BRYMPTON PARISH COUNCIL the Parish Office, Abbey Community Centre, the Forum, YEOVIL, BA21 3TL

BRYMPTON PARISH COUNCIL The Parish Office, Abbey Community Centre, The Forum, YEOVIL, BA21 3TL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF BRYMPTON PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 23rd SEPTEMBER 2020 ONLINE AT ZOOM.US.

PRESENT: Mr K Weston (Chairman ) Mr G Pritchard (Vice-Chairman) Mr S Attrill Mr P Burt Miss O Darling-Finan Mrs E-J Hopkins Mr P Seib Mrs J Snell Mr D Staddon Mr Williams Mrs D Wood

Mrs E James (Clerk) One member of the public

OPEN SESSION FOR BRYMPTON PARISHIONERS None

REPORTS FROM COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCILLORS Mr Seib and Mr Williams provided updates.

87/20 TO RECEIVE ANY APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE A personal apology was received from Mr Wood.

88/20 TO RECEIVE ANY DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Mr Weston declared a personal interest in agenda item 7, as an employee of the National Trust. Mr Williams, Mr Seib and Mrs Snell and declared that their interests were as written in their Register of Interests.

89/20 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 26th AUGUST 2020 It was RESOLVED to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 26th August 2020.

90/20 CRIME, DISORDER and COMMUNITY SAFETY (a) Members noted that a fire had occurred in the meadow of the Larkhill Open Space, which had been attended by Police and Fire Brigade. (b) Police had been advised of drug taking activities within the parish. The Police had recommended that such activities are notified to 101, with the use of the Take3Words app so that the exact location can be found. It was AGREED to advise the Police that the disused part of Alvington Lane behind the hotel should be monitored for similar activity. (c) It was NOTED that there had been a spate of arson events.

It was RESOLVED to bring forward agenda item 7.

91/20 PLANNING (a) APPLICATIONS FOR CONSIDERATION

20/01859/FUL - The erection of a first floor side extension to dwellinghouse. 29 Trellech Court, BA21 3TE RECOMMENDATION: SUPPORT

20/02147/FUL - The erection of a two storey side extension and front porch, to include an integral garage. 74 Bond Street, BA22 8SP RECOMMENDATION: SUPPORT

20/02047/OUT - Outline application for residential development for up to 73 dwellings, including access with all other matters reserved Land South Of Tintinhull Road Chilthorne Domer RECOMMENDATION: OBJECT

The Parish Council object to this application - specifically sustainability, the disproportionate size of the application and highway concerns;

Infrastructure: a) The increased loading on the existing infrastructure is significant : b) the drainage and sewage are already overstretched with cases of flooding reported. c) the school is full and there is no easy way in which it could be increased in size, hence children would need to be schooled in another area.

Highways: d) The single site entrance onto Tintinhull Road (priority junction) needs review in light of the existing road infrastructure. e) The site fails to encourage the use of non-vehicle modes of transport f) It is difficult to access the village from the proposed site, so at the very least a pedestrian crossing and traffic calming measures would be needed. g) Any highway measures would result in a need for street lighting. h) the Travel plan predicts a 70% use of cars and predominantly these will be family and the work commute. The rise in vehicle use is not insignificant considering the existing road infrastructure.

General comments: i) The proposal fails to recognise in a reasonable manner, the provision with an appropriate scale & massing to respect the form and layout of the existing (rural) residential development -less the existing plans for the 28 new builds ! Consequently, the proposal does not sensitively integrate into the existing townscape. j) We cannot see how the proposal passes the “positive contribution to local character and distinctiveness” of the site, as per NPPF Para 192. k) The proposal fails to recognise in a reasonable manner, the provision with an appropriate scale & massing to respect the form and layout of the existing (rural) residential development -less the existing plans for the 28 new builds l) The site fails to encourage the use of non-vehicle modes of transport. m) The site layout considers the use of solar radiation (building locations and ’solar gain') and yet none are detailed – is the onus on new property owners – in which case it is considered that the sustainability aspects of PV/solar is unlikely. n) The proposal to use triple glazing, increased insulation, electric power points and low carbon lighting are all welcome, but we have seen no definitive build standards detailing it – is this aspirational only?.

o) Waste management issues raised by the SSDC Somerset Waste Partnership are logical and reasonable. Additional parking provisions lack detail and empirically parking alongside the arterial roads (single access and exit point) are likely to cause issues.

Final comment Councillors believe that on balance the proposal is not well suited in the current format and should be refused. The size and pace of change to the rural village would be irreversibly damaged by the proposal. The vehicle access and increased traffic is of particular concern. The apparent widespread opposition is tangible and whilst new homes are necessary the impact to Chilthorne Domer would be significant and detrimental to the rural community.

Should the application be approved then Elms T3 and TG4 should be appropriately replaced and special care is given to the significant oak (T8) in terms of its roots.

Mr Seib and Mrs Snell advised that they would consider the matter afresh when considered by the District Council.

20/02352/FUL - Full planning application to develop the site to provide 27 employment units for Use Classes B1, B2 and B8 purposes, construct vehicular accesses and parking areas together with the landscaping of the site. Plot 21 Artillery Road Brympton BA22 8RP

It was NOTED that the application below had been received on 23rd September and required a response by 14th October. It was AGREED that, in accordance with Standing Order 15(b)(xvi), the Clerk would respond following consultation with Mr Attrill, Mr Burt, Mr Seib and Mr Weston.

(b) Lufton Key Site – In accordance with min. no. 70/20(e) an update on the progress of the Lufton Key Site had been requested from the District Council.

(c) South Somerset District Council have confirmed without modification Brympton No. 1 Tree Preservation Order 2020 - Trees and Woodland on Old Preston Road.

(d) PLANNING UPDATES (i) Consultation on changes to the current Planning System - no comments. (ii) Consultation on Planning for the Future - no comments. (iii) Transparency and Competition: Data and land control - no comments. (iv) Comments on the consultations from SSDC Planning Policy Team had been circulated.

(e) NOMINATIONS FOR THE PLANNING WORKING GROUP TO CONSIDER It was AGREED that Mr Weston and Mrs Hopkins would be members of the Planning Working Party for the forthcoming month.

92/20 REPORTS FROM PARISH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED TO COMMITTEES, WORKING PARTIES AND OUTSIDE BODIES A request was made that the Clerk clarify regulations on the use of masks in community centres on social media.

93/20 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS None

94/20 HIGHWAYS (a) SID data – it was NOTED that the latest SID readings had been circulated prior to this meeting. (b) Loan of SID (min. no. 71/20) – It was NOTED that Odcombe Parish Council had been advised of the conditions set by this Council for the loan of the SID. They had been advised by their insurance company that they would need to see a legal agreement before offering the insurance required. It was RESOLVED to approve an exchange of letters between the two Councils. (c) Possible planting on roundabout at junction of Thorne Lane with Western Avenue (min. no. 70/20[e]) – It was NOTED that, as the area had not been adopted, permission had been sought from Wyatt Homes to plant the roundabout. Wyatt Homes were in agreement but advised that any proposals would need to be approved by Somerset Highway Audit department to ensure there was no detriment to highway safety. Wyatt Homes would require evidence of the approval from the Highways Department for their records. A request had been sent to Yeovil Without Parish Council to consider this as a joint project and it will be considered at their next meeting. It was AGREED to ask the District Council Specialist - Horticultural with Operational Management Environment Services, for assistance in designing a suitable scheme.

95/20 CORRESPONDENCE (a) It was NOTED that a request from SCC for a meeting to discuss a new fostering project in the Yeovil Town and Brympton areas had resulted in a virtual meeting being arranged for 7th October at 7 p.m. for County Council staff and the two Councils. (b) SSDC - Get SuSSed, latest news from SSDC Environment. Circulated electronically. (c) SSDC – Stronger Somerset, circulated electronically. (d) SCC – One Somerset, circulated electronically. (e) It was NOTED that a letter from an organisation called “Somerset Against the Badger Cull” had been received, a copy being available from the Clerk (f) Somerset Community Council – invitation to virtual AGM on 22nd October 2020. (g)Brympton Parishioner– it was NOTED that a number of concerns had been raised regarding a large number of wasps in a small plot of land at the top of Elmleigh, which remained within the ownership of David Wilson Homes. It had been ascertained that the wasps were staying in the area as one tree produced a large amount of sap. It was AGREED that the tree was unsuitable at this location. It was AGREED to support a request that the tree be removed and replaced with something more suitable. (h) Naming of roads at Brympton – it was NOTED that, in accordance with suggestions made earlier this year, street names had been chosen for the Lufton key site. (g) Marcus Fysh MP - It was NOTED that Mr Fysh wished to reassure Town and Parish Councils of their place in any new Council structure.

96/20 CLERK’S REPORT (a) As agreed at the last meeting (min. no. 82/20 [a]), it was NOTED that Councillors Hopkins & Staddon had been booked to attend New Councillor and Planning Training, at a cost of £120.

(b) Parish Path Liaison Officer – it was NOTED that, at the last meeting, Councillor Snell had agreed to act as the Parish Path Liaison Officer. However, Mrs Snell had not been aware of the physical work that the PPLO carries out (strimming, cutting back, etc.). The voluntary position will be advertised in the next edition of Newslink and on social media. (c) In accordance with min. no. 76/20(d), the dog bin has now been moved at Higher Ream and 4 spare dog bins are stored in the office and will be used when needed. (d) Budget setting working party – this item will be discussed at the next meeting and Terms of Reference would be prepared. The Clerk requested Councillors notify her of any ideas for Council projects for 2021-2022 and longer.

97/20 GRANT APPLICATIONS It was NOTED that letters and emails of thanks had been received for the grants given at the last meeting. It was further NOTED that no applications had been received for consideration at this meeting.

98/20 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Miss Darling-Finnan declared a personal interest in any item that might concern Yeovil Town Council, as a member of that Council, and her Register of Interests had been updated accordingly.

99/20 LUFTON COMMUNITY CENTRE (a) It was NOTED that the report from Batten & Co on the proposed lease had been discussed by members of the working party, and further clarification is being sought from Council’s solicitor. were advised that additional work would be involved which would come at a cost. This would be an agenda item for the next meeting. (b) It was NOTED that the invoice from Batten & Co for the work carried out had been received and now due for payment. (c) Social media – it was AGREED that any social media postings on the progress of the Centre, or the setting up of a new Facebook group for the centre, would wait until the lease is signed.

100/20 LOCAL GOVERNMENT RE-ORGANISATION It was AGREED to adopt the following wording for the Local Government re- organisation Working Party:

General: 1. The working party comprises Mr Weston (Chairman), Mr Pritchard (Vice- Chairman), Mr Attrill, Mr Seib, Mr Staddon and Mr Williams. 2. Meetings will be held virtually. 3 It is usual practice for the Chairman of the Council to take the Chair. 4. The Working Party is tasked to report back to Council at its meeting to be held on 28th Oct/25th Nov. 5. The Clerk to the Parish Council will be in attendance at meetings. The Clerk will prepare a draft report, to be agreed by a majority of members before submission to Council. 6. The Working Party will meet every regularly until a report has been agreed, for submission to full Council.

Terms of reference:

1. The Working Party may consult with local Councils, including the County & District Councils and the Somerset Association of Local Councils, without further authorisation from the Parish Council. 2. To consider what functions, if any, that the parish council could take over, should the county and district councils be subsumed to a unitary authority. 3. To consider the financial implications of taking over functions, which must include the long-term financial implications. 4. To consider the implications of additional functions with regard to the Council’s employee and whether additional employee(s) would be required. 5. To consider options for working with other Councils.

Life of the Local Government Re-Organisation Working Party Members of the Working Party shall be appointed annually at the Annual meeting of the Council, held in May. The working party will continue until the action plan is adopted by the Council, deemed unnecessary by the Council or until such time as the Working Party Members determine.

It was NOTED that the County Secretary of the Somerset Association of Local Councils had advised that it would be working with both One Somerset and Stronger Somerset in the forthcoming months. He considered that it was a good time to talk with adjacent Councils.

101/20 WORKING PARTIES OF THE COUNCIL In order to maintain cohesion with all working parties, members had been supplied with draft terms of reference for other working parties where necessary. It was AGREED that these would be considered for adoption at the next meeting.

Mr Seib declared a personal interest in the next item as a member of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. Mr Pritchard declared a personal interest in the next item as a member of the Yeovil Rivers Trust.

102/20 SOMERSET CLIMATE EMERGENCY COMMUNITY FUND a) It was NOTED that from 1 October, the Council could bid for between £5,000 and £75,000 for innovative projects to reduce carbon emissions and resilience to climate change.

Mr Seib declared a personal interest in the next item as a member of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. Mr Pritchard declared a personal interest in the next item as a member of the Yeovil Rivers Trust. b) Somerset Wildlife Trust & Somerset Climate Action Network - it was NOTED that working together to apply for £75,000 from the Fund and were are looking for parishes to support them.

It was AGREED to defer consideration of this item as the Yeovil Rivers Trust may also make an application.

103/20 TREES ON LUFTON WAY Further to the recent removal of trees on Lufton Way, it was NOTED that Somerset County Council had advised that they would have no objection if the Parish Council wanted to replace the trees. It was considered that the County Council should be responsible for replacing the trees and County Councillor Williams AGREED to pursue the matter.

104/20 GUIDANCE ON FUTURE MEETINGS It was NOTED that the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) (Amendment) (No. 4) Regulations 2020 came into force on 14 September, which amend the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No. 2) (England) Regulations 2020 ("the Principal Regulations"). As a result people may not participate in social gatherings, in any place, in groups of more than six, unless they are members of the same household, two linked households or exceptions apply.

It was NOTED that the National Association of Local Councils position remains unchanged and they recommend that councils continue to meet remotely. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government reissued its guidance and continues to recommend that where meetings can take place digitally without the need for face-to-face contact, they should continue to do so.

It was AGREED that the Clerk would investigate closed captioning function for virtual meetings and report back to the next meeting.

105/20 TRAINING FOR CLERK It was RESOLVED to approve expenditure of £20 to enable the Clerk to attend remote SALC training on “How to Create Accessible Word and PDF Documents”, with Odcombe Parish Council paying the remaining £10.

106/20 STAFFING COMMITTEE (a) The Chairman advised that the Committee had selected four candidates for interview and that the initial interviews would be held virtually. A further update would be given at the next meeting. (b) NJC CONTRACT Members NOTED that changes to the NJC contract were APPROVED by the Staffing Committee, including revised salary scales as from 1st April 2020.

107/20 REGISTER OF INTERESTS Members were reminded to review their Register of Interests as submitted to the Monitoring Officer of the District Council. Members were also reminded that in accordance with clause 2.10 (1) of the Code of Conduct, they must, within 28 days of receipt, notify the Monitoring Officer in writing of any gift, benefit or hospitality with a value in excess of £25 which they have accepted as a member from any person or body other than the Council.

108/20 FINANCE (a) Unity Bank – At the last meeting it had been AGREED that the sum of £5,000 should be transferred to the Unity Bank, A cheque for £500 had been used to open the account but it had been realised that the payee name had been incorrectly addressed. It was NOTED that both Unity Bank and NatWest had been notified that the first cheque had been stopped and a replacement cheque sent in the correct

name. Despite the cheque being stopped, the funds had been cleared and £1,000 showed on the Unity Bank Statement. As a result, the cheque agreed at the last meeting had been reduced to £4,500 and members APPROVED this action. It was NOTED that verbal apologies had been received from both banks. (b) Interest - Members NOTED receipt of interest on 31st August of £0.32 from NatWest and £3.53 from Nationwide Building Society. (c) Bank Reconciliation Statement – It was NOTED that bank reconciliation statements for both 31st July and 31st August 2020 had been approved by Councillors Mr & Mrs Wood. (d) Payments - Members RESOLVED to approve a schedule of payments, with Mr and Mrs Wood signing the cheques and Mr Attrill and Mr Burt authorising the Unity Bank payments.

Plusnet, £69.60, telephone and broadband Glasdon UK Ltd, £798.12, 5 dog bins Battens Solicitors Ltd, £1440.00, fee for reviewing leases – Lufton CC HMRevenue & Customers, £613.29, Democratic services Vision ICT Ltd, £66.0, domain name – biennial fee Democratic services, £1426.80 Mrs E James, £245.01, Clerk’s expenses ACA, £108.33, Office rent Total expenditure, £4767.15

(e) The Clerk advised that as the manufacturer of the tent purchased for the Scouts had stated that the tent would be ready for the end of June, the sum of £409.99 had been included in the Clerk’s expenses to ensure payment could be made prior to delivery. However, as the manufacturers were now only working two days a week the order had still not been completed, despite several reminders. It was AGREED that the Clerk should retain the money and provide an update at the next meeting.

109/20 QUESTIONS AND ITEMS ARISING AFTER THE PREPARATION OF THIS AGENDA, SUCH MATTERS ARE FOR NOTING OR DEFERRAL TO A FUTURE MEETING Mr Attrill thanked Council for the gift of flowers to his wife.

110/20 ITEMS FOR DISTRIBUTION Somerset Community Council – “Thatch” Sept 2020 – circulated electronically Clerks & Councils Direct – September 2020 – available from the Clerk Somerset Waste Partnership – updates circulated electronically.

111/20 DATE OF NEXT MEETING It was NOTED that the next meeting will be held at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday, 28th October 2020.