Website: www.stoweysuttonpc.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 01275 772 177
MINUTES OF MEETING – Reference 2021/04
Present: Councillors K Betton (Chairman), E Daly, L Kingston, L Balmforth, R Parker, I Dagger and M Arnold Clerk: J Bryant
Minutes of the virtual Stowey Sutton Parish Council meeting held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 7th April 2021. Item no Description 1. a. Apologies Received – Councillors Clewett and Knibbs apologies received and accepted. b. Resignation of Councillor White noted following a change in personal circumstances. Stowey Sutton Parish Council thanks Tracey for her short service and particularly her involvement with the Climate and Nature Emergency Working Group in Chew Valley. c. Declarations of Interest – None received. 2. Confirmation of Minutes - the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 3rd March 2021 were approved as an accurate record. 3. Public Participation (open session) - 8 members of the public attended this month’s meeting. No points were raised outside of the agenda. Guest speaker: Felix Young, Regional Events Officer South for British Cycling, provided details of a British Cycling Event taking place in the area on 18th April 2021. This event is a road race that is to be the first formally approved post covid-suspension race in the country. 45 riders will be participating with priority given to applicants living within a 20-mile radius of Bishop Sutton. Cyclists will leave Bishop Sutton Football Club at 10.30am and will race over the Mendips via Priddy. All participants will be escorted by motorbike outriders and convoy vehicles as a bubble/rolling road so there will be no road closures. 4. Planning 4.a. Planning – New Application Consultations considered, and resolutions made 4.a.i. 21/00926/VAR: Whatley House, Ham Lane, Bishop Sutton, BS39 5TY - Variation of condition 9 (plans list) of application 19/00787/FUL (Conversion of stables and attached barn to 3 holiday lets). RESOLVED that, providing that full details of proposed lighting design are first submitted and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority prior to installation and occupation which was discussed with the agent, Stowey Sutton Parish Council do not object to this application. 4.a.ii. 21/00690/FUL: Stitchings Shord Farm, Stitchings Shord Lane, Bishop Sutton, BS39 5UD - Erection of 1no. 3bed dwelling for agricultural worker. RESOLVED that, Stowey Sutton Parish Council do not support to this application. 4.a.iii. 21/01530/FUL: Daisy Field Farm, Ham Lane, Bishop Sutton, BS39 5TY – Erection of 1st floor extension to rear elevation and associated remodelling works. RESOLVED that, subject to a planning condition to mitigate the effect of artificial lighting both internal & external, through the use of window dressings such as blinds & curtains (acknowledged as confirmed by the applicant in the Design and Access Statement) as well as by considerate design for external features, Stowey Sutton Parish Council do not object to this application. 4.a.iv. No further planning consultations were considered. 21/01550/ADCOU: Ellens Farm, Hinton Blewett Road, Stowey, BS39 5UL, Prior approval request for conversion of agricultural building to dwelling house will be considered at May’s meeting. 4.b. Planning – Decision Notifications noted 4.b.i. 21/00382/FUL: 7 Bonhill Road, Bishop Sutton, BS39 5TS, Erection of two storey rear extension to existing house to form larger first floor bedroom to existing house together with single storey front and rear extensions to existing house plus the formation of additional parking to the front of the existing
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Website: www.stoweysuttonpc.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 01275 772 177
house. – PERMIT 4.b.ii. 21/00483/FUL: Ellens Farm, Hinton Blewett Road, Stowey, Erection of extension to agricultural building to cover feed yard. - PERMIT 4.b.iii. 21/00487/FUL: Elm Tree House, Wick Road, Bishop Sutton, Conversion of existing ancillary building to self-contained holiday let. - PERMIT 4.b.iv. 20/01265/ADCOU: The Nursery, Folly Lane, Stowey, Bristol BS39 4DW, Prior approval request for change of use from Agricultural Building to 1 no. Dwelling (C3) and for associated operational development. – APPEAL DISMISSED BY PLANNING INSPECTORATE 4.c. Planning – Other planning matters noted – 3 Enforcement Cases noted. 5. Community and Environment – Reports received, and resolutions made: 5.a. Chew Valley Area Forum - Climate and Nature Emergency Working Group & Subgroups Report provided by Councillor Dagger – 4 subgroups are working on separate items. i. Renewable Energy - East Harptree have completed a heat and energy report which we should get sight of shortly. ii. Home Energy - Bristol Water are making grants available to houses where total income is less than 30k group d or lower for EPC rating. B&NES ask if we could publicise availability of grants. Promoting household carbon footprint tool so that households could create a baseline and measure their individual impact going forward. Gives incentive to reduce carbon. Electric vehicle charging points. a couple in chew magna but no others are known around the chew valley. iii. Nature Protection – considering dark skies. Knowledge sharing of light pollution in Chew Valley and impact on corridors as well as impact on human health. Desire to create a dark skies policy for the Chew Valley. iv. Sustainable Transport - Connective transport into cities and across the Chew Valley. Mapping Existing Public Transport to create a tube-style map showing all the bus routes across the Chew Valley and highlighting the ones that are at risk/not commercially viable to use and survey for case to be made to B&NES/WECA. Previous transport surveys carried out across the valley (including Stowey Sutton) have been shared and are being reviewed to look for patterns. A new survey template is to be created for parish councils to publish electronically (and other inclusive methods) to allow all parishioners to comment. Important work around responsibilities is underway involving WECA and B&NES for forward planning an informing the update to the Local Plan. Public Transport in rural areas is not fit for purpose and group are looking for opportunities to stress this with WECA and B&NES. Valley wide car share schemes, carpools, car sharing apps and other national schemes are being considered. Best of breed to be publicised. Transport for 16–18-year-olds to Chew Valley school is essential and would be a quick win. Active routes around the lake and access to schools would cut down car use for these purposes. East Harptree have done a survey on safe pedestrian walking routes which is to be shared with other parishes. These valley wide working groups will only operate for 6 months so it is recommended that the parish council considers implementing its own working group or committee to take this forward. 5.b. Community Run Library - Click and collect has been active with numbers approx. 50% of pre-covid activity levels. Website is live and has proved successful linking to new social media accounts (Twitter and Instagram) which are being run by 2 university students for us. Browsing in covid-safe manner resumes week commencing 12th April 2021. Catering may be an option for outside service from 12th April but will be weather dependent. Team preparing for full opening when roadmap permits. Annual Meeting of the Community Library Committee to take place Tuesday 20th April 2021. 5.c. Correspondence: i. Valley Bootcamp and Chew Valley Youth Football training have recommenced on the recreation ground following the changes to national restrictions.
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Website: www.stoweysuttonpc.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 01275 772 177
ii. Avon & Somerset Police have issued many alerts regarding recent local criminal activity. Full details are available on their website along with advice on keeping yourself and your property safe in different circumstances. iii. https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/your-area/pensford-and-chew-valley/ iv. Jacob Rees-Mogg MP regarding Bishop Sutton Football Club. Clerk to respond accordingly after meeting with representatives of the club. v. VE Day 2021 – parish council to consider exhibiting its memorial or alternative on 8th May. 5.d. Parks and Open Spaces: i. Byelaw for Recreation Ground under review to bring up to date. Draft byelaw will be prepared by clerk and circulated for consideration in May/June. ii. RESOLVED that recycled materials to be purchased for bench (near MUGA) refurbishment within a budget of £125.00 + vat. 5.e. Public Rights of Way, Highways, and Infrastructure: i. The Hollowbrook Bridge on the Grebe Trail was closed for a short period for essential repairs. It was re-opened in time for the Easter weekend. ii. Chew Valley Picnic Areas have been re-opened in response to changes to national restrictions and should remain open, except if closed temporarily for non-covid reasons e.g., maintenance. iii. B&NES bin replaced at village hall following decay and failure during playground inspection. iv. Decaying signs and posts around parish reported to B&NES for action. v. Trip hazard at Cappards reported to B&NES for action. vi. Changes to WSM bus service. vii. Hedge cutting debris cleared from Ham Lane. viii. Hedge cutting completed on end of Woodcroft after seeking guidance from Highways. If you have concerns about your neighbour’s hedges, please approach them directly or pop a polite request through their door. It’s better to work together if you can. Further reports made at the meeting will be forward by Clerk to the relevant authorities. 6. Meetings & Consultations – Reports received, and resolutions made: 6.a. Parish Council Airport Association Meeting – Cllr Parker reported. Membership of PCAA now stands at 30 parish councils and 1 town council. PCAA are looking to bring Bristol Airport to account for their planning commitments particularly the multi-storey car park that is approved but has not yet materialised. Consideration was given to other consultations and planning items for Bristol Airport along with arguments for and against each element. At the Case Management Conference for the appeal for Bristol Airport Planning Application 18/P/5118/OUT, held on 8th March 2021, participants had been told that the Inquiry was likely to last 40 days, from 20th July – 8th October, with a 2-week break in August. This differs from the initial 16 day expected hearing and will involve greater costs. It is hoped that legal fees can be covered by funds already held by taking measures to keep costs down. There were now six rule 6 parties and a total of 9 topics will be covered – Forecasting, Greenbelt, Noise, Air Quality, Highways, Socio-economic, Planning, Climate Change and third parties not represented by Rule 6 parties. All members were thanked for their impact statements and it was confirmed that the Inspectorate will be visiting areas affected to see the impact of airport activity for themselves. The next meeting will be Thursday 24th June 2021 via zoom unless an earlier meeting is required 6.b. Parish Liaison Meeting - Cllr Dagger reported. Briefings were given on Council Meeting legislation, Climate Emergency related available grant funds, protocol for death of a senior figure, and Community Contribution Fund (which does not replace the Ward Councillor Empowerment Fund). Updates also provided on parish street lighting contracts, WECA spatial development strategy, B&NES local plan, transport delivery plan and traffic calming, and the WECA Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner elections. Next meeting Wednesday 14 July 2021.
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Website: www.stoweysuttonpc.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 01275 772 177
6.c. West of England Combined Authority Mass Transit Webinar – Cllr Dagger reported. North Somerset Council have joined B&NES, South Gloucestershire and Bristol City Councils working with WECA on a mass transit project aiming to create a well-connected public transport system that offers more transport choices and revolutionises the way people move around the West of England with a fast new transport system. This project is in its infancy, but its aims are to move people away from cars leading to lower emissions and improved air quality contributing to the Carbon Neutral 2050 plan. A strategy is to be prepared and then access for funding will be made. Rural areas will be considered after urban areas. A sustainable transport link for the Chew Valley is on the agenda but is not considered a priority. 6.d. B&NES Landscape Character Assessment Review and Landscape Strategy workshop and stakeholder consultation –Cllr Betton reported. This workshop was a live consultation with an overall aim of building robust evidence on the local landscape to support work B&NES are doing and to underpin policies in the emerging Local Plan. A further 21 days was given after the workshop for parishes and other stakeholders to continue populating an interactive map with relevant landscape characteristics and historical sites around their communities (particularly rural areas) to bring focus to the character currently present across the B&NES area. Stowey Sutton Parish Council used data produced in 2013 for a Landscape Character Assessment bringing it up to date. 6.e. Other Meetings –ALCA Clerks and Officers Meeting provided information on AGAR Audit timeline and process highlighting some important changes that should be noted by the Clerk/RFO. Remote meeting legislation also touched upon which currently expires 7th May. SLCC Somerset Branch Meeting and National Crisis Webinar both had current celebrity of the moment Jackie Weaver speaking. The purpose of both was to provide insights and experience on preparation and management of adversity and crisis. 7. Finances and Legal – Reports received, and resolutions made: 7.a. Payments Authorised: Payee Description Net VAT Gross Staff Salaries March 2021 £893.12 £0.00 £893.12 HMRC PAYE Tax & NI March 2021 £144.88 £0.00 £144.88 Dial A Ride MSN Grant for 2021/22 £50.00 £0.00 £50.00 SLCC Clerk Principal Membership Upgrade £41.25 £0.00 £41.25 NES&B Methodist Circuit Community Library Hall Rent £320.00 £0.00 £320.00 B&NES Football Ground Half Yearly Rent £500.00 £0.00 £500.00 Filers Coaches Surgery Bus March 2021 £150.00 £0.00 £150.00 Simply Extinguishers Fire brigade padlock and key £32.18 £6.44 £38.62 Unity Manual Handling Charges £1.00 £0.00 £1.00 Unity Quarterly Service Charge £23.25 £0.00 £23.25 DD B&CE Pension Contribution £23.52 £0.00 £23.52 DD B&CE Pension Scheme Set up £360.00 £0.00 £360.00 TOTALS £2,539.20 £6.44 £2,545.64
7.b. Monthly Financial Statements Received: Bank Account Balances (after payments & transfers) Unity £19,912.64 NWB Current £288.20 NWB Reserve £18,217.63 Library Petty Cash £0.00 Clerk Petty Cash £500.00 SumUp Card Bal £125.53 Unity Savings £8,495.08 TOTAL £47,539.08
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Website: www.stoweysuttonpc.org Email: [email protected] Tel: 01275 772 177
7.c. Other Finance Matters 7.d. Legal Matters - New Policies. RESOLVED that the following policies be adopted: i. Internal Auditor Terms of Reference ii. Protocol for the death of a senior national figure 8. Reports for Information only 8.a. Clerks Report. i. Richard Jones Foundation – applications invited for grants for educational and training purposes. Application closing date 11th April 2021, applications to be reviewed at a meeting of trustees to be held on 27th April 2021. ii. Richard Jones Foundation - Vacancy has arisen for a trustee following the resignation of Richard Brent from the foundation. Thanks are extended to Richard for his service, and we wish him a happy and long retirement. Applications for a new Trustee (who should be on the electoral roll in Parish of Stowey Sutton) are invited. Interested parties must be recommended by the Parish Council so if you are interested please approach a Parish Councillor or the Clerk. iii. John Tegg Educational Foundation – Financial Report for 2020 received and circulated. iv. Young Bristol have commenced with their phased return of the Mobily Youth Bus. v. Remote meeting legislation is due to expire at midnight on 6th May 2021. A court case due to be heard by the end of April is being brought to High Court by ADSO, LLG and Hertfordshire County Council and is being closely followed as it will provide certainty for local authority’s ability to continue with remote meetings. Councillors and Members of the Public are encouraged to respond to the UK Governments Call for Evidence regarding the effectiveness of remote meetings. A decision will be made at May’s meeting if there is no change to the current position. vi. Clerk has achieved Principal SLCC status following achievement of CiLCA and additional CPD. vii. B&NES Shining Light Awards are open for nominations. The Shining Light Awards aim to highlight people who have gone above and beyond to volunteer or to support members of their community over the past year. 8.b. District Councillors Report. Nothing to report. 9. Date of next parish council meeting – Wednesday 5th May 2021 The Annual Community Meeting (previously known as Annual Parish Meeting), Annual Meeting of the Parish Council, Annual Meeting of the Recreation Ground Trust will also take place alongside the regular parish council meeting. The Annual Meeting of the Community Library Committee will take place on Tuesday 20th April 2021. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC (Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960) – public excluded from meeting to discuss an HR related and confidential business matter. 10. HR Matters – Reports received, and resolutions made: a. Note minimum wage increase effective 1st April 2021 rising from £8.72 to £8.91. b. Following a full Job Evaluation using SLCC tools, the Clerk was awarded an increase from SCP17 to SCP20 effective 1st April 2021. Meeting ended at 20.57.
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