HATCH BEAUCHAMP PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Hatch Beauchamp Parish Council held in the Village Hall on Wednesday 10 January 2007 at7.30pm. (in the format to be considered at the next meeting for approval as a correct record)
Present:- Mr Fowler (in the chair), Messrs Buck, Graham, Hounsell and Parsons.
Apologies:- M/s Hooper, Mrs Kent, Mr Williams (TDBC)
In Attendance:- Mr Crossley (Clerk)
1369 Declarations of interest
Mr Hounsell declared a prejudicial interest in minute 1377 and Mr Parsons declared a prejudicial interest in minute 1371
1370 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 8 November 2006 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman
1371 Questions from Members under Standing Order 23
The Chairman asked about the current position on outstanding issues concerning Footpath T14/18. The Clerk advised that the line currently used was different to that shown on the Definitive Map, and that the application to modify the Definitive Map had not yet been determined and it was likely to be some time before a decision was made. The line currently used also appeared to be a public right of way, but the owner of the land was reluctant to see any work done to the surface until the position regarding the Definitive Map had been resolved and because the owner also saw the path as a field footpath. He had discussed the matter with SCC who had undertaken to discuss the situation with the owner and he expected to make a report to the next meeting of the Council.
1372 Local Government White Paper – strong and prosperous communities – (minutes 1362 and 1363)
The Clerk reported that he had attended the West Area meeting with Mr Downie. Whilst the council might be involved in any proposals that the County/Borough Council might initiate in their response to the White Paper there was no immediate action required of the Council.
RESOLVED that the position be noted
1373 Localisation and Front Line Councillors (minute 1363)
The West Area meeting of SALC had also received a presentation from SCC on a paper setting out proposals for localising structures and working arrangements at the County Council. The proposals were based around establishing 5 new Area Committees based on the current District boundaries. A letter had also been received from the Conservative Group on the County Council opposing the proposals as being too bureaucratic. Information or consultation on how these proposals would impact on the parish was still awaited
RESOLVED that the report be noted
1374 Report of Planning Committee of 19 December 2006
The Committee had considered an application to site bin stores and timber storage sheds on selected plots on the Little Wilcox development
1375 Development at Little Wilcox – use of funds secured by S106 Agreement
TDBC had advised that the Section S106 Agreement which helped to regulate this development provided for the developer to pay on the occupation of each unit a sum towards children’s play and playing field provision. A total of £21420 on children’s play and £10878 on playing field facilities was expected to be received. A letter had also been received from the Executor’s of Miss Olivia Hunter (the former owner of the site) expressing her wish that the money be used for the benefit of the village.
Members gave consideration as to how to formulate proposals to be put to TDBC
RESOLVED that letters be sent to the Head Teacher of the Primary School and the Village Hall Management Committee seeking their views on what new provision should be made, and an item be also placed in the parish magazine explaining the availability of funds and seeking ideas on what provision might be made.
1376 Rights of Way within Parish – request from SCC for information
The SCC were seeking the help of Parish Council’s in identifying those paths that needed clearing so that they did not get overgrown and those most regularly used as well as the nomination of someone to be the Parish Council Liaison Officer. Mr Parsons had undertaken this role and had offered to continue and to complete the return required by the County
RESOLVED that Mr Parson’s offer be gratefully accepted
1377 Request for donation – Age Concern
RESOLVED that this request be declined
1378 Proposed Park and Ride East of Taunton
Mr Williams had written to advise that he had requested that SCC involve the Parish Council in a similar consultation to that carried out with Ruishton and Thornfalcon regarding this proposal.
RESOLVED that a response be awaited from SCC
1379 Village Hall – update from J Holt on Management Committee
RESOLVED that in the absence of Mr Holt this item be deferred to the next meeting
1380 Estimates 2007/8 and Precept 2007/8
The Clerk had circulated with the agenda the draft annual estimates for 2007/2008 together with a note of a suggested precept. A contribution from balances was still required to keep the precept at the proposed level.
RESOLVED that the estimates be approved, that the precept be set at £3400 and that Mr Holt be asked to obtain a copy of the annual accounts for the village hall given the level of the Council’s contribution
1381 Accounts
The Clerk submitted a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation Statement showing £52.05 in the Current A/c and £3246.91 in the Reserve A/c.
RESOLVED
1) that payment of the following accounts be approved
a) Clerk’s salary - £332.40
b) Clerk’s expenses - £9.60
c) Clerk’s office and admin costs - £5.10
2) that a donation of £50 (being the provision in the estimates) to Taunton CAB be approved
(Mr Parsons requested under SO 9 that his vote against the decision to make this donation be recorded)
1382 Items of report
(1) circulation sheets of 12 December 2006 and 5 January 2007
1383 Items for next meeting (14 March 2007)
(1) Footpath T14/18
(2) Village Hall Management Committee – Mr J Holt
The Chairman closed the meeting at. 8.45pm
Chairman