Parish Announcements and Alerts

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 12th JANUARY 2015 AT 7.15 pm AT THE MEMORIAL HALL PUBLOW LANE PENSFORD

Present: Chairman: Mrs J Stephenson. Mr S Filer, Mrs S Grimes, Mrs L Cains, Mr T Heaford, Mrs J Gully, Mr J Kelly. Clerk Mrs J Bragg.
Also present were two members of the public, Mr A Ford, Mr P May and Mrs T Jones.
Mrs Stephenson welcomed all to the meeting and greeted Mrs Jones who was attending the meeting with a view to joining the Parish Council. A Happy New Year was extended to all and the meeting commenced.

1) Members of the Public: Members of the Public raised problems with pot holes by Publow Church Car Park and along Peats Hill travelling towards Woollard. Clerk to inform Highways. Also Priestdown is in need of a clean as the water is not going into the gullies.

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

3) Minutes of Monday 8th December 2014 after being circulated and read were signed as a correct record.

4) Matters Arising from the previous minutes:

M & M Cable Works: It was reported that works in Chew Magna were due to commence on 7th February 2015 with a full closure of Chew Magna High Street between the 14th – 22nd of February.

Christmas Tree for the Village Green: Parish Council agreed to look at the provision of a Christmas Tree for this coming Christmas. Parish Council to consider a donation towards the cost of covers for the power cable if it was to be brought across the road as in past years.

Lock Up: The display of the Three Kings was reported to be very well received and created a lot of interest.

Memorial for Acker Bilk: Further discussion will take place.

Neighbourhood Planning: Mr Ford attended the meeting to collate feedback on the Questionnaire which had been produced by the Neighbourhood Planning sub-committee. It was agreed that final feedback would be collated at the February Meeting. It was agreed that some topics may be related to Parish Council and will possibly overlap with topics which are put into the Neighbourhood Plan.
A further Neighbourhood Planning meeting had taken place on Wednesday 7th January. A Chairman, Vice-chair and Secretary had been appointed. A Financial Officer position needs to be filled. The Primary School have been approached regarding producing a Logo and are happy to be involved. 22nd January 2015 will be the final designation date.

5) Items for Discussion:

a) Appointment of Vice-Chairman: As the appointment of a Vice Chair is not mandatory, it was agreed to leave it for a while before appointing someone to this position.

b) Nomination of Community Trust Representative: Mr Heaford was nominated as the Representative for the Community Trust, he will attend Community Trust meetings along with the Parish Council Chair Mrs Stephenson.

c) Wick Lane Housing Update: The Public Consultation will be taking place on Monday 19th January between 1pm & 7pm. Clerk had booked the Memorial Hall. Parish Councils comments had been sent to Mr Breach.

d) Chairman’s of the Council Community Awards: The Awards Evening will take place on Thursday 29th January 2015. Mrs Gully & Mrs Stephenson will attend.

e) Memorial Hall Charges: Clerk reported that the fees will rise from January for the hire of the Memorial Hall. The Parish Council have been asked to pay £8.50 per hour which replaces the £9 per meeting which is being paid at present. A monthly meeting charge will now be £25.50. Clerk was asked to write to the hall committee to ask for a review of these charges.

f) Church Farm – Footpaths Consultation: In addition to the consultation sent out in November that outlined the proposed changes to the right of way network at Church Farm in Publow, proposed additions and amendments had been received.
These changes had come about as a result of the initial consultation.
Initial thoughts from the Parish Council were that the changes have put Walkers off of walking the paths now as it is very confusing as to which way to go and the proposed changes have increased the number of fields to cross. It was still thought the wooden bridge installed requires some safety measures as the sides are open and wide. Trees were reported to have been planted where the original landslide occurred to try and stabilise the land, however it was reported that the land has slipped again. Mrs Stephenson will walk the path and report back to BANES.

g) Defibrillators: It was reported that in South Gloucestershire & North Bristol Defibrillators had been stolen. The ones in Pensford and Woollard have remained secure. The Advice from AED was to remove the Defibrillator from the Cabinet and
inform GWA. However the Parish Council made the decision to leave the defibrillators in the cabinets. Members of the Public are asked to be vigilant. It was reported that the Post Office are soon to have CCTV cameras installed which will be able to monitor the Defibrillator outside of the Post Office.
The Parish Council were disappointed to hear that a vegetable box had recently been stolen from outside of the Post Office during daylight hours.
Defibrillator in Woollard: A new bulb has been replaced by the guardian Mrs Stephenson.

6) Clerks Progress Report:

Memorial Hall: The AGM of the Memorial Hall will be taking place on Tuesday 3rd February at 7.00 pm followed by a normal meeting. The Memorial Hall Committee have asked that this meeting is promoted on their behalf. Any Agenda items should be submitted to the Chairman as soon as possible.

Accounts: A cheque was raised at the November meeting made payable to Gladwin Electrical Services for a total of £678.00 this was the Parish Council donation to electrical work carried out at the Memorial Hall. An email from the Treasurer on the 1st January 2015 informed the Clerk that because the works are not improvements the Memorial Hall spoke to Gladwin and they invoiced the hall direct. They had already paid this invoice and assumed that the Parish Council knew. The cheque therefore has been cancelled.

Police: I have been advised that PCSO’s no longer have the mobile numbers we have on our records. PCSO 8079 BRAGG and PCSO 6903 BAILEY will soon have new numbers, which will be provided in due course. A new number will also be provided for PC Gemma Hill once she returns from maternity leave. Contact now should be made via 101.

Clerk has notified the Web Site and Parish Mag.

Rok the Stones Marathon (24-Jan-2015)
The Parish Council have been informed of the inaugural Rok the Stones trail marathon will take place on Saturday-24-Jan 2015, to raise funds for the Pensford, Publow and the Stanton’s Community Trust. They are hoping to raise in excess of £1000 for local community projects.

The marathon consists of three separate loops, each starting from Stanton Drew Village Hall. The first loop follows the River Chew to Compton Dando, the second loop climbs onto Dundry and Maes Knoll, and the third includes the Folly Farm estate and Knowle Hill. More details can be found on the event website: www.stonecircles.org.uk

Royal Garden Party: This takes place at Buckingham Palace on Tuesday 12th May 2015. The Parish Council are asked to nominate two attendees by 2nd February 2015. Names will then go into the hat.

Redundant Bus Shelter: Quotes are still awaited for these works.

Hillcrest: No further complaints have been received regarding a car parking on the pavement in front of the Grit Bin by the Old Peoples Bungalows at Hillcrest.

Gritting: No problems have been reported to the Clerk in relation to lack of gritting.

Allotments: An advert has been created and sent to the Parish Magazine advertising vacant plots.

Quarry Lodge Woollard Lane Woollard. A CONFIDENTIAL update has been circulated.

7) Planning:

Applications to be discussed:

14/05615/ADCOU AMP Electrical Ltd Belluton Barn Belluton Farm Stanton Road. Prior approval request for change of use from Agricultural Barn to Dwelling (C3): Parish Council were minded to approve this, however clarification would be sought regarding which entrance/exit will be used. It was thought that the entrance by the Bus Stop on the A37 was quite dangerous and should have benefitted from Planning Consent for the entrance and the lighting which follows the track. Clerk to write to planning to this end.

14/05467/FUL Mr Monaghan Willow Tree Cottage Old Road Pensford. Erection of a two storey extension. Parish Council support but to bring to the attention of the Planning Department the land slips which have occurred in the past.

Planning Outcomes:

14/04165/FUL 4 Ways Pensford Ltd Development Site the Orchard, Pensford. Erection of 1no.4 bed house with garage and gardens. PERMIT

14/04164/FUL 4 Ways Pensford Ltd Police Lane Pensford. Erection of 2no. Three bedroom semi detached houses with garages and parking. PERMIT

14/04826/FUL Mr Gibbons 13 Hillcrest Pensford Erection of 2no. Bed dwelling to built to the side of 13 Hillcrest Pensford. REFUSE

14/04438/FUL Mr G Tidcombe Brambledene 5 Publow Lane, Pensford. Erection of rear extension and conservatory. PERMIT.

14/05345/TCA Mr Roberts Assured Trees. Pensford Primary School, Pensford.
1 x Willow – pruning works to high pollard effect. No Objection.

8) Financial Matters:

Payments to be Authorised:

Mrs J Bragg Clerk Salary December 631.32
Mrs J Bragg Clerk Imprest 14.60
Memorial Hall Hire for 9 months to December 2014 72.00

9. Any Other Business:

Speeding Old Road/High Street: A discussion took place on the speeding issues along Old Road and what possibly can be done to slow motorists down. It was agreed that the Parish Council should contact the Traffic & Safety Department again and ask for another site visit.

Parsonage Lane: It was reported that following works by M & M Contractors the level of the bank has been taken down. The bank needs to be re-instated. Clerk to contact M&M and ask them to look at it.

Tennis Club: It was reported that £500 had been received from collecting Bristol
Evening Post Vouchers. Recommendations are being sought for the re-surfacing of the courts.

New Chairman: Mrs Gully congratulated Mrs Stephenson on Chairing her first Parish Council meeting as the new Chairman.

Sleep Lane: The Give Way Sign has been removed.

Greenspace Designation: Clerk had circulated information from BANES which asked about which Greenspace Areas the Parish Council would like to identify which are of particular importance to them for special protection through designation in the Placemaking Plan. The following were suggested: Allotment Land, Village Green, Old Down, The Common, Land under the Viaduct and Culvery Wood. Clerk and Chairman will reply to BANES.

Parking: Cars continue to park on the pavement by Lock Up Cottages and in front of the War Memorial. Parish Council considered asking BANES for yellow lines to be put at these locations and motorists are ignoring the advisory white line. A raised footpath was suggested in front of Lock Up Cottages and along in front of the Lock Up. It was suggested that a representative from BANES Highways should come out and discuss this further.

Motorists were reported to be parking all day by the Post Office. It was thought that there is a limit there but if not maybe the parking bays should have a time limit on them to deter all day parking.

Grit Bin at the top of the Orchard: Needs replacing. Clerk to pursue.

Banners on Bridge: It was noted that there are more advertising banners on Pensford Bridge. Owners will be reminded that a Licence is necessary in order to put them at the side of the Main Road.

10. Notice of Future Meetings: Chew Valley Area Forum Meeting Thursday 12th February 2015 at The Wellsway Harptree Hill.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING MONDAY 9th FEBRUARY 2015 AT 7.15 pm

 

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 8th DECEMBER 2014 AT 7.15 pm AT THE MEMORIAL HALL PUBLOW LANE PENSFORD

Present: Chairman: Mr T Heaford Vice-Chair: Mrs J Stephenson
Mrs L Cains, Mrs J Jones, Mrs S Grimes, Mrs J Gully, Mr J Kelly,
Cllr P Edwards, Mr S Filer Clerk: Mrs J Bragg.
Also present were Mr & Mrs Hunt, Mr P May, Mr L Coomber.
Mr P Breach, Robin Gray from Alec French Architect, Craig O’Brian from Savills and Phillipa (Breach)

1) Welcome Peter Breach: Mr Breach and his colleagues were welcomed to the meeting to give an updated presentation further to that given in September. The proposal still consists of nine homes hoping to be affordable for the First Time Buyer Market. To enhance the affordability two units have been made larger in length. New Parking Bays have been created for the 4 unit block of homes to address the concerns raised regarding on-site parking.
Changes had been made to the proposal of the 4 unit block, two proposed views were shown one with a finish in stone and the other with a cream render finish. Local properties were taken into consideration whilst creating these finishes. Windows have been made more interesting with the introduction of stone lintels and a change of colour of frames. Garage doors have now been pulled forward to be flush with the frontage of the unit.
The Parish Council were happy with the designs however it was pointed out that there appeared to be no consideration for Dustbins or Recycling Bins.
Access into the site remains a concern, however the Parish Council are assured that the Highways Team have been consulted
It was agreed that the best way forward now would be to take the proposals to a Public Consultation. The Agent will liaise with Clerk regarding meeting dates and availability of the Memorial Hall.

2) Members of the Public had nothing to bring to the meeting.

3) Apologies for Absence were received from Mr Seymour.

4) Minutes of Monday 10th NOVEMBER 2014 after being circulated and read were signed as a correct record

5) Matters Arising from the previous minutes:

Footpaths Officer: Now has all equipment and maps. The seats by the Lock Up and on Pensford Hill had been cleared of brambles.

M & M Contractors: The cable works are reported to be on schedule. It is anticipated that works will start in Chew Magna in February.
Clerk reported that a complaint had been received from a resident in Belluton Villas regarding the mud left behind in the lay-by by his property. M & M were contacted and reported that they would be clearing this up and would apologise to the person concerned.

Allotments: Vacant plots will be advertised in the Parish Magazine.

Planning: No reply had been received from Planning regarding the Parish Councils comments in reply to garage proposal.

6) Items for Discussion:

a) Lock Up – Christmas Nativity: The Parish Council had been approached by a Member of the Public who proposed to put this years Nativity Scene inside the Lock Up. Clerk contacted English Heritage and the Insurance Company to be advised of the correct procedures. The Insurance Company requested a Risk Assessment. This was duly completed and returned to the Insurance Company allowing the Nativity to go ahead. The Three Kings were placed in the Lock Up and the Nativity was put in the Church Tower.

Mrs Stephenson confirmed that the copy Key had now been completed by Chapel Forge. The original key will stay with the Clerk and the copy Key is with Mr Newey at Popham Cottage.

Christmas Tree for Village Green: The Parish Council had been contacted by the George & Dragon in relation to putting a Christmas Tree on the Village Green, this was to enable the school children to add Christmas wishes to the tree. A donation was being sought from the Parish Council.
In past years the Parish Council made a financial contribution towards the cost of the tree and the electricity. When the electric cabling became dangerous being placed across the road the Christmas Tree project on the green ceased. Parish Council to suggest that maybe the tree could be located next to the Lock Up in future years. It was suggested that the cost of providing a Power Supply to the Lock Up could be looked into. Mrs Gully to speak with Mr Newey and Mr Heaford will speak to the owners of the George & Dragon.

b) Proposed Changes to the Rights of Way Network – Church Farm Publow: Mrs Stephenson will look at these proposals further but initially the Parish Council could not see a problem.

c) Placemaking Plan Consultation: This is a long document available online (113 pages), there is no reference to Pensford.

d) Clerk Scale Point Rise from SCP 26 to SCP 27 – new rates from NALC: Parish Council agreed the clerks SCP rise.

e) Neighbourhood Plan Update: Mrs Grimes gave an update from the recent Neighbourhood Planning Meetings. All minutes will be placed on the web site.
A meeting was held with two members of the Whitchurch Village Neighbourhood Planning Committee which was very useful. Joint issues such as the A37 were discussed.
The next meeting takes place on Wednesday 7th January 2015.
The Parish Council were asked if they would fund the cost of the Church Room Hire and further small amounts. The Parish Council agreed at the moment to fund Room Rental & Printing costs. It was also agreed that the Parish Council would fund the Clerks hours in relation to Neighbourhood Planning. Clerk to submit a timesheet to the Parish Council.

7) Clerks Progress Report:

Redundant Bus Shelter: BANES Planning have confirmed that based on the information provided to them the proposal to turn the bus shelter into a planter would not be considered development therefore permission would not be required. Builders are being asked provide quotations.
Remembrance Sunday Parade: An email of thanks has been sent to PC Gemma Hill thanking her PCSO’s Martyn Bragg and Teresa Bailey for their attendance at the Remembrance Sunday Service. The donations have been sent to the British Legion and the Bugler this year Alistair Clements from Bath.

Chairman’s Awards: Forms have been completed and sent to BANES for both nominations for Volunteer of the Year.

Acker Bilk Plaque: BANES Planning have confirmed that planning permission would only be needed to put up a plaque if the building it is going on to is a Listed Building. It was agreed at the meeting that someone could ask Jean for some suggestions.

Birchwood Lane: Overhanging Vegetation has been reported to BANES.

Council Connect: No update on overhanging trees at Orchard Leigh, New Road and the lane to the side of this property.

A further email has been sent to Highways regarding Overhanging vegetation from the centre of the village towards Chelwood on the Car Sales Side.

Clerk has again asked BANES if they can maintain the path which was uncovered along Hursley Hill and cut back a couple of years ago.

Hillcrest: Complaints have been made to the Clerk regarding a car parking on the pavement in front of the Grit Bin by the Old Peoples Bungalows at Hillcrest. Clerk has informed Parking Services at BANES and the Police Beat Team have been informed. BANES Council Connect have also been informed that the Grit Bin needs replenishing and maybe this would be a good time to review all of the grit bins in the Parish and top up as necessary.

Bristol Airport: An invitation was received from Bristol Airport to join them for their Annual Community Review on Monday 8th December, as this clashes with the next Parish Council meeting apologies were sent.

Pensford Primary School: A letter of application was received from the Primary School re-iterating their request made via Lisa Cains seeking a donation towards their numeracy square for the playground. An email has been sent back to the Finance Officer confirming that the Parish Council agreed at the November meeting to donate half of the cost of the square (less the VAT), a total of £300.00. A cheque will be raised for this amount.

Gritting of High Street: Council Connect have been emailed to make sure that the High Street is still on the main gritting list

8) Planning:

Planning Application considered by Sub-Committee:

1404892/CLEU Mr G Knight Whitley Mews Wells Road Pensford Use of Whitley Mews as a single dwelling (Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use) Parish Council Support

Planning Outcomes:

14/04240/OUT Mr C Hill Knights Folly Farm Woollard Lane Publow Erection of 1.no.dwelling at Land at Knights Folly Farm REFUSED

14/03999/FUL Mr J Rigby Bramley House Hillcrest Pensford Installation of side windows and patio doors and erection of boundary fence (Retrospective) Resurfacing of drive Installation of an air source heat pump PERMITTED

Tree Works Notification: 14/05345/TCA Assured Trees Ltd Pensford Primary School Pensford. 1 x crown removal Parish Council Support

9) Financial Matters:

Payments to be Authorised:

Mrs J Bragg Clerk Salary November 604.58
Mrs J Bragg Clerk Imprest 17.42
Mrs J Bragg Computer Ink 26.98
Bristol Water Allotment Water 28.99
Primary School Donation to Playground Number Square 300.00

Payments Received:

None to report

10. Any Other Business:

Elections 2015: Mr Heaford informed the Parish Council that he is retiring from his position as Chairman with effect from the end of the December Meeting. He will be standing for re-election on the Parish Council. Mr Heaford has been Vice-Chairman from 1986 to 2002, and Chairman from 2002 to the present date. Mr Heaford proposed Janette Stephenson to take over as Chairman which was unanimously supported. An Election of Vice-Chairman will take place in January.

Parish Council Vacancy: Mrs Stephenson has a mum from the School who is interested in joining the Parish Council. She will be invited to attend the January meeting.

Tennis Club: Mrs Grimes reported that funds are good at present and members’ numbers are good. The recent quiz raised £763. The Club are still saving the Bristol Evening Post Vouchers should anyone have any they wish to donate. Contractors have been approached regarding the re-surfacing of the court.

Bridleway on Common: It was reported that the gate leading to the Bridleway on the Common was tied up. Clerk to try and find out why, and who currently owns the land.

Dog Fouling: Reports of Dog Fouling has been reported on the pavements outside of the school. Mrs Jones will contact the Dog Warden and ask for extra signage.

Councillors Retirement: Peter Edwards also reported that he will be retiring in April 2015. Mr Edwards gave a personal thank you to Mr Heaford for the way in which he had conducted and promoted the Parish Council over the years as Chairman.

11. Notice of Future Meetings:

Chew Valley Forum Meeting Thursday 12th February 2014 at the Wellsway, Harptree Hill at 6.30 pm

DATE OF NEXT MEETING MONDAY 12th JANUARY 2015 AT 7.15 pm

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF PUBLOW WITH PENSFORD PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON MONDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2014 AT 7.15 pm AT THE MEMORIAL HALL PUBLOW LANE PENSFORD

Present: Chairman Mr T  Heaford Vice-Chair: Mrs J Stephenson
Mr L Seymour, Mrs S Grimes, Mrs L Cains, Cllr P Edwards, Mrs J Gully, Mr J Kelly.

Conservative Candidate Mr Paul May was present along with Mr & Mrs Hunt & Mr S Roberts Assured Trees.

1) Members of the Public:

Management of 1 x Weeping Willow at Pensford Primary School. Mr Roberts attended the meeting to run through the options available for the management of the Weeping Willow tree in the playground at the Primary School. Three options were discussed 1) to reduce the crown of approximately 2 – 3 metres 2) Crown removal to create a high pollard effect and 3) total crown removal to create a low pollard effect. The tree was reported as being approximately 80 years old and by pruning the tree it would prolong its life in a good way to 30+ more years. There were no concerns raised with the root system of the tree. On further discussion the Parish Council were of the opinion that option 2 would be more acceptable. Clerk will write to Jane Brewer at BANES with the Parish Councils preference.

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

3) Minutes of Monday 20TH OCTOBER 2014 after being circulated and read were signed as a correct record.

4) Matters Arising from the previous minutes:

Footpaths Officer: Mr Holmes has been appointed as the new Footpaths Officer. The first priorities will be to cut the Village Green and tidy overgrown brambles away from the seat on Pensford Hill. The Parish Council had received correspondence from a Pensford resident who takes pride in the Village Green asking when it will be cut.

Chew Valley Forum Meeting: Chairman will be on holiday. It is hoped that another member of the Parish Council can attend in his absence.

Primary School Donation: The Primary School are to be reminded that the correct procedure for seeking a donation would be through the Parish Council Clerk. Parish Council had previously agreed to donate half the cost of the Number Square excluding VAT.

5) Items for Discussion:

a) Parish Liaison Meeting: Chairman had attended this meeting. A briefing on Connecting Communities was given. This is now known as the Chew Valley Forum.
Fracking was discussed. No applications or licences in our area had been applied for.
A presentation was given by Richard Stott who is now in charge of Planning Enforcement in BANES. There are currently 5 officers in the department working on 500/600 enforcement cases. A supporting paper is awaited from Ann Swabey but clerk confirmed it had not been received to date. Cllr Edwards to follow up.

b) M & M Contractors – Broadband Road works: Disruptions and diversions were reported for Pensford and Woollard due to the works being undertaken by M & M Contractors. Chairman had held recent meetings with a representative from M & M regarding diversion routes and concerns. The diversion of traffic from Woollard, Hunstrete & Compton Dando through Smallbrook Lane behind Bell Farm was raised as a major concern as this lane is a non-vehicular access route. This will be raised with BANES & M & M Contractors. No Entry Signs will be put up which will hopefully deter motorists from using the lanes as a ‘Rat Run’.
It was reported that Chew Magna High Street will probably be closed in January and more work is planned for Belluton Narrows. Further details will be posted on the Parish Council Web Site in due course.

c) Neighbourhood Plan Update: Mrs Grimes, Mrs Stephenson & Mrs Bragg had attended the Neighbourhood Plan meeting held on 29th October 2014. It was agreed that all meetings should be well documented and clear and precise minutes taken. It was agreed to defer a public meeting until a much later date. Parish Council Chairman had completed the application form and this was submitted.

A six week consultation period will now commence. Funding was reported to be in the region of 9k to cover venue hire, stationery. There will be a link on the Web Site to keep everyone informed. A further meeting was held with Julie O’Rourke from BANES on 6th November 2014. She advised that all Parish Groups should be approached to help. The Neighbourhood Plan will take 1 – 2 years to complete but it is important to get the whole community involved.

A Logo is needed.

Display Boards can be borrowed from BANES.

Drop In sessions will be organised.

A questionnaire will be produced. Maybe a prize could be offered to encourage completion and return of the form.

A referendum will be held and if 51% return in favour then the Plan will be adopted.

Future meetings will possibly be held in the Church Room.

Parish Council have offered support.

d) Remembrance Sunday – Donation to Bugler/Poppy Wreath: Although the Service went smoothly some parishioners felt that it was a little rushed. The Police were in attendance and halted the traffic for the two minute silence. Donations to the British Legion and the Bugler will remain as last year and an email of thanks will be sent to the Police.

e) Defibrillator Hillcrest: This has now been fixed with no extra charges and is back in service again.

f) Chairman’s Awards: Two nominees were agreed and Clerk will send in the Nomination Forms.

g) Bus Shelter Pensford Bridge: BANES have asked for photographs of the bus shelter as it is at present and details of the proposals to turn it into a planter before they make their decision regarding pre-planning advice. Mrs Cains had taken the photographs and Clerk had emailed them to BANES. A decision is awaited.

h) Allotments: The Allotments have been cleared and tidied. A large amount of rubbish including old sheds, chicken coops, scraps of carpet and metalwork have been removed from site. There are still plots which are overgrown and tenants have obviously left without informing the Parish Council. Clerk will chase these tenants. Parish Council will advertise the vacant plots. It was suggested that the Environmental Health Department should be contacted due to the amount of vermin which were living in the redundant sheds.

Affordable Housing: A resident in Pensford has contacted Curo independently regarding Affordable Housing on the Allotment Site. Should Affordable Housing be built on the Allotment Site the Parish Council have an obligation to provide Allotments elsewhere. Currently the Parish Council have been unable to find any land suitable to purchase for re-location of the Allotment Site hence no further developments on Affordable Housing.

i) Acker Bilk: Following the sad loss of Acker Bilk the Parish Council would like to commemorate his life in Pensford by placing a plaque or similar in the village. The best location was discussed. Clerk will look into the permissions needed to put up a Plaque on the side of a building.

6) Clerks Progress Report:

Redundant Bus Stop: Clerk has emailed BANES Planning and re-iterated proposals to turn the Bus Stop into a feature Planter for the centre of the Village and questioned if Planning consent is required to do this. BANES have asked for photos of the Bus Stop and a drawing of the proposal.

Photos have been sent with a description of the proposal.

Woollard Bridge: The Parapets on Woollard Bridge have been looked at (Progress!!), it is BANES intention to include Woollard Bridge on a Parapet repainting package with other sites to be carried out in the New Year. Clerk has emailed BANES back asking for the bridge to be prioritised with the re-painting works as the Parish Council first asked for it to be repainted in February 2013.

Housing Proposal – Wick Lane: Mr Breach & his Architect will be attending the December meeting with an update. Clerk has asked for details in advance of the meeting to allow the Parish Council to consider updates.

Defibrillator: The Defibrillator at Hillcrest is now working again.

Updates from Council Connect: Updates have been requested on overhanging trees at Orchard Leigh, New Road and the lane to the side of this property.
A further email has been sent to Highways regarding the Overhanging vegetation from the centre of the village towards Chelwood on the Car Sales Side. Clerk has again asked BANES if they can maintain the path which was uncovered along Hursley Hill and cut back a couple of years ago.

Planning:

14/04240 Mr Hill Knights Folly Farm Woollard Lane. Erection of a new dwelling. Clerk has written to BANES with the Parish Councils objections to this application.

14/03999/FUL Mr Rigby Bramley House. Installation of side windows and patio doors and erection of a boundary fence (retrospective). Clerk has written to BANES with objections from the Parish Council in relation to the retrospective application.

7) Planning:

Applications discussed by Sub-Committee:

14/04165/FUL 4 Ways Pensford Ltd Development Site the Orchard Pensford. Erection of 1 No. 4 bed house with garage and gardens. It was commented that the entrance is now better situated. Parish Council Support.

14/04164/FUL 4 Ways Pensford Ltd Police Lane Pensford. Erection of 2 no. Three bedroom semi detached houses with garages and parking. Parish Council Support and comments were that the vision splay is improved.

14/04771/FUL Mr & Mrs P Sessford Birchwood Lodge Wells Road Pensford. Erection of double garage (Resubmission). Parish Council supported this application but were asking for clarification as to the correct position for the garage. Clerk to write to BANES.

Application to discuss:

14/04826/FUL Mr T Gibbons 13 Hillcrest Pensford Erection of a dwelling to be built to the side of 13 Hillcrest (Resubmission). Previously a 3 bedroom property had been applied for and refused by planning and dismissed at an appeal. This application was confirmed to be for a 2 bed dwelling with a parking area to the rear of the house. Parish Council objected to this application and reported to BANES with the following. “The Main issue concerning this application is the effect the proposal will have on the character and appearance of the area. Now it is reduced in size the appearance is not in-keeping with the surrounding properties. The proposal will still have an adverse effect of highway safety”.

Planning Outcomes:

There were none to report.

8) Financial Matters:

Payments to be authorised:

Mrs J Bragg Clerk Salary October 604.58
Mrs J Bragg Clerk Imprest 16.25
Post Office Donation to Electric for Defibrillator 20.00
ALCA Finance Training Course 75.00
Mr N Tibbs Allotment Works 680.00
Chapel Forge Copy of Key for the Lock Up 168.00

Accounting Training Course: Mr Kelly attended this Training Course which focussed on the 2015 and the demise of the Audit Commission. This will affect the Parish Council accounting year 2016/2017. Councils with an income below 25K will be exempt from an external audit but the internal audit will be more in depth. New finance regulations were discussed. Internet Banking was discussed and it was agreed that cheques with two signatories were to be kept as long as possible. VAT and its pit falls were discussed. It was well attended by 40 people.

9. Any Other Business:

Defibrillator Electric charge at Post Office: An offer of a donation towards the Electricity feed for the Defibrillator was made to Mr Patel which he has refused. The Parish Council extend their thanks to his generosity.

Lock Up Key: The Copy Key for the Lock Up has now been completed and is ready for collection. The cost is £168.00 Clerk raised a cheque for payment.

Lock Up: Clerk reported that there is ivy growing on the side of the Lock Up and that maybe it is time to have the condition of the Lock Up Surveyed. Clerk to contact English Heritage for their advice.

It was noted that cars continue to Park on the Keep Clear line which has recently been put down in front of Lock Up Cottages.

War Memorial: Trees are again overhanging the War Memorial. Concerns were also raised regarding parking in front of the War Memorial. The question of having Yellow Lines put down was mentioned.

Birchwood Lane is suffering with overhanging vegetation.

Tennis Club: Three quotes are being obtained for re-surfacing. An ‘Evening Post’ Grant has been applied for and the Tennis Club are shortlisted. Mrs Grimes asked members of the Parish Council to collect the vouchers please.
A Quiz night was planned and an AGM was to be held.

Village Green: Cars have been noted to be parking on the Village Green. All issues with Parking will be reported to Traffic & Safety at BANES.

Christmas Fair at Memorial Hall: Chairman reported that this event raised £762.00

Primary School Firework Display was reported to be really good and an event well organised.

10. Notice of Future Meetings: Annual Parish Online Meeting Bath Spa University Campus Wednesday 10th December 2014

DATE OF NEXT MEETING MONDAY 8th DECEMBER 2014 AT 7.15 pm