Wellington Town Council meeting February 2008

The FEBRUARY meeting of Wellington Town Council will be held in the main hall of the United Reformed Church in Fore Street, Wellington, on Monday 4th February 2008 at 7pm.
The council’s February planning meeting will also be held on Monday 4th February 2008 in the URC Church Hall at 6pm.

Tony Brown
Town clerk

AGENDA


1. APOLOGIES


1A. CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS.


1B. REPORT AND QUESTIONS/COMMENTS TO/FROM THE POLICE.

1C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME


2. TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 7TH JANUARY 2008

3. TO FIX THE PRECEPT FOR 2008-09 AND TO CONSIDER APPROVING BUDGET REPORT OF CLERK RECOMMENDING AN UNCHANGED COUNCIL TAX ( for decision)

4. REMOVAL OF WHISTLE BOARDS AT WESTFORD RAILWAY CROSSING: To consider what action to take over letter from Network Rail detailing reasons for removing boards (for decision: there is an offer of a site meeting. See minute 14571)

5. STREET CLEANING: To give further consideration to street cleaning in Wellington following circulation of street cleaning schedule to councillors and demonstration of green street cleaning machine. See minute 14568)

5A. CORAMS LANE/SPRINGFIELD ROAD JUNCTION: To consider what action to take over possibly restricting parking to improve traffic congestion following site meeting: suggested double yellow lines in parts of Corams Lane and Springfield. (Detailed report from Mr Ian Titcombe, of Somerset Highways to follow. See minute 14564)

5B. CONDUCT OF LOCAL AUTHORITY MEMBERS: To consider what action to take over letter from Department for Communities and Local Government and report from Somerset Association of Local Councils on consultation paper seeking council views (for decision)

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
(a) Minute 14570 Wellington in Bloom grant request: Letter of thanks from committee chairman Isabel Ward (for information)
(b) Minute 14557 Demolition of redundant building and erection of two bungalows on land south of Westford Court, Wellington (43/07/179): To report that application has been withdrawn (for information)
(c) Minute 14507 (5th November 2007 meeting): Holyoake Street traffic problems: To report that an advance weight restriction sign has been erected in Station Road to deter traffic large vehicles from turning left into Holyoake Street (for information)
(d) Minute 14384 (6th August 2007 meeting): Provision of more cycle racks in town centre: To report that 9 additional cycle racks have been provided in High Street and Fore Street (for information)

7. CORRESPONDENCE:
(a) Letter from Somerset Highways stating that Payton Road will be closed for 6 weeks from 3 March 2008 to lay storm and foul pipes along with the construction of new manholes (for information)
(b) Letters from Taunton Deane Local Strategic Partnership inviting council to attend meeting of West Community Partnership to be held at Active Living Centre, North Street, Wellington on 12 February at 6.30pm (for decision)
(c) Letter from Somerset County Council about A38 red route workshops stating that driver error has been identified as the primary cause in over 95% of road accidents and that driver education is a vital part any casualty reduction strategy (for information: more details available from clerk’s office for members to read if they wish)
(d) Letter from chairman of Blackdown Hills Creative Arts Forum, Fiona Hamilton, about possible town council involvement in community arts project, one day festival, workshops and food producers at Wellington Monument on 4 May 2008 (for decision)

8. WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
To consider whether to make any recommendations or suggestions for consideration at the next Wellington Economic Partnership meeting to be held on Monday 18th February 2008 in the council chamber of the Wellington Town Council offices.

9. TO REPORT PLANNING DECISIONS OF TAUNTON DBC AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL (List will be published on supplementary agenda on 4th February 2008)

10. COUNCIL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE TO END OF JANUARY 2008

11. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (List will be published on supplementary agenda on 4th February 2008)

12. ANY URGENT MATTER WHICH MAY BE RAISED WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN

IN COMMITTEE ITEM
The council will be asked to pass the following resolution: “That in view of the special/confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the press and/or the public be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw.”

13. To receive a progress report from the chairman on the appointment of a new clerk.

Wellington Town Council planning meeting February 2008

The FEBRUARY PLANNING meeting of Wellington Town Council will be held in the United Reformed Church Hall in Fore Street, Wellington, on MONDAY, 4TH FEBRUARY 2008 at 6pm. Mr John Hamer, Taunton Deane Borough Council’s planning officer, will be in attendance.


Tony Brown
Town clerk
AGENDA


1. APOLOGIES

1B. DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
To receive declarations of personal or prejudicial interests, in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

2. APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED BY TOWN COUNCIL:
(a) Demolition of detached garage and erection of two storey extension at 24 The Brambles, Wellington (43/2007/180: Planning officer recommends approval, report enclosed. Letter of objection from neighbour on grounds that the plan is obtrusive and that the east elevation is not in keeping,)

3. TO CONSIDER WHAT COMMENTS TO MAKE ON THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS WHICH WILL BE DETERMINED BY TAUNTON DEANE BOROUGH COUNCIL:
(a) Demolition of 3 holiday lodges and erection of 2 dwellings and associated access works on land adjacent to Sandstone Rise, Westford, Wellington (43/2007/182: Planning officer’s initial comments: Need to assess visual impact of proposed development)
(b) Amended scheme for extension and conversion of public house into 11 flats, Sanford Arms, South Street, Wellington (43/2008/006: amendments provide for additional dormer window and additional window: Planning officer’s initial comment: Likely to be acceptable. Copy of letter from applicants explaining the reasons for the amendments,)
3. TO CONSIDER WHAT COMMENTS TO MAKE ON THE FOLLOWING APPLICATIONS (c) Erection of dwelling at 1 Greenway Road, Rockwell Green, Wellington (43/2008/004: Planning officer’s initial comment: Assess impact on visual and residential amenity and road safety)
(d) Erection of employment units, Blocks 2, 3 and 4, West Park 26, Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2007/183: Planning officer’s initial comment: Follows on from outline permission, likely to be acceptable)
(e) Installation of submersible foul sewage pumping station, erection of control panel kiosk and formation of access track on land to the north of Chelston House Farm, Wellington (43/2008/009: Copy of letter from applicants explaining reasons for re-location of pumping station, enclosed)
(f) Retention of conservatory at 3 Burrough Way, Wellington (43/2008/007: Planning officer’s initial comment: Likely to be acceptable)
(g) Erection of dwelling on land adjacent to Bruins, Burchills Hill, Wellingotn (43/2007/089: Planning officer’s initial comments: Assess impact on visual and residential amenity and road safety)
(h) Erection of 1.8m close boarded post and rail fence with gate at 4 Corams Lane, Wellington (43/2008/010: design and access statement enclosed: this is a county council application and will be determined by the county council, not by Taunton Deane Borough Council)
(i) Re-roofing of Friends Meeting House, High Street, Wellington (43/2008/011LB)

ITEM 4: NEW SOMERFIELD STORE
To receive planning update from Taunton Deane Borough Council’s planning manager Mr John Hamer and to discuss what possible action to take following the announcement that the Somerfield supermarket chain is up for sale

PLEASE NOTE: COPIES OF ALL PLANNING APPLICATIONS TO BE DETERMINED AND CONSIDERED BY THE TOWN COUNCIL WILL BE ON DISPLAY IN THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH HALL FROM 5.50PM ONWARDS ON MONDAY 4TH FEBRUARY 2008

Wellington Town Council meeting January 2008

The JANUARY meeting of Wellington Town Council will be held in the main hall of the United Reformed Church in Fore Street, Wellington, on Monday 7th January 2008 at 7pm.
The council’s planning meeting will also be held on Monday 7th January 2008 in the URC Church Hall at 6pm.

Tony Brown
Town clerk

AGENDA

1. APOLOGIES

1A. CHAIRMAN’S ANNOUNCEMENTS.

1B. REPORT AND QUESTIONS/COMMENTS TO/FROM THE POLICE. Wellington’s new police sergeant Stuart Bell will be in attendance.

1C. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION TIME

2. TO CONFIRM THE MINUTES OF THE MONTHLY COUNCIL MEETINGS HELD ON 3rd December 2007

3. TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FOR WIDENING THE ROAD AT CORAMS LANE NEAR THE JUNCTION WITH SPRINGFIELD ROAD
Councillor J. Reed to raise.

4. TO CONSIDER ADVERTISING FOR CLERK’S POST
Councillor D. Mitton to raise

5. TO CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING LEAD COUNCILLOR ROLES
Report by Councillor D. Mitton

5a. TO CONSIDER THE FUTURE OF THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
Councillor D. Mitton to raise

5b. STREET CLEANING
To report that two Vacuum Shredders have been purchased by the town council for use by Taunton Deane street cleaners at a total cost of £394 to help keep the town clean. The shredders suck up small bits of litter and are particularly useful for picking up cigarette ends. The new equipment is designed to get in corners and channels in paving slabs where brushers can’t reach. The council is asked to confirm the chairman’s action.

5c. PROPOSED CLOSURE OF COURT FIELDS FOOTPATH
To consider a letter with photos from Steve Altria maintaining the footpath should be closed. Letter also from Mrs Purdue objecting to the proposal. Clerk to give verbal report on site meetings. See minute 14534.

5d. TO CONSIDER A REQUEST FROM WELLINGTON IN BLOOM COMMITTEE FOR £1,350 GRANT ( TO COME FROM FINANCIAL YEAR FOR 2008/09)

6. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES:
(a) Letter from Mrs Isabel Ward about dog fouling and street cleaning asking for an increase in dog wardens and for councillors to meet street cleaners. Clerk will report verbally on dog fouling costings. See minutes 14535 and 14536.
(b) Letter from LTP implementation officer Donna Court from Somerset County Council about the proposed pedestrian crossing for High Street stating the scheme did not score high enough for consideration in the programme of work. See minute 14085 (8th January 2007)

7. CORRESPONDENCE:
(a) Letter from countryside technician Rosemary Wicks of Somerset County Council about a community woodland initiative for Somerset’s towns
(b) Letter from Steve Johnson of the Albemarle Centre in Taunton about the annual Wellington 10 mile and 10 kilometre race

8. WELLINGTON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP
To receive a report from the assistant to the town clerk on the WEP meeting which was held on Tuesday 4th December and to report the next meeting of the WEP will be held on Monday 18th February 2008 in the council chamber of the Wellington Town Council offices.

9. TO REPORT PLANNING DECISIONS OF TAUNTON DBC AND SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL (List will be published on supplementary agenda on 7th January 2008)

10. COUNCIL INCOME AND EXPENDITURE TO END OF DECEMBER 2007

11. ACCOUNTS FOR PAYMENT (List will be published on supplementary agenda on 7th January 2008)

12. ANY URGENT MATTER WHICH MAY BE RAISED WITH THE PERMISSION OF THE CHAIRMAN

IN COMMITTEE ITEM:
The council will be asked to pass the following resolution: “That in view of the special/confidential nature of the business about to be transacted, it is advisable in the public interest that the press and/or public be temporarily excluded and they are instructed to withdraw.”

13. TO RECEIVE AND CONSIDER REPORT BY STAFFING COMMITTEE (enclosed: for decision)