Present:- Mr Hounsell (Chairman), Mrs P Kent, Messrs Buck, Downie, Fowler, Holt, and Parsons.

Apologies:- M/s Hooper. Mrs M Simmons (Police)

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

Mr Fowler declared a prejudicial interest in Minute No 987 (Hatch Inn) and left the meeting whilst this matter was being discussed

The minutes of the meetings held on 10 September and 7 October 2003 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

RESOLVED That this item be again deferred to the next meeting, and the Clerk re-circulate by e-mail the skeleton draft prepared by SCC

Members gave further consideration to initiating the process for the preparation of a Parish Plan. Whilst appreciating the benefits that would flow from such a plan, there was concern that if there was not the enthusiasm across the village to get involved in its preparation it would not be representative. Members also had concerns as to how the plan might be kept up to date, and the availability of the expertise within the village to help in its production. Councillor Williams indicated that if the Council was minded to proceed he would give it his support and he offered to ask his deputy to talk to members about how her village was taking the process forward. Members agreed that the proposal was worthy of further examination

RESOLVED That the Chairman and Clerk arrange for a further presentation to be made.

The Clerk reported that he had been advised by TDBC that changes to the windows at the former post office in Village Rd was permitted development as the property had previously been changed to residential use. Consequently separate planning permission was not required. The structure over the windows, and any use of the accommodation as a separate holiday letting, would require planning permission and the Borough Council was continuing to investigate the position

RESOLVED That the position be noted, and at his request a copy of the correspondence be passed to Councillor Williams

The Clerk reported that a further letter had been received from the Group explaining their reasons for requesting a grant

RESOLVED That given the level of reserves no grant be made at the present time, but the club be invited to make a further application should the situation deteriorate and reserves fall below £1000, when they be also asked to explain the reasons for the changed numbers attending the group, and the ratio of staff to children which they have to maintain.

The County Council had now published notice of the extension of the speed limit restrictions in the village

RESOLVED That the position be noted

The Chairman advised of the nature of the complaints that had been made to him

RESOLVED That initially the issue be left for the Chairman to speak to the licensee and report back

A copy of the model standing orders prepared by the National Association of Local Councils had been circulated prior to the meeting. Members considered a report prepared by the Clerk in which he suggested that a review of the Council’s standing orders was long overdue, and he recommended adoption of the Association’s model with a number of modifications to suit the circumstances at Hatch Beauchamp. These amendments were set out in the report.

Members generally supported the suggestions made by the Clerk with the following changes/additions

a) model SO 10 - a motion that there be recorded the names of the persons voting for/against/abstaining on a motion shall be moved and seconded before the motion is put, and if a member so requires the Clerk shall record how that member has voted on any question provided that such a request is made before moving on to next business

b) model SO 24 – no notice be specified for questions, but the Chairman or Clerk to have the option of giving a written reply if 3 clear days notice is not given

c) model SO 28 – the time for speeches to be limited to 6 minutes for a mover and 3 minutes for all other speeches

d) model SO 75 –letters sent to SCC and TDBC to be copied to the relevant County Councillor/Borough Councillor only when a specific request is made

Members decided against changes to the present arrangements for dealing with planning applications, but accepted that there be incorporated in the public notice of meetings a statement that a period for public questions would be held prior to the commencement of each meeting

The Clerk agreed to circulate to members a draft of the proposed standing orders incorporating all the proposed changes

It was proposed and seconded that the model standing orders of NALC, as amended by the Clerk’s report and the proposals set out above, be adopted

( NOTE:- in accordance with Standing Order 26 this motion now stands adjourned to the next ordinary meeting of the Council)

A letter had been received from TDBC informing the Council of a proposal to develop micro-recycling sites suitable for serving approximately 20 homes and inviting the Council to suggest suitable sites

RESOLVED That any suggestions from members be forwarded to the Clerk, and Councillor Williams be asked about the prospects for extending the existing TDBC recycling scheme to the village

RESOLVED That no action be taken on the requests from Air Ambulance and Victim Support

SCC had written to ask for the Council’s help in identifying those buildings which were listed or scheduled as an ancient monument and which were considered to be "at risk"

RESOLVED That the County Council be advised that of those properties which it has identified Hatch Beauchamp Railway Station is considered as being suitable for inclusion in its Register

Copies of minutes had been circulated to members. The Committee had considered the following applications :-

a) tree work on one oak to rear of Merlyn, Old Barn Lane

b) erection of detached domestic workshop at The Stables, Capland Court, Capland Lane

Members considered this application for planning permission

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

A letter had been received from TDBC inviting the Council to comment on the draft self assessments which they had carried out and which formed part of the Comprehensive Performance Assessment regime undertaken by the Audit Commission

RESOLVED That a response be left with the Chairman and Clerk

The Clerk had circulated with the agenda a half yearly summary of receipts and payments for 2003/2004. The major change had been the repairs to the bus shelter, the scale of which had not been forseen. However most of the cost was covered by insurance.

RESOLVED That the half yearly summary be approved

The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing a balance of £1457.60 in the Current Account and £3219.28 in the Business Reserve Account.

RESOLVED That payment of the following expenses and accounts be approved

a) Clerk’s salary - £223.16

b) Clerk’s expenses - £18.00

c) Clerk’s office and admin expenses - £15.15

d) Parsons (Landscapes) Ltd - £29.50

e) G Woodland & sons Ltd - ££1580.67

a) Home Fire Safety – letter from SCC Fire and Emergency Planning seeking details of all organisations that might be include their "target" groups for a free smoke detector. Clerk to obtain information from Parish Magazine

b) Draft TDBC map of outdoor recreation space. Details to be confirmed by Chairman and Clerk

c) Land adjacent to 8 Crimthorne Cottages for erection of dwelling– for members’ information the appeal has been dismissed.

d) Summary of the circulation sheets for 28 September, 21 October and 7 November. No response to be made on Somerset’s Waste Management Strategy, and greater discretion to be used in circulating items

 

 

 

a) Information on Community Event at Dillington circulated by Councillor Williams

b) Obstruction and rubbish on stretch of former highway leading to Ashill

a) Skate boarding/bike ramp park

b) Street lighting

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chairman closed the meeting at 9.52pm . The next ordinary meeting is on Wednesday 14 January 2004

P Hounsell

Chairman