Meeting documents

The minutes of the meeting held on 15^th October 2014, copies of which had been circulated, were taken as read and, having been approved were signed by the Chairman, as a correct record of the proceedings.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kim Turner and Linda Vijeh.

In accordance with the Council's current Code of Conduct (adopted July 2012), which includes all the provisions relating to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI), personal and prejudicial interests, Members are asked to declare any DPI and also any personal interests (and whether or not such personal interests are also "prejudicial") in relation to any matter on the agenda for this meeting. A DPI is defined in The Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012 No. 1464) and Appendix 3 of the Council’s Code of Conduct. A personal interest is defined in paragraph 2.8 of the Code and a prejudicial interest is defined in paragraph 2.9. 

Members are reminded that they need to declare the fact that they are also a member of a County, Town or Parish Council as a Personal Interest.  As a result of the change made to the Code of Conduct by this Council at its meeting on 15^th May 2014, where you are also a member of Somerset County Council and/or a Town or Parish Council within South Somerset you must declare a prejudicial interest in any business on the agenda where there is a financial benefit or gain or advantage to Somerset County Council and/or a Town or Parish Council which would be at the cost or to the financial disadvantage of South Somerset District Council.  If you have a prejudicial interest you must comply with paragraphs  2.9(b) and 2.9(c) of the Code.

In the interests of complete transparency, Members of the County Council, who are not also members of this committee, are encouraged to declare any interests they may have in any matters being discussed even though they may not be under any obligation to do so under any relevant code of conduct.

Planning Applications Referred to the Regulation Committee

The following members of this Committee are also members of the Council's Regulation Committee:

Councillors. Mike Best, Angie Singleton and Linda Vijeh

Where planning applications are referred by this Committee to the Regulation Committee for determination, in accordance with the Council's Code of Practice on Planning, Members of the Regulation Committee can participate and vote on these items at the Area Committee and at Regulation Committee.  In these cases the Council's decision-making process is not complete until the application is determined by the Regulation Committee.  Members of the Regulation Committee retain an open mind and will not finalise their position until the Regulation Committee.  They will also consider the matter at Regulation Committee as Members of that Committee and not as representatives of the Area Committee.

Cllr. Ros Roderigo declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 10 – Request for a Community Grant, as her husband was the caretaker at Combe St Nicolas Village Hall.  She indicated that she would leave the room during consideration of the item.

Cllr. Martin Wale declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 10 – Request for a Community Grant, as a member of Combe St Nicolas Village Hall Committee.  He indicated that he would make a short statement prior to leaving the room.

Cllr. Sue Osborne declared a personal interest in Planning Application No. 14/01289/FUL, as the applicant and some of the objectors and supporters were known to her.  During the item, she indicated that one of the supporters that had spoken was very well known to her and therefore declared a prejudicial interest.  She left the room for the remainder of the item. 

This is a chance to ask questions, make comments and raise matters of concern.

Parish/Town Councils may also wish to use this opportunity to ask for the District Council’s support on any matter of particular concern to their Parish/Town.

Anyone wishing to raise matters in relation to items on the agenda may do so at the time the item is considered.

No questions or comments were raised by members of the public.

There were no announcements from the Chairman.

Reference was made to the agenda report, which informed members of the proposed Area West Committee Forward Plan.

The Area Development Manager (West) informed members that the report on the LEADER Programme for Rural Economic Development expected in December was likely to be presented in January as the announcements about successful programmes had been delayed. 

Members were content to note the Forward Plan.

RESOLVED:  That the Area West Committee Forward Plan be noted as attached to the agenda subject to the above amendment.

(Resolution passed without dissent)

The Assistant Highway Service Manager presented the report which provided an update on works progress for the period April 2014 to March 2015.  With regard to the winter maintenance programme, he informed members that local parishes had been invited to collect salt bags from the Yeovil Depot on the morning of Saturday 22^nd November.  A letter had also been sent to Parish Councils regarding the filling of parish grit bins.  With reference to the Structural Maintenance Scheme, members were advised that a number of schemes had been completed and that works at Dunsham Lane would commence shortly.  With regard to the B3168 Beacon, Ilminster, members were advised that the scheme was about halfway complete with most of the drainage work undertaken.  

The Assistant Highway Service Manager noted members’ comments and concerns about local issues within the area which included:

·         a member sought clarification over whether the road at Millfield, Chard, would be closed during the day and night during surfacing works.  He was informed that the road would be open during the day;

·         a member commented that gully clearance in Chard had been promised but had still not been undertaken;

·         with reference to resurfacing at Crimchard, members were advised that the works would be included in the programme for next year;

·         a member queried the reason for drainage works at Forton Road.  The Assistant Highway Service Manager agreed to contact the member with the information;

·         a member queried whether it was possible for the works at Lamberts Lane to be brought forward;

·         a member highlighted the problem of a pothole in Crimchard near the 30 mph sign;

·         in response to a question, the Assistant Highway Service Manager informed members that he would not know the budget for next year until February 2015 but at this stage he did not envisage it being any different to this year’s budget;

·         members were advised that the works for next year would be presented to the Area West Committee in June;

·         a member commented that he was disappointed with the patching at Severalls Park, Crewkerne and asked for it to be revisited;

·         members were advised that it was the landowners responsibility to cut back vegetation along the side of fields and to report issues to the Parish Council.

The Chairman thanked the Assistant Highway Service Manager for attending the meeting.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

Sam Best, SSVCA Chief Executive Officer was welcomed to the meeting.  She gave a detailed presentation, which included information about:

·         The aims, background and structure of the SSVCA

·         Community transport

·         Furnicare

·         Voluntary Sector Support

·         Somerset Emergency Volunteers

During the ensuing discussion, the SSVCA Chief Executive Officer, responded to comments and questions raised by members.  Points mentioned included the following:

·         Members congratulated the SSVCA on the excellent work they undertook;

·         With regard to concessionary fares, members were advised that Somerset County Council were under no legal obligation to support transport schemes.  SSVCA currently received 50% and each journey was capped at £6 per journey; 

·         With regard to providing support to organisations regarding funding sources, members were advised that a funding bulletin was sent to all organisations on the database.  Organisations were able to obtain advice and support from SSVCA to ensure that they had the correct evidence to support their funding bids;

·         If the Somerset Emergency Volunteers project received approval, funding would be provided by Somerset County Council;

·         With regard to links with voluntary sector providers, members were informed that SSVCA would support any working in partnership through their voluntary sector support work.  They currently had no links with voluntary transport in Crewkerne and Ilminster.

Members thanked the SSVCA Chief Executive Officer for attending the meeting and for her informative presentation.

RESOLVED:  That the report and presentation be noted.

The Community Office Support Manager summarised the agenda report, which updated members on the yearly footfall/enquiry figures across the district and the results of the recent customer satisfaction survey.

During the ensuing discussion, the Community Office Support Manager, responded to comments and questions raised by members.  Points mentioned included the following:

·         The enquiry types and timings outlined in the report were just a sample.  The front office did not record the time spent dealing with every enquiry;

·         With regard to SSDC non-enquiries, members were informed that staff had access to an online referral system which enabled them to signpost people to other relevant agencies;

·         Following the closure of the Job Centre in Chard, a job point touch screen and phone line were installed by Job Centre Plus in the Chard front office to allow people to phone the Job Centre and DWP.  It had now been concluded that the Job point provided was not as effective as a computer and would be removed but it had been agreed that the phone line would be maintained.  

 The Chairman thanked the Community Office Support Manager for attending the meeting.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Reason: To agree an application for funding towards replacement of toilet facilities and   flooring at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall. 

(voting: unanimous)

Prior to leaving the room, having earlier declared a personal and prejudicial interest, Cllr. Martin Wale informed members that the application was for a retrospective grant as the works had to be completed by a certain date.

Cllr. Ros Roderigo having earlier declared a personal and prejudicial interest, also left the room during consideration of the item.

Hilary Tinson, Chairman of Combe St Nicholas Village Hall Committee addressed the Committee.  She referred to the previous grant awarded in 2012 towards the replacement kitchen and commented that it had made a great difference to the use of the hall. It had become apparent that the toilet facilities were no longer adequate. The process of refurbishment had commenced in August 2003 and it had taken some time to resolve the problem of confined space.  The Hall Committee had decided to go ahead with the works as the Contractor was only available to start the job immediately and the Lottery required the project to start within three months.

The Neighbourhood Development Manager introduced the report, which asked members to consider an application for financial assistance towards replacement of toilet fittings and flooring.  He commented that the replacement kitchen had been a huge success.  The toilet facilities were considered inadequate, particularly the disabled and childcare facilities.  Members were informed that the hall was well used and were shown photographs illustrating some of the activities provided.  The Village Hall Committee had decided to proceed with the works as they were concerned that they would lose their Lottery funding.  He advised that if the grant was awarded it would be retrospective and referred members to the project costs outlined in the agenda report.

During discussion, members unanimously supported the recommendations outlined in the report.

Reason: To agree an application for funding towards replacement of toilet facilities and   flooring at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall. 

(Voting: unanimous)

Crewkerne Museum

Members noted the agenda report by Cllr. John Dyke updating member on Crewkerne Museum.

Chard and District Museum

Cllr. Brennie Halse gave a presentation updating members on Chard and District Museum.

NOTED.

There were no planning applications referred to the Regulation Committee.

The Committee noted the details contained the agenda report, which informed members of the planning appeals received, allowed and dismissed.

NOTED.

Members noted the Schedule of Planning Applications to be determined by Committee.

Application proposal: Alterations to include demolition of building, conversion of outbuilding to form 2 No. dwellings, the erection of a single story extension and the erection of a detached garage.

Prior to consideration of the application, Cllr. Sue Osborne declared a personal interest in the item as the applicant and some of the supporters and objectors were known to her.

The Planning Officer with the aid of slides and photographs summarised the details of the application as set out in the agenda report and outlined the key considerations.  There were no updates to the report.  The Planning Officer’s recommendation was for refusal.

In response to questions, the Planning Officer clarified points of detail raised by members.  Members were informed of the following:

·         There was no requirement for a Travel Plan to be produced for two dwellings;

·         It would be appropriate to impose a condition through a legal agreement for the re-siting of the cattle;

·         The Environment Agency had not made a visit to the site as the water supply was outside of their remit;

·         The existing barns were used for farm storage and partly for livestock;  

·         With reference to whether there was an acceptable minimum distance between the proposed dwellings and a working farmyard, members were advised by the Environmental Protection Officer that there was no legally stated distance and it was down to reasonableness and judgement.

The Committee noted the comments of Mr Chris Baranowski representing Allowenshay and Kingstone Parish Meeting.  He commented that the Parish Council were against the proposal for the five reasons outlined in the agenda report.  He asked members to support the Planning Officer’s recommendation and refuse the application.

Comments raised by Peta Inglesent, Susan Gibson, Carmel Wilkinson and Gillian Brierley in objection to the application were noted by the Committee.  Points mentioned included the following:

·         Concerns about the current water supply for the village;

·         Over the past 5 years, there had been several interruptions to the water supply;

·         Concern over the unknown impact on the existing borehole by the proposed new borehole;

·         The application should be considered in the context of the whole village;

·         The water supply has previously exceeded limits in the regulations for iron and manganese;

·         There were already ongoing issues with the pressure and quality of the water supply.

The Committee was then addressed by Nick Rutter and Livia Lewendon in support of the application.  Points mentioned included the following:

·         The benefits of housing the calves in the buildings;

·         In the past the land had been heavily cultivated but was far better managed as grass and would be a huge loss to the area if reverted back to cultivation;

·         The application had been submitted with a new borehole because of the issues with the existing private water supply;

·         The application would allow young people to remain in the community and to be able to purchase an affordable property;

·         Farm practices needed to thrive and the proximity of animals to the barns was a personal choice for anyone purchasing the barns  ...  view the full minutes text for item 113.

Application proposal: Installation of 4.08MW solar farm, access, associated infrastructure and landscaping

The Planning Officer with the aid of slides and photographs summarised the details of the application as set out in the agenda report.  The Planning Officer’s recommendation was for approval.  She proposed an amendment to the landscaping condition to read in this coming planting season.  She also recommended an additional condition to cover the finish of the structure and amended the officer report on page 72 of the agenda to read consideration be given to dark hues as recommended by the AONB. 

In response to questions, the Planning Officer clarified points of detail raised by members.  Members were informed of the following:

·         The landscaping and planting would be conditioned around the quarry area;

·         Clarification over the location of the site in relation to Barleymows Farm Shop.

The Committee was addressed by Ian Porter and John Eames in support of the application.  Views expressed included the following:

·         The proposal supported the need in meeting the growing demand for electricity;

·         The proposal met government policy for renewable energy sources;                                                                                                                                                                                            

·         Solar panels ran silently and produced zero emissions;

·         The proposal could not be seen from the road and would be fenced at the north end;

·         The land was low grade;

·         The ground beneath the panels would be grazed.

Debbie Marriage, the Applicant’s Agent commented that the applicant had listened to feedback and had amended the plans accordingly and removed the panels from the area of concern.  The scheme was acceptable to the Landscape Officer and commented that new planting was a key part of any solar farm.  She commented that the access had been moved and widened without uprooting the hedgerow.  During the operating lifetime of the solar farm the site would be available for grazing.  She was also proud that solar energy could support a farming community scheme.  

Ward Member, Cllr. Ros Roderigo referred to there being a lot of support for the scheme but also objectors.  She did not support schemes on good farm land but the proposed land was not best and most versatile.  The scheme could not be visible from any house and she was satisfied with the planting. She referred to the recommendation on page 76 of the report and believed that the benefits of the scheme outweighed the limited impact on the local landscape character. 

During the ensuing discussion, members supported the application.  They commented that the land was low grade and felt that the farm would be fairly inconspicuous.  It was proposed and seconded to approve the application as per the Planning Officer’s amended recommendation to include an amendment to the landscaping condition to make reference to this planting season and an additional condition to cover the finish of the structure.  On being put to the vote the proposal was carried unanimously.

Members noted that the next meeting of the Committee would be held on Wednesday 17^th December 2014 at the Henhayes Centre, Crewkerne.