Present: G. Willcox (Chair), J. Gane, D. Creed, A. Creed, M. Heal and T. Holley.
Also present: S. Clemence and two representatives from West Pennard Village Hall Management Committee.
There were Nil Declarations of Interest.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.
Public Speaking-time.
Susannah Clemence from Glastonbury spoke with regard to the idea of generating a community-run bus service to Castle Cary and Avalon Marshes Nature Reserve.
The idea needs to be expanded on, funded and implemented.
To generate interest in the project among our villages Susannah will place articles in various village magazines including News and Views which covers West Pennard , Baltonsborough, Butleigh, West Bradley and Lottisham. Interest may come from these villages and through our parish council minutes which are posted at westpennard.org.uk and on the village hall noticeboard.
It was also suggested various Facebook groups might be of use to her.
Susannah said this would be discussed at Glastonbury Town Council's meeting Tuesday 12/11/24.
Contact with the parish council will be maintained.
Susannah left the meeting.
Holly Smith and Representative from West Pennard Village Hall Management Committee (letter, correspondence) requesting information as to distribution of funds the parish council have just received from GFL. with the request for financial support for a new kitchen.
It was explained that:-
Discussion is about to take place as to formulating the distribution of funds and that monies received from GFL are to be ' spent on infrastructure and repairs works to benefit the whole community' as stipulated in GFL's letter.
It was under those terms GFL donated the money to West Pennard Parish Council.
This to be further discussed in depth at next parish council meeting.
Both parties left the meeting.
Matters arising from the last Minutes.
A. Creed thanked for presenting the parish council poppy wreath on Remembrance Sunday.
P. Gurl to be thanked for his excellent work on the war memorial which he did voluntarily.
Correspondence.
Somerset Council Monthly Report from Cllr. Claire Sully, Somerset Council's Guidance for parish councils Public Rights of Way Maintenance, Devolution Update, Somerset Council's Electoral Review Parish Briefing, and Local Plan Update circulated.
Somerset Rivers Authority Community Flood Action Fund.
Small grants for works that will reduce flooding are soon to be offered directly to Somerset communities, launch date 10th December 2024.
Organisations encouraged to apply will include town and parish councils, charities, social enterprises and community benefit socities.
The SRA wants to help people with good local knowledge of flooding problems take practical actions with obvious benefits that can be achieved quite quickly.
Applications will need to satisfy the SRA's core purpose of 'reducing the risks and impacts of flooding'.
Timetable for applicants:-
Application packs will be available from 10th December - https://www.somersetriversauthority.org.uk/grants-somerset-community-flood-action-fund/
Deadline for the first round of applicants February 25th 2025.
Bids will be judged by a review panel in March and successful applicants get funding from April.
It was reported landowners financed dredging at Coxbridge following second flooding incident.
The Somerset Parishes Conference 2024 is taking place on Wednesday 13th November 2024 at Canalside Conference Venue, Bridgwater.
One.network Presentation/training session Microsoft Teams meeting taking place 6-7PM, 19th November 2024.
Notice of Publication of the Shepton Mallet Neighbourhood Plan. Consulation commenced 25th October and ends 6th December 2024.
Road problems reported re last Minutes.
Notification from Highways following our report of badly eroded road half way up Sawpitts Lane: 'Pothole has been repaired'.
Reported blocked drain at Inistor, Southtown Lane to be chased up.
The original repair washed a large amount of stone down the road when it rained. This caused road damage. The side of the road is dangerous.
Finance.
Cheque drawn for £160.00, Murfdog, work on website.
Planning.
Planning decisions.
Erection of Polytunnel (retrospective)/Sticklynch Farm/Planning Ref 2024/1265/FUL - Approved.
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has received an appeal against Refusal of Planning for Outline application with all matters reserved for the erection of 2 dwellinghouses/Manor Farm/Woodlands Road to Stockbridge Lane/Planning Ref 2024/0679/OUT.
Planning.
Replacement entrance gates and fence to existing drive/Sunrays/Newtown Lane/Planning Ref 2024/1947/HSE.
Proposed, seconded and passed Recommend Approval.
Highways matters.
To be reported:-
- Report of developing pothole by inspection pit A361 opposite The Cyder Barn Residential Home.
- Pothole outside of 'The Owls', Scotts Lane.
There being no further business the meeting was closed.