Minutes of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Monday 24th April 2017, in the Village Hall at 7.30 pm.

1. Apologies. Cllrs Katrina Maxwell and Terry Oxman.

Present: Cllrs. Martin Allen (Chairman), Martin Baker, Brian Gale, Patricia Lennard and Ray Triggol. Also Cllrs David Hall (SCC), Derek Alder (SDC) and Liz Perry (SDC).

Members of the public: Messrs Francis Hunt and Rodney Young.

2. Minutes of the previous meeting of 13th March 2017 were taken as read, approved and signed.

3. Matters arising from the minutes. None.

4. Somerset County Council report

• Out of the mouth of the Parrett. This project/exhibition was first mentioned at the meeting of 13th February. Somerset libraries in tandem with The Theatre Menange and involving a collection of over 600 local peoples’ thoughts and aspirations which help reveal all that is unique about Somerset’s extraordinary river landscape, and was hailed as a great success by both David Hall and Martin Allen.
• Roadworks in Bridgwater at Wylds Road/The Drove look as if they may complete ahead of schedule. More to follow.
• Broadband. David said Gigga Clear - the main phase 2 contractors - were progressing with their plans involving laying fibre cables to each participating property. He said he would be visiting Gloucester, an area with a similar scheme but much further ahead and would report back in due course.
• Hinkley Point. Things are moving ahead with the workforce now standing at 1800.
• Highways. The recent lorry crash near the Knowle Inn was under Police investigation. David emphasised that preventative measures such as speed limits were only effective if adhered to and enforced.
• Bawdrip Parish Council were interested in acquiring the short mat bowls set and he would remind them.

5. Sedgemoor District Council report.

• Fracking. Martin Allen brought up the matter and said Bridgwater Town Council has recently pronounced itself as a “Frack Free area”. With initial exploratory licences having been already granted in two areas of Somerset, David Hall said the granting of these allowed only very limited activity without further planning approval, and they preferred no legally binding powers. Martin Allen said he attended the recent presentation in the village hall organised by Jo Smolden and found it both very informative, interesting and also very concerning. It was a matter of his regret that only 3 villagers attended along with a few people from elsewhere. He said that after considering all the adverse side effects he thought the Parish Council should seriously consider formally supporting the Town Council. A discussion ensued with all the councillors other than the Chairman deciding not to do this but to monitor the situation. Martin Allen asked that the councillors consider the matter further and has requested the matter be revisited at the next meeting. Derek Alder mentioned that some years ago this subject was considered for the Mendip area but concerns were raised at that time about possible adverse effects on the Bath spring waters.
• Affordable Housing. Derek Alder said that a dedicated team within Sedgemoor had started looking at areas which may be suitable for this in the district, and that this included land within Chedzoy (location not stated). Under the scheme 40% of the total number of housing units would be given over to the affordable sector which means it would involve fairly large developments. The impetus for consideration to be given has to come from demand highlighted by the Parish Council and progress is slow. Significantly the Government has stated the under some circumstances normal planning rules can be circumvented.
• All the district’s taxi drivers have been coached to spot any concerns they may have about possible personal interactions witnessed in their cabs, and guidance as to take matters forward as necessary.

6. Planning.

Reference: 46/16/00011.
Proposal: Full Planning Permission at Camping Field at Fitchetts Farm, Stawell Road, Stawell, Bridgwater TA7 9AU. The proposal being: - Variation of condition 6 of Planning Permission 46/14/00004 to allow a maximum of 20 caravans and all year round use.

Martin Allen said that approval had been granted but only for a two year period.

Reference: 18/17/00002/CS
Proposal: Installation of a non-illuminated sign on to an existing gate.
Location: Sibleys Barn Frys Lane Chedzoy Bridgwater TYA7 8JW.
Applicant: Yew Wah.

The matter was discussed. The feeling of the meeting was that the proposal seems unlikely to have significant effect, with the immediate neighbours being invited to make comment, and it was unanimously agreed there were no objections.

7. Correspondence.

• Cluster Group meetings. The Clerk advised that Chedzoy was now in the Sedgemoor south east group and the next meeting would be held on 27th June in the Lounge at Woolavington Village Hall.
• “Village of the Year”. This competition, run by channel 4 was open to any Somerset village to enter. Villageoftheyear.co.uk  @channel4  #votyvillage
• SCC Elections 4th May 2017. Nominations have now closed and there were three candidates standing for our ward.
• Bridgwater Tidal Barrier – next steps. Following due consultation Sedgemoor DC have selected site 5, between Express Park and Chilton Trinity village, as the option site for this, with the optimum design for the barrier to be a structure with two vertical lift gates. The next steps are for ideas to be developed for the appearance of the barrier and landscaping. Further consultation is due in late Summer/early Autumn.
• Avon and Somerset PCC. The Clerk has the latest newsletter.
• Sedgemoor District Council - Health and Wellbeing Strategy. This sets out how the core Sedgemoor services contribute in supporting people in living happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. The Clerk has a copy of the report.

8. Matters arising from the correspondence. None.

9. Finance
 
Balances after allowing for all payments made:

Lloyds Bank Current Account	£1666.26
Lloyds Bank Deposit Account	£2.48
Cambridge Building Society Easy Access Account	£12300.08

Four cheques issued, signed by 2 councillors as follows:

Number	Payee	Amount	For
548	Tailored Wealth Management	£180.00	Balance WPP set-up
549	Mr C.N Fry	£152.67	Net April salary
550	Mr C.N Fry	£97.28	Expenses
551	Mr C.N Fry	£200.00	Bus shelter maintenance – to R Beale

The Clerk reported the Work Place Pension had been set up with Legal and General – Policy no GF 24507001. The balance of the set up cost is now due.

The £5000.00 first tranche of this year’s precept is due imminently.

Agreement of the Accounts for the year 2016/17.

The Clerk guided the Councillors through the Receipts and Payments Account. There were no questions raised and the Chairman thanked the Clerk for all his hard work.

The Governance Statement was agreed following a proposal by Martin Baker and Brian Gale seconded the motion – (minute reference 9(a))

The Accounting Statement was agreed unanimously – (minute reference 9(b)).

Cllr Pat Lennard requested thanks be passed onto Roy Beale for the excellent way he maintains the bus shelter and garden. The Clerk to see to this.

10. Any Other Business, including the date of the next meeting.

•Fracking. Covered under Sedgemoor DC report earlier.

•Defibrillator. Rodney Young has reported a bleeping noise which might indicate the batteries are running low. The Clerk was asked to look into this.

•CCS Oil (bulk buying scheme). Details of this are with the Clerk – with is open to all householders.

•Parish Council representation on the village hall committee. With the Village Hall AGM due shortly both Pat Lennard and Ray Triggol confirmed they are happy to remain as now.

There being no other business the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.00 pm.

The next meeting will be held on Monday 22nd May 2017 at 7.30pm, when the Annual Meeting will also be held.