Mudford Parish Council

MUDFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk: Zöe Godden, Corbins, St Martins Square, GILLINGHAM. SP8 4DP

Tel: 07874 220140

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MINUTES OF MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL HELD IN MUDFORD VILLAGE HALL ON THURSDAY 29 MAY 2014 COMMENCING AT 7.00PM

OPEN SESSION

The chairman opened the meeting for the public to speak in relation to planning application 14/01887/OUT.

Members of the public urged the parish council to oppose the application on the grounds that the land in question is prone to regular flooding and also on the grounds that the current highway infrastructure is not adequate for the current level of traffic. Additional properties would increase the amount of traffic, increasing problems for road users, especially at the junction of Hales Meadow and the A359.

It was noted that the council was to discuss application 14/01887/OUT at this meeting, and that this application is different and completely separate from any future application for the so-called “Mudford Key Site” at Primrose Lane.

Mr Jacobs, the developer involved in application 14/01887/OUT, was at the meeting and took questions from the council and members of the public. The points covered are summarised as follows:

Flooding – Members of the council and the public expressed deep concern about the potential for the site to flood, as it has done so regularly for many years. Some people expressed the opinion that flooding in Mudford generally has worsened since the Wyndham Park development had been built due to increased surface-water run-off and that building on this particular site would worsen the situation further. Mr Jacobs responded by saying that not all of the site floods. He added that, in his opinion, the site will only flood once every 10 years.

19:24 – Stephen Bartlett arrived at the meeting.

There was some general discussion about the potential increase in surface-water run-off due to building on currently undeveloped land. Yvonne Rowland noted that, although the site of this application is not shown as being on the flood plain, in reality the area floods regularly. Yvonne agreed with a member of the public who said that underground drainage tanks on the Wyndham Park site had been problematic. She added that the general belief is that these tanks had recently overflowed and exacerbated the flooding experienced in Mudford. Water already comes up through the floor of properties in Mudford during very wet weather. Stephen Bartlett added that the need for additional, affordable housing is accepted, but that the problem of flooding needs to be taken very seriously into account. Mr Jacobs said that one in six of the new houses in this application would be affordable and that the whole development is not very big. He said that the total number of properties for the site has yet to be decided, but that the minimum number needed to ensure some affordable housing is included is 15. There followed some discussion about different numbers of properties and how the final total would affect the amount of S106 funding that would be made available to the parish. Mr Jacobs said that his client (the landowner) had instructed him to take the parish’s views on the number of properties that were acceptable.

There was some discussion about access to the site, both during and after any potential development. Mr Jacobs said that there were two alternatives for site access, either via Hillview and Hales Meadow, or via the construction of two mini roundabouts.

It was noted that the availability of adequate car parking space was already an issue at this area of the village and that additional properties would exacerbate this.

Stephen Bartlett asked Mr Jacobs if the County Archaeologist had made any comment. Mr Jacobs replied that the land is not designated as having any specific archaeological interest. Stephen said that the land hasnot been actively farmed so is a good example of an ancient meadow (pond, ridge and furrow and wildflower meadow) with ecological and archaeological value.

Mr Jacobs ended by offering to negotiate with the community to ensure that benefits are realised for the parish.

District Councillor Tony Capozzoli noted that input from other agencies such as the Environment Agency and Highways, had not yet been received, so not all of the required information was available for consideration.

The open session was brought to an end.

1. To elect a Chairman of the Council and receive the Chairman’s declaration of Office.

Stephen Bartlett was nominated by Yvonne Rowland and seconded by Michael Jones.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed that Stephen Bartlett would be the chairman of the council and the declaration of acceptance of office was signed accordingly.

1. To elect a Vice-Chairman of the Council and receive the Vice-Chairman’s declaration of Office.

Michael Jones was nominated by Yvonne Rowland and seconded by Stephen Bartlett.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed that Michael Jones would be vice-chairman of the council and a declaration of acceptance of office was signed accordingly.

Members of the public thanked Yvonne for her service to the parish council as chairman. Stephen Bartlett also thanked her for her hard work and determination over the years.

1. Apologies and to approve reasons for apologies as seen fit.

Present: Yvonne Rowlands, Michael Jones, Stephen Bartlett (from 19:24), County Councillor Michael Lewis & District Councillor Tony Capazzoli.

Clerk – Zöe Godden

Apologies had been received from PCSO Thelma Mead, June Lydon and Geoff Brown.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed to approve the reasons for absence as reported.

1. Declarations of interest.

There were no declarations of interest.

1. To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 27/03/14

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed to accept the minutes without amendment.

1. PLANNING:

(a)PLANNING DECISIONS:

(i)13/04903/FUL, Mr & Mrs Taverner, The erection of a dwelling with attached garage, Land adjoining The Old Kiln, Main Street, Mudford – Granted with conditions.

(ii)14/01426/PDE, Mr & Mrs S Tinsley, Demolition of existing rear extension and erection of replacement single storey rear extension (i) the projection of the proposed extension beyond the rear wall is 3.3 metres (ii) the maximum height of the extension is 3.5 meters (iii) the height of the eaves of the extension is 2.25 meters. – PLANNING PERMISSION NOT REQUIRED.

Noted

(b)PLANNING APPICATIONS:

(i)14/01820/REM – Camelot Developments Ltd, The erection of 2 No. detached dwellinghouses with garages, Land adjoining 1 Primrose Lane, Mudford.

The chairman opened the meeting for public comment. Mr Hodder expressed concern about the ground levels of the development, as it appeared that the new properties were to be raised towards the rear, which would cause overlooking of existing neighbouring properties. . He also felt that the two properties should be closer together to maximise the distance between them and the existing boundaries.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed that the parish council recommends refusal of this application because of its size and scale due the variation the ground level. The proposed properties should be sunk to follow the existing ground level of the current neighbouring properties. The parish council further agrees that the two proposed properties should be moved closer together to increase the distance between them and the existing neighbouring properties.

(ii)14/01887/OUT – Hales Lea, The change of use of land for mixed development comprising housing with annexed businesses, sports hall and community accommodation.

This application was discussed at length during the open session at the start of the meeting.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed that the parish council should defer its decision pending receipt of further information. It was felt that there was insufficient information on the impact on highways and flooding and that the ecological and archaeological impact had not been adequately examined. Deep concern was expressed regarding the impact of this development on water levels and drainage. The parish council would like the opportunity to comment again when all further information has been submitted by the applicant.

(c)PLANNING APPLICATIONS NOTIFIED BUT NOT YET RECEIVED BY PARISH COUNCIL None at time of posting Agenda

And to consider any applications received since the preparation of the Agenda on which comments are required before the next meeting.

A further application had been received by the clerk after the agenda had been published:

14/02369/FUL – Mr Philip Enticott, Ivy Cottage, Main Street, Mudford, The erection of a single storey rear extension to dwelling house.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed that the parish council has no objections to this application.

(c)PLANNING CORRESPONDENCE: SSDC Local Plan Independent Examination Draft Programme. –Maurice Lamb invitation to meeting regarding Local Plan – Stephen Bartlett to deal.

1. REPORTS BY DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS, POLICE, VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE, YARLINGTON HOMES.

County Councillor Michael Lewis reported that the government inspector was reviewing the local plan.

District Councillor Tony Capazzoli added that Chilton Cantelo Parish is concerned about the impact of more housing in terms of flooding and surface water.

1. COUNCIL MATTERS

(a)Resignation of the clerk – to note the progress made by the clerk in the recruitment process and to agree any further action to be taken.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed to advertise the clerk’s post in the Western Gazette, SALC website, Mudford Parish Council website and via SSDC email to all local clerks.

20:32 - Tony Capazzoli left the meeting.

(b)To note the resignation of Yvonne Rowlands and agree to co-opt for this vacancy and the other parish council vacancies.

Yvonne Rowlands agreed to stay on the parish council until a replacement is found, but that she would not act as chairman.

The clerk was instructed to advertise the current councillor vacancies in the Three Villages News. The clerk confirmed that she had spoken to Roger Quantock at SSDC to make sure that the council was following correct procedure in this matter.

1. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:

(a)To hear an update from Michael Jones regarding plans to start a Community Speed Watch scheme.

Michael Jones reported that a Speedwatch meeting had been arranged for Tuesday 3 June. This will include training and briefing for volunteers, of which there are at least eight. Details will then be passed to Avon and Somerset Police, who will risk assess the scheme and locations. Michael added that Avon and Somerset Police now have six speed cameras on motorcycles, which will be visiting Mudford regularly for short periods of between 30 and 60 minutes.

1. To hear an update on the car parking issues at Hillview.

Councillors and the clerk had not heard back from some of the interested parties. The clerk was asked to follow this up.

1. FINANCIAL MATTERS:

(a)To consider the end of year accounts; to agree the figures as presented; to agree the responses to the questions in section 2 of the Annual Return.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed to defer this matter as the accounts had not been passed to the internal auditor.

(b)Receipts and payments

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed to approve the receipts and payments as presented.

(c)To consider a request for a grant from Yeovil Shopmobility.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed to give a grant of £40.00.

(d)To consider making a donation to the Somerset Levels Relief Fund or the Somerset Community Foundation.

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed to give a grant of £50.00.

1. ELECTION OF TWO REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE SOMERSET ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS: Present representatives Mrs. Rowlands and Mrs Gane

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed to defer this matter to the next meeting.

1. ELECTION OF A REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE VILLAGE HALL COMMITTEE:

Present representative – Vacant

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed to defer this matter to the next meeting.

1. ELECTION OF STAFFING COMMITTEE

Present Mr Brown, Mr Jones and Mr Bartlett

RESOLVED: It was proposed and agreed that Stephen Bartlett and Michael Jones would form the staffing committee.

1. CORRESPONDENCE

SSDC –Chairing Skills training on 16 June at Brympton Way, Yeovil – Michael Jones to attend.

SSDC – S106 proposal for planning application 14/01887/OUT – Noted.

SSDC – Draft programme for Local Plan Hearing – Noted.

1. URGENT BUSINESS ARISING AFTER THE PREPARATION OF THIS AGENDA, WHICH THE CHAIRMAN AGREES TO TAKE AS URGENT. SUCH MATTERS WILL BE FOR NOTING OR DEFERRAL TO A FUTURE MEETING ONLY.

1. NEXT QUARTERLY PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGS:

Thursday 31 July 2014, Thursday 25 September 2014, Thursday 27 November 2014

Further meetings will be called as necessary usually on the last Thursday of the month

The meeting closed at 20:58.