Minutes of Horsington Parish Council Meeting held at St Margaret’s Hall on
Thursday 9th June 2011
Open Forum: Local residents raised concerns about the planning applications at The Grange. They were concerned about increased noise and traffic and felt that there was a lack of control during events. The possible access via land near Horsington House was discussed.
Mr Longman, owner of The Grange, and his representatives gave an update on his planning application and efforts to reduce noise and answered questions.
16 Members present: Mrs J Wood (Chairman), Mrs J Pyne, W Candy, S Hawkins, C James, Mrs B Mann, County / District Councillor T Inglefield, Mr P Longman, S Illingworth & 15 members of the public & Mrs T Chapman (covering for clerk).
Apologies: Mrs A Clayton, County / District Councillor W Wallace & PCSO John Winfield.
17. Declaration of interest: It was agreed that Mrs B Mann did not need to declare an interest in the planning application at The Grange as her daughter’s horse has not been stabled at the property since March.
18 To approve as a correct record of meeting held on 12th May – Proposed by S Hawkins and seconded by Charles James. Passed unanimously.
19 Matters arising from previous minutes:
1 – Clerk reported that R Thorne will carry out the repairs at the play area next week if there is no rain. This is due to the fact that wet pour does not set during wet weather.
2 – Clerk reported that Hastoe Housing Association has been chased twice this week but there is nothing new to report yet.
3 – Clerk reported that PCSO John Winfield had traced the driver of the car that damaged the fence at the brook in Horsington. These details have been passed on to the Highways Department.
4 – S Dunn has been asked to quote for cutting alongside the road and bank by the play areas.
5 – Richard Cotes – James does not have any Environment Agency letters regarding the Horse Pond that had been sent to him without the Parish Council receiving a copy. Clerk has passed a copy of all correspondence with the Environment Agency to C James.
Applications:
1 – 11/01960/FUL & 11/01974/LBC Mr P Longman, Horsingon Grange, Rectory Lane, Horsington – internal and external alterations and the erection of an orangery, kitchen conservatory and verandah to dwelling house (resubmission of 10/04552/FUL & 10/04557/LBC) – The Council took a vote which resulted in two Councillors in favour, three against with one abstention.
2 – 11/02049/FUL Mr P Longman, Horsington Grange, Rectory Lane, Horsington – use of the Grange and siting of marquee for the holding of up to 10 events in any one calendar year. The Council took a vote which resulted in 2 abstentions and 4 Councillors opposed to the application. There was concern about the adverse effect of increased traffic and noise in the centre of the village. The current approach is via a narrow road and the noise and traffic has a big impact on houses along this road. The alternative access is from the A357 where visibility is poor.
Determinations: none
Other: none
21. Finance:
- Cheques authorised:
000791 £35.00 Community Council for Somerset – subscription 2011 – 2012.
000792 £270.00 S Hawkins – grass cutting.
000793 £197.00 S P Collins – grass cutting.
- Money Received: £350.00 for purchase of graves F23 & F24 plus one burial Mrs Lloyd.
22. Play Area: nothing to report.
23. Cemetery / Church yard:
1 – Clerk reported that the Archdeacon has granted permission to repair the wall so there will be no need to obtain a faculty. Debbie Moseley at SSDC has been informed. She has passed the information on to her colleague Peter Higgenden.
2 – It was reported that SSDC approved the risk assessment and method statement for cutting the grass at the church yard, subject to a few changes. It was agreed that S Hawkins would edit the file to remove the underlining and return to the Clerk.
24. Footpaths:
1 – Mrs J Pyne reported that she has not heard anything about Hanglands Lane.
25. Horse Pond:
1 – C James reported that he had started to cut back the grass alongside the stream and was happy to continue. He will also try and remove the weed in the stream to help the water flow.
26. Correspondence:
- 1. SSDC – Vacancy for Parish Council representative on SSDC Standards Committee – noted.
- 2. Avon & Somerset Police Authority – Consultation – taken by Mrs Wood.
- 3. Somerset Crane Chronicle – Newsletter – taken by W Candy.
- 4. Somerset County Council – Broadband – noted.
- 5. Somerset Community Council – Thatch Newsletter – taken by W Candy.
- 6. Somerset County Council – Evacuee Accommodation Centres – noted.
- 7. Somerset county Council – Further Electoral Review of Somerset – noted.
- 8. SSDC – Dog Control Orders – these have been placed on the Parish notice boards. It was suggested that copies could be posted on lamp post or telegraph posts but it was reported that this is prohibited by regulations regarding ‘fly posting’.
27. Any other business of importance:
1 – Clerk confirmed that Mrs B Mann had reported a blocked drain in South Cheriton outside Dale Cottage. This has now been reported to the Highways Department.
2 – Mrs Pyne raised the issue of BT’s offer to sell the telephone box in Horsington for £1. It was reported that newspapers for the village are left in the box. If the Parish Council purchase the box the telephone equipment will be removed and the responsibility for its maintenance would be transferred. C James offered to help maintain the box.
Meeting Closed at 9:15pm
Date of next meeting Thursday 14th July 2011