MINUTES OF YEOVILTON AND DISTRICT PARISH COUNCIL, TUESDAY 12th SEPTEMBER 2023 AT ST BARTHOLOMEW’S CHURCH, YEOVILTON
Present: Mr J Scott (JS) (Chairman), Mr S Hodgson (SH) (Vice Chairman), Mrs S Thomas- Webb (STW), Mr A Elliott (AE), Mr P Crang (PC), Mr A Hickman (AH), Mr R Moffatt (RM), Mrs N Moore (NM) (Parish Clerk).
- Apologies: Rev B Faulkner, Cllr K Messenger (Somerset Council).
- Minutes of the Previous Meeting:
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 11th July 2023 were signed as an accurate record.
3. Declarations of Interest:
There were no declarations of interest.
4. Wessex Internet:
Chris Nelson, Communications Manager for Wessex Internet attended the meeting and gave
an update on the current situation regarding the internet installation. 5. Matters Arising:
5.1 Mingle Bin – STW provided an update. The mingle bin will be a graphite bin and be placed in the weir area. The dog bin from the weir will be repositioned in Duck Lane and a small bin will be in place at the chat bench. The meeting agreed to proceed. Action: STW
5.2 Field transfer and rent review – JS has been in contact with a land agent. The cost to undertake a rent review would be several hundred pounds, however the land agent will take a look and discuss with JS on a suitable figure. With regard to the field transfer, Somerset Council confirmed that the fields had transferred to Y&DPC on its establishment. Action JS
6. Open Session:
6.1 Somerset Councillor’s Reports: Cllr Hobhouse provided a report regarding the financial problems being experienced by councils across the country. Before Christmas 2023, it is expected that another 14 councils will declare themselves bankrupt. At the present time, Somerset Council is around 20/25 on the list. There is a deficit of £30M on adult and child care and they are looking abroad to find 32,000 people to work in care homes. The consequences for parish councils will be lack of funding for things such as footpaths and bridges.
Cllr Hobhouse informed the meeting that anyone who had vacated their homes for more than 3 days due to the floods earlier in the year, are entitled to a refund of their council tax.
6.2 RNAS Matters: Lt Col Sutton provided an update on the current activities at RNAS Yeovilton. Over the last 15 years, the strategic picture has changed and therefore the location of training has also changed. The workforce has reduced and availability of facilities means that there is more air traffic over the area. Lt Col Sutton has spoken to all the Commanding Officers and crews to explain the importance of avoiding flying over habitation. The telephone numbers to the Tower (Air ops) to report aircraft activity are 01935 455497 and 01935 455498.
Also details for RNAS Yeovilton contact 9me0 is no longer Mr R Graydon, and is now Mr Phil Jones (Community Engagement) Phillip.jones229@mod.gov.uk Mobile: 03001602781
6.3 Church Matters: Rev Faulkner was unable to attend the meeting. 7. Planning Matters:
22/00962/REM land adjoining Pilgrim’s, Weir Lane. Reserved Matters for appearance, landscape, layout and scale. Following outline approval 19/01996/OUT for the erection of a dwelling – awaiting decision.
22/01966/HOU at Broadmeads, Weir Lane, Yeovilton to demolish existing garage and utility to be replaced with a two-storey side extension and rear extension. Existing rear dormer to be extended – awaiting decision.
23/01666/DOC1 Land at Higher Farm, Ashington Lane, Limington. Discharge of Condition No. 5 (hard and soft landscaping) of planning application 21/03150/FUL – awaiting decision.
23/01853/HOU East Lodge, Church St, Yeovilton. Reconstruction of existing porch. Increase length with insertion of 2 roof lights – awaiting decision.
23/01879/OUT Moonwinds’ Quarantine and Boarding Kennels, Limington Rd. Outline application with all matters reserved save for access for the demolition of existing building, erection of 5 dwellings, creation of a new access and provision of associated infrastructure – awaiting decision. The Parish Council agreed to reject the application.
8. Financial Matters:
Balances at 19th August 2023:
Current account: – £10445.73
Business savings account – £9146.64 (of which £5373.93 was the Limington Fund).
It was agreed to transfer some money from the current account to the business account. Payments:
Clerk’s salary – £700, Donation to St Bartholomew’s – £100, Chalmers Accountants – £258. 9. Traffic Matters:
9.1 A303 Dualling: A provisional date for the A303 visit is 11th October. NM is waiting to hear about timings etc.
9.2 Signage: JS has submitted a grant application to National Highways for the maximum amount of £10,000. This will not be considered until November. The outline cost should be in the region of £13,500 and JS proposed that the Parish Council commit to the purchase of the first 2 signs for Podimore. The meeting was in agreement. Action JS/SH
9.3 VAS: SH has been in communication with Duncan Galloway regarding the hire of VAS. It was proposed that it would be worthwhile buying a new VAS in conjunction with Illchester Parish Council. The meeting agreed to this proposition. Action: SH
10. Flooding Issues: The flood in Bineham Lane appears to get worse each year. This has been raised with Highways and there have been many emails sent regarding this.
- Tree Matters: Nothing to report.
- Rights of Way: The schedule for cutting of hedges etc. was discussed AE will get
some quotes and discuss with the other Councillors. It was also suggested to seek volunteers in each village who may be willing to help. Action: AE
13. Correspondence: The Council have received the Somerset and Rivers report which can be found on the following link:
Somerset and Rivers Authority Report 2022 – 23
14. Any other Business: JS thanked Mr S Prendiville for the further support he has provided during the summer regarding the external audit.
Dates for the Harvest Festivals are as follows:
Podimore – 17th September
Limington – 8th October
15. Date of Next Meeting: Tuesday 14th November 2023, Mary’s Church, Limington at 7.30pm.
The meeting closed at 9.05pm