HATCH BEAUCHAMP PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Hatch Beauchamp Parish Council held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 8 November 2006 at 7.30pm.  (in the format to be submitted to the next meeting for approval as a correct record)

Present:- Mr Fowler (in the chair), M/s Hooper, Mrs P Kent, Messrs Downie,  Holt, Hounsell.

Apologies:- Messrs Buck, Graham and Parsons

In Attendance:- Mr Williams (TDBC),  Mr Crossley (Clerk)

1349 Apologies

RESOLVED that the absences of  Messrs Buck and Graham (absent on business) and Mr Parsons (out of the country) be recognised as approved absences for the purposes of S185 Local Government Act 1972

1350 Declarations of interest
            There were no declarations of interest

1351 Minutes
            The minutes of the meetings held on  13 September and 30 October 2006  were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

1352 Questions from Members under Standing Order 23
            There were no questions from Members

1353 Closure of Station Rd (minute 1333)
            The road had now re-opened following completion of the relevant works
           
1354 Community Policing (minute1334)
            Mr Downie circulated a report summarising the discussions on community policing at recent SALC and Taunton Deane/Parish meetings.  The numbers of community support officers would increase and their role increase in importance.  There had been a call for parish councils to support them in their work.  It became clear during the discussion that the public needed to be encouraged to report all incidents as this would affect the allocation of resources. There was no support from members for the suggestion that parishes should separately support financially the provision of community support officers.

1355 On –site ground maintenance (minute 1341)
            The Clerk reported that he had been unable to make contact with “Niceandstrippy”

1356 Potential development opposite Oldbury (Oldway) Lane (minute1545)
            The Clerk reported that this site was within the parish boundary and that the Council would, therefore, be advised if any planning application was put forward

1357 Request for donation – Air Ambulance and Victim Support

RESOLVED that these requests for financial support be declined

1358 Request for information from SCC on usage of footpath across A358 to bus stop at Capland
            The footway at the side of the carriageway of the A358 was in disrepair at this point and the Highway Authority was seeking information on usage before undertaking repairs
RESOLVED that the Highway Authority be advised that the Council has no accurate information on usage, and it be recommended to erect a site notice seeking comments before grassing over the footway

1359 Application 19/2006/031 – erection of conservatory to rear of Orchard Cottage

RESOLVED that TDBC be informed that the Council has no comments to make on this application

1360Application 19/2006/029T – fell ash tree at Hatch Inn

RESOLVED that TDBC be informed that the Council has no comments on this application

1361 Talking Tomorrow’s Taunton Deane – consultations on Taunton Town Centre Action Plan
            TDBC had begun consultations on the Area Action Plan for Taunton town centre.  Details of the proposals had been included in the circulation sheet of 3 November.  The consultation period ended on 7 December and members could both view the documents and pass back comments on the web site

1362 SALC West Area meeting – 7 December at 7.30 at West Buckland

RESOLVED that Messrs Downie and Holt represent the Council at this meeting

1363 Local Government White Paper  - Strong and Prosperous Communities
            This paper was expected to be discussed at the West Area meeting on 7 December.  It was understood that no major structural changes would now be imposed although individual authorities could submit proposals promoting unitary status.  Further devolution to parishes and “neighbourhood governance” were two proposals being canvassed.  Mr Williams felt it unlikely that the district councils in Somerset would be pursuing unitary proposals.  He did draw members’ attention to proposals from the County Council to establish area committees

1364 Fortnightly refuse collection
            At the request of Mrs Kent members discussed some of the difficulties being experienced by residents when the refuse bin was not large enough to accommodate all the non recyclable refuse from a household on the new two weekly collection regime.  Mr Williams asked that he be advised of the numbers of households concerned and he would make further enquiries of what transitional arrangements could be made.  He also offered to ask one of the Inspectors to discuss the particular concerns with Mrs Kent

1365 Tourism in Hatch Beauchamp
            Mrs Kent reported that she had been approached by persons coming to Hatch Beauchamp seeking information about the village and whilst the web site provided much interesting information, some of it was now out of date and could usefully be supplemented.

RESOLVED that Mrs Kent approach Mr D Marks direct with her suggestions

1366Half yearly review of expenditure

RESOLVED that the half yearly review of income and expenditure submitted by the Clerk be approved

1367 Accounts
            The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing a balance of £36.98 in the Current A/c and £4025.97 in the Business Reserve A/c

RESOLVED that the following accounts be paid
            1) Clerk’s salary - £332.40
            2) Clerk’s expenses - £9.60
            3) Clerk’s office and admin costs - £13.61
            4) Parson’s Landscapes Ltd - £84.32
            5) St John’s PCC - £250
            6) Hatch Beauchamp Baptist Church - £95

1368Items of report
            1) circulation sheet of 3 November 2006
            2) Mr Williams reported that he anticipated that the Ivy Cottage application would be considered on 22 November 2006

The Chairman closed the meeting at. 9pm

Chairman