Full Council Minutes 5th November 2009
BACKWELL PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY 5TH NOVEMBER 2009
IN BACKWELL PARISH HALL, BACKWELL
PRESENT: Cllrs C Pope (Chairman), G Boylan, D Brooks, B Bucknell, R Drew,
M Gibbons-Price, B Huggins, J Llewellyn, R Mason, S Ould, S Pope, D Sparks and
R Taylor
IN ATTENDANCE: Mrs J Stone - Clerk of the Council.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC: Approximately 10 members of public were
present and Ms S Pope from North Somerset Times
The Chairman opened the meeting by welcoming everyone present and pointed out the location of the emergency exits and toilets. He informed members of the sad news that a former Chairman to Backwell Parish Council, Mr Don Gregory, had died. A minutes silence was observed.
1. Apologies
448 Cllr T Collinson.
2. New Councillor (co-opted 1st October 2009)
To receive signed Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Agreement to
observe the Code of Conduct from Mrs D Brooks.
449 Resolved: Unanimously to receive signed Declaration of Acceptance
of Office and Agreement to observe the Code of Conduct from Mrs
D Brooks.
3. Minutes
450 The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Thursday 1st October 2009
were unanimously confirmed as a correct record by those present at that meeting.
4. Public Participation
451 Standing Orders were suspended
Mrs J Churchill spoke of her concerns regarding speeding vehicles in Hyatts
Wood Road, and the state of the hedge cutting. She also mentioned that the traffic calming measure were hidden by overgrown hedges.
452 7.38pm - Cllr S Ould arrived
Professor K Edwards spoke regarding the proposed National Grid Pylon
project, and the fact that there were only 64 days left to respond to the
consultation. There are to be two public meetings in Nailsea on November 26th and 27th at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre.
453 Standing Orders were reinstated
5. Declarations of Interest
The Chairman referred to the Declaration of Interests Register and asked members of Council if there were any further items to be entered in the Register. The following entries were made by Members in the Declarations of Interest Register:-
454 Personal interest
Cllr S Pope - Agenda Items 9 and 10 Bristol Airport - Member of Consultative
Committee.
Cllr R Mason - Agenda Item 26a Community Plan - Member of Community
Plan Working Group.
Cllr D Sparks - Agenda Item 17 National Grid Hinkley Point C Connection
Project - House backs onto possible location of pylons.
455 Prejudicial interest
Cllr M Gibbons Price - Agenda Items 30 (a) and (b) - related to applicant.
456 Agenda Item No. 17 - National Grid Hinkley Point C Connection
Project was discussed at this point
Cllr B Bucknell spoke regarding the meeting which he had attended with Cllrs Sparks and Mason. Councillors debated this issue and it was felt that the Clerk should arrange a meeting with Nailsea, Wraxall and Congresbury Councils to formulate a joint opposition plan to this proposed project and to also involve District Councillors.
457 Resolved: Unanimously the Clerk to arrange a meeting with Nailsea, Wraxall
and Congresbury Councils to enable a joint opposition plan to be put forward in relation to this proposal. Cllrs C Pope, B Bucknell and M Gibbons-Price to attend and report back at the 3rd December Full Council meeting.
6. To receive such communications as the person presiding may wish to lay
before the Council
458 The Chairman thanked Councillors R Taylor, S Pope and R Mason for
helping to set up exhibits for the Village of the Year, and expressed
disappointment that not many Councillors turned up on the day to support
the event.
459 The Chairman thanked all those Councillors who attended the Over 60's Tea Party, with particular thanks to Cllrs R Taylor, R Mason, S Ould, G Boylan, S
Pope, D Sparks and M Gibbons-Price for their help in setting up the
hall and their help in the afternoon. He also thanked Councillors who
had donated raffle prizes. He said a special thanks to Bob Day who turned
up to help.
460 The Chairman gave members dates for their diaries for Remembrance Sunday, Armistice Day, St Andrews Day and the Village of the Year Award Ceremony.
461 The Chairman informed members that there was a bureau in the office which
was surplus to requirements, and if any member was interested to contact the Clerk.
462 The Chairman asked for volunteers to bring food for the buffet for after the
3rd December Full Council meeting, and reminded members that spouses
were also invited.
7. To answer questions from Councillors (Standing Order 26).
463 None
8. To receive and consider Reports and Minutes of Committees
To receive the draft minutes of the Planning Committee Meeting held on 17th October 2009.
464 Noted
9. Bristol Airport - Proposed Noise Action Plan
465 Resolved: Unanimously Cllr R Taylor to complete in conjunction with the
Clerk, and to present it to Council at the 3rd December 2009 meeting for
Council's consideration and approval.
10. Bristol International Airport - Planning Application update
Members debated this issue.
466 Resolved: Unanimously Backwell Parish Council supports the evidence
and actions taken by District Cllrs T Collinson and K Barclay on transport issues.
11. Proposed closure of Backwell Library
467 Noted: District Cllr K Barclay to update members at the Full Council Meeting
on the 3rd December 2009.
12. To consider Christmas invitations
468 The Chairman requested that if any member wished to invite a guest to the Christmas refreshments who had benefited the village, then to notify the Clerk with contact details for that person as soon as possible.
13. To receive and consider letter dated 30.9.09 from Mrs A Tull re Local Action Team
Members were informed that no response had yet been received from Mrs Tull
regarding LAT accounts.
469 Resolved: Unanimously the Clerk to send a reminder to Mrs Tull requesting that these accounts for LAT be provided. To be discussed at the 3rd December Full Council meeting.
14. Hyatts Wood Road - speeding vehicles
Members debated the issue of the problems of speeding vehicles in Hyatts
Wood Road, and the problems being caused by the insufficient cutting of
the hedges. Members were shown photographs provided by a Downside
resident of the overgrown hedges obstructing visibility in this location, and
are a danger to children. Cllr S Ould mentioned that there are rules in place
that if there are children under the age of 11, then they have to be provided
with a safe walking route to school. If there is not a safe walking route, then a
bus must be provided. It was noted that children at Downside were taken to
school by bus, but as Hyatts Wood Road does not have a footpath (safe
walking route to the bus stop) then the bus should be collecting the children
from their home, rather than a bus stop.
470 Resolved: Unanimously the Clerk to write to North Somerset Council regarding the state of the hedges which are being insufficiently cut, which is causing children on bikes to ride further out into the road, and is a danger to children awaiting school buses. Improved traffic calming measures are also required in this location. Copies of photographs to be sent with letter to North Somerset Council.
15. To receive and consider letter from NSC dated 30.9.09 re Local Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund Grants.
471 Noted
16. To receive and consider draft Business Plan from ALCA
472 Resolved: Unanimously Backwell Parish Council approves ALCA's
draft Business Plan.
17. To receive and consider letter from National Grid dated 8.10.09 re Hinkley Point C Connection Project, report from Cllr B Bucknell on Parish Briefing and email from Mr K Edwards dated 22.10.09 (Further details available in Parish Office - CD from National Grid and A3 colour plans
473 This matter was discussed after Agenda Item 5 (see minute no. 456)
18. Resignation of Cllr S Miller
The Chairman informed members of Cllr S Miller's resignation due to work
commitments.
474 Noted: The Clerk to send a letter of appreciation to Cllr S Miller for all her work on the Council.
19. Vacancies within Council
a. Planning Committee
475 Resolved: Cllr D Brooks to serve on Planning Committee.
b. Enhancement Working Party
476 Resolved: Cllr C Pope to join the Enhancement Working Party until
May 2010.
c. Community Plan Working Group
477 It was felt that there was no need for a member to join this group at the present time.
20. To receive and consider letters from Backwell Environment Trust dated 13.10.09 and 29.10.09 regarding proposed access path around Backwell Lake and request for a contribution of £100 towards the scheme
The Chairman explained to members that the Backwell Environment Trust had
made the application on behalf of Backwell Access Group.
478 Resolved: Unanimously a letter of support be sent to the Backwell Access Group, and a contribution of £100 to be made to them towards the scheme.
21. To receive and consider email from Mr C M Pratt, Backwell Playing Fields, dated 19.10.09 re anti-social behaviour
479 Noted
22. To receive and consider letter from Mrs M Martin,West Leigh Infant School dated 15.10.09 re dog fouling
480 Resolved: Unanimously a letter be sent to the Dog Warden at North Somerset Council enclosing a copy of Mrs Martin's letter, plus arrange for a
paragraph to appear in the Parish Magazine reminding dog owners to clear up after their dogs.
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23. To receive and consider email from NSC dated 22.10.09 re 2 x 3 seater benches
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481 Resolved: Unanimously Cllrs C Pope and R Taylor to inspect the benches being offered by North Somerset Council, with a view to using them to replace 2 of the existing benches at the Oatfield Play Area.
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24. To receive letter from Calor dated 22.10.09 re Calor Village of the Year results
482 Noted
25. To consider starting time for 3rd December 2009 Full Council meeting (Please see Clerk's report)
483 Resolved: Unanimously the 3rd December 2009 Full Council meeting to
commence at 7 pm.
26. To receive and consider reports from working parties of the Council/Cllrs
a. Cllr R Mason - Community Plan update
484 Noted: Cllr R Mason had no updates at the present time.
b. Cllr R Mason- Changes to waste and recycling arrangements (further
details available in Parish Office)
485 Cllr R Mason's report was noted by members.
c. Enhancement Working Party report
The report was noted by members and the following resolutions
were passed:
486 Resolved:Unanimously the Clerk to send thank you letters to Adele Stitch, Jean Routley and Bob Day for their help at the Over 60's
Afternoon Tea Party.
487 Resolved: Unanimously the Clerk to place an order for the Christmas tree once it has been selected.
488 Resolved: Unanimously the Clerk to place an order with WRS for
the Christmas tree lights to be erected/dismantled, and for the street
lights to be put in place and to advise them of dates for these actions
to take place.
489 Resolved: Unanimously the Clerk to place an order with Nailsea
Patio Supplies for the collection, erecting and removal of the
Christmas tree.
490 Resolved: The Clerk to notify North Somerset Council regarding
the barriers, road signs and yellow jackets.
491 Noted: The Clerk is currently preparing a Method Statement.
Carols Around the Christmas Tree
492 Noted: The Clerk to send a letter to the police advising them
of this event.
d. Moor Lane Play Area
Members noted the Working Party's report regarding the possibility of
adding another piece of equipment to the play area for the
older children to use.
493 Resolved: Unanimously it was agreed not to pursue the purchase of additional equipment at this present time.
e. Cllr R Taylor - ALCA Meeting 15.10.09
494 Cllr R Taylor's report was noted by members.
f. RSS Forum - Minutes of meeting held at Nailsea Town Council 6.10.09
495 Minutes noted.
27. To receive and consider a report from the Clerk of the Council
496 (a) Report noted.
497 (b) Update on non-agenda items - Cllrs C Pope, S Pope, R Taylor, M Gibbons-Price, D Brooks and R Mason, together with the Clerk, to attend the proposed Planning Workshop being held at North Somerset Council on the 26th November 2009
28. To receive and consider: - Relevant correspondence (all available at office
for viewing)
498 Correspondence noted.
29. Accounts
a. To receive and consider the receipts and payments schedule for October 2009 (Checked by Cllr S Pope prior to meeting)
499 Members noted the schedule previously circulated.
b. To authorise expenditure for the month of October 2009
500 Resolved: Unanimously to authorise expenditure with the additional entries of cheque nos. 101241 to Auxillio.com for £115 for website hosting and 101242 to Little Tipple for £119.76 for Xmas refreshments after the 3rd December meeting.
c. To review annual allotment rent for 2010 (currently £27 for a full plot and
£14 for a half plot)
Members were informed that the rent was not increased last year
501 Resolved: By a majority decision the rent to be increase by £1
per plot/half plot to £28 for a full plot and £15 for a half plot.
d. To authorise payment to CW Decorating of £2,800 plus VAT for
decorating of Parish Office
502 Resolved: Unanimously to authorise.
e. To authorise the sum of £125 (or £49 per delegate) for Clerk and 2 Councillors to attend the SLCC Regional Conference on 3.12.09
at The Four Pillars Hotel, Swindon, 10 am to 3.45 pm
503 Resolved: Unanimously the Clerk to attend the SLCC
Conference at a cost of £49.00.
30. Planning Matters
To consider the following planning applications:-
504 8.51 pm Cllr M Gibbons-Price left the meeting as she has a prejudicial interest
a. Planning application no. 09/P/1741/F Caroline Place, Hillside
Road, Backwell - Mr & Mrs D Sackett. Refurbishment and repair
to internal and external walls and roof. Demolish and rebuild the
tower bay. Alternations to doors and windows.
505 Resolved: Unanimously no objection
b. Planning application no. 09/P/1742/LB Caroline Place, Hillside
Road, Backwell - Mr & Mrs D Sackett. Refurbishment and repair
to internal and external walls and roof. Demolish and rebuild the
tower bay. Alternations to doors and windows.
506 Resolved: Unanimously no objection
507 8.55 pm Cllr M Gibbons-Price rejoined the meeting and was advised of the above resolutions
c. Planning application no. 09/P/1759/F 45 Dark Lane, Backwell -
Mrs S Morris. Convert loft to front half of house. Raise ridge height
and add 2 dormer roof extensions on front elevation.
508 Resolved: Unanimously no objection
d. Planning application no. 09/P/1772/TPO 15 Chapel Hill,Backwell -
Silvanus-Services. T1 - Sycamore - crown reduce by 30%. Crown thin
by 20%.
509 Resolved: Unanimously no objection
e. Planning Application no. 09/P/1788/F Summervale, Moor Lane,
Backwell - Mr D Abruzzo. Erection of side and rear extensions. Erection
of 2 no. bay windows to front elevation. Raising of roof and insertion of 3 no.
dormer windows to front elevation and 3 no. dormer windows with 1 no.
balcony and 2 no. Juliette balconies to rear elevation. Erection of 2 metre
high boundary wall with gates to front of property.
510 Resolved: By a majority decision Backwell Parish Council has no objection to the bungalow alterations, but felt that a 2 metre high boundary wall with gates at the front of the property would be totally out of character with
the adjoining 3 properties situated in a nice country lane, with open
views of the countryside. A 2 metre boundary wall and gate are anti-
social in rural areas and must be discouraged.
31. Invitations
a. Invitation from North Somerset Partnership to attend 'Improving
our communities together - Delivering in changing times' event to be
held at the Winter Gardens, Weston-super-Mare on Monday 23
November from 9.30 - 1pm
511 Noted: Unanimously Cllr D Brooks to attend.
b. Invitation to attend public exhibitions re South Bristol Link
Hartcliffe to Long Ashton (details in meeting papers of dates, times
and venues)
512 Noted.
c. Invitation to attend CPRE's Branch AGM on Saturday 14th November
2009 at the Sawmill, Tyntesfield at 10.30 am (the AGM incorporates
the Calor Village of the Year Award ceremony)
513 Noted: Any member wishing to attend the CPRE AGM to notify
the Clerk.
There being no further items of business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 2105 hours
DATE OF NEXT MEETINGS:
Full Council Meeting Thursday 3rd December 2009 at 1900 hours in Backwell Parish Hall.
At present this is no Planning Committee meeting planned for December.