MINUTES OF THE WRAXALL & FAILAND PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD

7.30PM 12 FEBRUARY 2008

PRESENT – Cllrs. Ambrose (Chairman), King (Vice Chairman), Mrs Shaw, Law, Sheppard, Mrs Moon, Pitt, Smith & Sage.

IN ATTENDANCE - D/Cllr. Roberts & Clerk.

APOLOGIES – Cllrs. Delmas & Thompson, D/Cllr. Cook, Liaison Officer Sally Varley & PC Adam Clarke 2707.

PUBLIC – 23 plus a photographer.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – 14c Cllr. Ambrose, 14c, 15b, 15e Cllr. Smith

21a Cllr. Sage.

12 MINUTES – The minutes of the meeting held 8 January were agreed and signed.

13 CRIME FIGURES Crimes in this parish totalled 8 – 3 Assaults, 2 Criminal Damage, 1 Theft of a motor vehicle & 2 thefts from motor vehicles.

14 ISSUES

a) PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGES

Chairman explained that, as yet, there had not been a formal proposal made.

He then read out the extract from NTC’s January meeting minutes which was relevant to this item.

MEETING CLOSED 7.38PM

Brian Symonds (Elms resident) gave a presentation in particular itemising the ‘overspend’ showing in Nailsea Town Council’s accounts. He said that from the calculations it would appear that those affected, if the boundary change went ahead, would have to pay between £30 & £90 extra to what they are paying at the moment with no guarantee that the extra would be spent in that area. He had taken a petition around and, in a very short space of time, obtained 40 signatures opposing the possible change of boundary. He felt that it was a land & revenue grab.

Former Cllr. Mr A J Tavener said that when the Elm was first started there was little or no support from NTC. They said it was a Wraxall problem and nothing to do with them.

Those of the public attending were asked what facilities were afforded to them specifically by Nailsea. No one could think of any.

Mr Doug Macmillan (Elms resident) said that he attended the Nailsea TC meeting and for this item voting was not unanimous. He queried why N wanted to take in fields and felt that the residents would be better represented by WFPC rather than Nailsea.

D/Cllr. Roberts said that he would support the residents but suggested that they form a ‘Residents Society’ as they would then be easier to contact.

It was suggested that the PC should inform the MP.

MEETING OPENED AT 8.05PM.

Cllr. Mrs Moon asked about the positioning of the proposed road in Greater Bristol.

And wondered if NTC are trying to control the road system.

Cllr. Sheppard asked what is NTC’s rationale. At present there is only conjecture – we should be asking NTC what they intend.

MEETING CLOSED 8.09PM

MEETING OPENED 8.10PM

MEETING CLOSED 8.11PM

MEETING OPENED 8.12PM

Cllr. Mrs Shaw mentioned that most of the land with NTC mentioned in this discussion at their meeting was ‘flood plain;. Cllr. Ambrose said that the Government had passed developments on 13 ‘flood plains’. Cllr. King wanted to make it clear that the possible boundary change would affect all residents of W&F, not just those on the Elms. Cllr. Ambrose said that we must resist ‘sprawl’ which takes away opportunities to walk in the countryside and other facilities.

It should be made clear to NSC, NTC,& MP the strength of feeling which has come from this item being reported in the Press. NTC should be asked what facilities they think they provide for persons – say on the Elms.

MEETING CLOSED 8.19PM

Mr SO Young said that the possible boundary change affects residents of that part of Lodge Lane which is in Wraxall. The post Code had changed from Nailsea to Wraxall in the past.

Mr AJ Tavener said that the possible change would alter the political balance.

Mr Symonds said that he had rung the Priest in Charge to see if it would mean her having to move into the remaining part of Wraxall. He had not heard back yet.

MEETING OPENED 8.28PM

b) BURIAL GROUND

Nailsea Town Council have identified a piece of land in Wraxall which they would like as a burial ground for Nailsea. Letter received from NSC asking for our thoughts.

Cllr. Sage said that there is still room in Failand’s burial ground.

MEETING CLOSED 8.42 PM

Various comments were made regarding a piece of land behind Pound Lane being considered in the past but that had not been thought suitable. Also a Crem/Burial ground on land in West Street which is now a sports field.

MEETING OPENED 8.48PM

Cllr. Ambrose felt that we should wait for more information – we may not be able to go back to NSC at some time in the future if we say a flat NO to NSC in respect of Nailsea’s request.

The following proposal to be sent to NSC. (Voting 8 for, 1 abstention):-

This land is not needed by our Parish at the moment but could be in the not too distant future. The PC suggests that Nailsea should find a suitable plot of land within their own boundary.

c) BATTLE AXES

Cllr. Ambrose explained that Brian Tucker had been known to him for a long time; they had previously worked together in the Middle East and were doing so at the moment. They had met with Mrs Patel of the Battle Axes together with D/Cllrs Cook & Roberts. He wanted the thoughts of that meeting brought to the PC before it is presented to the residents of The Grove prior to the making of an application to the planners.

The Battle Axes will degenerate and the area suffer as a result if something is not done. Having declared an interest he then handed the chair to the Vice Chairman Cllr. King.

CLLR. KING IN THE CHAIR

MEETING CLOSED 9.03PM

Brian Tucker presented brochures to all the Councillors regarding the proposals for the Battle Axes. They were in the name of Junada International Limited.

He outlined the background of the proposal. He stated that the Battle Axes is the first building seen on entering Wraxall from the East. There were more on site buildings than at present as some burnt down and were not re-built. There is no footprint remaining for those buildings.

There have been changes in the locality – Tyntesfield open to the public, Children’s Hospice, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, North Somerset Agricultural Show Ground, Bristol International Airport and local businesses. The Battle Axes is structurally sound but needs renovation to bring it up to date. As it is Grade ll and in the Green Belt planning will need ‘ very special circumstances’

The proposal is to build a new 3 storey building, in the lower car park, to give 30 double rooms. Other parts of the main building would remain the same. Some of the existing buildings in the car park would be utilised and a complete refurbishment of the car park would provide 60 – 64 spaces which should be enough for those using the beds and/or the restaurant. When questioned Mr Tucker said that there had not been a full appraisal of finances but an initial appraisal suggested that 30 rooms was the optimum figure. Jobs, some part time, would be created. There is a need to create a viable entity or it will fall into a state of disrepair and close. The Company intends to have a meeting with residents of The Grove and with Planning Dept.

Cllr. Sheppard said he was pleased to see the proposal. There is a lack of facilities in the locality. The property will lend itself to a small hotel/leisure centre/Restaurant.

Cllr. Sage asked Ruth Gofton if the National Trust (Tyntesfield) had received requests for hotels. Ruth said ‘there was a certain amount of calls for hotels or B&B’s.

D/Cllr. Roberts said he was fortunate to be at the first meeting. He said it would be preserving an old building, giving it a new lease of life. He felt there would be commercial interest/travellers. He felt that if a public meeting was organised – not by PC – it could be chaired by the PC Chairman. Cllr. Pitt thought that it sounded great but there was a lot to talk through.

MEETING OPENED 9.28.

d) PARISH PLAN

MEETING CLOSED 9.29

Mr Doug Macmillan, Chairman of Parish Plan, gave a short update. They have a meeting each month and are close to producing a consolidated questionnaire which should be sent to the printers at end Feb and go out to residents by early March. He hopes to be able to give a brief update by the PC APM. The questionnaire will be delivered but he would like it to include a SAE and may be details of a place to which they could be returned. A questionnaire company are to do the analysis.

MEETING OPENED 9.34PM

15 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT

Replies to items a-d had already been sent to NSC to comply with their requests. Each P/A had been considered by a quorum.

a) APPLICATION 07/P/3196/TPO – Poplars x 4 – prune to previous points for S ilvanus Services re Rear of 18 & 20 Elm Lodge Road, Wraxall.

RECOMMENDATION – Support

b) APPLICATION 07/P/3213/F – Erection of a security camera mounted on a

pole, halogen light fixed to NW elevation and a concealed vehicle loop in

access road for The National Trust, Wraxall Lodge, Tyntesfield.

This application has been Withdrawn.

c) 08/P/0022/F – Erection of 9 no. residential dwellings and the realignment of

the Lodge Lane roundabout for Keynsham Property Development Ltd on

Lane at Elm Farm, Lodge Lane, Wraxall.

RECOMMENDATION – Neighbours are aware of this application and one raised concerns on lack of privacy from the 3 storey buildings.

Councillors were concerned at the poor quality of the application raising the following issues:-

¨ The development is not in Kingswood, Bristol. Drawing No.1868/5.

¨ There is a Public Right of Way within the site. Para. C11 and above.

¨ The proposed new road layout does not show priority or break details.

¨ The proposal is considered over development of the site (H7 with no

linkage to new employment) with insufficient parking – only 2 spaces per house. This could lead to the problems encountered in Vowles Close. The application also lacks details of the bricks to be used and protection details for the northern boundary hedge. The gated entry could cause traffic problems on Lodge Lane and sets an unnecessary precedence. REFUSE.

d) APPLICATION – 08/P/0060/F Erection of a two storey side extension after

demolition of existing bathroom, kitchen and utility room. Creation of new

access from Tower House Lane for Mr Williams at Falklands, Tower House

Lane, Wraxall.

RECOMMENDATION - Councillors visited neighbours and found that not all immediate neighbours had been informed of this application. They tried to contact the
applicant but were unable to do so. One neighbour considered the enlarged house would dominate the area. This could be mitigated if the existing brickwork were to be rendered with the extension, which is not clear from the plans.
The new access is still along a narrow section of this through lane but will afford better 'sight lines'. This new access will be very steep and will create a considerable 'run off' of water & silt. We require a suitably designed large gully at the junction with the lane to catch the 'run off' and direct it to a soak- away. Highways Dept. say 'No datums for the gradient of the new drive', therefore we remain concerned as to its suitability. The wall is stated to be 'Block rendered' but should be in stone to match the walls on the other side of the lane NOT block rendered.
Approval should only be given with the above mentioned conditions, Highway Dept. approval AND removal of the existing access once the new access is completed

The reply re. d) was read to the meeting.

MEETING CLOSED 9.39PM

Question re. visibility – Is there a need for an extra entrance?

Neighbours told Mr Tavener that the applicant will be starting work in a month.

Mr Tavener rang NSC – they have not visited but could see no problem. Once planning have a reply from Highways they will ‘rubber stamp’ it.

There is no mention of trees being taken down, however, he would not object to making the house better.

He is concerned over the access – the way NSC have and are dealing with it.

MEETING OPENED 9.50PM.

e) APPLICATION 08/P/0147/LB – Change of use from domestic to office.

Repairs to roof, partial re-roofing. New kitchen, bathroom, heating and boiler,

additional drainage and external vents and new oil tank for The National

Trust, The Gardeners House, Tyntesfield.

RECOMMENDATION - Approve.

f) APPLICATION 08/P/0186/T2 – Fell trees in back garden at 25 Clevedon

Road, Failand.

Approval has been given for all the trees in the back garden to be felled with the exception of the Oak. This is now the subject of a 5 day notice regarding the removal of dead, dying & diseased limbs.

g) LETTER FROM ENFORCEMENT DEPT. re. Manor Farm, Failand –

Following the dismissal of the appeal in respect of the above property, an inspection has been carried out and they confirm that the current situation complies with the planning approval 07/P/0219/F. Their file is now closed.

h) Clerk reported on decisions made by NSC on Planning Applications

previously considered by this Council.

16 HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION

a) STREET TRADING – letter read to Cllrs.

b) POT HOLES – Pot holes in Failand Lane had been reported as urgent.

Message from Pepe to say they had been filled as a temporary measure and have been added to the ongoing register.

17 PROW Nil

18 TYNTESFIELD

Ruth Gofton, Property Manager, Tyntesfield & Bristol, referred to the refusal of P/A 07/P/2973/LB. This is because Planning Dept want the camera on the LB rather than on a pole.

Visitor numbers for last season were 112,000

Water Main is still not finished as Bristol Water are holding them up but work has started on the Sawmill.

Tyntesfield has been recognised as having the highest number of different fungi internationally.

Chaplain’s Lodge is to be modernised.

19 CORRESPONDENCE

a) PCAA RESPONSE TO P/A 07/P/3214/PAI - Cllr. Ambrose gave a resume of

the response given by CPRE to NSC..

b) MEETING WITH CLLR. AP REES – Cllr. Ambrose gave a report of the

meeting with Cllr. Ap Rees regarding numerous Highway matters.

EXTRAS

c) WYNSCOTE – BRISTOL ROAD – WRAXALL.

Mr Wilson had sent letters to Chris Nolan NSC and Mrs McClaire (probably NSC but sent to us and commenting on the PC), strongly objecting to the comments made regarding his planning application 07/P/2835/F. Comments read to Cllrs. Reply sent (copy to Chris Nolan) and Chris Nolan has also sent one in reply to the e-mail addressed to him.

d) PARISH PLAN TRAINING EVENT – 10.00 – 13.00 15 February at Jubilee

Pavilion, Long Ashton.

e) VISION ICT LTD RE WEBSITE SPECIFICATIONS

f) RE-CYCLING CALENDAR – Changes to collections.

20 MEETINGS

a) PC’s AIRPORT MEETING REPORT. Cllr Ambrose gave a report of the

meeting

b) STANDARDS COMMITTEE REPORT. Cllr Ambrose gave a report of the

meeting.

21 FINANCE

a) GRASS MAINTENANCE – Now 2 tenders, 1 who asked for schedule, still to

come.

b) STREET FURNITURE MAINTENANCE – Still only 1 tender. No interest

shown after advert. in Press.

Meeting of Quorum to be arranged when the third tender is received. Closing date 7 March.

c) ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT - Authorised

Chq. No. Payee Details

1672	Connaught Environmental	Emptying Dog Bins November 2007	21.15
1673	NSC	Re. Parish Council Election 3.5.07	100.02
DD	BT	Line rental less DD allowance	35.20
1674	John Keeling Maggs – Architect	Re. Cross Tree Site	544.15
1675	Nicholas Quayle – Contractor	Re. Cross Tree Site	262.38
1675	Nicholas Quayle – Contractor	Re. Cross Tree Site	45.92
1677	Western News & Media	Ad. In Mercury Re. Grass & Street Furn.	32.31
1678	NSC	Hire of Wraxall School - Parish Plan	18.00
1679	Chris Ambrose	Travelling Expenses 8 Nov. – 31.January & Ink Cartridge	21.47
1680	Tonkin & Daughters	Repair Notice Boards	220.00
1681	Connaught Environmental	Emptying Dog Bins December 2007	21.15
SO	Mrs F Shattock	Salary January 2008	1069.77
1682	E R C Cobb	Safety Reports – Mill. Green - January	40.00
1683	Mrs F Shattock	Reimburse – Computer repairs 40.00 Broadband – 18.99, P/P on new modem 7.99, Talk Talk ‘Phone calls 14.91 Installation of new modem 20.00	101.89