Minutes of the meeting of Westwood Parish Council held at the Parish Room, Farleigh Lane on Monday 11 October 2021 at 7.30pm.
Present
Cllr. J Bishop Chairman
Clr. T Leeder
Cllr. G Mumford
Cllr.A Pittman.
Cllr. P Phillips
Cllr. E Triggs (from Agenda item 2b)
Mr. R Coleman Clerk
There were thirteen members of the public present initially.
Wiltshire Council Cllr. J Kidney attended (Part-time).
1. Apologies.
There were no apologies for non-attendance. All councillors were present.
2. Co-option of a New Member.
a. The Council resolved to co-opt a new member.
b. The Council resolved to co-opt Elizabeth Triggs - as a Westwood parish councillor.
Ms. Triggs signed the Declaration of Office Form, countersigned by the Clerk. The Clerk advised Cllr. Triggs of the need to Register Interests within 28 days and he gave her the details of how to register any interests.
3. Declaration of Interests.
There were no interests declared.
4. Minutes of the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 6 September 2021.
The minutes of the meeting were agreed to be an accurate record and were signed by the Chairman.
5. Wiltshire Council Report.
Cllr. Kidney gave the following brief report:
· A36 Trunk Road – This road is to be closed from 18 to 29 October from 8pm to 6am daily between Bath and Beckington to permit National Highways to undertake survey work in order to assist in developing a plan for remedial action.
· Wiltshire Council is conducting a ‘Youth Survey’ and this ends on 22 October. He requested that those present encourage youngsters to take part in the survey.
· Wiltshire Council Consultation on ‘Climate Strategy’ and ‘Our Natural Environment Plan’ – This consultation ends on 17 October.
· Bradford on Avon Town Council is to run a consultation event in November to ascertain public views regarding traffic management in the town.
· Wiltshire Council Cabinet is to be invited to endorse a new ‘Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy’ – in order to promote the availability of ‘electric charging points’ in the town.
· Campaign to increase the number of Foster Carers - Householders are being invited to inform Wiltshire Council if they wish to be considered as possible ‘foster carers’.
· BoA Community Area Transport Group (CATG) – Next meeting 18 October at 4pm
· BoA Area Board Meeting – Next Meeting 13 November at 7pm.
6. Highways and Environmental (including Biodiversity).
a. The Council noted the proposals from the Westwood Biodiversity Group to increase the biodiversity in Westwood and it invited the Group to make a formal presentation at the next Parish Council meeting outlining their vision for Westwood. Councillors commented that this presentation should include specific detailed proposals for the Council to consider and to endorse.
b. The Council noted the request for a Village Pond to be created in Westwood Park or at the Playing Field and the Chairman requested that this possible project is included in the presentation referred to above.
c. The Clerk was requested to invite Acer Tree Surgeons to provide a quotation for felling the two Field Maples and the Scots Pine located in Westwood Park. Cllrs. Johnston and Pittman agreed to be the contacts for this project.
d. The Parish Council noted that a majority of the affected householders had now supported the installation of a direction sign to assist the location of their properties. The Parish Council resolved to invite the CATG to agree to install a 117-120 Upper Westwood direction sign at the junction of Avoncliff Lane (C6097 road) and the lane to those houses.
e. Cllr. Pittman requested that the Parish Steward be asked to cut back the overgrown vegetation that is obscuring the ‘Main Road’ sign at Leslie Rise and Cllr. Johnston requested that he be asked to clear the weeds from the gutters in the village. There were no other specific tasks identified.
Cllr. Pittman stated that a recent Highways Traffic Notice indicated that Iford Hill was to be resurfaced in its entirety.
f. Cllr. Phillips commented that he had a significant number of litter-picking implements and that it may be time to organise a Village Litter Pick.
Following a request from a parishioner, the Parish Council agreed to cut back the overgrown hedge, owned by the Parish Council, that runs along the northern boundary of 47 Bobbin Lane. The Council resolved that Mr Downs be asked to undertake this task and that he be instructed not to burn the arisings but to dispose of them by other means.
Cllr. Johnston stated that recent correspondence from a parishioner commenting that youngsters were gaining access to the (ex) Nursery School building roof by using existing waste bins located there as a ‘Steeping stone’ and the means of access was a safety concern. The Council agreed that the bins are to be moved into the Nursery School garage to prevent their use and that the future of the two sheds located in the grounds should be decided – possibly demolished – to avoid their abuse by youngsters.
The Clerk stated that a parishioner had sent a card to the Parish Council thanking it for its support of the Telephone Box at Upper Westwood and commenting on how well used the book library was that is contained within it.
7. Planning.
a. The Council noted the current status of extant planning applications thus:
| Planning Application No. | Address | Details of Application | Planning Decision | |
|
20/11061/FUL
| 109 Upper Westwood BA15 2DP | Installation of Solar Array and Ground Source Heat Pump |
Pending | |
|
21/00448/LBC
| 109 Upper Westwood BA15 2DP | Installation of Solar Array and Ground Source Heat Pump |
Pending | |
| PL/2021/05811
| 55 Lower Westwood BA15 2AE | Related to approved planning application for the erection of a single story detached double garage. The garage will have a stone dwarf wall, be clad in oak and have a Roman tiled roof. |
Pending | |
| PL/2021/05676
| 44 Lower Westwood BA15 2AR | Demolition of existing porch and conservatory, and construction of single storey extension and entrance link to existing house | Pending | |
| PL/2021/06399
| 81 Lower Westwood BA15 2AE | Proposed existing lawful use as a single dwelling and residential curtilage | Approved | |
| PL/2021/06849
| 70 Elms Cross BA15 2AL | Proposed new ground floor extension, including internal and external alterations to the existing dwelling. | Pending | |
| PL/2021/08435 David Cox | Midway Manor Bradford Road, BA15 2AJ | Notification for prior approval under Class R for a Change of Use of Existing Agricultural Storage Barn for Use as a Café/Restaurant with Ancillary Conference Space | Pending | |
b. The Council examined the following planning applications and resolved to send comments to Wiltshire Council as shown (in italics):
| PL/2021/04053
| 120 Upper Westwood | Variation of Condition 8 and Removal of Condition 9 of 20/01308/FUL etc. | New |
The Parish Council objects to this proposed variation. These conditions were imposed for reasons of Highway Safety and should remain. Any proposed changes to hedging (as previously detailed on the original approved planting plan) should be replaced by an equal length/volume of new hedging within the location site.
| PL/2021/09162 | 20 Linden Crescent | Rear single storey extension with roof terrace, rear dormers, partial replacement and extension of existing side link extension with first floor extension above, new front porch. | New |
The Parish Council has no objection to this proposed development.
c. There were no planning applications received after 5 October 2021.
d. The Parish Council noted the request from Westbury Town Council for a financial contribution to its campaign to object to the proposed Westbury Incinerator and resolved to take no action.
8. Finance.
a. The Clerk reported the current financial position at 11 October was as follows:
| 11 October 2021 | Westwood PC | ||
| Details of the Accounts |
| Amount | |
| Credits & Debits |
|
| |
| Lloyds A/C 1643417 | |||
| Bank Statement | £34,710.51 | ||
| 31-Jul-21 | |||
| Credits (1 August 2021 to 31 August 2021): | |||
| None | £ - | ||
| Total: | £ - | ||
| Debits (1 August 2021 to 31 August 2021): | |||
| Clerk's Salary (July) | £ 645.66 | ||
| Crown Gas | £ 29.95 | ||
| Clerk's Expenses (July) | £ 14.71 | ||
| R Smith Donation | £ 23.50 | ||
| D Downes | £ 715.00 | ||
| Total: | £ 1,428.82 | ||
| Balance at 31 August 2021 | £33,281.69 | ||
| Credits (1 September 2021 to 30 September 2021): | |||
| Remembrance Plot Purchase | £ 275.00 | ||
| Memorial Tablet Fee | £ 130.00 | ||
| WC Precept (Part) | £ 20,000.00 | ||
| Total: | £ 20,405.00 | ||
| Debits (1 September 2021 to 30 September 2021): | |||
| Clerk's Salary (August) - Standing Order | £ 645.66 | ||
| Clerk's Expenses (Aug) | £ 10.47 | ||
| D Downes (July) | £ 685.00 | ||
| J Bishop (Line Search) (8/2/21 - 907) | £ 18.00 | ||
| Total: | £ 1,359.13 | ||
| Balance at 30 September 2021 | £52,327.56 | ||
| Credits (1 September 2021 to 6 September 2021): | |||
| None | £ - | ||
| Total: | £ - | ||
| Debits (1 October 2021 to 11 October 2021): | |||
| Clerk's Salary (August) - Standing Order | £ 645.66 | ||
| Wessex Water | £ 97.29 | ||
| Crown Gas & Power | £ 30.98 | ||
| Total: | £ 773.93 | ||
| Balance at 11 October 2021 | £51,553.63 | ||
| Lloyds A/C 7573321 | |||
| Bank Statement | £ 2,346.32 | ||
| 31-Aug-21 | |||
| Credit (1 September 2021 to 11 October 2021): | |||
| 10 September (Approx) | £ 0.02 | ||
| 10 October (Approx) | £ 0.02 | ||
| Total: | £ 0.04 | ||
| Debits (1 September 2021 to 11 October 2021: | |||
| None | £ - | ||
| Total: | £ - | ||
| Balance at 11 October 2021 | £ 2,346.36 | ||
| National Savings Account (Park Fund) | |||
| Balance at 31 December 2019 | £ 17,165.79 | ||
| Credits: | |||
| Interest 1/1/20 to 31/12/20: | £ 123.59 | ||
| £ 123.59 | |||
| Debits: | |||
| None | £ - | ||
| Balance at 6 September 2021 | £ 17,289.38 | ||
| Total Funds at 6 September 2021 | £71,189.37 | ||
| Payments to be authorised 11 October 2021 | |||
| Clerk's Salary (October) (To Be Paid 1 November 2021) | £ 516.46 | ||
| HMRC PAYE - October 2021 | £ 129.20 | ||
| Clerk's Expenses (September) | £ 8.45 | ||
| PKF Littlejohn | £ 240.00 | ||
| Crown Gas | £ 30.04 | ||
| D Downes | £ 670.00 | ||
| TOTAL: | £ 1,594.15 | ||
b. The Council noted the report from PKF Littlejohn (External Auditor) in respect of the AGAR for FY2020/21 and resolved that future salary payments will be made to the Clerk net of deductions in accordance with the HMRC PAYE rules. The Council resolved to cancel the existing Standing Order that instructed Lloyds Bank to pay the gross salary monthly to the Clerk.
c. The Council resolved to make the payments shown under ‘Payments to be authorised’ above at Agenda item 8a.
9. Cemetery.
The Clerk stated that D J Bewley Funeral Directors had informed him of a forthcoming interment in the Garden of Remembrance and that he had notified the Funeral Director of the appropriate fee.
Cllr. Johnston stated that it may be time to extend the area of the Garden of Remembrance as there was little available space left in the existing area.
The Clerk commented that it would be appropriate to review the Cemetery Fee Schedule in terms of the various options for burial/interment listed on it in order to simplify it.
10. Nursery School Building.
a. Cllr. Johnston confirmed that she was inspecting the building as per instructions from Zurich Municipal Insurance stated that her latest inspection indicated that everything was in order. She added that it had been left very clean following the removal of its various contents. Cllr. Bishop confirmed that the letter box had now been sealed.
b. The Chairman stated that following strong representations made to the Council regarding the continued use of the building as a Nursery School, he would contact the Little Munchins Nursery Group again and he would discuss the contested areas of their previously submitted Business Plan. Cllr. Leeder and other councillors questioned whether, in the light of current legislation, the building was ‘fit for purpose’ to house a Nursery School and whether its location – some distance from Westwood Primary School – was an impediment to providing ‘all day’ care and acting as a ‘feeder’ to Westwood Primary School.
Cllr. Bishop stated that the Parish Council had very recently received a proposal for the building to become a ‘Community Shed’ accommodating parishioners who wished to practice and develop their various practical skills such as (but not limited to): Woodworking, Metalworking, Electronics, Leatherworking, Small repairs for community groups and residents, Members' own projects and to support local events (Church fete, Flower and Veg Show, etc).
The Chairman asked councillors to study this latest proposal and stated that it would feature on the Agenda at the next meeting.
The Chairman stated that once all the various options for the use of the building had been received – and he was hopeful that there would be other options submitted - he would arrange for a Parish Meeting to be held so that local views can be obtained before any decisions are taken on its future use.
The Chairman added that it would be appropriate for the Nursery School Building Working Group comprising himself and Cllrs. Mumford. Pittman, Johnston to reconvene.
Cllr. Johnston stated that there were many weeds under the seat in Westwood Park that needed clearing and new gravel laid beneath the seat. It was agreed that Mr Downs would be requested to undertake these tasks.
11. Westwood Update & Website.
Cllr. Johnston commented that the Westwood Update has not been published for some time and she questioned whether XYZ Web Ltd had decided not to continue with this publication. She also queried why the website contained some old (non-mandatory) articles that were no longer relevant. The Clerk stated that he would contact XYZ Web Ltd and that he would make enquiries.
Councillors requested the Clerk to commence placing the Agendas on the Village noticeboards again following their absence during the worst of the COVID crises. Cllr. Johnson requested that the latest (Draft) Parish Council meeting minutes are regularly put in a folder and placed in Westwood Stores for the public to access. Cllr. Bishop stated that he would arrange for this to be done.
12. Footpaths.
There was nothing reported.
13. Play Area.
a. Cllr. Phillips stated that the fence had been damaged owing to vandalism and that he would take action to repair it.
b. Cllr. Phillips confirmed that Sovereign had now replaced the damaged swing seats. He added that the RoSPA Annual Inspection was now imminent.
14. Neighbourhood Plan.
Cllr. Leeder confirmed that he and Wiltshire Council (Chris Roe) are to meet on 13 October at 10am to discuss the Draft Westwood Neighbourhood Plan and necessary changes to it.
15. Date of Next Meeting.
Councillors agreed that the next Ordinary Parish Council Meeting would be held on 1 November 2021 at the Parish Room, Farleigh Lane commencing at 7.30pm.
The meeting concluded at 10.05pm
Chairman
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