NOTES FROM THE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 12 SEPTEMBER 2005

DATES AND TIMES OF FUTURE MEETINGS

The Council has been concerned for some time about the difficulty caused by the fact that (due to the publication schedule) the deadline for the “Brent Knoll News” is usually a day or so before the monthly Council Meeting.  This means that the report of the Meeting, when it does appear, is rather stale news.  Readers may have noticed, for example, that the September issue of the “BKN” carried meeting reports going back to June and that there were no reports at all for the October issue.

The Council has therefore decided, with effect from January 2006, to switch the regular meeting night to the first Monday in the month (or the first Tuesday if the Monday is a bank holiday).  This should enable the Meeting report to appear in the following month’s issue of the “BKN”.

The Council sets great store by the practice of giving an opportunity for members of the public to address Councillors before the start of each meeting.  However, on occasion it happens that no-one wishes to take advantage of the opportunity and there is then an unnecessary 15 minute delay before the meeting can start.  Therefore, the Council has also decided, with effect from the next meeting (to be held on 28 November – see below) that while the Public Session start time will remain at 7.30 pm the Meeting proper will start as soon as the Public Session concludes, or at 7.30 if no-one is present who wishes to address the Council.      

VILLAGE GREEN

It was agreed to turn down an application for use of the Village Green for a charity dog show in summer of 2006 (although alternative possibilities were suggested to the organisers).  It was felt to be inappropriate to grant permission given that dogs are not normally allowed on the Green in order to ensure that it remains hazard- free for its primary purpose as a recreation area and children’s playground.   There have been some instances lately of  dogs being taken on the Green and the Council would once again ask all residents to comply with the ban.

SPEEDWATCH

It was agreed to support a request from the Speedwatch Group for Somerset County Council’s mobile speed detection equipment to be installed at a location in the Village for a time in the near future.  Unfortunately, the problem of speeding through the village continues to cause considerable concern (not least because the majority of the offenders appear to be locals).  The Council appeals to those residents who persist in disregarding the limit to show a degree of social responsibility.

TREES AND HEDGES OBSTRUCTING HIGHWAYS

There are also, unfortunately, a number of locations where frontagers have allowed trees and hedges to grow to the extent that they obstruct footways or carriageways, causing hazards to pedestrians, equestrians, and motorists alike.  The Council appeals to all residents to keep foliage cut back adjacent to highways.

VICTIM SUPPORT SOMERSET

Victim Support Somerset has asked the Parish Council to help publicise its appeal for members of the public to become “Friends of Victim Support” and assist the organisation financially.  Victim Support is a charity and dependent to a great extent on local fundraising.  In a typical year it deals with over 9,000 victims of crime and support over 1,500 witnesses who are called to appear in Court.  All the volunteers who assist are unpaid and merely receive expenses.  For details as to how to become a Friend, contact Victim Support on 01460 55535.  (The support line for anyone unfortunate enough to become a victim of crime is 0845 30 30 900).

SEDGEMOOR COMMUNITY TRANSPORT

Sedgemoor Community Transport has advised the Council that it is looking for additional volunteer drivers to cater for the travel needs of the elderly, disabled, mobility restricted, (or simply those living in isolated areas with no transport of their own).  Drivers need to own their own cars, have a valid, reasonably clean driving licence, and be prepared to have CRB checks.  Mileage used in transporting clients is paid for.  Anyone interested in volunteering should contact  either Mr Stokes or Mr Hodges of Sedgemoor Community Transport on 01278 434811.

ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS WHEN PLANNING APPLICATIONS ARE DISCUSSED

The Council has received expressions of concern from some residents who would have liked to be present when planning applications submitted by near neighbours were discussed but were unaware of the date of the relevant meeting or of the fact that the particular application was on the Agenda.  The Agendas for meetings are normally posted on the Parish Notice Boards by (at latest) the Wednesday preceding the Monday on which the meeting is to be held, but it is appreciated that this does not give a great deal of notice.  The Parish Council regrets that it can not undertake to notify possibly affected neighbours when an application is received.  However, it is always open to a resident receiving notification of a planning application from Sedgemoor District Council to contact the Clerk and ask to be notified of the date on which the application is discussed. 

PLANNING

(Including the recommendations agreed at the meeting held on 22 August)

Apuljack, Burton Row: erection of dwelling and car port: to be supported as complying with the village Development Envelope and being a suitable solution for the development of the plot concerned.

                                    Ferndale House, Wick Lane: erection of stable block and formation of horse riding arena: to be opposed as (a) sited too close to neighbouring property and thus causing environmental nuisance thereto, and (b) the unsuitability of the proposed access for use by horseboxes, etc

                        Hill House, (The Laurels) Battleborough Lane: fell one Poplar Tree: no objections provided in accordance with good arboricultural practice and subject to the provision of a replacement tree.

                        Kalanour, 67 Brent Street: erection of rear conservatory: no observations

                        OS Field 3070, south of Crooked Lane: retention of stables, shed, haybarn, container used as store, gravel track and riding arena (site in Burnham Without but access in Brent Knoll): no observations.

Next Meeting: Monday 28 November 2005 in the School  

Public Session 7.30pm, meeting commences as soon after 7.30pm as Public Session concludes

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