HATCH BEAUCHAMP PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Hatch Beauchamp Parish Council held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 11 July 2007 at7.30pm. (in the format to be submitted to the next meeting for approval as a correct record)
Present:- Mr Fowler (in the chair), Mrs Gould, Mrs Scott, Messrs Downie, Green, Hounsell and Parsons.
Apologies:- Mr Graham
In Attendance:- Mr Clark (SCC), Mr Crossley (Clerk)
1434 Apologies
RESOLVED that the absence of Mr Graham (absent on business) be recognised as an approved absence for the purposes of S185 Local Government Act 1972
1435 Declarations of interest
Mr Hounsell declared a prejudicial interest in Min 1441 (pruning of trees on footpath from Home Orchard) and after making a statement left the meeting whilst this item was being discussed. Mr Parsons declared a prejudicial interest in Min 1442 (Footpath T14/18) and after making a statement left the meeting whilst this item was being discussed
1436 Minutes
The minutes of the meetings held on 9 May and 20 June 2007 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman
1437Questions from Members under Standing Order 23
There were no questions from members
1438 Code of conduct for members –adoption of new standing orders 53 and 64 (min 1415)
RESOLVED that the revised standing orders 53 and 64 (dealing with interests and the public speaking at meetings), copies of which had been circulated with the agenda, be adopted with immediate effect.
1439 Update on provision of new notice boards (min 1416)
The Clerk reported that TDBC no longer operated its scheme to give financial support towards the provision of notice boards, but that it was likely the Somerset Community Chest would provide some assistance to notice boards in new locations but not to repairing/replacing existing boards. The cost of new boards was likely to cost several hundred pounds. Mr Clark indicated that he would be able to give some grant aid from his budget for local schemes.
RESOLVED that the Clerk obtain from Llewellyn Scott Carpentry of Henlade estimates for replacing/repairing the board at the playing field entrance and providing a new board at the bus shelter at Hatch Green on the basis of both a board with open access and a board with restricted access, and a decision be made at the next meeting on the type of board to install based upon the styles he can provide
1440 Use of S105 monies on development of play facilities/playing field (min 1416)
Mrs Gould and Mr Parsons reported that a short list of equipment had been prepared for installation on the playing fields and on an open area near the primary school. Quotations were being obtained. A fuller report would be made to the next meeting. At the suggestion of Mr Clark enquiries would also be made about alternative grant aid that was available towards the provision of cricket nets.
1441 Pruning of trees on footpath near Home Orchard – T14/23 (min 1431)
At the request of Mr Hounsell members gave further consideration to the problems caused by overhanging trees and nettles on this length of footpath. The main problem appeared to be with the trees between the footpath and the ditch and it was presumed that these were the responsibility of the highway authority. A response from TDBC with suggestions for how these problems might be addressed was still awaited.
RESOLVED that the Clerk pursue with TDBC and SCC both these issues and the availability of road plannings to help improve the surface of the path
1442 Footpath T14/18 – report on current position and request from SCC for contribution (if required) towards provision of gates
Mr Parsons made a statement explaining the history behind why there now appeared to be two lengths of public rights of way (one on the Definitive Map and one acquired by prescription) running from T14/23 to the playing fields and why he had asked for his Modification Application to be dealt with expeditiously. Mr Parsons then left the meeting. Mr Clark advised that SCC was now changing its system for dealing with the backlog of Modification Applications. Members were informed of the effect of Standing Order 35 (the 6 month’s rule) on its decision (min 1390) relating to the Modification Order and on the approach by SCC to enforcing public rights of way. The Chairman reported on his discussions with SCC and its request for a contribution (if required) to the cost of installing new gates.
RESOLVED that the Council allocate up to £100 towards the cost of the installation of new gates on the line of the footpath shown on the Definitive Map
1443 Update from Avon and Somerset Constabulary on introduction of neighbourhood policing
A letter had been received from Avon and Somerset Constabulary explaining progress made on the introduction of neighbourhood policing. Hatch Beauchamp had been included in the Neroche Ward for policing purposes with Sgt D Butter as the sergeant responsible for Rural Taunton, PC H Barlow as the beat manager and PCSO Langdon as the support officer. Mr Parsons reported that a series of police surgeries had already been organised in the village hall
1444 Notable Trees in Taunton Deane
The Clerk reported on a letter from TDBC outlining a project to highlight notable trees in Taunton Deane
RESOLVED that information on the project be placed on the notice boards and in the Parish Magazine, that Mr Townson as a Tree Warden be also advised, and that the Council give consideration to identifying a notable tree in the parish at its next meeting
1445 Request for financial support – Victim Support
RESOLVED that this request for financial support be declined
1446 Taunton Deane Area Working Panel - development of Lengthsman scheme
RESOLVED that given the cost and administration involved no further action be taken, and no nominations be made to attend the programmed meetings of the working panel
1447 Taunton Deane Standards Committee – request for nominations
RESOLVED that no nominations be made for membership of the Taunton Deane Standards Committee
1448 Parish Emergency Plan – letter from SCC on template for plan preparation
RESOLVED that no action be taken on the template for production of a Parish Emergency Plan, but that a contact list of members and their telephone numbers/addresses/e-mail addresses be kept up to date and should the occasion require reliance be placed on members local knowledge
1449 Accounts
The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing £17.42 in the Current A/c and £4394.80 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 - £8.49
4) Parsons Landscapes Ltd - £366.88
5) Information Commissioner - £35.00
1450 Items of report
1) circulation sheets of 13 June and 5 July
1451 Items for next meeting (12 September)
1) Notable Trees in Taunton Deane
2) Parking on lay bye at Neroche View
The Chairman closed the meeting at. 9.25pm