Minutes of the Meeting 6th March 2023
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Public Forum |
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Two members of the public were in attendance. A representative from the PFMC referred to the proposed car park and advised planning permission would be required. It was agreed the PFMC would submit an application on behalf of the PC. Councillors were informed that the PFMC is investigating the installation of a small wind turbine. Agreement in principle was sought and provided with further information to be provided ahead of a planning application being submitted on behalf of the PC. |
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Meeting commenced at 7.42 pm |
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Present |
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Martin Wright (MMW) Chairman, Geoff Fearn (GF), John Leventhall (JL), Mick Walker (MW), Mark Newton (MN), Carole Lee (CL), Daryl Walton (DW), Mick Brooks (MB), Paul Wood (PW), Ross Warman (RW) and Jane Evans (Clerk). |
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23/038 |
Apologies for Absence |
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Iain Lyon (IL) due to work commitments – apologies accepted. County Cllr Alex Maughan (AM) due to personal commitments – apologies accepted. |
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23/039 |
Declarations of Interest. |
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To receive Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in accordance with the Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012 MW declared a pecuniary interest in item 16 - invoices for payment. |
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23/040 |
Minutes & Matters Arising from Previous Meeting 6th February 2023 |
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Matters Arising 23/021 (23/003) – agreed to carry forward feedback regarding improvements to road surface on Costa Row – ACTION CLERK/AM
It was RESOLVED that the minutes and confidential minutes be signed as a true record. |
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23/041 |
County Council Report |
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An update was provided via email. Cllrs referred to the update on the Cycle Scheme and it was agreed to ask AM check the post installation enforcement arrangements. ACTION CLERK/AM A village walkabout with Rowan Smith, LCC Highways has been proposed for 17th April at 3.00pm. It was confirmed some Cllrs are available for this date. |
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23/042 |
District Council Report |
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PW summarised the recent Council meeting including new budget proposals, the Council Tax increase and proposed savings. It was confirmed SKDC, following public feedback, has agreed to proceed with the establishment of a Town Council. Cllrs were informed that due to proposed Central Government changes to planning legislation, it has been agreed to delay the review of the SKDC Local Plan. |
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23/043 |
Planning |
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Applications – S23/0170 Fuller. Application for the erection of a two storey front extension and single storey rear extension at Tarbat House , Main Road, Long Bennington. RESOLVED no objections.
Councillors were referred to the Preliminary Inquiry from WHP Telecoms regarding an upgrade to the existing telecoms mast on Costa Row. It was agreed the upgrade is welcome and the improvements would have little impact. No comments to be submitted. Planning Approvals – see agenda Planning Refusals – none Planning Appeals/Withdrawals – none Other planning issues – S23/0050 Beattie. No formal submission of details required for proposed roof mounted solar array at Witham Mill, Valley Lane, Long Bennington - noted |
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23/044 |
Section 106 monies re Park View – to provide update on request for funding for car park |
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Cllrs were advised SKDC has not received the monies from Able Homes Ltd. PW agreed to chase Phil Jordan, SKDC given this has been outstanding for over two months. ACTION PW |
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23/045 |
Village Hall Ownership Structure – to discuss current position |
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JL confirmed a response has been received from the Charities Commission but it is reasonably ambiguous, so further questions have been emailed. A summary of the current position was provided as it is understood. JL agreed to have a brief meeting with DW and GF to ensure they are in the best position to talk about the situation in discussions at the next the VHMC meeting. ACTION JL/DW/GF |
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23/046 |
Flood Alleviation Scheme – to discuss current position |
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Discussed in 23/041 |
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23/047 |
Cycle Lane – to discuss current position |
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Discussed in 23/041 |
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23/048 |
To discuss and approve internal audit. |
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Cllrs referred to the internal audit report that was circulated to Cllrs ahead of the meeting. No questions were raised. It was agreed the report was comprehensive and acceptable. |
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23/049 |
Grass Verge Cutting – to discuss increase in costs and early cut. |
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Cllrs were referred, for information, to the increase in the hourly rate charge per the agreed contract. Further to the suggestion to start the cuts to the verge and therefore the contract early given the grass already growing, it was agreed to leave it to Steve’s discretion. |
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23/050 |
Long Bennington Bowls Club Lease – to approve renewal. |
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Cllrs referred to the draft lease and Cllrs RESOLVED to approve the lease and an original is to be sent to the Bowling Club for signing. ACTION CLERK |
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23/051 |
Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Parish Council Meeting dates – to discuss and agree |
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It was confirmed the Annual Parish Meeting will be on Tuesday 30th May and the Annual Parish Council Meeting will take place on the first meeting following the elections, on Monday 15th May. The new Chairman will be appointed at this meeting. |
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23/052 |
Chairman’s and Clerk’s Report |
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Chairman’s Report No Report Clerks Report Councillors were referred to the attached report. No questions.
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23/053 |
Finance |
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Councillors were referred to the attached schedule of invoices for payment totalling £1632.78 RESOLVED – to pay the invoices. Monthly financial reports were provided, and no questions were raised. Community Cleaner hours worked and payment – approved.
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23/054 |
Reports |
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Playing Fields Management Committee – it was confirmed the discussion at the last meeting was mainly around the proposed wind turbine. Cllrs were informed one of the CCTV cameras is not working and it was agreed to callout Allsecure Ltd. ACTION CLERK Village Hall Management Committee – the next meeting is the AGM on 15th March. The music event in February was popular and successful and more similar events will be arranged. School Liaison – no report Emergency Planning Group Report – no report Road Safety – no report Police Report – a new PCSO has been employed for the rural policing team. Three speed checks by unmarked police vehicles in the village resulted in 17 vehicles being stopped. Footpaths & Streetlights – no report Witham Meadow – it was confirmed 100 snowdrops and 100 bluebells have been planted. Six trees are ready to be planted once the current cold weather has passed. |
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23/055 |
Correspondence |
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Councillors referred to attached list of correspondence received during the last month. No questions raised. |
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23/056 |
Items for next agenda and Parish News Report. |
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Next agenda – Update on cycle lane, Annual PC Meeting and Annual Parish Meeting, S106 monies, Village Hall transfer of title and Village Walkabout meeting priority areas. Parish News – Cycle Lanes and speed checks |
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23/057 |
Date of next meeting – 3rd April 2023 |
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Meeting Closed 8.40pm |
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Signed…………………………………. Designation …………………… Date ……………………. |