Wellington Town Council minutes 2006

Wellington Town Council minutes December 2006

2007-01-03T11:21:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 4th December 2006 at 7pm

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, J. Clark, A. Govier, R. Henley, G. James and S. Palmer, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Hindley and E. Warren. There were 3 members of the public present.

14035 WELCOME TO NEW COUNCILLOR
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton welcomed Councillor J. Clark to his first full council meeting since his co-option on 16th November 2006.

14036 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that during November he had attended several meetings of the Wellington Food Town steering group; that he and the vice chairman, Councillor P. Critchard had attended all 3 Remembrance Day services; that he had attended a meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership, the annual meeting of the Taunton Deane allotments group; had spoken to Rockwell Green Primary School about local food; and with the clerk had attended a conference of promoting risky play for children; he had attended a meeting of the community association. He referred to the success of the switching-on of the town’s Christmas lights on 1st December, and of the Wellington Food Town event on 2nd December which he would be reporting on in more detail later in the meeting.

14037 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse responded to a letter from the chairman, Councillor D. Mitton, about the increase in the level of crime in Wellington compared to last year an addition of 148 offences which was an increase of 42.2 per cent. Sgt Nurse said he had been in discussions with Inspector Mike Ashwin, who was the sector inspector, to analyse the figures. The data covered all crime areas from violent crime such as assault, domestic violence, harassment, burglaries including commercial burglaries. It also included crimes such as theft from motor vehicles, criminal damage. There was a recognised increase in violent disorder and measures had been put in place to combat this. Sgt Nurse said he had robustly argued against any change in licensing hours and had increased the use of the Pubwatch scheme. There were regular patrols in the town centre and two PCSOs had been recruited this year in addition to the existing police officers which allowed officers to spend their time more appropriately. Extra resources had been deployed for late night shopping and drinking and diversionary activities such as paintballing had been organised. Last Halloween local police received 80 calls from worried residents, however, due to activities put in place there were only 8 calls this year. Sgt Nurse highlighted the importance of neighbourhood policing and the benefits of such schemes such as local action teams which helped to reduce crime. He then analysed the crime figures for July 2005 which were 47 crimes in total compared to 94 crimes for July this year. The crimes for this year included one incident of criminal damage which was a result of a domestic incident; 7 vehicles in the area of Victoria Street which had been scratched and were committed by a 9 year-old who was under the age of criminal responsibility; an assault to member of staff in a care home who had a glass of water thrown over them; 10 thefts from motor vehicles, a number of calls from people who had lost mobile phones and reported them stolen; shoplifting in which one teenager was responsible for six thefts in July. There had also been an increase in the reporting of crime. Last year there were a total of 108 arrests but there were already of 17 more this year with 5 more months to go until the end of the police year. Reporting on the Local Action Teams meeting held with the police on 22nd November 2006, Councillor A. Govier stated that there was an interest in establishing an LAT in the Tonedale area and also possibly at Rockwell Green. Another meeting was being held early in the New Year when hopefully more residents would come forward It was a positive sign that 2 LATs might be started. Sgt Nurse said he would welcome more support from councillors for the LATs. There had to be community support. Councillor Govier thanked the police for their hard work and for giving the town very good service. There was a brief discussion about community speed watch and it was arrange some training in the New Year through CSPO Simon Bramley after a public appeal for more volunteers. It was also decided to hold a meeting of the CCTV working party with Sgt Nurse on Wednesday, 3rd January 2007 in the town council chamber at 4pm.

14038 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: CHRISTMAS LIGHTS, WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN, BULB PLANTING AND CHRISTMAS TREES
Mr Terry Milton personally thanked the chairman, Councillor D. Mitton for his public address for the Christmas lights switch on and the clerk, Mr A. Brown, for his hard work in organising the event. He said he thought the lights in Wellington were friendly and warm and was in the process of putting up Christmas trees on the shop buildings. Mr Milton praised the organisers of Wellington Food Town for a fantastic event and hoped more such events would follow. He also informed councillors of a bulb planting ceremony at the Basins on Friday, December 8th at 10.45 am with pupils from St John’s Primary School. He thanked the chairman for attending the meeting of Wellington Community Centre. Mrs Isabel Ward, chairman of Wellington in Bloom, also thanked the organisers of Wellington Food Town and she also mentioned that the shredding of Christmas trees would take place at Courtland Road car park on Saturday, 6th January 2007 from 10am to 1pm.

14039 MINUTES OF NOVEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 6th November and 16th November 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

COUNCILLOR R. BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.50PM

14040 PROPOSED HIGHER CAR PARKING CHARGES
Consideration was given to the proposal by Taunton Deane Borough Council to put up car parking charges in Wellington from 1st April 2007 by 10p to 90p for 2 hours and by 10p to £1.30 for 3 hours at the South Street shoppers car park, and by 10p to 90p for 3 hours, by 10p to £1.30 for 3 hours and by 10p to £1.70 for all day parking at the Longforth Road and North Street car parks. The current 1 hour parking charge of 50p at South Street and 2 hour parking charge of 50p at Longforth Road and North Street would remain unchanged. During the discussion it was pointed out that there had been consecutive rises in the past four years. Councillor R. Henley proposed, with Councillor P. Critchard seconding, that the town council should object on the grounds that some of the increases were more than 10 per cent – well above the rate of inflation – and would have a detrimental affect on people shopping and visiting Wellington, as well as hitting those who came to the town to work and would be likely to lead to more on-street parking by commuters in residential areas near the town centre with a consequent reduction in the use of the public car parks. It was also agreed to point out that Wellington was being promoted as Wellington Food Town with the aim of encouraging more people to shop in the town: the increased charges, which could not be justified in the town council’s view, would certainly not help to encourage more motorists to visit Wellington. The proposal was carried almost unanimously, with just one abstention.

14041 FUTURE OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN WELLINGTON
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton referred to the fact that there had been some negative comments in the Press about the town’s Christmas lights. He personally liked the variety of colour there was in the present illuminations but there were several elements to consider such as energy saving lights for future festive decorations. Did the public favour a more modern style or the traditional lights? The council would like to know residents’ views. He was aware that a lot of people were quite happy with the town council’s style of lights. The switch-on of the lights on December 1st had been very successful with a large crowd and fine weather and free entertainment provided by the town council. He thanked everyone who had contributed to its success including Mr J. Nash, who had compered the event.

14042 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN LAUNCH
Reporting on the Wellington Food Town launch on Saturday, 2nd December the chairman, Councillor D. Mitton stated it had been an outstanding success with around 5,000 people attending and with well over 1,000 filling in forms about the event. The vast majority of stallholders had been greatly surprised by the attendance and had had to get more supplies to cope with the demand for their products. Somerset Food Links, who had undertaken much of the work, had done a wonderful job. Meetings would be held later in December and in January 2007 to talk about future plans. It was hoped to build on the success of the launch with events in the Spring and the Autumn with possibly a two day event on 8th/9th September 2007. The report was noted.

14043 CELEBRATIONS TO MARK 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF SIR JOHN POPHAM
With reference to minute 14002, Councillor Mrs V. Stock-Williams reported that events to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham included an exhibition of Popham items in Wellington Museum early in May 2007; a civic service, a guided tour of Popham sites in Wellington by Mr Douglas Rice, who had written a book on Popham, followed by a cream tea in the church afterwards; and possibly a locally-written play about Popham. The clerk reported that the governors of the Popham flats in Victoria Street would like the council to consider renewing the badly worn commemorative stone shield at the entrance to the site and the smaller coat of arms over the entrance to the central block of flats. Quotes were being obtained but were likely to be in the region of £700 plus. These would be available for the January council meeting. A letter was received from Friends of Wellington Park asking the town council to consider sponsoring a floral display in the park in 2007: the cost of a carpet bedding scheme with the Popham coat of arms was estimated to be around £1,250. It was agreed to defer a decision until a quote for the replacement stone shield had been received. It was stated that the shield had been erected 70 years ago when the 12 flats had been erected on their present site, having previously being situated in Mantle Street, where the Catholic Church now stood.

14044 WELLINGTON IN BLOOM COMMITTEE GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from Wellington in Bloom Committee asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,250 for 2007, the same figure as for the current financial year. On the proposition of Councillor G. James, seconded by Councillor J. Clark, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,250 for 2007-2008.

14045 FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from Friends of Wellington Park asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,650 for 2007, which was £50 more than for 2006. On the proposition of Councillor P. Critchard, seconded by Councillor J. Clark, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,650 for 2007-2008. Councillors V. Byrne and Palmer declared an interest as members of Friends of Wellington Park and did not vote.

14046 POSSIBLE EXTRA PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN HIGH STREET
Councillor P. Critchard suggested that the town council should approach Somerset Highways about the possible provision of a pedestrian crossing between St John’s Parish Church and the Old Vicarage Flats in High Street. He handed in a petition signed by 121 residents, mainly from the area, supporting the provision of such a crossing. A letter was received from the head teacher of St John’s Primary School, Mr Richard Powell also supporting such a crossing which would make the present situation safer. The percentage of pupils who came to the school on foot or bike was among the highest in the county which placed an emphasis on making their routes to school as safe as possible. Traffic calming measures in High Street would be a significant step to achieve that. It was agreed to send the petition and letter to County Highways and to ask them to investigate the situation and report back to the council.

14047 NAMES FOR NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS
The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had asked for the town council’s views on suggested names for new housing developments in the town centre: (i) Cubitts Place for 8 town houses to be erected on land at Mill Chambers at the rear of High Street and adjacent to Clifford Terrace (for many years what is now the pet food shop in High Street was Cubitts); (ii) Acorn Cottages for 11 one bedroom houses to be erected in White Hart Lane (because the cottages are so small). It was agreed to accept Cubitts Place but by 8 votes to 2 it was decided to suggest White Hart Mews instead of Acorn Cottages.

14048 MAIL BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY
With reference to minute 14007 a letter was received from Royal Mail turning down the request for a mail box for Burrough Way stating that the two criteria for the provision of a new letter box were: (i) Is there 200 or more delivery points without provision of a posting facility? (ii) Is there an existing posting facility within 500 metres circumference? Part of Burrough Way was covered by the two existing letter boxes at Ardwyn and Barn Meads Road and the whole of the area by the Ardwyn letter box, so an additional box could not be provided as the licensing requirements of the Regulator had been met. It was agreed to ask Royal Mail if a box could be provided if the requirements were not met.

14049 BETH ROWLEY GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 13974 a letter of thanks was received from Beth Rowley for the council grant of £200 for her GAP year teaching project. The letter was noted.

14050 GRIT BIN FOR TONE RAILWAY BRIDGE
With reference to minute 14009 an email was received from the council’s insurers Zurich Municipal stating that the council’s public liability insurance covered the provision of grit bins which householders could use themselves to spread on their local area. However if the council decided on a gritting programme there would be many factors which would come into play, such as what would be the “trigger” to grit paths (information from Met Office, local temperatures, guidance from county council?), what time of day to carry out gritting (mornings/evenings?), would it be a preventative programme (forecast advises that frost or snow is expected overnight) or reactive to bad weather? If the council relied on a member of the public (not council staff), is this convenient for every day of the year? The council would need to ensure that each time the “trigger” point was reached, the council continued to grit as it would be reasonable for the public to expect the council to continue with that action once started. The council could be liable if the public expected a path to be gritted and that was not done and an injury occurred. It would also increase the expectation that all areas would be gritted. The company suggested that the council could consider continuing on the existing basis. People would be used to that procedure and in normal circumstances would automatically act with due care when they knew a surface was slippery. It was agreed to continue with the present policy and to encourage the public to make use of the grit bins in icy conditions. The clerk reported that the bin previously provided at the junction of Popes Lane, Rockwell Green was missing, apparently stolen. It was decided to provide a new bin.

14051 APPOINTMENT OF INTERNAL AUDITOR
With reference to minute 13643 a letter was received from Mr A.J. Bullen asking if the town council wished to re-appoint him for 2006-2007 at an hourly rate of £30, which was £1 more than last year. It was agreed to appoint Mr Bullen.

14052 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH
With reference to minute 13901 the clerk reported that the Electoral Commissioners had accepted the final recommendations of the Boundary Committee for England for Taunton Deane Borough, namely the transfer of 150 electors in the Waterloo Road and Corams Lane area from Wellington North ward to Wellington Rockwell Green and West ward, and the transfer of 70 electors in the Hoyles Road area from Wellington East ward to Wellington Rockwell Green and West Ward to provide a better balance of electoral quality and quantity. The report was noted.

14053 WELLINGTON PLANNING COMPLAINTS
With reference to minute 13916 a letter was received from Taunton DBC detailing 7 planning complaints received during the third quarter of 2006. The letter and complaints were noted.

14054 PROPOSED ROTARY SIGN AT TOWN ENTRANCE
With reference to minute 13608 a letter was received from Wellington Rotary Club asking the town to support a request for the erection of a Rotary signs on the two roundabouts at the entrances to Wellington. The clerk pointed out that last year the council had decided not to support a similar request from Rotary because it was felt it would lead to a clutter of such signs which other worthy clubs in Wellington might want to erect if a precedent was set and also because the council was told that the county council’s policy was not to allow such signs. Councillor A. Govier proposed, with Councillor P. Pritchard seconding, that the council should support the request but this proposal was defeated 9-2.

14055 TREE WORK AT COPSE CLOSE, WESTFORD
With reference to minute 13999 the clerk reported that the application to carry out management work to two ash trees on land between Westford railway bridge and Copse Close, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/142T) had been withdrawn. The report was noted.

14056 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES
With reference to minute 14011 the clerk reported that a joint meeting with Taunton DBC had been held and that information about the installation of a stair lift provided by Somerset Fire Brigade had been discussed. A further meeting would be held when the details about the stair lift had been updated by the Fire Brigade. Report was noted.

14057 SOMERSET PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION
A letter was received from Somerset Playing Fields Association asking the town council to become members of the association. The minimum membership fee was £10 a year. On the proposition of Councillor A. Govier, seconded by Councillor G. James it was agreed to join the association at the start of 2007.

14058 WEIGHT LIMITS ON LOCAL ROADS
A letter was received from Somerset Trading Standards about weight limits on local roads and asking to be informed of any roads in the area about which the town council had particular concerns and also about any breaches of weight limits, with details such as date, time, registration number. The letter was noted.

14059 CARRIER BAG AWARENESS CAMPAIGN
A letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that as part of the Somerset Waste Partnership’s waste minimisation strategy it was proposed that a plastic carrier bag awareness project be piloted in Wellington, encouraging shoppers not to accept unnecessary carrier bags but to use reusable alternatives. The support and commitment of local retailers would be key to making the campaign successful. Currently a questionnaire was being circulated to local retailers to get their views on carrier bags and from that feedback a campaign would be developed to run in Wellington early in the New Year with an intended Somerset-wide launch in mid 2007. Waste recycling had risen to over 40% in 2005-06 compared to 32% in 2004-05. The letter was noted.

14060 ANNUAL 10 MILE WELLINGTON RUN
A letter was received from the Albemarle Centre in Taunton stating that the annual Wellington 10 mile road run would be held on 15th July 2007. The letter was noted.

14061 LOCALISATION AND FRONT LINE COUNCILLORS
A letter was received from Somerset County Council with a summary of the key elements of the county’s “localisation and frontline councillors” paper which was the first step in the devolution of budgets and service decisions to front line councillors as well as key local players such as parish and town councillors. The longer term aim was to ensure that communities across Somerset were able to directly influence, prioritise and design the services and policies that affected the services that were delivered locally. The county would seek to delegate and devolve as much of its funding and decision making as possible to the area and community level. The proposals would strengthen the power and influence of local communities and the front line councillors who served them. The letter was noted.

14062 RAISED KERB AT ROCKWELL GREEN BUS STOP
In response to a letter from the clerk about the possible provision of a raised kerb at the bus stop on the south side of the Wellington-Rockwell Green road at Hilly Head, an email was received from the County Local Transport Group stating that work had started on looking at the improvements that could be made to the bus stop as part of the new Local Transport Plan. The council would be kept updated as the work progressed. The letter was noted.

14063 COUNTY PLAN FOR UNITARY AUTHORITY
A letter was received from Councillor Christopher Wolverson, the leader of the Conservative group on the county council, about the proposal by the county council to create a single unitary council across Somerset and about localisation and frontline councillors. The district councils, supported by the Conservatives on the county council, were fighting against the unitary authority plan because the transitional costs could be excessive, the planned savings might not be delivered and because the service would not be improved and would be more remote. The Conservatives were also opposed to the concept of localisation and frontline councillors. He asked for the town council’s views on these two proposals. The clerk reported that he had contacted the county council as no papers had been received by the town council about the unitary authority proposal and had been told that there would be full consultation if the county council decided to go ahead with the proposal at its meeting on 22nd January 2007. It was agreed to discuss the proposal at the January meeting.

14064 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14020 a report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, assistant to the clerk, on the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting held on 20th November 2006 covering the proposed Somerfield supermarket, the Wellington Food Town event, the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative application and the community strategy plan. No agenda items were put forward for the next WEP meeting to be held on Monday, 22nd January 2007 at 6pm.

14065 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC & COUNTY COUNCIL
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of a replacement garage and single storey extension at 13 Ashford Road, Wellington (43/2006/141: delegated decision); (b) Erection of wall and trellis at 2 Hoyles Close, Wellington (43/2006/136: delegated decision); (c) Erection of single storey extension to house and extension to rear of garage at 7 Homefield as amended by applicants letter and accompanying plan dated 15th November 2006 (43/2006/117: delegated decision); (d) Erection of a conservatory to rear of 48 Andrew Allan Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/132: delegated decision); (e) Demolition of car showroom and first floor flat and formation of access road and residential development consisting of 6 flats and 7 dwellings at 58-60 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/112 and 113CA); (f) Application to carry out management work to one oak tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 4) Tree Preservation Order 1994 at 8 Rowe Close, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/137T); (g) Installation of solar panels on roof, The Stables, Church Green, Wellington (43/2006/138); (h) Installation of solar water heating collectors on roof in the front elevation of 49 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/128); (i) Replace six windows with new hardwood sash windows at 32 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/125LB); (j) construction of 9 all weather pitches for touring caravans and associated works at Cadeside Caravan Club site, Nynehead Road, Wellington (43/2006/134); (k) Erection of single storey extension to side of 73 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2006/133: delegated decision); (l) Application to replace existing flat roof of bay window, front elevation with pitched tiled roof at 18 The Paddocks, Wellington (43/2006/130: delegated decision); (m) Erection of two single storey extensions to rear of 6 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2006/124: delegated decision); (n) Retention of re-sited satellite dish to side of 45 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/120LB). The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had refused the following plan: (a) Installation of ATM at 2 Fore Street (HSBC Bank), Wellington (43/2006/43/2006/114 and 115LB). The clerk reported that Somerset County Council had approved the following plans: (a) Change of use from residential to a children’s home at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2006/122); (b) Siting of new 5 bay Elliott nursery unit at Wellesley Park Primary School, Homefield, Wellington (43/2006/109).

14066 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH NOVEMBER 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 30th November 2006 was £85,793 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £58,852 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.

14067 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Stock-Williams, seconded by Councillor Byrne, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Colin John £175 for magic/balloon show at Christmas lights switch-on; E.A. Ashwell £175 for 3 face painters at Christmas lights switch-on; Dean Bailey £200 for roundabouts at Christmas lights switch-on; Wireless CCTV £9.28 for CCTV telephone calls; Hinewood Cleaning Services £62 for bus shelter and window cleaning in October 2006; Mrs J. Thorne £72.48 for additional hours of works in November; A. Brown £200 petty cash; BT £415.51 for telephone, email, internet and fax calls, service charges and broadband charges; Wellington United Reformed Church £75 for council meetings in October, November and December 2006.

14068 STAFFING COMMITTEE REPORT
A report from the Staffing Committee recommending that the hourly pay of the assistant to the clerk should be increased from £6.04 to £6.24 wef from 1st January 2007, that her job description should be reviewed and the grade for her job re-evaluated during 2007 and her weekly hours should be increased from 12 to 14 wef from 1st January 2007 was approved.

14069 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: Wellington Food Town newsletter issue 2; What’s On in Taunton Deane leaflet for December 2006; Community Update newsletter from Community Council for Somerset; Winter 2006 issue of Thatch magazine from the Community Council for Somerset; Annual report for 2006 of Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service; Autumn/Winter newsletter of St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice; December 2006 issue of Fieldwork newsletter from the Campaign to Protect Rural England; NALC direct information service bulletin Nos. 644 and 645.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.32PM

Wellington Town Council planning minutes December 2006

2007-01-03T11:19:00.000Z

Minutes of the 116th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 4th December 2006 at 6pm

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors R. Bowrah, who arrived at 6.10pm, A. Govier, G. James, J. Clark, S. Palmer, Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillor C. Hindley and E. Warren.. There were 2 members of the public present.

14030 CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
The Chairman welcomed Councillor John Clark to the meeting following his co-option to the town council last month

14031 UPDATE ON PROPOSED SOMERFIELD SUPERMARKET REDEVELOPMENT
Taunton DBC planning manager John Hamer gave a verbal report to members on the latest situation with the Somerfield supermarket redevelopment. Mr Hamer said Somerfield were still hoping to get the new store open by the end of next year and were working with a development company. Currently negotiations were continuing over the final wording of the planning agreement but once that had been achieved Somerfield would then be able to apply to the county council for stopping up from Scotts Lane to the site. There were also likely to be some minor alterations to the scheme which would probably result in re-submitting the planning applications. However Mr Hamer hoped that once the planning agreement had been given Somerfield would get the road closure procedure running and then submit the application for the minor alterations which were likely to deal with the proposed offices/shops on the High Street frontage.

14032 TONE MILL WORKS REGENERATION PROJECT PRESENTATION
A presentation was given by Tim Roper, of Mendip Estates, on plans to regenerate Tone Mill Works. Mr Roper explained the site was in the middle of a flood plain and the buildings were grade II listed. The site was also effectively landlocked with poor access and also there was a lot of contamination including asbestos and dye materials. It was hoped that a sustainable use for the buildings would be found which was practical and achievable and it was thought the solution could be a centre of affordable commercial letting space. Mr Roper told members it was going to take a huge amount of money just to overcome the land remediation problems. Therefore, to achieve this, part of the site would have to accommodate enabling residential housing which normally would not be allowed by housing authorities, however, it was hoped it would be permitted because of the benefit to the grade II listed buildings. Mr Roper said all of the money would be put into the restoration of the buildings. The commercial units could be made into live work units for people to live above their work premises and there would be about 14,000 sq feet of commercial space. It was also hoped that the buildings would also be able to house Fox Brothers & Co. wet works to finish its cloths which currently have to be sent away to be finished. A new road access would probably have to be created and also a new bridge would need to be built. The planning application was likely to be submitted in January or February and Mr Roper wanted a period of public consultation to start from now and would welcome comments from people about the plans. He said he envisaged funding for the project would come solely from the private sector and would not rely on public funding. There were likely to be about 130 houses in total on just over 6 acres of land and the company would be working with developers Charles Church Homes which are part of Persimmon Homes. The aim was to make the development as sustainable as possible such as using an innovative scheme to make use of waste woodchips from Milverton sawmills to provide heating for the commercial units on the site. Mr Roper hoped this might even be extended to provide heating for the houses also. The Chairman said there were obviously a lot of further negotiations to be undertaken for the project and he thanked Mr Roper for his interesting presentation.

14034 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Retention of external works including replacement doors and windows and repainting to 3 Laburnum Cottages, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/105LB); (b) Retention of fence at Priory Coach House, Priory, Wellington (43/2006/131) subject to temporary permission for no more than 5 years.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.45PM

Wellington Town Council minutes November 2006

2006-11-28T10:29:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 6th November 2006 at 7.15pm. (late start to due to planning meeting over-running)

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier and R. Henley, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe, C. Hindley, G. James and S. Palmer. There were 6 members of the public present.

14000 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that October had been a busy month: he had attended a number of Food Town steering group planning meetings; Wellington in Bloom awards night which showed a great deal of enthusiasm and support for Wellington in Bloom; attended Chard and Taunton carnivals; the annual meeting of Wellington Chamber of Trade. He and the vice chairman Councillor Critchard had attended the launch of the Poppy Appeal with children from Rockwell Green laying flowers at war graves at Wellington Cemetery which had been an inspiring event; they had also attended the official opening of the new business units constructed by Taunton DBC at Blackdown Business Park; and they had visited the council’s allotments at the Basins where the plots were in a variety of stages of cultivation. He had attended Wellington Arts Association’s annual Music Day which had demonstrated the wonderful variety of talent in and around Wellington. He also reported that action was needed to make it easier to wear the chairman’s chain of office. He would be reporting back to the council about this at a later date.

14001 POLICE MATTERS
In the absence of Sgt Doc Nurse, the monthly police report was presented by PC Mark Jones, the beat officer for Wiveliscombe and West Deane, who stated that during October there had been 5 dwelling burglaries (including a caravan); 7 non dwelling burglaries (sheds, garages and commercial premises: 2 arrests had been made for these offences); 4 thefts from motor vehicles (with 1 arrest made); 4 offences of criminal damage to motor vehicles (scratching and dents on cars) mainly in the Tonedale area where the Community Police Support Officer was hoping to start up a neighbourhood watch scheme; 6 offences of damage (with 1 arrest); 8 thefts from shops (with 2 arrests for shoplifting); 5 assaults (with 2 arrests). One person was arrested after drug warrants were executed at Wellington premises. The police had recovered 2 of the 4 bikes stolen the previous month. The major crime had been the robbery at William Hill betting shop in Fore Street by a man with an imitation firearm. He had been arrested by PC Davidson. The stolen money had been recovered. Councillor Govier reported that there were plans in the pipeline to form a number of Local Action Teams (LATs), which had been successful in Taunton, in a bid to help tackle anti-social behaviour and crime, not only in Tonedale but around the Wellington area beat. LATs would be a way to bring the police and community together to draw up plans to help reduce crime. An open meeting was being held in Wellington Baptist Church on 22nd November at 7pm when LAT co-ordinator PC Chris Fry would give a presentation to the public about how LATs could help. Councillor Bowrah reported there was more graffiti in the town: PC Jones said the police would look into it. In reply to Councillor Stock-Williams, PC Jones said he felt that CCTV helped to reduce crime. Councillor Mitton, who thanked PC Jones for attending, said the community had to be part of policing and asked for the council’s thanks and appreciation to be passed on to PC Davidson for her bravery.

14002 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: SOMERFIELD & CORNHILL
Mrs Isobel Ward, the chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, referred to the outstanding issues of the new Somerfield Store and the redevelopment of Cornhill and asked when some progress might be made. The chairman replied that Somerfield were pushing to press on with the development and that a full report on the situation would be presented by planning officer Mr John Hamer at the December town council meeting. Wellington Economic Partnership was being asked to turn their attention to the Cornhill situation and to re-establish its working group. In reply to questions from Mrs Ward about possible celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham, the chairman said it would be on the December agenda.

14003 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, the chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, reported that two Winter events were planned: a cheese and wine reception at Tonedale House on 23rd November 2006 and the celebration of the Chinese New Year at the URC Hall on 17th February 2007.

14004 MINUTES OF OCTOBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 2nd October 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

14005 LONGFORTH ROAD/HIGH STREET TRAFFIC LIGHTS
Consideration was given to a suggestion by Councillor S. Palmer that the county council should be approached about making it easier and safer for pedestrians to use the traffic lights at the Longforth Road/High Street junction. It was agreed to ask the county for the provision of pedestrian indicators at the bottom of the lights.

14006 MANTLE STREET RE-SURFACING
Councillor R. Bowrah referred to the need for Mantle Street to be re-surfaced, stating that there were quite a number of potholes throughout the street and that the county council had promised to carry out the work. The clerk reported that an email had been received from county highways on 3rd November 2006 stating that Mantle Street had been placed in its list for resurfacing next year. The next step would be to priority list the scheme and match it with the anticipated budget for next year. At present the true budget levels were unknown so the county was not sure which schemes would be carried out. It was agreed to note the letter.

14007 MAIL BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY AREA
With reference to minute 13830 consideration was given to a proposal by Councillor S. Palmer to again approach Royal Mail about the provision of a mail collection box in the Burrough Way area. It was reported that no reply had been received from Royal Mail to letters sent by the council on 12th June and by Councillor Palmer on 6th October. It was agreed to contact the local MP Jeremy Browne about the issue.

14008 STAFFING COMMITTEE & CCTV WORKING PARTY
It was agreed to set the dates for meetings of the Staffing Committee and CCTV working party when an expected application for the provision of the town council’s relocatable CCTV camera in the South Street car park had been received from Wellington Baptist Church. It was also agreed to liaise with the police over the date.

COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.09PM

14009 GRIT BIN FOR TONE RAILWAY BRIDGE
Councillor A. Govier suggested that the council should buy a grit bin to be provided by the railway bridge at Tonedale and on the proposal of Councillor R. Bowrah, seconded by Councillor V. Byrne, this was agreed. The clerk reported that the cost of a new bin was £160 plus VAT and that the town council currently had 16 bags of rock salt in store. The council had purchased 5 bins in 2001 and had sited these at Popes Lane; Oaken Ground; junction of Swains/Ardwyn; junction of Hoyles Road/relief road; and Howard Road. The county council provided the rock salt for all of the town council owned bins. Councillor Govier stated that he and Councillor Palmer planned to target problem areas.

14010 CO-OPTION OF NEW COUNCILLOR
With reference to minute 13976 the clerk reported that two applications had been received to fill the casual vacancy on the council caused by the resignation of Councillor A. Horsman. It was agreed to hold a co-option meeting in the town council chamber on Thursday, 16th November 2006 at 6pm.

14011 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES
With reference to minute 13952 a letter was received from the leader of Taunton Deane Borough Council, Councillor John Williams noting that the town council was prepared to fund the installation of a chair lift at 28 Fore Street and stating that he would arrange for officers to fully appraise the town council why they had never considered this to be a workable or acceptable solution. The Deane was committed to providing first class facilities for the community of Wellington and it remained a high priority to do so. The letter was noted and it was agreed to arrange a meeting with Mr Stewart Rutledge, TDBC’s corporate property manager, as soon as possible.

14012 RETENTION OF TIMBER FENCE AT 80 LABURNUM ROAD
With reference to minute 13618 the clerk reported that a planning inspector had overturned Taunton DBC’s decision to refuse permission for the retention of a timber fence to the side of 80 Laburnum Road, Wellington and had granted approval. The report was noted.

14013 WELLINGTON GREEN SPACES
With reference to minute 13868 members received a copy of the schedule of work to be carried out by Taunton DBC on Wellington Green Spaces during phase 1 during the next four months. It was agreed to note the schedule of work.

14014 CARNIVAL COMMITTEE GRANT
With reference to minute 13912 a letter of thanks was received from Wellington Carnival Committee for the town council grant of £700. The letter was noted.

14015 DIRECTION SIGN FOR WELLINGTON PARK
With reference to minute 13904 the clerk reported that the direction sign for Wellington Park had been erected on the large sign board outside the One Stop Shop in High Street. The report was noted.

14016 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13949 the clerk reported that chairman, vice-chairman and the clerk had carried out a speed check in Wellesley Park on 1st November and had reported 2 motorists for driving at 35mph. About 200 motorists were checked and the majority were driving under the limit. The report was noted.

14017 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
With reference to minute 13958 a detailed report was received from the chairman on the Wellington Food Town project which was be launched on Saturday, 2nd December in a large marquee in the Conservative Club car park from 10am to 4pm where there would be room for 30/40 stalls as well as a demonstration area. All retailers in the town had been advised of the event and letters had been sent to local food producers. By 2nd November over 20 positive responses had been received. It was hoped to get some local chefs to give demonstrations and to have local musicians playing in the town. High Street would not be closed. Gundenham Dairies had agreed to distribute flyers for the event to their customers and he had had preliminary discussions with the local Scouts about a general leaflet drop in Wellington. Insurance for the event would be covered by Taunton DBC. Meals would not be sold at the event as visitors would be encouraged to use local food establishments. A grant application had been made to the Blackdown Hills Leader Plus Organisation and a full bid for support through the Market and Coastal Towns Association was being prepared. Cloth bags had been ordered which had Wellington Food Town on them with a working logo of a flagon of cider, apples, hot pies and cheese plus the words “Buy locally.” The report was noted.

14018 DIRECTION SIGNS FOR ARTS CENTRE AND CINEMA
With reference to minute 13981 the clerk reported that the cost of supplying and erecting a finger post in the town centre with various directional signs on it would be about £2,000. A specialist catalogue was awaited from Taunton DBC. He suggested and it was agreed the chairman, vice chairman and the clerk should be authorised to consider possible signage and report back to the December meeting.

14019 WELLINGTON CHILDREN’S CENTRE
A letter was received from the county council giving an update on the provision of children’s centres in Somerset and stating that planning permission for the Wellington centre at Beech Grove School had been granted, that Bouncy Bears Childcare would be providing the childcare at the centre and that Penny Bragg had been appointed as centre manager. The centre would be opening in January 2007. The letter was noted.

14020 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13989 a report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, assistant to the clerk, on the meeting of the Wellington and Area Community Strategy working party held on 17th October 2006 and it was agreed that recommendations in the Community Strategy where Wellington Economic Partnership was identified as the lead organisation should be put on the agenda for the next WEP meeting to be held on 20th November 2006.

14021 WELLINGTON COMMUNITY STRATEGY
A detailed report from Mrs J. Thorne about the Wellington and Area Community Strategy working party meeting on 17/11/06 stated that the key actions of the plan for 2006-2010 where the town council was designated as the lead organisation had been considered. It had been agreed that the town council should continue to lobby for the Northern Relief Road and to contact Taunton DBC forward planners about the best way to do this; not to lobby for the re-opening of the railway station as this had been explored in the past and was regarded as unfeasible; to ask Somerfield to site a new community notice board at their proposed new site off High Street; to call a meeting of the town council CCTV working party to monitor progress over the provision of re-locatable CCTV cameras; to contact Taunton CVS about developing a Wellington forum for better networking and communication between service providers and communities; to promote cycle routes in and around Wellington and find out details of the Sustrains local cycle routes; to support the creation and restoration of wildlife habitats as and when sites became available; and to consider the co-ordinated delivery of local services when the future of Wellington offices had been made.

14022 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of a pair of bungalows and formation of access plus erection of double garage, The Yard, Bulford, Wellington (43/2006/033); (b) Display of internally illuminated fascia and projecting sign at Bristol and West Building Society, 5-7 South Street, Wellington (43/2006/084LB and 43/2006/085A); (c) Installation of new shop front at 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/090 and 43/2006/091LB); (d) Erection of conservatory at 32 Andrew Allan Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/111: delegated decision); (e) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington (43/2006/119); (f) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 53 Barn Meads Road, Wellington (43/2006/116: delegated decision); (h) Erection of single storey extension to care home at The Wheelhouse, Linden Hill, Wellington (43/2006/100).

14023 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST OCTOBER 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st October 2006 was £85,413 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £52,553 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.

14024 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Byrne, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: EDF Energy 1 Ltd £11.06 for electricity for Rackfield street light for period 1/7/06 to 2/10/06; 1st Wellington Scout Group £400 grant; Beth Rowley £200 grant; Wellington Royal British Legion £22 for Poppy Wreath; A. Brown £200 for petty cash; Mrs J. Thorne £72.48 for additional hours of work during October; Inland Revenue £665.35 for income tax and national insurance; Viking Direct £66.36 for stationery; Taunton DBC £128.08 for removing old CCTV camera and installing new CCTV camera; WCCTV £13.36 for calls to CCTV camera; Wellington Sports Federation £50 for town council presentation trophy; PC Webshop Ltd £316.80 for yearly website hosting fee; Taunton DBC £52.22 for repair work at Tone play area; Cosalt International Ltd £124.44 for 2 maroon rockets to be fired on Remembrance Day; Taunton DBC £70 for Premises Licence annual fee for Wellington Town Centre; Hinewood Cleaning Services £62 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and window cleaning; Somerset Building Preservation Trust £1,000 grant for Tone Mill project; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £412 for subsidised hospital patient transport for September and October 2006; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for local war graves for September and October 2006.

14025 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: What’s On in Taunton Deane leaflet for November 2006; NALC direct information service bulletin Nos. 642 and 643; October issue of InterAction from Local Government International Bureau; November issue of Councils and Clerks Direct; Autumn issue of The Tree Guardian; Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service annual report for 2006; The Growth and Jobs Strategy and the Reform of European Cohesion Policy by European Commission.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.40PM

Wellington Town Council planning minutes November 2006

2006-11-28T10:26:00.000Z

Minutes of the 115th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 6th November 2006 at 6pm

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier, R. Henley, who arrived at 6.56pm, Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Mrs N. Wilson, who arrived at 6.56pm, and the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning officer Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, G. James, S. Palmer, and C. Hindley. There were 27 members of the public present.

13996 CHAIRMAN’S WELCOME
The Chairman welcomed members of the public to the meeting including 9 members of Hereford City Council who had come to see how the delegated planning scheme worked between Wellington Town Council and Taunton DBC as they were thinking of adopting a similar scheme.

13997 REFUSED PLANNING APPLICATION
The town council received details of applications for planning permission to be determined in accordance with the delegation agreement with Taunton Deane Borough Council of 9th September 1996 and it was resolved to REFUSE planning permission for the following application: (a) Erection of a first floor extension at 1 Laburnum Road, Wellington (43/2006/094) because the extension will be overpowering and cause unacceptable loss of light for neighbours. Members received a copy of the report of the planning officer recommending approval. Two letters of objection were received from Mrs J. Smith, of 6 Sylvan Road, stating the extension would be overpowering and would result in a significant loss of light, and Mr H. Slade, of 4 Sylvan Road, stating loss of privacy and possible loss of light. Mr Hamer said the extension would be about 10 ½ metres away from the garage at the end of the neighbouring property and he was happy to recommend approval. Standing orders were suspended to allow Martin Smith to speak who raised an objection to the application on the grounds of loss of light and privacy at his property. Councillor Critchard proposed, with Councillor Byrne seconding, that the application should be refused and the proposal was carried by 3 votes to 2, with 1 abstention. Councillor Bowrah declared a prejudicial interest and left the room while this application was considered.

13998 APPROVED PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The town council received details of applications for planning permission to be determined in accordance with the delegation agreement with Taunton Deane Borough Council of 9th September 1996 and it was resolved to APPROVE planning permission for the following applications: (a) Construction of dormer window to rear elevation at 61 Springfield Road, Wellington (43/2006/104). Councillor Govier declared a prejudicial interest and left the room while this application was considered; (b) Erection of first floor extension at 6 Orchard Close, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/106), a letter of objection wad received from Mr P. Duffy stating the extension overlooked his garden; (c) Erection of two storey extension at 19 Richards Close, Wellington (43/2006/107), a letter of objection was received from Mrs B. Smith on grounds of loss of view and light and noise from building work; (d) Erection of double garage at land adjoining 2 Oakleigh, Pyles Thorne, Wellington (43/2006/108), a letter of objection was received from Mr F. J Hill on grounds of obstruction of view; (e) Erection of two storey extension and link to outbuildings at Payton Farm, Payton, Wellington as amended by agents letter and accompanying plan dated 3rd October 2006 (43/2006/110), subject to the applicant agreeing in writing not to proceed with the previously approved application, planning officer recommended refusal because extension was considered too large, no objections were received, standing orders were suspended for the applicant Mr A. Brodie spoke in favour of his application and showed photos of the proposed extension; (f) Erection of two storey extension and single garage to side of 9 Gillards Close, Rockwell Green, Wellington as amended by agents letter and accompanying plan dated 21st October 2006 (43/2006/103), two letters of objection were received from Mr and Mrs L. Buttle and Ms D. Harling on the grounds of restricted visibility, reduction in street lighting, and loss of open aspect.

13999 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Demolition of car showroom and first floor flat and formation of access road and residential development consisting of 6 flats and 7 dwellings, 58-60 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/112 and 113CA). Standing orders were suspended to allow planning consultant Malcolm Turner working on behalf of the applicant and Mrs E. Nelderwood, of Champford Mews to speak. Mr Turner reminded the council they had supported the previous application on this site and that it was on a brownfield site and met all the relevant planning criteria. Mrs Nelderwood raised concerns about possible overlooking onto her property; (b) Retention of re-sited satellite dish to side of 45 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/120LB); (c) Erection of 8 flats and provision of 16 parking spaces for existing and proposed residents, land to east and north of 57 Priory, Wellington (43/2006/123) subject to no undue overlooking or loss of privacy for neighbours; (d) Replace six windows with new hardwood sash windows at 32 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/125LB); (e) Installation of solar water-heating collectors on the roof in the front elevation of 49 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/128); (f) Construction of 9 all weather pitches for touring caravans and associated works at Cadeside Caravan Club site, Nynehead Road, Wellington (43/2006/134); Councillors R. Henley and Mrs N. Wilson entered at this point at 6.56 pm (g) Application to carry out management work to one oak tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 4) Tree Preservation Order 1994 at 8 Rowe Close, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/137T) providing the Deane’s tree officer agrees that the work is necessary; (h) Installation of solar panels on roof, The Stables, Church Green, Wellington (43/2006/138); (i) Application to carry out management work to two ash trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 3) Tree Preservation Order 2000 on land between Westford railway bridge and Copse Close, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/142T) providing the Deane’s tree officer agrees that the work is necessary.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.06PM

Wellington Town Council special co-option meeting November 2006

2006-11-28T10:23:00.000Z

Minutes of a special meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the town council chamber at 28 Fore Street, Wellington on Thursday 16th November 2006 at 6pm to elect a new co-opted member of the town council.

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier, C Hindley, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk, Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors K. Biscoe and R. Henley.

14026 WELCOME TO APPLICANTS
With reference to minute 14010, the chairman welcomed the two applicants, John Clark, of 10 Hyacinth Terrace, a Taunton Deane Borough councillor for Wellington West ward, and Bill McNicholas, of 31a Longforth Road, a retired care home proprietor. The letters sent in by the applicants had been distributed to councillors prior to the meeting and a C.V. provided by Mr McNicholas subsequently was distributed at the meeting.

14027 ADDRESS BY APPLICANTS
The chairman then invited the applicants to address the councillors one by one on the reasons why they would like to be a town councillor and provide some details about themselves as well as their views on what could be done to improve life in the town, on what they felt were the biggest challenges facing the town council in Wellington and what they felt needed to be done to meet those challenges.

14028 ELECTION OF CO-OPTED COUNCILLOR
The written votes cast by members were scrutinised by Mr Brown and Mrs Thorne and it was announced that John Clark had been elected. The candidates were then invited back into the council chamber and informed of the result.

14029 DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
Councillor Clark signed the declaration of acceptance of office as a town councillor.

Wellington Town Council planning minutes October 2006

2006-10-30T12:18:00.000Z

Minutes of the 114th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 2nd October 2006 at 6pm

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Councillors A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning officer Mr A. Pick. There were apologies from Councillors V. Byrne, R. Henley, C. Hindley, N. Wilson. There were 2 members of the public present.

13964 REFUSED PLANNING APPLICATION
The town council received details of applications for planning permission to be determined in accordance with the delegation agreement with Taunton Deane Borough Council of 9th September 1996 and it was resolved to REFUSE planning permission for the following application: (a) Erection of a two storey extension at 35 Blackmoor Road, Wellington (43/2006/088 because the development, by reason of its poor design, appearance and detailing, would appear an incongruous and discordant addition, which would detract from the character and appearance of the dwelling and cause demonstrable harm to the street scene. Members received a copy of the report of the planning officer recommending refusal. A letter was received from Mrs R. Barrett, of 34 Blackmoor Road, stating she had no objections in principle but that the extension would come right up to her land. Mr Pick stated that the primary issue was the proposed flat roof of the extension: if a pitch roof was provided the plan would be approved. Standing orders were suspended to allow the applicant, Mr J. Baker to speak. The extension was to provide a modest amount of accommodation for his son. Much of the extension would be hidden from view by trees at the front of his house. There was a similar flat roof extension just 150 yards away and seven other flat roof extensions in close proximity. He did not consider the extension would adversely affect the street scene. Councillor Critchard proposed, with Councillor Copley seconding, that the application should be approved but the proposal was defeated by 4 votes to 3. A proposal by Councillor Stock-Williams, seconded by Councillor Govier, that the application should be refused by carried 4-3 with 1 abstention.

13965 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Erection of a dwelling on land adjacent to Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington, revised design for 43/2005/143 (43/2006/119) providing there is no objection on highway grounds and providing there is no undue overlooking or loss of privacy for neighbours. The clerk reported that the revisions were the provision of 2 additional dormer windows which the Deane planners were quite happy about. The previous application in January 2006 had been supported by the town council subject to the highway and overlooking conditions.

13966 COMMENTS TO SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL ON PLANS
It was agreed to inform Somerset County Council that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Proposed provision of a new 5-bay Elliott nursery unit at Wellesley Park Primary School, Homefield, Wellington (43/2006/109: Councillor Govier declared an interest as a county councillor); (b) Change of use from residential to a children’s home (for two children and two carers) at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2006/122. The clerk reported that the house was the former headmaster’s house of Corams Lane School but was now part of the Adult Learning and Leisure Complex. Councillor Warren proposed that the application should be deferred until the next meeting as it had only just been received and there were no comments from the Deane planning officers. The clerk stated that comments had to be in by 20th October and that the county council had stated that the 6th November would be too late. There was no seconder for Councillor Warren’s proposal. Councillor James proposed, with Councillor Govier seconding, that the town council should approve the application and this was carried with Councillor Warren voting against. Councillor Palmer declared an interest as a county council employee working closely with the children’s unit and Councillor Govier declared an interest as a county councillor.

13967 DEFERRED APPLICATION: 58-60 MANTLE STREET
The clerk reported that an application had been received that day for the demolition of a car showroom and first floor flat and 2 workshops to the rear at 58-60 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/113CA). It was a revised scheme of the one which the town council had approved earlier this year. The main difference was that there would be a gap between the houses fronting Mantle Street with a new road leading to the proposed 12 dwellings to the rear (6 two bedroom flats, 4 town houses and 2 mews cottages). The garage showroom would be demolished and a new 2 bedroom house built adjoining 62 Mantle Street. The Deane, who had refused the previous plan, were now happy to have a gap in the street frontage whereas previously they wanted a continuous frontage with the new development accessed through an archway. The conservation area application had only been received that morning but had been included on the agenda to keep councillors informed of the latest developments. He recommended that the application should be deferred until the November meeting by which time the actual planning application should have been received. Mr Malcolm Turner, of Turner Holden, for the applicants, was happy for the application to be deferred until the November meeting on 6th November when he would attend. It was agreed to defer consideration of the plan until the November meeting.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.25PM

Wellington Town Council minutes October 2006

2006-10-30T12:14:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 2nd October 2006 at 7pm.
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, who arrived at 7.11pm, Mrs G. Copley and Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors V. Byrne, R. Henley, C. Hindley and N. Wilson. There were 4 members of the public present.

13968 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that during September he had attended on behalf of the council the presentation of the Queen’s Award for enterprise and innovation to Fox Bros and two charity fund raising events organised by the chairman of Somerset County Council. The vice chairman Councillor P. Critchard had presented a cheque for £700 as a grant from the town council to Wellington Carnival Committee and had attended the celebrations to mark the centenary of Wellington Commmunity Centre. Councillor Govier thanked all who had arranged the food and other activities at the centenary event. The chairman also referred to the impending publication of the Government White Paper on the future of Local Government which was due out in November/December this year.

13969 POLICE MATTERS
In the absence of Sgt Doc Nurse, the monthly police report was presented by PC Nick Feetenby, who stated that during September there had been 65 crimes reported to the police for the Wellington area which included Wiveliscombe, Milverton and the surrounding villages. There had been one town centre domestic burglary and a distraction burglary at West Buckland where a bogus plumber claimed to be checking taps while an accomplice opened the back door. There had been 4 burglaries from industrial areas including Bagley Road, plus 4 thefts from motor vehicles (2 of which were not locked at all) in the Co-op and Vintage car parks. There had been no theft of motor vehicles. A person in Howard Road had been arrested for possessing cannabis. There had been no night time assaults which showed that Pubwatch was effective: 3 people had been banned from local pubs. There had been some arrests for disorder in the town centre to nip it in the bud before it became more serious. The Shopwatch scheme linking shops to the police was proving successful. Two men, who were seen acting suspiciously and carrying heavy bags had been arrested and found to have stolen lead from the roofs at the rear of Cloud 9 in Fore Street. No arrests had been made during the Wellington carnival which had been successful with no issues of public disorder. The police had seized much alcohol from youths and had poured it away. Councillor Bowrah thanked the police and the “specials for the excellent job they had carried out on carnival night. The chairman thanked PC Feetenby for attending and his report.

13970 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
Mrs Isobel Ward, the chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, reported that Wellington had not won the trophy for the best medium sized floral town in the West this year but had come second, winning a silver gilt award which was the standard down from a gold. She circulated to members the feedback sheets from the Bloom judges and invited members to the awards evening on 13th October 2006 at 6.30pm.

13971 PPT: CENTENARY OF WELLINGTON COMMUNITY CENTRE
Mr Ken Winhall, the secretary of Wellington Community Centre, thanked all who had supported the centre’s centenary celebrations on Sunday, 1st October 2006.

13972 MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 4th September 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

13973 LUDLOW VISIT AND CITTASLOW MOVEMENT
With reference to minutes 139l58 and 13959 a detailed report (attached to these minutes) was received from Councillor Mitton on a weekend visit to Ludlow food town made by Councillor Stock-Williams and the chairman with officers and councillors from Taunton DBC and members of Wellington Economic Partnership. He stressed that the involvement of the community was necessary for a successful food town and that registering an expression of interest in Cittaslow did not commit the council. He suggested that representatives from Cittaslow UK should be invited to invited to explain the movement at a council/public meeting and this was agreed. It was reported that the Wellington food festival would be held in a marquee in the Conservative Club car park on Saturday, 2nd December.

13974 BETH ROWLEY GRANT REQUEST
A letter was received from Beth Rowley, of All Saints’ Vicarage, 62 Rockwell Green, asking the town council to consider making a donation towards the £3,000 costs of her “GAP project” as a teacher in Malawi. On the proposition of Councillor James, seconded by Councillor Govier, it was agreed to make a grant of £200 and to ask her for a report on the project on her return.

13975 RENTS OF BASINS ALLOTMENTS
A report was received from the clerk suggesting that the council should consider increasing the rents of the allotments at the Basins, pointing out that there had been expenditure of £1,440 and income of only £461 during the past year. More expense was likely for fencing and turning an overgrown area near the entrance into additional allotments during the coming year. On the proposition of Councillor Warren, seconded by Councillor Stock-Williams, it was agreed that with effect from 1st January 2007 the rents of the large plots should be increased from £10 to £12 and that the rents of the smaller plots should be increased from £6 to £7.

COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.38PM

13976 RESIGNATION OF COUNCILLOR HORSMAN
A letter was received from Councillor A. Horsman resigning as a councillor for Wellington West ward with effect from 13th September 2006 because of his move to live in Taunton. A councillor since May 2003, he thanked fellow members and the clerk for their support during his time on the council and wished the town council and the community continued success and prosperity. The chairman thanked Councillor Horsman for his services on the town council and stated that he would be sorely missed. The clerk reported that a casual vacancy had been declared and that the closing date for a request from 10 electors in the West ward for a by-election to fill the vacancy was Wednesday, 11th October 2006, otherwise it would be filled by the council by co-option. If there was an election it would be held not later than 7th December 2006.

13977 MEMBERSHIP OF WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
It was agreed to elect Councillor Mitton as a town council representative on Wellington Economic Partnership in place of Councillor Horsman.

13978 FOOTPATH AND TONE PLAY AREA MAINTENANCE GRANTS
With reference to minute 13476 the clerk reported that footpath grants of £1,540 and Tone play area maintenance grants of £735 had been received from Taunton Deane Borough Council, the same amounts as for 2005.. The report was noted.

13979 HERITAGE OPEN DAYS LEAFLET
With reference to minute 13941 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that forms and letters about Heritage Open Days had been sent to Wellington Museum and local churches but nothing had been heard back. The letter was noted.

13980 BUCKWELL-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH STOPPING-UP
With reference to minute 13948 a letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that because of the large number of objections received, the proposed stopping up of part of the Buckwell-Scotts Lane footpath would not be proceeding. The letter was noted.

13981 DIRECTION SIGNS FOR ARTS CENTRE AND CINEMA
With reference to minute 13944 an email was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, stating that Wellington Arts Centre and the Wellesley Theatre did not met the criteria for the provision of tourism signing. He suggested that finger posts similar to those in Taunton High Street and near the entrance to Wellington Park might be suitable. It was agreed to contact Taunton DBC to find out the cost.

13982 BULFORD LANE RESTRICTED WIDTH SIGNS
With reference to minute 13955 an email was received from Mr Titcombe stating that the restricted width signs for Bulford Lane had been ordered and should be in place within the next three months. The letter was noted.

13983 MANTLE STREET SPEED SIGN
With reference to minute 13940 an email was received from Mr Titcombe stating that he could not provide a permanent electronic flashing sign for Mantle Street as these were only provided at specific accident sites. However he would arrange for a speed visor sign to be provided. This was an electronic matrix sign which would show speeds up to 45mph and record the speeds. It did not record higher speeds as that encouraged boy racers as experience elsewhere had shown. The sign would be kept in place for 5 days from Monday to Friday: past experience had shown that such signs were often vandalised over weekends. The letter was noted.

13984 TALKING TOMORROW’S TAUNTON DEANE
With reference to minute 13757 a letter was received from Taunton DBC enclosing a copy of the summary of consultation responses and stating that the town council would have more opportunities to put forward its views on the preparation of the Community Strategy and Local Development Framework. The letter was noted.

13985 QUOTE FOR ERECTION OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
With reference to minute 13512 a quote of £6,521.82 was received from Deane DLO for the erection and subsequent removal of the town council’s Christmas decorations for High Street, South Street, North Street, Fore Street, Mantle Street and Rockwell Green. On the proposition of Councillor Warren, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to accept the quote (the cost in 2005 was £5,956.13). The clerk reported that the switch on of the lights would be on Friday, 1st December 2006 at 7pm.

13986 WELLINGTON SCOUTS GRANT REQUEST
With reference to minute 13945 a letter of thanks was received from Wellington Scouts for the grant of £400 towards the cost of attending the World Scout Jamboree. The letter was noted.

13987 CCTV CAMERA IN LANCER COURT
With reference to minute 13932 the clerk reported that a new CCTV camera had been installed in Lancer Court and was working satisfactorily. The report was noted.

13988 REMEMBRANCE SERVICES
A letter was received from the Wellington branch of the Royal British Legion inviting the chairman and councillors to attend the Field of Remembrance service at Wellington Baptist Church on Sunday, 5th November at 11.45am, the 2 Minutes Silence Service in the town centre on Saturday, 11th November at 11am, and the Remembrance Day Service and Poppy Laying Ceremony in Wellington Park on Sunday, 12th November at 3.15pm. The letter was noted.

13989 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13958 a report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, assistant to the clerk, on the meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership held on 18th September 2006. This stated that the WEP had agreed to support the proposed Wellington postcard co-operative; that the date of the proposed Wellington Food Expo had been changed from 21st September to 2nd December to avoid a clash with the monthly Wellington Farmers Market; that a successful visit had been made to Ludlow; that it had been agreed to set up an executive group (Councillors A. Govier and D. Mitton and Messrs D. King and J. Pragnell) to support the food town initiative; that it had been agreed to set up a task and finish group to push forward the future development of Cornhill; and that it had been agreed to invite a representative from the Blackdown Hills Leader Plus Organisation to serve on the food town steering group. The date for the next WEP meeting was Monday, 13th November 2006 at 6pm. Report was noted.

13990 MARKET AND COASTAL TOWNS ASSOCIATION
The chairman reported that he and Councillor Stock-Williams and other members of Wellington Economic Partnership had had a meeting with the director of the Market and Coastal Towns Association on 19th September 2006 and as a result had registered an interest in the participation of Wellington in the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative. The register of interest had to be received by the association by 29th September and if Wellington was to take part in the initiative a formal application had to be made before the end of November 2006. The MCTA, a new and independent organisation which supported the development of vibrant, healthy and sustainable market and coastal towns across the South West, would only include 10 new towns in its 2007 programme. He recommended that the town council supported the registration of interest and took part in the application process. This was agreed.

13991 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Conversion of integral garage to habitable accommodation and construction of canopy on front elevation at 18 Immenstadt Drive, Wellington (43/2006/097: delegated decision); (b) Erection of single storey extension at 40 Blackdown Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006.099: delegated decision); (c) Erection of extension to 43 Sylvan Road, Wellington as amended by applicants letter dated 9th September 2006 and drawing No. D03 (43/2006/101: delegated decision); (d) Conversion of public house into 3 dwellings, demolition of skittle alley and other outbuildings and erection of 3 dwellings at the Three Cups, 32-34 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/012); (e) Erection of dwelling on land at the rear of 36 Rockwell Green, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 28th June 2006 and accompanying drawing No. 1316/06.1 issue 2 (43/2006/039); (f) Erection of two storey extension to rear and porch to front at 10 Stoneleigh, Tonedale, Wellington (43/2006/092: delegated decision); (g) Erection of single storey extension at 27 Sylvan Road, Wellington (43/2006/095: delegated decision); (h) Conversion of offices to one 2 bedroom terraced house, two 1 bedroom flats and two 2 bedroom flats at 5 and 6 White Hart Lane, Wellington revised scheme of 43/2005/102 as amended by plans received 4th August 2006 (43/2006/081); (i) Installation of 15m shared floodlight/telecommunications lattice mast in place of existing 15m floodlighting pole, mounted antenna and transmission dish (resulting in overall height of 17.5m) with associated equipment cabinets at ground level at Wellington Rugby Football Club, Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2006/096); (j) Retention of shed to rear of 17 Gillards Close, Rockwell Green, Wellington as amended by applicants letter dated 2nd September 2006 and accompanying drawing (43/2006/089); (k) Erection of block of four garages to rear of 1, 2, 3 and 5 Cleve Flats, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/078: delegated decision); (l) Erection of dwelling and refurbishment of existing accommodation to form two dwellings at 15a Fore Street, Wellington as amended by drawing 23/09/06P/B and email received 25th September 2006 (43/2006/075).

13992 PLANNING DECISIONS BY COUNTY COUNCIL
The clerk reported that Somerset County Council had approved the following plans: (a) Proposed prefabricated children’s centre and new footpath at Beech Grove Primary School, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2006/087).

13993 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 30th September 2006 was £84,931 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £48,448 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.

13994 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Stock-Williams, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: St John’s Primary School £369.80 for school crossing patrol for Summer term 2006; Hinewood Cleaning Service £48 for town centre bus shelter cleaning and office window cleaning for August 2006; Wireless CCTV £13.70 for telephone calls for CCTV; Taunton Deane Borough Council £250 for museum rent for quarter from 1/10/06 to 31/12/06; Mr T. Parkman £250 for cutting hedges and keeping paths tidy at Basins allotments during 2006; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £164 for subsidised patient transport to Musgrove Hospital, Taunton during August 2006; Inland Revenue £665.35; Mr A. Brown £100 petty cash; Mrs J. Thorne £72.48 for additional hours of work during September 2006; Eden Foods £240 for carnival reception buffet; Wine and Cheese Shop £95.01 for drinks for carnival reception buffet.

13995 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: What’s On in Taunton Deane leaflet for October 2006; Tree Council letter about National Tree Week (22 November to 3 December); NALC direct information service bulletin No. 640; September and October issue of Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine; The Clerk magazine for September 2006.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.06PM

Wellington Town Council minutes September 2006

2006-10-12T10:47:00.001Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 4th September 2006 at 7pm.

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley and Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Councillors R. Bowrah, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors A. Horsman and N. Wilson. There were 10 members of the public present.

13936 DEATH OF FORMER COUNCILLOR VAL BUISSINK
Councillors stood in silent tribute in memory of former councillor Mrs Val Buissink, who was a town councillor from 1995 to 1999, who died on 21st August 2006 and whose funeral took place on 4th September 2006, attended by Councillors C. Hindley and A. Govier. The chairman said Mrs Buissink had been a battling councillor who had taken up many issues and who had contributed much to the civic life of the town.

13937 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had represented the council at a number of functions during the past month, including the unveiling of a plaque at Wellington Sports Centre in memory of the late town and Deane councillor Maurice Jennings, the presentation of council grant cheques to Taunton CAB and Skintight Samba Band, and Wellington Flower Show, which demonstrated that there was a lot of talent within Wellington. He and the clerk had an interesting meeting with town and parish councillors from West Sussex who had visited Wellington to find out about the delegated planning scheme which the town council had with Taunton Deane Borough Council.

13938 PRESENTATION OF PLAQUE TO JAMES HOOPER WHO CLIMBED MOUNT EVEREST
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton presented a plaque to James Hooper, from Wellington, who is the second youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, on behalf of the town council in recognition of his great achievement on 19th May 2006 at the age of 19 years and 28 days. He wished him well for his further adventures.

13939 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that volume crime had been relatively low in August, with 1 domestic burglary which had been a distraction burglary by bogus water board officials at an elderly resident’s house in Rookery Terrace; 3 commercial burglaries – at a pub for which a man had been arrested, at the Co-op supermarket and a Fore Street shop; 3 thefts from cars: there had been a spate of such thefts at the end of July and when a juvenile had been arrested for criminal damage a number of stolen car stereos were found when his home had been searched; 3 bikes, all left unlocked, had been stolen and 1 car stolen: a family member of the victim had been charged with theft. The pubwatch scheme was still running with monthly meetings: 3 people had been banned from local pubs for 12 months. He was looking at police shifts to see if more and later police cover could be provided on Friday and Saturday evenings. Councillor Bowrah welcome the possibility of extra police hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Councillor Byrne drew attention to anti-social problems caused at St John’s Churchyard by some youngsters and Sgt Nurse urged the public to ring the police when problems occurred: the police would try to respond as quickly as possible. Councillor Henley expressed concerns that the Kings Arms pub was seeking an extension of its late night licence from 2am to 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sgt Nurse replied that there had been discussions about the application: the Kings Arms had licensed door staff from 9pmon Fridays and Saturdays and the police were working with them to provide support for the door staff to try to minimise the amount of violence. In reply to Councillor Henley, he stated that quite a lot of alcohol had been confiscated from youngsters on the streets. He was thanked for his attendance.

13940 LETTER FROM MR AND MRS M. BURN ASKING FOR SPEED CAMERAS TO BE INSTALLED IN MANTLE STREET
A letter from Mr and Mrs Burn of 1 Trinity Close, Wellington, asking for speed cameras to be installed in Mantle Street following a recent accident was considered by councillors. Sgt Nurse was asked for his comments and he told councillors that often the cause of accidents was due to driver error or hazards in the road rather than speeding. He said the highways authority collated all the information from accidents and it was then decided what was the best way forward but the fact there was not a speed camera there suggested it was not an accident blackspot. Councillors also considered an email from Ian Titcombe of Somerset Highways, who said there were no plans for traffic calming in Mantle Street and the on-street parking was necessary and had a traffic calming effect. It was agreed to contact the highways authority and suggest the installation of an electronic flashing sign warning drivers to slow down.

13941 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME:HERITAGE OPEN DAYS LEAFLET
Mrs Isabel Ward, the chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, told members she was disappointed to find Wellington had not been included on Taunton DBC Heritage Open Days leaflet. Members agreed to contact Mr David McCubbin in the tourism department of Taunton DBC to find out which organisations had been contacted about the leaflet in Wellington.

13942 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Mrs Pauline Sturgess, the chairman of Friends of Wellington, reported that their summer season had finished and that there had been an average attendance of 150 each Sunday and that they were now working on their programme for 2007. They tried to have new faces each year and also young people as well as the big bands. They were always willing to listen to new ideas for entertainment. It was hoped to have a big evening performance during the summer and two Winter events, at Tonedale House and to celebrate the Chinese New Year in February. It had been a successful year. The chairman commented that the Sunday music in the Park provided a wonderful and relaxing afternoon. Councillor Copley congratulated Mrs Ward and Mrs Sturgess and their supporters on their excellent work during the year.

13943 MINUTES OF AUGUST COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 7th August 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

13944 DIRECTION SIGNS FOR ARTS CENTRE AND CINEMA
With reference to minute 13923 consideration was given to a letter from Wellington Arts Association asking for the town council’s support for the erection of direction signs for the arts centre in Eight Acre Lane and the Wellesley Cinema in Mantle Street. On the suggestion of Councillor Govier it was agreed to have a comprehensive look at signs in the town with Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways.

13945 GRANT REQUEST FROM WELLINGTON SCOUTS
A letter was received from four Wellington Scouts, Jennifer Altria, James Dadd, David Weaver and Sam Pope asking the town council to consider giving financial support for their attendance at the World Scout Jamboree in England in 2007, the total cost of which was £4,200 which included a subsidy for Scouts attending from poorer nations. So far £1,800 had been raised. The recommendation from the Finance Committee was £100 for each Scout. On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor James, it was agreed to make a grant of £100 for each Scout attending, up to a maximum of £400 and to ask for a post-Jamboree report.

13946 WELLINGTON AND AREA COMMUNITY STRATEGY 2006-2010
Consideration was given to setting up a working party of councillors to examine in detail the Wellington and Area Community Strategy 2006-2010 prepared by Taunton Deane Local Strategic Partnership. It was agreed that Councillors Copley, Govier, Mitton and Wilson should be the working party to report back to the council.

13947 NEW NURSERY UNIT AT WELLESLEY PARK SCHOOL
With reference to minute 13888 a letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the planning application for the siting of a new nursery unit at Wellesley Park Primary School had been withdrawn. Councillor Govier reported that a re-drawn plan was likely to be submitted in the near future. The report was noted.

13948 BUCKWELL-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH STOPPING-UP
With reference to minute 13922 a letter was received from the county council stating that the town council’s objection to the proposed stopping up of part of the Buckwell to Scotts Lane public footpath had been noted. The letter was noted.

13949 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13907 the clerk reported that he and Councillors Mitton and Palmer had carried out a speed check at the new site at Tone on 16th August 2006 when 4 motorists had been reported for exceeding the 30mph (38-43mph). The majority of cars had been within the limit. The report was noted.

13950 TAUNTON CAB GRANT
With reference to minute 13869a letter of thanks was received from Taunton and District CAB for the town council grant of £1,200. The letter was noted.

13951 REDEVELOPMENT OF FORMER ADVANCE BITUMEN FACTORY
With reference to minute 13882 it was reported that a pre-exhibition briefing would be held for councillors at 1.45pm on 12th September 2006 at Rockwell Green Christian Centre about the proposed redevelopment of the former Advance Bitumen factory at Westford. A public exhibition would run from 2.30pm to 8pm on the same day. The report was noted.

COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.04PM

13952 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL OFFICES
With reference to minute 13839 Councillor Henley referred to a report by Taunton DBC for its review board meeting on 7th September 2006 which stated that the cost of £45,000 for a lift at 28 Fore Street was not the best value for money and that the search should continue for suitable alternative premises with the present arrangements of the town council meeting in the URC Church continuing. After some discussion Councillor Warren proposed, with Councillor Copley seconding, that a letter should be sent to Taunton DBC stating that the town council wanted to make it clear that it still felt that the best option is for improvements to be carried out to 28-30 Fore Street to meet reasonable disability access requirements; that the chances of finding suitable alternative premises in a town centre location are extremely remote and that the present situation is likely to drag on unresolved for some years which is not satisfactory. The proposal was carried 7-0 with 5 abstentions.

COUNCILLOR HENLEY LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.17PM

13953 AUDIT OF COUNCIL’S ACCOUNTS FOR 2005-2006
With reference to minute 13778 members received a copy of the report of the external auditors Moore Stephens which stated that the town council’s accounts for 2005-2006 were all in order. The report was noted.

13954 TOWN CENTRE RETAIL SURVEY FOR 2006
A report was received from Taunton DBC about the Wellington Town Centre Retail Survey which provides a detailed assessment of shopping provision with Wellington town centre during the summer of 2006. Members also received a copy of the retail area changes in the last 12 months. The report was noted.

13955 BULFORD LANE WIDTH SIGNS
An email was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, stating that there had been traffic problems/incidents caused by wide vehicles using the narrow Bulford Lane and asking if the town council would support the proposed erection of advisory width signs at both ends of Bulford Lane. On the proposition of Councillor Byrne, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to support the erection of the advisory width signs.

13956 FREE CHRISTMAS PARKING
An e-mail was received from Mr Jon Pallett, Taunton DBC car parks manager, confirming that free parking would be available in Wellington at the South Street, North Street and Longforth Road car parks on the four Saturdays prior to Christmas, namely 2nd, 9th, 16th and 23rd December 2006. The letter was noted.

13957 PLAQUE FOR LATE COUNCILLOR MAURICE JENNINGS
With reference to 13911 a letter was received from Mrs Margaret Jennings thanking the town council and Taunton DBC for the plaque erected at Wellington Sports Centre to commemorate the work of the late Councillor Maurice Jennings over the provision of the sports centre. The letter was noted.

13958 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13926 a detailed report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, the assistant to the clerk, on the WEP meeting held on 17th August 2006 when it was stated that 37 shops had agreed to join the Wellington Chamber of Trade free parking scheme; that more than 60 local retail, farm produce, processors and farmers had attended two successful private sector events to launch Wellington Food Town; that a one-day Food Expo would be held on 21st October; that the aims of the Cittaslow Movement had been outlined with a recommendation that the town council should seek membership; a Food Town Steering Group had been approved with its first meeting planned for 30th August; that a food town newsletter had been produced and distributed to local food producers; that a fact finding visit to Ludlow had been organised for 8th-9th September; that the WEP should submit a completed expression of interest form to the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative; and that a presentation had been received from Mr Colin Spackman, the secretary of Wellington Museum and Local History Society, about the proposed creation of a postcard co-operative to promote the town by offering Wellington-branded goods such as postcards and tea towels for sale to the public. It was reported that the next WEP meeting would be on 18th September 2006.

13959 MEMBERSHIP OF CITTASLOW MOVEMENT
Consideration was given to a recommendation from Wellington Economic Partnership that the town council should seek membership of the Cittaslow Movement and invite a representative to attend a town council meeting. After some discussion it was agreed to defer a decision pending a report from Councillor Mitton on the visit to Ludlow to find out more information.

13960 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of industrial unit at plot 19, Rylands Farm industrial estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/073); (b) Erection of single storey extension at 19 Parker Close, Wellington (43/2006/083: delegated decision); (c) Erection of one 4 bed detached house on land adjoining 22 Howard Road, Wellington (43/2006/077); (d) Conversion of public house into 3 dwellings, demolition of skittle alley and other outbuildings at the Three Cups, 32-34 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/013LB); (e) Erection of two dwellings to replace dwelling to be demolished at 17 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/079); (f) Erection of 11 one bed dwellings on land to the rear of Sans Ombre and Garden House, White Hart Lane, Wellington as amended by e-mails dated 21st June 2006 and 5th July 2006 and agents letter and accompanying plans 002A, 003A and 004A received 31st July 2006 (43/2006/057); (g) Application to fell trees within Wellington conservation area to the rear of 12 Fore Street, Wellington 943/2006/074T); (h) Erection of conservatory to rear of 40 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/086: delegated decision); (i) Construction of flood alleviation works related to proposed development at Tonedale Business Park, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2006/082).

13961 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST AUGUST 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st August 2006 was £44,061 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £43,819 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.

13962 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Govier, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Wellington Carnival Committee £700 grant; BT £307.23 for fax, telephone, internet and email calls and service charges for quarter to 6/8/06; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £140 for subsidised hospital patient transport to Taunton for July 2006; Inland Revenue £665.35; Mr A. Brown £150 petty cash; Hinewood Cleaning Service £48 for town centre bus shelter cleaning and window cleaning for July 2006; Somerset Association of Local Councils £115 balance for Certificate in Local Council Administration training course for Mrs J. Thorne; Konica Minolta £92.34 for photocopying servicing charges to 16/8/06; Moore Stephens £411.25 for external audit of town council 2005-2006 accounts; Wellington United Reformed Church £75 for use of hall for council meetings for July, August and September 2006.

13963 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: August 2006 issue of InterAction magazine from Local Government International Bureau; NALC direct information service bulletin No. 638; September 2006 issue of The Clerk; September 2006 issue of Fieldwork magazine from Campaign for the Protection of Rural England; Autumn issue of Thatch magazine from Community Council for Somerset; Urbanscape product catalogue 2006 of urban furniture.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.29PM

Wellington Town Council planning minutes September 2006

2006-10-12T10:47:00.000Z

Minutes of the 113th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 4th September 2006 at 6pm

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Councillors, A. Govier, C. Hindley, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning officer Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillor A. Horsman. There was 1 member of the public present.

13934 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Retention of a shed to the rear of 17 Gillards Close, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/089); (b) Erection of single storey extension to care home at The Wheelhouse, Linden Hill, Wellington (43/2006/100); (c) Erection of dwelling and refurbishment of existing accommodation to form two dwellings at 15a Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/075) subject to amendments to windows as per planning officer’s recommendations.

13935 UPDATE ON SOMERFIELD SUPERMARKET REDEVELOPMENT
Giving an update on the Somerfield supermarket redevelopment in High Street, Mr Hamer stated that discussions were continuing between the developers, Somerset highway authority, and local residents who have a right of way on the site. He said there had been a meeting that afternoon about the development and it had been positive and he was hopeful a solution would soon be reached. Members asked when the development was likely to start and Mr Hamer replied that Somerfield were keen to proceed with it as soon as possible and were hoping to have the store open by late next year.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.14PM

Wellington Town Council minutes August 2006

2006-10-12T10:46:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 7th August 2006 at 7.35pm.

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, who arrived at 7.55pm, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, R. Henley, A. Horsman, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors V. Byrne, C. Hindley and A. Govier. There were 9 members of the public present.

13889 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had represented the council at a number of functions during the past month, including Rockwell Green Primary School’s end of year concert, the launch of Wellington Food Town and Wellington Cricket Club’s annual club day. The vice chairman, Councillor P. Critchard had represented the council at the Popham House fete.

13890 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse was unable to attend because of duty commitments so there was no police report.
13891 MINUTES OF JULY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd July 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

13892 BLACKDOWN HILLS TRAIL INTO WELLINGTON
A detailed informative and interesting talk on the creation of a number of circular walks/trails on the Blackdown Hills with a link into Wellington was given by Mr Gavin Saunders, the project manager of the Neroche Scheme which also aims at improving the quality of the landscape of the Blackdown Hills area of outstanding natural beauty, making it richer in wildlife, making it more accessible, understandable and enjoyable for residents and visitors, celebrating its history and culture, and making the landscape more relevant to those who livings depend on it. It was a £3 million landscape partnership scheme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was hoped that the main implementation of the scheme, which would also help Wellington Monument to a limited extent, would start in October 2006 and would run until 2010. He was thanked for his talk.

13893 WELLINGTON POSTCARD CO-OPERATIVE
Mr Colin Spackman, the secretary of Wellington Museum and Local History Society, presented an informative report on the proposed setting up of a Wellington postcard co-operative to promote the town by obtaining a wider range of Wellington branded goods such as postcards, tea towels and baseball caps for sale to the public. Currently individual retailers were dissuaded from ordering Wellington branded goods because minimum order quantities were expensive. It was proposed to offer retailers and others the opportunity to take part in a co-operative that purchased postcards etc in bulk and then spread the order across co-op members. Potential members included local book shops, newsagents, card shops, garden centres, hotels, homes, local village outlets and organisations such as Friends of Wellington Park and the Museum, which was prepared to co-ordinate the co-operative in return for a small administration charge to boost its funds. The co-operative’s chances of success were much greater if it was supported and promoted by the town council, Taunton DBC and Wellington Chamber of Trade and other bodies interested in promoting Wellington’s image and economy. The next step would be to identify supporters and experts whose knowledge and contacts could help in getting the co-operative up and running. No funding was required as it should be financially self sufficient from the outset. It was hoped to have the goods available next Spring. The chairman felt it was an excellent opportunity to start selling Wellington. The council agreed to support the initiative and that, if there was any practical backing required, the council would consider that at its next meeting. Mr Spackman was thanked for his presentation.

13894 POPHAM ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Reporting on proposed celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham, Councillor Stock-Williams stated that the main commemorative events would take place on the weekend 9th-10th June 2007. On Saturday, 9th June there would be a walk covering the main points of interest such as the original site of his house, the site of the original almshouses and the present almshouses and his tomb at St John’s Church. The walk would be followed by a cream tea in the church hall. It was also hoped to organise a visit to see Popham’s Pit in the Blackdown Hills where he is reputed to have fallen and died during a hunting trip. In the evening it was hoped to arrange a concert of appropriate music. On Sunday, 10th June a commemorative service would be held in St John’s Church. On Saturday, 2nd November 2006 a talk would be given by Douglas Rice, author of a book on Sir John, at Wellington Junior School at 7.30pm and early in the Summer term 2007 talks would be given in assembly at schools in Wellington and Nynehead on Sir John. It was hoped to encourage further interest in primary schools in the life and events of this period in history, especially in Wellington. Throughout the summer months there would be an exhibition about Sir John in Wellington Museum, using material from the county archives. Efforts were being made to trace living descendants of Sir John so that they could be kept informed of the planned programme. She was thanked for her report.

13895 SCAFFOLDING AT FORMER DISCOUNT STORES
With reference to minute 13824 an e-mail was received from Taunton DBC stating that the scaffolding to the former discount stores in High Street, Wellington was provided to buttress the external façade of the building as internal buttressing from internal walls had failed due to fracturing at the junction of the two walls. The erection of the scaffold negated further action under Section 77 and 78 of the Building Act 1984 as the building was effectively made safe. Certain matters had been brought to the attention of the owners, Somerfield Ltd, two weeks earlier. The final onus was on the owners. The letter was noted.

13896 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES – FIT FOR THE FUTURE
With reference to minute 13859 a letter was received from Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care stating that following the closure of Stratfield House, Wellington and the move of inpatient beds to Pyrland House, Taunton, the current provision of services to the Wellington area were community mental health team services for older people; day hospital for older people on the Wellington Community Hospital site; day service for older people in South Street; community mental health team service for adults; provision of inpatient services for adults and older people in Taunton at Rydon House and Pyrland House respectively. In addition specialist residential care was provided by Wellington House commissioned by the local authority and the partnership. The letter was noted.

13897 PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 13862 an e-mail was received from Taunton DBC stating that it was unlikely that allotments could be provided on the Cades Farm housing scheme at this late stage unless part of the recreational open space was sacrificed. It was hoped to set up a system for taking money from small developers towards allotments and the provision of allotment land under the new Local Development Framework. There was no system currently in place. It would work in the way that contributions for play and playing fields currently worked. The letter was noted.

13898 COUNTY DRAFT RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
With reference to minute 13875 a letter was received from the county council stating that the town council’s comments would be considered in the process of finalising the Rights of Way Improvement Plan later this year. The letter was noted.

13899 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN NORTH STREET
With reference to minute 13738 a letter was received from Somerset Highways turning down the town council’s requested improvements to the pedestrian crossing in North Street near the junction with Victoria Street/Courtland Road because of the cost (£80,000 to £150,000) and because there had been only one accident in the past five years. Low cost measures such as improving signing and lining were to be investigated. The letter was noted.

13900 AGE CONCERN ACTIVE LIVING CENTRES
With reference to minute 13874 a letter was received from Age Concern Somerset stating that Age Concern was fully committed to ensuring co-ordination and co-operation across services rather than duplication aand had already been in contact with the Healthy Living Centre Trust, Wellington and District University of the Third Age, Wellington Over-55s Club and WHERE. The letter was noted.

13901 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH
With reference to minute 13627 a letter was received from The Boundary Committee for England enclosing an executive summary of the final recommendations for Taunton Deane. It was agreed to note the letter. The clerk reported that the recommendations were exactly as approved by the town council on 9th January 2006, namely transfer of 150 electors in the Waterloo Road and Corams Lane area from Wellington North ward to Wellington West ward and 709 electors in the Hoyles Road area from Wellington East ward to Wellington West ward to provide a better balance of electoral quality so that councillors represented more or less the same number of electors in the various wards. The report was noted.

13902 PLAN FOR DEMOLITON OF WALL TO REAR OF NATWEST BANK
With reference to minute 13850 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the plan for the demolition of a wall to the rear of Natwest Bank, Fore Street, Wellington had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.

13903 ERECTION OF DWELLING AT REAR OF 32 MANTLE STREET
With reference to minute 13820 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the plan for the erection of a dwelling on land at the rear of 32 Mantle Street, Wellington had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.

13904 ERECTION OF DIRECTION SIGN FOR WELLINGTON PARK
With reference to minute 13860 the clerk reported that a site meeting with Somerset Highways had taken place on 28th July 2006 and that the cost of providing a sign saying “The Park” on the existing large directional sign board outside of One Stop Shop in High Street would be £50. It was agreed to meet the cost of the park sign. The clerk also reported that the cost of providing two signs saying “Village Hall” either side of the traffic lights at Rockwell Green would be £213. The signs had been requested by a representative of the village hall. It was agreed to find out if Rockwell Green Village Hall Committee was prepared to pay for the signs.

13905 FOOTPATH GUIDES GRANT
With reference to minute 13602 the clerk reported that the £1,240 balance of the grant from Somerset County Council towards the cost of printing the town council’s new footpath guides had been received. The report was noted.

13906 VANDALISM OF TONE PLAY AREA PICNIC TABLE
With reference to minute 13558 the clerk reported that a cheque for £429 had been received from the council’s insurers for the destruction of the picnic table at the Tone play area. The report was noted.

13907 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13866 the clerk reported that he and the chairman had carried out a check on Wellington Relief Road on 12th July 2006 when 3 motorists had been reported for exceeding the 40mph limit, ranging from 47 to 51mph. The vast majority of the 400 cars checked had been driving within the speed limit. The report was noted.

13908 TONE HILL TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 13872 the clerk reported that following a site meeting with the police, an additional community speed watch site had been agreed near the Tone business park. The report was noted.

13909 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
With reference to minute 13827 the clerk reported that the start of the launch of the Wellington Food Town campaign had begun with presentations/meetings with traders and producers on the 18th and 20th July 2006. The report was noted.

13910 PLAQUE FOR EVEREST CLIMBER JAMES HOOPER
With reference to minute 13822 the clerk reported that the presentation of the commemorative plaque to James Hooper, of Mantle Street, Wellington, the second youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, would take place at the council meeting on 4th September 2006. The report was noted.

13911 MAURICE JENNINGS MEMORIAL PLAQUE
With reference to minute 13791 the clerk reported that the plaque to mark the important role that the late town councillor Maurice Jennings played in the building of Wellington Sports Centre in 1973, would be unveiled at the sports centre on Wednesday, 9th August 2006 at 6.30pm by his widow Mrs Margaret Jennings. The report was noted.

13912 CARNIVAL COMMITTEE GRANT REQUEST
A letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington Carnival Committee asking the town council to consider making a grant of £700 to meet the costs of providing signs and barriers for the 2006 carnival. On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Bowrah, it was agreed to make a grant of £700. Councillor Warren declared an interest as president of the carnival committee and left the hall while this item was considered.

13913 SPORTS CLUBS FEDERATION GRANT REQUEST
A letter and application form were received from Wellington Federation of Sports Clubs asking the town council to consider making a grant of £500 towards the £2,000 costs of a Festival of Youth Sport to be held at the end of August 2006. As there were no accounts showing the current financial position of the federation – despite twice being asked for the accounts – it was decided not to make a grant.

13914 TRACKING OF PLANNING APPLICATIONS
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the Deane had recently introduced a new IT package for the registration and tracking of planning applications to provide all information in electronic form and to streamline the planning registration process. The letter was noted.

13915 TAUNTON CAB GRANT
A letter was received from Taunton and District Citizen Advice Bureau thanking the council for its grant of £1,200 and giving details of its work at the twice-weekly sessions in Wellington where over 220 clients had been seen. The letter was noted.

13916 WELLINGTON PLANNING COMPLAINTS
A letter was received from Taunton DBC detailing the 17 planning complaints received in Wellington during the second quarter of 2006. The letter was noted.

13917 COUNTY HIGHWAY ISSUES
A report was received from Somerset County Council detailing highway enquiry statistics and the carrying out of repairs through its Somerset Direct customer care system. The letter was noted.

13918 NEW WASTE COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that Phase 4 of “Sort It” – the new waste and recycling arrangements – would come into operation in October 2006 and would cover Wellington East ward and Rockwell Green and Wellington West ward. The letter was noted.

13919 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 12 FORE STREET
A letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that tree preservation orders had been placed on 2 pear trees and 1 apple tree on land to the rear of 12 Fore Street, Wellington. The letter was noted.

13920 CHILDREN’S CENTRE UPDATES
Details were received from the county council on children’s centres showing that the design of the proposed new centre for Wellington at Beech Grove Primary School had been approved. This was noted.

13921 NON ATTENDANCE AT COMMUNITY CENTRE AGM
A letter was received from Wellington Community Centre expressing disappointment at the non attendance of a council representative at the centre’s AGM in July. The chairman, who is the council’s representative, reported that he had been unable to attend because of other commitments and had informed the centre accordingly. He would try to attend the next centre meeting.

13922 STOPPING UP OF BUCKWELL-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH
A letter was received from Somerset County Council asking for the town council’s views on the proposed stopping of part of the public footpath between Buckwell and Scotts Lane, Wellington. It was decided to object because the width of the path would be reduced. The clerk reported that three local residents had objected.

13923 SIGNS FOR ARTS CENTRE AND WELLESLEY CINEMA
A letter was received from Wellington Arts Association asking for the town council’s help over the suggested erection of direction signs on the bypass and in the town centre for the arts centre and Wellesley Cinema. It was agreed to defer consideration of this request until the September council meeting.

COUNCILLORS HENLEY, WILSON AND WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.25PM

13924 ANNUAL DEANE-PARISHES MEETING
A letter was received from Taunton DBC inviting the town council to the annual meeting between the Deane and parish/town councils to be held at North Curry Village Hall on Wednesday, 4th October 2006 at 7pm when the theme would be rural policing. It was agreed that Councillors Mitton and Bowrah should represent the town council at the meeting.

13925 COUNCILS’ VISIT RE DELEGATED PLANNING SCHEME
The clerk reported that representatives from Rustington Parish Council, Littlehampton Town Council and the director of Sussex and Surrey Association of Local Councils would be visiting the town council on 16th August 2006 to discuss the unique planning delegation scheme which the town council had with Taunton DBC. The report was noted.

13926 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13876 a report was received from Mrs J. Thorne, the assistant to the clerk, on the WEP meeting held on 11th July 2006 when it had been reported that Taunton DBC had agreed a grant of £30,000 for the Wellington Food Town project. It was also possible that a grant of £8,000 might be available from the Blackdown Hills Business Association. Taunton DBC was working closely with Somerset Food Links to develop a programme of support and a range of projects to take forward the Food Town concept. The next WEP meeting would be held on Thursday, 17th August 2006 at 6pm. It was agreed that Councillor Mitton should represent the council on the proposed Food Town Steering Group and that Councillors Mitton and Stock-Williams should represent the council on a visit to Ludlow on 8th/9th September 2006 during its food festival on a fact finding tour. No suggestions or recommendations were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on 17th August.

13927 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of dwelling on land to rear of 31 Blackmoor Road, Wellington (revised scheme of 43/2005/025) as amplified by applicant’s letter received 21st July 2006 (43/2006/053); (b) Internal alterations and refurbishment alterations, including new windows to flats at 43 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/058LB); (c) Erection of single storey extension to rear of 17 Alexandra Road, Wellington (43.2006/071: delegated decision); (d) Replace slates on roof to rear of 45 High Street, Wellington as amended by applicants letter dated 20th June 2006 (43/2006/067LB); (e) Erection of two storey extension at Ferndale, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2006/070: delegated decision); (f) Erection of dwelling on land at rear of 6 Pyles Thorne Close, Wellington (43/2006/068); (g) Installation of additional dormer window on south west elevation, Swanwick, Church Green, Wellington (43.2006/064: delegated decision); (h) Application to fell 3 oak trees including in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 1) Tree Preservation Order 1996 on land adjoining Chelston House Farm, Chelston, Wellington (43/2006/060T); (i) Erection of boundary wall, Squirrel Cottage, 30a Fore Street, Wellington as amended by applicants plan received 28th June 2006 (43/2006/021 and 43/2006/022LB); (j) Erection of extension and dormer window to allow conversion of 2nd garage into additional living space at Greenlands, 46 Wellesley Park, Wellington (43/2006/061: delegated decision); (k) Erection of conservatory at 71 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2006/069: delegated decision); (l) Erection of two storey extension at 62 Tone Hill, Wellington as amended by drawing No. 048-06 1 Rev A received 13th June 2006 and applicants letter dated 23rd June 2006 with accompanying photographs and drawing (43/2006/054: delegated decision). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plans: (a) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining 32 Seymour Street, Wellington (43/2006/030); (b) Formation of access to form parking area at 74 Waterloo Road, Wellington, re-submission of 43/2005/062 (43/2006/035).

13928 PLANNING DECISIONS BY SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL
The clerk reported that Somerset County Council had approved the following plan: (a) Construction of new 3 bay tennis court with associated floodlighting at Court Fields Community School, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/0630).

13929 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST JULY 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st July 2006 was £43,435 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £35,523 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.

13930 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Horsman, seconded by Councillor James it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques; Taunton CAB £1,200 grant; Skintight Samba Band £500 grant; Councillor D. Mitton £621.60 travelling expenses; The Carly Press Ltd £2,168.46 for 1,000 copies of footpath guides; The Carly Press Ltd £83.55 for paper, ink cartridges and stationery; Inland Revenue £665.35 for income tax and national insurance; Mr A. Brown £150 petty cash; Hinewood Cleaning Service £146 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office window cleaning for June 2006 and the six monthly cleaning of 8 other bus shelters in the town; EDF Energy £11.06 for electricity for Rackfield light; The Consortium £390.81 for new shredder, bookcase and punch; Shaw & Sons
£13.50 for book; Society of Local Council Clerks £64.75 for 2 books; Taunton Deane Borough Council £211.50 for repairs to safety surface at Tone play area; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £164 for subsidised hospital patient transport for June 2006; Wireless CCTV Ltd £51.14 for phone calls for CCTV; Society of Local Council Clerks £70 registration fee; EDF Energy £155.18 for electricity for office and chamber from 14/4/06 to 31/7/06; Somerset County Council £400 for repayment of contribution towards Fore Street notice board; Judith Goss Florists £45 for flowers for local war graves for May, June and July 2006.

13931 WELLINGTON CEMETERY
Members received a copy of the final 9-page report of the Wellington Cemetery Task and Finish Group dealing with the future of the cemetery which only has about 10 years worth of burial space remaining. It was agreed to accept the report, which was presented by Alastair Higton, Taunton DBC scrutiny officer, and which recommended that the cemetery be extended onto a site adjacent to the current cemetery and that the turning circle and parking at the top of the cemetery be retained.

13932 CCTV CAMERA
Members received a copy of a report by the clerk and his assistant outlining problems which had occurred with the CCTV camera in Lancer Court since its installation in April 2006. It had failed to work on five or six occasions and despite being returned to the suppliers for examination it had continued to provide a highly unsatisfactory service. It had broken down yet again. It was agreed to write to the company, Wireless CCTV expressing the council’s complete dissatisfaction with camera and asking for a new replacement camera or the council’s money back.

13933 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: What’s On within Taunton Deane for August 2006; Countryside Voice magazine for Summer 2006 from Campaign for Protection of Rural England; Summer 2006 issue of the Tree Guardian newsletter; July 2006 issue of The Clerk; July 2006 issue of Clerks & Councils Direct; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 635 and 636; European newsletter No. 147 on regional policy.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.25PM

Wellington Town Council planning minutes August 2006

2006-10-12T10:45:00.000Z

Minutes of the 112th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 7th August 2006 at 6pm

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, R. Henley, A. Horsman, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning officer Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, A. Govier, and C. Hindley. There were 9 members of the public present.

13882 A PRE-APPLICATION PRESENTATION FOR PROPOSED REDEVELOPMENT OF THE FORMER ADVANCE BITUMEN FACTORY AT WESTFORD, WELLINGTON
Planning consultant Mr Malcolm Turner gave a pre-application presentation for a proposed redevelopment of the former Advance Bitumen factory at Westford, Wellington. The proposal was for a mix of 69 housing units ranging from one bedroom studio flats to four bedroom detached houses including about 15 units of affordable housing. Mr Turner said they would be holding one or two exhibitions about the scheme in the village hall in Rockwell Green for local residents and would be notifying neighbours around the site. Members were told the housing would be in keeping with the surrounding area and would be in a cottage style. There would also be a central green open space with a concealed car parking area. It was also proposed there would be a pedestrian access out of the site down a private lane. The site also takes in Westford Plastics and the company has been offered alternative sites at Chelston Business Park and Rylands Business Park. Mr Turner said although the development would result in more traffic on the roads in Rockwell Green than at present it would about a third less of the traffic in the area as when the Advance Bitumen Factory was in operation when there was a considerable amount of HGV vehicles using the roads. It was also estimated that a peak times there would be about 50 to 55 cars an hour. Taunton DBC planning officer John Hamer said the proposal looked in principle to be acceptable and appeared to meet Government guidelines. On the previous application concerns about flooding about were raised but members were told the Environment Agency were now happy with the proposal.

13883 REPORT BY JOHN HAMER OF TAUNTON DBC ABOUT PLANNING APPLICATION 43/2006/051Mr Hamer presented a report to members regarding application ref 43/2006/051 the erection of 2 first floor extensions and 1 two storey extension at 18 Wellesley Park, Wellington. The application was received by Taunton DBC on 24 April 2006 and was identified as a parish delegation application. Wellington Town Council notified the neighbours and two letters of objection was received. Although the application should have been referred to the town council, due to an administrative error at Taunton DBC, an approval certificate was generated and issued on 15 June. Mr Hamer said the applicant therefore had valid planning permission for the development. Members heard from objectors to the application including Mr R McCubbin, of 20 Wellesley Park, who requested permitted development rights at first floor level and in the roof of the south elevation of the proposed second storey extension be withdrawn. Mr Hamer said the approval certificate mistakenly made reference to the east elevation. Mr McCubbin has lodged a formal complaint with Taunton DBC. Mr K Coombes and Ms N Villmeter, of 16 Wellesley Park, also objected to the application and said they had concerns about privacy and wanted the bottom of the window to be above 6 feet 6 inches in height from floor level or have the windows installed on the south side of the roof. Mr Hamer said since issuing the planning certificate the applicant had agreed to increase the cill level of the proposed roof lights to 1.8m. He said in his view the adjacent properties would not be adversely affected by the proposal and the recommendation of approval was the appropriate one. He asked the town council to confirm the decision made. Members received copies of letters from the objectors and letters sent to them by Taunton DBC apologising for the error in granting the approval. Members agreed not to confirm the report and to state their extreme disappointment at the situation.

13884 APPROVED PLANNING APPLICATIONS
The town council received details of applications for planning permission to be determined in accordance with the delegation agreement with Taunton Deane Borough Council of 9th September 1996 and it was resolved to approve planning permission for the following applications: (a) Erection of two storey extension to side and single storey extension to rear of 12 Shuteleigh, Wellington (43/2006/076). There was a letter of objection from Mr H R Pierce who had concerns about drainage. However following a letter from planning consultants confirming the drainage system would be overhauled and renewed Mr Pierce was happy with the proposal. The planning officer recommended approval subject to conditions of time limit, materials and no further first floor windows; (b) Erection of single storey extension at front, first floor extension at side and two storey extension at rear plus a replacement conservatory at 1 Sylvan Road, Wellington (43/2006/065). There was a letter of objection from Mr H Wright concerning blocking of light. The planning officer considered the proposal would not harm any residential amenity of the area and recommended approval subject to conditions of time limit, materials, garage for domestic use only, obscure glazing, and no further first floor windows.

13885 DEFERRED PLAN FOR NATWEST BANK
With reference to minute 13850 an application for the partial demolition of existing boundary wall to the rear of NatWest Bank, 12 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/072LB), the clerk reported the plan had now been withdrawn.
13886 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Erection of one 4 bed detached house on land adjoining 22 Howard Road, Wellington (43/2006/077), a letter of objection was received by Mrs P J Corner stating the proposed dwelling would be imposing and dominant and overdevelopment on a cramped site ; (b) Erection of industrial unit park at Monument View, Summerfield Avenue, Chelston Business Park, Wellington (46/2006/009); (c) Erection of two new dwellings to replace existing dwelling to be demolished at 17 Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/079); (d) Conversion of offices to one 2 bedroom terraced house, two one-bedroom flats and two 2 bedroom flats at 5 and 6 White Hart Lane, Wellington, revised scheme (43/2006/081). A letter was received by Wellington Community Centre outlining concerns about emergency access from the centre. Members were in favour providing emergency access to the community centre was protected and retained; e) Construction of flood alleviation works related to the proposed development 43/2004/119, Tonedale Business Park, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2006/082) subject to the footpath between Linden Drive and Burchills Hill via ‘thunderbridge’ being safeguarded and enhanced; (f) Display of internally illuminated fascia and projecting sign at Bristol and West Building Society, 5-7 South Street, Wellington, (43/2006/085A); (g) Installation of new shop front at 14 High Street (Fox & Sons) Wellington (43/2006/090); (h) Installation of 15m shared floodlight/telecommunications lattice mast in place of existing 15m floodlighting pole, mounted antenna and transmission dish (resulting in an overall height of 15.7m) with associated equipment cabinets at ground level at Wellington Rugby Football Club, Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2006/096)

13887 APPLICATION TO REMOVE TREES REAR OF 12 FORE STREET
Plans were received to remove trees on land to rear of 12 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/074T). It was reported that tree preservation orders had now been received on this site so the town council did not consider this application.

13888 COMMENTS TO SOMERSET CC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was agreed to inform Somerset CC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Siting of new 5-bay Elliott nursery unit at Wellesley Park Primary School, Wellington (43/2006/080); (b) Proposed prefabricated children’s centre and new footpath at Beech Grove Primary School, Courtland Road, Wellington (43/2006/087)
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.29PM

Wellington Town Council minutes July 2006

2006-10-12T10:44:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 3rd July 2006 at 7.15pm (late start due to planning meeting over-running)

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Govier, A. Horsman, S. Palmer, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe and G. James. There were 8 members of the public present.

13853 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had represented the council at a number of functions during the past month, including a trip to Wells Cathedral for a Somerset schools country dancing event, Rockwell Green Primary School fete and the 50th anniversary of Abbeyfield Homes.

13854 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that during June there had been a distraction burglary at Wiveliscombe by a bogus water worker and a burglary in Wellington town centre where the ground floor window had been left open and a handbag taken. There had been 4 thefts from motor vehicles; 9 offences of criminal damage for which 3 people had been arrested; 5 assaults with 4 arrests made: including a violent assault at Rockwell Green and one at the Sportsman when property had been damaged and youths hurt: people had been arrested and bailed: the offences were drug related. There had been a public disorder incident in High Street for which a person had been arrested and charged. There had been 4 thefts of mopeds, which had all been found and returned to their owners, and £10,000 worth of cigarettes had been stolen from the Co-op depot at Chelston: 4 people had been arrested and some of the cigarettes had been recovered. During the month long knife amnesty in Wellington 73 items had been handed into Wellington police station including 47 domestic knives, 17 non domestic items, 7 weapons including a knuckle duster, 1 baton and 1 sawn-off rifle. In the Taunton area 555 items had been handed in. He reported that thanks to the excellent work of PC Mickey Dunn 5 youths aged 14/17 had been arrested for 12 commercial burglaries, 3 thefts and criminal damage offences following a crime spree between February and June of this year. Much stolen property had been recovered and returned to owners. Sgt Nurse also reported he was trying to set up a pubwatch scheme to deal with violent behaviour: 11 out 13 local licensees had attended the first meeting. The scheme would also involve banning orders. It was hoped to launch the scheme on 18th July 2006. The chairman congratulated Sgt Nurse and his officers for their hard work and their successful detection results and also thanked Sgt Nurse for attending the meeting.

13855 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the Britain in Bloom judge would be visiting Wellington on 19th July 2006, beginning in Wellington Park at 9.30am. Three committee members had spent an hour removing fly posters put up around the town the previous Friday, 30th June. On her suggestion it was agreed to write to Taunton DBC’s conservation officer, Di Hartnell about the lack of progress over improving the state of 18 Fore Street, a listed building.

13856 PPT: FLOWERS FOR LOCAL WAR GRAVES
Mrs M. Summers, the Wellington Royal British Legion Poppy organiser, recalled that there were 26 war graves at Wellington Cemetery and that the town council generously provided the funding for the flowers which were regularly put on the graves by children from Rockwell Green Primary School. She presented the chairman with a RBL Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of the town council’s support of the Legion’s War Graves Flowers Scheme which, she said, was greatly appreciated.

13857 PPT: STINGING NETTLES ON PATH AT WELLESLEY PARK
Mrs Higgs, of Burrough Way, stated that there were still stinging nettles on the public footpath from Wellesley Park to the relief road by the western boundary of Wellesley Park Primary School although she had raised the problem a couple of weeks ago. The clerk replied that after being contacted by Mr Higgs he had taken the matter up with both the school and the county council who were responsible and had been told that the work would be carried out last week, but that had not been done. It was agreed to press the County Council to clear the nettles as soon as possible.

13858 MINUTES OF JUNE COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 5th June 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

13859 MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES – FIT FOR THE FUTURE
Consideration was given to a letter from Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust and its consultation document “Mental Health: Fit for the Future.” After some discussion it was agreed to express concern that there appeared to be no specific provision in the report for Wellington and to ask the Trust what services would be provided in the future for Wellington residents who had mental health problems – in the way of care within the community or at special units.

13860 ERECTION OF SIGNS INDICATING DIRECTION OF THE PARK
Councillor Byrne reported that recently she had had to help direct a visitor to the town park and suggested that there was a need to erect signs to direct motorists how to reach the park. There were no signs in the town centre. It was agreed to ask the county council to erect such signs and to arrange a site meeting.

13861 KEEPING DOGS ON LEADS
With reference to minute 13829, consideration was given to the suggestion of asking Taunton DBC to make a byelaw requiring dogs to be kept on leads. Councillor Hindley, on behalf of Councillor James (who was unable to attend), proposed that Taunton DBC should be asked to make such a byelaw but there was no seconder.

13862 PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL ALLOTMENTS
Councillor Bowrah pointed out that there were no allotments in the Wellington East ward at all and Councillor Stock-Williams pointed out that there were 12 people on the town council’s allotment waiting list. Both felt that consideration should be given to possibly providing allotments as part of the Cades Farm housing scheme. The clerk reported that 10 allotments were available at a private site at Oaken Ground, Rockwell Green owned by Mr W. Lane and that the charge was £10 a plot. It was also reported that Karen Hughes, of Taunton DBC, was looking for the provision of allotments in the Wellington East ward. It was agreed to contact Taunton DBC about this.

13863 CRACKS IN FOOTPATH BY ROCKWELL GREEN WATER TOWERS
Councillor Wilson reported that concerns had been raised by members of the public about cracks in the footpath near Rockwell Green water towers running from RWG Village Hall to Warren Street. It was agreed to investigate and report the matter to the appropriate authority. It was also agreed to check if the water towers were listed as buildings of historic/architectural interest.

13864 BUSINESS RATES EXEMPTION
With reference to minute 13871 a letter was received from the Lyons Inquiry into Local Government acknowledging receipt of the town council’s letter about business rates exemption. The letter was noted.

13865 SQUIRREL COURT PARKING PROBLEMS
With reference to minute 13793 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the current traffic restrictions in Squirrel Court were patrolled as part of the normal patrolling pattern for Wellington and that the parking attendants would be briefed that there seemed to be a particular problem. It was suggested that all the private areas were provided with lockable posts as had been provided on other parts of Squirrel Court. The letter was noted.

13866 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13835 the clerk reported that he and Councillor Palmer had carried out a speech check in Station Road near the Holyoake Street junction on 14th June 2006 when no motorists had been reported for speeding.

13867 RETENTION OF FENCE AT 80 LABURNUM ROAD
With reference to minute 13618 the clerk reported that an appeal had been lodged with the Secretary of State against the decision of Taunton DBC to refuse permission for the retention of a fence at 80 Laburnum Road, Wellington. The report was noted.

13868 WELLINGTON GREEN SPACES
With reference to minute 13834 the clerk reported that a useful meeting of the town council’s Green Spaces Working Party had been held on 14th June 2006 with Taunton DBC officers and that a detailed report on suggestions for improving the green spaces at Dobree Park, Howard Road, Hoyles Road, Roly Poly Green, Tonedale Play Area, Wellington Recreation Ground and Wardleworth Way Woodland would be available in the near future. The report was noted.

13869 TAUNTON CAB GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from Taunton Citizens Advice Bureau asking the town council to consider making a grant of £1,200 towards the £1,850 running costs of the Wellington outreach. On the proposal of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Govier, it was agreed to make a grant of £1,200.

13870 SKINTIGHT SAMBA BAND GRANT REQUEST
A grant application form was received from the newly formed Skintight Samba Band, of Wellington, asking the town council to consider making a grant of £500 towards the £1,500 cost of buying musical instruments. No accounts were available as the band has just been formed. On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to make a grant of £500 subject to the grant being repaid if the band did not go ahead and subject to the band performing at local events.

13871 TRAFFIC DANGER IN NORTH STREET
A letter was received from Mrs J. Knight asking for the provision of a pedestrian crossing or speed humps in North Street by the Victoria Arms because a nearby bend was dangerous due to restricted visibility. The chairman reported that he and other councillors had had a site meeting with County Highways and the landlord. It had been agreed to put a slow sign on the road near the fire station and the landlord was going to erect a mirror on his own property to give a view around the corner for anyone crossing the road to the public house car park.

13872 TONE HILL AND WATERLOO ROAD TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
A letter was received from Mr C. Sweet about the high speed of traffic on the B3187 at Tone Hill, Wellington, which had resulted in his garden wall being knocked down twice, and about the parking of vehicles on the western side of Waterloo Road between Courtland Road and the Dolphin Inn, forcing vehicles on the wrong side of the road near a bend which was dangerous. Councillors also received a copy of the reply from Mr Ian Titcombe, Taunton Deane area traffic engineer, to Mr Sweet’s letter. Standing orders were suspended to allow Mr Sweet to speak. Councillor Govier reported that a site meeting had been held at Waterloo Road with Mr Titcombe and it had been agreed that double yellow lines should be put round the junctions of Bovet Street and George Street with Waterloo Road to keep these as clear as possible. A balance had to be struck as many residents in the area had no garages and parked in the road. It was agreed to ask the police to carry out a speed check in the Tone Hill area and to ask if it could be included as a community speed watch site.

13873 SPEEDING ON OLDWAY ROAD
A letter was received from Mr J. King referring to a road traffic accident which had occurred on 28th June 2006 at the junction of Oldway Road (A38 relief road) with Hoyles Road and to the high speeds of traffic using the 40mph road. He asked for speed monitoring to be carried out. It was agreed to ask the police to do this and also for the town council’s community speed watch volunteers to carry out a check.

13874 AGE CONCERN ACTIVE LIVING CENTRES
A letter was received from Age Concern Somerset stating that it hoping to form 50 active living centres across Somerset, including one in Wellington, as part of the Partnerships for Older People led by the county council, primary care trusts, district councils and voluntary sector groups such as Red Cross, Age Concern and WRVS to promote healthy lifestyles for the over 50s. The letter also summarised details of each intended Somerset Active Living Centre and invited the town council’s comments. It was agreed to welcome the idea of the centres but to point out that there was already a Wellington Healthy Living Centre Trust in existence as well as a local U3A group. The chairman stated he was an Age Concern volunteer.

13875 COUNTY DRAFT RIGHTS OF WAY IMPROVEMENT PLAN
Members received a copy of the County Council’s draft rights of way improvement plan consultation leaflet. It was agreed to refer it to the town council’s Footpaths Committee to make any comments which had to be received by 28th July 2006.

13876 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13843 no recommendations or suggestions were put forward for the inclusion on the agenda for the next WEP meeting to be held on Tuesday, 11th July 2006 at 6pm.

COUNCILLOR HORSMAN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.37PM

13877 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of two single storey extensions at 6 Hawthorne Road, Wellington (43/2006/059: delegated decision); (b) Application to carry out tree work to one beech tree within Wellington conservation area at 93 Mantle Street, Wellington as amended by agents e-mail received on 13th June 2006 (43/2006/062T); (c) Erection of conservatory to rear of property at 10 Millstream Gardens, Wellington (43/2006/055: delegated decision); (d) Erection of 1.23m fence to two sides of front of property at 23 Humphreys Road, Wellington (43/2006/052: delegated decision); (e) Installation of replacement shop fronts at Loose Ends and Wellington Cobbler, White Hart Lane, Wellington (43/2006/047: delegated decision); (f) Conversion of first and second floors to two flats and internal and external alterations, 10 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/023LB); (g) Conversion of storage area to living accommodation and internal alterations to existing accommodation, 10 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/024: delegated decision); (h) Erection of single storey extension to front and extension of existing garage at 25 Sylvan Road, Wellington (43/2006/042:delegated decision); (i) Demolition of existing garage and construction of two storey side extension at 9 Corner Close, Wellington (43/2006/045: delegated decision); (j) Installation of solar panels at 187 Barn Meads Road, Wellington (43/2006/048: delegated decision); (k) Conversion of mill buildings into residential (148 dwellings) and commercial units and associated exterior works, Tonedale Business Park, Milverton Road, Wellington (43/2004/119 and 43/2004/120LB); (l) Conversion of part of outbuilding, internal and external alterations including raising height of roof to form flat to rear of 33 High Street, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 11th April 2006 and accompanying plan 1291/05/1 ISS 4 (43/2006/008LB and 43/2006/009); (m) Erection of two storey extension at Wellington House Nursing Home, Longforth Road, Wellington, revised design to 43/2005/013 (43/2006/056); (n) Fell one eucalyptus tree within Wellington conservation area at 3 Court Terrace, Wellington (43/2006/049T).

COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.40PM

13878 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH JUNE 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 30th June 2006 was £41,498 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £32,562 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.

13879 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Govier, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Wellington in Bloom Committee £1,000 grant (to replace previous cheque inadvertently paid back into town council’s account); Taunton Deane Borough Council £250 for museum lease for 1/7/06 to 30/9/06; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £88 for subsidised hospital patient transport for May 2006; Mr A. Brown £1,608.38; Mrs J. Thorne £289.92; Inland Revenue £665.35 for income tax and national insurance; Hinewood Cleaning Service £48 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and chamber/office window cleaning for May 2006; Wireless CCTV Ltd £11.88 for phone calls between April and June 2006.2265

13880 CLOSURE OF LUNCH CLUB
Councillor Hindley reported that Wellington Lunch Club at the Northfield Centre would be closing from 12th July 2006 because there were no new volunteers to replace the long serving volunteers who had run the club for many years.

13881 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: June issue of InterAction from Local Government International Bureau; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 633 and 634; June issue of CDC News from Coachdrivers Club of Great Britain.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.50PM

Wellington Town Council planning minutes July 2006

2006-10-12T10:43:00.000Z

Minutes of the 111th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 3rd July 2006 at 6pm

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, who arrived at 6.58pm, Councillors R. Bowrah, A. Govier, R. Henley, who arrived at 6.58pm, A. Horsman, C. Hindley and S. Palmer, and the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning officer Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe and G. James. There were 6 members of the public present.

13848 WHITE HART LANE APPLICATION
With reference to minute 13819 further consideration was given to a plan for the erection of 11 one bedroom dwellings on land to the rear of Sans Ombre and Garden House, White Hart, Wellington (43/2006/057) following a site meeting held on 19th June 2006. Mr Hamer reported that amended plans showed the living accommodation on the first floor and the bedroom on the ground floor; the existing boundary wall and new boundary would be built to a height of 1.5m – 1.8m to prevent any overlooking from the ground floor windows; and the first floor windows facing existing bungalows would have obscure glazing. Taunton DBC’s Planning Committee was being recommended by the officers to approve the application at its meeting on 5th July 2006 subject to the completion of a 106 agreement to provide for a contribution towards leisure facilities. Councillor Critchard moved that approval should be recommended but there was no seconder. Councillor Byrne moved, with Councillor Copley seconding, that refusal should be recommended on the grounds of inadequate access and increased congestion in White Hart Lane. The motion was carried 3-1 with 4 abstentions.

13849 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Erection of a dwelling on land to the rear of 31 Blackmoor Road, Wellington, revised scheme of 43/2005/025 (43/2006/053); (b) Internal alterations and refurbishment alterations, including new windows to flats at 43 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/058LB: subject to the views of the conservation officer); (c) Replace slates on roof to rear of 45 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/067LB); (d) Erection of dwelling (outline application) on land to rear of 6 Pyles Thorne Close, Wellington (43/2006/068); (e) Erection of industrial unit at Plot 19, Rylands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/073: subject to the hours of working/noise emission levels being the same as the existing conditions covering the rest of the industrial estate with no working on Sundays, Christmas Day and Bank Holidays, subject to the colour of the unit blending in with existing units. It was also agreed to suggest that the owner be asked to erect a larger location sign. Members considered a letter from Mrs D. Land, of Westlands, Bagley Green, about hours of working, noise emission levels, colour of unit, vehicle traffic, external lighting and disposal of water from unit. Councillor Govier declared a prejudicial interest and left the hall while this item was considered).

13850 DEFERRED PLAN FOR NATWEST BANK
It was agreed to defer until the August meeting, pending the provision of further information, consideration of a plan for the partial demolition of an existing boundary wall to the rear of Natwest Bank, 12 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/072LB).

13851 UPDATE ON SOMERFIELD SUPERMARKET REDEVELOPMENT
Giving an update on the Somerfield supermarket redevelopment in High Street, Mr Hamer stated that the delay in starting the project was due to the fact that the Section 106 agreement on highway issues had not yet been signed. It had been approved by the Deane’s legal department and by Somerfield but Somerset highway authority was still checking that the agreement was acceptable. The Deane and the applicants were chasing county highways to get the issues resolved. Both were equally frustrated by the delay. Councillor Govier reported that he had been assured by county officers that a legally binding document covering all the highway issues with would be drawn up with Somerfield soon. He agreed to take the matter up again with the county council to try to speed things up. Councillor Bowrah questioned whether the scaffolding erected outside the former discount store (to be demolished as part of the Somerfield development) was safe. It was agreed to take the matter up with Taunton DBC and the county council.

13852 UPDATE ON CADES FARM HOUSING SCHEME
Giving an update on the Cades Farm housing scheme Mr Hamer reported that the scheme was subject to a quite complex 106 agreement covering affordable/social housing and commuted sums for the future maintenance of open spaces (number of years). The Deane was seeking to get the best deal from the developers for affordable housing on the site. The aim was that 35% of the total of dwellings on the site should be affordable housing. It was hoped there would be agreement before too long. It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC stating that the town council would like to see the greatest number of social houses possible. Referring to the suggestion by some town councillors that allotments might be considered as part of the Cades Farm scheme, Mr Hamer pointed out that there was nothing in the local plan for allotments. There was no Deane policy for allotments. If it was felt at the stage of receiving the detailed planning application that allotments should be provided, then it might be possible to consider using some of the land earmarked for open space.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.05PM

Wellington Town Council minutes June 2006

2006-10-12T10:42:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 5th June 2006 at 7pm

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Govier, A. Horsman, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe, R. Bowrah and G. James. There were 7 members of the public present.

13822 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that he had attended the launch of St Margaret’s Hospice New Build Appeal, the annual fete of Wellington Hospital League of Friends and the annual Wellington Street Fair. He had been unable to attend the opening of the refurbished Wellington Hospital but the vice chairman Councillor Critchard had attended. He referred to the outstanding feat of James Hooper of Wellington who in May had become the youngest Briton to climb Mount Everest, world’s highest mountain, at the age of 19. On the suggestion of Councillor Critchard it was agreed to present Mr Hooper with a commemorative town plaque to mark his achievement. Councillor Mitton reported that Councillor Mrs C. Biscoe was unable to attend the meeting following the recent death of her father. It was agreed to send a card of condolence to Councillor Biscoe.

13823 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that during May there had been 3 burglaries (2 walk-in and 1 distraction); 5 vehicles and 4 mopeds stolen; criminal damage to vehicles in Victoria Street for which a culprit had been arrested; 6 assaults where the assailants were known to the victims; 4 youths assaulted in the town centre area; and a drugs warrant executed which had resulted in an arrest for cannabis cultivation. Trading Standards had carried out 5 spot checks on shops which revealed 3 had served cigarettes to under age children, resulting in £80 on-the-spot fines. Further checks would be carried out. As part of a nation wide campaign a knife amnesty was being held from 24th May to 30th June: so far 15 knives had been handed in at Wellington. He would give a detailed report on the results of the amnesty at the July meeting. There were 10 ASBOs (anti social behaviour orders) in the area but none for Wellington. 3 youths in Wellington had received ABC (acceptable behaviour contract) letter one, 8 had received letter two and 7 had been served with ABCs. The letters were sent to the parents of the youths concerned. It was a three stage process and in the majority of cases it worked. Many did not ever go beyond the first letter so in that respect it did seem to be working. If an ABC was breached, the offender could face magistrates and made subject to an ASBO, banning them from particular parts of the town. Councillor Wilson raised the issue of teenagers playing football in the under fives play area at Warren Street on Dobree Park estate and said she understood the police had told the youths it was better to play in the area than in the street. Taunton DBC was moving the litter bins and erecting signs to deter the football games going on in the area. Sgt Nurse replied that the police were aware of youths playing in the area near their homes rather than going a quarter of mile down the road to the large playing field on the estate. The chairman thanked Sgt Nurse for attending the meeting.

13824 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the date of the visit of the Britain in Bloom judge was still awaited but it was expected to be between 10th and 21st July 2006. Reference was made to a buddleia growing on the façade of the former discount stores in High Street which were due to be demolished when the new Somerfield Supermarket was built. It was agreed to ask for the shrub to be removed.

13825 PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
The chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess reported that the Green Flag judging for Wellington Park would take place on 14th June 2006. The Friends had been extremely disappointed that, for some reason, Wellington Park had not been included in the RHS Good Parks Guide and had written to the publishers about the omission.

13826 MINUTES OF MAY COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 8th May 2006 and of the annual council meeting held on 15th May 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

13827 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
With reference to minute 13777 members received a copy of the final draft of the Wellington Food Town project proposal prepared by Taunton DBC’s Economic Development Unit. Mr Steve Kendall, the Deane’s Economic Development and Regeneration Manager, gave a resume of the report, answered various questions and said the aim was to bring back verve and excitement to the town centre and attract more residents and visitors to shop in Wellington. The aim was to build on and extend the food shops and within five years to establish Wellington as Somerset’s Food Town, with an annual food festival either in the Summer or Autumn. It was hoped to launch Wellington as The Food Town in the Spring of 2007. Substantial funding of about £100,000 over the next two years would be required. It was hoped to obtain 50% of that from various Government agencies, 25% in “kind” support and the other 25% from other sources such as Taunton DBC and the town council. Taunton DBC was being asked to commit a hefty sum towards the project at a meeting later that week. The scheme would need sustainability and would have to have substantial local ownership within two years. It would be supported by the Deane. The scheme was backed by Wellington Economic Partnership and the local Chamber of Trade and Commerce who were also considering introducing a free parking redemption scheme whereby traders would refund parking fees if shoppers bought from their shops. It was a major move and commitment by the chamber. He would like the town council to endorse the report and agree to contribute in the region of £5,000 towards it for this financial year and to consider a similar amount for the next financial year. On the proposition of Councillor Horsman, seconded by Councillor Copley, it was agreed unanimously to endorse the report. On the proposition of Councillor Byrne, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was unanimously agreed to contribute £5,000 towards the scheme for 2006-07.

13828 JURSTON LANE DOG WASTE BIN
With reference to minute 13743 further consideration was given to the possibility of removing the dog waste bin at Jurston Lane and re-siting it in the Westford area (possibly Waterpath). The clerk reported that the bin was greater used than previously but was still easily the least used of the 5 dog waste bins provided by the town council. After some discussion it was agreed not to remove the Jurston Lane dog waste bin.

13829 KEEPING DOGS ON LEADS
It was agreed to defer, until the July council meeting, consideration of a suggestion by Councillor G. James that Taunton DBC should be asked to make a byelaw requiring dogs to be kept on leads as Councillor James was unable to attend the June meeting. The chairman pointed out that the Government was considering and consulting with local authorities on the whole issue of byelaws and possibly replacing byelaws with control orders.

13830 PROVISION OF POST BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY AREA
With reference to minute 13779 consideration was given to the suggestion by Councillor S. Palmer of providing a mail collection box for the Burrough Way area. It was agreed to ask Royal Mail to provide such a box and to ascertain its policy for providing such boxes.

13831 OMISSION OF WELLINGTON FROM GOOD PARKS GUIDE
Councillor V. Byrne pointed out that Wellington Park had been omitted from the newly published Royal Horticultural Society’s Good Parks Guide but that Vivary Park in Taunton had been included. It was agreed to write to the RHS expressing surprise and disappointment at the omission of Wellington Park and asking for an explanation for its omission from the guide.

13832 PROPOSED PLAYING FIELD DOG BAN
With reference to minute 13796 a letter was received from Taunton DBC chief executive Mrs Penny James stating that the dog wardens would make additional patrols of the playing field and the recreation ground during June, that the vandalised signs at the playing field would be replaced shortly and detailing the health risks from dog fouling. The letter was noted.

13833 FAIR ACCESS TO CARE INITIATIVE
With reference to minute 199 (annual parish meeting held on 15th May 2006), a letter was received from the county day services manager Mr Dave Thomas stating that there was no question of the Wellington Thursday Day Centre at the Northfield Centre being closed. Some existing centre users had been affected by the county’s Fair Access to Care Services policy but that was a Government requirement which all local authorities had to implement. The letter was noted.

13834 WELLINGTON GREEN SPACES AUDIT
With reference to minute 13740 the clerk reported that the Wellington Green Space Audit report had been received from Taunton DBC and that the first meeting of the town council’s working party would be held on 14th June 2006. The report was noted.

13835 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13787 the clerk reported that he and Councillor S. Palmer had carried out a speed check in Wellesley Park on 31st May 2006 between 5pm and 6pm when 2 motorists had been reported for speeding (39mph and 40mph). The vast majority of motorists were within the limit. The report was noted.

13836 DEFECTS AT LISTED BUILDING AT 18 FORE STREET
With reference to minute 13744 a letter was received from Taunton DBC’s conservation officer Mrs Di Hartnell stating that the Deane’s building control section was meeting the owner on site later that week. The letter was noted.

13837 DEFECTIVE STREET LIGHTING IN STATION ROAD
With reference to minute 13783 the clerk reported that the lighting columns in Station Road were to be replaced with new ones with photo-cells controlled by the sun. The existing ones were time controlled and were coming to the end of their life. Defective cabling also had to be replaced. It was hoped that the work would be carried out in the next one to two months. The report was noted.

13838 BASINS ALLOTMENTS
With reference to minute 13714 the clerk reported that 4 tenants at the town council’s Basins allotments had been given notice terminating their tenancy because their plots had not been cultivated at all, that there had been a marked improvement in the state of the other plots and that there were 12 on the waiting list. The report was noted.

13839 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13792 the clerk reported that the day after the May town council meeting, two officers from Taunton DBC had visited 28 Fore Street and had taken measurements relating to the possible installation of a lift to provide access to the town council chamber and clerk’s office on the first floor.The report was noted.

13840 YOUR COUNCIL, YOUR VIEWS CONSULTATION
A letter was received from Taunton DBC about its public consultation “Your Council, Your Views,” which aimed at giving local residents the opportunity to tell the Deane what they thought about the council, the way the council tax was spent and their priorities for their community. The letter was noted.

13841 FUTURE OF MENTAL HEALTH PROVISION
A letter and report were received from Somerset Partnership NHS and Social Care Trust about the future of mental health provision. It was agreed to give detailed consideration to the report at the council’s July meeting.

13842 ENVIRONMENTAL MAINTENANCE OF HIGHWAYS LEAFLETS
A letter was received from Somerset Highways enclosing environmental maintenance of highways leaflets and surface dressing of roads leaflets. Members received a copy of the letter and the two leaflets.

13843 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13801 a report was received from the assistant to the clerk stating that at the Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on 22nd May 2006 it had been agreed to write to Somerfield plc asking for a meeting with the company to discuss their plans and timetable for the proposed new store off High Street. With a view to planning for the future of employment in Wellington it had been agreed to contact the directors of the largest firms in Wellington to set up a joint meeting. A detailed report about the proposal to establish Wellington as a Food Town had been received from Mr S. Kendall, Taunton DBC’s economic/development regeneration manager. It had also been reported that one stage of the Tour of Britain Cycle Race would take place in the area in 2008. No recommendations or suggestions were put forward for the inclusion on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on Monday, 24th July 2006 at 6pm.

13844 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had refused the following plans: (a) Demolition of buildings and erection of 1 flat over new arch and access to existing business, 58-60 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/018: because design isnot of sufficiently high architectural standard for this prominent and important site within the conservation area and would detract from the historic and architectural character of the area: the town council was in favour); (b) Display of internally illuminated fascia and projecting signs, Bristol and West Building Society, 5-7 South Street, Wellington (43/2006/017A). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had approved the following plans: (a) Application to carry out tree work to one western red cedar tree within Wellington conservation area at 2 The Court, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/041T); (b) Conversion of existing wardens flat to provide 2 one bedroom flats, Lodge Close Community Centre, Lodge Close, Wellington (43/2006/025); (c) Erection of conservatory at 12 Millstream Gardens, Wellington (43/2006/040); (d) Erection of conservatory to rear of 6 Oldway Park, Wellington (43/2006/044); (e) Application to carry out tree work on one willow tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 3) Tree Preservation Order 2001 at the rear of Lloyds TSB, Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/036T).

13845 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST MAY 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st May 2006 was £40,012 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £27,598 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.

13846 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Horsman, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Councillor D. Mitton £500 chairman’s allowance; Councillor P. Critchard £6.40 for travelling expenses; Konica Minolta £50.40 for photocopying servicing charges to 16/5/06; Taunton DBC £28.20 for cleaning town centre seat; Somerset County Council £48 for European Computer Driving Licence Course for Mrs J. Thorne; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £172 for subsidised hospital patient transport for April 2006; Mr A. Brown £1,708.38; Mrs J. Thorne £289.92; Inland Revenue £655.35 for income tax and national insurance; Adrian Morris & Partners £1,034 for lopping 2 trees at Basins allotments; St John’s Primary School £213.26 for school crossing patrol for Spring term 2006; The Carly Press Ltd £40.85 for envelopes and files; Somerset County Council £109.28 for annual membership to the South West Provincial Council; Wellington United Reformed Church £100 for council meetings in April, May (2) and June 2006.

13847 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: What’s On in Taunton Deane for June 2006; Spring issue of The Playing Field from Somerset Playing Fields Association; June 2006 issue of Community Update from Community Council for Somerset; Summer issue of Thatch magazine from Community Council for Somerset; Spring newsletter Somerset Matters from Campaign to Protect Rural England; June edition of Fieldwork from CPRE; draft regional spatial strategy for South West for 2006-2026 produced by South West Regional Assembly; NALC direct information service bulletin No. 632; Lillebonne Town Council’s magazine for May and June 2006.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.26PM

Wellington Town Council planning minutes June 2006

2006-10-12T10:40:00.000Z

Minutes of the 110th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 5th June 2006 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors A. Govier, A. Horsman, C. Hindley, S. Palmer, and E. Warren, the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning officer Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, R. Bowrah, R. Henley and G. James. There were 4 members of the public present.
13818 APPROVED PLANNING APPLICATIONSThe town council received details of applications for planning permission to be determined in accordance with the delegation agreement with Taunton Deane Borough Council of 9th September 1996 and it was resolved to approve planning permission for the following applications: (a) Change of use from agricultural land to residential, Trinimeade, 112b Mantle Street, Wellington as amended by letter dated 28th April 2006 with accompanying drawing No. 1462/1A (43/2006/038: subject to time and landscaping conditions plus the removal of permitted development rights which means that there shall be no further building, structure or other enclosure constructed or placed on the site unless an application for planning permission for it is first submitted and approved by the Local Planning Authority). There was a letter of objection from Mr M. Weaver, of 91 Mantle Street, on the grounds of the proposal making an incursion into the green wedge and setting a precedent. The planning officer stated the extension to the garden (7m x between 28m and 32m) was modest in scale, would not be an intrusive feature and was in keeping with the character of its surroundings as a native hedgerow with trees would be planted along the new boundary. The approval was carried 8-2.
13819 DEFERRED PLAN FOR WHITE HART LANE APPLICATIONConsideration was given to a plan for the erection of 11 one bedroom dwellings on land to the rear of Sans Ombre and Garden House, White Hart, Wellington (43/2006/057). Mr Hamer stated that the principle of small units on this town centre area was to be welcomed but the planners had concerns over the relationship and impact of the proposed building on the two adjoining bungalows, the outlook from the dwellings and the closeness of the living rooms of the dwellings to the boundary walls which were only one to two metres away. There was a letter of objection from Mrs D. Ball, of Sans Ombre, on the grounds of extreme over-development, loss of privacy and loss of light. After some discussion it was agreed to defer a decision on the application pending a site visit to be arranged by the clerk.
13820 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONSIt was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Erection of two storey extension at Wellington House Nursing Home, Longforth Road, Wellington (revised design 43/2005/013: 43/2006/056); (b) Application to carry out work to one beech tree within Wellington conservation area at 93 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/062T: providing the Deane’s tree officer agrees that the work is necessary); (c) Fell one eucalyptus tree within Wellington conservation area at 3 Court Terrace, Wellington (43/2006/049T: providing the Deane’s tree officer agrees that the work is necessary).
2251
TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING MEETING: 5TH JUNE 2006
13820 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANS (continued)It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was opposed to the following plans: (a) Proposed development of dwelling to rear of The Old Bakery, 32 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/050: object on highway grounds as the access is considered inadequate); (b) Application to fell 3 oak trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 1) Tree Preservation Order 1998 on land adjoining Chelston Farm House, Wellington (43/2006/060T: because the application is premature)
13821 COMMENTS TO COUNTY COUNCIL ON PLANNING PROPOSALSIt was agreed to inform Somerset County Council that the town council was in favour of the following plan: (a) Construction of a new 3 bay tennis court with associated floodlighting at Court Fields Community School, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/063).
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.35PM

Wellington Town Council annual meeting minutes May 2006

2006-10-12T10:39:00.000Z

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL COUNCIL MEETING OF WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL HELD IN WELLINGTON UNITED REFORMED CHURCH HALL, FORE STREET, WELLINGTON ON MONDAY, 15TH MAY 2006 AT 7.56PM

PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, A. Govier, R. Henley, A. Horsman, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There was an apology from Councillor C. Hindley. There were 5 members of the public present.

13806 ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN FOR 2006-07
On the proposition of Councillor Govier, seconded by Councillor Henley, it was unanimously agreed to elect Councillor Mitton as chairman for 2006-07. Councillor Mitton signed his declaration of acceptance of office as chairman. He thanked councillors for electing him as chairman and paid tribute to the excellent way Councillor Bowrah had represented the town and had carried out his duties during his two years as chairman. He presented Councillor Bowrah with his past chairman’s lapel badge. Councillors Govier and Byrne also praised Councillor Bowrah for his services as chairman. Thanks were expressed to the clerk and to the assistant to the clerk for their work.

13807 ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR 2006-07
On the proposition of Councillor Copley, seconded by Councillor Horsman, it was unanimously agreed to elect Councillor Critchard as vice chairman of the council for 2006-07. Councillor Critchard thanked councillors for electing him.

13808 ELECTION OF COMMITTEES
The following committees were elected: Finance Committee – Councillors Mitton, Critchard, Govier, Hindley, Horsman and Warren; Footpaths Committee – Councillors Palmer, Stock-Williams, Warren and Wilson; Environment, Tourism and Town Guide Committee – Councillors Biscoe, Copley, Critchard, James and Stock-Williams; Emergency Planning Committee – Councillors Bowrah, Byrne, Govier Hindley and Mitton; Staffing Committee – Councillors Byrne, Mitton, Warren and Wilson; CCTV Committee – Councillors Critchard, Copley, Govier, Mitton, Stock-Williams and Warren.

13809 ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES ON WELLINGTON TWINNING ASSOCIATION
Councillors Byrne and Copley were elected as the council’s two representatives on Wellington Twinning Association.
13810 ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE ON WELLINGTON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Councillor Mitton was elected as the council’s representative on Wellington Community Association.
13311 ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES ON WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
Councillors Govier, Horsman, Stock-Williams and Warren were elected as the council’s four representatives on Wellington Economic Partnership.

13812 ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES ON THE HOSPITAL OF SIR JOHN POPHAM KNIGHT (Popham Flats in Victoria Street)
Councillors Byrne, Stock-Williams and and the clerk were elected as the council’s representatives on the Hospital of Sir John Popham Knight (Popham Flats).

13813 ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE ON WELLINGTON IN BLOOM COMMITTEE
Councillor Stock-Williams was elected as the council’s representative on Wellington in Bloom Committee.

13814 ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVE ON FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
Councillor Byrne was elected as the council’s representative on Friends of Wellington Park.

13815 REPRESENTATIVE ON SOMERSET ASSOCIATION OF LOCAL COUNCILS
Councillor Mitton was elected as the council’s representative on the Somerset Association of Local Councils.

13816 RENEWAL OF ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
It was agreed to renew the council’s annual subscriptions to Somerset Association of Local Councils, Community Council for Somerset, The Council for the Protection of Rural England, the National Association of Local Councils’ Direct Information Service and the South West Provincial Council.

COUNCILLORS HENLEY AND WILSON LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.15PM

13817 RELOCATABLE CCTV PROTOCOL
Members received a copy of the draft relocatable CCTV protocol prepared by the council’s CCTV Working Party. Councillor Govier proposed, with Councillor Horsman seconding, that the protocol should be accepted with the number of members of the CCTV Committee being increased by one to six, and this was agreed.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.29PM

Wellington Town Council minutes May 2006

2006-10-12T10:38:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 8th May 2006 at 7pm

PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley and Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Councillors P. Critchard, C. Hindley, A. Govier, G. James and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors S. Horsman, R. Henley, S. Palmer and N. Wilson. There were 5 members of the public present.

13771 DEATH OF FORMER CHAIRMAN GILLIAN ALLEN
With reference to minute 13729 the chairman reported that he had written to the Mayor of Immenstadt, Gerd Bischoff thanking him for his letter of sympathy at the death of former council chairman Gillian Allen who had been an outstanding councillor for many years and a tower of strength in the twinning movement.

13772 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTST
he chairman welcomed Sgt Doc Nurse to his first meeting since taking over as police sergeant for Wellington and congratulated Councillor Hindley on his forthcoming election as Mayor of Taunton Deane on 10th May 2006 and wished him all the best for his coming mayoral year.

13773 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Doc Nurse reported that during April there had been no house burglaries in Wellington, which was good news; 6 shed break-ins, with one arrest; 10 offences of criminal damage to vehicles, with arrests for 6 of these offences; 1 theft with a person arrested and charged with handling; two assaults including one on a traffic warden involving a motorist who had been charged; there were some cases of criminal damage by a youth of eight who was too young to be charged. There had been some commercial burglaries in recent months and a person had been arrested for 8 of these offences. It was a minority of people causing the problem but a lot of people had been charged due to the hard work of his officers. In reply to questions he said he would provide information about ASBOs (anti social behaviour orders) and ABCs (acceptable behaviour contracts) at the June meeting. The chairman said it was very encouraging to hear that there had been lots of arrests, congratulated the police on their fine work and thanked Sgt Nurse for his attendance.

13774 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM
The chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that Taunton DBC would be using black plastic hanging baskets with a 9 litre reservoir of water this year which would mean watering only twice a week compared with daily in previous years. The hanging baskets would probably be put up at the beginning of June and they were looking forward to having a good display around the town again this summer. It was agreed to send another letter to Taunton DBC’s conservation officer about the continuing defects to the windows at the listed building at 18 Fore Street, Wellington. The clerk reported that he had written to the officer Mrs D. Hartnell early in April but was still awaiting a reply.

13775: PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
The chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess reported that the May Day fayre in the Park had been a great success and had been the best ever, with local charities doing well. There had been plenty of entertainment for the children.

13776 MINUTES OF APRIL COUNCIL MEETINGThe minutes of the council meetings held on 3rd April 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct with the addition to minute 13744 that the CCTV working party would meet to prepare a draft protocol for consideration by the council.

13777 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN
The clerk reported that Mr Steve Kendall, Taunton DBC’s Economic Development and Regeneration Manager, was not able to attend to make the Wellington Food Town presentation due to a family bereavement. He would make the presentation at the June council meeting. Members received a copy of a written report about the project which included a possible weekend of food and food-related festival in Wellington over the 2007 August Bank Holiday. The report was noted.

13778 INTERNAL AUDIT OF ACCOUNTS FOR 2005-2006
Councillors received a copy of the town council’s audited accounts for 2005-2006 and a copy of a letter from the internal auditor, Mr A.J. Bullen, which stated he had no matters to which he wished to drawn to the attention of members. The accounts showed that the council had made a surplus of £2,543 for the year which had increased the balance in hand at 31st March 2006 to £146,310. On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Mitton, it was unanimously agreed to approve the accounts and to thank the clerk for his work on the accounts.

13779 PROVISION OF POST BOX FOR BURROUGH WAY AREA
The clerk reported that Councillor Palmer, who wanted to raise the possible provision of a post box for the Burrough Way area was unable to attend due to illness and it was agreed to consider the matter at the next council meeting.

13780 NON ADOPTION OF ROADS AT DOBREE PARK
With reference to minute 13734 letters were received from MP Jeremy Browne, the Department of Transport and Taunton DBC Chief Executive Penny James about the non adoption of roads at Dobree Park, Rockwell Green. Councillor Govier reported that he had received an email from the county council about the problems and explaining why they had not used the bond provided by the developers Bellway Homes. It was agreed to again write to the county council about lack of progress over the adoption of the roads and to circulate the SCC email to town councillors.

13781 BUSINESS RATES
With reference to minute 13741 letters were received from MP Jeremy Browne and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister which stated that under the small business rate relief scheme introduced in April 2005 there was rate relief of 50% available for qualifying properties with a rateable value up to £5,000. It was agreed to write to the Lyons Inquiry into Local Government putting forward the town council’s view that there should be an exemption from business rates for the first year of trading for small, new independent retail shops.

13782 INCREASED CAR PARKING CHARGES
With reference to minute 13709 copies of letters from Taunton DBC leader Councillor John Williams and Wellington Chamber of Commerce about increased car parking charges in Wellington were received and noted.

13783 DEFECTIVE STREET LIGHTING IN STATION ROAD
With reference to minute 13737 a letter was received from the county council stating that the problem was due to a cable fault which Western Power Distribution had been asked to repair as soon as possible. The letter was noted. It was reported that the lights were now on 24/7.

13784 CAR CRIME AT WELLINGTON MONUMENT
With reference to minute 13695 a letter was received from the National Trust stating that revised access proposals had been drawn up to restrict the risks associated with mixing pedestrians and vehicles on the same track. To that end it was proposed to restrict parking to the area adjacent to the Monument itself and focus more parking at the existing car park. People were warned about leaving valuables on show in cars and it was hoped that a busier car park would deter thieves. The development of a manned hut was well beyond the Trust’s financial means. The letter was noted.

13785 CHANGE OF USE OF 3 FORE STREET
The clerk reported that the appeal by Tamlyn & Son against the decision of Taunton Deane Borough Council to refuse permission for the change of use of 3 Fore Street, Wellington from a retail shop to an estate agency and surveyors’ office had been dismissed by a Planning Inspectorate inspector. The report was noted.

13786 ERECTION OF BUNGALOW AT MANDERLEIGH, BAGLEY ROAD
With reference to minute 13497 the clerk reported that an appeal had been lodged against the decision of Taunton DBC to refuse permission for the erection of a bungalow on land at Manderleigh, Bagley Road, Wellington. The report was noted.

13787 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH
With reference to minute 13751 the clerk reported that he and Councillor Palmer had carried out community speed watch checks at Exeter Road, Rockwell Green by near the Dobree Park junction on 20th April when 8 motorists had been reported to the police for exceeding the 30mph speed limit (speeds ranged from 41 to 70mph) and at Wellesley Park on 3rd May during the morning school run when no motorists had been reported (top speed 34mph). The report was noted.

13788 RELOCATION OF TOWN CENTRE LITTER BINS
With reference to minute 13699 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had moved the litter bins from outside Stags to the High Street bus shelter and from the Longforth Road/High Street junction to the Longforth Road coach park as requested by the town council. The report was noted.

13789 FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE QUOTE
With reference to minute 13753 the clerk reported that a revised quote of £1,719.21 from the Deane DLO for footpath maintenance for 2006 had been accepted by the chairman and the clerk. The report was noted.

13790 HIGH STREET-SCOTTS LANE FOOTPATH
With reference to minute 13288 a letter was received from residents and traders in Brooks Place, High Street stating they would like the footpath between High Street and Scotts Lane closed because of various problems over a number of years. The clerk stated that last year the town council had opposed the suggestion of adding the path to the list of definitive footpath. It was agreed to reply it was up the residents to take action to get the path closed.

13791 MAURICE JENNINGS MEMORIAL PLAQUE
With reference to minute 12569 letters were received from Mrs M. Jennings and Taunton DBC chief executive Mrs P. James about the proposed plaque to be erected in Wellington Sports Centre in memory of the late town and Deane councillor Maurice Jennings. Mrs James stated the Deane would be happy to arrange and pay for the plaque. Mrs Jennings wrote that she and her family were happy with the following wording: “Dedicated to Maurice C. Jennings a councillor for Wellington from 1961 to 2003, who as chairman of Wellington UDC Sports Centre Committee, was the driving force behind the building of the centre in 1973.” It was agreed to approve the wording and to inform Taunton DBC accordingly.

13792 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13735 it was reported that Councillors Mitton and Copley had strongly put over the town council’s case for staying at 28 Fore Street at the meeting of Taunton DBC’s Review Board meeting on 20th April 2006. Councillor Copley reported that the Deane’s corporate property manager Mr S. Rutledge had mentioned about putting in a lift at 28 Fore Street. It was agreed to wait and see developments following the Review Board meeting.

13793 SQUIRREL COURT PARKING PROBLEMS
Copies of letters from residents of Squirrel Court, Fore Street and of the reply from Somerset Highways about parking problems were received. It was agreed to contact Taunton Deane Borough Council about the matter.

13794 CCTV AT RECYCLING CENTRES
A letter was received from Somerset County Council about the installation of Closed Circuit Television and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) at household recycling centres in the county for safety and security reasons.. The letter was noted.

13795 WELLINGTON FLOWER SHOW SCHEDULE
A letter was received from Wellington Flower Show asking the council to consider putting an advert in its flower show schedule at a cost of £30 for a full page. After some discussion Councillor Byrne proposed, with Councillor Mitton seconding, that the council should have a full page advert and this was agreed with two abstentions.

13796 PROPOSED PLAYING FIELD DOG BAN
A copy was received of a letter sent to Taunton DBC by Wellington Sports Federation asking for a ban on dogs in Wellington Playing Field and Recreation Ground. Letters were received from Mr E. Poole and Mrs A. Grensted asking the council not to back the proposed ban. Councillor Govier declared a non prejudicial interest as a patron of the sports federation. After some discussion it was agreed ask Taunton DBC to carry out a health risk assessment and also to considerably step up dog warden patrols in both the playing field and Rec for a period to try to catch irresponsible owners who allow their dogs to foul both fields.

13797 400TH ANNIVERSARY OF DEATH OF SIR JOHN POPHAM
A letter was received from the Hospital of Sir John Popham about celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir John Popham (founder of Popham flats in Victoria Street) on 10th June 2007. The council was asked for its support for a small committee set up to co-ordinate activities. This was agreed.

COUNCILLOR WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.20PM

13798 HEALTH LIVING CENTRE TRUST GRANT REQUEST
A letter, application form and accounts were received from Wellington Health Living Centre Trust asking the town council to make a grant of £180 for the purchase of a £180 printer/scanner. The chairman reported that the Finance Committee did not recommend making a grant in view of the funds held by the trust and on his proposal it was agreed 6-1 not to make a grant, with two abstentions. Councillor Stock-Williams declared an interest as a member of the trust and left the hall while this item was discussed.

13799 WELLINGTON 10 MILE ROAD RACE
A letter was received from The Albemarle Centre, Taunton giving details of the Wellington 10 mile fund raising road race on Sunday, 16th July 2006, starting at Court Fields School at 10.30am. The letter was noted.

13800 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 23-33 FORE STREET
Notification was received from Taunton DBC stating that a tree preservation order had been placed on 4 apple trees, 2 plum trees and 1 cherry tree on land to the rear of 23-33 Fore Street, Wellington. The details were noted.

13801 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13762 no recommendations or suggestions were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on Monday, 22nd May 2006 at 6pm.

13802 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of an extension at 64 Andrew Allan Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/029: delegated decision); (b) Erection of lean-to car port at 137 Barn Meads Road, Wellington (43/2006/031: delegated decision); (c) Erection of enlarged new garage on site of existing garage at 41 Acre Cottages, Buckwell, Wellington (43/2006/027: delegated decision); (d) Erection of dwelling on land adjoining Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington as amended by agents letter and drawing number 1276/05/5 received 30th March 2006 (43/2005/143); (e) Erection of a conservatory to front of Meadowside, Pyles Thorne, Wellington (43/2006/019: delegated decision); (f) Variation of condition 01 (time limit) of planning permission 43/1995/005 (demolition of agricultural buildings and erection of 3 holiday cabins) to permit commencement of the development before 15th March 2011, Westford House, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/015).

13803 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 30TH APRIL 2006

A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 30th April 2006 was £37,371 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £20,130 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.

13804 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Critchard, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Friends of Wellington Park £1,500 grant; Wellington in Bloom Committee £1,000 grant; The Carly Press Ltd £179.87 for paper, ink cartridges, voice recorder and calculator; Hinewood Cleaning Services £110 for cleaning town centre bus shelters and office/chamber window cleaning for March and April 2006; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for war graves for March and April 2006; EDF Energy Ltd £141.19 for electricity for period 14/1/06 to 13/4/06; Mr A. Brown £1,708.36; Mrs J. Thorne £289.92; Mr A.J. Bullen £246.32 for internal audit of 2005-2006 town council accounts; Taunton Deane Borough Council £343.90 for repairing seats in High Street and Fore Street; Taunton DBC £156.15 for share of gas bill for 2005/06; Filcris Ltd £20.88 for 80 magnetic strips; Taunton DBC £246.75 for repairing A-frames on set of swings at Tone play area; Konica Minolta Ltd £199.30 for photocopier servicing charges for period to 7/4/06; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £236 for subsidised hospital patient transport for March 2006; BT £339.65 for telephone, fax, email and internet calls and servicing charges for period 4/2/06 to 3/5/06.

13805 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: What’s On in Taunton Deane for May 2006; annual review 2004-05 of Somerset Rural Youth Project and SRYP newsletter for Spring 2006; Catchment Matters, the Spring 2006 newsletter from River Parrett Catchment Project; March 2006 edition of Regional Spatial Strategy Update from South West Regional Assembly; a discussion paper from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on Local Authority Byelaws in England dealing with procedures for making, confirming and enforcing byelaws; Clerks and Councils Direct magazine for May 2006; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 629 and 630.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.25PM

Wellington Town Council minutes April 2006

2006-10-12T10:34:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 3rd April 2006 at 7pm PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe and G. James. There were 6 members of the public present.
13729 DEATH OF FORMER CHAIRMAN GILLIAN ALLENWith reference to minute 13693 the chairman reported that he had received a letter of condolence from the Mayor of Immenstatd, Gerd Bischoff expressing the deepest sympathy of the town council and of himself at the sad loss of former council chairman Gillian Allen and stating he would remember her as a founder of the twinning between Immenstadt and Wellington and as a keen promoter of twinning.
13730 POLICE MATTERSSgt Richard Caburn, who was attending his last meeting before moving to Taunton on being promoted to inspector, introduced his successor, Sgt Doc Nurse, of Bridgwater, who would be taking over later in the month. Sgt Caburn reported that in March there had been 11 burglaries, which had been the main problem; 2 thefts from vehicles including 1 at Wellington Monument, where a handbag had been left on a seat in a car, and from Longforth car park where a laptop computer had been stolen from a car; 14 thefts; 5 assaults, 4 of which were victim related; 5 criminal damage offences; 10 of criminal damage to vehicles, including 5 on Saturday, 1st April when a young man had smashed a brick throughout windscreens and back windows of cars in Station Road just after midnight. He had been arrested and would appear before the courts. A drugs raid had been carried out on a 6 bedroom house in Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, where 500 cannabis plants had been found growing in a double loft space. It was a professional cannabis growing set-up. None of the plants had been harvested: the police had hit the premises at the right time. A Youthwatch Scheme, which aimed to educate both children and parents about crime prevention, had been successfully launched at Court Fields School. He thanked the council for their support during the past three and a half years he had been in Wellington, particularly Councillor Govier for his forward thinking on youth projects. Although there were problems from time to time, Wellington was a very safe place to live. The chairman thanked Sgt Caburn for his excellent support over the years and wished him well in his new position. He also welcomed Sgt Nurse and assured him that the council would continue to strongly back the work of the police.
13731 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMThe chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward thanked the councillors who had attended the launch of its annual gardens competition 2006 “Going for Gold” leaflet which was distributed to members. On 27th April committee members would be taking part in the Health Living Day at Wellington Baptist Church. She reported that the broken windows at the listed property 18 Fore Street, Wellington, had still not been repaired. She asked the town council to write to Taunton DBC to put the pressure on the Deane and this was agreed.
13732: PPT: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARKThe chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess thanked the town council for its grant and said without it the Friends could not put on its summer programme of entertainment.2233WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 2006
13733 MINUTES OF MARCH COUNCIL MEETINGThe minutes of the council meetings held on 6th March 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13734 NON ADOPTION OF ROADS AT DOBREE PARKCouncillor Warren raised the issue of the non adoption of the roads at the housing estate at Dobree Park, Rockwell Green and strongly put forward the view that it was time that action was taken by the county council as the matter had been dragging on for a number of years. Members received copies of e-mails from Mr Dennis Quick, of Somerset Highways, dated 22/3/06 and 20/9/05 showing that it was a long standing problem. There was also a letter from the county council about the current position with the developers Bellway Homes. It was agreed to write to the county council expressing dissatisfaction at the continuing delay in getting the roads and footways on the estate adopted and asking for more positive steps to be taken to bring the roads and footways up to standard, including using a bond from the developers to pay for the outstanding work. It was further decided to write to: (i) Local MP Jeremy Browne asking him to press the Government to amend legislation covering the development of new estates to ensure that in the event of a developer not completing roads/play areas then local authorities can carry out the necessary work by using a bond (sufficient to meet these costs) which developers are obliged to pay up font as part of any planning agreement; (ii) Taunton DBC asking the Deane to take steps to ensure that this problem does not continue to occur by insisting that developers should pay a bond – up front as part of any planning agreement – which is sufficient to complete any unfinished play areas and roads/footways not up to standard. It was agreed to point out that Cades Farm would be the next big local development and that the town council was anxious to ensure that there are no loopholes for developers to use as in the past.
13735 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBERWith reference to minute 13634 Councillor Warren raised the issue of the future use of the present town council chamber at 28 Fore Street which he strongly felt should continue to the home of the town council. He felt that Taunton DBC needed to make a decision. Members received a copy of the report of the Deane’s corporate property officer, Mr Stuart Rutledge (presented to a Review Board meeting on 23rd March 2006) in which he recommended Taunton DBC to continue to pursue the idea of finding suitable alternative premises as at present the major requirements of Disability Discrimination Act were being complied with in that town council meetings were held in the suitably equipped URC church hall and as there was a possibility of resolving the problem in the foreseeable future although details were not available at present. It was suggested that at the Review Board meeting the impression had been given that the town council was happy about moving premises. The clerk stated that in letters to the Deane he had clearly stated that the town council wished to remain at 28 Fore Street and had put £9,000 in its budget to help meet the cost of improvements. It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC confirming that the town council wished to keep the town council chamber and clerk’s office at 28 Fore Street with improvements made to the building so that it complied with DDA requirements. Councillor Henley urged councillors to attend the next Review Board meeting on 20th April 2006 to make the town council’s views clearly understood by Deane councillors.
13736 PLANS FOR A CASINO IN TAUNTONA letter was received from the Rev Sam Griffiths, Wellington Baptist Church pastor, 2234WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 2006
13736 PLANS FOR A CASINO IN TAUNTON (continued) asking the town council to consider objecting to a proposal for a casino in Taunton. Various views were expressed by councillors and after some discussion, Councillor Mitton proposed, with Councillor Critchard seconding, that the letter should be noted with interest and this was agreed.
13737 DEFECTIVE STREET LIGHTING IN STATION ROADCouncillor Horsman reported that there had been problems with street lights in Station Road since February and on his suggestion it was agreed to write to the county council expressing the town council’s concern that the problem had been allowed to continue for so long and pointing out that the dark streets were creating danger and risk to people’s lives, particularly in the area of the Swallowfield aerosol factory.
13738 PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN NORTH STREETCouncillor Horsman reported that recently a child had been hit by a late-braking car at the Belisha crossing in North Street at the junction with Victoria Street and felt it was time the crossing was improved and made safer by the introduction of a crossing controlled by red lights with a green man indicating that it was safe for pedestrians to cross. It was agreed to ask the county council to consider improving the crossing.
13739 ON STREET PARKING IN MANTLE STREET AREAThe clerk reported that following a site meeting of councillors held 27th March 2006 it was suggested that changes to the existing parking restrictions could be made to increase the number of on street parking spaces in the Mantle Street area. The proposals were: (i) To reduce the length of the double yellow lines on the western side of Champford Lane to provide 5/6 more spaces; (ii) re-lining the parking spaces in Mantle Street outside of 78/80/82 Mantle Street to more one extra space; (iii) possibly altering the lining in the Champford Mews cul de sac by putting double yellow lines on the eastern side to provide1/2 more spaces on the western side. Champford Lane and Mantle Street proposals should attract the support of residents as it is a win-win situation but Champford Mews alterations would require consultation with residents as it was a more balanced decision. It was agreed to ask Mr Ian Titcombe (Somerset Highways) for his views. Councillor Govier reported that some initial contact had been made with Mr Titcombe over the suggestions. It was agreed that if changes were made in Champford Mews then the no waiting period should be Monday to Friday and not Monday to Saturday as at present.
13740 GREEN SPACES IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13698 an email was received from Taunton DBC leisure development manager Karen Hughes stating that a report was being prepared on the quality and value (not financial) of the various green space sites in Wellington and that it was hoped this report would be ready in May. It was agreed to appoint Councillors Critchard, Govier, Mitton, Stock-Williams and Wilson as members of the town council’s Green Spaces Working Party.
13741 BUSINESS RATESWith reference to minute letters were received from local MP Jeremy Browne about the current partial rate relief scheme, from Taunton DBC giving detailed information on the rate relief scheme, and from 10 Downing Street stating that the town council’s letter had been forward to the Department of Trade and Industry so that Department was aware of the council’s views. All three letters were noted.2235
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 2006
13742 USE OF LOW FLOOR BUSESWith reference to minute 13702 a letter was received from First Somerset and Avon’s area operations director Mr Paul Jenkins stating that the great majority of journeys on services 20, 22/22A and 92/92A between Wellington and Taunton were scheduled for operation by low floor buses. However there were some peak hour journeys, mainly to cope with student loadings which were run by step entry vehicles and from time to time the occasional low floor buss would be replaced by a conventional vehicle as a result of a breakdown etc. As from 2nd April 2006 a new Sunday and Bank Holiday timetable was being introduced on services 22A and 92, ending the operation of Sunday buses between Tonedale and Rockwell Green via Burchills Hill. Instead buses would run back up to Fore Street to reach Rockwell Green, which would enable the company to use low floor buses on Sundays instead of Mercedes minibuses. Minor timing changes were being made as a result. He enclosed copies of the new timetables. The letter was noted.
13743 PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BINS AND WORK OF DOG WARDENSWith reference to minute 13704 the clerk reported that 4 of the 5 dog waste bins provided by the town council (at Hilly Head, Millstream Gardens, Swains Lane and Bovet Street) were well used but the one at Jurston Lane was hardly used: frequently there was only one bag in the bin when it was emptied (twice a week) but there was a lot of dog mess in the area as dog owners in the vicinity did not use the bin. He also reported that there had problems with dog waste bags being dumped in the grit/salt bin by Rockwell Green railway bridge and that some residents had suggested a dog waste bin was needed in that area. It was agreed to consider the possible relocation of the Jurston Lane bin at the June council meeting.
13744 PURCHASE OF RELOCATABLE CCTVWith reference to minute 13715 the clerk reported that the CCTV camera had arrived and had been erected in Lancer Court on 29th March 2006. A training session for councillors and officers was to be held in the council chamber on Tuesday, 11th April 2006 from 10am to 1pm. He further reported that tests arranged by Taunton DBC had shown that lighting column C6 in the South Street car park, where it had been planned to locate the camera, was unacceptable and would have to be removed and replaced. Column C8 in North Street car park was acceptable for a camera to be attached. Both reports were noted.
13745 COACHES NOT STOPPING IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13717 a letter was received from Majestic Coaches explaining why the company did not stop in Wellington to pick up passengers. The firm also did not stop in Tiverton. The letter was noted.
13746 CHANGE OF USE OF 112B MANTLE STREETWith reference to minute 13692 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the planning application for the change of use and conversion of bungalow to form a children’s day nursery at Trinimeade, 112b, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/007) had been withdrawn. The letter was noted.
13747 MOTOR BIKE AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES PRESENTATIONWith reference to minute 13718 the clerk reported that a number of councillors had attended the successful and informative presentation on 23rd March. Report was noted.2236WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 200613748 LONGMEAD CLOSE-BURCHILLS HILL CLAIMED PUBLIC PATHWith reference to minute 13672 a letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the town council’s request for the route from Longmead Close to Burchills Hill to be added to the list of public footpaths had been turned down as it was felt there was insufficient evidence that the route had been used by the public as opposed to workers at the nearby Fox Brothers’ factory. It was decided not to appeal against the county council’s decision.
13749 TAUNTON DBC TREE WARDEN SCHEMEWith reference to minute 13706 a letter was received from Taunton DBC about the tree warden scheme and asking if the town council wished to nominate a tree warden. It was agreed to leave the matter in abeyance for the time being.
13750 CHRISTMAS LIGHTSWith reference to minute 13587 a letter was received from Wellington Chamber of Trade and Commerce stating that the chamber was discussing ways in which it could improve the run up to Christmas in 2006 with a day of festivities to include an open air Christmas fayre (with Farmers Market), Father Christmas, a band, carols and possibly Orchard FM Roadshow. The council’s support would be appreciated and would a council representative attend a chamber committee meeting in April/May to finalise the chamber’s plans. Councillors received a copy of the clerk’s reply in which he stated the switch on of the Christmas lights would take place on Friday, 1st December 2006 at 7pm and that the council would be happy to attend the chamber’s committee meeting. He pointed out that the cost of the 2005 Christmas lights to the town council was £7,859 and asked the chamber to consider making a contribution. Both letters were noted.
13751 COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCHWith reference to minute 13552 the clerk reported that a community speedwatch check had been carried out in Mantle Street by the youth centre on 30th March 2006 and that one driver had been reported to the police for travelling at 47mph. The vast majority of over 200 cars checked had been within the 30 mph limit: others had slowed down to within the limit. More checks would be carried out now that the lighter evenings had arrived. The report was noted.
13752 TONE PLAY AREA GRASS CUTTING QUOTEWith reference to minute 13283 a quote of £39.17 per cut was received from Deane DLO for grass cutting at the Tone Play Area for 2006. It was agreed to accept the quote. The clerk stated that the charge for 2005 was £37.30 per cut.
13753 PUBLIC FOOTPATH MAINTENANCE QUOTEWith reference to minute 13284 a quote of £1,990.16 was received from Deane DLO for cutting vegetation on public footpaths at Crosslands/Relyon, Church Lane and Victoria Street and at the Basins allotments. The clerk recommended that a revised quote by sought excluding the cost of hedge cutting at allotments as this would be carried out through the allotment tenants. This was agreed and the clerk was authorised to accept the revised quote in consultation with the chairman.
13754 EMPTYING DOG WASTE BINSWith reference to minute 13385 a quote of £1.89 per visit was received from Deane DLO for the twice weekly emptying of the town council’s 5 dog waste bins. It was agreed to accept the quote (last year’s figure was £1.76 per visit) 2237WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 2006
13755 COURT FIELDS YOUTHWATCH GROUPA letter was received from Year 11 Youthwatch Group at Court Fields Community School asking the town council to consider supporting its projects and improvements which including building a graffiti wall, secure bike park, community clean-up to remove litter, getting the youth centre opening hours extended, getting cheaper public transport, siting a youth shelter and finding music mixing facilities. It was agreed to reply that the town council welcomed the group’s efforts, wished the group every success and would consider specific applications for funding when these were received.
13756 COUNTY STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTA letter was received from Somerset County Council about its Statement of Community Involvement with a quick guide on how the county would deal with planning applications in the future. It was agreed to note the letter.
13757 TALKING TOMORROW’S TAUNTON DEANEA letter was received from Taunton DBC about Talking Tomorrow’s Taunton Deane which aimed at involving the community in the review of the Deane’s Community Strategy and the production of the Local Development Framework. A series of workshops and displays would be held in April and May. The deadline for responses was 26th May 2006. It was agreed to defer any comments until members had attended the displays/workshops.
13758 COMPLAINTS RECEIVED IN WELLINGTON PARISHA letter was received from Taunton DBC with a report about complaints received in Wellington parish for the first quarter of 2006. The letter and report were noted.
13759 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER IN SOUTH STREETThe clerk reported that Taunton DBC had placed a tree preservation order of a group of trees to the north west of 38 South Street, Wellington. The report was noted.
13760 ANNUAL PARISH/TOWN COUNCILS MEETINGA letter was received from Somerset County Council stating that the annual meeting between the county council and town/parish councils would be held on 5th June 2006. At this date clashed with the town council’s June meeting it was agreed to ask the county to send copies of papers/reports of the joint meeting.
13761 CLEAN NEIGHBOURHOODS AND ENVIRONMENT ACT 2005A letter was received from the Department for Environment and Rural Affairs giving details of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 which enables town and parish councils to issue fixed penalty notices for littering, graffiti and flyposting offences from 6th April 2006 and also a new system for controlling dogs. It was agreed to note the letter.
13762 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13719 a report was received from the clerk on the meeting of the Wellington Economic Partnership held on 20th March 2006 together with the report of the WEP Good Ideas Group which had been approved by the partnership. No recommendations or suggestions were put forward for inclusion on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on Monday, 22nd May 2006 at 6pm.
2238
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 2006
13763 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of single storey extension to form pharmacy, Luson Surgery, Fore Street, Wellington as amended by agents letter and drawing received 24th February 2006 (43/2005/139 and 43/2005/144LB); (b) Erection of conservatory at 21 Dobree Park, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/020: delegated decision); (c) Erection of conservatory at 31 Cox Road, Wellington (43/2006/010: delegated decision); (d) Erection of two storey and single storey extension to rear of 1 Bovet Street, Wellington as amended by planning drawing No. 002/HIGGS/05A received 9th March 2006 (43/2006/006); (e) Replacement windows and vertical slate hanging to part west elevation at 43 High Street, Wellington as amended by revised plans received 10th March 2006 (43/2006/004LB); (f) Adjustment of Unit 18 to erect additional bay to west of building and omission of bay to east, building for employment use (B1, B2 and B8 uses), Rylands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (amended position of building: 43/2006/001); (g) Erection of single storey extension to replace existing to side of 39 Tone Hill, Wellington as amplified by agents email dated 3rd March 2006 (43/2006/011). The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following application: (a) Display of new fascia sign and externally illuminated hanging sign at 5 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/005A).
13764 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST MARCH 2006A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 31st March 2006 was £89,669 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £77,373 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13765 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Hindley, seconded by Councillor Critchard, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Cosigns £293.75 for erection of four new Wellington in Bloom town entrance signs; Somerset Association of Local Councils £1,039.83 for affiliation fee for 2006-07; Taunton Deane Borough Council £273.78 for providing conifer tree with winter flowering plants in town centre planter; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £144 for subsidised hospital patient transport to Musgrove Park Hospital for February 2006; Taunton DBC £250 for lease of museum and museum store for period 1st April to 30th June 2006; AR Computing £955.91 for delivery and installation of computer system and networking; Community Council for Somerset £25 for subscription to Community Council for Somerset for 2006-07; Taunton DBC £740.25 for emptying town council’s five dog waste bins for six month period from September 2005 to February 2006; Judith Goss Florists £30 for cut flowers for local war graves for January and February 2006; National Association of Local Councils £105 for one year subscription to direct information service for 2006-07; Systems Furniture £768 for installation and erection of two desks in council offices and supply of new chair; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Mrs J. Thorne £281.28; Inland Revenue £644.69; Mr T. Parkman £250 for clearing and spraying allotments and hedge cutting; Wireless CCTV Ltd £10,798.25 for purchase and installation of CCTV equipment, network connection and laptop computer; Somerset County Council £10.25 for copy of CD Rom of the National Agreement for Local Government Services: Mrs N. Abbott £6 for allotment refund following cancellation of agreement; Somerset Photo News £130.66 for 16 council photographs.2239
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 3RD APRIL 2006
COUNCILLOR HORSMAN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.30PM
13766 CLERK’S CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT AND NEW SALARY SCALES FOR CLERK AND ASSISTANT TO THE CLERKVice chairman Councillor Mitton reported on the details of amendments to the clerk’s written statement of particulars and contract of employment to meet the latest requirements in employment legislation and the introduction of the town council’s relocatable CCTV system. He also reported on new salary scales for the clerk and the assistant to the clerk with effect from 1st April 2006. Both reports were approved.
13767 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: What’s On in Taunton Deane for April 2006; Thatch, the rural community magazine for Somerset for Spring 2006; 3 booklets from the Tree Council (The Tree Guardian Winter and Spring issues, Trees in your ground); NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 626 and 627; Coach Monthly for March 2006; InterAction newsletter for March 2006 from the Local Government International Bureau; European Union newsletter for January 2006 dealing with regional policy.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.40PM

Wellington Town Council minutes March 2006

2006-10-12T10:33:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 6th March 2006 at 7.10pm (the start was delayed because planning meeting did not finish until 7.05pm)
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Councillors R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown and the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne. There were apologies from Councillors P. Critchard, D. Mitton, V. Stock-Williams and N. Wilson. There were 11 members of the public present.
13693 DEATH OF FORMER CHAIRMAN GILLIAN ALLENMembers stood for a minute’s silence in memory of Mrs Gillian Allen, town council vice chairman in 1982 and 1983 and chairman in 1984 and 1985, who died on Saturday, 4th March 2006. A town councillor from 1974 until 1999, Mrs Allen led the civic delegation to Immenstadt in 1985 for the signing of the twinning charter with Wellington’s German twin town. She was also a Taunton DBC councillor for 20 years. A tribute to Mrs Allen was paid by Councillor R. Henley.
13694 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSThe chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah reported that he had received two lovely books about the New Zealand capital Wellington from the Mayor of Wellington. The books would be presented to Wellington Library so that they would be available for local residents to read. He had also received a letter of greetings from the mayor.
13695 POLICE MATTERSSgt Richard Caburn reported that in February there had been 10 thefts, 11 cases of criminal damage, 4 of criminal damage to cars, 3 assaults, 7 thefts from vehicles including 3 cars at Wellington Monument where property had been left in vehicles and 11 thefts from shed and outbuildings, mainly in the rural areas. Signs warning about the theft problem at the Monument had been vandalised. In Wellington two 16 year olds and a 15 year old had been arrested for causing damage on an industrial estate. He thanked the council for its grant of £500 for the Wellington Community Paintball Scheme run by the police. He was disappointed at the turnout at the weekly police surgery held in Wellington Community Office: on average it was just one visitor a week. Meetings were being held at Court Fields Community School to set up a Youthwatch Scheme which aimed not only to educate children about crime prevention but to encourage them to pass on the advice to parents, family and friends. It was agreed to write to the National Trust about the thefts from cars at the Monument seeking the Trust’s views on how the crime problem might be reduced, suggesting moving the car park nearer the Monument and possibly placing a manned hut in the car park.
13696 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMThe chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the launch of its annual gardens competition 2006 “Going for Gold” would take place at Nynehead Court on Wednesday, 29th March 2006 at 6.30pm. She invited councillors to attend. She also reported that Taunton DBC was taking enforcement action over the long standing problem of broken windows at the listed building at 18 Fore Street.
13697 MINUTES OF FEBRUARY COUNCIL MEETINGThe minutes of the council meeting held on 6th February 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.2225WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13698 GREEN SPACES IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13626 further consideration was given to a letter from Taunton DBC leisure development manager Karen Hughes and to the Wellington Green Spaces Audit Report 2006. A letter was also received from Councillor Mrs V. Stock-Williams about the enhancement of Cox Green and from Mr S. Aspin about the use of Howard Green and Roly Poly Green. After some discussion Councillor A. Govier suggested that councillors should visit all the green spaces in Wellington with Taunton DBC and look at how these could be improved, enhanced and brought up to standard as well as protecting the green wedges in the town. This was agreed.
13699 RELOCATION OF TOWN CENTRE LITTER BINSCouncillor S. Palmer suggested that to reduce litter problems the litter bin outside Stags the estate agents in High Street should be re-sited to the bus shelter on the north side of High Street and that one of the two litter bins near the junction of Longforth Road and High Street should be re-sited to the coach shelter at Longforth coach park. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC to re-site the two bins.
13700 BUSINESS RATESWith reference to minute 13683 a letter was received from local MP Jeremy Browne stating that he had written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer making the points raised by the town council and would also seek to support measures of the type described by the council in Parliament when the opportunity arose. It was agreed to note the letter. An email was received from Taunton DBC’s economic development and regeneration manager Steve Kendall giving details of the Government’s Small Business Rate Relief Scheme, which provided relief of up to 50% and also of the Business Development Grant Scheme which could provide grants of up to £2,000. It was agreed to forward a copy of Mr Kendall’s letter to Wellington Chamber of Trade.
13701 RAISED KERB AT ROCKWELL GREEN BUS STOPA letter was received from Mr Stan Broom requesting the provision of a raised kerb at the bus stop just before Rockwell Green Post Office. It would help elderly people to get off, especially if the bus did not have a lowering front. A letter was from the County Local Transport Team stated that local floor bus kerbs were provided after discussion with bus companies to get best value for money. Current target routes did not include Wellington. It was agreed to tell the county council that the town council would like to see a raised kerb provided at Rockwell Green. Councillor A. Govier reported that he had taken the matter up with the local transport manager.
13702 INCREASED BUS FARESIn reply to concerns expressed at the January council meeting about higher bus fares between Wellington and Taunton, a letter was received from First Somerset and Avon Ltd stating that the company had experienced substantial increases in its fuel and insurance costs, which had risen by 89% in 5 years. Given a choice between increasing fares or reducing services in order to remain viable, the company felt it had no alternative but to increase fares. It was hoped that no further increases would be needed in 2006 but that depended on whether there are any further abnormally high increases in costs. Single fares between Rockwell Green/Tonedale and Taunton had risen from £2.60 to £3, day return from £3.85 to £4.80 (peak and off peak), weekly season from £13 to £15. From Wellington High Street and Taunton single fares had risen from £2.30 to £2.50, day return from £3.85 to £4.80 peak and £4.20 off peak, and weekly season from £13 to £15. The letter was noted.2226WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13703 IMPROVING HEALTH SERVICES IN WELLINGTONWith reference to minute 13638 a letter was received from Taunton Deane Primary Care Trust enclosing a summary of the feedback received by the Trust in response to the discussion paper about improving health services in Wellington and stating that work on converting the former Stratfield House into new hospital beds was making good progress. The Trust was confident that inpatient services would re-open on 1st April 2006 as planned. The letter was noted.
13704 PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BINS AND WORK OF DOG WARDENSWith reference to minute 13680 letters were received from Taunton DBC stating that given the financial climate within the Deane at present it was extremely unlikely there would be any funding available for new dog waste bins in 2006-07. The dog wardens work hours were the equivalent of 1.4 wardens. They patrolled the area both generally and in response to specific complaints. There had been several recent complaints about fouling in the Dark Lane area of Wellington and so targeted patrols had been carried out in that area. On average wardens spent about 5 hours a week patrolling in and around Wellington. In addition their time was also spent collecting stray dogs, putting up signs and various other duties as well as patrolling the rest of the district for fouling. Consideration would be given to putting up signs in the Kitts and Barns Meads Road areas. For the clearance of large amounts of fouling on pavements and adopted footpaths, the Deane should be contacted on 356361. The clerk reported that he was awaiting details from the Deane about the usage of the 5 dog waste bins provided by the town council last year. The letters were noted.
13705 IMPROVED LIGHTING FOR OLANDS ROADWith reference to minute 13675 the clerk reported that a grant of £542.57 had been received from Taunton DBC towards the cost of the new street light for Olands Road. The report was noted.
13706 CHANGES TO TAUNTON DBC TREE WARDEN SCHEMEWith reference to minute 13565 a letter was received from Taunton DBC detailing the responses to the tree warden scheme consultation and detailing how the new scheme would work. The letter was noted. It was agreed to suggest that Wellington in Bloom Committee should be added to the scheme’s mailing list.
13707 ADDITIONAL STREET LIGHTING IN CLIFFORD TERRACEWith reference to minute 12435 a letter was received from Somerset County Council about the lane from Clifford Terrace to High Street becoming an adopted highway repairable at public expense. The letter was noted. The clerk stated that the lane needed to be adopted before the town council could consider erecting street lighting which had been suggested previously. This information was noted.
13708 APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT TO CLERKWith reference to minute 13460 the clerk reported that Mrs Julia Thorne had been appointed as assistant to the clerk with effect from 6th March 2006. The report was noted.
13709 INCREASED CAR PARKING CHARGESWith reference to minute 13598 the clerk reported that the new car parking charges in Wellington would come into force on 3rd April 2006. The report was noted. Members were supplied with the details of the new charges.2227
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13710 NEW TOWN ENTRANCE SIGNSWith reference to minute 13593 members were supplied with a copy of the proposed new town entrance signs to be funded by the town council.
13711 MANTLE STREET POTHOLESWith reference to minute 13596 the clerk reported that various potholes in Mantle Street had been reported to Somerset Highways and that some of the holes had been filled. The rest would be filled very shortly. The county had been asked about resurfacing Mantle Street and that was planned to be carried out in the 2007-2008 budget. The cost would be high as Mantle Street was wide and the work would have to be carried out in two phases. The report was noted.
13712 REDEVELOPMENT OF CORN HILLWith reference to minute 13542 a letter was received from Rayglow Securities Ltd, the owners of the old Town Hall and Corn Hill, stating that the company had been in negotiation with a developer who had drawn up plans for the redevelopment of the land at the rear of Corn Hill. A contract was being drawn up but negotiations had thrown up problems with existing third party rights of way over the land. The parties were attempting to resolve these but there would be a further delay as the developer did not wish to submit plans until the queries had been settled. Once the position on the land at the rear could be established, the company would be able to concentrate on the best method for redeveloping its remaining properties on the west side of Corn Hill. The letter was noted.
13713 DAMAGED GRASS VERGES AT BAGLEY ROADWith reference to minute 13596 a letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that the condition of the grass verges in Bagley Road had become worse since the new builders merchants Buildbase had opened for business so the county would arrange for bollards or posts to be erected to physically stop the encroachment onto the verges, which would be reinstated with topsoil. Members also received a copy of the letter sent to the county council by Mrs I. Ward, of Wellington in Bloom Committee, about the verges. Both letters were noted.
13714 FUTURE USE OF BASINS ALLOTMENTSWith reference to minute 13677 the clerk reported that a meeting with tenants, chaired by the council chairman, had been held on 2nd March 2006 when the results of the consultation about the possible formation of a tenants association to run the allotments had been given to the tenants as well as details of the work being carried out to clear and let overgrown empty plots. After a lively question and answer session it had been agreed to hold another tenants’ meeting later in the year. The report was noted.
13715 PURCHASE OF RELOCATABLE CCTVWith reference to minute 13621 a letter was received from Taunton DBC giving details of a consultation document covering various options for extending the active monitoring of the 53 CCTV cameras in Taunton and the 6 in Wellington to provide 24/7 monitoring, either in Taunton or in Bridgwater in partnership with Sedgemoor District Council where such a service already existed. The cost of establishing the 24/7 service in Taunton was £260,000 a year and in Bridgwater £226,000. At the moment the Taunton cameras were monitored 8am-1am Monday to Wednesday, 8am to 3am Thursday to Saturday and 8am-6pm Sundays. The letter was noted.2228WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13716 SOMERSET’S ECONOMIC STRATEGY TO 2015Members received a copy of Somerset Strategic Partnership’s vision for the county to 2015, including the executive summary of the partnership’s economic strategy and relevant extracts from the strategy affecting Wellington. The information was noted.
13717 COACHES NOT STOPPING IN WELLINGTONA letter was received from Mr D. Smith, of 79 Buckwell, about some coach operators not stopping in Wellington which meant passengers either had to go to Chelston or to Taunton to get picked up. Members also received a copy of a letter from Majestic Tours, of Teignmouth, explaining their departure point policy. It was agreed to write to Majestic Coaches asking to consider picking up in Wellington.
13718 MOTOR BIKE & YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROJECT PRESENTATIONCouncillors received a verbal invitation from Councillor A. Govier to attend a presentation on a local motor bike project and youth activities project at Unit 6, Kings Centre, Blackdown Business Park on Thursday, 23rd March 2006 from 7pm-8.30pm. Councillor Govier explained that the projects had received funding from the Government Office for the South West.13719 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13684 it was agreed to suggest that at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on Monday, 20th March 2006 consideration should be given to a proactive approach over the new business park site at Chelston House Farm and that the Deane’s letter/report on business rates and grants should be included on the agenda.
13720 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Erection of conservatory and carport to side of 7 Ashford Road, Wellington (resubmission) as amended by agents letter and accompanying plan received 30th January 2006 (43/2005/145: delegated decision); (b) Demolition of existing building and erection of 8 dwellings, Mill Chambers (rear of Wellington Pet & Garden Store), High Street, Wellington as amended by letter dated 25th June 2004 with accompanying drawing No. 0410/003B and 004 and by letter dated 26th August 2004 with accompanying drawing No. 0410/004C (43/2004/039); (c) Change of use from residential C2 to residential dwelling house (C3) at The Lodge, Taunton Road, Wellington (43/2006/003: delegated decision); (d) Erection of first floor extension to side of 17 Pyles Thorne Close, Wellington (43/2006/002: delegated decision).
13721 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 28TH FEBRUARY 2006A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 28th February 2006 was £86,758 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £73,029 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13722 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Horsman seconded by Councillor Warren, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Councillor D. Mitton £44 for travelling expenses; Somerset Photo News £46.88 for council photograph; The Carly Press Ltd £65.44 for papers, diary, envelopes and ink cartridge; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £140 for 2229WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH MARCH 2006
13722 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (continued)subsidised hospital patient transport to Musgrove Park Hospital for January 2006; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Inland Revenue £644.69; BT £187.85 for telephone, fax, email and internet calls/charges and servicing charges for quarter to 6th February 2006; Wellington Community Paintball Scheme £500 grant; Frames £75.08 for framing council photograph; Richard Ball £940 for erecting 2 Bristol gates and 1 kissing gate on footpath WG17/8 at Rockwell Green; Wellington Federation of Sports Clubs £50 for annual sports award trophy; Wellington United Reformed Church £75 for hire of church hall for council meetings in January, February and March 2006; The Carly Press Ltd £26.60 for paper; Hinewood Cleaning Services £58 for cleaning town centre bus shelters, roof of North Street bus shelter and office/chamber window cleaning for February 2006.
13723 COURT FIELDS SCHOOL’S NEW SPORTS HALLCouncillor A. Govier reported that Somerset County Council now had sufficient funds to meet the full cost of the proposed new four court sports hall and changing facilities at Court Fields Community School. It was hoped to start work later this year and to complete the project late 2007. The news was welcomed by members.
13724 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: What’s On in Taunton Deane for March 2006; Fieldwork, the March 2006 magazine from the Campaign to Protect Rural England; NALC direct information service bulletins Nos. 624 and 625; Coach Monthly for February 2006.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.25PM

Wellington Town Council planning minutes March 2006

2006-10-12T10:32:00.000Z

Minutes of the 107th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 6th March 2006 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillors Mrs V. Byrne and Mrs G. Copley, Councillors A. Govier, R. Henley, C. Hindley, who arrived at 6.10pm, A. Horsman, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC West area planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors P. Critchard, D. Mitton, V. Stock-Williams and N. Wilson. There were 21 members of the public present.
13689 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONSIt was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Conversion of public house into 3 dwellings, demolition of skittle alley and other outbuildings and erection of 3 dwellings at the Three Cups, 32-34 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/012 and 43/2006/013LB: providing the front of the Three Cups is not altered, providing there are no adverse comments from the highway authority and providing there is no undue overlooking or loss of privacy caused by the proposed new 4 bedroom house. There was a letter of concern from Mr T. Webber, of 7 Bulford, who suggested that the proposed 4 bedroom house should be a bungalow to reduce overlooking. The chairman stated he written a personal letter objecting to the application and so Councillor A. Govier presided while this item was considered); (b) Construction of new business park, including formation of new roundabout, pumping station and lagoon on land adjoining Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2006/016); (c) Adjustment of Unit 18 to erect additional bay to west of building and omission of bay to east, building for employment use (B1, B2 and B8 uses), Rylands Farm Industrial Estate, Bagley Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/001: providing adequate landscaping and screening are provided and providing there are similar conditions relating to noise and hours of work as in the previous approval. There were letters of concern about landscaping and screening from Mrs D. Land and Mrs B. Baker. Councillor A. Govier declared a prejudicial interest and left the hall while this item was considered); (d) Conversion of part of outbuilding, internal and external alterations including raising height of roof to form a flat to the rear of 33 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/009: providing there is no undue overlooking or loss of privacy for neighbours); (e) Replacement windows and vertical slate hangings to part of west elevation at 43 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/004LB); (f) Variation of condition 01 (time limit) of planning permission 43/1995/005 (demolition of agricultural buildings and erection of 3 holiday cabins) to permit commencement of the development before 15th Mach 2011, Westford House, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/015: (g) Display of internally illuminated fascia and projecting signs, Bristol and West Building Society, 5-7 South Street, Wellington (43/2006/017A).
13690 REFUSED APPLICATIONMr J. Hamer reported that the application for the display a new fascia sign and externally illuminated hanging sign at 5 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/005A) had been refused planning permission. The report was noted.
13691 DEFERRED APPLICATION: 58-60 MANTLE STREETAn application for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of 2 flats over new arch and access road to existing business, 58-60 Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/018) was deferred for a site inspection after Mr Hamer reported that county highways wanted the new arch on road safety grounds but the Deane’s conservation 2223
TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING MEETING: 6TH MARCH 2006
13691 DEFERRED APPLICATION: 58-60 MANTLE STREET (continued)officer was opposed to the proposed new frontage. Mr M. Turner, for the applicants, said that the higher arch and wider access road was to serve land to the rear where it was proposed to erect 12 properties and which would be subject to a separate planning application. A letter of objection was received from Mr and Mrs M. Netley, of 62 Mantle Street on the grounds of overlooking and other issues.
13692 DEFERRED APPLICATION: 112B MANTLE STREETAn application for the change of use and conversion of a bungalow to form children’s day nursery at Trinimeade, 112b Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2006/007) was deferred after Mr Hamer reported that the application was likely to be withdrawn. The planning department had been told verbally by the applicant that it would be withdrawn but was waiting to receive confirmation of that decision in writing. Letters of objection were received from Mr and Mrs J. Copleston, Mr C. Gledhill, Mr A. Furzer and Mr and Mrs N. Clarke on parking, access and site unsuitable grounds.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.05PM

Wellington Town Council minutes February 2006

2006-10-12T10:30:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 6th February 2006
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier, G. James, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown. There was an apology from Councillor P. Critchard. There were 8 members of the public present.
13657 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTSWith reference to minute 13619, the chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah, reported that local butterfly expert Roger Suttton, who had taken an inscribed Wellington plaque and civic greetings to the Mayor of Wellington, New Zealand, in January, had returned with gifts for the town council from the city mayor, Kerry Prendergast, including an illustrated book “Wellington A Capital Century,” a presentation pen and key ring inscribed with “Absolutely Positively Wellington.” A letter of appreciation, a book “Wellington and Beyond” and a pen had also been received from the mayor that day (6th February). It was agreed that the books should be presented to Wellington Library to make these more accessible to local residents.
13658 RETIREMENT OF PC GRAHAME WOODWARDThe chairman presented an inscribed Wellington plaque to PC Grahame Woodward on his retirement in appreciation of 30 years of outstanding service to the community.
13659 POLICE MATTERSSgt Richard Caburn reported that in January there had been 2 domestic burglaries, 3 commercial burglaries, 6 cases of criminal damage, 19 thefts from motor vehicles (12 of which occurred on one day and for which 2 youths and a girl had been arrested for theft). There was still an on-going problem with vehicles being broken into at the Monument on a regular basis during the day. He urged motorists not to leave any articles in view but either to carry valuables with them or leave them in the boot of the car. On 24th January a man from Bristol came down to Wellington to try to steal a motor caravan. First he stole a car from Rockwell Green and then tried to tow away the motor home but the rope snapped. He was later arrested by PC Woodward by the motorway. He was believed to have been involved in other offences throughout the South West. Referring to the paintball scheme for youngsters, he mentioned that a local pensioner had given £100 towards the costs. Students at Court Fields School would be taking part in a youth watch crime reduction scheme involving the police, fire brigade, environmental health and RSPCA which would be launched at the end of February. Volunteers would take part in training sessions to learn how to mark property with security stamps and how to stay safe and look after wildlife. It would then be taught to the rest of the school. The police were keen to set up the scheme to try and encourage crime prevention at an early age. Rather than hand out marker pens in supermarkets, the police would be getting the children to do it, getting them involved in marking property and educating their parents as well. A similar scheme had been tried out at Radstock and had been quite successful. Overall crime in the area was 38 per cent down and the detection rate was 25 per cent. Sgt Caburn said he would be leaving Wellington next month after being promoted to inspector but would be introducing his successor to the town council at the March meeting. He was congratulated on his promotion and thanked for his attendance. He stated he would look into possible CCTV coverage of damage to a large flower trough outside the URC Church in Fore Street on Saturday night (4th February).2216
WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
COUNCILLOR BOWRAH LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 7.29PM AS HE WAS FEELING UNWELL AND COUNCILLOR MITTON PRESIDED FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MEETING
13660 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: WELLINGTON IN BLOOMThe chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, Mrs Isabel Ward reported that the committee’s annual meeting was being held in the Bulford Centre at 6pm on Thursday 16th February 2006 and invited councillors to attend.
13661 MINUTES OF JANUARY COUNCIL MEETINGSThe minutes of the council meetings held on 9th January 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.
13662 PRECEPT FOR 2006-2007A detailed report, attached to these minutes, was received from the clerk on the council’s budget and precept for 2006-2007, recommending that the council should keep its council tax unchanged at £16.50 for Band D properties for the seventh year in succession and should fix a precept of £74,409. On the proposition of Councillor Govier, who thanked the clerk for his work on preparing the budget, seconded by Councillor James, it was unanimously agreed to fix the precept for 2006-2007 at £74,409.
13663 COMMUNITY PAINTBALL GRANT REQUESTA letter, grant application form and financial statements were received from PCSO Simon Bramley asking the town council to consider making a grant of £500 to help continue and improve Wellington Community Paintball Scheme, which helps reduce anti social behaviour in the town, for the coming year. On the proposition of Councillor Mitton, seconded by Councillor Hindley it was unanimously agreed to make a grant of £500.
13664 BEECH HILL STORES LAY-BYWith reference to minute 13645 a detailed report was received from the clerk on a joint site meeting held on 13th January 2006 with the two shop owners, town councillors and Somerset Highways, about line marking the lay-by outside Beech Hill shops. The report stated that Somerset Highways strongly advised on highway safety grounds that dotted lines were placed across the front of the lay-by. The lines, which were only advisory, would encourage drivers to park parallel to the kerb but drivers could still park as at present if those chose. The clerk also advised councillors to heed the recommendation of Somerset Highways. A letter was received from Mr Peter Turnbull, of 16a Beech Hill, suggesting the provision of the word “slow” on the road. Councillor James proposed, with Councillor Hindley seconding, that the lay-by should be left unmarked but the proposal was defeated 6-4. Councillor Byrne proposed, with Councillor Stock-Williams seconding, that the council should ask Somerset Highways to put a dotted white line across the front of the lay-by and this was carried 6-2 with two abstentions.
13665 POSSIBLE ONE WAY SYSTEM FOR COURTLAND ROADWith reference to minute 13635 a letter was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways, stating that it was not possible to have a variable time one way system for Courtland Road but consideration could be given to a permanent south bound system. A letter was received from Mr Neil Raybould, of 13 Courtland Road, 2217WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13665 POSSIBLE ONE WAY SYSTEM FOR COURTLAND ROAD (continued)expressing concerns about the proposal. Standing orders were suspended to allow Mrs Hilda Thornton, of Court Mews, Courtland Road, to speak. She also objected to the one-way system. Councillor Govier proposed, with Councillor Hindley seconding, that no further action should be taken and this was agreed unanimously.
13666 PARKING PROBLEMS IN SCOTTS LANEA letter was received from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Someset Highways, stating that cars parked in Scotts Lane were sometimes causing a problem for large vehicles accessing the rear of the Kwiksave supermarket. It was agreed to take no action over possible waiting restrictions at the present time but to wait for the Somerfield development to take place.
13667 WIMBLEBALL SAILING CLUB GRANT With reference to minute 13630 a letter of thanks for the grant of £200 was received from Wimbleball Sailing Club, plus details about local disabled sailors. The letter was noted.
13668 TAUNTON CAB GRANTWith reference to minute 13655 a letter of thanks was received from Taunton and District CAB for the council grant of £600. The letter was noted.
13669 STANDARD OF DRIVING BY TAXI DRIVERSWith reference to minute 13631 a letter was received from Taunton DBC suggesting contacting the police about the driving of taxi drivers. The letter was noted.
13670 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGHWith reference to minute 13627 a letter was received from the Boundary Commission acknowledging the town council’s comments. The letter was noted.
13671 OLYMPIC GAMES 2012With reference to minute 13628 letters were received from Sport England South West registering the town council’s interest as a possible venue for training camps for 2012 and from Taunton DBC. Both letters were noted.
13672 LONGMEAD CLOSE-BURCHILLS HILL CLAIMED FOOTPATHWith reference to minute 13231 the clerk reported that the case for the claimed short length of footpath from Longmead Close to Burchills Hill would be considered by the County Council’s Regulation Committee in March. The report was noted.
13673 TAUNTON DEANE POLICE NEWSLETTERWith reference to minute 13648 councillors received a copy of the Taunton Deane Police Newsletter for January 2006 from Inspector Mike Ashwin.
13674 COMMUNITY SPEED WATCH SCHEMEWith reference to minute 13513 letters were received from Mr D.G. Smith suggesting that the town council should consider buying a digital camera and from the police about the community speed watch scheme. After some discussion it was decided not to purchase a digital camera.
2218WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13675 IMPROVED LIGHTING FOR OLANDS ROADWith reference to minute 13378 the clerk reported that the new street light had been erected in Olands Road and was working. A grant from Taunton DBC towards the cost of the work was waited. The report was noted.
13676 PUBLIC NOTICE BOARD FOR WARRREN STREETWith reference to minute 13537 the clerk reported that letters had been sent out to the 12 residents nearest the site for the proposed public notice board by the Warren Street play area, asking for their comments on the suggestion. Two replies had been received, both objecting to the idea, saying it would spoil their outlook and detract from the openness of the area. On the proposition of Councillor Warren, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to take no further action.
13677 FUTURE USE OF BASINS ALLOTMENTSWith reference to minute 13599 the clerk reported that 11 tenants were in favour of forming an allotment association to run the allotments (subject to various conditions), 3 were against, 3 had no strong views and no replies had been received from 8 tenants who had renewed their tenancies. Most of the conditions concerned improving the state of overgrown allotments. 10 tenants had not renewed their tenancies at the start of 2006, all with badly overgrown plots. These plots were being sprayed with weed killer and cleared and divided in half before being let to those on the waiting list (14) and to existing excellent tenants (4) who wanted to have extra ground to cultivate. It was agreed to arrange a meeting with the tenants to provide details of the results of consultation but not to make a decision at this stage on the question of leasing the allotments to an association.
13678 PROPOSED ERECTION OF HOUSE AT 28 LONGFORTH ROADWith reference to minute 13475 the clerk reported that a planning inspector had dismissed the appeal against the decision of Taunton DBC to refuse permission for the erection of a house adjacent to 28 Longforth Road, Wellington. The town council had also been against the application. The report was noted.
13679 FILING INLAND REVENUE RETURNS ON-LINEWith reference to minute 13258 the clerk reported that a cheque for £250 had been received from the Inland Revenue for filing on-line for 2004-2005. Another cheque for £250 would be received for the current tax year when the returns were filed. The report was noted.
13680 PROVISION OF DOG WASTE BINSWith reference to minute 13474 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had been asked for a report on the use of the 5 dog waste bins installed by the town council in August 2005 and that there had been verbal complaints about increased dog fouling in the town, particularly the Kitts, Barn Meads Road and Wellesley Park School areas. It was agreed to ask Taunton DBC about more patrolling in Wellington, the provision of additional bins and the cleaning up of badly affected areas.
13681 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT FOXDOWN HILLA letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a Tree Preservation Order had been placed on 4 oak trees, 3 beech trees, 2 pine trees and 1 Wellingtonia tree at Foxdown Hill off Mantle Street, Wellington. The letter was noted.
2219WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13682 TREE PRESERVATION ORDER AT 112B MANTLE STREETA letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that a Tree Preservation Order had been placed on a Holm oak tree at 112b Mantle Street, Wellington. The letter was noted. The clerk stated the order and the TPO at minute 13681 covered trees which could be affected by the proposed medical centre off Mantle Street.
COUNCILLOR WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.30PM
13683 RETAILING IN WELLINGTON: BUSINESS RATES A letter was received from Mr Dennis Croughton, of 16 Lillebonne Close, Wellington on the problems of retailing in Wellington caused by high rents and business rates and urging the town council to resist the growing pressure to allow empty shops to be turned into offices. Councillor Byrne suggested that to encourage independent shops to set up in Wellington they should be exempt from paying business rates for the first year of trading which was usually the most difficult period for any new venture. After some discussion it was agreed to write to local MP Jeremy Browne asking him to raise in the House of Commons the issue of a business rates “holiday” scheme for new independent shops funded by Central Government.
13684 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIPWith reference to minute 13652 a report was received from the clerk on Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on 23rd January 2006 covering the new Monument View Business Park at Chelston, work on which was due to start in February 2006 with completion by July 2007 and which could provide over 70 local jobs; the relocation of Taunton Livestock Market to Chelston, about which pessimistic views had been expressed as it was felt the rival scheme near North Petherton was likely to go ahead; the launch of a Buy Local campaign which the town council was asked to support financially in principle; higher bus fares; grants for small businesses to improve their IT systems or connect to Broadband; high rents for shops and business rates. It was agreed to financially support the Buy Local campaign in principle. It was agreed to put the suggested business rates exemption for new independent shops on the agenda for the next WEP meeting on 20th March 2006 and also reviewing car park charges in Wellington and Taunton following the better than expected grant allocation received by Taunton DBC from Central Government.
COUNCILLOR HORSMAN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.35PM
13685 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBCThe clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Application to carry out tree work to one evergreen oak tree within Wellington conservation area at Wellington Over-60s Club, North Street, Wellington (43/2005/134T); (b) Erection of conservatory to rear of 26 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2005/141: delegated decision); (c) Erection of dwelling to the south east of 42 Church Fields, Wellington (43/2005/138: renewal); (d) Internal alterations at the cellar bar basement of 21 High Street, Wellington (43/2005/140LB); (e) Application to fell 6 coniferous trees within Wellington conservation area at the Catholic Church, Mantle Street, Wellington (43.2005/142T); (f) Conversion of dwelling to 2 two bedroom flats, internal and external alterations including enlargement of dormer windows, single storey extension to rear, replacement windows and re-roofing, replacement porch to front, 51 High Street, Wellington as amended by applicants plans, drawing Nos. 11803A and 11804A received 4th January 2220WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13685 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC (continued)2006 (43/2005/135 and 43/2005/136LB); (g) Erection of carport at Honeysuckle Cottage, 13 Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2005/137: delegated decision); (h) Application to carry out tree work on 5 beech trees, 3 cork oak trees, 2 pine trees, 2 lime trees, 1 larch tree, 1 oak tree, 1 sycamore tree and one group of sycamore trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 3) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at Linden House Nursing Home, Linden Hill, Wellington (43/2005/133T); (i) Erection of porch to front of 55 Springfield Road, Wellington or any minor variation thereto as may be agreed in writing by the local planning authority (43/2005/145: delegated decision); (j) Erection of supermarket (2,187 sq.m.) and retail unit with first floor office with associated car park and servicing, 36-46 High Street, Wellington together with land to the rear between High Street and Scottts Lane and formation of new access to High Street (43/2004/141) and demolition of Kwiksave Store, 36-46 High Street and buildings to rear of 36-46 High Street (43/2004/142CA: the new Somerfield Store. The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Retention of fence to side of 80 Laburnum Road, Wellington (43/205/132).
13686 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST JANUARY 2006A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 31st January 2006 was £85,829 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £58,631 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.
13687 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENTOn the proposition of Councillor Hindley, seconded by Councillor Stock-Williams, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: EDF Energy 1 £144.62 for electricity for office/chamber for period 14/10/05 to 13/1/06; Wimbleball Sailing Club Disabled Section £200 grant; Dillington Advertising Services £155.71 for advertising post of assistant; The E-Steamed Cleaning Company £75 for cleaning pavement by town centre bus shelters and outside old post office; Taunton Deane Borough Council £327.77 for carrying out road closures for switching on of Christmas lights; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for local war graves for October and December 2005; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £172 for subsidised hospital patient transport to Musgrove Park Hospital for December 2005; Taunton DBC £2,224.73 for footpath clearance in 2005; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Inland Revenue £644.69; St John’s Primary School £284.34 for school crossing patrol for Autumn terms 2005; Taunton DBC £788.78 for grass cutting at Tone play area for 2005; Taunton DBC £6,998.45 for erection of Christmas illuminations; Coach Drivers Club of Great Britain £94 for annual year book entry; Hinewood Cleaning Services £160 for town centre bus shelter cleaning and office/chamber window cleaning for January 2006 and six month cleaning of 8 other bus shelters in Wellington and Rockwell Green; Christmas light electricity payments: Mount Veterinary Group £75, H.T. Perry £60, Mr J. Pragnell £40, Evad Furniture £40, Eight Bells Inn £40, Grants of Wellington £40, Wellington United Reformed Church £40, Wellington Baptist Church £40, Green Dragon Inn £20, Mr S.B. Ong £20, Somerset Army Cadet Force £20.
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WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 6TH FEBRUARY 2006
13688 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: What’s On in Taunton Deane for February 2006; Taunton Deane Council for Voluntary Service bulletin for January 2006; The Playing Field, the Winter 2005-06 newsletter of Somerset Playing Fields Association; NALC direct information service bulletin No. 623; January 2006 edition of The Clerk, the journal of the Society of Local Council Clerks; January/February 2006 edition of Lillebonne Town Council’s municipal magazine; Coach Monthly for January 2006.
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.37PM

Wellington Town Council minutes January 2006

2006-10-12T10:29:00.000Z

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 9th January 2006 at 7pm

PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, A. Govier, S. Palmer and E. Warren, and the clerk A. Brown. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe, G. Copley and G. James. There were 26 members of the public present.

13619 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor R. Bowrah, who wished everyone a happy New Year, reported that he had sent an inscribed plaque of Wellington and a civic message to the Mayor of Wellington in New Zealand via a local butterfly expert, Roger Sutton, conservation and reserves committee chairman of the Westcountry branch of Butterfly Conservation, who was visiting Wellington in January 2006. In his message he had told the mayor that residents from Wellington, New Zealand would be made very welcome whenever they visited our Wellington. Councillor Bowrah also reported that it was the last council meeting to be covered by John Nash, of the Wellington Weekly News, who was retiring at the end of January. He had contributed much to the life and interests of the town and he wished Mr Nash well in his retirement. In reply Mr Nash said he had enjoyed covering the council’s work during the past five and a half years.

13620 POLICE MATTERS
Sgt Richard Caburn reported stated that December 2005 had been reasonably good from the police point of view. He pointed out that the Wellington section included Milverton, Wiveliscombe and the Blackdown Hills. There had been 5 commercial burglaries, 3 thefts from outbuildings, 2 distraction burglaries in Wellington where the victims had been elderly, 15 thefts, 8 cases of criminal damage, 4 cases of criminal damage to vehicles, 7 thefts from vehicles and 5 assaults, with 2 police officers assaulted in Fore Street while arresting a man who had caused damage. New Year’s Eve had been quiet with no incidents in the town centre or residential areas. A driver had been arrested for drunken driving following a crash on New Year’s Day. During the previous weekend (7th/8th January) two teenagers (15/16) had been arrested for breaking into 10-20 cars after someone on the way to work in the early hours had phoned the police. The arrested youths were known to the police. In reply to questions from Councillor Byrne about whether there had been any increase in violence or drunken-ness in Wellington since the introduction of the new 24 hours licensing laws, Sgt Caburn said there had been no ramifications in Wellington. He reported that PC Grahame Woodward, who served most of his 30 years in the Wellington area, would be retiring at the end of January and paid tribute to his work. PC Woodward was a real character and had a lot of feeling for the town. Sgt Caburn was thanked for attending the council meeting. It was agreed to thank PC Woodward for his long and outstanding service and to present him with an inscribed plaque.

13621 PURCHASE OF RELOCATABLE CCTV
With reference the clerk reported that Quedgeley Parish Council in Gloucester was very pleased with its Wireless CCTV camera and was ordering a second camera; that the working party had met John Lewis (TDBC) that day (9/1/06) and had agreed the use of lighting columns in South Street car park (C6) and North Street car park (C8), which would be load/safety tested, had deferred a decision on columns in Longforth car park pending a decision on the use of a camera in the adjacent Lancer Court and had agreed to look at possible sites at Rockwell Green at a later date. Sgt Caburn
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WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 9TH JANUARY 2006

13621 PURCHASE OF RELOCATABLE CCTV (continued)
said Lancer Court was his first priority as it was used by offenders as a quick exit from High Street and the town centre so a camera in Lancer Court would act as a deterrent and help to identity suspected lawbreakers. It was agreed to arrange a site meeting with Sgt Caburn to decide on the location for the camera. A report was received from Councillor Mitton on a SLCC conference he had attended in Bristol where there had been a company, 247outdoor which provided lighting columns and electricity free of charge in return for an advertising display. It was agreed to consider inviting a representative from the company to meet the council after a decision had been made over the location of a camera for Lancer Court.

13622 PPT: PROPOSED MEDICAL CENTRE IN MANTLE STREET
Mr Martin Weaver, of Mantle Street, who represented a group of Mantle Street residents, said they were very concerned at the proposal to erect a new medical centre in Mantle Street near Trinity Close as the land formed part of a green wedge in the local plan. There were also traffic concerns in a very narrow road and at the loss of on-street parking in an area where most residents did not have garages or parking spaces. The introduction of a substantial traffic junction on an already busy road would also cause problems on a major school route. He invited councillors to visit Mantle Street on a Saturday morning when traffic was at its busiest to see the potential problems. Councillor Bowrah stressed that no plans had yet been received but when these were submitted residents would be kept informed and a special meeting held to hear their views and discuss the proposals.

13623 PPT: CHRISTMAS TREES AND COMMUNITY CENTRE
Mr Terry Milton reported that the provision of Christmas trees at business premises seemed to be reasonable this year, with the Chamber of Trade erecting 13 and with him erecting 8, plus the 5 arranged by the town council at the 4 banks and Smiths. Since the closure of the playschool the community centre had had no additional morning bookings but afternoon bookings had increased to 3 days. Somerset Business Link was also booking the centre and there was a possible of a Sunday booking from a religious group. For many years he had been putting together a video about the Fox family and was hoping to complete filming soon. He was also filming the Wellington character Frank Webber.

13624 PPT: WELLINGTON IN BLOOM GRANT
Mrs Isabel Ward, the chairman of Wellington in Bloom Committee, thanked the council for its grant of £1,250 for 2006-07, which included £250 for the new town signs. On Saturday, 14th January they would be shredding Christmas trees at the Courtland Road car park from 10am to 12noon. A bag of compost would be provided for everyone who brought a tree along.

13625 MINUTES OF DECEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 5th December 2005, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

13626 GREEN SPACE ISSUES IN WELLINGTON
With reference to minute 13603, Karen Hughes, Taunton Deane’s leisure services manager, and Ian Baggott, of Communities First Project, were welcomed to give a presentation on green space issues in Wellington. Mr Baggott said that an audit showed that there were only 3.6 acres of green space per 1,000 people in Wellington
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WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 9TH JANUARY 2006

13626 GREEN SPACE ISSUES IN WELLINGTON (continued)
compared to 7.8 in Taunton Deane as a whole. The quality of green spaces provided was generally good but accessibility was not so acceptable. Many people did not have good facilities within walking distance of their homes. Wellington Park was one of the best he had seen in the entire country. A survey of local residents conducted as part of the audit had drawn only a very poor response with only 37 of the 500 forms sent out being returned. Of those who did respond many complained about dog fouling, vandalism and lack of facilities. Mrs Hughes said that between £55,000 and £60,000 was available for improving green spaces in Wellington and she would welcome advice on where it could be spent. Councillor Hindley suggested that more facilities should be provided on Howard Green and Roly Poly Green. It was agreed to consider the issue again at the February council meeting.

13627 ELECTORAL REVIEW OF TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH
With reference to minute 13601 members received a copy of the draft report of The Boundary Commission on the electoral review of Taunton Deane Borough. The clerk reported that the Commission were proposing to transfer 150 electors in the Waterloo Road and Corams Lane area from Wellington North ward to Wellington Rockwell Green and West ward, and 709 electors from the Hoyles Road area from Wellington East ward to Wellington Rockwell Green and West ward to provide a better balance of electoral quality so that councillors represented more or less the same number of electors in the various wards. The number of councillors for both the borough and town councils would remain the same. It was agreed to support the proposals.

13628 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES
With reference to minute 13607 further consideration was given to a report by Councillor Mitton on a meeting of various councils to consider the opportunities and challenges which the 2012 Olympic Games could bring to the South West with the Olympic sailing sports being held in Weymouth Harbour. Councillors also received notes on the meeting held on 16th November 2005 at Yeovil. After some discussion it was agreed to register with Taunton DBC and Sport England, Wellington’s interest in becoming a centre for Olympic team training.

13629 ICY PAVEMENTS IN WELLINGTON
Councillor Palmer reported that when snow had fallen at the end of November and early December 2005 there had been very icy pavements in Bulford near the health centre and at the railway bridge at Tonedale. Residents had complained that the footways were dangerous and slippery for days. Other problem areas included the approach to Howard Road, Squirrel Court and car parks. Councillor Govier agreed that there was a huge range of areas where it was not clear who was responsible for clearing the snow. He had been sent a map of the town by county highways on which he could mark any problem areas. It would then be decided who was responsible for keeping surfaces safe in icy conditions.

13630 WIMBLEBALL SAILING CLUB GRANT APPLICATION
A letter, application form and accounts were received from Wimbleball Sailing Club asking the town council to consider making a grant of £200 towards the £8,000 cost of providing facilities for the disabled including a boat for the disabled and wheelchair access to the club’s pontoon. On the proposition of Councillor Govier, seconded by Councillor Horsman it was agreed to make a grant of £200 and to ask the club how many disabled members it had. It was stated 15% of the members were local.
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WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 9TH JANUARY 2006
13631 STANDARD OF DRIVING BY TAXI DRIVERS
Councillor Critchard reported that residents had complained to him about the standard of driving by taxi drivers in Wellington. The complaints included cutting corners, parking on pavements when collecting takeaway food, parking on double yellow lines and parking in disabled parking bays. Councillor Hindley reported that he had also received complaints about the speed of taxis and Councillor Bowrah stated that it was almost impossible to get a taxi in Wellington after 10pm because they were all in Taunton. It was agreed (with 3 abstentions) to write to Taunton DBC asking if the various complaints could be brought to the attention of all taxi operators.

COUNCILLOR WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.30PM

13632 ROCKWELL GREEN ENTRANCE SIGNS
Councillor Critchard raised the question of the possible replacement of the entrance signs to Rockwell Green but after a short discussion it was agreed to take no action.

13633 MULTI USE GAMES AREA FOR TONE PLAY AREA
Councillor Govier suggested that the town council should consider going ahead with a smaller multi use games area for its Tone play area as it would be cheaper, would come within the council’s budget but would still provide an extremely useful facility for the area. Quotes would be obtained and presented to the council. It was agreed to accept his suggestion.

13634 FUTURE USE OF TOWN COUNCIL CHAMBER
With reference to minute 13540 the clerk reported that Taunton DBC had decided not to purse the acquisition of the Old Town Hall following both valuation and structural and condition surveys but was to continue its search for suitable premises. There was a continuing care and maintenance policy for 28/30 Fore Street (town council office and chamber and the community office). It was agreed to write to Taunton DBC stating that the town council still wanted to remain at 28 Fore Street with alterations to make it DDA compliant and felt there should be some timescale to the Deane’s search for alternative suitable premises.

13635 TEMPORARY ONE WAY SYSTEM FOR COURTLAND ROAD
Councillor Critchard suggested that consideration should be given to introducing a temporary one way traffic system for Courtland Road to make it safer for children going to Beech Grove Primary School and Court Fields Community School. He felt it should be entry from Courtland Road and exit via Beech Grove and should apply in the mornings and afternoons at school opening and closing times during school terms. It was agreed to seek the views of Somerset Highways on the suggestion and also to ask Somerset Care Ltd to request their deliverymen/suppliers to observe the suggested one way system on school days.

13636 MEMORIAL PLAQUE FOR THE LATE MAURICE JENNINGS
On the suggestion of Councillor Critchard it was agreed to approach Taunton DBC about the erection of a memorial plaque in Wellington Sports Centre in memory of the late town and Deane councillor Maurice Jennings.

13637 REVISED STATEMENT OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
With reference to minute 13592 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that the town council’s comments on the Statement of Community Involvement about consultation by developers had been noted. The letter was noted.
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WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 9TH JANUARY 2006

13638 IMPROVING HEALTH SERVICES IN WELLINGTON
With reference to minute 13590 a letter was received from Taunton Deane NHS Primary Care Trust stating that the town council’s comments on the discussion paper “Improving Services in Wellington” had been noted and that the council would be sent a summary of the feedback received by the Trust in the future. Letter was noted.

13639 WELLINGTON ARTS ASSOCIATION GRANT
With reference to minute 13223 a letter was received from Wellington Arts Association thanking the council for its grant of £3,750. The letter was noted.

13640 APPOINTMENT OF ASSISTANT TO CLERK
With reference to minute 13595 the clerk reported that the position of assistant was being advertised on 11th January. The Staffing Committee recommended that the office opening hours for Fridays should be changed from 5.30pm-6.30pm to 10am-11am due to the lack of use on Friday evenings and that authority should be given to the committee for the purchase of new office furniture and equipment. Both recommendations were approved.

COUNCILLOR HORSMAN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.56PM

13641 SOMERSET LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN
With reference to minute 13291 a letter was received from Somerset County Council with a copy of the final version of the new Local Transport Plan. It was agreed to inform the county council that the second LTP was supported and that the town council felt it was vital to improve the affordability of public transport.

13642 DROPPED KERBS IN MANTLE STREET
With reference to minute 13544 the clerk reported that dropped kerbs had been provided by Somerset Highways for the pavement build-outs by the Catholic Church in Mantle Street. The report was noted.

13643 APPOINTMENT OF COUNCIL’S INTERNAL AUDITOR
With reference to minute 13112 a letter was received from Mr A.J. Bullen asking if the town council wished to re-appoint him as its internal auditor for 2005-06. It was agreed to appoint Mr Bullen at an hourly rate of £29.

13644 PLANNING TRAINING FOR LOCAL COUNCILLORS
With reference to minute 13423 a letter was received from Taunton DBC stating that another planning training session would be held on 31st January 2006. The letter was noted.

13645 PARKING OUTSIDE BEECH HILL STORES
With reference to minute 13541 it was agreed that a site meeting with Somerset Highways and Beech Hill traders and town councillors to discuss parking in the lay-by outside the shops should be held on 13th January 2006 at 11.15am.

13646 PLANTING OF CONTAINERISED TREE FOR TOWN CENTRE
With reference to minute 13467 the clerk reported that the containerised evergreen tree for the town centre was being brought over to Wellington to be placed in the vicinity of the old post office in High Street on Wednesday, 11th January 2006. The report was noted.
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WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 9TH JANUARY 2006

13647 TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CORAMS LANE
A letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that Corams Lane would be closed for 2 days starting 26th January 2006 for resurfacing work. An alternative route via Springfield Road would be signposted. The letter was noted.

13648 TAUNTON DEANE POLICE NEWSLETTER
Councillors received a copy of the Taunton Deane Newsletter for December 2005 from Inspector Mike Ashwin who stated that there had been a reduction of overall crime across the Wellington and Taunton sectors of 15.7%.

13649 TAUNTON DEANE CITIZENSHIP AWARDS 2006
A letter was received from the Mayor of Taunton Deane, Councillor Richard Lees about the Taunton Deane Citizenship Awards for 2006. The letter was noted.

13650 ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP BUSINESS EVENT
An invitation was received from Wellington Economic Partnership for councillors to attend a Wellington Business Event to celebrate the successful outcomes of the Market Towns Employment Project in Wellington at the Cleve Hotel on Thursday, 23rd February 2006 from 5.30pm to 9pm.

13651 WELLINGTON CREATIVE CLUSTER
Notes were received on a meeting held on 5th January 2006 in the town council chamber by the Wellington Creative Cluster about the possibility of setting up art showcase/workshops in Wellington. It was agreed to note the details.

13652 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 13611 it was agreed to put local business rates and increased bus fares on the agenda for the next meeting of Wellington Economic Partnership to be held on Monday, 23rd January 2006 at 6pm.

13653 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Use of existing openings to form first floor windows on north east elevation and ground floor window on south west elevation, The Old Bakery Store, rear of 13 High Street, Wellington (43/2005/131: delegated decision); (b) Erection of single storey extension to replace existing porch to front of 26 Sylvan Road, Wellington (43/2005/123: delegated decision); (c) Erection of two storey extension to rear and first floor extension above garage, 42 Millstream Gardens, Wellington (432005/121: delegated decision); (d) Amended application for erection of dwelling on land adjacent to 1 Twyford Place, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 18th October 2005 and accompanying plan 2938 DWG 02 REV A (43/2005/091); (e) Construction of 6 all weather caravan pitches for touring caravans at Cadeside Caravan Club site at Nynehead Road, Wellington (43/2005/129); (f) Erection of two storey extension to side and rear of 5 Ardwyn, Wellington (revised scheme) as amended by letter dated 8th December 2005 with accompanying drawing (43/2005/130: delegated decision); (g) Demolition of shop and erection of dwelling at 126 Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2005/122); The clerk reported that Taunton DBC had refused the following plan: (a) Application to coppice one beech tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 1) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at 14 Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington (43/2005/125T).

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WELLINGTON TOWN COUNCIL: 9TH JANUARY 2006

13654 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST DECEMBER 2005
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2005 to 31st December 2005 was £85,156 (£120,225 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006) and that expenditure for the same period was £54,890 (£143,100 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2006). The report was noted.

13655 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Hindley, it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Taunton and District CAB £600 grant (second instalment); EDF Energy 1 Ltd £11.06 for electricity for Rackfield street light for period 1/10/05 to 31/12/05; Taunton Deane Borough Council £250 for museum rent for period 1/1/06 to 31/3/06; Home Aerials £100 for public address system and lighting system for turning on of Christmas lights on 2nd December 2005; Society of Local Council Clerks £134 for annual subscription; The Carly Press Ltd £50.59 for paper and ink cartridge; Taunton DBC £60.23 for repairs to Rockwell Green notice board; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £180 for subsidised hospital patient transport to Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton for November 2005; Mr A. Brown £1,662.34; Inland Revenue £644.69; Hinewood Cleaning Service £48 for town centre bus shelter cleaning and office/chamber window cleaning for December 2005,

13656 PAPERS, REPORTS, NEWSLETTERS ETC
The clerk reported that the following reports, newsletters etc had been received and were available for members to read if they wished: What’s On in Taunton Deane for January 2006; Thatch, the rural community magazine for Somerset for Winter 2005; Community Update newsletter for December 2005 from the Community Council for Somerset; Somerset Access, the annual newsletter for 2004-05 from the county rights of way maintenance and development team; Discussion paper from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister on “Standards of Conduct in English Local Government: The Future;” NALC direct information service bulletin No. 261; Coach Monthly for December 2005; European Union newsletter No. 139 on financing growth and cohesion in the enlarged Union.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.15PM

Wellington Town Council planning minutes January 2006

2006-10-12T10:28:00.000Z

Minutes of the 106th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday 9th January 2006 at 6pm
PRESENT: Councillor R. Bowrah (chairman), who presided, Councillor D. Mitton (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs V. Byrne, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors P. Critchard, A. Govier, R. Henley, C. Hindley, A. Horsman, S. Palmer and E. Warren, the clerk A. Brown, and Taunton DBC West area planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors C. Biscoe, G. Copley and G. James. There were 6 members of the public present.
13616 REFUSED PLANNING APPLICATIONSThe town council received details of applications for planning permission to be determined in accordance with the delegation agreement with Taunton Deane Borough Council of 9th September 1996 and it was resolved to refuse planning permission for the following applications: (a) Erection of 1.8m high timber fence to side of 46 Warren Street, Rockwell Green, Wellington as amended by applicants plan received 18th November 2005 (43/2005/116: because the fence would be an intrusive feature in the street scene, would detrimentally impact on the open nature of the area and would restrict visibility for emerging vehicles, causing danger to passing pedestrians. The planning officer recommended refusal. It was reported, with reference to minute 13584, that councillors had visited the site on 4th January 2006 and that the comments of Somerset Highways had been received); (b) Conversion of garage to additional living accommodation and erection of extension at 25 Walkers Gate, Wellington (43/2005/128: because it would result in the loss of a parking space, would encourage more on-street parking in a congested area, would increase road risks and would set a precedent. The planning officer and Somerset Highways both recommended refusal. There were letters of objection from neighbours Mrs L.J. Fowles and Sally Shahbazian).
13617 WITHDRAWN APPLICATION: 1 ARDWYNAn application for the erection of a two storey extension to replace existing garage to side of 1 Ardwyn, Wellington (resubmission: 43/2005/115) was withdrawn at the meeting at the request of the applicant. It had been recommended for refusal by the planning officer because of potential damage to the roots of a TPO tree.
13618 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANNING APPLICATIONSIt was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was in favour of the following plans: (a) Application to carry out tree work on 5 beech trees, 3 cork oak trees, 2 pine trees and one group of sycamore trees include in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 3) Tree Preservation Order 1997 at Linden House Nursing Home, Linden Hill, Wellington (43/2005/133T: providing the Deane’s tree officer agrees that the work is necessary); (b) Erection of single storey extension to form pharmacy, Luson Surgery, Fore Street, Wellington (43/2005/139 and 43/2005/144LB: Councillors Henley and Wilson declared an interest and left the hall while this plan was considered); (c) Internal alterations at The Cellar Bar basement of 21 High Street, Wellington (43/2005/140LB); (d) Application to fell 6 coniferous trees within Wellington conservation area at Catholic Church, Mantle Street, Wellington (43/2005/142T: providing the Deane’s tree officer agrees the work is necessary); (e) Conversion of dwelling to two 2 bedroom flats, internal and external alterations, including enlargement of dormer window, single storey extension to rear, replacement windows and re-roofing at 51 High Street, Wellington (43/2005/135 and 43/2005/136LB); (f) Application to carry out tree work to one evergreen oak tree 2207TOWN COUNCIL PLANNING MEETING: 9TH JANUARY 2006
13618 COMMENTS TO TAUNTON DBC ON PLANS (continued)within Wellington conservation area at Wellington Over 60s Club, North Street, Wellington (43/.2005/134T: providing the Deane’s tree officer agrees that the work is necessary); (g) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to Oakhill, Pyles Thorne Road, Wellington (43/2005/143: providing there are no objections from the highway authority and providing there are no undue overlooking or loss of privacy problems for neighbours). It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was opposed to the following plan: (a) Retention of timber fence to side of 80 Laburnum Road, Wellington (43/2005/132: because it is detrimental to the street scene. Councillor Govier declared a personal interest).
THE MEETING CLOSED AT 6.26PM