RESOLVED that the absence of Messrs Downie and Holt as they were out of the area for personal reasons be recognised as approved absences for the purposes of S185 Local Government Act 1972

There were no declarations of interest

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2006 (amended by the deletion of the words "they had reached an understanding about the response to the incident concerning the Flower Show Marquee, but that subsequent correspondence with the MP meant that the situation remained unresolved", and their substitution by the words "the police admitted a number of shortcomings in their investigation of damage to the Flower Show Marquee. He also reported on subsequent correspondence with the MP.", to minute 1264, and the addition of the words "with successful detection rate" at the end of minute 1264) were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman

There were no questions from members

The Clerk reported that because of the absence of some members he had after consulting the Chairman made arrangements for the presentation on the new Planning Framework to be given at a later date.

The Clerk reported on his correspondence with Superintendent Kelk, who had advised that policy changes would place Hatch Beauchamp in a new "Neroche" beat. Subsequently it had been confirmed that a new PCSO had been appointed (PCSO 7756 L. Gamblin) and that a further PCSO would be deployed as resources increased. Details of crime statistics for the beat, and the detection rate, were circulated. Updated figures were available on the police web site

The police had also advised that the front office service at Taunton Police Station had been closed on New Year’s Day for budget resource reasons

RESOLVED that a letter be sent to the local MP highlighting the closure of the front office service, and for people living in rural communities the difficulties with communications and the lack of concern over petty crime.

A further letter had been received from TDBC advising that insurance cover would be maintained for tree wardens, but that it would now be for parishes to make their own appointments and forward all relevant correspondence to them. Messrs Fowler and Townson were the current tree wardens for Hatch Beauchamp

1286 Report of the Planning Committee of 30 January and 21 February 2006. The Committee had considered applications relating to Beauchamp House (garden wall), Hatch Court (tree work), 3 Palmers Green (extension), Ross End (conservatory), and had asked the Council to further consider Application 19/2006/006 – variation of condition 20 of planning permission 19/2005/002 to alter visibility requirements for housing land at Little Wilcox

RESOLVED that no objection be made to Application 19/2006/006

RESOLVED that notice of the offer from the Fire Safety Team to make presentations to local groups be publicised in the Parish Magazine

RESOLVED that Mrs Kent and Messrs Hounsell and Parsons be nominated to attend this workshop organised by TDBC in Taunton on 20 March

The Clerk reported that Parsons Landscapes Ltd had submitted a quotation for grass maintenance of the playing field and maintenance of the surrounding areas for the period 1 March to 31 October 2006. Members remained satisfied with the prices quoted by the company

RESOLVED that the arrangements for the Annual Parish Meeting be left with the Chairman, and that no items be raised by the Council

The Clerk submitted his report updating members on the current position. No significant changes had taken place

RESOLVED that the report be approved, and that the fidelity guarantee insurance be retained at its current level

The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing a balance of £340.96 in the Current A/c and £2676.95 in the Reserve A/c

RESOLVED that the following accounts be paid

Circulation sheets of 2 February and 2 March

The next meeting will be held on 10 May 2006.The Chairman closed the meeting 8.40pm