Present:- Mr Hounsell (in the chair), Mrs P Kent, Messrs Buck, Downie, Fowler, Graham, Holt and Hounsell.

Apologies:- M/s H Hooper, Mr Parsons and Mr Williams (TDBC).

In Attendance:- Mr Crossley (Clerk)

RESOLVED That the absence of Mr Parsons on convalescence following an illness be recognised as an approved absence for the purposes of S85 Local Government Act 1972

Mrs P Kent and Mr Fowler declared a prejudicial interest in Minute No 1136 (Planning Application 19/2004/015 – change of use of land from parking bays to pallet storage area, Hatch Mews Business Park) and left the meeting whilst this item was being discussed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 September 2004 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

There were no questions from members

Copies of the minutes had been circulated to members. The Committee had considered applications to install solar panels at The Cider House, the development of land at Perrys Farm for a wholesale plant nursery, and the erection of a manse dwelling in Village Road.

The Clerk reported that following the further representations which had been received from residents he had approached the highway authority. The authority recognised the need for some access to facilitate hedge cutting and keeping the area tidy and were minded to replace the present obstruction with a gate which would also make provision to accommodate the bridleway passing through the area. Members remained concerned to ensure that any solution to the present problems did not open the area to unauthorised parking.

RESOLVED that the Clerk make the members’ concerns known to the Highway Authority

The Clerk reported that he had approached the Highway Authority which had offered no objection to the proposal from local residents to site a bench seat on the green at Hatch Green. He had passed the information on to them.

Mr Fowler reported that the missing sign had been replaced.

The Chairman indicated that he had carried out repairs to a damaged gate on the footpath. Meanwhile it appeared that the precise boundary and position of the footpath continued to be the subject of discussion between TDBC and the landowner.

RESOLVED that the matter be left with TDBC

The Chairman and Clerk reported on this meeting at which the main issue had been speeding traffic on the road from Curry Mallet. PC Marilyn Simmons, who had taken over the role of Community Beat Manager for Hatch Beauchamp, had provided information on the community speedwatch initiative but had emphasised that its success depended upon sufficient local people being involved and accepting responsibility for running the scheme.

PC Simmons, who was now assisted by a Community Support Officer, had indicated a willingness to hold regular beat surgeries and was anxious to experiment with holding them during the day.

RESOLVED that 1) an article be placed in the parish magazine to see what support there is for a community speedwatch scheme

2) the concept of daytime surgery meetings be supported

3) PC Simmons be encouraged to display a contact number on the public notice board

RESOLVED that no action be taken on this invitation

A letter had been received from Age Concern drawing attention to its work in rural areas and the development of its Local Link Project and its "Flair" campaign.

RESOLVED that a copy of the notice from Age Concern seeking local volunteers be placed on the public notice board, but that in accordance with existing policy the request for a donation be declined

RESOLVED that no action be taken on this request

SCC were seeking views on various aspects of rights of way management as part of the process of producing the Rights of Way Improvement Plan

RESOLVED that Mr Fowler as the Council’s footpath liaison nominee be authorised to prepare a response on behalf of the Council

The Licensing Act 2003 placed on local authorities responsibility for licensing premises providing alcohol, late night refreshment and entertainment, and in developing its policy for dealing with these issues TDBC was consulting widely and now sought the views of parish councils on its draft policy document. From an examination of the issues on which TDBC had sought specific views it appeared to members that the issues of concern had been addressed.

RESOLVED that position be noted

SCC had written to draw attention to the fact that a large number of governors of Voluntary Aided and Voluntary Controlled Schools would reach the end of their term of office in August 2005 and it was now seeking nominations for LEA governors to those schools. Information for those interested was available from the Clerk. Mr Downie indicated that vacancies already existed at the local school and that information would also be available from the headteacher.

RESOLVED that further publicity be given in the parish magazine

RESOLVED that information on this scheme be passed to the Village Hall Management Committee

The Clerk circulated to members a half yearly summary of receipts and payments. No issues of concern had arisen. A Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing a balance of £1574.58 in the Current A/c and £2256.63 in the Business Reserve A/c was also submitted

RESOLVED that 1) the half year review be approved

2) the payment of the following accounts be approved

The Chairman adjourned the meeting to allow a member of the public who was present to speak about the proposal. On reconvening members considered this application for planning permission together with a letter from the applicant’s solicitors which accompanied the application. Members had considered a similar proposal in July (minute 1095)

RESOLVED that TDBC be informed that the Council opposes the proposal on the grounds of loss of car parking spaces, on amenity grounds, and because it would represent a fire hazard, and that if it is necessary to store pallets awaiting collection, then given the nature of the development in a village location, they should be stored inside