Agenda and draft minutes
PDF 93 KBVenue: The Wincanton Sports Ground, Moor Lane, Wincanton BA9 9RB
Contact: LCN Team Email: lcn@somerset.gov.uk
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Elect the Chair of the Local Community Network Only members of the core membership are eligible to be nominated as the Vice-Chair. Either the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Local Community Network shall be a Somerset Council Councillor.
Only voting members can make nominations. The nomination must be seconded to be valid.
To participate in the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, as a core member of the LCN, you will need to be physically present at the meeting. (For more information please see Terms of Reference). Minutes: Nominations: Ewan Jones & Judi Morrison were nominated by Nicola Clark, Seconded by Sue Place.
Ewan Jones & Judi Morrison were unanimously voted in as Co-Chairs. |
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Appoint the Vice-Chair of the Local Community Network Only members of the core membership are eligible to be nominated as the Vice-Chair. Either the Chair or Vice-Chair of the Local Community Network shall be a Somerset Council Councillor. Only voting members can make nominations. The nomination must be seconded to be valid. To participate in the election of the Chair and Vice-Chair, as a core member of the LCN, you will need to be physically present at the meeting. (For more information please see Terms of Reference).
Minutes: Nominations: Nicola Clark was nominated by Sue Place, Seconded by Tim Carty.
Nicola Clark was appointed Vice-Chair. |
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Consider the Yearly Report of the LCN's work in the last 12 months Minutes: The Yearly Report with LCN. The report can be found here.
The meeting discussed the progress of the flooding, highways, and rights of way working groups. The flooding working group has been greatly assisted by Terena Isaacs, and the Somerset Civil Contingencies Unit.
The report was summarised. It was mentioned that other parishes (including West Camel, Marston Magna and Rimpton) would like to join this LCN area. This is an ongoing discussion.
Discussed the Footpaths group and the potential it has for local parishes. Somerset Council is running a strimmer scheme that can train volunteers in any of the parishes and will also allow borrowing of the equipment. Parishes who would like to find out more information including how to sign up should visit Somerset Volunteering | Volunteer opportunities in Somerset.
The LCN is making relationships with the new designated safeguarding leads in each school.
Action 1 – Flooding and emergency planning: Attend public meetings with the Section 19 investigator in Queen Camel, Henstridge and Pitcombe (parish councils and residents of affected areas).
Action 2 – Highways and traffic working group: Arrange a meeting with highways team and link officer (LCN manager and link officer).
Action 3 – Rights of way working group: Register for volunteering opportunities with Somerset Council (parish councils and residents interested in footpath maintenance). |
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Overview of Highlights from LCNs across Somerset Minutes: The LCN link officers present provided an overview of the work of the LCNS across Somerset. More information is available in the slide pack which can be viewedhere.
Kate provided an overview of the topics discussed in LCN meetings. Two LCNs have health and well-being as their focus. Housing, economic development, support for businesses, climate, environment, and conservation were also discussed.
The LCN and Kate discussed the concept of safe spaces for vulnerable residents, including designated organizations and crisis safe spaces. Safe Places Scheme (somerset.gov.uk). |
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Consider the Priorities and areas of focus for the LCN for the next 12 months Minutes: • Reflections from previous speakers and discussions • Are there topics / areas missing from the initial list? • How can we find out more from residents?
All the tables and online broke into groups for a discussion and ideas: a) What are we missing from the local LCN? Highways Communication Enforcement – Planning – Police Loss of Locality Team Planning and enforcement Highway Planning Template contract docs for Parishes, Town & LCN to work together. Local Plan – Q: what is the point? Is it Credible? Community Development and integrity.
b) What matters to residents in our communities? Community Policing High street regeneration A347 Bypass Weighbridge – Police – Enforcement Children, young people, families, and early help Buses and transport, poverty Sherborne - Castle Cary – Templecombe Station car parks
Discussion from the Group work. Planning priorities were discussed in the meeting. Kate suggested that the LCN should focus on future planning rather than immediate planning. She encouraged members to think about what they need in the future, such as healthcare needs of the community and active travel routes.
The impact of large developments on the road network and local infrastructure. Suggested that the LCN should take an overview of the cross-boundary and cross-parish impact of these developments. Concerns have been raised about the lack of enforcement on the A359 and A371 roads and suggested that the LCN should get involved.
It was mentioned that Galhampton and North Cadbury have had an issue with submitting their data for speed watch points due to the retirement of the person responsible. Discussion about pushing for police attendance at LCN meetings and the lack of communication regarding antisocial behaviour. Also discussed the issue of planning enforcement and the need for police presence to maintain the rule of law.
It was emphasized the importance of enforcement in ensuring that plans and projects are not derailed. The LCN also discussed the upcoming visit of the enforcement team and the opportunity for local clerks to engage with them.
A suggestion to move forward and find out more from the residents. It is proposed to survey the parishes properly by circulating a questionnaire. The team asked for feedback on the questionnaire and whether it's fit for purpose. The LCN and Kate discussed the questionnaire for parishes and residents. Kate suggested that the questionnaire should be more detailed to better understand the needs of residents.
Action 4 – Attend the fortnightly clerks meeting with planning colleagues and get updates on planning enforcement, local plan, and call for sites.
Action 5 – LCN priorities and ambitions: Review the questionnaire from Frome and provide feedback to Southeastlcn@somerset.gov.uk (parish councils and other organisations). |
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Agree the schedule of meetings for the next 12 months Minutes:
All the meeting dates have been agreed.
• Wednesday 23rd October 2024 • Wednesday 22nd January 2025 • Wednesday 30th April 2025 • Wednesday 16th July 2025
Venues will be advised in due course.
The Chair thanked everyone for their participation and reminded about the need for feedback on the survey.
Table of Actions:
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