PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE DRAFT MINUTES TO BE CONFIRMED ON MARCH 3
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 4th February 2008 at 7pm.
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), R. Bowrah, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, G. Copley, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors J. Clark, C. Hindley, J. Lloyd and S. Walters. There were 4 members of the public present.
14592 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton said that during January he had attended meetings to do with Wellington Food Town, Market and Coastal Town Initiative, and Beech Grove School. He reminded the meeting of the forthcoming Friends of Wellington Park quiz night on 15th February and asked if any councillors would like to join him and make up a team. He also welcomed the town’s new police sergeant Stuart Bell.
14593 POLICE MATTERS
PCSO support officer John Swayne of Wellington Police Station introduced the new police sergeant Stuart Bell to the meeting. Sergeant Bell thanked councillors for their welcome and informed them the crime figures were a mixed bag. There had been 2 reports of criminal damage in Wellington and a suspect had been charged and bailed for both incidents. There had been 1 window broken in the criminal damage to non-dwellings category and also 3 windows broken to dwellings and investigations were still ongoing. There had been a rise in the number of incidents of criminal damage to motor vehicles from December with 16 incidents of damage to tyres, windscreen wipers, and paintwork. Many of the incidents had taken place in car parks including the car park off Courtland Road. There had also been one house burglary and four burglaries to non-dwellings, and 10 offences of actual bodily harm with six of these occurring at the same time by the same assailant who had been remanded back into prison. There had been three cases of common assault and two of them related to a domestic incident and a person had been charged. There had been four thefts from motor vehicles where belongings had been left on display, and two thefts from shops with one person charged for shoplifting. There had been no bike thefts. Councillor Mitton suggested it would be a good time to arrange the visit to the CCTV centre in Bridgwater while Mr Swayne was at the meeting as he was the portfolio holder responsible for CCTV at Sedgemoor District Council which monitored Taunton Deane’s CCTV in the Bridgwater centre. It was agreed to have two visits to the centre – one on Tuesday March 4th at 2pm and the other on Tuesday March 11th at 7pm. Mr Swayne said he thought the council would receive a grant application from Shopwatch shortly for funding towards a CCTV scheme. Sgt Bell and Mr Swayne were thanked for attending.
14594 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, invited councillors to attend the WIB AGM on Thursday, 7th February at Bulford Community Hall at 6pm and reported that she had met the directors of Hawks, the main developers of the new Somerfield Store, that afternoon and they had confirmed that the work would be going ahead.
14595 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, the chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, reported that a cheese and wine quiz was being held on Saturday, 16th February, that the summer programme of Sunday afternoon entertainment had been arranged and that a May Day fund raising event would be held on the Park on Monday, 5th May 2008.
14596 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 7th January 2008, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct by the chairman Councillor Mitton, with the following addition to council meeting minute 14584 Staffing Committee: “The short listing of candidates for the post of town clerk shall be decided by the Staffing Committee plus Councillors A. Govier, P. Critchard, V. Stock-Williams and J. Clark and that the interviews shall be undertaken by the Staffing Committee with the clerk present as an advisor.”
14597 PRECEPT AND BUDGET FOR 2008-2009
In his final budget report before his retirement, the clerk recommended the council to fix an unchanged council tax of £16.50 for Band D properties for 2008-2009 and to fix the council’s precept at £76,670. He recommended taking £32,305 from the balances to keep the council’s own tax unchanged for a ninth year in succession and pointed out that it was estimated that the council would have a balance of £84,695 at the end of March 2009 which would be more than adequate to meet any unforeseen expenditure which might occur during the next financial year. On the recommendation of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to accept the report (details attached to these minutes) and its recommendations, to thank the clerk for his hard work and to amend the item for CCTV to “CCTV/Crime Prevention.”
14598 REMOVAL OF WHISTLE BOARDS AT WESTFORD RAIL CROSSING
With reference to minute 14571 a letter was received from Network Rail stating that the boards had been in place until they were reported missing, presumed stolen. After unsuccessful investigations with the British Transport Police, Network Rail consulted with Her Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate for their permanent removal and following agreement the boards had not been replaced, leaving the crossing protected by the audible warning and lights based system. The red light showed and the audible warning started 21 seconds before the arrival of a train. The average crossing time for a pedestrian was calculated at 8.22 seconds. In addition a new foot-deck had been provided in August 2007 which reduced risk to pedestrians and speeded up the transit over the crossing. The crossing was last risk-assessed in Decembe 2006 and resulted in a score of C6 in their all level crossing risk model (ALCRM) computer test which did not fall within the high risk category. A site meeting with the Railway Inspectorate was offered and it was agreed to arrange such a meeting. Councillors felt the elderly would take longer than 8 seconds to cross the lines.
14599 STREET CLEANING
With reference to minute 14568 it was reported that councillors had seen an impressive demonstration of the mechanical pavement sweeper (the green machine) in the town centre area on 30th January and that Taunton Deane Borough Council had agreed that the machine would visit Wellington on a fortnightly basis, spending the first two hours in the town centre area and the rest of the day in other parts of Wellington. It was agreed that the Environment Committee should meet to draw up a list of streets to be included in the machine’s cleaning programme.
14600 JUNCTION OF CORAMS LANE AND SPRINGFIELD ROAD
With reference to minute 14564 it was reported that a site meeting had taken place on 23rd January with Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, to consider measures to improve traffic congestion. A report suggesting the possible provision of double yellow lines in parts of Corams Lane and Springfield was awaited. It was agreed to defer the matter until the March meeting, pending the receipt of Mr Titcombe’s report.
14601 CONDUCT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS
A letter was received from the Department for Communities and Local Government seeking views on orders and regulations relating to the conduct of local authority members in England. Members also received a report on the consultation document from Somerset Association of Local Councils putting forward their response to the various proposals. It was agreed to support the SALC proposals and also to get more information about dual-hatted members.
14602 TOWN COUNCIL WEBSITE
It was reported that some quotes had been received for updating the town council website and that a meeting had been arranged with a firm later that week to discuss the website. It was agreed to consider the matter again at the March meeting when a full report would be circulated to councillors.
14603 NORTHERN RELIEF ROAD
Members were circulated with emails from Councillor A. Govier, Mr Ian Ayre, of Taunton DBC’s planning department, and the clerk, A. Brown about a proposed change in the Regional Spatial Strategy under which Wellington would be removed from policies covering Taunton and Bridgwater and about concerns that this alteration might adversely affect the suggested Northern Relief Road for Wellington. With a 15% increase in the housing numbers proposed for Wellington and the rest of the borough, Mr Ayre stated that he did not believe the change would have any impact on the case for developing Longforth Farm or the construction of a road which could operate as a relief road. After some discussion Councillor Govier proposed, and it was agreed, that Mr Ayre should be invited to attend a council meeting to discuss the topic further. A letter was also received from Mr Ian Mackinnon, chief executive of Swallowfield plc, supporting the town council’s plans for the construction of a Northern Relief Road.
COUNCILLOR R. HENLEY LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.50PM
14604 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 14570 a letter of thanks was received from the chairman of Wellington in Bloom, Mrs Isabel Ward, for the grant of £1,350. The letter was noted.
14605 ERECTION OF 2 BUNGALOWS AT WESTFORD COURT
With reference to minute 14557 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the planning application to demolish a redundant building and erect two bungalows on land south of Westford Court, Wellington (43/07/179) had been withdrawn. Letter was noted.
14606 HOLYOAKE STREET TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 14507 the clerk reported that an advance weight restriction sign had been erected in Station Road to deter large vehicles from turning left into Holyoake Street. The report was noted.
14607 PROVISION OF MORE CYCLE RACKS IN TOWN CENTRE
With reference to minute 14384 the clerk reported that 8 additional cycle racks had been provided by Taunton DBC in High Street and Fore Street. The report was noted.
14608 ROAD SIGNAGE AT BURROUGH WAY
With reference to minute 14503 the clerk reported that a new Burrough Way sign had been erected by Taunton DBC in the position requested. The report was noted.
14609 CCTV CAMERAS
With reference to minute 14561 the clerk reported that the council’s second CCTV camera had been installed in Mantle Street and that it was hoped to relocate the first camera which was currently in South Street car park to the Waterloo Road-Victoria Street junction very shortly. The report was noted.
14610 CLOSURE OF PAYTON ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that Payton Road would be closed for 4 weeks from 3rd March 2008 to lay storm and foul pipes along with the construction of new manholes. It was agreed to ask for the road to be opened as quickly as possible.
14611 TAUNTON DEANE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
A letter as received from Taunton Deane Local Strategic Partnership inviting councillors to attend a meeting of the West Community Partnership to be held at the Active Living Centre in North Street, Wellington on 12th February 2008 at 6.30pm. Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier, G. Copley and D. Mitton indicated that they would attend.
14612 A38 RED ROUTE WORKSHOPS
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about A38 red route workshops stating that driver error had been identified as the primary cause in over 95% of road accidents and that driver education was a vital part in any casualty reduction strategy. The clerk stated that more details were available from his office for members to read.
14613 BLACKDOWN HILLS CREATIVE ARTS FORUM
A letter was received from the vice chairman of Blackdown Hills Creataive Arts Forum, Fiona Hamilton about possible town council involvement in a community arts project and one day festival at Wellington Monument involving workshops and local food producers on Monday, 4th May 2008. It was agreed to defer a decision until the March meeting pending more information from the Forum.
14614 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14580 it was agreed to put the Northern Relief Road on the agenda for the next meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership to be held on Monday, 18th February 2008 at 6pm.
14615 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Construction of a timber double garage, caretaker’s workshop and greenhouse plus the creation of 9 additional car parking spaces at Court Fields Community School, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2007/161: county council decision); (b) Retention of alterations to access, formation of earth mound and erection of workshop/barn at Burts Farm, Ford Street, Wellington (44/2007/025); (c) Installation of court lighting at Wellington Tennis Club, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2007/166): (d) Erection of porch, single storey extension to rear and two storey extension at 30 Drakes Park, Wellington (43/2007/175); (e) Replacement of cement slates with Spanish slates at 50 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/176LB); (f) Erection of car port to east elevation at 21 Buckwell, Wellington (43/2007/157); (g) Installation of new shop front at 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/177 and 178LB, revised applications); (h) Erection of detached garage with store at 78 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/167); (i) Re-hanging of projecting sign and installation of window vinyl, Boots the Chemists, 6 High Street,igh Street, Wellig Wellington (43/2007/170A); (j) Erection of supermarket with associated car parking and
servicing, land to rear of 34-46 High Street, Wellington (partial amendment to planning permission 43/2004/141) (43/2007/163); (k) Erection of industrial unit at Rylands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/165). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Retention of satellite dish at 8 South Street, Wellington (43/2007/169).
14616 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST JANUARY 2008
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st January 2008 was £148,766 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £135,874 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14617 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Inland Revenue £732.85 for income tax and national insurance; Mr A. Brown £100 petty cash; Mrs J. Thorne £53.84 for additional hours of work in January; WCCTV £1.13 for calls to camera; Hinewood Cleaning Services £63 for bus shelter and window cleaning for January; Wellington Silver Band £300 for playing carols on 8th and 22nd December 2007; EDF Energy £160.13 for electricity at council offices; Society of Local Council Clerks £161 for annual membership; St John’s Primary School £295.84 for school crossing patrol for September to December 2007; Taunton Deane Community Transport £129 for concessionary hospital transport for December 2007; Taunton Deane Borough Council £2,550.15 for footpath clearance for 2007; Judith Goss Florists £45 for flowers for local war graves for September, October and December 2007; Taunton DBC £434.84 for grass cutting on 18 occasions at Tone play area; Christmas light power payments: Mount Veterinary Group £75, HT Perry £60, Wellington Baptist Church, Wellington United Reformed Church, J. Pragnell, Evad Furniture and Reel Cinemas Ltd £40 each, Green Dragon, Somerset Army Cadet Force and S.B. Ong £20 each.
14618 STAFFING COMMITTEE
With reference to minute 14584 the chairman Councillor D. Mitton reported that the committee had held two meetings and would hold another meeting before the actual interviews for the post of town clerk on 13th March. So far there had been 32 applications. As Councillor J. Lloyd could not attend the interview meeting on 13th March it was agreed that Councillor P. Critchard should take her place. It was further agreed that a short list of 6 applicants to be interviewed should be drawn up following the closing date.
14619 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported the following newsletters and reports were available from the clerk’s office for members to read if they wished: Clerk and Councils Direct magazine for January 2008; Winter edition of THATCH, the rural community magazine for Somerset; What’s On in Taunton Deane for February 2008.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50PM
Tuesday, 26 February 2008
Wellington Town Council planning meeting February 2008
PLEASE NOTE THESE ARE DRAFT MINUTES TO BE CONFIRMED ON MARCH 3
Minutes of the 130th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington, on Monday 4th February 2008 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillors D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, P. Critchard (vice-chairman), R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, J. Reed, J. Govier, G. Copley, V. Stock-Williams, and N. Wilson and R. Henley (who both arrived at 6.38pm) and the clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors S. Walters, J. Lloyd, and J Clark. There were 6 members of the public present.
14586 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting than at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them.
14587 APPLICATION FOR 24 THE BRAMBLES, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Demolition of detached garage and erection of two storey extension at 24 The Brambles, Wellington (43/2007/180). There was one letter of objection from Mrs K Harland, of 22 The Brambles, on the grounds the proposal was too obtrusive. Mr Hamer said the proposal was for a two storey extension on the existing property. The planning department was happy with it as it would be in-keeping with properties there and it was recommending approval. The council suspended standing orders to allow the applicant Mr P. Watts to speak who handed out photos of the property and similar properties to give councillors a better idea on how the extension would look. He said the extension would be very similar to others in the area and did not feel it would be too obtrusive. Councillor A. Govier said he had visited the site and felt the proposal was acceptable as it would be similar in design to other properties there. Councillor Hindley agreed and said he thought the extension would fit in with the existing properties. Councillor A. Govier proposed approval which was seconded by Councillor Hindley and was agreed unanimously.
14588 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications: (a) Demolition of 3 holiday lodges and erection of 2 dwellings and associated access of works on land adjacent to Sandstone Rise, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/182). Mr Hamer said there had been a previous outline application on this site for two single storey dwellings and this application was in line with that. He said the planning department were happy with the proposal and were likely to recommend approval. Councillor A. Govier recommended approval with Councillor Critchard seconding which was agreed unanimously by the council.
(b) Amended scheme for extension and conversion of public house into 11 flats, Sanford Arms, South Street, Wellington (43/2008/006). There was one letter from the applicants explaining the reasons for the amendments. Mr Hamer said the application was for a relatively small variation to the already approved scheme to provide an additional dormer and additional window and it could no longer be dealt with as a minor amendment. Councillor Critchard said he was not happy with the original application and remained unhappy about the plans so he would be voting against it. Councillor Copley said she felt if something was not done on the site the existing building would just fall into disrepair. Councillor Hindley recommended approval which was seconded by Councillor Stock-Williams and was approved by 4 votes, with 2 against and 4 abstaining.
(c) Erection of dwelling at 1 Greenway Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2008/004). Mr Hamer said there had been a previous application on this site for two small dwellings which the planning department had been concerned about because of the tightness of the space and the application was withdrawn. He felt this proposal overcame some of the problems of the previous application but highways comments were still awaited and there were still concerns about the tightness of the space and he thought the proposal would be out of character with the existing properties. Councillors agreed to suspend standing orders to let Rev. Chris Rowley speak who raised concerns about parking. Councillor Critchard said his main concern was for road safety and the amount parking on the junction with Rockwell Green made it difficult for the bus to get down there. Councillor A. Govier thought the proposal was overdevelopment and councillors agreed unanimously to recommend refusal on the grounds of overdevelopment on a small site and also because of highway concerns.
(d) Erection of employment units, Blocks 2, 3, and 4, West Park 26, Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2007/183). Mr Hamer said the proposal was a detailed application on part of the site for employment units. The only concern the planning department had was that the proposal should not encroach on the landscaping area. Councillor Bowrah said that any development like this he was in favour of in view of the increasing population. Councillors agreed unanimously to recommend approval subject to no adverse affect on landscaping.
(e) Installation of submersible foul sewage pumping station, erection of control panel kiosk and formation of access track on land to the north of Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2008/009). A letter was received from the applicants explaining the reasons for re-location of the pumping station. Mr Hamer explained the proposal was for the re-location alongside the main road into Wellington and most of it would be underground and it was needed for the new development to take place. Councillor Critchard recommended approval which was seconded by Councillor Hindley and was agreed by councillors unanimously.
(f) Retention of conservatory at 3 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2008/007). Councillors agreed unanimously to recommend approval.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 6.30PM
(g) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to Bruins, Burchills Hill, Wellington (43/2007/089). Mr Hamer said the proposal was within the garden area of the last property going out of Burchills Hill. He said the proposal could be a flood risk and was awaiting comments from the Environment Agency. Councillor Stock-Williams raised concerns about road safety. Councillors agreed to recommend approval subject to a satisfactory flood risk report and adequate road access.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH RE-ENTERED THE MEETING HERE AT 6.34PM
(h) Erection of 1.8m close boarded post and rail fence with gate at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2008/010). This was a county council application and was to be determined by the county council. Councillor A. Govier declared a personal interest as a member of Somerset County Council. Councillor Copley thought the proposal was a good idea because the area was used to dump rubbish. Councillor Hindley also thought it would be a good tidying up exercise and recommended approval which was seconded by Councillor Copley and was agreed unanimously by councillors.
(i) Re-roofing of Friends Meeting House, High Street, Wellington (43/2008/011LB). Mr Hamer said the application was for a listed building and the conservation officer was happy for this to be done providing second-hand Welsh slates were used. Councillors agreed to recommend approval subject to the conservation officer’s views of using second-hand Welsh slates.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND WILSON ENTERED HERE AT 6.38PM
14589 PROPOSAL FOR FOOD STORE AT BULFORD
Plans had just been received for the following application: Demolition of building, erection of retail A1 food store comprising approximately 2,580sq. m gross internal floor area with associated parking, servicing and landscaping served by an improved access off Bulford and new pedestrian access via Fore Street, Wellington Medical Centre and Bulford Car Park, Bulford, Wellington (renewal: 43/2008/013). The details were for information purposes to give members adequate time for consideration before the next planning meeting.
14590 PROPOSAL FOR PUBLIC HOUSE/RESTAURANT AND HOTEL AT CHELSTON
Plans had just been received for the following application: Erection of public house/restaurant and hotel with ancillary parking, access and landscaping, land at Chelston House Farm adjacent to roundabout (A38/B3187), Chelston, Wellington (43/2008/012). The details were for information purposes to give members adequate time for consideration before the next planning meeting.
14591 NEW SOMERFIELD STORE UPDATE
Mr Hamer updated members on the latest situation with the proposed Somerfield store on the old Kwik Save site. He said contracts were in place for Hawks Meadow Properties to develop the site and for Somerfield to occupy the new supermarket and therefore any suggestion the new store would not be built was incorrect. The building contract for the new development including the High Street buildings would be let in about 8 weeks time and the project was currently out to tender with tenders due back in 4 weeks time. This would give a start date of early April with a subsequent completion date of October this year. Somerfield anticipated they would be open for trading in late November this year. The clerk also informed members he had it on very good authority that the steel work for the development had also been ordered.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.43 PM
Minutes of the 130th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington, on Monday 4th February 2008 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillors D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, P. Critchard (vice-chairman), R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, J. Reed, J. Govier, G. Copley, V. Stock-Williams, and N. Wilson and R. Henley (who both arrived at 6.38pm) and the clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors S. Walters, J. Lloyd, and J Clark. There were 6 members of the public present.
14586 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting than at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them.
14587 APPLICATION FOR 24 THE BRAMBLES, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Demolition of detached garage and erection of two storey extension at 24 The Brambles, Wellington (43/2007/180). There was one letter of objection from Mrs K Harland, of 22 The Brambles, on the grounds the proposal was too obtrusive. Mr Hamer said the proposal was for a two storey extension on the existing property. The planning department was happy with it as it would be in-keeping with properties there and it was recommending approval. The council suspended standing orders to allow the applicant Mr P. Watts to speak who handed out photos of the property and similar properties to give councillors a better idea on how the extension would look. He said the extension would be very similar to others in the area and did not feel it would be too obtrusive. Councillor A. Govier said he had visited the site and felt the proposal was acceptable as it would be similar in design to other properties there. Councillor Hindley agreed and said he thought the extension would fit in with the existing properties. Councillor A. Govier proposed approval which was seconded by Councillor Hindley and was agreed unanimously.
14588 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications: (a) Demolition of 3 holiday lodges and erection of 2 dwellings and associated access of works on land adjacent to Sandstone Rise, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/182). Mr Hamer said there had been a previous outline application on this site for two single storey dwellings and this application was in line with that. He said the planning department were happy with the proposal and were likely to recommend approval. Councillor A. Govier recommended approval with Councillor Critchard seconding which was agreed unanimously by the council.
(b) Amended scheme for extension and conversion of public house into 11 flats, Sanford Arms, South Street, Wellington (43/2008/006). There was one letter from the applicants explaining the reasons for the amendments. Mr Hamer said the application was for a relatively small variation to the already approved scheme to provide an additional dormer and additional window and it could no longer be dealt with as a minor amendment. Councillor Critchard said he was not happy with the original application and remained unhappy about the plans so he would be voting against it. Councillor Copley said she felt if something was not done on the site the existing building would just fall into disrepair. Councillor Hindley recommended approval which was seconded by Councillor Stock-Williams and was approved by 4 votes, with 2 against and 4 abstaining.
(c) Erection of dwelling at 1 Greenway Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2008/004). Mr Hamer said there had been a previous application on this site for two small dwellings which the planning department had been concerned about because of the tightness of the space and the application was withdrawn. He felt this proposal overcame some of the problems of the previous application but highways comments were still awaited and there were still concerns about the tightness of the space and he thought the proposal would be out of character with the existing properties. Councillors agreed to suspend standing orders to let Rev. Chris Rowley speak who raised concerns about parking. Councillor Critchard said his main concern was for road safety and the amount parking on the junction with Rockwell Green made it difficult for the bus to get down there. Councillor A. Govier thought the proposal was overdevelopment and councillors agreed unanimously to recommend refusal on the grounds of overdevelopment on a small site and also because of highway concerns.
(d) Erection of employment units, Blocks 2, 3, and 4, West Park 26, Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2007/183). Mr Hamer said the proposal was a detailed application on part of the site for employment units. The only concern the planning department had was that the proposal should not encroach on the landscaping area. Councillor Bowrah said that any development like this he was in favour of in view of the increasing population. Councillors agreed unanimously to recommend approval subject to no adverse affect on landscaping.
(e) Installation of submersible foul sewage pumping station, erection of control panel kiosk and formation of access track on land to the north of Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2008/009). A letter was received from the applicants explaining the reasons for re-location of the pumping station. Mr Hamer explained the proposal was for the re-location alongside the main road into Wellington and most of it would be underground and it was needed for the new development to take place. Councillor Critchard recommended approval which was seconded by Councillor Hindley and was agreed by councillors unanimously.
(f) Retention of conservatory at 3 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2008/007). Councillors agreed unanimously to recommend approval.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 6.30PM
(g) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to Bruins, Burchills Hill, Wellington (43/2007/089). Mr Hamer said the proposal was within the garden area of the last property going out of Burchills Hill. He said the proposal could be a flood risk and was awaiting comments from the Environment Agency. Councillor Stock-Williams raised concerns about road safety. Councillors agreed to recommend approval subject to a satisfactory flood risk report and adequate road access.
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH RE-ENTERED THE MEETING HERE AT 6.34PM
(h) Erection of 1.8m close boarded post and rail fence with gate at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2008/010). This was a county council application and was to be determined by the county council. Councillor A. Govier declared a personal interest as a member of Somerset County Council. Councillor Copley thought the proposal was a good idea because the area was used to dump rubbish. Councillor Hindley also thought it would be a good tidying up exercise and recommended approval which was seconded by Councillor Copley and was agreed unanimously by councillors.
(i) Re-roofing of Friends Meeting House, High Street, Wellington (43/2008/011LB). Mr Hamer said the application was for a listed building and the conservation officer was happy for this to be done providing second-hand Welsh slates were used. Councillors agreed to recommend approval subject to the conservation officer’s views of using second-hand Welsh slates.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND WILSON ENTERED HERE AT 6.38PM
14589 PROPOSAL FOR FOOD STORE AT BULFORD
Plans had just been received for the following application: Demolition of building, erection of retail A1 food store comprising approximately 2,580sq. m gross internal floor area with associated parking, servicing and landscaping served by an improved access off Bulford and new pedestrian access via Fore Street, Wellington Medical Centre and Bulford Car Park, Bulford, Wellington (renewal: 43/2008/013). The details were for information purposes to give members adequate time for consideration before the next planning meeting.
14590 PROPOSAL FOR PUBLIC HOUSE/RESTAURANT AND HOTEL AT CHELSTON
Plans had just been received for the following application: Erection of public house/restaurant and hotel with ancillary parking, access and landscaping, land at Chelston House Farm adjacent to roundabout (A38/B3187), Chelston, Wellington (43/2008/012). The details were for information purposes to give members adequate time for consideration before the next planning meeting.
14591 NEW SOMERFIELD STORE UPDATE
Mr Hamer updated members on the latest situation with the proposed Somerfield store on the old Kwik Save site. He said contracts were in place for Hawks Meadow Properties to develop the site and for Somerfield to occupy the new supermarket and therefore any suggestion the new store would not be built was incorrect. The building contract for the new development including the High Street buildings would be let in about 8 weeks time and the project was currently out to tender with tenders due back in 4 weeks time. This would give a start date of early April with a subsequent completion date of October this year. Somerfield anticipated they would be open for trading in late November this year. The clerk also informed members he had it on very good authority that the steel work for the development had also been ordered.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.43 PM
Wednesday, 13 February 2008
Wellington Town Council meeting January 2008
Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall, Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 7th January 2008 at 7.20pm. (The start of the meeting was delayed because of the planning meeting over-running)
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), J. Clark, R. Bowrah, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, C. Hindley, G. Copley, S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, J. Lloyd, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were no apologies. There were 4 members of the public present.
14559 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton said that during December he had attended a number of meetings to do with Wellington Food Town, the Market and Coastal Town Initiative, Somerset Association of Local Councils, and the National Association of Local Councils. He said the funding for the MCTI would be ending this year and so a new source of funding would need to be sought.
14560 POLICE MATTERS
Mr John Swayne, the PCSO allocator/administrator at Wellington Police Station, reported the new Wellington police sergeant Stuart Bell had started his new post at the station but unfortunately had slipped over and broken his elbow so he would be out of action for a while. However, he had already made a couple of strategic decisions such as obtaining a four-wheel drive vehicle for Wellington and putting an additional computer into the station. Mr Swayne said he thought he would be an excellent sergeant for the town. He then informed the meeting of the latest crime figures. There had been a couple of incidents of criminal damage but they had been unable to progress with them including an incident in which a shop window in the town centre was broken but unfortunately the CCTV camera was looking the other way at the time. There had been some criminal damage to property but it was in the lower limit of the guidelines and there had been 7 incidents of criminal damage to motor vehicles, 1 house burglary and four burglaries to sheds and outbuildings. There had been 6 assaults causing actual bodily harm which mainly occurred outside public houses, 4 cases of common assault, 1 theft from a motor vehicle, 3 cases of shoplifting, 1 theft from a person, 3 thefts of cycles, 1 drugs arrest and 2 people arrested for possession. Mr Swayne said the police had been in discussion with Somerfield and obtained permission to put a post for the CCTV camera on the new site. He said the Shopwatch scheme was looking at the linking to the Sedgemoor CCTV control centre and it would cost approximately £7,500.
14561 CCTV CAMERAS
Councillors received a report from the town clerk on a meeting of the CCTV committee held on 20th December which stated that there had been applications for the CCTV camera to be relocated to cover Rookery Terrace/Black Path and also in Victoria Street. The county council would only give approval for cameras to be attached to street lighting columns if the column had been structurally tested. The committee agreed to erect a camera in Mantle Street to cover Rookery Terrace/Black Path as well as Mantle Street and also to look into the possibility of erecting a pole on the grassed area outside the police station to cover parts of Victoria Street, North Street, Waterloo Road and Courtland Road. The council was informed since the meeting the clerk had met the owner of the Mantle Street property where it was proposed the camera be erected and agreement had been reached for this. Members agreed to the erection which would be carried out by the Deane DLO. A verbal quote of about £300 had been received from the Deane DLO for the supply and erection of a 5 metre pole outside the police station and the council agreed to approve this should it not be possible to obtain the funding from the police. Councillor Bowrah requested the council write to Somerset County Council to seek further clarification on their policy of using street lighting columns for the use of CCTV cameras which was agreed.
14562 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, informed the meeting of the Christmas tree shredding that would be taking place on January 12 between 9am and 11am in the Courtland Road car park. Wellington in Bloom’s annual general meeting would be taking place on February 7th.
14563 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd December 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct by the chairman Councillor Mitton, with the following amendment to the planning meeting (minute 14525): Councillors Critchard and Goodwin declared personal interests in the item on Oakfield Park and said they would not vote.
14564 JUNCTION OF CORAMS LANE AND SPRINGFIELD ROAD
Councillor Reed said she had a request from members of the bowls club to look at the junction of Corams Lane and Springfield Road. Members were finding it difficult to go in and out of the entrance to the bowls club with drivers turning into Springfield Road and the sports centre. Councillor Reed wondered whether some sort of bay could be installed for the purpose of letting people pull into it to let cars past. Councillor Goodwin acknowledged the problem at the junction and said drivers regularly had to back up and let cars come through. Councillor A. Govier felt a site meeting was needed to go and have a proper look at the junction and find out exactly where the problem was. It was agreed to contact Somerset Highways and organise a site meeting with them.
14565 RETIREMENT OF CLERK
The chairman announced the clerk’s intention to retire in May of this year. He acknowledged the hard work of the clerk during his long service since taking up the post in 1974. He said the post would be advertised shortly.
COUNCILLOR HINDLEY LEFT HERE AT 7.55PM
14566 LEAD COUNCILLOR ROLES
A report was received from the chairman about lead councillor roles. He explained the Somerset Association of Local Councils felt councillors should take a greater role in the running of councils and currently too much of the running of the council lay in the hands of the chairman and to a lesser extent the vice chairman. He also said with the change of role from Chairman to Mayor in May it was likely to lead to greater civic responsibilities and it would be helpful for councillors to share the load with the mayor and take leads in some areas. This would enable councillors to develop expertise in areas they have an interest and give councillors more experience such as chairing meetings. Councillor A. Govier said he thought it was a good idea and suggested the council move forward with this idea which was agreed by members. The chairman said he would come back with a more detailed report on how it might work.
14567 FUTURE OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The chairman explained the existing form of lighting for the Christmas lights was being phased out so members needed to start thinking about what they wanted to do in the future. Some initial talks had taken place with Taunton DBC about this. The chairman had started a debate about the lights about a year ago and the response from the public was that they were generally happy with the lights and liked the more traditional look. It was agreed the chairman would come back to the council after further discussion with Taunton DBC about the options for the future of the lights.
14568 STREET CLEANING
Members were informed that 2 new vacuum shredders had been purchased by the council for use by the street cleaners at a cost of £394. The shredders were able to suck up small bits of litter and were particularly useful for picking up cigarette ends and were designed to get in corners and channels in paving slabs where the brushes could not reach. Members agreed to approve the chairman’s purchase. The chairman said a trial of the street cleaning green machine was to be organised so members could see how it works and decide if or how they wanted to make use of it. Councillor Copley thought the purchase of the shredders was an excellent idea and would show the public the town council was serious about cleaning the town. Councillor Reed felt that two street cleaners were not enough for the current population of the town and wanted Taunton DBC to look into this. The clerk said he would circulate the Taunton DBC street cleaning schedule to councillors for their information. It was agreed to look at the information and discuss the matter again at the next council meeting.
14569 PROPOSED CLOSURE OF COURT FIELDS FOOTPATH
Further to minutes 14497 and 14534 a letter and photos were received from Court Fields chair of school governors Steve Altria maintaining the need for the closure of the footpath and a letter of objection was received from Mrs Purdue. A report was also circulated by Councillor A. Govier about a meeting he attended about the proposed footpath closure. He stated that he believed the closure of the footpath would not deal with the problems the school faced and would result in the displacement of problems to other areas such as Blackpath and The Rec. He recommended the town council work with the school and county council to enhance the fencing at the school as soon as possible and also to recommend to the school to lock two of their entrances during the school day. He also felt there needed to be a review of the CCTV coverage and the council should write to the county council asking them to take strong action against anybody trespassing or causing problems in and around the school site. Councillors suspended standing orders to allow Mr Altria to speak who said he would be interested in the use of the CCTV cameras around the school. He said one of the problems with enhancing the fencing was the cost and he had been advised by the LEA that it had no money to finance it. An indicative quote for the fencing was £65,000. Other members of the public said they thought there was little point closing the footpath if the school could not afford to improve the fencing as it would do little to improve security and closing the footpath would deprive local residents of facility which they had used for more than 160 years. Councillor Stock-Williams questioned whether similar fencing could be used as that around the children’s centre in Beech Grove School and also asked if some of the money from the Cades Farm development to be given to Court Fields could be used to pay for fencing but was informed that money was already allocated for the new special needs unit. The clerk also informed councillors of recent site meetings at the school. He informed councillors he entered the school site via Blackpath through the open gate and was able to walk round the school before entering the office unchallenged. The council agreed unanimously to accept the recommendations of Councillor A. Govier.
14570 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM GRANT REQUEST
A letter was received from Wellington in Bloom asking for the council to consider making a grant of £1,350 to carry out planting work in Swains Lane Nature Reserve, the Quaker Meeting House garden, Lancer Court floral displays, flower towers, ‘anniversary’ projects and leaflets. The grant request was for the financial year 2008/09 budget. The finance committee had looked at the request and recommended approval. The chairman acknowledged the efforts of the organisation in making the town more attractive and members agreed unanimously to approve the grant.
14571 REMOVAL OF WHISTLE BOARDS AT WESTFORD RAIL CROSSING
Councillor A. Govier informed members about the removal of the whistle boards at Westford Rail Crossing by Network Rail and said he was concerned about this in terms of the safety implications. He also felt the town council should have been notified about it. Councillor Goodwin said he was horrified about the removal of the boards and Councillor Critchard said he thought the council should fight to get them restored. Councillor Henley said he thought the council needed to find out the reasons why Network Rail had done this. It was agreed the council would write to Network Rail to clarify the reasons for the removal of the whistle boards so it could be reported back to a future meeting.
14572 DOG FOULING AND STREET CLEANING
Further to minutes 14535 and 14536 a letter was received by Mrs Isabel Ward about dog fouling and street cleaning asking for an increase in dog wardens and for councillors to meet street cleaners. (Also see minute 14568 above). The clerk informed members Taunton Deane currently employed one full-time and one part-time dog warden who spend 6 hours in Wellington a week. He had investigated the cost of employing a dog warden and it would cost £35 an hour which also included the cost of using the vehicle. He said the council could decide to have a blitz on certain areas for a short period such as the playing fields and then review the situation. The chairman said he was concerned about the cost and said he thought the council should only do it for a short time and then review it. Councillor Clark said the public wanted to see action on dog fouling and informed members of Taunton DBC’s poster campaign to get people to pick up dog mess. Councillor A. Govier recommended the council approach Taunton DBC to find out if an agreement through it to extend the dog warden hours in Wellington would be more cost effective. It was agreed to do this and report back to the next meeting.
14573 PROPOSED PEDESRIAN CROSSING AT HIGH STREET
Further to minute 14805 (8th January 2007) a letter was received from Local Transport Plan implantation officer Donna Court in reply to a letter from the town council about a proposed pedestrian crossing at High Street. She stated the scheme did not score high enough for consideration in the programme of works. The letter was noted.
14574 NEW SALARY SCALES FOR CLERK
Further to minute 14405 (6th August 2007) it was reported that the National Association of Local Councils and the Society of Local Council Clerks had agreed a 2.4% increase in the clerks’ salaries with effect from April 1 2007. The report was noted.
14575 COMMUNITY WOODLAND INITIATIVE
A letter was received Somerset County Council countryside technician Rosemary Wicks about a community woodland initiative for Somerset’s towns. The county council was keen to encourage the establishment of new community woodlands in location where they will be accessible to residents and was prepared to help with the financing. It was agreed to pass the information to the tree wardens for their suggestions and organise a meeting of the environment committee to discuss it.
14576 ANNUAL WELLINGTON 10 MILE AND 10 KILOMETRE RACE
A letter was received from Steve Johnson of the Albemarle Centre in Taunton with details about the Wellington 10 mile and 10km race which would be taking place on Sunday July 20th. The letter was noted.
14577 SOMERSET ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AWARENESS DAY
A letter was received from the Somerset Association for the Blind inviting councillors to an awareness day in Wellington at the Friends Meeting House in High Street on Wednesday January 30th from 10.30am to 3.30am. The letter was noted.
14578 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EAST NYNEHEAD ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about a temporary closure of East Nynehead Road for 8 nights between 7pm and 7am starting on 21st January to enable duct laying works to be carried out. The letter was noted.
14579 SPONSORED BIBLE MARATHON READING AT UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
A letter was received from the United Reformed Church asking councillors to take part in a sponsored Bible Marathon Reading on Saturday February 9th from 7am to 7pm. It was agreed councillors would contact the church direct if they wished to take part.
14580 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
A report was received from the assistant to the town clerk on the WEP which took place on Tuesday December 4 which updated members on the constitutional amendments to the partnership. The partnership had come to the conclusion voluntary status was the best way forward and asked Taunton DBC economic development manager Steve Kendall to put together a new constitution and bring it back to WEP for consideration. The report also updated members about the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative visioning event held on 20 November 2007. Members were reminded the next meeting of WEP would be held on Monday 18th February 2008 at 6pm.
14581 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Conversion and extension of former bakery building to form 3 flats at rear of 23 North Street, Wellington (43/2007/139); (b) Formation of off-street parking at 49 Acre Cottages, Wellington (43/2007/143); (c) Demolition of building and erection of 6 dwellings, phase 2, on land at rear of 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/113); (d) demolition of building and erection of 2 dwellings, phase 1, on land at rear of 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/112); (e) Removal of timber cladding and application of new render at 3 Priory Gardens, Wellington (43/2007/158); (f) Retention of advertisement board at Cades Farm, Wellington (43/2007/159A); (g) Demolition of conservatory and retention of single storey day room, Popham House Elderly Persons Home, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2007/155); (h) Erection of two storey extension, single storey extension and conservatory, 42 Barn Meads Road, Wellington (43/2007/144); (i) External and internal works at 14 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/126LB); (j) Erection of first floor extension above garage, two storey, single storey and porch extensions to the north elevation at 17 Monument Close, Wellington (43/2007/160); (k) Alterations to fenestration at Unit B, Drakes Place, Wellington (43/2007/162); (l) Erection of fence to front of Kirtonia, 15 Station Road, Wellington (43/2007/153); (m) Erection of boundary wall at 25 Oakfield Park, Wellington (43/2007/154).
14582 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST DECEMBER 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st December 2007 was £148,000 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £124,627 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14583 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: EDF Energy Ltd £11.06 for electricity for Rackfield street light from October to December 2007; Hinewood Cleaning Services £124 for bus shelter and window cleaning for November and December 2007; Taunton DBC £587.50 for making a walkway from Rope Walk to Farthings Pitts; Taunton DBC £250 for museum/store lease for period from January to March 2008; Taunton DBC £315.76 for road closure for Christmas lights switch-on; Taunton DBC £57.05 for 5 handihoops for litter picking; Taunton DBC £5,000 for Wellington Food Town contribution; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £159 for subsidised hospital patient transport for November 2007; Mr A. Parkman £120 for allotment clearance work; Tone Leisure £525 for 7 weeks outreach coaching between 6th November and 18th December 2007; Councillor R. Bowrah £9.60 for travelling expenses; Taunton DBC £794.59 for painting play equipment at Tone play area; Inland Revenue £724.14 for income tax and national insurance; Mrs J. Thorne £29.26 for additional hours of work for November and December 2007.
14584 STAFFING COMMITTEE
Councillors were circulated with a report on the staffing committee held on 20th December 2007. The committee had considered the process for replacing the clerk and the hours of work of his successor. It was agreed to approve the following 10 recommendations from the committee for the filling of the town clerk post: There was no need to make any alteration to the salary scale for the clerk; the hours of work for the clerk and assistant to clerk be rebalanced to 25 hours each; the chairman would bring the job description of the post up to date; the post be advertised in the local press and through the internal advertisement process in the Taunton DBC and the county council and also if possible through the Somerset Association of Local Councils; to complete the appointment process before the end of February if possible; the chairman would produce an application form for the staffing committee to consider; the council decide on the interview process; all other details for filling the post be left to the staffing committee; the hours during which the office was open to the public be increased when the posts have been filled; further discussions be held to mark the retirement of the clerk. It was also agreed regarding the position of assistant to the clerk that: subject to referring the results back to a council meeting held in committee, the council backdate any resultant re-grading of the post to 1 October 2007; that if the assistant to the clerk is successful in an application for the post of clerk, the post of assistant to the clerk be advertised using the new job description and if the assistant is unsuccessful the staffing committee revisit the post in terms of its title and grade.
14585 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported the following newsletters and reports were available from the clerk’s office for members to read if they wished: What’s on in Taunton Deane for January 2008; Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service bulletin for December 2007.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50PM
4th February 2008
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, Councillors P. Critchard (vice-chairman), J. Clark, R. Bowrah, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, R. Henley, C. Hindley, G. Copley, S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, N. Wilson, J. Lloyd, and V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were no apologies. There were 4 members of the public present.
14559 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton said that during December he had attended a number of meetings to do with Wellington Food Town, the Market and Coastal Town Initiative, Somerset Association of Local Councils, and the National Association of Local Councils. He said the funding for the MCTI would be ending this year and so a new source of funding would need to be sought.
14560 POLICE MATTERS
Mr John Swayne, the PCSO allocator/administrator at Wellington Police Station, reported the new Wellington police sergeant Stuart Bell had started his new post at the station but unfortunately had slipped over and broken his elbow so he would be out of action for a while. However, he had already made a couple of strategic decisions such as obtaining a four-wheel drive vehicle for Wellington and putting an additional computer into the station. Mr Swayne said he thought he would be an excellent sergeant for the town. He then informed the meeting of the latest crime figures. There had been a couple of incidents of criminal damage but they had been unable to progress with them including an incident in which a shop window in the town centre was broken but unfortunately the CCTV camera was looking the other way at the time. There had been some criminal damage to property but it was in the lower limit of the guidelines and there had been 7 incidents of criminal damage to motor vehicles, 1 house burglary and four burglaries to sheds and outbuildings. There had been 6 assaults causing actual bodily harm which mainly occurred outside public houses, 4 cases of common assault, 1 theft from a motor vehicle, 3 cases of shoplifting, 1 theft from a person, 3 thefts of cycles, 1 drugs arrest and 2 people arrested for possession. Mr Swayne said the police had been in discussion with Somerfield and obtained permission to put a post for the CCTV camera on the new site. He said the Shopwatch scheme was looking at the linking to the Sedgemoor CCTV control centre and it would cost approximately £7,500.
14561 CCTV CAMERAS
Councillors received a report from the town clerk on a meeting of the CCTV committee held on 20th December which stated that there had been applications for the CCTV camera to be relocated to cover Rookery Terrace/Black Path and also in Victoria Street. The county council would only give approval for cameras to be attached to street lighting columns if the column had been structurally tested. The committee agreed to erect a camera in Mantle Street to cover Rookery Terrace/Black Path as well as Mantle Street and also to look into the possibility of erecting a pole on the grassed area outside the police station to cover parts of Victoria Street, North Street, Waterloo Road and Courtland Road. The council was informed since the meeting the clerk had met the owner of the Mantle Street property where it was proposed the camera be erected and agreement had been reached for this. Members agreed to the erection which would be carried out by the Deane DLO. A verbal quote of about £300 had been received from the Deane DLO for the supply and erection of a 5 metre pole outside the police station and the council agreed to approve this should it not be possible to obtain the funding from the police. Councillor Bowrah requested the council write to Somerset County Council to seek further clarification on their policy of using street lighting columns for the use of CCTV cameras which was agreed.
14562 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, informed the meeting of the Christmas tree shredding that would be taking place on January 12 between 9am and 11am in the Courtland Road car park. Wellington in Bloom’s annual general meeting would be taking place on February 7th.
14563 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd December 2007, as previously circulated to councillors, were taken as read and signed as correct by the chairman Councillor Mitton, with the following amendment to the planning meeting (minute 14525): Councillors Critchard and Goodwin declared personal interests in the item on Oakfield Park and said they would not vote.
14564 JUNCTION OF CORAMS LANE AND SPRINGFIELD ROAD
Councillor Reed said she had a request from members of the bowls club to look at the junction of Corams Lane and Springfield Road. Members were finding it difficult to go in and out of the entrance to the bowls club with drivers turning into Springfield Road and the sports centre. Councillor Reed wondered whether some sort of bay could be installed for the purpose of letting people pull into it to let cars past. Councillor Goodwin acknowledged the problem at the junction and said drivers regularly had to back up and let cars come through. Councillor A. Govier felt a site meeting was needed to go and have a proper look at the junction and find out exactly where the problem was. It was agreed to contact Somerset Highways and organise a site meeting with them.
14565 RETIREMENT OF CLERK
The chairman announced the clerk’s intention to retire in May of this year. He acknowledged the hard work of the clerk during his long service since taking up the post in 1974. He said the post would be advertised shortly.
COUNCILLOR HINDLEY LEFT HERE AT 7.55PM
14566 LEAD COUNCILLOR ROLES
A report was received from the chairman about lead councillor roles. He explained the Somerset Association of Local Councils felt councillors should take a greater role in the running of councils and currently too much of the running of the council lay in the hands of the chairman and to a lesser extent the vice chairman. He also said with the change of role from Chairman to Mayor in May it was likely to lead to greater civic responsibilities and it would be helpful for councillors to share the load with the mayor and take leads in some areas. This would enable councillors to develop expertise in areas they have an interest and give councillors more experience such as chairing meetings. Councillor A. Govier said he thought it was a good idea and suggested the council move forward with this idea which was agreed by members. The chairman said he would come back with a more detailed report on how it might work.
14567 FUTURE OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
The chairman explained the existing form of lighting for the Christmas lights was being phased out so members needed to start thinking about what they wanted to do in the future. Some initial talks had taken place with Taunton DBC about this. The chairman had started a debate about the lights about a year ago and the response from the public was that they were generally happy with the lights and liked the more traditional look. It was agreed the chairman would come back to the council after further discussion with Taunton DBC about the options for the future of the lights.
14568 STREET CLEANING
Members were informed that 2 new vacuum shredders had been purchased by the council for use by the street cleaners at a cost of £394. The shredders were able to suck up small bits of litter and were particularly useful for picking up cigarette ends and were designed to get in corners and channels in paving slabs where the brushes could not reach. Members agreed to approve the chairman’s purchase. The chairman said a trial of the street cleaning green machine was to be organised so members could see how it works and decide if or how they wanted to make use of it. Councillor Copley thought the purchase of the shredders was an excellent idea and would show the public the town council was serious about cleaning the town. Councillor Reed felt that two street cleaners were not enough for the current population of the town and wanted Taunton DBC to look into this. The clerk said he would circulate the Taunton DBC street cleaning schedule to councillors for their information. It was agreed to look at the information and discuss the matter again at the next council meeting.
14569 PROPOSED CLOSURE OF COURT FIELDS FOOTPATH
Further to minutes 14497 and 14534 a letter and photos were received from Court Fields chair of school governors Steve Altria maintaining the need for the closure of the footpath and a letter of objection was received from Mrs Purdue. A report was also circulated by Councillor A. Govier about a meeting he attended about the proposed footpath closure. He stated that he believed the closure of the footpath would not deal with the problems the school faced and would result in the displacement of problems to other areas such as Blackpath and The Rec. He recommended the town council work with the school and county council to enhance the fencing at the school as soon as possible and also to recommend to the school to lock two of their entrances during the school day. He also felt there needed to be a review of the CCTV coverage and the council should write to the county council asking them to take strong action against anybody trespassing or causing problems in and around the school site. Councillors suspended standing orders to allow Mr Altria to speak who said he would be interested in the use of the CCTV cameras around the school. He said one of the problems with enhancing the fencing was the cost and he had been advised by the LEA that it had no money to finance it. An indicative quote for the fencing was £65,000. Other members of the public said they thought there was little point closing the footpath if the school could not afford to improve the fencing as it would do little to improve security and closing the footpath would deprive local residents of facility which they had used for more than 160 years. Councillor Stock-Williams questioned whether similar fencing could be used as that around the children’s centre in Beech Grove School and also asked if some of the money from the Cades Farm development to be given to Court Fields could be used to pay for fencing but was informed that money was already allocated for the new special needs unit. The clerk also informed councillors of recent site meetings at the school. He informed councillors he entered the school site via Blackpath through the open gate and was able to walk round the school before entering the office unchallenged. The council agreed unanimously to accept the recommendations of Councillor A. Govier.
14570 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM GRANT REQUEST
A letter was received from Wellington in Bloom asking for the council to consider making a grant of £1,350 to carry out planting work in Swains Lane Nature Reserve, the Quaker Meeting House garden, Lancer Court floral displays, flower towers, ‘anniversary’ projects and leaflets. The grant request was for the financial year 2008/09 budget. The finance committee had looked at the request and recommended approval. The chairman acknowledged the efforts of the organisation in making the town more attractive and members agreed unanimously to approve the grant.
14571 REMOVAL OF WHISTLE BOARDS AT WESTFORD RAIL CROSSING
Councillor A. Govier informed members about the removal of the whistle boards at Westford Rail Crossing by Network Rail and said he was concerned about this in terms of the safety implications. He also felt the town council should have been notified about it. Councillor Goodwin said he was horrified about the removal of the boards and Councillor Critchard said he thought the council should fight to get them restored. Councillor Henley said he thought the council needed to find out the reasons why Network Rail had done this. It was agreed the council would write to Network Rail to clarify the reasons for the removal of the whistle boards so it could be reported back to a future meeting.
14572 DOG FOULING AND STREET CLEANING
Further to minutes 14535 and 14536 a letter was received by Mrs Isabel Ward about dog fouling and street cleaning asking for an increase in dog wardens and for councillors to meet street cleaners. (Also see minute 14568 above). The clerk informed members Taunton Deane currently employed one full-time and one part-time dog warden who spend 6 hours in Wellington a week. He had investigated the cost of employing a dog warden and it would cost £35 an hour which also included the cost of using the vehicle. He said the council could decide to have a blitz on certain areas for a short period such as the playing fields and then review the situation. The chairman said he was concerned about the cost and said he thought the council should only do it for a short time and then review it. Councillor Clark said the public wanted to see action on dog fouling and informed members of Taunton DBC’s poster campaign to get people to pick up dog mess. Councillor A. Govier recommended the council approach Taunton DBC to find out if an agreement through it to extend the dog warden hours in Wellington would be more cost effective. It was agreed to do this and report back to the next meeting.
14573 PROPOSED PEDESRIAN CROSSING AT HIGH STREET
Further to minute 14805 (8th January 2007) a letter was received from Local Transport Plan implantation officer Donna Court in reply to a letter from the town council about a proposed pedestrian crossing at High Street. She stated the scheme did not score high enough for consideration in the programme of works. The letter was noted.
14574 NEW SALARY SCALES FOR CLERK
Further to minute 14405 (6th August 2007) it was reported that the National Association of Local Councils and the Society of Local Council Clerks had agreed a 2.4% increase in the clerks’ salaries with effect from April 1 2007. The report was noted.
14575 COMMUNITY WOODLAND INITIATIVE
A letter was received Somerset County Council countryside technician Rosemary Wicks about a community woodland initiative for Somerset’s towns. The county council was keen to encourage the establishment of new community woodlands in location where they will be accessible to residents and was prepared to help with the financing. It was agreed to pass the information to the tree wardens for their suggestions and organise a meeting of the environment committee to discuss it.
14576 ANNUAL WELLINGTON 10 MILE AND 10 KILOMETRE RACE
A letter was received from Steve Johnson of the Albemarle Centre in Taunton with details about the Wellington 10 mile and 10km race which would be taking place on Sunday July 20th. The letter was noted.
14577 SOMERSET ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND AWARENESS DAY
A letter was received from the Somerset Association for the Blind inviting councillors to an awareness day in Wellington at the Friends Meeting House in High Street on Wednesday January 30th from 10.30am to 3.30am. The letter was noted.
14578 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EAST NYNEHEAD ROAD
A letter was received from Somerset Highways about a temporary closure of East Nynehead Road for 8 nights between 7pm and 7am starting on 21st January to enable duct laying works to be carried out. The letter was noted.
14579 SPONSORED BIBLE MARATHON READING AT UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
A letter was received from the United Reformed Church asking councillors to take part in a sponsored Bible Marathon Reading on Saturday February 9th from 7am to 7pm. It was agreed councillors would contact the church direct if they wished to take part.
14580 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
A report was received from the assistant to the town clerk on the WEP which took place on Tuesday December 4 which updated members on the constitutional amendments to the partnership. The partnership had come to the conclusion voluntary status was the best way forward and asked Taunton DBC economic development manager Steve Kendall to put together a new constitution and bring it back to WEP for consideration. The report also updated members about the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative visioning event held on 20 November 2007. Members were reminded the next meeting of WEP would be held on Monday 18th February 2008 at 6pm.
14581 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Conversion and extension of former bakery building to form 3 flats at rear of 23 North Street, Wellington (43/2007/139); (b) Formation of off-street parking at 49 Acre Cottages, Wellington (43/2007/143); (c) Demolition of building and erection of 6 dwellings, phase 2, on land at rear of 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/113); (d) demolition of building and erection of 2 dwellings, phase 1, on land at rear of 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/112); (e) Removal of timber cladding and application of new render at 3 Priory Gardens, Wellington (43/2007/158); (f) Retention of advertisement board at Cades Farm, Wellington (43/2007/159A); (g) Demolition of conservatory and retention of single storey day room, Popham House Elderly Persons Home, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2007/155); (h) Erection of two storey extension, single storey extension and conservatory, 42 Barn Meads Road, Wellington (43/2007/144); (i) External and internal works at 14 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2007/126LB); (j) Erection of first floor extension above garage, two storey, single storey and porch extensions to the north elevation at 17 Monument Close, Wellington (43/2007/160); (k) Alterations to fenestration at Unit B, Drakes Place, Wellington (43/2007/162); (l) Erection of fence to front of Kirtonia, 15 Station Road, Wellington (43/2007/153); (m) Erection of boundary wall at 25 Oakfield Park, Wellington (43/2007/154).
14582 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST DECEMBER 2007
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2007 to 31st December 2007 was £148,000 (£133,596 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008) and that expenditure for the same period was £124,627 (£166,800 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2008). The report was noted.
14583 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: EDF Energy Ltd £11.06 for electricity for Rackfield street light from October to December 2007; Hinewood Cleaning Services £124 for bus shelter and window cleaning for November and December 2007; Taunton DBC £587.50 for making a walkway from Rope Walk to Farthings Pitts; Taunton DBC £250 for museum/store lease for period from January to March 2008; Taunton DBC £315.76 for road closure for Christmas lights switch-on; Taunton DBC £57.05 for 5 handihoops for litter picking; Taunton DBC £5,000 for Wellington Food Town contribution; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £159 for subsidised hospital patient transport for November 2007; Mr A. Parkman £120 for allotment clearance work; Tone Leisure £525 for 7 weeks outreach coaching between 6th November and 18th December 2007; Councillor R. Bowrah £9.60 for travelling expenses; Taunton DBC £794.59 for painting play equipment at Tone play area; Inland Revenue £724.14 for income tax and national insurance; Mrs J. Thorne £29.26 for additional hours of work for November and December 2007.
14584 STAFFING COMMITTEE
Councillors were circulated with a report on the staffing committee held on 20th December 2007. The committee had considered the process for replacing the clerk and the hours of work of his successor. It was agreed to approve the following 10 recommendations from the committee for the filling of the town clerk post: There was no need to make any alteration to the salary scale for the clerk; the hours of work for the clerk and assistant to clerk be rebalanced to 25 hours each; the chairman would bring the job description of the post up to date; the post be advertised in the local press and through the internal advertisement process in the Taunton DBC and the county council and also if possible through the Somerset Association of Local Councils; to complete the appointment process before the end of February if possible; the chairman would produce an application form for the staffing committee to consider; the council decide on the interview process; all other details for filling the post be left to the staffing committee; the hours during which the office was open to the public be increased when the posts have been filled; further discussions be held to mark the retirement of the clerk. It was also agreed regarding the position of assistant to the clerk that: subject to referring the results back to a council meeting held in committee, the council backdate any resultant re-grading of the post to 1 October 2007; that if the assistant to the clerk is successful in an application for the post of clerk, the post of assistant to the clerk be advertised using the new job description and if the assistant is unsuccessful the staffing committee revisit the post in terms of its title and grade.
14585 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported the following newsletters and reports were available from the clerk’s office for members to read if they wished: What’s on in Taunton Deane for January 2008; Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service bulletin for December 2007.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50PM
4th February 2008
Wellington Town Council planning meeting January 2008
Minutes of the 129th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington, on Monday 7th January 2008 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillors D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, P. Critchard (vice-chairman), R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, G. Copley, V. Stock-Williams, J. Lloyd and N. Wilson (who arrived at 6.40pm) and J. Clark and R. Henley (who both arrived at 6.55pm) and the clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. Councillor J Clark earlier tendered an apology as he thought he would be unable to attend the meeting. There were 6 members of the public present.
14555 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting than at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them. Councillors A and J Govier declared a personal interest in the item on Laburnum Road and said they would not be voting on that item but retained their right to speak and they declared a prejudicial interest in the item on Rylands Farm Industrial Estate.
14556 APPLICATION FOR 23 LABURNUM ROAD, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Erection of extension to first floor and porch at 23 Laburnum Road, Wellington (43/2007/164). The council received one letter of objection from Mr and Mrs Wyatt of 12 Laburnum Road on grounds of overlooking and one letter from Mr G. Cross enclosing amended plans which reversed the bathroom/bedroom layout to eliminate the loss of privacy to the neighbouring property at no. 22 Laburnum Road. Mr Hamer said the amended plans had addressed the planning department’s concerns about overlooking but he still felt the extension would result in loss of light to the next door neighbour and therefore he was recommending refusal. Councillors suspended standing orders to allow Mr G. Cross to speak who distributed photos to councillors showing how the sun affected the property at different times of day. Mr Cross explained there was a large tree which currently blocked some light from his neighbour’s property and they did not seem concerned about it and they were not objecting to the application. He also said he was happy to receive any ideas or suggestions from councillors. Mr Hamer explained his concern was how the proposed extension would affect the already existing extension to no. 22. Councillor Reed said if none of the next door neighbours were objecting to it then she would like to see this application granted. Councillor Copley agreed with Councillor Reed and said she could not think of any good reason not to approve it. Councillor Stock-Williams proposed approval on condition there would be obscure glazing on the bathroom window which was seconded by Councillor Reed and was carried unanimously.
14557 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications:
(a) Residential development to provide 51 dwellings (Persimmon Homes) with associated garages, parking courtyards, roads and footpaths, together with formation of access to highway by formation of new roundabout, Cades Farm, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2007/171) and (b) Residential development to provide 54 dwellings (Barratt Homes) with associated garages, parking courtyards, roads and footpaths, together with formation of access to highway by formation of new roundabout, Cades Farm, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2007/172). Mr Hamer said the two applications were reserved matters as outline planning permission had already been granted which covered issues such as affordable housing and public open spaces. These applications provided the detail and in general the planning department were happy with them.
Councillor A Govier said that he would like to see details of what had been agreed between the developer and Taunton DBC about affordable housing and open public spaces so that councillors knew what was expected from the developer and would be able to keep track of when something was due to be completed. Mr Hamer said he would send a copy of the full section 106 agreement to town councillors for their information. He said it had been agreed the affordable housing scheme should be submitted before work was started and a public open space should provided and as well as the money for Court Fields School before the 150th unit was occupied. Councillor A Govier recommended approval subject to the approval of the road layout by Somerset Highways and it was seconded by Councillor Critchard. The vote was carried unanimously.
COUNCILLOR WILSON ENTERED HERE AT 6.40PM
(c) Erection of industrial unit, Rylands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/165). The council received a letter from Mrs D. Land expressing concerns over surface water drainage, traffic problems and entrance signage. Mr Hamer said this was one of the final units to be erected and the proposal would eat into the area of landscaping on the site. The concerns raised by Mrs Land would be covered by the conditions of the planning agreement. Councillor Critchard recommended approval with Councillor Goodwin seconding subject to the landscaping scheme not being adversely affected. The vote was carried unanimously. Councillors A and J Govier left the room while this item was considered.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND CLARK ARRIVED HERE AT 6.55PM
(d) Retention of satellite dish at 8 South Street, Wellington (43/2007/169). Mr Hamer said the conservation officer was not happy with it because it had an adverse impact on the character of the building and therefore was recommending refusal. The council agreed with this and voted 12 to 2 to recommend refusal.
(e) Re-hanging of a projecting sign and installation of window vinyl, Boots the Chemist, 6 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/170A) and (g) External and internal alterations at Boots the Chemist, 6 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/168LB). The proposed works were external maintenance and decorations, re-hanging a missing projecting sign, installing vinyl to the left hand window, redecoration and reconfiguration to sales, removing a section of existing block-work wall to enlarge dispensary, and forming a consultation/manager’s office. Mr Hamer said there were no objections from the conservation officer and they were happy with it. The council agreed unanimously to recommend approval.
(f) Installation of new shop front at 14 High Street, Wellington (revised application 43/2007/177). The conservation officer had no objection and the council agreed unanimously to recommend approval.
(h) Replacement of cement slates with Spanish slates at 50 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/176LB). Mr Hamer said the conservation officer considered the cement slates to be inappropriate for the building and the use of Spanish slates to be more in-keeping and suggested the work to be completed within 6 months of the approval being granted. The council recommended approval.
(i) Demolition of redundant building and erection of two bungalows on land south of Westford Court, Wellington (43/2007/179). Mr Hamer said the conservation officer had raised an objection to the proposal and was concerned about impact on the existing building there and also about the appearance of the two new proposed buildings which she thought would have a detrimental effect on the setting of Westford Court. Mr Hamer said he felt the proposed new buildings would affect the character and appearance of the existing buildings and would be recommending refusal. The council agreed unanimously to recommend refusal.
14558 PLANNING UPDATES FOR NEW SOMERFIELD STORE
Mr Hamer updated members on the proposed new Somerfield Store off High Street, Wellington, and said the company was still hoping to open the new store early next year. Councillor Henley said he would be contacting the company to find out when work was likely to start on the new store and he asked for the subject to be put on the next planning agenda for discussion.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.08 PM
PRESENT: Councillors D. Mitton (chairman) who presided, P. Critchard (vice-chairman), R. Bowrah, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. Goodwin, S. Walters, J. Reed, J. Govier, G. Copley, V. Stock-Williams, J. Lloyd and N. Wilson (who arrived at 6.40pm) and J. Clark and R. Henley (who both arrived at 6.55pm) and the clerk Mr A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. Councillor J Clark earlier tendered an apology as he thought he would be unable to attend the meeting. There were 6 members of the public present.
14555 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS
Councillors Critchard and Bowrah stated they were members of Taunton DBC planning committee and reserved their right to vote differently at Taunton DBC planning committee meeting than at the town council planning meeting as different facts could be placed before them. Councillors A and J Govier declared a personal interest in the item on Laburnum Road and said they would not be voting on that item but retained their right to speak and they declared a prejudicial interest in the item on Rylands Farm Industrial Estate.
14556 APPLICATION FOR 23 LABURNUM ROAD, WELLINGTON
The council received details of the following application: Erection of extension to first floor and porch at 23 Laburnum Road, Wellington (43/2007/164). The council received one letter of objection from Mr and Mrs Wyatt of 12 Laburnum Road on grounds of overlooking and one letter from Mr G. Cross enclosing amended plans which reversed the bathroom/bedroom layout to eliminate the loss of privacy to the neighbouring property at no. 22 Laburnum Road. Mr Hamer said the amended plans had addressed the planning department’s concerns about overlooking but he still felt the extension would result in loss of light to the next door neighbour and therefore he was recommending refusal. Councillors suspended standing orders to allow Mr G. Cross to speak who distributed photos to councillors showing how the sun affected the property at different times of day. Mr Cross explained there was a large tree which currently blocked some light from his neighbour’s property and they did not seem concerned about it and they were not objecting to the application. He also said he was happy to receive any ideas or suggestions from councillors. Mr Hamer explained his concern was how the proposed extension would affect the already existing extension to no. 22. Councillor Reed said if none of the next door neighbours were objecting to it then she would like to see this application granted. Councillor Copley agreed with Councillor Reed and said she could not think of any good reason not to approve it. Councillor Stock-Williams proposed approval on condition there would be obscure glazing on the bathroom window which was seconded by Councillor Reed and was carried unanimously.
14557 APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The council considered the following applications:
(a) Residential development to provide 51 dwellings (Persimmon Homes) with associated garages, parking courtyards, roads and footpaths, together with formation of access to highway by formation of new roundabout, Cades Farm, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2007/171) and (b) Residential development to provide 54 dwellings (Barratt Homes) with associated garages, parking courtyards, roads and footpaths, together with formation of access to highway by formation of new roundabout, Cades Farm, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2007/172). Mr Hamer said the two applications were reserved matters as outline planning permission had already been granted which covered issues such as affordable housing and public open spaces. These applications provided the detail and in general the planning department were happy with them.
Councillor A Govier said that he would like to see details of what had been agreed between the developer and Taunton DBC about affordable housing and open public spaces so that councillors knew what was expected from the developer and would be able to keep track of when something was due to be completed. Mr Hamer said he would send a copy of the full section 106 agreement to town councillors for their information. He said it had been agreed the affordable housing scheme should be submitted before work was started and a public open space should provided and as well as the money for Court Fields School before the 150th unit was occupied. Councillor A Govier recommended approval subject to the approval of the road layout by Somerset Highways and it was seconded by Councillor Critchard. The vote was carried unanimously.
COUNCILLOR WILSON ENTERED HERE AT 6.40PM
(c) Erection of industrial unit, Rylands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2007/165). The council received a letter from Mrs D. Land expressing concerns over surface water drainage, traffic problems and entrance signage. Mr Hamer said this was one of the final units to be erected and the proposal would eat into the area of landscaping on the site. The concerns raised by Mrs Land would be covered by the conditions of the planning agreement. Councillor Critchard recommended approval with Councillor Goodwin seconding subject to the landscaping scheme not being adversely affected. The vote was carried unanimously. Councillors A and J Govier left the room while this item was considered.
COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND CLARK ARRIVED HERE AT 6.55PM
(d) Retention of satellite dish at 8 South Street, Wellington (43/2007/169). Mr Hamer said the conservation officer was not happy with it because it had an adverse impact on the character of the building and therefore was recommending refusal. The council agreed with this and voted 12 to 2 to recommend refusal.
(e) Re-hanging of a projecting sign and installation of window vinyl, Boots the Chemist, 6 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/170A) and (g) External and internal alterations at Boots the Chemist, 6 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/168LB). The proposed works were external maintenance and decorations, re-hanging a missing projecting sign, installing vinyl to the left hand window, redecoration and reconfiguration to sales, removing a section of existing block-work wall to enlarge dispensary, and forming a consultation/manager’s office. Mr Hamer said there were no objections from the conservation officer and they were happy with it. The council agreed unanimously to recommend approval.
(f) Installation of new shop front at 14 High Street, Wellington (revised application 43/2007/177). The conservation officer had no objection and the council agreed unanimously to recommend approval.
(h) Replacement of cement slates with Spanish slates at 50 High Street, Wellington (43/2007/176LB). Mr Hamer said the conservation officer considered the cement slates to be inappropriate for the building and the use of Spanish slates to be more in-keeping and suggested the work to be completed within 6 months of the approval being granted. The council recommended approval.
(i) Demolition of redundant building and erection of two bungalows on land south of Westford Court, Wellington (43/2007/179). Mr Hamer said the conservation officer had raised an objection to the proposal and was concerned about impact on the existing building there and also about the appearance of the two new proposed buildings which she thought would have a detrimental effect on the setting of Westford Court. Mr Hamer said he felt the proposed new buildings would affect the character and appearance of the existing buildings and would be recommending refusal. The council agreed unanimously to recommend refusal.
14558 PLANNING UPDATES FOR NEW SOMERFIELD STORE
Mr Hamer updated members on the proposed new Somerfield Store off High Street, Wellington, and said the company was still hoping to open the new store early next year. Councillor Henley said he would be contacting the company to find out when work was likely to start on the new store and he asked for the subject to be put on the next planning agenda for discussion.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.08 PM
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