Present:- Mr Hounsell, (Chairman); Messrs Downie, Fowler, and Townson.

Apologies:- M/s Hooper, Mrs Kingston; Messrs Lintern, Holt and Rogers.

In Attendance:- Mr Crossley (Clerk)

Mr Rogers had formally advised the Clerk that he was unable to attend the meeting because of other business commitments outside the area and this reason was approved by the Council under section 85(1) of the LGA 1972

Mr Townson indicated a non-prejudicial interest in Minute No 860

The minutes of the meeting held on 13th November, subject to clerical amendments by omitting "in Station Road" in minute 838 and the substitution of "Village Road" for "Station Road" in minute 841 were approved as a correct record

The Clerk reported that the total cost of the tree and a plaque at Hatch Green was £47.40 and that he had received a contribution of £23.70 from the County Council. The balance of the cost, after the Parish Council's grant of £12, would be met by local residents.

Mr Townson had indicated a willingness to permit an entrance stone to be located on the embankment by the disused railway bridge

1) that the Council's and the County Council's contribution in respect of the tree and plaque at Hatch Green be paid to Mrs Gee

2) consideration of the installation of entrance stones be further delayed for a site visit with representatives of the Highways Authority and Sterling Services

The Chairman reported that he had spoken to a Contractor who had estimated that it would involve 3 to 4 day's work to complete cutting back of the hedge to the ditch after which only minimal maintenance would be required. Members considered that alternative quotations should be obtained

RESOLVED that Mr Fowler approach Kelvin Lee and Mr Downie approach John Attwood about estimates for the work involved

The Clerk reported that Mr Farthing had provided information on the criteria for establishing recycling banks. The requirement for a good road access made finding a site difficult

RESOLVED

1) that information on the criteria together with a request for suggested sites be given in the parish magazine

2) that the Chairman make further enquiries about the availability of a site on the disused section of the highway leading from Ashill

863 Complaints about noise from the MUGA (minute 842)

The Chairman reported that he had been advised that the Village Hall Management Committee was proposing to establish a committee to manage the MUGA and which was expected to be in operation by March. That Committee would be keeping an eye on the situation

844 Community Speed Watch (minute 844)

Arrangements had been made for members to see the video that evening but because of the inclement weather the Chairman had agreed to delay the matter

RESOLVED that the video be made available to individual members to view before the next meeting and an item be placed on the agenda for that meeting

845 Welcome Home Pack (minute 849)

The Chairman indicated that Mrs Kingston was talking to Clive Hayward to see if it was possible to bring forward a joint proposal and that the matter would be again considered at the next meeting

The Clerk advised that the dog warden had confirmed that regular weekly patrols were made in Hatch Beauchamp. Copies of publicity about the law relating to dog fouling had been circulated to members and additional copies were available from the Clerk. The dog warden had arranged for a further number of signs to be erected on metal lamp posts but the Borough Council was unable to put signs on wooden posts or gates. Signs could, however, be made available to individuals

RESOLVED that the Clerk obtain a number of signs for members to distribute

Applications for both planning permission and listed building consent had been made for this development at Buttles Lodge, which was a listed building. The Chairman permitted the applicant and his representative to address members. Members expressed some concerns about the effect of the extension on the appearance of the building

RESOLVED that consideration of the matter be deferred to a special meeting to be held on site on Monday 13th January at 9 am

848 Extension of porch to create a boot room and downstairs toilet at Ivy Cottage (application number 9229/2002/029)

Members considered this application for planning permission to carry out this development

RESOLVED that TDBC be informed that the Council has no objection to the application.

The Chairman reported that the Planning Committee had met on 13th and 26 November to consider applications relating to the following developments:-

Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to 8 Crimthorne Cottages

Demolition of garage and erection of buildings comprising garaging, annex, offices, workshop and storage at the Old Rectory

Erection of garage at the Old Stables

Erection of conservatory at 31 Home Orchard

Copies of the minutes had been circulated to members

850 Parish Initiative Grants

The Borough Council was repeating its Parish Initiative Grants Scheme which made small amounts of money available to schemes for seating, notice boards, small planting schemes etc. A possible scheme which would qualify for support was the replacement of the bench adjacent to the telephone box in Station Road. The Clerk reported that if an early decision was made it might be that the Borough Council would be able to give financial support in the current financial year. Members were unsure as to the use made of the bench or its origins

RESOLVED that the Chairman make further enquiries

The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing a balance of £176.55 in the current account and £2,740.97 in the Business Reserve Account

RESOLVED that payment of the following invoices and expenses be approved:-

1) Clerk's salary £214.18

2) Clerk's expenses £10.37

3) Office and administration costs £7.86

4) Mrs Gee (County and Parish contribution to Jubilee celebrations)£35.70

4) CJ and K L London (notice board) £110

The Clerk circulated to members the annual estimates for 2003/2004 together with a suggested precept after allowing for estimated balances of £1568

RESOLVED that the estimates be approved and that the precept be set at £2,600

1) Comparison of crime statistics for Taunton

2) Comprehensive spending assessment for Somerset

3) Air Wave in Avon and Somerset. Mr Downie indicated a concern that the mast which had been erected was not in the position indicated on the planning application. The Chairman advised that the mast which had been erected was a temporary one and had been put in that position for ease of access. The booklet which had been issued on "Air wave" explaining the company’s position was being circulated to all members.

4) Formation of Local Access Forum for Somerset (expressions of interest needed)

5) Taunton Deane Citizenship Awards 2003

6) Grants from Countryside Agency to help vital visit villages project (Letter from MP) - copy to be passed to persons organising new post office

7) Local Safety Scheme for A358

1) Mr Fowler reported that he had established that it was an occupier rather than the owner who was responsible for maintaining hedges adjacent to footpaths

2) Atkins were repairing the retaining wall at Hatch Green bridge and consequently a local traffic management scheme would be put into operation in January

3) The Chairman would be replying to a further letter which he had received complaining about problems with the bonfire and firework display on November 5th

The Chairman close the meeting at 9.30pm

(The next ordinary meeting will be held on Wednesday 12th March 2003)

P Hounsell

Chairman