MINUTES OF THE YEOVILTON AND DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING, TUESDAY 14th JANUARY 2025, AT ST BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH, LIMINGTON 7.30PM
Present: Mr S Hodgson (SH) (Chairman), Mr A Hickman (AH), Mr P Crang (PC), Mr James Scott (JS), Mr J Gordon (JG), Mr A Elliot (AE), Mrs N Moore (NM) (Clerk).
6 members of the public were present.
Apologies: Mr R Moffatt (RM), Cllr H Hobhouse (HH), Cllr K Messenger (KM).
Minutes of the Previous Meeting: The minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th November 2024 were signed as an accurate record.
Declarations of Interest: There were no declarations of interest.
Matters Arising from the Minutes: None.
5. Flooding Issues:
5.1 PC reported on the ongoing flooding problems at Bridgehampton. Les Stephens from West Camel Parish Council is liaising with Environmental Agency (EA) to try to divert the ditch, potentially this could cost around £200 and is looking at splitting this between the two councils. The other end of Bridgehampton is still problematic but the flooding does appear to drain away quicker. Stockwitch is flooding more regularly, this is coming from the A303. SH and JG have a follow up meeting later this month.
5.2 It had been suggested that if people drive through flooded areas this may negate their insurance. It is worth checking policies as this could vary.
6. Open Session:
6.1 Somerset Councillor’s Reports: HH was unable to attend the meeting.
6.2 RNAS Matters: Mr P Jones provided the following update: There has been an increase in helicopter activity before deployments. In April there will be 3 squadrons remaining.
6.3 Church Matters: Rev B Faulkner did not attend the meeting.
7. Planning Matters:
23/01879/OUT. Moonwinds Quarantine and Boarding Kennels, Limington Road, Illchester. Outline application with all matters reserved save for access for the demolition of existing buildings, erection of 5 dwellings, creation of a new access and provision of associated infrastructure – awaiting decision. 19 Jan 24, response from Vice Chair of South Planning responding to HH comment. Happy for the decision to be made by delegated authority.
23/01011/PAMB. Higher Farm, Higher Farm Lane, Podimore. BA22 8JQ. An appeal has been lodged in respect of the application decision on changing agricultural buildings into 5 dwellings. HH has submitted an objection on the grounds of the narrow bridge over the A303. This is only a single carriageway with no facilities for passing. Appeal in process.
24/00557/FUL. Three Acres, Limington Rd, BA22 8XL. Change of use of the existing buildings to provide overnight dog boarding accommodation, along with staff accommodation above, in association with day care facility. External alterations to the existing building (retrospective) – Objection lodged. It was noted by the committee that the proposed escape route was into an area which floods regularly. Therefore, this would be inappropriate evacuation route. HH has raised an objection on the fact that the neutrality rules have been ignored and staff are now sleeping on site. Condition: Surface Water Drainage Strategy (Compliance). The development shall only be carried out in accordance with the approved Foul Drainage in order to ensure the provision of satisfactory drainage and avoid pollution of the environment.
24/02015/FUL. RNAS Yeovilton, BA22 8HT. Proposed drainage remediation on land to the north and south of Heathcote Road (B3151). Agreed subject to IDB report compliance. Work behind the Senior Rates Mess is ongoing.
24/02368/FUL. Land adjoining Keepers, Bineham Lane, Yeovilton. Replacement at workshop and garage with self-catering holiday let. Awaiting decision. T
24/02923/LBC. Lower Farm (lot 3), Mill Lane, Limington BA22 8EJ. Conversion of 2 agricultural barns into a self-build residential dwelling with integrated annex. Awaiting decision.
24/02922/FUL. Lower Farm (lot 3), Mill Lane Limington, BA22 8EJ. Conversion of 2 agricultural barns into a self-build residential dwelling with integrated annex. Awaiting decision.
8. Financial Matters:
Balances as at 14th January 2025:
Current account: £4105.28 (received £2000 from Business Account for the new website).
Business savings account – £17051.28 (of which is £3993.93 Limington Fund and £5000 Podimore grant).
Payments: Printer Ink £20.85, Training – £35.00, Finger Post £1380 (from Limington Fund), Clerks salary (3 months) -£910.55, PAYE – £229.76.
Receipts: £5000 police grant.
8.1 Budget 2025/26. SH and NM had produced a draft budget for discussion prior to the meeting.
8.2 Precept. The meeting discussed the precept for the next FY. Due to the increase in running the council and the likelihood of more services being cut by Somerset Council, the meeting unanimously agreed to a raise of 20% on the precept. This equates to £1447, taking the precept to £8681. NM will submit this request by 31st January.
9. Traffic Matters: Podimore gates: The payment for these is being held over until the next financial Year (FY). There is no timescale as yet for the further two sets.
10. Tree Matters: None.
11. Rights of Way: Bineham Lane, there are a lot of trees amongst the hedges which is a problem during bad weather. AE will inform SH on the exact locations and SH will write to the Highways Agency. Action: AE/SH
12. Other Correspondence: None.
13. Any other Business:
13.1 The meeting discussed the Morgan Pearce development of 8 houses at Old Forge Court, Limington. This has been ongoing for a number of years and JG advised that the planning application had been approved therefore it sits with Somerset Council. NM will write to inform them of this. Action: NM.
13.2 The problem of raw sewage in Mill Lane was raised again. This has not yet been resolved. A contractor for Somerset Highways department has jetted the drains but do not know where the water is going and have no funding to correct the problem. A sewage pumping station nearby overflows into the ditch. There is a useful website: https://theriverstrust.org/ which provides an interactive map for each pumping station. Concerns were raised that with the addition of 8 more houses at The Old Forge Court will only exacerbate the problem.
13.3 AE told the meeting that he would like to tender his resignation from the council. He will submit this in writing and the process of co-opting a new Council will begin. SH thanked AE on behalf of the council for all his hard work over the years.
14. Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 11th March, St Mary’s Church, Limington at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at pm 9.16pm.
Signed: Date: