Present: G. Willcox (Chair), D. Creed, A. Oakerbee, J. Gane, M. Heal and A. Creed.
Apologies: T. Holley.
There were Nil Declarations of Interest.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.
Matters arising from the last minutes:
It was proposed, seconded and passed A. Oakerbee be co-opted as parish councillor.
Mr Oakerbee accepted the position, signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office and has been given the Register of Interests form to complete. (NB to be registered within 28 days of taking up office).
Mr Oakerbee was welcomed as new parish councillor.
Correspondence - circulated.
Request for a speed limit reduction in Piltown and footpath clearance:
Clerk to request full length of footpath to be cleared, the worst being the grass verge between Page Lane and the Old Schoolhouse and a change from 40MPH to 30MPH Speed Limit. Matter to be referred to Somerset Council
Letter - Impact of new developments on Local Flooding - further expanded on by Cllr A. Creed:-
Baltonsborough, Butleigh, ourselves and Barton St David Parish Councils will liase to provide a 'template' of flooding issues to collectively address and hopefully resolve the issues with representatives from the Somerset Rivers Authority and the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group and to also engage where appropriate with Highways and the Environment Agency.
In essence (1) new developments increase the amount of run-off water entering the drains, ditches, rhynes, streams then ultimately the river Brue which are already overwhelmed resulting in local flooding that blocks roads and floods houses which is not being taken into account when Planning Applications are being considered. Therefore no mitigation is required and local flooding is getting worse.
(2) Concerns to see Planning Applications on green field sites that are known locally to flood/waterlog after rain and act as 'attenuators' for rainfall, absorbing water. Ergo if building occurs that which would currently sit on the field would be added to the already overwhelmed drainage system.
NB The government flood risk map system only gives a risk of flooding from rivers/sea so it is not clear what evidence planning officers need in their decision-making.
Finance.
Bank Statement 12.02.25 - £32,255.31.
Bank Charges (post change from Treasurers Account to Community Account):-
10.01.25 - 09.02.25 £4.25.
10.02.25 - 09.03.25 £4.75.
- Cheque drawn £80.00, Murfdog - Adding and testing Application Form for Grant Money to Website
QUOTATION from Somerset Council 'To empty Dog-Bin located at junction of Newtown Lane and Church Lane - £405.60.
01.04.25 - 31`.03.26.
Clerk to inform Somerset Council bin is on council land.
Highways Matters to be reported.
- Stockbridge Lane is impassable.
- Collapsed drain in Breach Lane between The Elms and Boundary House.
- Chase up complaint logged after last meeting - exposed pipes half-way up Stickleball Lane.
- Chase-up concerns with Planning Enforcement Officer, Somerset Council.
Date of next parish council meeting - Monday 14th April 2025.
There being no further business the meeting was closed.