MINUTES OF THE WRAXALL & FAILAND PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN FAILAND VILLAGE HALL 13 NOVEMBER 2007.

 

PRESENT – Cllrs. Ambrose, King, Sage, Law, Thompson, Mrs Moon, Mrs Shaw, Pitt, Sheppard, Smith & Delmas.

 

IN ATTENDANCE – District Cllrs. Roberts & Cook & Clerk.

 

APOLOGIES – Liaison Officer Sally Varley & PC Adam Clarke 2707.

 

PUBLIC – Seven.

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – 109 Second extra – Cllr. Sage - lives very near.

109g- Cllr. Pitt – His place of work.      115a Failand Cricket Club – Cllr. Sheppard – Member.

115a Failand Village Hall – Cllr. Mrs Shaw – Trustee.  115a Failand Church – Cllr. Sage – Church Warden.    119a Cllr. Delmas – Tree in question situated very close.

 

106              MINUTES – The minutes of the meeting held 9 October 2007 were agreed & signed.

 

107              CRIME FIGURES – Cllrs. advised that the tamper proof car tax disc holders are £1 each.  D/Cllrs. Cook queried this as he thought they were free.

PC Clarke 2707 had sent the following figures for October 2007 – 2 Criminal Damage, 1 House Burglary & 1 Assault.                                                                                                                                                                                               

108              ISSUES

 

a)       TOWER HOUSE LANE TRAFFIC –D/Cllr. Cook will pursue a private meeting with Elfin

Ap Rees.

 

b)       UPDATE AFFORDABLE HOUSING – Louise Davidson, formerly with NSC, now with ERHA.  She asks to come to a PC meeting to (re)introduce herself.  Clerk to arrange.

 

c)       PARISH PLAN – This is progressing but slowly.

 

d)      RISK ASSESSMENT – Cllrs. Delmas & Smith will bring consolidated figures to the December meeting.

 

e)       CLOSURE OF LOCAL PO’s – Letter from Dick Whittington of Community Action read to Cllrs. It states that the next round of closures will not be considered until early next year.  He will lend his support if Failand comes under threat.

 

f)        QUARRY ON B3130 –  Mr Jackson did not attend the meeting, having phoned earlier to apologise.  He felt that, as the gate had been taken away, the gate posts pushed over and the notices taken away he, as the representative, would prefer to meet the PC before attending an open meeting.  He said he would speak to his principal and telephone the following morning to arrange a meeting. The matter was not discussed by Cllrs.  However, investigations as to why a gate had been installed will be pursued and, hopefully, an explanation will be forthcoming at the December meeting.

THE MEETING WAS CLOSED AT 7.50PM. MEETING OPENED AT 7.55PM.CLOSED AT 7.57 – OPENED AT 8PM

 

g)   PREDISPOSITION & PREDETERMINATION –

      Predisposition is where a Councillor holds a view in favour of or against an issue   

      but they have an open mind to the merits of the argument before they make the

      final decision at the council meeting.

      Predetermination is where a Councillor is closed to the merits of any arguments

      relating to a particular issue and makes a decision at the council meeting on the  

      issue without taking them into account.

                   Councillors must not even appear to have already decided how they will vote at    

                    the meeting so that nothing will change their minds.

                    This impression can be created by, for example, quotes given in the press, stated  

                    at meetings or written in correspondence.

                    Consequently their participation in a decision would risk it being ruled as invalid.

 

            h)   SCHOOLS TRANSPORT –  Removal of Denominational Schools Free Transport

     The Chairman asked whether the councillors were aware of the matter and  

     whether they felt able to debate and decide on the matter.

     The Council had seen the newspaper articles but felt it needed more information

     before it could make a decision.

     D/Cllrs. explained that there is a proposal on this subject that’ All school transport 

     should be free’.

                 It was agreed to wait for clearer information from NSC.

 

109              PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT

 

EXTRA ITEMS

APPLICATION 07/P/2724/F – Re-alignment of vehicular access to 3 properties together with partial demolition and rebuild/extension of boundary wall and landscaping for Mr M Aikens, Limekiln House, Portbury Lane, Wraxall.

RECOMMENDATION – Accept providing PROW re-alignment is approved.

 

APPLICATION 07/P/2747/F – Construction of additional dormer window to side elevation for Mr D Paddock, Batsford, Failand Lane, Failand.

RECOMMENDATION – Approve.

 

The next two items were discussed at the previous meeting and a recommendation given to North Somerset Council in respect of b).

 

a)       APPLICATION 07/P/2432/TPO – Oak x 1 – Fell – Land to the rear of 1 Sawyers Close, Wraxall.

The tree in question is on NSC ground and the application is because it is felt that the roots may be undermining the conservatory at 1, Sawyers Close.  Cllr. King was concerned regarding the possibility of the problem being with the foundations of the conservatory or mine and other shafts in the area.  However, it is now the subject of a 5 day order.

 

b)      APPLICATION 07/P/2490/TPO – oak x 3 – 25% balanced crown reduction, crown lift to 3-4m over road at 11 Manor Way, Failand for Rob Lee on behalf of Mrs Edis.

RECOMMENDATION – Support.

 

c)       APPLICATION 07/P/2577/TPO – Oak x 2 – Crown lift to give 4m clearance for Mr R I Sykes, Adjacent to 9 Manor Way, Failand.

RECOMMENDATION – We support this application but would point out that the trees are on NSC land.  This application is to remove branches of the trees which overhang the garden of No 9 and is to balance the trees – the branches which are on the ‘road side’ have been damaged by machinery going to a development site.   

We wish to point out that yesterday further damage was caused to the ‘road side’ part of the trees.

 

INFORMATION ONLY

d)      APPLICATION 07/P/2618/F – Erection of a complete first floor level and roof extension, single storey front and side extension, 1.7m high front boundary wall, parking area, decking and internal alterations for Mr & Mrs J Bath at Hillside House, Tickenham Hill, Tickenham.

 

INFORMATION ONLY

e)       APPLICATION 07/P/2624/F – Change of use from agriculture to siting of a mobile home, erection of stable block and building for fish farming – containing preparation room, fish rearing and storage area all to be in connection with Trout Farm/mobile home (renewal of 99/0423) for Mrs L Waygood, Jacklands Fish Farm, Jacklands Bridge, Clevedon Road, Tickenham.

 

f)     ENFORCEMENT – Gallop View Stables – Enforcement taken. File closed.

 

g)      APPEAL SITE VISIT 6 Nov. 2007 – UPDATE – MANOR FARM, GREEN LANE,  FAILAND – Amendment of conditions. Cllr. Ambrose had attended and gave a brief report.

 

h)   OUTCOME OF APPEAL ON 45 CLEVEDON ROAD, FAILAND - Dismissed

 

i)         Clerk reported on decisions made by North Somerset Council on applications previously considered by this Parish Council.

 

110              HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION

 

a)       TRADITIONAL FINGER POSTS – WRAXALL - Cllr. Delmas had now had time to look for finger posts in Wraxall and reported that the only one is in good condition. Clerk to report back to David Bailey asking that the ones at the top and bottom of Belmont Hill in Failand be washed and repainted.

b)       Letter had been received asking why no camera had been installed on the B3130 following the completion of the Local Safety Scheme. Explained that the Camera Partnership had not been satisfied with conditions.  These had now been rectified and a camera should soon be in place.  However, this will be a mobile camera and so will only be there as and when.

MEETING CLOSED 8.50PM. 

Mention was made that motorists often went at speeds of 40 – 50 in the area

around the Battle Axes. Cllr. Ambrose suggested that any one, who wished to, could have training to use a hand held speed gun. (There will have to be a minimum number wishing to be involved in the scheme)

MEETING OPENED AT 8.57PM.

                  D/Cllr. Cook said that if residents wanted a Local Action Team to be set up he       would advise.

 Mention was then made re. Tesco lorries parking in the ‘lay-by’ at the bottom of 

 Tower House Lane.

 MEETING CLOSED AT 8.59PM.  REOPENED AT 9PM.

.

111              PROW

MEETING CLOSED 9.01PM

      Dr Amos addressed the Council re. PROW’s particularly over-cropping & ‘faults’.

      Re. Over-cropping – It was thought that the contractors had probably not been 

      given the correct information. It was suggested that we should advise NSC that

      we are going to pursue this.  D/C Cook said that he would take it to NSC.

     The Zoo Park is a more serious matter.  Closing F/P’s have to be referred to Local 

     Access Forum.

MEETING OPENED 9.18PM

 

b)       MEETING OF N.S. RAMBLERS (Cllrs. Sheppard & Delmas)

Cllr. Sheppard then said that he would go and look at stiles at Noah’s Ark Farm and report back to the Ramblers.  NSC are about to appoint an Enforcement officer for ROW. The ROW Improvement Plan is on the Web – Andy Caroll has got this underway.

There is a stile on land in split ownership adjacent to B3130 in Wraxall.  The fence goes with the lower part of the field.  As the land either side of the fence is NOT agricultural the stile must be replaced by a gate.  Clerk to write to Mr Fowler, the owner, once his address is ascertained.

MEETING CLOSED 9.23PM

Dr. Amos said that there is a Statutory Document but nothing is enforceable & doesn’t have to be done.

MEETING REOPENED 9.24PM.

 

 

a)       MEETING WITH TYNTESFIELD -  Cllr. Sheppard spoke regarding ROW through the estate. Rebecca Aubry-Fletcher is formulating a Green Plan.  There is a Green Route for Cycling & plans for other means.  Visitor facilities are first on the list then FP’s. They are aware of B’way requirements.  Cllr. Sheppard has details of Sustrans, Ramblers & B’way Assn.  Cllr. Sage asked if he knew when these things will be in place – 2009.

 

112              TYNTESFIELD

      Ruth Gofton stated that she was not aware of complaints re. PROW and will 

      pursue. Visitor facilities require Planning Application and will be before B’ways 

      and F/paths.

     The Architects plans are a little over budget. Business Plan during November so

      the meeting with PC’s will have to be postponed.  Visitor figures for the year are

      the best yet at 110,000.  They are closed now but will be opening for 3 weekends

      in December.  There will be upstairs tours next year on 2 days per week but will

     need to be booked.  Cllr. Smith asked what the % was for users of Public

     Transport – 2% last year – figures not yet done for this year.  Voucher to use in 

      the shop if proof of use of public transport is given.

MEETING CLOSED 9.35PM

     Rural Renaissance have put forward a plan to take the train to Backwell Station

     and then use a free bike to Tyntesfield.  May be right to work with PC &  

    Tyntesfield.

MEETING REOPENED 9.37PM

 

113              CORRESPONDENCE

 

a)       NORTH SOMERSET COUNCIL LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK –

Comments by 30.Nov.  Core Strategy is ongoing so comments can be made after the ‘deadline’.  The development may take some traffic off Failand Roads.

D/Cllr, Cook said we should be saying ‘We don’t want houses rather than where should they be put’.  Long Ashton are holding a meeting 14/11.  It was felt that we should see how that goes.

 

b)       GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR RURAL COMMUNITY TRANSPORT – Letter to be  

passed to Wraxall Charities.

EXTRAS

c)       BRADLEY STOKE FIRE TRAINING.- see 114g

d)      HEALTH & WELLBEING STAKEHOLDER’S CONF. See 114h.

e)       BRISTOL URBAN EXTENSION (see a) above).

f)        WEBSITE – Letter from Webmaster saying that due to time constraints they                

would be pleased if someone would take this on.

g)      AMENDMENT TO ADDRESS LIST – Delete D/Cllr Roberts Fax number.

 

114       MEETINGS

 

a)       COMMUNITY ACTION – NS INFORMATION DAY 12.10.07.

Report by Cllr. Ambrose

 

b)      ALCA AGM 13.10.07

Report by Cllr. Delmas. There is a new President – Mike Drew; Vice Chair – David Bell; Treasurer may be Chris Willmot, in time.  The ALCA levy will increase by 0.05p per elector.

 

c)       COMMUNITY ACTION AGM 19.10.2007 – No report.

 

d)      DEVELOPMENT CONTROL WORKSHOP 9.30am – 12.15pm Thursday 8 November, New Council Chamber, Town Hall, WSM. – Good. Very useful.

 

e)       CPRE AVONSIDE AGM 24.11.07- Cllr. Ambrose will attend.

 

f)        AVON WILDLIFE TRUST AGM – Sunday 25 November QEH Theatre, Jacobs Wells Road – No one available to attend.

 

g)       SEMINAR FOR CLLRS. & SENIOR MANAGEMENT on the legal ramifications and their responsibilities under the new Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Bradley Court Activity Centre, Bradley Stoke 9.30am to 11.30am 3 December 2007. Followed by two separate Fire Training Sessions for all staff, first at 12 noon, second at 2pm £10 per person per session.

 

h)       HEALTH & WELLBEING STAKEHOLDER CONFERENCE

10AM TO 4PM Thursday 31 January 2008.

 

115        FINANCE

 

a)       BUDGET inc. letter from Asst. Sec. PCC. The letter was ruled too late to be taken into consideration in respect of the Budget as set.  Acceptance of the Budget was proposed by Cllr. Mrs Shaw, Seconded by Cllr. Sage – Voting – All in favour.

 

b)       STATEMENT FROM CLERK FOR MINUTES – The Clerk reiterated the statement made last year that –‘ She is happy to receive remuneration relating to 20 hours work per week even if more hours are worked.  She will not make a claim for the use of her house as an office, heating and lighting for the office, electricity for the computer, use of her personal Fax/Photocopying machine nor for mileage.  She will only increase her salary by the national increase when this is advised to the Parish Council by ALCA’.

It must be noted that these costs could be claimed by subsequent Clerks

.

c)       THE MANDATE IS NOW WITH NWB.  Those still not having given their ID to NWB should do so in order that they may sign on behalf of the PC.

 

d)       ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT – Approved.

 

Chq. No.           Payee                                                                           Details                                                                                                                                                                                         

1640

Peter Smith

Half Yearly Grass Maintenance fee

570.00

1641

Connaught

Emptying Dog Bins August 2007

21.15

1642

NSC

Caretaker fee PC Meeting Wraxall School

18.00

1643

NSC

Caretaker fee Parish Plan Wraxall School

18.00

1644

Mazars

Audit fee

334.88

1645

Cllr. Ambrose

Chairman’s allow. For 2007/8 underpaid

15.00

1646

Cllr. King

Vice Chair’s allow. For  2007/8 underpaid

5.00

1647

Failand Vol. Drivers

From reserves held since 2006/7

50.00

1648

Adroit Printers

Circulars for Parish Plan

310.00

1649

ERC Cobb

Street Furniture Maintenance

400.00

1650

ERC Cobb

Disinfecting Bus Shelter at Grove

10.00

1651

Doug. Macmillan

PO Box for Parish Plan

46.90

DD

BT

Line Rental

40.48

1652

Failand Volunteer Drivers

Replacement for 1647

--------

1653

John Keeling Maggs

Architect – Cross Tree Site

632.50

1654

Peterjohn Smyth

Maps re. Parish Plan

145.23

1655

Mrs F Shattock

Reimburse

93.95

1656

ERC Cobb

Safety Reports – Mill. Green October

40.00

SO

Mrs F Shattock

Salary October

1043.91

1657

Connaught

Emptying Dog Bins – September

18.80

1658

Friendship Office

Photo Copies

0.90

 

 

116        CHAIRMAN’S URGENT BUSINESS

 

Chairman stated that the Clerk needs to advise NSC that we have adopted the Code of Conduct.  However, this was done when the Code was adopted.