodge Wells Road Pensford. Erection of detached double garage (Resubmission). REFUSED

Planning Appeal Lodged:

14/04826/FUL Appeal Ref: APP/F0114/W/14/3001688
Mr T Gibbons 13 Hillcrest Pensford Bristol. 2no. Bed dwelling to be built on the side of 13 Hillcrest (Resubmission).

Tree Works Outcome: Mr S Raper Bramley Cottage Publow Lane. NO OBJECTION

Tree Works Applications: 15/00119/TCA Woollard House Mill Lane. 1 x Pine Fell. Paris Council Support.

15/00120/TCA Rosemere Publow Lane Woollard. 1 x Bramley Apple – prune overall reduction 15% Parish Council Support.

15/00187/TCA 1 Old School House High Street. 1 x Himalayan Birch – reduce and weight on two limbs overhanging by 2 metres. 1 x Lawson Cypress – fell to ground level. Parish Council Support.

8) Financial Matters:

Payments to be Authorised:

Mrs J Bragg Clerk Salary January 631.52
Mrs J Bragg Clerk Imprest 12.13
Memorial Hall Hire for Public Consultation 51.00
Titan Internet Services Renewal 240.00
Church Room Hire for Neighbourhood Planning Meetings 20.00

Payments Received:

Mr P Breach Donation to Hire of the Memorial Hall 51.00

9. Any Other Business:

Defibrillator at Hillcrest: A bill had been received from the Electrician. The bill was for a new bulb. This has been questioned as the Parish Council had not been told about a replacement bulb. It was thought that this bill was an error.
Mrs Stephenson will check.

Memorial Signs: A suggestion of Memorial Signs for the Village in Memory of Acker Bilk had been put forward by a Parish Council Member. Clerk to speak to B&NES and see what they come up with. Mrs Gully will have further conversation with Mrs Bilk for any ideas which she may have.

Your Care Your Way: This is a new project launched for B&NES Council by the Clinical Commissioning Group. It is a consultation about Community Health and Social Care Services, the way these services are organised and delivered and how they can be delivered in a better and more efficient way. It gets started between January 2015 and April 2015. The Launch will be 2017. Further details and leaflets can be obtained from the Village Agents. Clerk to organised Leaflets for Parish Council.

Car Parking: Cars continue to park outside of the Lock Up Cottages and on the pavement in front of Lock Up Cottages. Parish Council to push for Double Yellow Lines to be put down.

Church Farm Sign: Was damaged by the Hedge Cutter recently.

Pavement: Past Garage and up towards Whitley Batts, the pavement is very overgrown it is littered with rubbish and needs repairing in places.

Tennis Club: The Coach will be starting After School Club for Juniors and Improvers. Also Cardio Tennis will be starting. Three Contractors have looked at the courts. The Tennis Club will meet on 15th February to discuss the works.

Road Closures: Mrs Stephenson reported that the recent road closure in Compton Dando had no signage at all from the A368 two headed man towards Marksbury.

Hill House Wall: Further concerns have been raised regarding the wall at this property. Parish Council are still awaiting a report from the Engineers survey/advice that the owners were asked to obtain for Building Control at B&NES.

Pensford Bridge: Member of the Parish Council still has concerns regarding Pensford Bridge.

Banners on the Bridge: Owners of the Banners put up on Pensford Bridge have been advised regarding the necessity of a Licence to display them.

Gritting: There has been no gritting in Woollard or Hunstrete during the recent cold weather. Clerk to follow up.

10. Notice of Future Meetings:

Chew Valley Area Forum meeting on Thursday 12th February 2015 at 6.30pm – 7.30pm (For members of the public) at The Wellsway, Harptree Hill, West Harptree, BS40 6EJ. The formal part of the meeting will commence at 7.30 pm
DATE OF NEXT MEETING MONDAY 9th MARCH 2015 AT 7.15 pm

 

MINUTES OF A NEIGHBOURHOOD PLANNING MEETING
HELD ON WEDNESDAY 7TH JANUARY 2015 AT 7.30 PM
IN THE CHURCH ROOM CHURCH STREET PENSFORD

Present: Mr C James, Mr C Taylor, Mr A Ford, Mr S King, Mr J Cogan, Mrs S Grimes, Mrs J Stephenson & Mrs J Bragg.

1) Apologies were received from Jacquie Haigh and Helen Stockwell

2) Chairman’s Remarks: Mr James, welcomed new member Mr James Cogan to the meeting.

3) Minutes of Previous Meetings: a) The minutes of 26th November 2014 after being circulated and read were signed by Mr James as a true record.

b) The minutes of 4th December 2014 a meeting which was held with two representatives from the Whitchurch Neighbourhood Planning Group were also signed as a true record.

4) Matters Arising: Draft Minutes: It was agreed that the Draft Minutes would only be submitted to the Chairman who will make any amendments necessary. Once the minutes have been agreed by all members and signed as a true record at the next meeting they will be made available on the web site.
Logo: The Primary School have said that they would like the children to be involved in the creation of a Logo. The Primary School Council made up of school pupils will take this on as one of their projects.
Whitchurch Neighbourhood Planning Group are keen to keep links with Pensford. It was agreed that they would be invited to meet with Pensford every couple of months. It was agreed that we share one common problem which is the A37. We could also share advice with each other on how to get the best advice from B&NES Council. It was agreed to meet as an information sharing meeting rather than a formal meeting. Parish Council members to speak with Paul May.
One matter arising from the 4th December minutes, Mr Taylor had raised a query in relation to the possibility of a Bristol Ring Road. There had been no reaction to this and was dismissed.
5) Feedback from the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 8th December: It was reported that the Parish Council are happy to lend Financial Support to the Neighbourhood Planning Group for items such as Printing, Room Hire and other smaller costs.

6) Items for discussion: a

) Composition and Membership of the Neighbourhood Planning Committee: Mr James explained that there is now a need to clarify how we want the structure of the group to be. It must be Parish Council lead. However after holding 8 meetings, formalisation of the group is needed. It was confirmed that up until now Mr James
02/15 had chaired all of the meetings, and as the Parish Council have agreed to fund the Parish Council Clerk, Mrs Bragg, she will remain the minute taker. The group Proposed Mr James as Chairman, this was unanimously supported. Mr King was proposed as Vice-chairman and this too was unanimously supported by the other members. A Finance Officer will need to be appointed. Mrs Stephenson will ask the Parish Councils Responsible Financial Officer if he would like to hold this position. The correct procedure for opening a Bank Account will be checked with Julie O’Rourke as will the role of the Parish Council in the funding issue.
Mr James explained that at present we potentially have ten members who will regularly meet to push forward with the Neighbourhood Plan. Therefore what structure would everyone like? It was agreed that we would meet as before and try to recruit other members maybe once the questionnaire has been circulated. Awareness of the Neighbourhood Plan still needs to be achieved. The Public Meetings will hopefully be the next stage in raising awareness and maybe recruiting further members.
Publicity: Further reports will be included in the Parish Magazine.
Draft Timescale/Draft Questionnaire/Draft Budget: A meeting had been held between Mr Ford, Mr Taylor and Mrs Grimes who produced a timescale, questionnaire and budget. Research had been carried out by looking at neighbouring parishes questionnaires. The second questionnaire was brought to the table for the members to discuss. A discussion on the questionnaire took up the bulk of the meeting and changes were suggested. It was agreed that Mr Ford would take away the questionnaire and circulate back to all. Any further responses were again to go back to Mr Ford. Clerk was to circulate the questionnaire to the Parish Council prior to their next meeting and ask them to trial filling it out and bring their feedback to the meeting. Mr Ford would make himself available at the meeting for any comments.
Distribution of the Questionnaire: It was noted that the Post Office had kindly offered to help distribute the questionnaires. It was agreed that a box for responses would be put in the Post Office but also offer a collection service for those who could not get to the Post Office with their form.
It was agreed to avoid the Election Period, and that it would be better to delay the questionnaire going out and get it right.
It was agreed that Public Meetings are going to be vital in the whole process. Initial thoughts were to hold the Public Meeting in April/mid-May onwards. The Consultation will also be a good opportunity for recruitment.
Budget Application: Is now pressing in terms of timescale. It was agreed that Julie O’Rourke would be asked for advice on the budget. Mr Ford & Mr James would visit Julie in Bath if it made things easier for her as she had informed the clerk that the earliest she could visit would be the 20th or 27th February.
Funding: The Parish Council will be asked for a Terms of Reference in respect of funding. There will be referendum costs and a B&NES Inspector which are costs paid by B&NES.
National Money is available in April for which the detailed budget will need to be ready.
Next meeting with Julie O’Rourke: Clerk to ask for a meeting sooner than the end of February.

7) Any Other Business:

Mr Cogan offered assistance with an Air Quality Survey/Traffic Management Survey through his employment.

8) Date of Next Meeting: Wednesday 4th February 2015 at The Church Room, Church Street, Pensford.