Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council 13 January 2022

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on

Thursday 13 January 2022 at 7.30pm in Bayford Hall

Public Forum

No members of the public attended.

Present

Cllrs: N Linsley (Chairman) (M Grant (Vice Chairman), R Webb-Bowen, J Garrett, and L Rose-Walker. D/Councillor R Bastable

1.Apologies – C/Councillor A Groskop

2. Declarations of Interest – None

3.Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 11 November 2021.

It was resolved to approve and sign the minutes as a true record

Proposed Cllr Rose-Walker                                   Seconded Cllr Grant

4.Planning Matters

a New Planning Matters

There were no new planning matters.

b Outcome of plannig matters already considered

There were no further outcomes.

5. Highways

Cllr Grant had contacted Gary Warren regarding the purchase of a SID. Gary Warren suggested it may be possible to share the cost and use of the SID with Charlton Musgrove. Although the Clerk had asked Charlton Musgrove previously to share and they refused. Cllr Bastable said he would speak about it at the next Charlton Musgrove meeting. Training will be given on how to use the SID and how to obtain the data from it.

On the dangers of driving out of Love Lane Gary Warren suggested painting the road by the lane to help with the visual exiting.

Clerk to contact Fly Tipping to report the rubbish along Beech Lane.

6 Footpaths

Cllr Garrett sent her report to all Councillors and is now filed with the minutes.

7 Financial Matters

a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation

b Bank Balances to 31 December 2021

A resolution is sought to accept the financial statement as at 31 December 2021. Stoke Trister & Bayford PC Current A/C £23,160.86 Stoke Trister&Bayford PC Reserve A/C £9136.75 Leigh Common Savings A/C £5106.55

c A resolution is sought to agree the following payments.

BAC’sClerk Salary, expenses & council expenses.          592.07
BAC’sSALC          25.00
Cheque 000501British Legion Wreath          21.00
BAC’sMrs Garrett Xmas lights and batteries.          75.47
BAC’sSuperplants Xmas tree        162.00
BAC’sMrs Linsley refreshments for Carol Singing.          91.55
BAC’sICO          35.00

Proposed: Cllr Garrett                        Seconded: Cllr Grant

The Chairman discussed a training session she had attended. The internal audit now has extra legislations needed. Chairman suggested having a letter to the Parish Council as a totality of the internal audit. Chairman to contact Brian Williams who has done the internal audit for many years to ask just what needed to be done.

Chairman to contact Mr Light to repair the Notice Board at the triangle in Stoke Trister village.

8.Riding Gate, East View & Sunnyhill Farm

Heather Nesbitt is dealing with all the above cases.

9.Defibrillator

No further information

10.Risk Assessment

Cllr Webb-Bowen asked the Clerk to send his draft copy of the Risk Assessment to all Councillors so they could send comments and views on Management.

11. Street Party for 2022

Chairman had spoken with various parishioners to see how interested villagers would be to a Street Party. Cllr Rose-Walker will continue to organise the party.

12. Flowers

Chairman discussed with the Councillors about sending some flowers to Eldryd Parsons widow Maureen. It was unanimously agreed to go ahead with this.

13. Rubbish Bin

It has been requested by a parishioner that we have another rubbish bin at the bottom of Devenish Lane. Clerk to check on sizes and prices then send to all Councillors for a decision.  

14. Opening up Safely

It was discussed about the 3rd tranche available for opening up safely. It was unanimously agreed to apply for it.

15. Precept

The Precept was signed and will be sent to SSDC.

16. Date of next meeting will be on Thursday 10 March 2022

Meeting closed at 9.07pm



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Chairman                                                                       Date

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council 11 November 2021

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on

Thursday 11 November 2021 at 7.30pm in Bayford Hall

Public Forum

No members of the public attended. Cllr Garrett requested a copy of the original Parish Plan. Chairman mentioned that she was learning Word Press so that she could amend the website when needed.

Present

Cllrs: N Linsley (Chairman M Grant (Vice Chairman), J Garrett, and L Rose-Walker. C/Councillor A Groskop. D/Councillor R Bastable

1.Apologies – Cllr Webb-Bowen and Cllr Diggle Perry

2. Declarations of Interest – Cllr Garrett planning application.

3.Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 16 September 2021.

It was resolved to approve and sign the minutes as a true record

Proposed Cllr Rose-Walker                                        Seconded Cllr Garrett

4.Planning Matters

a.New Planning Matters

There were no new planning matters.

b Outcome of plannig matters already considered

Application No: 20/00638/FUL

Applicants: Mr & Mrs Garrett

Location: Highcroft, Stoke Trister, Wincanton.

Proposal: Erection of a dwelling (resubmission) – Application finally passed by Area East.

Application No: 20/02935/FUL

Location: Highbrook Devenish Lane Bayford

Proposal: Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of a replacement dwelling and detached garage. – Conflict in decision from Parish Council. Permitted with conditions.

Application No: 21/01039/COU

Location: Riding Gate House, Riding Gate.

Proposal: Change of use of land and siting of 1 No. camping pod to provide holiday accommodation. – Based on one individual building and with that in mind STWBPC have no objections to the application. – Approved with conditions.

Application No: 21/01330/FUL

Location: Church Farm Bayford Lane

Proposal: Redevelopment of Church Farm agricultural buildings and erection of 2 dwellings (as approved under 19/00258/OUT) together with construction of new vehicular access therto and to serve existing bungalow- STWBPC have no objection to the two dwellings applied for. However, we do notice that the two houses to be erected are 5 bedroom houses when the original approved outline application was for two 4 bedroom houses. Permitted with conditions.

5. Highways

Chairman mentioned that Aly Perry has resigned as councillor and we need to advertise for two councillors again. She also agreed to contact the owner of Manor House, Stoke Trister as he had shown an interest in being a councillor. 

Cllr Grant agreed to look at the SIDS that Aly Perry was working on and to take over Highways temporarily. Cllr Grant mentioned fly tipping in Beech Lane at the A303 end. Clerk to contact the Council for clearance. Chairman had a meeting with Gary Warren regarding the traffic issues of parked cars at the top of Bayford Hill. Gary Warren said he would follow this up.

6 Footpaths

Cllr Garrett contacted Eve Wynn regarding several footpath problems. She is taking these issues on board but all her contractors are very busy at the moment and so she is unable to give a timescale as to when the matters can be resolved. Chairman suggested contacting Eve Wynn again to contact the landowners to clear the paths on their land. Eve Wynn has agreed to supply further footpath signs that Cllr Garrett and Cllr Rose Walker will put up together.

7 Financial Matters

a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation

b Bank Balances to 30 September 2021

A resolution is sought to accept the financial statement as at 30 September 2021. Stoke Trister & Bayford PC Current A/C £19,449.65 Stoke Trister&Bayford PC Reserve A/C £8926.29 Leigh Common Savings A/C £5106.31

Proposed Cllr Garrett                                                  Seconded Cllr Grant

c A resolution is sought to agree the following payments.

BAC’sClerk Salary, expenses & council expenses.  591.99


Proposed: Cllr Grant                           Seconded: Cllr Garrett

8.Riding Gate, East View & Sunnyhill Farm

Cllr Garrett gave an update which was sent to Heather Nesbitt.

9.Defibrillator

Cllr Garrett mentioned a possible leak in the phone box housing the Defibrillator. It needed to be checked further when it rains more persistently.

10.Risk Assessment

No further information.

11. Street Party for 2022

Chairman had spoken with locals who could see a problem with street closures etc., they felt it better to have it in a local field. Cllr Rose-Walker was tasked to approach landowners to identify a suitable venue and get a working group together by January 2022.

12. Christmas Tree

It was discussed and agreed to have another Christmas tree again this year. Clerk to order the tree. It was agreed to buy lights for the tree in Bayford plus as there is nowhere to position a tree in Stoke Trister, lights will be bought to adorn the cherry tree in the triangle. Cllr Garrett was tasked with this purchase.

13. Christmas Carols

Bayford Hall has been booked for 18 December 2021 for Christmas Carols.

14. Remembrance Day

Chairman said that the wreath laying went well that morning. Spoke with Mr Munro who attended the service and both decided to work together next year on the service.

15. Opening up Safely

Chairman mentioned about the grant that was applied for from SALC. We were lucky enough to get both grants on offer. The Church will be given some and the Parish Council the remainder. They are to help local places to open up more safely to provide safety measures for cleaning etc.,

16. Precept

It was agreed to increase the annual donation to the Air Ambulance. The Precept was approved with a unanimous vote.

Proposed: Cllr Rose-Walker                                       Seconded: Cllr Garrett

17 . Date of next meeting will be on Thursday 13 January 2022

Meeting closed at 8.45pm



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Chairman                                                                                             Date

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council 16 September 2021

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on

Thursday 16 September 2021 at 7.30pm in Bayford Hall

Public Forum

A member of the public complained about the grass etc., covering the Bayford gateway sign, he felt it made the village look uncared for. Chairman explained that it is left for a certain period of time to allow the insects etc., to breed. Clerk to contact John Nicholson to get the verges cut around all gateway signs in Bayford and Riding Gate. Cllr Rose-Walker mentioned doing a small paragraph in the Newsletter saying what the Parish Council was doing.

Present

Cllrs: N Linsley (Chairman) M Grant (Vice Chairman), J Garrett, A Perry and L Rose-Walker. C/Councillor A Groskop. D/Councillor R Bastable

1.Apologies – Cllr Webb-Bowen

2. Declarations of Interest – Cllr Garrett planning application.

3.Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 8 July and Planning applications: 21/01125/FUL Devenish Lane, 21/01039/COU Riding Gate House.

It was resolved to approve and sign the minutes as a true record

Proposed Cllr Grant                                        Seconded Cllr Garrett

4.Planning Matters

a.New Planning Matters

b Outcome of planning matters already considered

Planning Application No: 20/00638/FUL

Applicants: Mr & Mrs Garrett

Location: Highcroft, Stoke Trister, Wincanton.

Proposal: Erection of a dwelling (resubmission) – Awaiting decision.

Application No: 20/02935/FUL

Location: Highbrook Devenish Lane Bayford

Proposal: Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of a replacement dwelling and detached garage. – Conflict in decision from Parish Council. Awaiting decision.

Application No: 21/01039/COU

Location: Riding Gate House, Riding Gate.

Proposal: Change of use of land and siting of 1 No. camping pod to provide holiday accommodation. – Based on one individual building and with that in mind STWBPC have no objections to the application. – Awaiting decision.

Application No: 21/01330/FUL

Location: Church Farm Bayford Lane

Proposal: Redevelopment of Church Farm agricultural buildings and erection of 2 dwellings (as approved under 19/00258/OUT) together with construction of new vehicular access therto and to serve existing bungalow- STWBPC have no objection to the two dwellings applied for. However, we do notice that the two houses to be erected are 5 bedroom houses when the original approved outline application was for two 4 bedroom houses. Awaiting approval.

Chairman spoke of the Devenish Lane application (21/01125/FUL) that has been approved. All the questions that were asked by Stoke Trister Parish Council were never answered before approval was given.

Cllr Garret spoke of her application (20/00638/FUL) for which she is still awaiting a decision. Cllr Bastable stated that David Kenyon said it would be decided by the end of August 2021, unfortunately this did not happen.

5.Highways

Cllr Diggle Perry stated that the Riding Gate signage that was wrongly erected still had not been moved. Gary Warren promised to have the signage moved a few weeks ago but nothing as yet has been done. Chairman will write to John Nicholson with a copy to Gary Warren about this. Cllr Diggle Perry mentioned that there were still cars going up and down Devenish Lane late at night. Cllr Diggle Perry also spoke about the VA signs that were working out at approximately £3,000 plus for each sign. It was decided to get further quotes to be able to go forward with this project.

6.Footpaths

Cllr Garrett had sent her report to all Councillors prior to the meeting. Report filed with minutes. Cllr Garrett also mentioned the signage and stiles for some of the footpaths was very poor and would contact SCC to see what could be done. Cllr Garrett also said about having metal gates rather than wood as they were more sustainable and will follow this up. Chairman mentioned Japanese Knotweed that was still growing and had not appeared to have been cut down. Cllr Bastable said it was a Highways matter and to contact them again. It was decided to split the footpaths between Bayford and Stoke Trister. Cllr Garrett will keep the Stoke Trister area and Cllr Rose-Walker will cover the Bayford area.

7.Financial

a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation

b Bank Balances to 31 August 2021

A resolution is sought to accept the financial statement as at 31 August 2021. Stoke Trister & Bayford PC Current A/C £19,449.65 Stoke Trister&Bayford PC Reserve A/C £8926.29 Leigh Common Savings A/C £5106.31

c A resolution is sought to agree the following payments.

BAC’sBen Giles220.00
BAC’sSALC subs  95.41
BAC’sClerk Salary, expenses & council expenses.649.80  
BAC’sWeb Creation148.50
BAC’sSALC  55.00


Proposed: Cllr Garrett                                     Seconded: Cllr Rose-Walker

8.Riding Gate, East View & Sunnyhill Farm

Heather Nesbitt is investigating all the above and sends regular updates.

9.Defibrillator

No further information.

10.Future of Parish Elections

Chairman had written to Justin Robinson regarding this and asked the Councillors to do the same.

11.Risk Assessment

Cllr Webb-Bowen was unable to attend the meeting but would send a report through to the Clerk.

12. Afghan Refugees

Cllr Rose-Walker mentioned the re-settling of the Afghan refugees. It was suggested putting an article in the Newsletter to see if any residents wished to help in any way. Chairman stated that it is Somerset County Council that is dealing with the main part of resettling the refugees in the area and it would be a good idea to contact them if anyone wanted to offer any help.

13. Street Party for 2022

Chairman suggested having a street party for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. She will speak with John Nicholson regarding closing the roads on that date. Cllr Rose-Walker will speak with the residents and get their comments, she will also put an article in the Newsletter.

14.Date of next meetings will be on Thursday 11 November 2021

Meeting finished 8.58pm





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Chairman                                                                             Date


Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council 8 July 2021

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on

Thursday 8 July 2021 at 7.30pm in Bayford Hall

Public Forum

No members of the public were present. Chairman spoke about having a street party for the Queens Jubilee next year. Cllr Rose-Walker will check the villages to see if the parishioners feel it would be a good idea. Chairman asked for information on road closures and costs. Cllr Rose-Walker’s neighbours have offered the use of their 4 acres of land for a bonfire. Chairman also read out Tim Russell’s report.

Present

Cllrs: N Linsley (Chairman) M Grant (Vice Chairman), R Webb-Bowen, J Garrett, A Perry (via Zoom) and L Rose-Walker and C/Councillor A Groskop.

1.Apologies – D/Councillor R Bastable.

2.Declarations of Interest – Cllr Garrett on Planning Application.

3.The Parish Council Meetings held on 13 May 2021. Planning applications: 21/01039/COU Riding Gate House, 20/00279/FUL Hook Valley Farm, 21/01330/FUL  Church Farm. 21/01446/FUL Bayford Motors, 21/01779/HOU & 21/01780/LBC  Manor House . Appeal  20/00359/OUT Appeal no: APP/R3325/W/20/3259421 Land to the East of Penn View, Bayford.    

It was resolved to approve and sign the minutes as a true record

Proposed Cllr Webb-Bowen                                       Seconded Cllr Garrett

4.Planning Matters

a.New Planning Matters

Application No: 20/02935/FUL

Location: Highbrook Devenish Lane Bayford

Proposal: Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of a replacement dwelling and detached garage. – Conflict in decision.

Application No: 21/01039/COU

Location: Riding Gate House, Riding Gate.

Proposal: Change of use of land and siting of 1 No. camping pod to provide holiday accommodation. – Based on one individual building and with that in mind STWBPC have no objections to the application.

Application No: 20/00279/FUL

Location: Land at Hook Farm.

Proposal: Demolition of agricultural building (with prior approval to convert to dwelling – reference 19/00910/PAMB and erection of a detached dwelling and garage –    STWBPC have no objection to this application

Application No: 21/01330/FUL

Location: Church Farm Bayford Lane

Proposal: Redevelopment of Church Farm agricultural buildings and erection of 2 dwellings (as approved under 19/00258/OUT) together with construction of new vehicular access therto and to serve existing bungalow- STWBPC have no objection to the two dwellings applied for. However, we do notice that the two houses to be erected are 5 bedroom houses when the original approved outline application was for two 4 bedroom houses.

Application No: 21/01446/FUL

Location: Bayford Garage, Bayford Hill, Bayford.

Proposal: To raise sections of roof to allow use of vehicle lift. – STWBPC have no objection to the application.

b.Outcome of planning matters already considered

Planning Application No: 20/00638/FUL

Applicants: Mr & Mrs Garrett

Location: Highcroft, Stoke Trister, Wincanton.

Proposal: Erection of a dwelling (resubmission) – Awaiting decision.

5.Highways

Cllr Diggle Perry spoke of the Riding Gate signage that was put in the wrong place. After all this time of waiting for the Council to change it with their many excuses SSDC’s Gary Warren has now said that he will not be changing the sign and has told the Parish Council to find a farmer / Council representative to do it. Clerk to send signs of other road deterrents to Cllr Diggle Perry.

6.Footpaths

Cllr Garrett  had sent her report to all Councillors prior to the meeting. Report filed with minutes. Cllr Grant mentioned a stile in Beech Lane that had become impassable.

7.Financial

a Statement of Account and Bank Reconciliation

b Bank Balances to 30 June 2021

A resolution is sought to accept the financial statement as at 30 June 2021. Stoke Trister & Bayford PC Current A/C £19,449.65 Stoke Trister&Bayford PC Reserve A/C £8926.29 Leigh Common Savings A/C £5106.31

c A resolution is sought to agree the following payments.

BAC’sPayman  72.00
BAC’sPinnacle Accountancy132.00
BAC’sClerk Salary, expenses & council expenses.  618.07
BAC’sWater2Business  17.68
BAC’sDorset & Somerset Air Ambulance  300.00
BAC’sCitizens Advice Bureau  25.00
BAC’sPCC Stoke Trister540.00


Proposed: Cllr Garrett                                     Seconded: Cllr Grant

8.Riding Gate & East View

Clerk to write to Heather Nesbitt again when her recovery from a car accident has improved.

9.Defibrillator

No further information.

10.Website

Chairman stated that she is hoping the website is nearing completion. Has to be check through completely before going live.

11.Risk Assessment and the Emergency Plan

Cllr Webb-Bowen and Councillors discussed this further regarding what risks we have and decided to send an email to all Councillors asking what different risks they thought would be applicable. Clerk to send present Risk Assessment to Cllr Webb-Bowen and also send Cllr Rose-Walker a copy of the Emergency Plan.

12.Date of next meetings will be on Thursday 16 September 2021



Meeting closed at 8-33pm

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Chairman                                                                             Date


Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council 13 May 2021 at 7.30pm

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of the Parish

Council held on 13 May 2021 in

Bayford Village Hall at 7.30pm

Public Forum:

Parishioners were very concerned with the Windmill Hill Appeal, in particular the positioning of the houses. Chairman explained that they should contact the Planning Inspectorate and put their complaints to them.

Present: N Linsley, J Grant, R Webb-Bowen, J Garrett, A Diggle Perry and L Rose-Walker.

There were 3 members of the public in attendance.

Clerk in attendance: Mrs P Gillman

1. Apologies – C/Councillor A Groskop and D/Councillor R Bastable

2. Declarations of Interest – J Garrett

3. Election of Officers

Chairman                                                                                N Linsley

Vice Chairman                                                                        M Grant

Highways                                                                                A Diggle Perry

Footpaths                                                                               J Garrett

Tree Officer                                                                            L Rose-Walker

Website Officer                                                                      L Rose-Walker

Defibrillator                                                                           J Garrett

Residential Co-Ordinator                                                      L Rose-Walker

Civil Contingencies/Risk Management Officer                      R Webb-Bowen

Proposed N Linsley                                                                Seconded M Grant

Unanimous

4. Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 11 March2021 and Planning Consultations of 21/00279/FUL and 20/02935/FUL

It was resolved to approve and sign the minutes as a true record

Proposed: Cllr Rose-Walker                           Seconded: Cllr Garrett

5. Financial Matters

a. Statement of Account and bank reconciliation

b. Bank Balances 30 April 2021.

A resolution is sought to accept the financial statement as at 30 April 2021. Stoke Trister & Bayford PC Current A/c £21519.24; Stoke Trister & Bayford PC Reserve A/c £8926.14; Leigh Common Savings A/c £5106.23.

c. A resolution is sought to accept the following payments.

BAC’sCame &Company (Insurance)349.36
BAC’sClerks’ salary, expenses, and council expenses  633.55

Proposed: Cllr Webb-Bowen                                                  Seconded: Cllr Garrett

6. Planning Matters

a. New Planning Matters

Application No: 21/00279/FUL

Land at Hook Farm Os 2300 Shaftesbury Lane, Stoke Trister, Wincanton.

Proposal: Demolition of agricultural building (with prior approval to convert to dwelling – reference 19/00910/PAMB and erection of detached dwelling and garage – No objections. Application No: 20/02935/FUL

Location: Highbrook Devenish Lane Bayford.

Proposal: Demolition of existing bungalow and erection of a replacement dwelling and detached garage. – No objections

b. Outcome of planning matters already considered:

Planning Application No: 20/00638/FUL

Mr & Mrs Garrett

Erection of a dwelling (resubmission)

Due to Government Guidelines on Social Distancing, we were unable to conduct a site meeting, therefore the meeting was conducted online.

Stoke Trister with Bayford Parish Council have no objections and are unanimously in support of this application – Still awaiting planning department decision.

Application No: 20/03731/HOU

Location: Tower View, Riding Gate

Proposal:  Alterations and the erection of a first-floor extension to the east side of the dwelling.

Stoke Trister with Bayford Parish Council have no objections to this application – Awaiting Decision.

c. Any other planning matters received since the agenda was prepared.

8. Highways

Chairman reported on the several discussions she had with Gary Warren regarding re-positioning the Riding Gate Gateway in the correct position. He had stated before that it would be before 31/3/2021, this was not carried out and has now been put into this financial year which ends on 31/3/2022.

9. Footpaths

Cllr Webb-Bowen reported on Martin Cooper who is the head of Rights of Way. Cllr Garrett has now taken over Footpaths from Cllr Webb-Bowen who has given her all the information for a Parish Path Liaison Officer (PPLO)

10. Riding Gate and East View

Chairman had written to Kirsty Larkins explaining the lack of enforcement on these and other issues. She has not had a reply so far.

11. Defibrillator

The 17 May 2021 reports are to be sent to The Circuit. All defibrillator cards have been

distributed to both villages.

12. Risk Assessment

Clerk has sent a template of the Risk Assessment to Cllr Webb-Bowen to work on.

13. Audit

It was unanimously agreed to sign the Audit.

14. Donations

The payments of the yearly donations we unanimously agreed by all.

Proposed: Cllr Webb-Bowen                                                  Seconded Cllr Grant

15. Date of Next Meeting

8 July 2021

Meeting closed at 8.25pm

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Chairman                                                                        Date

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting 13 May 2021 at 7.00 pm

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting

held on Thursday 13 May 2021in

Bayford Mission Hall at 7.00 pm

Present: Mrs N Linsley, Mrs J Garrett, Mrs A Diggle Perry, Mrs Laura Rose-Walker, Mr M Grant, Mr R Webb-Bowen

Clerk in attendance:  Mrs P Gillman

Public: 3 members of the public.

1. Apologies for Absence

C/Councillor A Groskop and D/Councillor R Bastable

2. Minutes of the last meeting.

There were no Annual Parish Meeting minutes in 2020 due to Covid 19 restrictions.

3.Matters Arising from the Minutes

There were no matters to report.

4. Chairman’s Report

Stoke Trister with Bayford Parish Council Chairman’s Report 2019 – 2021

The current Chairman was appointed in May 2019 as the previous incumbent retired after many years of dedicated service to the Parish. We wish him well for the future.

A new panel of Councillors were appointed including a new Vice Chairman as the previous appointee also retired. Since then, there have been movement in and out as Councillors resigned and new ones joined. We thank those who have left the Council for their hard work and welcome the new members.

Details of the new panel (updated in May 2021) can be obtained from the Parish Clerk.

Whilst the current Chairman has found the role challenging mainly due to the massive learning experience of Local Government, we believe the Parish Council has achieved some beneficial projects.

These are:

Road Traffic Speeding reduction through Bayford & Riding Gate

Following discussion and advice from Highways England it was decided the best way to try and achieve this would be to install Gateway Signs and each end of Bayford and Riding Gate bearing in mind the latter is in a National Speed Limit of 60mph area. Unfortunately, one Gateway has been installed in a different position to what we would have liked. We are in the process of getting Highways to move it to an appropriate location.

Whether these Gateways actually reduce speeding motorists is unclear but feedback from residents has been that they give Bayford & Riding Gate identity.

We thank the councillors who had input into moving this forward although they are not in the Council anymore.

Defibrillator

A Defibrillator has been installed in the Telephone Box outside the Unicorn Inn in Bayford. This was after many years of discussion about the necessity for one. We have ‘Guardians’ monitoring the integrity and functionality of the device. We need ‘First Responders’ for the area and if anyone is interested, please contact Councillor Jo Garrett via email. Full training is available.

We thank Councillor Garrett for her dedicated work in getting this project to fruition.

Planning has been challenging during this time, but the Council perseveres.

Unfortunately, early in 2020 Covid 19 pandemic hit which put a lot of pressure on getting any more projects started.

We were hoping to have the Annual Parish Meeting in 2020 in a slightly more dynamic way, but this had to be cancelled.

All our meetings have had to be via Zoom which was challenging in its own way.

Crime

According to  PCSO Tim Russell, crime levels are low to nil. Rural crimes and opportunistic burglaries are the most common. As always, he and his team urge all residents to be vigilante and report any suspicious behaviour to him or via the online Incident Reporting system.

Finances

At present, the Parish Council’s financial status is comfortable. The Council urges anyone who may have suggestions to improve the Parish life and experience, to contact the Parish Clerk or one of the Councillors, to be considered.

Good News!

We can now conduct face-to-face meetings observing the current Covid Rules. This was a short notice change made by the District Council. We look forward to July when all restrictions will be lifted hopefully.

We thank the Bayford Mission Hall Society for maintaining the Village Hall during these challenging times and making it available for everyone to use whilst ensuring Covid 19 rules are observed.

Thank you to all the residents, especially Reverend Rosie Ashley, for organising various events, and looking after each other during these very difficult times whilst observing the Pandemic rules.

I thank the Parish Councillors, District and County Councillors for their unwavering support during the pandemic.

Let us put our best foot forward and look forward to better times!

Niru Linsley

Chairman

5. PSCO Tim Russell’s Report .

Report passed to all to read.

6. Neighbourhood Watch Report

There was no attendance from Andy Chesterman or Peter Munro – therefore no reports on the Neighbourhood Watch in the villages.

7. Public Question Forum

One member of the public suggested that a flashing 30mph sign would be more effective in slowing down the traffic in Bayford. He also asked what happened to the Unicorn Inn. The Chairman explained and said that it is now registered on the Assets of the Community Register.

8. Date of next meeting

To be advised

There being no further business the Chairman closed the meeting at 7.35pm.

Chairman………………………………………………………….Date………………………………….

Minutes of the Parish Council held on Thursday 11 March 2021

Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on

Thursday 11 March 2021 at 7.30pm via Zoom

Public Forum

No members of the public joined the meeting; however, the Chairman mentioned the increase in dog mess in the area. Councillors made several suggestions but nothing conclusive. Chairman reported on an article from the Leveller regarding the refurbishment of the Planning Department. Chairman stated that nothing had improved withing the department, both Chairman and Councillors stated that people did not get the service they had paid for. Cllr Bastable said it was unfair to put it down to the planning department and blamed Covid for the situation they were in at present.  Chairman stated the lack of attention within the department was happening well before Covid arrived. Cllr Groskop suggested writing to Government and send a copy to the head of South Somerset District Council. 

Present

Cllrs: N Linsley (Chairman) M Grant (Vice Chairman), R Webb-Bowen, J Garrett, A Perry and L Rose-Walker. C/Councillor A Groskop, D/Councillor R Bastable.

1.Apologies – None

2.Declarations of Interest – Cllr Garrett on Planning Application.

3.Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 14 January 2021and on 12 November and 12 December 2020. Planning Meeting of 20/03028/S73A Hopkins, Devenish Lane and 20/03009/COU Unicorn Inn held electronically.

It was resolved to approve and sign the minutes as a true record

Proposed Cllr Grant                                        Seconded Cllr Webb-Bowen

4.Planning Matters

a.New Planning Matters

Application No:20/03245/S73A

Applicant: Mr & Mrs Scammell

Location: Oakfield Barn, riding Gate, Wincanton.

Proposal: To remove condition 7 (use of garage building) of approval 18/03668/FUL to allow commercial use.

Whilst Stoke Trister with Bayford Parish Council supports local business, this applicant already has an established business in Wincanton.

At his previous application for a residential dwelling the Parish Council raised concerns as the said barn appeared to be in use with commercial vehicles/equipment already, in a residential environment. The applicant stated that it was being used for storage and his main business was in Wincanton. This has now appeared to have changed.

Regardless of this in the last planning permission on the site, condition 7 clearly stated that the MOT station should cease when the conversion happened. The officers report with the previous application states that the applicant has indicated that the MOT business would cease by grant of this approval, turning the extant garage on the site into an ancillary outbuilding. This indicates acceptance by the applicant of the impending condition.

Running his business from this residential location would make an increase in traffic and noise in a, what is now, a very quiet hamlet.

Therefore, on the basis of a majority vote, we recommend refusal of this application.

Application No: 20/03731/HOU

Location: Tower View, Riding Gate

Proposal:  Alterations and the erection of a first floor extension to the east side of the dwelling.

Stoke Trister with Bayford Parish Council have no objections to this application.

b.Outcome of planning matters already considered

Planning Application No: 20/00638/FUL

Applicants: Mr & Mrs Garrett

Location: Highcroft, Stoke Trister, Wincanton.

Proposal: Erection of a dwelling (resubmission) – Awaiting decision.

Chairman asked Cllr Bastable again about Mr & Mrs Garrett’s longstanding application. Cllr Bastable said he would speak with David Kenyon again regarding an update but there was nothing else he could do about it.

Clerk to check on both Mr & Mrs Garret’s application and the land opposite Farmageddon. Cllr Groskop said that as the Chairman was not happy with the planning situation it would be a good idea to contact the newly appointed planning head Kirsty Larkin. Chairman to write to Kirsty Larkin.

5.Highways

Cllr Perry has now taken over as Highways Officer. Chairman reported that she had contacted Gary Warren again regarding the removal of the wrongly positioned Gateway at Riding Gate. His response was it should be done by 31 March 2021 but could be longer due to more pressing highway issues.

6.Footpaths

Cllr Webb-Bowen to follow up with a report.

7.Financial

a.Statement of account and Bank Reconciliation

b.Bank balances to 28 February 2021.

A resolution is sought to accept the financial statement as at 28 February 2021. Stoke Trister & Bayford PC Current A/C £8519.13 Stoke Trister&Bayford PC Reserve A/C £8716.00 Leigh Common Savings A/C £5106.15

Proposed: Cllr Garrett                                     Seconded: Cllr Perry

c A resolution is sought to agree the following payments.

BAC’sSALC Training  25.00
BAC’sSALC Training  25.00
BAC’sClerk Salary, expenses & council expenses.607.59

Proposed: Cllr Garrett                                     Seconded: Cllr Perry

8.Riding Gate & East View

No further information

9.Defibrillator

Cllr Garrett reported that she had designed the cards which everyone was happy with. Clerk to order cards for disbursement.

10.Website

Chairman stated that the website is still under construction. Chairman and Clerk have had to send a lot of paperwork to be installed on the website. All Councillors were happy with the homepage

11.Regulations

Regulations were unanimously agreed for adoption for a further year.

12.Emergency Plan

Emergency plan to be update and finalised.

Tender

After discussion regarding the applicants for the grass keep for this coming season it was unanimously agreed that it should go to Stuart Barfoot.

14.Date of next meetings will be on Thursday 13 May 2021



Meeting closed at 8-26pm

………………………………………                                ………………………………….. Chairman                                                                             Date