The Minutes of the previous meeting September 2015)

MINUTES OF MEETING OF HARDINGTON MANDEVILLE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 20th OCTOBER 2015
IN THE VILLAGE HALL

Members are reminded that the Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions - Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status & any disability); Crime & Disorder, Health & Safety and Human Rights.
Nancy Chapman, Parish Clerk

Prior to the Parish Council Meeting Halsall Homes gave a presentation on their latest proposal of 10 dwellings for the Moor End Nursery Site. This included 7 x 4 bedroom houses, 1 x 3 bedroom house, 1 x 2 bedroom house and 1 x 2 bedroom bungalow. Proposals for parking, access and surface water drainage have remained the same as agreed and approved by Simon Fox in the original proposal. Under SSDC's SS2 policy, a project of 10 dwellings requires 35% affordable housing (2/3 social rent, 1/3 shared ownership). As the new proposal does not meet this requirement a good level of support from the parish would be required in order for Halsall to proceed with the scheme. An element of affordable housing could still be provided via the Government's help-to-buy scheme. An appeal against SSDC's refusal for the original proposal has been registered, but should this new proposal be approved prior to the appeal determination, Halsall will withdraw their appeal. Halsall's latest proposal is available for review and comment on their website.

PRESENT

Robin Carpenter, Malcolm White, Paul Vallis, Andy Webb, Clare Middleton, Bill Turner, Ernest Kong, and Gina Seaton (District Councillor).

IN ATTENDANCE

Nancy Chapman (Parish Clerk) and 16 members of the public.

Before the meeting commenced there was an opportunity for the public to speak:

A parishioner stated that although they'd only seen part of the Halsall presentation, they were appalled not to see any element of affordable housing in the new proposal.
Another parishioner stated that 3 of the smaller plots in the new proposal could be eligible for the government's help-to-buy scheme and were therefore affordable under the definition adopted by the Parish Council during September's meeting.

Daphne Creed of Springfield Stores announced that she would be selling tickets for three forthcoming local invents; the Hardington Player's 'Radio Times' event on 23rd/24th October, the Hardington Bonfire Night on November 7th, and the Annual Turkey Supper on the 28th November. A lot of hard work goes into organizing these events and everyone's support is greatly appreciated.

  1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE .
    Apologies were received from and Cathy Bakewell (District Councillor) and Marcus Fysh (County Councillor).
  2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15th September 2015 (Already Circulated)
    The minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman as correct records of the meeting.
  3. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST.
    Robin Carpenter declared an interest in item 6c.
  4. MATTERS OF REPORT ARISING FROM THE PREVIOUS MINUTES.
    The Chairman gave a brief report from his recent attendance at the SSDC Planning Training meeting and Flood Risk Management Event.
  5. DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS' REPORTS (BY INVITATION)
    Gina Seaton reported that there were no planning applications discussed at the Area South meeting. There was an update on the Heart of Wessex rail partnership which covers the Bristol to Weymouth Line. This line will have an improved timetable from 14th December with trains connecting Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction. There was also an update from the South Somerest Careline which provides personal alarms and a rapid response service to people's homes when they need it.
    The Christmas lights switch-on will take place on 14th November, preceded by a lantern parade. Following a very packed meeting, SSDC have decided to save the Westland's Sports & Social Club facility, with an agreed budget of £1.8m from council reserves. The Chairman read Cathy Bakewell's and Marcus Fysh's reports.
  6. PLANNING AND PLANNING APPLICATIONS
    1. There were no planning applications received after publication of the agenda.
    2. Results of previous applications:
      App no: 15/00341/FUL The erection of a stable block and hard standing and the change of use of land from agricultural to equestrian at Land OS 1478 Hill End, Hardington Mandeville. Applicant Miss Wendy Southcombe. Approved with Conditions.
    3. Discussion took place regarding Halsall Homes latest proposal of 10 units. As not all members of the PC had had the opportunity to review the latest proposal, it was decided that a decision on whether to support it could not be made at this time. It was agreed the latest plans should be made available in Daphne's shop and comments gathered over the next month so that a decision could be made at November's meeting. A resolution was passed stating that the PC is broadly supportive of a revised proposal of 10 dwellings, subject to reviewing the revised plans in detail.
    4. There were no other planning issues.
  7. HIGHWAYS
    1. Neil had yet not had a response from SCC following his recent highways report sent to them. Neil also sent an email to the road closure team following complaints of lack of notice for the recent main road closure in Hardington and is still awaiting a response.
    2. Having received details of an opportunity to receive funding under the small improvement scheme, Neil felt that the majority of projects related to safety measures and asked for peoples views on this. While speeding vehicles are sometimes a problem in the village, it was viewed that traffic calming measures were undesirable in a rural setting such as Hardington.
  8. PARISH PLAN
    1. No current issues.
  9. COMMUNITY FIELD
    1. The possibility of purchasing a chain and padlock, so that the large inner gate at the community field could be locked to increase security was discussed. It was viewed that a pair of bolt-cutters would easily bypass this and so it was agreed that no further action would be taken.
    2. The Chairman thanked the Hardington Horse & Dog Show Committee for their generous donation of £500 towards the Community Field Gazebo, following another successful show. The Clerk agreed to write a letter of thanks.
  10. RISK MANAGEMENT
    1. The Chairman reported that Mrs Hall of Honeysuckle Cottage was in the process of obtaining a quote for drainage work, so that an application can be made to the SCC flood alleviation fund.
    2. The clerk's appraisal is still to be scheduled.
  11. FINANCE
    1. The Bank Reconciliation at 30th September 2015 was approved.
    2. The Budget Analysis for Quarter 2 - 2015/16 was reviewed.
    3. The Clerk's hours for September (22 hours) were approved. A resolution was passed to approve payment of £647.06 to the Clerk for:
      Jul-Sept 2015 Salary (£589.50)
      Mileage (£20.70)
      Other Expenses (£36.86 (inc VAT £5.22))
    4. Following discussion with Brian Dodd, who maintains the Hardington website, the clerk agreed to make an application for Transparency Code funding.
  12. FOOTPATHS
    1. The Chairman and Parish Council congratulated Ernest Kong on having been awarded the British Horse Society's Lady Elizabeth Kirk Award following his recent bridleway dedication. Ernest and Robin will be attending a BHS ceremony in London where society president and TV celebrity Martin Clunes will present the award.
  13. PARISH RANGER SCHEME
    1. Following long-term illness, SSDC are seeking to appoint a replacement for Matthew. Work has begun on the list of village hall external maintenance jobs and it was felt this would occupy the ranger on his next visit.
  14. CORRESPONDENCE
    1. The Chairman reported that he would be attending a meeting with Marcus Fysh on Saturday 14th November to discuss any issues. He also stated that he felt it was unsatisfactory having a county council representative who generally isn't able to attend the PC meeting and intends to discuss this with Marcus.
  15. MATTERS OF REPORT & ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
    1. Chairman. Nothing to report.
    2. Councillors: Nothing to report.
    3. Clerk: : The Clerk asked the PC if they wished to schedule a Winter Litter Pick, but it was decided that this was unnecessary at present and that this could be postponed until Spring.
  16. DATE AND TIME OF NEST MEETING & CLOSURE
    The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 17th November 2015 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. The meeting closed at 8.51pm.

Brian Dodd informed the Council that fibre optic broadband is now available in most parts of Hardington, should they wish to pay for it to be installed.

Peter Bysouth informed the council that the Community Licence requires updating and that it does not cost anymore to make more than once change while it is being revised. In addition to a change of address for the licensee holder, the addition of the Community Field and Bonfire Event Field should be added. Peter agreed to fill in the necessary forms for submission and present them at next months meeting for approval.