Minutes of Yeovilton Parish Council held on Tuesday June 8th 2021 at St. Bartholomew’s Church, Yeovilton at 7.30pm.
The meeting was held with strict Covid regulations, social distancing & masks being worn.
Present:, Chairman, Mr. A. Elliott, Mr. P. Browncey, Mr. D. Board, Mr. B. Barlow, Mr. A. Hickman,
Mr. M. Lewis, County Councillor, Mr. A. Capozzoli, District Councillor, Rev. B. Faulkner, Mrs. C. Hickman, Mr. M. Edwards, Mr. R. Moffatt and Mr. P. Horsington, Clerk.
16. Apologies
Apologies were received from Mrs. R. S. Jones, Mr. R. Luck, Mr. C. Hull, District Councillor,
Mr. P. Rowsell, District Councillor, Mr. R. Graydon, CRO, RNAS, PC. Stefan Edwards and PCSO Tim Russell.
17. Minutes
The Minutes of the previous meeting held on May 11th 2021, having been circulated, were signed as correct.
18. Declarations of Interest
There were no Declarations of Interest.
19. Open Session & County & District Councillors’ reports
Mr. Capozzoli, District Councillor reported that the planning application 20/03406/S73 Stockwich Court, which is being delayed due to Phosphate issues, is still unresolved, which he felt was unacceptable.
Mr. Capozzoli reported that the recent Poll held on the options proposed by the District Councils to have two Unitary Councils, rather than the single one being proposed by SCC, had resulted in a majority of 67% to 33% in South Somerset in favour of two Unitary Councils. This was on average turnout of 25.6% of voters.
Mr. Lewis, County Councillor, informed the meeting that the review of Parliamentary boundaries is recommending abolishing the Frome & Somerton constituency and change boundaries to include Glastonbury, which would probably move Yeovilton Parish into the new constituency away from Yeovil. This was noted.
Rev. Faulkner highlighted that the Somerset Waste Partnership has problems with Waste collections due to staff shortages, causing problems of non collection. It was agreed that the District & County Councillors would look into this issue, as it was felt with the new changes, this will result in more fly tipping.
Mrs. Hickman highlighted that the two closed bridges on the Rights of Way were causing problems, as these are well used and the closures not always being observed. It was agreed to discuss this under Rights of Way.
Mr. M. Edwards highlighted the issue of young persons using the river Yeo for swimming upstream from Hainbury Mill. Mr. Edwards felt that there ought to be some safety lifebelt and or signs, put in that area to minimise the risk of any fatality. After discussion, it was agreed that advice needs to be taken from the E.A. as to what permissions are needed and their role if any, on the safety issue. It was felt that the area at the Weir, Yeovilton is also at risk.
It was stated that the riparian owner needs to be contacted and give their consent. The issue of liability was raised.
It was noted that Mr. Capozzoli stated that there might be a grant available from SSDC, towards any equipment or signage to assist with this issue.
20. RNAS matters, Police, Community & Church matters
In the absence of Mr. Graydon, RNAS, there were no RNAS matters raised.
The Council noted the apologies received from the Police.
Rev. Faulkner stated that there had been a Community event held at Podimore over the past weekend.
21. Planning matters
The Council noted that there was no decision for application 20/02512/OUT on Land adjoining Pilgrims, Weir Lane Outline application with all matters reserved apart from access for the erection of 2 No. detached dwellings. There was discussion that there were proposals for two dwellings, but to date no detailed plans have been received.
The Council noted the comments made earlier by Mr. Capozzoli on application 20/03406/S73 at Stockwitch Court, Stockwich Cross to remove planning condition No. 6 (residential annexe tie) of approval 06/04038/COU to enable annexe to be used as a separate dwelling.
The Council noted that application 20/02517/FUL at West Farmhouse. Pyle Lane, Yeovilton for extension of existing access track, demolition of old cow stalls, rebuild, alterations and repairs to allow conversion of barns to form 3 units holiday accommodation with associated parking and garden areas, has been withdrawn.
22. Financial matters
The Council noted that the balances as at 31/05/21 were in the Current A/c £3,561.05p and £5,006.69p in the B/P Account.
Payments received – nil
Payments made –
- 100443 £198
- 100444 £75
- 100445 £313.50
The Clerk reported that the notice of Public Rights for inspecting the Accounts has been displayed & is on the Council’s website and the necessary papers been sent via Email to PFK Littlejohn LLP (ref: SBA Team) for audit.
23. Highway matters
The Council noted that there will be a presentation by Gulliford Try on their proposed details for the A.303 dualling from Sparkford to Podimore at the next meeting. Therefore the meeting will start at 7.00pm
In the absence of Mr. Luck, the Council discussed and agreed that the next installation of the VAS device should be on the B.3151. The actual site to be agreed with Mr. Elliott, Mr. Board and Mr. Luck.
It was noted that the Speed data gained so far, has been posted on the Council’s website.
Mr. Browncey highlighted a massive pothole at Bridgehampton between Mill House and the bridge over the river Cam. Mr. Barlow highlighted that the verge by ‘Fairview’ Yeovilton village is very overgrown & needs clearing to allow use of the footpath. It was agreed to contact SCC Highways on both issues.
24. Flooding issues
Mr. Browncey reported that during the recent heavy rain, there had been no serious flooding at Bridgehampton, the situation appears to be greatly improved.
25. Tree matters
The Chairman reported that he had trimmed back an overhanging tree in Bineham Lane.
26. Rights of Way.
The Council noted the issues raised earlier, reference the two closed bridges on Rights of Way within the Parish, and after discussion, it was agreed to ask the Rights of Way Officer for an update as to when these repairs are to be carried out, copied to Mr. Lewis, County Councillor.
27. Correspondence
The Council noted the Somerset Waste Partnership newsletter & Clerks Direct.
28. Items for report, or for the agenda of the next meeting
There were none raised.
The date of the next meeting was agreed to be held Tuesday July 13th 2021 at 7.00pm, at St. Bart’s Church, Yeovilton, to enable Gulliford Try to give their presentation on the A.303 dualling proposals.
There being no further business, the Chairman thanked all present for attending and declared the meeting closed at 8.15pm.