Wellington Town Council planning minutes January 2007

Minutes of the 117th planning meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 8th January 2007 at 6pm

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors R. Bowrah, who arrived at 6.50pm, A. Govier, J. Clark, S. Palmer, R. Henley, E. Warren, Councillors Mrs K. Biscoe, who arrived at 7.03pm, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams, Mrs N. Wilson, the clerk A. Brown, the assistant to the clerk Mrs J. Thorne, and Taunton DBC planning manager Mr J. Hamer. There were apologies from Councillors C. Hindley and G. James and Councillor Mrs V. Byrne. There were 30 members of the public present.

14070 DEFERED PLANNING APPLICATION
It was agreed to defer the following application: (a) Erection of double garage with lay-by to rear of 28 Church Fields, Wellington (43/2006/154) at the request of Taunton DBC planning manager John Hamer who explained the planning department were currently in discussion with the applicant.

14071 APPLICATION TO ERECT FLATS IN BUCKWELL
The town council considered an application for demolition of existing bungalow and erection of 8 self contained flats at Hill View, Buckwell, Wellington (43/2006/143). Letters of objection were received from S, J, R. Lovell and Mrs M. Dracup on grounds of traffic problems, congestion, noise and loss of view, plus letters of concern from Mr and Mrs W. Bailey, C. Holland and A. & J. Dryden about traffic and parking problems with a suggestion that the flats should run parallel to Bakers Lane, all enclosed. There was also a statement by the agent with regard to concerns raised about existing lane/garage forecourt, pedestrian access, existing public highway, bin stores, boundary with 113 Buckwell, wildlife and park. Mr Hamer said although it was acceptable in principle he did have some concerns about the form of the two storey building. He had also received concerns from local residents about the rights of way although there was no objection from Highways. Standing orders were suspended to allow Mr W. Bailey to speak who expressed concern about congestion in Buckwell and the difficulties with parking there. Councillor Copley said she was concerned about the impact it might have on local wildlife. Councillor Henley said he thought it would be an overdevelopment of the site and proposed objecting to the application which was seconded by Councillor Critchard. It was agreed to object to the application on the grounds of the number of dwellings proposed which was considered to be to high for the site, the form and design of the proposed block of flats, the adverse affect the development will have on congestion in the Buckwell area, and the adverse effect it will also have on the present wildlife on site.

14072 APPLICATION FOR 69 DWELLINGS AT WESTFORD
The town council considered application for residential development to provide 69 dwellings (45 houses and 24 flats), formation of access and associated works, at the former ABL and Westford Plastics Premises, Payton Road, Westford, Wellington (43/2006/163). Mr Hamer said there was some concern about access to the site and explained government policy was to redevelop brownfield sites and go for as much density as can be achieved. Although comments had yet to be received from the highways authority, Mr Hamer said it did no raise any objections regarding access for the former application for 43 houses although there were some concerns about Payton Road. He also pointed out that if the application was refused there was still the option to use the site for industrial use which could generate an increase in traffic. It was agreed to suspend standing orders to allow some members of the public to speak.
COUNCILLOR R. BOWRAH ARRIVED HERE AT 6.50 PM.
Mr Tony Bundy said he welcomed redevelopment of the site for residential housing but had reservations about the number of houses and the increase in traffic on narrow roads. He wanted a much lower number of houses on the site such as was proposed in the previous application for 43 houses. Another local resident Mr Trevor Morgan was also in agreement with Mr Bundy and welcomed redevelopment of the site but felt the number of proposed houses was too high as did Mr Christopher Rowley who told councillors he was concerned about the effect on traffic congestion particularly at Westford Bridge. Other concerns were also raised about the possible increase of vehicles on the roads at Rockwell Green and Westford. Councillor Govier said the major concern the local residents had was the additional traffic which would result from the proposed development. There was also the ongoing issue of trying to get footpaths by the bridge. Councillor Govier proposed, with Councillor Palmer seconding, a site meeting with the highways authority to see if there are improvements that can be made to the roads and also to look at the number of houses proposed on the site. This was agreed.

COUNCILLOR KATE BISCOE ARRIVED HERE AT 7.03 PM.

14073 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 ground floor retail units with 4 residential units on first and second floor with associated car parking, 38-42 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/164), (b) Display of externally illuminated fascia sign and non illuminated projecting sign at 14 High Street, Wellington (43/2006/148A), subject to the conservation officer agreement, (c) Conversion of first and second floor accommodation to four 1 bed self-contained flats, alterations to ground floor to allow bin storage and new staircase, 3 Fore Street, Wellington (43/2006/160 & 161LB), (d) Variation of condition 07 of permission 43/1992/097 to allow for occupation of No. 2 without compliance at 2 Orchard Court, Scotts Lane, Wellington (43/2006/166), (e) Outline application for new dwelling at 16 Victoria Street, Wellington (43/2006/155) subject to the house being semi-detached/linked and providing there is no undue overlooking and loss of privacy for neighbours, (f) Erection of dwelling to side of 8 Burgage, Wellington (43/2006/159) providing there is no undue overlooking or loss of privacy for neighbours, (g) Application to fell one walnut tree included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 2) Tree Preservation Order 2004 at 41 Church Fields, Wellington (43/2006/170T), (h) Erection of two storey office building, Block D, Chelston Business Park, Summerfield Way, Wellington (46/2006/033).
It was agreed to inform Taunton DBC that the town council was opposed to the following plans: (a) Outline proposal for two storey dwelling at 1 Wayside Cottages, Pyles Thorne, Wellington (43/2006/156). Mr Hamer said he felt the site was too small to accommodate the development. It was agreed to object to the proposal for the reasons of overdevelopment of the site and the impact it would have on the character of the area, (b) Application to carry out tree work on seven lime trees included in Taunton Deane Borough (Wellington No. 2) Tree Preservation Order 1978 at the Old Vicarage, High Street, Wellington (43/2006/168T) because the work is not considered necessary, (c) Carry out tree work on three cherry trees and one mulberry tree within Wellington conservation area at the Old Vicarage, High Street, Wellington (43/2006/169T) because the work is not considered necessary.

14074 ADOPTION UPDATE AT DOBREE PARK AND BURROUGH WAY
Councillor Govier said the adoption of the roads at Dobree Park in Rockwell Green by the county council was still under discussion because of the unresolved issue about the existing footpath from the estate which comes out between 57 and 58 Rockwell Green and its proposed new route to come out next to the fish and chip shop. It was hoped the county would be able to proceed with the adoption once the new footpath had been put in place. Mr Hamer told the meeting the adoption of the play areas at Burrough Way in Wellington had moved a step nearer and Taunton DBC were happy to adopt the area and were currently waiting for Persimmon Homes’ solicitors to respond to the council’s legal department.

14075 PHONE MAST AT BLACKDOWN TRADING ESTATE
Councillors considered an application from Hutchinson 3G UK Ltd for a proposed telecommunications base station of a 15m high monopole with 3 antennas at Blackdown Trading Estate, Wellington. Councillor Henley said he felt the location was inappropriate and too close to houses and proposed recommending refusal which was seconded by Councillor Critchard. Councillor Govier thought that the proposed area for the mast was reasonable as it was on a trading estate but felt the proposed location of the mast on the corner of the Kings Church building next to the pavement was not suitable and suggested the mast be placed further into the estate. Councillor Stock-Williams moved an amendment, with Councillor Clark seconding, to recommend approval providing the monopole was placed further into the estate near to the rear of Travis Perkins and not in the prominent location proposed. The amendment was carried 6-5 with one abstention and when put forward as a resolution was approved 6-5 with one abstention.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 7.38 PM

Wellington Town Council minutes January 2007

Minutes of the meeting of Wellington Town Council held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington on Monday, 8th January 2007 at 7.50pm (start of meeting was delayed because of planning meeting over-running)

PRESENT: Councillor D. Mitton (chairman), who presided, Councillor P. Critchard (vice-chairman), Councillors Mrs C. Biscoe, Mrs G. Copley, Mrs V. Stock-Williams and Mrs N. Wilson, Councillors R. Bowrah, J. Clark, A. Govier, R. Henley, 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 G. James. There were 4 members of the public present.

14076 CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS
The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton reported that during December he had visited patients, residents and staff at Wellington Cottage Hospital, The Court and Popham House residential homes at Christmastime, that the vice-chairman Councillor P. Critchard had attended the St John Ambulance awards presentation and also the spring bulb planting event at the Basins with Councillor S. Palmer.

14077 POLICE MATTERS
There was no police report as Sgt Doc Nurse was unable to attend as he was still undergoing hospital treatment. The chairman reported that PC Nick Feetenby was also ill and agreed to send get well-letter to both officers.

14078 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME: FRIENDS OF WELLINGTON PARK
The chairman of Friends of Wellington Park, Mrs Pauline Sturgess reported that the Friends were holding a Chinese New Year event on 17tth February 2007 in the URC Church and a May Day event in the park on 7th May 2007. The summer programme, which would start on 27th May and end of 26th August, was almost complete and promised to be an excellent programme. There would be a special 100th performance on 17th June: it would be a last night of the proms type of performance. She was thanked for her report.

14079 MINUTES OF DECEMBER COUNCIL MEETINGS
The minutes of the council meetings held on 4th December 2006, as previously circulated to councillors, were received, taken as read and confirmed as correct.

14080 COUNTY COUNCIL UNITARY AUTHORITY PROPOSAL
With reference to minute 14063 there was a considerable discussion about the likely proposal by Somerset County Council to create a unitary authority for Somerset.. It was eventually agreed to defer further consideration until the town council had received the full details of the package by the county council who were expected to make a final decision on 22nd January 2007. The chairman, Councillor D. Mitton declared that he was a firm believer in unitary authorities which he felt would strengthen town and parish councils and vacated the chair while this item was discussed, with the vice chairman Councillor P. Critchard presiding. Councillor S. Palmer declared an interest as an employee of the county council. Councillors A. Govier and R. Henley declared interests as county councillors.

14081 POSSIBLE DUAL USE OF FOOTPATHS
A letter was received from Mr D. Smith suggesting that all footpaths in Wellington should be made dual use for pedestrians and cyclists. It was agreed to refer the matter to the council’s Footpaths Committee with a view to reporting back to the council.

14082 TOWN CENTRE SIGNS
With reference to minute 14018 a detailed report was received from the clerk on a meeting between the chairman, vice chairman and the clerk on 6th December 2006 into the possibility of erecting directional signs in the town centre for such places as the cinema, arts centre, museum, town council office, the tourist information centre and the Basins. Two sites had been looked at – outside the old post office in High Street and outside Somerfield in Fore Street. It was pointed out that the sports centre and the park were already signed and that the museum, TIC, council offices, URC Church and cinema were right on the main roads of Fore Street and Mantle Street and so were not difficult to locate. It was recognised that the arts centre in Eight Acre Lane off South Street was not so easy to find but it was felt that the vast majority of visitors to the centre were local residents who knew of its location in the same way as visitors to the rugby club, football club, squash club and bowls club knew where these various clubs were situated. The council was recommended to take no further action over the signage as it was not felt that expenditure of around £2,000 could be justified or was needed. It was agreed to accept the report and take no further action.

14083 LOCAL GOVERNMENT WHITE PAPER AND COUNTY PROPOSALS FOR AREA WORKING PANELS
Members received a detailed report from Councillor S. Palmer on his attendance at a meeting of the Somerset Association of Local Councils on 7th December 2006 when the Local Government White Paper “Strong and Prosperous Communities” and the county council proposals for area working panels had been discussed along with the possible setting up of a unitary authority for Somerset. Councillors were also supplied with the NALC policy circular on the Local Government White Paper, the SALC additional comments on it and a summary of the key elements of the county council’s “Localisation and Frontline Councillors” paper dealing with area working panels. Councillor Palmer felt that until the outcomes of any unitary submissions were known, Government legislation was published or the Taunton Deane Area Working Panel was formed, there were no clear proposals that the town council could debate at this stage. It was agreed to receive the report with thanks to Councillor Palmer.

14084 AGE CONCERN SOMERSET GRANT REQUEST
A letter, grant application form and accounts were received from Age Concern Somerset asking the town council to consider making a grant of £100 towards the cost of its services/work in Wellington. On the proposal of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Clark, it was agreed 8-1 to make a grant of £100.

COUNCILLOR WARREN LEFT THE MEETING HERE AT 8.30PM

14085 ADDITIONAL PEDESTRIAN CROSSING IN HIGH STREET
With reference to minute 14046 a letter was received from the county council stating that the matter was receiving attention and that the officer concerned would respond to the council as soon as possible. The letter was noted.

14086 NAME FOR NEW HOUSES IN WHITE HART LANE
With reference to minute 14047 the clerk reported that the developers would of the 11 new one bed houses in White Hart Lane would like the council to consider the name of Milton Walk, White Hart Lane instead of White Hart Mews as suggested by the town council as the land had been owned for many years by the late Mr T Milton. On the proposition of Councillor Henley it was agreed to stick to White Hart Mews.

14087 POSSIBLE RELOCATION OF CCTV CAMERA
With reference to minute 14037 the clerk reported that following a joint meeting with the police, the council’s CCTV working party had agreed to re-locate the council’s CCTV camera from Lancer Court to South Street car park as soon as possible for a period of at least three months. That decision had been made following a request from Wellington Baptist Church for the camera to be installed at South Street car park following continued vandalism to the church which adjoins the car park. The report was noted.

14088 DOG WASTE BINS
With reference to minute 13754 Councillor Palmer reported that litter bins at the Weavers Reach play area were overflowing because dog waste bags had been placed in the bins and he suggested the town council should consider the provision of a dog waste bin for the area. On the proposition of Councillor Palmer, seconded by Councillor Govier, it was agreed to install a dog waste bin close to the play area in partnership with Taunton DBC who would be responsible for the play area.

14089 GRIT BIN FOR TONE RAILWAY BRIDGE
With reference to minute 14050 the clerk reported that a new grit bin had been provided at Tone railway bridge and a replacement bin provided at the junction of Popes Lane. There would be Press publicity shortly about encouraging the public to make use of the grit/salt bins in icy weather conditions. The report was noted.

14090 WELLINGTON FOOD TOWN LAUNCH
With reference to minute 14042 the chairman, Councillor Mitton reported that the town council stand at the food town launch had sold a lot of local mugs and books of Wellington in Old Postcards as well as distributing many free town guides. He had attended follow up meetings of the steering group and it was planned to invite food producers and retailers to a special meeting at the Cleve Hotel on 29th January 2007 to find out views and ideas on how the project should move forward. It was also hoped to call a meeting about the Slow Food Movement which promoted local food and to get a speaker from the movement to talk about it. It was also planned to have a food event in the Spring and a two day event in September 2007. The report was noted.

14091 FUTURE OF CHRISTMAS LIGHTS IN WELLINGTON
With reference to minute 14041 the chairman, Councillor Mitton reported that following his Press appeal for comments about the town’s Christmas lights and the future of the lights, he had received a number of responses and virtually everyone was in favour of the existing lights. Councillor Bowrah and Henley reported that most residents they had spoken to were happy with the lights. The chairman stated that he and the clerk would look at the lights and report back to the council.

14092 RE-LOCATION OF TAUNTON CATTLE MARKET
With reference to minute 13251 a statement was received from Taunton DBC stating that the Deane was extremely disappointed at the decision of the Taunton Market Auctioneers not to relocate to Chelston, near Wellington but instead to re-locate to near North Petherton. There had not been a lack of resolve on the part of the Deane to secure the development for Wellington which had been approved in 2005. The TMA decision had been made for commercial factors. It was agreed to write to the Deane saying the town council hoped that some of the considerable funds from the sale of Taunton cattle market would be used for job-creating projects in Wellington.

14093 ROCKWELL GREEN BUS STOP IMPROVEMENTS
A letter was received from Somerset Highways stating that it was planned to improve the bus stops near the southernmost junction of the Exeter Road and Hilly Head and the junction of the Exeter Road and Bagley Road, both in Rockwell Green. The work, which was planned for early to mid 2007, included the construction of hard standing areas, the installation of low floor bus kerbs, bus stop carriageway markings and a shelter at the Exeter Road/Hilly Head bus stop. The objectives were to promote the use of sustainable public transport. The letter was noted.

14094 TAUNTON DEANE CITIZENSHIP AWARDS FOR 2007
A letter was received from the Mayor of Taunton, Councillor C. Hindley about the Taunton Deane Citizenship Awards 2007 which recognises outstanding voluntary service by residents of Taunton Deane. The closing date for nominations was Friday, 9th February 2007. The letter was noted.

14095 DIRECTIONAL SIGNS FOR WELLINGTON MONUMENT
A letter was received from the National Trust stating that as part of their Neroche Project, the Trust would address the lack of directional signs on the Blackdown Hills to Wellington Monument. The clerk reported that he had written to the Trust about the need for such signs after the tourist office reported it had received complaints from visitors about the lack of signs to the Monument. The letter was noted.

14096 WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
With reference to minute 14064 no suggestions/recommendations were put forward for the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting on 22nd January 2007. It was pointed out that a special Taunton DBC council meeting was also being held on 22nd January which would mean that a number of Wellington councillors would not be able to attend the WEP meeting. It was agreed to find out if a new date could be arranged for the WEP meeting.

14097 PLANNING DECISIONS BY TAUNTON DBC
The clerk reported that Taunton Deane Borough Council had approved the following plans: (a) Retention of fence at Priory Coach House, Wellington (43/2006/131: until 21st December 2009); (b) Erection of a replacement conservatory to rear of 40 Andrew Allan Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington as amended by agents letter dated 14th December 2006 (43/2006/146: delegated decision); (c) Siting of storage container on land adjoining St John’s Primary School and the Old Rectory, High Street, Wellington as amplified by applicants email dated 15th December 2006 (43/2006/135: delegated decision); (d) Erection of conservatory to rear of 42 Andrew Allan Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/145: delegated decision); (e) Erection of two storey extension and garage to side of 3 Hoyles Road, Wellington as amended by letter dated 2nd December 2006 and accompanying plans R13/1A (43/2006/151: delegated decision); (f) Erection of replacement garage to rear of 31 Wellesley Park, Wellington amended by plan ELD720A received 17th November 2006 (43/2006/144: delegated decision); (g) Erection of lean-to extension and erection of conservatory to rear of 77 Gillards Close, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2006/127: delegated decision); (h) Change of use of garage to habitable accommodation at 14 Rope Walk, Wellington (43/2006/150: delegated decision); (i) Erection of entrance porch, north east elevation of Linden House Nursing Home, Lower Westford, Wellington (43/2006/139: delegated decision).

14098 COUNCIL INCOME/EXPENDITURE TO 31ST DECEMBER 2006
A report was received from the clerk showing that the council’s income for the period from 1st April 2006 to 31st December 2006 was £87,484 (£122,249 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007) and that expenditure for the same period was £62,384 (£143,150 estimated for the full year to 31st March 2007). The report was noted.

14099 ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT
On the proposition of Councillor Bowrah, seconded by Councillor Critchard it was agreed to authorise the payment of the following accounts and the signing of the following cheques: Somerset Playing Fields Association £10 annual subscription; Society of Local Council Clerks £150 annual subscription; EDF Energy 1 Ltd £11.10 for electricity for Rackfield street light; Wireless CCTV Ltd £4.01 for CCTV telephone calls; Hinewood Cleaning Service £62 for cleaning High Street bus shelters and office window cleaning in November 2006; Mrs J. Thorne £72.48 for additional hours of work in December 2006; Inland Revenue £665.35 for income tax and national insurance; Mr A. Brown £100 petty cash; Customs Plastics £13.22 for name tag, name pin and name plate; Judith Goss Florists £30 for flowers for war graves for November and December 2006; Taunton Deane Borough Council £828.45 for grass cutting at Tone play area for 2006 season; Taunton DBC £250 for museum lease for period 1/1/07 to 31/3/07; Zurich Insurance Company £26.25 for additional premium for public liability insurance for 50 allotments at Basins from 14/12/06 to 1/4/07; Konica Minolta £67.46 for photocopier servicing charges; P & L Building Supplies £211.98 for supply of 2 grit bins; Taunton Deane Community Transport Ltd £404 for subsidised hospital transport to Musgrove Park Hospital for November and December 2006 (101 single trips at £4 a trip).

14100 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 January 2007; NALC direct information service bulletin Nos. 646 and 647.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 9.10PM