MINUTES OF THE WRAXALL & FAILAND PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD IN WRAXALL CEVA SCHOOL 7.30PM 9.10.2007.

 

Prior to the meeting Nick Pitt was interviewed, co-opted as a Councillor.

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

APOLOGIES – D/Cllr. Roberts, Cllrs. Sage & Mrs Moon.

 

IN ATTENDANCE – Sally Varley, Liaison Officer & Clerk.

PUBLIC – Ruth Gofton – National Trust, PC Clarke & WPC Clark.

 

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – 98h  Cllr. Sheppard – Personal Interest.

Extra – 1 Sawyers Close, Wraxall - Cllr. Delmas – Lives close by.

98b Cllr. Pitt – Works from Manor Farm.

 

95                 MINUTES – The minutes of the meeting held 11 September 2007.were agreed and signed.

 

96                 CRIME FIGURES – Before giving the crime figures PC Clarke 2707 introduced WPC Jenny Clark who will be on duty in our Parish on Mondays & Tuesdays.

Crimes in Sept. 2006 were 10 whereas there were only 5 for the same period in 2007. 

They were – Damage to a Motor Vehicle; Theft of Tax Disc from a Motor Vehicle; Damage to Farm property in Failand; Damage to outdoor maintenance shed at Downs School; Theft of a Jack Russell puppy.

P.C’s then left the meeting.

 

97                 ISSUES

 

a)       TOWER HOUSE LANE TRAFFIC – REMOVAL OF SIGNS.  This was at the instruction of the Executive Officer at NSC – Elfin Ap Rees.  NSC have been asked what his authority & limitations are.  D/Cllr. was told that ‘Remove them Quietly’, which appears in an e-mail from Ap Rees, was not acceptable.

Lisa Rushin, of The Copse, Tower House Lane, is working with a small team and

dealing directly with Frank Cox of Highways Dept.

It was mentioned that a roundabout at Stone Edge Batch could ease the flow of traffic and help to stop drivers going down THL to avoid the queues on the B3128.

 

b)      AFFORDABLE HOUSING – Four possible sites have been identified at a meeting between Andrew Smith of ERHA and several members of the PC.  Andrew Smith has written to NSC to get their comments on the individual sites.

 

MEETING CLOSED 7.54PM

 

c)       PARISH PLAN – Chris Hunter reported on the meeting he had hosted in FVH.  It was attended by 40.  It was to identify persons interested – what they want and what objectives may be met.  At that meeting paper was passed round the attendees for their comments.  The Web is to be up and running soon.

      About 80/90 attended the meeting in Wraxall.

                  MEETING OPENED 7.58PM

                  Chris Hunter was thanked for his efforts by Cllr. King.

                  Cllr. Law, who attended the Wraxall meeting, said that Doug Macmillan did a

                   good job in Wraxall.

           

d)      RISK ASSESSMENT – Cllrs. Delmas & Smith were asked to work on this.

 

e)       THE GROVE – Mrs Hawkins did not attend so no discussion could take place.

 

f)        THE BATTLEAXES – Mrs Patel did not attend – no discussion took place.

 

98                 PLANNING & ENVIRONMENT

Recommendations a) to e), which had been forwarded to NSC after consideration by Cllrs. were read to the Council.  These had to be made prior to the meeting to comply with NSC’s dates.

 

a)       APPLICATION 07/P/2245/F – Erection of fencing with 2 no. gates to create native pony paddock for Mrs Waugh, GLB’s, Horse Race Lane, Failand.

RECOMMENDATION – Not to support – Contrary to condition 13 of 06/P/2157/F.

 

b)       APPLICATION 07/P/2262/F – Erection of a barn for storing feed and bedding material following the demolition of the existing barn for G. P. Jones & Sons, Manor Farm.

RECOMMENDATION – Approve.

 

c)       APPLICATION 07/P/2287/F – Erection of a garage with an office above for Mr C Lopresti, The White House, Whitehouse Lane, Wraxall.

RECOMMENDATION – Approve.

 

d)       APPLICATION 07/P/2318/LB – Erection of a single storey extension to West elevation and erection of single storey lean-to extension to East elevation after demolition of remains of existing lean-to structure.  Removal of partition walls to existing building for PCC, All Saints Church, Bristol Road, Wraxall.

RECOMMENDATION – The application is supported in principle.  However, we remain concerned about the all glass appearance but this will be alleviated by blinds, not only for shade from the sun, but for night time security.  The appearance of the existing building also gives concern.  Either treatment on the render is required or the stone exposed.  Can we have some assurance that the building work can be carried out under Canon Law etc.  We understand that there is concern by the conservation dept. regarding the possibility of a mediaeval grave being on site.  May we recommend consultation with Vince Russell, NS Archaeologist, regarding the likelihood of this being so

If NSC are ‘minded to refuse’ this will be’ called in’

.

e)       APPLICATION 07/P/2334/ADV – Display of 1 no. free-standing internally illuminated ID sign, 4 no. internally illuminated letters on canopy and an internally illuminated shop fascia sign for Tout Ltd, Wraxall Service Station, Bristol Road, Wraxall.

RECOMMENDATION – The Parish Council do NOT support this application as it will harm nearby residents by light pollution.  We strongly recommend that the free standing sign is located nearer to the roundabout than where proposed.  The existing location would be acceptable.

 

f)        APPLICATION 07/P/2386/F – Erection of a single storey rear extension for Mr & Mrs Palmer, Park Cottage, Ham Lane, Wraxall

RECOMMENDATION – Approve.

 

g)      APPLICATION 07/P/2394/TPO – Oak x 1 – 30% crown reduction, crown raise to 5.5m for Mrs Truby, 9 Woodland Way, Failand.

RECOMMENDATION – Support the application as the tree will be retained.

 

h)       APPLICATION 07/P/2418/F – Erection of single storey conservatory link for Mr P Fox, Marshfield House, Horse Race Lane, Lower Failand.

RECOMMENDATION – By a vote, which went to a ‘casting vote’, the recommendation is to Support, subject to concerns re. disproportionate size – in relation to the house with extensions and also in the Green Belt.  This is a resubmission of APPLICATION 07/P/0993/F ALSO for the erection of a single storey conservatory link, which was refused, has gone to appeal – comments by 5.November 2007.

 

i)         APPEAL SITE VISIT DATE – 45 Clevedon road, Failand – 12.30 on 9 October 2007.  This was attended by Cllr. Ambrose.  Others there were Philip Jones, Louise Grover and the Inspector.

 

EXTRA ITEMS

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 with mine and other shafts in the area rather than with the tree.  However, it is now the subject of a 5 day order.

 

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.

 

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

 

99                 HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION

 

a)       TRADITIONAL FINGER POSTS – Cllr. King had inspected those in Failand and reported that the one at the top of Belmont Hill was ok but the one at the bottom of that hill needed a wash and repaint.  No report yet for Wraxall.

 

b)       ROAD CLOSURE ORDERS wef.  22 October 2007

               

                Phase 1 (1 day duration) – B3128 from Wraxall Hill to Portbury Lane.

               

                Phase 2 (3 days duration) – Wraxall Hill, entire length.

 

                Phase 3 (2 days duration) – Naish Hill from Whitehouse Lane to Clapton Lane.

     

Ruth Gofton of National Trust asked if it could be arranged for the B3128 (Phase 1) to be closed on Thursday or Friday to coincide with the closing days of the NT.

 

c)       BUS SERVICE 692 – will be diverted but on the same day that the B3128 is closed.

 

d)    G P GANG LIST – Cllrs. asked if they had any items to go on the list. The following to be   

        advised to Pepe :- Clear the island in THL’ lay-by’

                                      Clear silt in THL by Combe Gate

         Clear silt between Old School House and Battle Axes on B3130.

 

It was also reported that the vegetation on RHS of F/P B3130 Ham Lane was a hazard to

 public safety.  Report to Pepe under ‘Request for attention’ .

 

100              PROW

 

a)       LA 20/35 – THE ROCKS – Adrian Leonard of PROW section has been on site to meet a resident.  He reported back that the FP is ‘fit for purpose’.

 

101              TYNTESFIELD – Ruth Gofton reported that over 1000 people had attended the free open day.  Upstairs tours will start at the end of October (bookings only) and will be on 2 days per week next year.  There have been 320,000 visitors in the last 5 years – today being the 5th anniversary.  There have been 110,000 visitors this year.  The house and gardens will close early in November but they will be open over three weekends in December.  The rare Wax Cap Fungi will shortly be a feature in the grounds.  The water main installation is slow but continuing.

No date has yet been set for the ‘Facilities Day’ but it is likely to be during the last week of November.  All to attend if possible.

 

 

 

102              CORRESPONDENCE

 

a)       NSC LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK

There will be an exhibition in Somerfield’s supermarket from Wed. 17 Oct to Monday 22 Oct.  This will be staffed on 17th 9.30am – 7pm.

 

b)       ALLOTMENTS – A request has been made for an allotment – we do not have

                   any.  Cllrs. asked if they knew of anywhere that there may be one available.  Cllr.

                  Thompson suggested a piece of derelict land on West Hill.  Clerk to speak to the 

                   owner.

c)   LETTER FROM SREC re. BLACK & MINORITY ETHNIC PEOPLE LIVING &

      WORKING IN NS  It is stated that they wish to contact all those who are non

      -English. (it would include Irish, Scottish & Welsh).Clerk to write to say that it

      would mean asking everyone within the Parish – Not feasible!

   .

103              MEETINGS

 

a)       TARMAC 19 September 2007.  Cllr. .King reported that this had been a first class, well supported meeting – Long Ashton. Wraxall & Failand, Ashton Court & Chris Nolan from NSC.  A site visit to Durnford Quarry is planned for March 2008 and another to Stancombe.  They gave a possible date for ceasing quarrying as’ in 10 years time’.  Tarmac are very helpful re.Parish Plan.

 

b)       PCT 19 September 2007 – Cllr .Thompson attended and gave a report. 

 

c)       PCAA – 25 September 2007 – Minutes available.

 

d)       ALCA NS 2 October 2007. Cllr. Delmas attended and gave a report.

 

 

 

e)       COMMUNITY ACTION Drop-in Information Day Friday 12 October 2007 Long Ashton

 

f)        ALCA AGM Yate 13 October 2007 (Cllr. Delmas will attend)

 

g)       COMMUNITY ACTION AGM Long Ashton 19 October 2007 (Cllrs. Ambrose & Delmas)

 

h)       PARISH & TOWN COUNCIL WORKSHOP 9.30 – 12.15pm 8 November 2007 WSM New Council Chamber

 

i)        CPRE Avonside AGM 24 November 2007

 

EXTRA – AGENDA OF NAILSEA TOWN COUNCIL MEETING ON 10TH OCT 2007 INCLUDES AN ITEM REGARDING A POSSIBLE CHANGE OF BOUNDARY.

 

104              FINANCE

 

a)       SET BUDGET / GRANT DATE – Provisionally 17 October 2007

Date agreeable to all bar one.  Clerk to ascertain if the School is available.

 

b)      ANNUAL RETURN – This has been audited by Mazars and returned without comment.

 

c)       MANDATE -  Mandate was signed by all those at the meeting – Cllr. Sage to sign asap. Two Cllrs. signatures as before.  New Cllrs. given forms to be taken to the Bank with documentation to prove their identity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

d)      ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT  - Authorised.

 

 Chq. No        Payee                                                                               Details                                                                                                   

1629

Mrs F Shattock

Reimburse – cash paid. - Computer Upgrade

 

60.00

1630

Tonkin & Daughters

Notice Boards Repairs after vandalism and another removed from Community Room

 

 

167.50

1632

North Somerset Council

Labels for Parish Plan

10.45

1633

Peter Smith

Millennium Green after Rospa report

158.23

S/O

Mrs F Shattock

Salary September

1043.91

1634

HM Revenue & Customs

NIC July – Sept.

233.82

1635

Cllr. Tom Sage

Two posters re. Parish Plan

30.00

1636

ERC Cobb

Safety Reports – Mill. Green

50.00

1637

Mrs F Shattock

Reimburse – Broadband 18.99

Talk Talk telephone calls 23.67

 

42.66

1638

The Office Shop

A4 envelopes

10.92

1639

NSC

Fee for Caretaker re. meeting in school

18.00

 

 

Following Street Furniture Maintenance it has been reported that the Bench outside Fryth House is in a bad state of repair.  Quote for mending to be obtained.

 

The Grass Maintenance contract will have to be advertised for tender in the near future.  Cllrs. were given a list of the areas which have been included in the past and were asked to consider if this was the correct listing.

 

 

105              CHAIRMAN’S URGENT BUSINESS

 

‘DEN’ ON MILLENNIUM GREEN – It had been reported that there was a wood, canvas and tyre ‘Den’ within the play area at the Millennium Green which residents felt could be used for ‘unlawful’ purposes thereby putting young children in danger from needles etc.  Cllr. Ambrose had  been to investigate and stated that it had been demolished.