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Author: Lindsey Wood

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 6th November 2023

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 6th November 2023 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW. 

 

Present:  Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Glen Ings (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Nick Beale, Aubrey Colman, Rodney Coward, Rachael Hansford, Raymond Hill, George Jeans, Linden Stone, Lesley Traves

Also Town Clerk, Lindsey Wood & Project Co-Ordinator, Roger Pipe + 1 member of public

 

 

Public Session

Clive Hazzard pointed out that the Friends of Mere Museum were looking for new members to join the committee.

Clive Hazzard also wanted to take this opportunity to thank the Chairman of the Town Council for sorting the issues with river cleaning. The Chairman said that he would pass on these thanks to the volunteers involved.

Clive Hazzard also wanted to congratulate all involved in the Firework Display arranged by the Friends of Mere School and wondered if we might be able to help them with the provision of more toilets if they do the event again next year.  The Chairman agreed and said that he was going to write to the committee and congratulate them and would ask them to take on board the toilet provision and perhaps some more police presence may be helpful too.  The Chairman also pointed out that he had been to visit residents in the Edgebridge area to talk about rumble strips etc and they were very pleased to be asked for their opinion.

 

  1. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Philip Coward, Glen Ings and Mrs. K. Symonds.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • Hill declared a personal interest in Minute No. 334c)
  • Jeans declared a personal interest in Minute No. 332a) Planning Application PL/2023/08979

 

  1. Minutes RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 2nd October 2023 be approved as a correct record. (attached)

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session
  • None

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  2. a) Minute Ref: 297 a) – Update on proposals/suggestions for Community Garden location – the Chairman confirmed that he had received a response from the PCC on the suggestion of establishing a community garden in their field in Angel Lane and their answer was a definite ‘no’ in perpetuity. Therefore, the Chairman was wondering about suggesting other property – two pieces of land were given as suggestions which could be accessible with a separate access – one being the triangle of land at the top of the Meads adjacent to the Eric Mitchell Way path which belongs to the Duchy of Cornwall and the other being the triangle of land at the bottom of the cemetery.  It was pointed out that both areas would probably be extremely wet and boggy in the winter but it may be possible to overcome this with the use of raised beds etc.  The Chairman said that he would communicate with the people who wanted to set up the Community Garden.
  3. b) Minute Ref: 265 a) – To authorise the execution of the following documents:
  • Deed of Variation relating to Public Conveniences at Salisbury Street Car Park, Mere between Wiltshire Council & Mere Town Council
  • Licence relating to EV charging spaces at Salisbury Street Car Park, Mere between Mere Town Council and Econetiq Alpha Ltd
  • Operating Agreement relating to EV charging spaces at Salisbury Street Car Park, Mere between Mere Town

The Chairman confirmed that all the documents had been received and the Clerk confirmed that the two leases for the car parks had also been received this morning.  It was therefore agreed that the Chairman & Vice-Chairman should sign all the lease and licence documents for return to the solicitors.

*c) Minute ref: 299 a) Community Governance Review (CGR)  – Pre-Consultation – Information Gathering Survey (in Clerks Report) – Cllr. Jeans abstained because he wishes to remain impartial on this issue.  The Chairman reported that he and the Clerk had attended a pre-consultation meeting via Zoom and he had visited the occupiers of Norwood House who didn’t actually realise that they lived in Zeals.  It would appear that Zeals Parish Council are mounting a petition & there has been some negativity on social media. The Governance Review Committee have an online survey for people to log on and say whether or not they support the proposal so I would urge you all to submit a comment.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Jeans said that most of the items he was going to mention are itemised on the agenda and so he will speak during the relevant items instead of giving a report.

*b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (attached) – with reference to the written report that was distributed to members prior to the meeting, Roger Pipe confirmed that there was a slight update from Enerveo in that in now looked as though it may be necessary to get Southern Electric to carry out the infrastructure work to install the cabling as it would be necessary to cross private land and only they had the statutory power to do that.

In respect of the public toilets, questions were asked relating to Radar Key accessible toilets, vandal resistant equipment, the likely tender process.

In respect of the Footpath 50/66 work, questions were asked about options to provide lighting via solar energy.  Roger explained that there were issues with this as there were areas of the footpaths that are under cover and not enough light would get in.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2023/08979
Application Type: Listed building consent (Alt/Ext)
Proposal: Carry out alterations to provide improved staff facilities.
Site Address: F J CHALKE LTD, SALISBURY STREET, MERE, BA12 6HE
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BDiC4

RESOLVED to recommend the above planning application for approval.  As Cllr. Jeans had declared a personal interest in this application, he refrained from discussion or voting.

Application No: PL/2023/09245
Application Type: Advertisement Consent
Proposal: Replace dated existing window graphics with new printed vinyl graphics and add small box sign to existing fascia signage.
Site Address: Queen Victoria Hall, The Square, Mere.  BA12 6DJ
Planning Register Link:  https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BtJBp

RESOLVED to recommend the above application for approval.

*b) Consultation on Wiltshire Local Plan Pre-Submission Draft 2020-2038 (report circulated to members 30.10.23 via email) – the Chairman thanked the Clerk for providing the information in the report that was submitted to members.  He confirmed that all the consultation documents were now available in Mere Library an that several Mere residents had raised some enquiries with Wiltshire Council officers that had generated responses and correspondence.  However, the consultation was not so much about the content but more about the legal compliance of the draft plan in the sense that it should be consistent with national policy.  You will see that they have allocated 145 houses for the Mere area but there are a number of developments with extant permission that will affect these numbers and this figure will be reviewed in the HLSS review next year.  It does say that our existing infrastructure will not support any large developments although, of course, that does not rule out infill and smaller developments.

There were some diagrams in there showing Mere existing town centre boundary and proposed town centre boundary.  We were a bit shocked about these because they have drawn a dark line around what they call Mere Town Centre which cuts off Castle Street Car Park and various retail outlets.  Cllr. Jeans said he had questioned this but had been told that the boundary is supposed to delineate the retail element of the town only.  The Chairman said he was not wholly happy about this response as the line showing the shopping centre misses out about 8 or 9 shops within the town centre.  It was agreed that the Chairman would write to forward planning and point this out, asking for the rationale and validation behind the boundaries that had been put in these plans.

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports – the Clerk reported that the Parish Steward had carried out some path clearance along Clements Lane and filled some potholes in Denes Avenue today. The Clerk encouraged members to report the Manor Road surface issues on myWilts reporting pages.

*b) Wiltshire Bus Review (Consultation ends 10.11.23) – see Clerks Report & also Minutes of Shaftesbury & Gillingham Area Transport Forum meeting 19.9.23 (attached) – Councillors were urged to respond to the consultation online (link in Clerks Report) by 10th November.

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

*a) To approve/adopt Terms of Reference for football clubs (attached) – the Chairman reported that the football clubs have all seen these terms of reference and agreed to them.  RESOLVED to adopt the Terms of Reference for the football clubs.

  1. b) Mere Croquet & Boules Club – request to reduce rental due to reduced membership the Chairman confirmed that the club was struggling with membership numbers and did not have much in the way of reserves and he was therefore proposing that for this financial year and the next financial year that the Town Council should agree to a reduced rental of £250 p.a. instead of the agreed rental of £500 p.a. but thereafter it must return to the £500 per year previously agreed. Proposal approved.
  2. b) Evaluation of Sports Facilities – the Chairman pointed out that the Town Council managed a lot of sporting facilities for various activities and groups. Most of the groups were happy but there were others that were struggling and he therefore wondered if it would be a good idea to ask for a group of volunteers to assess our sporting facilities to gauge whether or not we are meeting demands and expectations. Cllrs. Sandra Catley, Aubrey Colman, Glen Ings & Lesley Traves agreed to meet up with the Chairman to consider the best approach for this assessment/evaluation.
  3. c) Gravedigging issues and cemetery regulations – Having declared a personal interest in this item, Cllr. Hill was asked to speak on the matter given his knowledge of the situation. He advised members that the gravediggers were facing a problem in the new cemetery in that it was no longer always possible to dig double-depth graves when the weather was wet. The Clerk suggested adding the following clause to the cemetery regulations: ‘Where a double-depth grave has been specified or purchased, every effort will be made to dig a double-depth grave but sometimes this is not possible for safety reasons and in those circumstances the Town Council will offer the family an adjacent grave space alongside so that they can have side-by-side single-depth grave spaces rather than a double-depth grave space.’  Concern was expressed over how this can work when people buy a grave in advance and it was agreed that in those cases, we would need to reserve the adjacent grave and if it is not needed then we could always use it afterwards.  It was also agreed that if graves are side-by-side instead of double-depth then the headstone could go mid-way between the two graves.  Concern expressed over the scenario where someone buys a grave space in advance.  In those cases we reserve the one next door and we can always come back and use that one at a later date if it transpired that it was possible to get a double-depth grave in the first one. If the graves are side-by-side then the headstone could go between the two.

*d) Street Tag Wiltshire (see email received 31.10.23) (attached) – members noted the information that had been circulated.

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – RESOLVED to authorise payments as detailed in the schedule of payments distributed at the meeting. (attached)

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for September 2023 – the Chairman confirmed that he had signed and verified the reconciliations against the bank statements.

*c) Review of Council priority projects and issues (attached) – The Chairman distributed a spreadsheet amongst members and said that he was hoping that councillors would mark the list with an ‘H’ to identify four or five of their higher priorities so that this can be used to help councillors when deliberating the budget figures.  The spreadsheets were collected and it was agreed that the results would be given at the next meeting.

  1. d) Expression of interest to enter into negotiations with Wiltshire Council for the purpose of either purchasing or renting the Mere Salt Depot – the Chairman reported that the Clerk had noted the fact that Mere Salt Depot is likely to become surplus to requirement for Wiltshire Council as they have now procured land elsewhere to build a new a salt depot. We have taken the initiative therefore of writing to Wiltshire Council to express the Town Council’s interest, without prejudice, to enter into negotiations with them for the purposes of either purchasing or renting the depot in the event that they want to dispose of the asset.

 

  1. General Items & Consultations

*a) Consultation on possible changes to Wiltshire Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2024 onward (attached) – the Chairman explained that Wiltshire Council will be offering more reductions in line with the way that people get their benefits.  The important thing is to note is that this is likely to have an impact on the calculation of our tax base for the next financial year which, in turn, is a factor in calculating our precept.  It was hoped that we would receive the final figure in time to set the precept.

  1. b) The future of Mere Chamber of Trade – Cllr. Clive Hazzard explained that he had been drafted in as Chairman of the Chamber of Trade but stated that it had only two members and it was now either necessary to cease operation or regenerate the Chamber. He pointed out that the Mere Chamber does not really have the specialists or consultants that larger businesses can make use of but he wondered whether it might provide a benefit to some of the smaller businesses in Mere. He also felt that the Town Council overlapped in some aspects of Chamber of Trade activities and wondered if the Town Council could take more of a drive on this.  Members generally felt that a Chamber of Trade should exist in some format as it was a completely different voice to the Town Council and it was agreed that four or five councillors would get together with Cllr. Hazzard to discuss the matter further.

*c) Offer to join Rural Market Town Group FOC until end February 2024 and thereafter approx. £100 p.a. (email correspondence copied in Clerks Report) – it was agreed that as the Town Council’s subscriptions were sufficient for the time being.

 

Briefing Notes (all attached)

Briefing Note 23-26: Polling District and Polling Place Review in Wiltshire

Briefing Note 23-27 – Community Governance Review 2023/24

Briefing Note 23-28 – Police and Crime Panel

Briefing Note 23-29 – North Meadows Mitigation Strategy

Briefing Note 23-30 – Consultation on potential changes to Wiltshire Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working-age people

 

  1. Future meetings and events

South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting 29th November 2023 at 6.30 pm in East Knoyle Village Hall – the Chairman pointed out that this Area Board meeting would be discussing Highways with senior officers and members of Wiltshire Council with responsibility for Highways and he therefore anticipated that it would receive good attendance.

 

  1. Future agenda items
  • None

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items in Clerks Report or attached

 

 

Meeting closed at 8.42 pm

 

 

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 2nd October 2023

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 2nd October 2023 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW. 

 

Present:  Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Glen Ings (Vice-Chair), Sandra Catley, Aubrey Colman, Rodney Coward, Rachael Hansford, George Jeans, Linden Stone, Kate Symonds & Lesley Traves

Also Town Clerk, Lindsey Wood & Project Co-Ordinator, Roger Pipe.  Also PC Tom Newman from Wiltshire Police & 5 members of the public

 

 

Public Session

Mr. R. Coombs, Treasurer of Mere Bowls Club spoke in support of their request for grant support towards the cost of drilling the Bowls Green [agenda item 10d)]

 

PC Tom Newman, Neighbourhood officer for Westbury & acting sergeant for the Mere & Tisbury Neighbourhood area.  Aware of ongoing ASB incidents at the Bowls Club, they have identified the suspects involved and will be speaking to them this week.  The person that has been riding around the parks on a motorbike has also been identified and is being dealt with.  PCSO Hunt has offered his apologies for not being able to carry out any drop-in sessions recently but hopefully he will be able to resume this and will also be able to do more foot patrols.  Cllr. Jeans mentioned the lack of police presence lately and PC Newman explained that the full complement of officers for this area should be 1 sergeant, 3 PC’s, 8 PCSO’s but at the moment there is 2 Police Officers and 4 PCSO’s so we are working at under 50% strength.  Cllr. Sandra Catley defended the police and said she felt there was good police presence when and where it was needed & the Clerk said that PCSO Stuart Hunt had been seen in Mere quite a lot lately.

 

  1. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. P. Coward, R. Hill, D. Beale, N. Beale, C. Hazzard,

 

  1. Declarations of Interest – To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • None Received

 

*318. MinutesRESOLVED that the Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 4th September 2023 be approved as a correct record. (attached)

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session
  • None

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  2. a) Minute Reference 306 – River Cleaning – the Chairman reported that the Council had taken advice from both Dorset & Wiltshire Wildlife Trusts and WWT has confirmed that we, as a Council, shouldn’t actually be clearing the river unless there is danger of flooding. However, given the fact that volunteers have come forward to help, the Chairman has met with Ian Sheppard to look at the scale of the work involved and it has been decided to proceed with some weed clearance work on the basis that the volunteers seek permission from the riparian owners to carry out work on their behalf.
  3. b) Minute Reference 306 – Suggestions for footpath naming ‘Mitchell Way’ or similar – the Chairman confirmed that Cllr. Hazzard had discussed the matter with Eric’s daughter who was very pleased and wanted it to be called the Eric Mitchell Way. The Chairman was therefore suggesting that we should name footpaths 50 and 66 the Eric Mitchell Way and put signs at either end when we carry out the work that our Project Manager will report on later. All agreed.
  4. c) Minute Reference 307a) – Traffic Management in Mere – report on Hazzards Hill residents consultation relating to parking and double-yellow lines – the Chairman reported that following a recent consultation exercise with residents on Hazzards Hill, the general response was for double yellow lines from the White Road turning down to Yapp Brothers (past the entrance) and the same the other side less an area for three parking bays outside the cottages but this could be staggered to include a length of double-yellow lines to allow for a pull-in between the parking bays. It was therefore agreed to include this in the Town Council’s submission to LHFIG.

*d) Minute Reference 307a) – Traffic Management in Mere – Clements Lane/Edgebridge – speed of traffic and pedestrians in roadway. (report attached)

8*b) Highway Improvement Request Form – request for barrier, bollards or railing to segregate pedestrians from traffic and speed signs to reduce the speed limit to 15-20 mph and traffic calming along Edgebridge. (form attached)

The Chairman said he was going to take agenda items 5d) & 8b) together as they were linked items and whilst he didn’t think it would be possible to produce barriers, bollards and railings to segregate pedestrians from vehicles, he had produced a report and a map which showed some improvements that he thought the Town Council might be able to instigate to help slow the traffic and warn drivers of pedestrians in the roadway.  The Chairman’s suggestion was to reinstate the SLOW marking on the road coming from the south direction (in fact this had been done thanks to a report submitted on MyWilts by a member of the public) and to introduce a similar SLOW marking on the road coming from Clements Lane with a sharp bend and signs saying pedestrians on highway (no footway) on both sides of the bend.  Other councillors felt that more action needed to be taken to physically slow traffic and it was unanimously agreed to suggest that rumble strips on the highway should be included in the submission to the Local Highways & Footpath Improvement Group (LHFIG).  There was then a discussion about whether or not the Town Council should produce evidence and data of speeds and traffic, but it was generally felt that this was unnecessary and that councillors & local residents could provide the evidence if required.

*e) Minute Reference 307d) – Wiltshire Towns Programme 2024-25 (report attached) – a DRAFT action plan was distributed to members and the Chairman invited comments.  Members were happy with the suggestions in the Draft Action Plan and it was agreed to submit this as Mere Town Council’s bid for the Wiltshire Towns Programme 2024-25 funding.

*f) Minute Reference307f) & 307g) – To agree terms for lease for Salisbury Street Car Park & Castle Street Car Park (see Clerks Report) – it was felt that the Town Council & Wiltshire Council had negotiated on the leases to a point where they could be signed off & the Chairman proposed that both leases be signed which as agreed on a vote of 9 for and 1 abstention (Cllr. Jeans abstained)

*g) Minute Reference 312e) – LHFIG Funding Model – response from Karen Linaker (see Clerks Report) – members noted the information in the Clerks Report.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Cllr. Jeans stressed the importance of taking part in the Wiltshire Local Plan Consultation and said that there were various events being held throughout the county as well as online, although you needed to register to take part in the online events. The Chairman asked Cllr. Jeans to take forward a complaint regarding the fact that the Local Plan documents were being made available to view in 17 libraries throughout Wiltshire and yet Mere library had not been included.

*b) Project Co-ordinator’s report (report, plans and visuals attached [5 attachments]) – The Town Council’s Project Co-Ordinator, Roger Pipe, was at the meeting and was able to explain, provide more detail and answer questions on the items in his written report – mainly about the footpath 50/66 improvement project and the refurbishment of the public toilets.  On the footpath 50/66 and the design proposals put forward by Enerveo for lighting, Roger confirmed that he was liaising with Paul Shaddock, Senior Traffic Engineer for Wiltshire Council on this scheme who was being supportive & has asked his street lighting team to view the scheme.  Roger did remind members that the work would require a footpath closure and that three months’ notice of this was required and so timing was going to be crucial. There was a question about running costs & maintenance costs for the lights and suggestions that the lights be put on timers so that they go out at a certain time and/or have sensors so that they get brighter.  The Chairman felt that the scheme would be a great benefit for Mere & thanked Roger for the work involved in getting this far.  On the subject of the public toilet refurbishments, Cllr. Colman said that he estimated this scheme would cost £100k and that, if this was the case, it would make sense to go out to national tender to get a company that would do all the work for us and provide us with a 10-year guarantee with a maintenance contract and a cleaning contract.  Cllr. Jeans asked if it would be possible to have a pay-to-use toilet that people could use at night if they were desperate even if it were a high charge – he said that if it was a high charge, say £1, then it would stop vandals from going in there but would enable someone who needed a toilet to use it if they wanted to.

  1. c) Report on South west Wiltshire Area Board meeting held on Wednesday, 20th September 2023 – Cllr Jeans confirmed that Mere Youth Football Club had received a grant which was approved under delegated powers and also he had asked the Police & Crime Commissioner for more police presence locally.
  2. d) Report on LHFIG meeting held on Wednesday, 6th September 2023 – It was reported that both Cllr. Debbie Beale & Nick Beale attended the meeting and reported to the Clerk that nothing relevant to Mere was discussed.
  3. e) Lynch Close Sheltered Housing Review – report on meeting held 13.9.23 – The Chairman reported that both he and Cllr. Jeans had attended this meeting which was called by the residents and had been attended by officers of Wiltshire Council as well. Subsequent newsletters had also been issued by Wiltshire Council.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:
Application No: PL/2023/07320
Application Type: Removal/variation of conditions
Proposal: Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) on 16/12085/FUL to allow for changes to materials and design
Site Address: Ashwell Nursery, Burton, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BR
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001C2emD

 

RESOLVED to send the following submission: This is a retrospective planning application for a barn that has been built.  Permission was given for a hay barn to be built on this site in early 2017 and a variation of condition – relating to materials (roof tiles) was submitted and approved later on in 2017.  The barn that has been erected has breached the planning approval in several respects – materials, height (it is nearly 3m higher) and design.  The Town Council’s opinion is that the barn that has been erected on the site is far too high and dominates the landscape creating an unacceptable visual impact.  It is also felt that a pedestrian door, window and two stories for an agricultural barn is unnecessary and superfluous making the building look non-agricultural, urbane and out of character.  Members felt that the barn should be rebuilt to the plans as specified in the planning approval granted under 16/12085/FUL and 17/08466/VAR.   If the planning authority is, however, minded to approve this variation then the Town Council feels extremely strongly that the following condition should be included:

Conditions: The agricultural barn as shown on the Site Plan (Drawing No.02 dated Aug 2023) shall be used for agricultural purposes only and shall be maintained for this use in perpetuity. No paraphernalia unrelated to the approved agricultural use of the barn shall be brought onto or stored within it.

In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.

  1. b) Reminder of Local Plan Consultation event – the Chairman reminded members that the local drop-in event was on Wednesday at the Nadder Centre, Tisbury.

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.
  • Fill potholes in Denes Avenue
  • Fill potholes in Manor Road
  • Pothole on zebra crossing on White Road

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

Chairman informed members that work was taking place on quotations for the second phase of works in the new cemetery.

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  PaymentsRESOLVED to authorise payments as detailed in the schedule of payments distributed to members.

*b) To note the bank reconciliation for August 2023 – the Chairman confirmed that he had signed and verified the reconciliations against the bank statements.

*c) To report on Completion of limited assurance review (external audit) for the year ended 31 March 2023 & Notice  of conclusion of audit. (see attached) – the Clerk confirmed that the audit had been signed off and Certificate of Completion received.  However, the Clerk said that she had made an error with the arithmetic which had let to an ‘except for’ matter being raised because Section 2 box 6 of the AGAR listed a capital expenditure item for a defibrillator at £1070 which should have been included in Section 2 box 9 of the AGAR (assets).  Members noted this and  thanked the Clerk for all the work involved in the audit process.

*d) To consider request for grant support from Mere Bowls Club (see attached) – members noted the letter received from Mere Bowls Club as well as the information given by Richard Coombs during the public session.  Cllr. Symonds felt it was a shame that the work had been sanctioned before this meeting. Cllr. Ings felt that the Town Council had recently said ‘no’ or provided minimal funds to various other sporting organisations asking for financial support and it was pointed out that there were funds available to sporting groups by Sport England and also from the South West Wiltshire Area Board.  The Chairman proposed that the Town Council should provide 10% or £400 as seed money for the Bowls Club to seek further funding from other organisations/bodies and this was approved with a vote of 9 for and 1 abstention.  (Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting as he is a member of the Bowls Club).

*e) Review of the policies, procedures and practices – Review of Freedom of Information Menu (see attached)RESOLVED that the Freedom of Information Menu be approved without amendment.

  1. f) To set date, membership and venue for Annual Budget Meeting – the Annual Budget Meeting was set for 22nd November 2023 to be held in the Andy Young Pavilion at 7.00 pm. The following councillors agreed to attend: Glen Ings, Rachael Hansford, George Jeans, Lesley Traves, Aubrey Colman, Sandra Catley, John Jordan + Clive Hazzard and Philip Coward if they are able to attend.

 

  1. General Items
  2. a) Request to appoint a representative of the Town Council forward as a Trustee to the Mere Lecture Hall Trust – Concern was expressed that if the Town Council puts someone forward as a Trustee for one Charity then we may get an influx of local charities asking us to put forward Trustees. However, Cllr. Sandra Catley said that she would happily volunteer to become a Trustee for the Mere Lecture Hall Trust and it was agreed to pass this information onto the Lecture Hall Trust.
  3. b) The future of Mere Chamber of Trade – Cllr. Clive Hazzard – deferred

 

Briefing Note 23-24: Workplace Health Support in Wiltshire  (attached) – noted.

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached                              Meeting closed at 8.28 pm

Agenda for Town Council meeting to be held on Monday, 6th November 2023

 

1st November 2023

 

 

Dear Councillor,

 

You are summoned to a meeting of Mere Town Council to be held on Monday, 6th November 2023 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW.  The meeting will consider the items set out below.

 

Before the meeting there will be a public session to enable the people of Mere to ask questions of, and make comments, regarding the Town Council.  Questions not answered at this meeting will be answered in writing to the person asking the question, or may appear as an agenda item for the next meeting.  Members of the public are asked to restrict their comments, and/or questions to three minutes.

Please Note: By entering the meeting room you are consenting to the use of your name being recorded in the Minutes.  The meeting may also be recorded by the press or members of the public.  Any person or organisation choosing to film, record or broadcast any meeting of the Council or its committees is responsible for any claims or other liability resulting from them so doing and by choosing to film, record or broadcast proceedings they accept that they are required to indemnify the Council, its members and officers in relation to any such claims or liabilities.

Any person who may find difficulty in access to the meeting through disability is asked to advise the Clerk by email (lindseywood@merewilts.org) at least 24 hours before the meeting so that every effort may be made to provide access.

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Lindsey Wood,

Town Clerk & RFO

 

 

Public Participation Session

Members of the public are invited to address the Council on any issue over which it has a power. This session will be limited to 15 minutes (3 minutes per speaker). The Chairman will convene the Town Council meeting after the public session (please note that once the meeting has been convened members of the public are no longer permitted to speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman).

 

AGENDA

  1. Apologies – To receive apologies for absence.
  2. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

2.1 To receive declarations of interest from councillors on items on the agenda

2.2 To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interests (if any)

2.3 To grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate

A request for dispensation must be made on an individual basis

 

Members are invited to declare disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests in items on the agenda as required by the Mere Town Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.  The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.  If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item, you must immediately disclose it.  Whether you can remain in the meeting and the extent to which you can participate depends on the type of interest you have.

 

  1. Minutes – To resolve that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 2nd October 2023 be approved as a correct record. (attached)

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  2. a) Minute Ref: 297 a) – Update on proposals/suggestions for Community Garden location
  3. b) Minute Ref: 265 a) – To authorise the execution of the following documents:
  • Deed of Variation relating to Public Conveniences at Salisbury Street Car Park, Mere between Wiltshire Council & Mere Town Council
  • Licence relating to EV charging spaces at Salisbury Street Car Park, Mere between Mere Town Council and Econetiq Alpha Ltd
  • Operating Agreement relating to EV charging spaces at Salisbury Street Car Park, Mere between Mere Town

*c) Minute ref: 299 a) Community Governance Review (CGR)  – Pre-Consultation – Information Gathering Survey (in Clerks Report)

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

*b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (attached)

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2023/08979
Application Type: Listed building consent (Alt/Ext)
Proposal: Carry out alterations to provide improved staff facilities.
Site Address: F J CHALKE LTD, SALISBURY STREET, MERE, BA12 6HE
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BDiC4

*b) Consultation on Wiltshire Local Plan Pre-Submission Draft 2020-2038 (report circulated to members 30.10.23 via email)

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.

*b) Wiltshire Bus Review (Consultation ends 10.11.23) – see Clerks Report & also Minutes of Shaftesbury & Gillingham Area Transport Forum meeting 19.9.23 (attached)

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

*a) To approve/adopt Terms of Reference for football clubs (attached)

  1. b) Mere Croquet & Boules Club – request to reduce rental due to reduced membership
  2. b) Evaluation of Sports Facilities
  3. c) Gravedigging issues and cemetery regulations

*d) Street Tag Wiltshire (see email received 31.10.23) (attached)

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (attached)

  1. b) To note the reconciliations for September 2023; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen

*c) Review of Council priority projects and issues (attached)

  1. d) Expression of interest to enter into negotiations with Wiltshire Council for the purpose of either purchasing or renting the Mere Salt Depot.

 

  1. General Items & Consultations

*a) Consultation on possible changes to Wiltshire Council’s Council Tax Reduction Scheme 2024 onward (attached)

  1. b) The future of Mere Chamber of Trade – Cllr. Clive Hazzard – deferred

*c) Offer to join Rural Market Town Group FOC until end February 2024 and thereafter approx. £100 p.a. (email correspondence copied in Clerks Report)

 

Briefing Notes (all attached)

Briefing Note 23-26: Polling District and Polling Place Review in Wiltshire

Briefing Note 23-27 – Community Governance Review 2023/24

Briefing Note 23-28 – Police and Crime Panel

Briefing Note 23-29 – North Meadows Mitigation Strategy

Briefing Note 23-30 – Consultation on potential changes to Wiltshire Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working-age people

 

  1. Future meetings and events

South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting 29th November 2023 at 6.30 pm in East Knoyle Village Hall

 

  1. Future agenda items

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items in Clerks Report or attached

 

 

 

 

Agenda for Town Council meeting to be held on 2nd October 2023

27th September 2023

 

Dear Councillor,

 

You are summoned to a meeting of Mere Town Council to be held on Monday, 2nd October 2023 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW.  The meeting will consider the items set out below.

 

Before the meeting there will be a public session to enable the people of Mere to ask questions of, and make comments, regarding the Town Council.  Questions not answered at this meeting will be answered in writing to the person asking the question, or may appear as an agenda item for the next meeting.  Members of the public are asked to restrict their comments, and/or questions to three minutes.

Please Note: By entering the meeting room you are consenting to the use of your name being recorded in the Minutes.  The meeting may also be recorded by the press or members of the public.  Any person or organisation choosing to film, record or broadcast any meeting of the Council or its committees is responsible for any claims or other liability resulting from them so doing and by choosing to film, record or broadcast proceedings they accept that they are required to indemnify the Council, its members and officers in relation to any such claims or liabilities.

Any person who may find difficulty in access to the meeting through disability is asked to advise the Clerk by email (lindseywood@merewilts.org) at least 24 hours before the meeting so that every effort may be made to provide access.

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Lindsey Wood,

Town Clerk & RFO

 

Public Participation Session

Members of the public are invited to address the Council on any issue over which it has a power. This session will be limited to 15 minutes (3 minutes per speaker). The Chairman will convene the Town Council meeting after the public session (please note that once the meeting has been convened members of the public are no longer permitted to speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman).

 

AGENDA

  1. Apologies – To receive apologies for absence.

 

  1. Declarations of Interest – To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

2.1 To receive declarations of interest from councillors on items on the agenda

2.2 To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interests (if any)

2.3 To grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate

A request for dispensation must be made on an individual basis

 

Members are invited to declare disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests in items on the agenda as required by the Mere Town Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.  The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.  If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item, you must immediately disclose it.  Whether you can remain in the meeting and the extent to which you can participate depends on the type of interest you have.

 

*3. Minutes – To resolve that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 4th September 2023 be approved as a correct record. (attached)

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  2. a) Minute Reference 306 – River Cleaning
  3. b) Minute Reference 306 – Suggestions for footpath naming ‘Mitchell Way’ or similar.
  4. c) Minute Reference 307a) – Traffic Management in Mere – report on Hazzards Hill residents consultation relating to parking and double-yellow lines.

*d) Minute Reference 307a) – Traffic Management in Mere – Clements Lane/Edgebridge – speed of traffic and pedestrians in roadway. (report attached)

*e) Minute Reference 307d) – Wiltshire Towns Programme 2024-25 (report attached)

*f) Minute Reference307f) & 307g) – To agree terms for lease for Salisbury Street Car Park & Castle Street Car Park (see Clerks Report)

*g) Minute Reference 312e) – LHFIG Funding Model – response from Karen Linaker (see Clerks Report)

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

*b) Project Co-ordinator’s report (report, plans and visuals attached [5 attachments])

  1. c) Report on South west Wiltshire Area Board meeting held on Wednesday, 20th September 2023
  2. d) Report on LHFIG meeting held on Wednesday, 6th September 2023
  3. e) Lynch Close Sheltered Housing Review – report on meeting held 13.9.23

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:
Application No: PL/2023/07320
Application Type: Removal/variation of conditions
Proposal: Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) on 16/12085/FUL to allow for changes to materials and design
Site Address: Ashwell Nursery, Burton, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BR
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001C2emD

 

  1. b) Reminder of Local Plan Consultation event

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.

*b) Highway Improvement Request Form – request for barrier, bollards or railing to segregate pedestrians from traffic and speed signs to reduce the speed limit to 15-20 mph and traffic calming along Edgebridge. (form attached)

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (draft schedule attached)

*b) To note the bank reconciliation for August 2023; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen

*c) To report on Completion of limited assurance review (external audit) for the year ended 31 March 2023 & Notice  of conclusion of audit. (see attached)

*d) To consider request for grant support from Mere Bowls Club (see attached)

  1. e) Review of the policies, procedures and practices – Review of Freedom of Information Menu (see attached)
  2. f) To set date, membership and venue for Annual Budget Meeting

 

  1. General Items
  2. a) Request to appoint a representative of the Town Council forward as a Trustee to the Mere Lecture Hall Trust.
  3. b) The future of Mere Chamber of Trade – Cllr. Clive Hazzard

 

Briefing Note 23-24: Workplace Health Support in Wiltshire  (attached)

 

  1. Future meetings and events

 

  1. Future agenda items

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

 

Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Monday, 4th September 2023

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 4th September 2023 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW.  

 

Present: Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Glen Ings (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Nick Beale, Aubrey Colman, Rodney Coward, Clive Hazzard, Raymond Hill, George Jeans, Kate Symonds & Lesley Traves

Also Inspector Harmsworth from Wiltshire Police & 5 members of the public

 

Public Session

Mr. Ives suggested that the Town Council might like to name a footpath across The Meads or the new pedestrian way around Edgebridge the Mitchell Way after the late Eric Mitchell of Two Counties Farm.  The Chairman said that this was a kind thought and one which the Town Council would discuss.

Sharon Hollick spoke about the increased volume of traffic around Edgebridge, the speed of the traffic and the lack of pavement or even signage warning drivers that there is no footway and there is a likelihood of pedestrians in the road.  She asked for the ‘SLOW’ markings in the road to be repainted and said that ‘DEAD SLOW’ would be preferable.  The Chairman said he was aware that there used to be signage in the vicinity warning drivers that there is no footway and Cllr. Jeans said that he had been informed that even replacement signs would need to be applied for via the LHFIG route.

Mr. Collin Senneck spoke in favour of his proposals to improve and continue using the Old Swimming Pool site for pétanque (as circulated to the Town Council members with their agenda papers).

Mr. Ian Sheppard spoke about the difficulties being faced by many of the residents along Waterside in carrying out their riparian ownership responsibilities in clearing the river – some properties are empty and other properties have very elderly residents and it is not easy to maintain that stretch of river.  He asked if the Town Council could help cleaning the stream and said that if some help could be provided to get it to a certain standard then it may be possible for them to keep it maintained at that standard.  Cllr. Kate Symonds said that the Town Councillors have no responsibility or powers to deal with the rivers but pointed out that there are a few councillors who show an interest in the rivers and attend the Rivers Group meetings.  Cllr. Rodney Coward volunteered his son to help with clearing the weed.

The Chairman reminded the meeting that Mere Annual Carnival will be held on 16th September.

Insp. Harmsworth spoke about the local crime data analysis.  He said that his team were aware of the anti-social behaviour and who was responsible and that this was being dealt with.  With reference to speeding, he said that his speed enforcement officers would like to know if there were any specific locations that were causing concern and they would come out and carry out some speed enforcement activity – email locations to  warminsterareacpt@wiltshire.police.uk.   If you are interested in setting up community speedwatch teams then their teams would come out to carry out traffic surveys in areas to see if these can be instigated and/or speed indicator devices being installed – contact communityspeedwatch@wiltshire.police.uk   There are quite a few operations going on relating to rural crime, i.e. hare coursing and theft of farm machinery. We continue to hold local drop in sessions – and I am publishing a monthly report to let people know what is going on add what the local police are doing in your area.

Rodney Coward asked about fly tipping and pointed out that this is becoming a big problem for farmers.  Insp Harmsworth suggested that the farmers should e-mail in details of the fly tipping to the community police team and also report it to Wiltshire Council who have powers to deal with fly tipping.

 

  1. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Sandra Catley & Philip Coward. RESOLVED to waive S. 85 LGA 1972 (6-month rule) in respect of long-term absence for Cllr. Philip Coward due to personal circumstances.

 

  1. Declarations of Interest – To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • Lesley Traves declared a pecuniary interest in Planning Application Ref: PL/2023/04023
  • George Jeans declared a personal interest in the Car Park Leases.

 

  1. Minutes RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 3rd July 2023 & Delegated Decision Report dated 1.8.23 be approved as a correct record.

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

River Cleaning – some members felt that the Town Council should provide the manpower to clean out the river but the Clerk informed members that the Town Council does not have the powers to look after water courses unless they are in such a state as to be prejudicial to health (i.e. stagnant water).  The Clerk also mentioned that it might be worth contacting Wiltshire Wildlife Trust as they may be able to bring volunteers or at least provide the insurance/risk assessments for our own volunteers to do some of the work.  The Chairman said that he would bring this back to the October meeting by which time he hoped to have some positive information from Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and an action plan for volunteers to carry out the river clearing.

Footpath naming – the Chairman said that this would be discussed at the next meeting and, in the meantime, Cllr. Hazzard agreed to discuss the matter with Eric Mitchell’s family to see if they were happy about the proposal to name a footpath/route after him.

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) Minute Reference 268b) Traffic Management in Mere – Report from Working Group (in Clerks Report) – the Chairman said that he had numbered the paragraphs as requests numbered 1 – 5 and that request No. 4 should say repaint the SLOW sign.  It was agreed to consider and submit the requests separately so that one request does not hold up another one. Requests 1 – 3 were approved.  With regard to request No. 4 – Cllr. Jeans warned that there could be some resistance from residents which may cause some issues with progressing this.  There were also concerns that double-yellow lines on both sides of the road may cause traffic to travel too fast.  Some councillors thought the idea of a priority give-way system with parking at the side might be a solution but Cllr. Jeans said that this was extremely expensive.  It was agreed to do some local consultation on this particular request.  With regard to request No. 5 – it was mentioned that having a disabled space at the end nearest the clock tower would mean that a disabled driver would be getting out onto the road which may cause conflict but it was felt that the highways officers would advise on this.

The Chairman said that the position at Edgebridge could well become request No. 6 as this was well deserving of ‘caution’ signs at least that say there is no footway on both sides and also ‘SLOW’ markings on the road and that this particular matter would be discussed at the next meeting.  The Chairman also said that he and the Vice-Chairman would carry out some consultation with residents in Hazzards Hill in relation to request No. 4.

  1. b) Minute Reference 296b) Highway Improvement Request Forms – the working group’s recommendation on the request for the installation of a ‘No Through Road’ sign at the junction of The Fields/Hazzards Hill was as follows: “As of April 2022 the cost of a warning or regulatory sign on a new signpost is estimated between £300 and £520 dependant on size (this is without external illumination).  Applying an inflation rate of 7% that would now bring the cost to between £321 and £556.  The Town Council’s financial contribution of 25% would therefore be £80 or £139.  Given the Town Council’s financial constraints and considering the number of households that this would affect, members felt that they could not recommend this request for submission to LHFIG as we could be asked for many similar considerations from residents in other areas.” The Town Council agreed with this recommendation.

The working group’s recommendation on the request for a 20mph speed limit and central white line at junction of Manor Road & Castle Street was as follows:  “This would be a very major project that would require assessments, surveys as well as new Traffic Regulation Orders, signage and possibly some kind of physical traffic calming measures – the cost of which could fall somewhere between £50,000 & £100,000, possibly more.  This would require a contribution of between £12,500 and £25,000 from the Town Council.  Whilst the Town Council could consider this as a viable contribution if it were to guarantee improved highway safety, pedestrian safety, retain existing on-street parking for shoppers and visitors, we felt that it would be unlikely that the 20mph speed limit would be enforced by any authorities and that it could, in turn, become even more dangerous giving drivers a false sense of security and encouraging them to come out onto the road thinking that traffic would only be driving at 20mph.  At the present time, we felt unable to recommend this request for submission to LHFIG – the working group have recommended, however, to submit a request to re-instate the white central line from The Malthouse, Castle Street to The Brainwave Shop in Salisbury Street and to request a sign at the junction of Castle Street & Manor Road between the former Lloyd’s Bank and Walton’s Antiques, warning motorists turning into Manor Road that there is no footpath for 400 yards and/or pedestrians in the road.  These requests may help to alleviate some concerns.  A 20mph speed limit may be something that we will need to consider in the future but it will need to be an all-encompassing and very comprehensive scheme, following extensive consultation with businesses and residents.”  The Town Council agreed with this recommendation.  Agreed to raise the notion of a 20mph limit for Mere as an agenda item for the Annual Town Meeting next April so that the public have an opportunity to join the debate on this.

  1. c) Minute Reference 298 b) – Wiltshire Towns Programme 2022-23 – the Chairman reported that the Town Council is proceeding with the programme for expenditure as planned i.e. the Mere circular path to include waymarkers and illustrative map. We are also going to join VisitWiltshire to see if they can help to boost footfall and increase visitors to the Town and this is going to cost £450.  We have received five requests for financial help towards publicising events from Mere Carnival, Mere Literary Festival, Mere Footpath Group, Friends of Mere Church & Healthy Mere Walking.
  2. d) Minute Reference 298 c) Wiltshire Towns Programme 2023-24 – We are able to get £5000 again but have to put in a detailed plan of how we propose to spend the money and the expenditure needs to help boost footfall and increase visitors to the town. One idea was an intelligent noticeboard outside the town which would display events and notices & QR codes for residents and visitors. Another idea was to put on a large event which could be organised professionally.  The Chairman said he would try and circulate some suggestions to members for the next meeting and told members to let him know if they had anything they wanted to include.
  3. e) Minute Reference 265a) Lease for EV charger in Salisbury Street Car Park – The Clerk said that she just wanted to report that the lease is waiting for Wiltshire Council to give final approval and then our solicitor is going to send out the engrossment documents for signing.
  4. f) Minute Reference 276c) Lease for Salisbury Street Car Park – the Clerk had distributed a report to councillors as follows: Please find attached the lease plan for the Salisbury Street Car Park & the lease plan for the Castle Street Car Park.  You will see from the ‘T’ markings that we will be responsible for ALL the boundary fences/walls around the car park.  I would really like to reach a conclusion with the solicitors on the outstanding issues which are:
  • Wiltshire Council have confirmed they are not willing to allow overnight sleeping, lorry drivers and camper vehicles for the following reasons:

The Council is concerned with issues, and costs of remedying such issues in relation to nuisance, (particularly for adjoining properties), and covenants to keep the land clean and tidy. Larger vehicles will increase wear and tear on the car park and would require enhanced safety measures. Lorry drivers and campers and mobile homes do leave behind a degree of waste and a 24-hour restriction would be hard to enforce. The other issue in allowing overnight sleepers, mobile homes, and caravans, with a 24hour time restriction, is that it would hinder the removal of travellers should they come onto the car park.

  • They also noted that that the 2013 lease to the Town Council excluded storage of any caravan or movable dwelling, defined the opening hours of the car park as being between 8 and 4pm and permitted vehicles under a weight of 1525kg. It also prohibited sleeping accommodation.
  • With regards to the schedule of condition and photos taken by the Town Council, they are taking instructions, but feels it will be unnecessary unless improvements have been made during the last 10 years, as you are still responsible for the repairing responsibilities of the last 10 years during the previous lease. The Council does not want to evidence the condition now if it is the same or worse condition – which is reasonable, as it means you will be absolved of the responsibility of the previous lease.

The Clerk said that, since sending this out, she had looked back on the old lease and the new draft lease and could find nothing in either of them that said the car park’s opening hours were between 8am and 4pm and neither could she find anything in either of them about a weight restriction of 1525kg.  RESOLVED that the Chairman & Vice-Chairman are delegated to clear up these two particular matters to reach a point where the lease can be signed.

  1. g) Minute Reference 276d) Lease for Castle Street Car Park – RESOLVED to delegate to Chair & Vice-Chair to clear up the outstanding matters

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Cllr. Jeans started to give a report on a Community Resilience Event he had recently attended in Tidworth but was called away from the meeting unavoidably. It was therefore agreed that Cllr. Jeans should get together with the Clerk to produce a written report of this meeting to present to members.

*b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (two attachments) Cllr. Colman raised a question relating to the balance of S.106 funds and the Clerk said that she would send members a more detailed breakdown of this balance.  The Chairman said that he was interested to read that the estimated costs for the footpath lighting should be available in September and so he was hopeful that the Council may be able to approve some costs at the next meeting.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response: In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on all planning applications below.

 

Application No: PL/2023/06092
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Conversion of redundant butchers’ shop into a two-bedroom studio apartment
Site Address: W H DAVIE AND SON, ANGEL LANE, MERE
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BKE25

The Clerk read out an objection letter that had been sent in by a resident relating to this application.  RESOLVED to object to this planning application for the following reasons:  Whilst members of the Town Council noted that other commercial premises along this road had been converted to residential premises, they expressed very grave concern about the fact that this would be yet another residential property without any parking provision whatsoever.  There is no parking provision either off-street or on-street.  It is not possible to park outside the property without blocking Angel Lane completely, parking in Angel Lane is already congested and parking in the Town Centre is congested.  Furthermore, members felt that the access into and out of the property straight onto the lane was dangerous and that the plans did not preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the Conservation Area.

Application No: PL/2023/04023
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Two Storey Extension to provide additional accommodation
Site Address: SPRINGWATER COTTAGE, MILL LANE, MERE, BA12 6DA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001Ac12O

Cllr. Mrs. Traves, having declared a pecuniary interest in this planning application, left the room whilst this application was considered.  Members felt that this extension could easily be converted to provide separate accommodation.  The Town Council RESOLVED to approve the above application ON CONDITION that the extension provides ancillary accommodation to the property known as Springwater Cottage only and cannot be rented out, occupied or sold off separately.  Services must be shared with the main house and it should have no separate access or separate garden.

 

Application No: PL/2023/06825
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: removal of the existing roof, increase pitch and form new roof with dormers
Site Address: WHITEHILL HOUSE, SWAINSFORD, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6JU
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BLYeT

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

 

Application No: PL/2023/06930
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Proposed Single Storey Replacement Dwelling
Site Address: Forgurls, Mill Lane, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6DA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BLqLG

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

Application No: PL/2023/07176
Application Type: Hedgerow removal notice
Proposal: Wessex Water are carrying out the installation of a new water pipeline to support water levels in the Shreen Water in Mere, Wiltshire. The temporary removal of sections of hedgerow (1 x 6m section (H2) is required in order to facilitate these works – provide access to the working area for construction vehicles. These hedgerow sections will replanted as per STD 836.
Site Address:
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BMGiC

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

 

The Clerk informed members that the planning application for another dwelling at Underdown Mead has just been approved (the Town Council objected to this on grounds of overdevelopment and insufficient parking).

*b)  Planning Inspectorate appeal decision & costs decision for PL/2022/06387 – Breaches Barn, Barrow Street, Mere.  BA12 6AB (2 attachments) – Noted

*c) Wiltshire Council Local Plan Consultation – in-person and online events.  Members noted the information in the Clerks Report and the Chairman confirmed that the event for Mere will be held in Tisbury on 4th October.

*d) DLUHC Consultation on Local Plans (attached) – The Chairman said he would look through this and try to come up with a response.

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports – the Clerk reported on the jobs that had been carried out by the Parish Steward during his last visit.

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

*a) Petanque proposals for the old swimming pool site (attached) – members agreed that they did not want to make a decision on this facility that would have an impact on this particular site in isolation at the present time when it would probably be more prudent to look at the bigger picture and future potential sites/facilities that Mere might be able to offer and would benefit from.  The Chairman agreed to speak to Mr. Senneck and explain the situation.

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  PaymentsRESOLVED to authorise payments as detailed in the schedule of payments distributed to members.  The Clerk reported that she had paid the Kompan invoice eventually, after some extensive correspondence, and had managed to get a total reduction of £1723.78 for items that were invoiced but not used by the construction company.

*b) To note the reconciliations for June & July 2023 – the Chairman confirmed that he had signed and verified the reconciliations against the bank statements.

*c) To consider and approve Budget/Expenditure report @ 31.7.23 (report attached) – the Clerk confirmed that there was a deficit of £11,233.75 at the end of July but this is explained by the overspend of £11,700 on the two mowers.

  1. d) To consider quotation to provide internal audit for 2023/24 accounting period – quotation for the same internal auditor as last year would cost £560 for 2023/24 (£535 for 2022/23). RESOLVED to appoint internal auditor as quoted.

*e) LHFIG Funding Model and suggestion for parishes to contribute more, contributions to be means tested and/or larger parishes to contribute more than smaller parishes (Clerks Report) – The Clerk had circulated a report outlining her thoughts on these suggestions.  RESOLVED that the Town Council should submit the Clerk’s thoughts as their formal collective response to the Area Board & LHFIG Committee.  Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this.

*f) Review of council’s complaints procedure (attached)RESOLVED that the Council’s Complaints Procedure be approved without amendment.

 

  1. General Items
  2. a) To amend standing orders in relation to recording minutes and to set a defined period for keeping recorded minutes RESOLVED to keep recorded Minutes (the recording) for a period of 18 months on the Council’s computer. Printed Minutes are kept indefinitely and stored by way of hard copy and electronically.

Briefing Notes:

*Briefing Note 23-20 – Air Quality Action Plan and Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) consultations (attached)

*Briefing Note no. 23-22 Wiltshire & Swindon Tree Warden Scheme (attached)

*Briefing Note No. 23-23: Waste Sorting at Wiltshire’s Household Recycling Centres (attached)

 

  1. Future meetings and events
  2. a) Invitation to The Tower Stories Launch Party – Friday, 8th September in St. Michael’s Church at 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm Mrs. Traves said that she would be attending this event.
  3. b) LHFIG meeting is on Wednesday, 6th September at 2.00 pm Debbie Beale & Nick Beale said that they would be attending this event.
  4. c) Mere School Firework event Duchy Manor, 4th November

 

  1. Future agenda items

The future of Mere Chamber of Trade – Cllr. Clive Hazzard

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

 

*Further information on these items either in Clerks Report or attached.

 

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

For Trustees to consider the following:

 

Request from Mere Youth Football Club to re-erect fixed goals on the second pitch on Mere Recreation Ground.

The Clerk said that she had spoken to Cllr. Catley today (football representative) who had requested that this item be deferred as she could not be present.  However, Cllr. Ings said that this needed to be resolved as the season was starting.  He therefore suggested that if the youth football club wanted to buy fixed goals then the posts should be inserted into sleeves – the idea being that the sleeves are fixed into the ground and the goal posts can be fitted into the sleeves with the goal posts in place from September until April and then removed by taking them out of the sleeves and freeing up the space for the summer.  Alternatively, the youth football club could buy pop-up posts if they felt that these would be easier to store out of season.  Members unanimously agreed with this suggestion and felt it was a good compromise.

 

Request from Wessex Internet to lay fibre to Seeds4Success – the Clerk said that following a meeting with them on site, they now appeared to be reconsidering their options and so this would probably be raised again at a future meeting.

Delegated Decision report 1st August 2023

 Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

DELEGATED DECISION REPORT _- 1st AUGUST 2023:

Due to the fact that the Town Council has no meeting in August and in accordance with the Town Council’s Delegated Decision Scheme, after consultation with members via email and discussions between the Clerk and Chairman, the following delegated decisions were made:

 

  1. Planning Applications
  2. Applications for consultation response

 

Application No: PL/2023/05265
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Single Storey Rear Extension
Site Address: 1 Chance Cottage, Shaftesbury Road, Mere, BA12 6BW
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BJ0ac

Submit ‘No objection’ response.

 Application No: PL/2023/05067
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Loft conversion to the original dwelling and the creation of a new three bedroom attached dwelling
Site Address: 3 Underdown Mead, White Road, Mere, Warminster, Wilts, BA12 6EX
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BIbwx

 

 

Submit ‘Objection’ for the following reasons:

There has been a history of development around the two semi-detached houses formerly known as 3 and 4 Underdown Mead.

PL/2022/04385 granted approval for a 2-bed bungalow to be built in the garden of No. 4 Underdown Mead

PL/2022/08821 refused permission for a new 2-bed bungalow to be built in the garden of No. 3 Underdown Mead for the following reasons: The proposed development will fail to ensure that the occupants of the proposed dwelling have a high standard of amenity, due to the overlooking from the parent dwelling and a lack of adequate private amenity space, contrary to the provisions of Policy CP 57 of the Wiltshire Core Strategy and to the requirements of paragraph 130 of the NPPF. The amenities of the occupants of the parent dwelling would be adversely affected by the significant reduction in the amount of usable amenity space to the rear of that dwelling as a result of the proposed bungalow to the immediate rear of the property, contrary to the provisions of the above Policy and paragraph of the NPPF.  PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TOWN COUNCIL SUPPORTED THIS APPLICATION.

PL/2023/02925 –granted approval for a Loft conversion with velux roof lights of 4A Underdown Mead.

Notwithstanding the fact that the Town Council raised no objection to the application for a bungalow in the garden of No. 3 Underdown Mead – it is noted that No. 4 has a dwelling i0n the garden and also now has approval for a loft conversion, this application is asking for a loft conversion and a further dwelling.  The loft conversions create extra bedrooms and therefore the potential need for more car parking spaces.  We therefore felt that the Town Council should object to this planning application due to the fact that it would create a cramped form of development and the parking provision for both the parent dwelling and the new dwelling would be difficult to access and would be insufficient.

Application No: PL/2022/09365
Application Type: Full planning permission AMENDED PLANS/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Proposal: New employment building (Use Class B2) with associated offices, access, car parking, service space, landscaping and associated development infrastructure.
Site Address: Land adjacent to Quarryfield Industrial Estate, Castle Street, Mere, BA12 6LA
Applicant: Godminster Limited
Planning Register Link https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z000019AweX

 

Submit ‘No objection’ response.

Application No: PL/2023/05866
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: T1 Lawson Cypress – Fell.
Site Address: THE OLD COACH HOUSE, CASTLE HILL LANE, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6JF.
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BK1Ih

 

Submit  ‘No Objection’ response.

 

  1. Football

The Youth football club have received a grant from Wiltshire Council to buy some new steel goal posts which they would like to erect on the second pitch in the Recreation Ground and have asked us to grant permission.  (This is the pitch that is nearer the tennis courts/youth club).  These goal posts would be a permanent fixture as they would be cemented into the ground.  (There used to be goal posts on this pitch but they were removed as they were unsafe).  The Chairman and I have assessed this and feel that on balance we should raise no objection as the installation of these goal posts should not cause any hinderance or obstruction to anyone and whilst we could insist that the youth football club use portable goal posts we need to acknowledge that they would have nowhere to store them securely and they would likely become vandalised.  An objection was raised by a councillor and so this item has been deferred for discussion at the September Town Council meeting.

  1. Payments

The following payments were authorised:

14.7.23                  DD          Mainstram Digital                             Admin: Telephone & Broadband                               38.39

20.7.23                  BACS     Veryard Machinery                         Grounds machinery:  Stiga mowers                          50.88

20.7.23                  BACS     SLCC Enterprises                              Admin:  Internal Audit                                                    642.00

20.7.23                  BACS     Veryard Machinery                         Grounds machinery: Stiga mowers                           314.90

20.7.23                  BACS     Mr. R. E. Pipe                                     Admin:  Travel expenses                                               24.75

20.7.23                  BACS     Screwfix                                               Health & Safety: Changing Rooms                             124.59

20.7.23                  BACS     T. J. Thornley                                     Publicity/Tourism promotion: Website                   158.16

20.7.23                  BACS     Mole Valley Farmers                       Grounds expenses, grounds sundries                      209.59

20.7.23                  BACS     Cleaning Supplies Ltd                      Public Toilets: Cleaning products                               96.24

20.7.23                  BACS     Garden & Hire Spares                     Grounds sundries: strimmer line                                                58.55

20.7.23                  BACS     Forge Garages                                   Grounds expenses: Fuel & Oil                                      235.10

20.7.23                  BACS     Amazon (via L. C. Wood)               Public Toilets: Air Fresheners                                     40.93

21.7.23                  DD          Southern Electric                              Clock Tower:  Unmetered electricity                        8.74

31.7.23                  DD          British Gas                                          Public Toilets: Electricity                                                55.18

31.7.23                  DD          Hills Waste Solutions                      Street Cleaning:  Waste removal                                                166.70

4.7.23 – 31.7.23                                 Imprest Account –                           Payroll (amalgamated)                                             11526.01

The Clerk pointed out that she had still not yet paid Kompan for the play area refurbishment at the Walnut Road Play Area as she was negotiating with them over aspects of the invoice that they have charged for but which were not used.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes of a Town Council meeting held on 3rd July 2023

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 3rd July 2023 at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere.  BA12 6EW at 7.00 pm.   

 

Present:  Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Glen Ings (Vice-Chair), Sandra Catley, Aubrey Colman, Rachael Hansford, Clive Hazzard, Raymond Hill, George Jeans, Lesley Traves.

Also 9 members of public.

 

The Chairman opened the meeting and notified attendees that the meeting would be recorded for administrative purposes.

 

Public Session

Sophie Heneage & Sue Phipps spoke in support of the proposals for a community garden which was on the agenda for discussion at this meeting.

Mr Page spoke in support of his highway improvements request which was on the agenda for discussion at this meeting.

The Clerk read out an email from a lady who had visited Mere and who had written to say how impressed she was with the town and that she had come away with a feeling that Mere is very well looked after and cared for.

 

Apologies for absence received from Councillors Debbie Beale, Nick Beale, Philip Coward, Rodney Coward & Kate Symonds & the police.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

 

Cllr. George Jeans declared a pecuniary interest in minute number 298a) and a personal interest in minute number 294b)

The clerk informed members that they would be considering her own planning application this evening and said that while she was not a member of the town Council and therefore not subject to the councillors regulations on declarations of interest, as an officer of the Council she felt it would be best practice to leave the room whilst her planning application was being considered.

 

  1. Minutes RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 5th June 2023 be approved as a correct record.

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session
  • None

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  2. a) Comment on style of Minutes (Minute Ref: 249 and 278 b) – Cllr. Jeans raised a question relating to the style of minutes and whether or not it would still be possible to ascertain voting records or gather information that might be necessary for legal purposes. The clerk explained that recordings of meetings ) and the clerk’s notebooks would be kept for a defined period.

*b) Review of football provision and facilities in view of new proposals for extra football fixtures/team (Minute Ref: 269a) & 278 d)– Notes of meeting held on 26.6.23 + Statement for members to consider/vote upon attached.  The Chairman gave a resume of the meeting and questions raised by members were clarified.  The statement, as presented to the Town Council, was approved with a unanimous vote of approval with the inclusion of an amendment put forward by Cllr. Ings for the Town Council to make a contribution towards the costs of materials for the changing rooms redecorations and the annual fees to be reviewed at a later date.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Cllr. Jeans reported that he is a member of the Police & Crime panel to whom he has pushed his points on how difficult it is to report a crime. He attended the recent Area Board meeting where he noted that Tisbury car-share club has 90 members and where he also learned that there is a grant available from SSE Scottish Power and parish & town councils are being encouraged to apply. Wiltshire Council have taken on 3.5 members of staff to plant trees and have still not given him details about dispensations required to attend town and parish council meetings.

*b) Project Co-Ordinators Report (report and plan attached) – Cllr.  Jeans declared a personal interest as he lives next door to the public toilets. Members agreed that the right-hand transfer should be included in the design and it was explained that funding for and inclusion of a Changing Places toilet had been investigated and was not possible although the design had been considered so that, should funding become available in the future, it might be possible to add a hoist.  Cllr. Colman suggested that we could go for a National Lottery grant and that we should find a company that will issue us with a 10-year maintenance contract and outsource the cleaning to contractors.  The Chairman explained that these issues were not being discussed tonight but it was agreed to delegate to Cllr. Rachael Hansford, Chairman, Project Co-Ordinator & Clerk to make recommendations on further details, fixtures and fittings to the Town Council.

With regards to the Walnut Road Play Area, the Chairman wanted to thank all our staff who turned out for the opening event and those councillors that did come along.  The feedback from young users on the play area so far has been very positive.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response: In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on any of the following planning applications:
Application No: PL/2023/04313
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Single Storey Side Extension
Site Address: Yew Tree Cottage, North Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6HP
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001Axte7

The chairman said he had visited the site, the extension is miniscule &  shielded by the neighbour’s fence is. RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application on proposal made by Cllr. Mrs. Traves, seconded by CLlr. Ings and carried with a majority vote.

Application No: PL/2023/04118
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Modern steel frame, portal frame barn enclosed on three sides with concrete panels and ventilation boards under a cement fibre roof.
Site Address: Field to the east of Lyemarsh Farm and north of Wet Lane, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6BA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001AxT9n

 

Members expressed concern at the number of barns being erected in this locality. It was noted that the barn is required for calf rearing and members felt that they were happy to support the application on condition that it was used for agricultural purposes only. RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application with the following condition on proposal made by Cllr. Sandra Catley, seconded by Cllr. Colman and carried with a majority vote.

Condition:  The agricultural barn and land within the red line of the application site as shown on the plan shall be used for agricultural purposes only and shall be maintained for this use in perpetuity.  No paraphernalia unrelated to the approved agricultural use of the site shall be brought onto or stored upon the land.

 

Application No: PL/2023/04372
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Construct single storey rear extension to form new kitchen / dining area.
Site Address: 3 DUCHY COTTAGES, NORTH ROAD, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6HG
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001Ay2ZT

 

As this was the clerk’s own planning application, she left the building whilst this application was being considered by the council. RESOLVED to support the above application on proposal made by Cllr. Hazzard, seconded by Cllr. Ings and carried with a majority vote.

 

  1. b) Notice of consultation on Draft Wiltshire Design Guide. Wiltshire Council is consulting on a Draft Wiltshire Design Guide, which is intended to be a supplementary planning document and has been prepared to support the Wiltshire Core Strategy and the emerging Local Plan. The Draft Wiltshire Design Guide will be published today via the Wiltshire Council website and comments are invited until 30th

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.

The Chairman had identified dirty and obstructed road signs.

*b) Highways Improvement Request Forms:

  1. i) for the installation of a ‘No Through Road’ sign at junction of The Fields/Hazzards Hill (form attached)
  2. ii) for 20mph speed limit and central white line at Junction of Manor Road & Castle Street (form attached)

The chairman pointed out that Highway Improvement Requests are a new initiative imposed by Wiltshire Council and each time one arrives the Town Council needs to consider it and if we agree to it being implemented then we must pay 25% of the cost involved.  At the last LHFIG meeting it was suggested that the cost to Parish & Town Councils should perhaps go up to 50% and it may also be suggested that some residents may be prepared to make a financial contribution themselves or collectively, as has been agreed along Shaftesbury Road.   Cllr. Jeans said he was aware of another ‘No Through Road’ sign requirement at Lordsmead that had been brought to his attention today.  Councillor Hill said he was opposed to the town Council having to pay for any of these things at all but all members were in agreement with the Chairman’s suggestions of considering these requests once per quarter and having a menu of costs to help make informed decisions.

  1. c) Wiltshire LTP4- Stakeholder Engagement Sessions – Wiltshire Council are in the early stages of developing an updated Local Transport Plan for Wiltshire which will cover the period up to 2038. There are two opportunities for us to attend a workshop and these are taking place on 18th July 2023 and 20th July 2023 on MS Teams.

 

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

*a) Proposals for a Community Garden – Generally members felt that the proposals were a great idea but could not readily identify any land that would fit the brief.  Cllr. Hill wondered whether it might be worth approaching the Church to see if the plot of land in Angel Lane could be used for this purpose.  Agreed that the Chairman would approach the Church to see if the site at Angel Lane could be used for this purpose.

  1. b) Fencing on Long Hill – The Clerk informed members that the goats cannot graze Long Hill at the moment because the fencing is inadequate and so for the time being they are going to have to stay on Castle Hill. In the meantime the grounds staff are going to assess the length of fencing that needs replacing/repairing and the Clerk will try and get an estimate of the likely costs for the Council to consider at a future meeting.

*c) Yew Trees in Cemetery – response from Forest Research via Astill Treecare – Agreed that if there is further spread then we do want to send further samples and it was agreed to ask Johnathan Astill for help with this.

  1. d) Pest control at Duchy ManorRESOLVED to proceed with a second round of pest control in the autumn.

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a) Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (attached) –The Chairman reported that negotiations were taking place with Kompan over some issues with their invoice and it was agreed to delegate these negotiations to the Clerk & Chairman and to pay the amount due once satisfied on the understanding that this would be less than the invoice presented. All other payments were approved and authorised.

*b) Wiltshire Towns Programme 2022-23 – we are going to send this information to all the active groups in town informing them that they can get money from us if they would like to put on an event that is going to bring people into Mere.   There is also a possibility that we might join VisitWiltshire in an effort to promote tourism in the town.

  1. c) Wiltshire Towns Programme 2023-24 – this will be raised as an agenda item for the next meeting and would request that you bring ideas to that meeting of how we can bid for the money that is available (£5k) bearing in mind that the criteria is to attract people into Mere.

 

  1. General Items

*a) Community Governance ReviewConfirmation that Mere Town Council still wishes to proceed with the request as submitted in 2019 (see attached request). RESOLVED to confirm previous resolution still stands on proposal made by Cllr. Hill, seconded by Cllr. Colman and carried with a majority vote.  Cllr. Jeans abstained.

  1. b) South Operational Flood Working Group Hybrid meeting 5.7.23 – The Chairman informed members that there is a Teams meeting this Wednesday morning if you want to take part in it but members agreed that the Town Council does not have the resources to set up a Flood Risk Management Plan at the present time and that residents and councillors should be encouraged to work together and pool resources should flooding issues arise.
  2. c) Digital Inclusion pilot project for older and vulnerable adults in South West Wiltshire (see email link attached) – It was mentioned that the Doctors Surgery’s Health & Wellbeing coach and Age UK might be appropriate avenues to publicise this project and also to put up posters in Mere Day Centre and Mere Linkscheme.

 

  1. Briefing Notes

*Briefing Note no. 23-17 – Launch of the second Solar Together scheme in Wiltshire & Swindon – It was agreed to put this on our website to help publicise the scheme.

*Briefing Note no. 23-18 Explore Wiltshire Heritage App – We might want to get some usage figures and see whether we want to become involved in this in the future.

 

  1. Future meetings and events
  2. a) Inspector Kevin Harmsworth, Wiltshire Police will be holding Facebook Live Event July 11th between 5.30 – 7.00 pm. Are there any specific questions you would like to submit? – Can we see a PCSO in the town so that people can approach him and get information.

 

  1. Future agenda items
  • None

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

 

For Trustee to consider the following:

 

*a) To approve Town Council recommendation made at last meeting: 

Minute 279b) RESOLVED to recommend that the Trustee of the Charity should grant a 50-year lease to Seeds4Sucess on proposal made by Cllr. Debbie Beale, seconded by Cllr. G. Ings and carried with a vote of 11 for, 0 against and 1 abstention. 

The Chairman read the proposal which was made at the last meeting (as above).  It was agreed that the lease should be non-transferable so that it can only be used for the purposes of a youth and development centre and cannot be transferred to another organisation.

 

 

Meeting closed at 8:40 pm

 

 

 

Agenda for Town Council meeting to be held on Monday, 4th September 2023

Mere Town Council

 

30th August 2023

 

Before the meeting there will be a public session to enable the people of Mere to ask questions of, and make comments, regarding the Town Council.  Questions not answered at this meeting will be answered in writing to the person asking the question, or may appear as an agenda item for the next meeting.  Members of the public are asked to restrict their comments, and/or questions to three minutes.

Please Note: By entering the meeting room you are consenting to the use of your name being recorded in the Minutes.  The meeting may also be recorded by the press or members of the public.  Any person or organisation choosing to film, record or broadcast any meeting of the Council or its committees is responsible for any claims or other liability resulting from them so doing and by choosing to film, record or broadcast proceedings they accept that they are required to indemnify the Council, its members and officers in relation to any such claims or liabilities.

Any person who may find difficulty in access to the meeting through disability is asked to advise the Clerk by email (lindseywood@merewilts.org) at least 24 hours before the meeting so that every effort may be made to provide access.

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Lindsey Wood,

Town Clerk & RFO

 

 

Public Participation Session

Members of the public are invited to address the Council on any issue over which it has a power. This session will be limited to 15 minutes (3 minutes per speaker). The Chairman will convene the Town Council meeting after the public session (please note that once the meeting has been convened members of the public are no longer permitted to speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman).

 

AGENDA

  1. Apologies – To receive apologies for absence.

Agreement to waive S. 85 LGA 1972 for reason to be approved by the Town Council see: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1972/70/section/85/1997-04-01

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

2.1 To receive declarations of interest from councillors on items on the agenda

2.2 To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interests (if any)

2.3 To grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate

A request for dispensation must be made on an individual basis

 

Members are invited to declare disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests in items on the agenda as required by the Mere Town Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.  The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.  If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item, you must immediately disclose it.  Whether you can remain in the meeting and the extent to which you can participate depends on the type of interest you have.

 

  1. Minutes – To resolve that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 3rd July 2023 & Delegated Decision Report dated 1.8.23 be approved as a correct record. (attached)

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)

*a) Minute Reference 268b) Traffic Management in Mere –  Report from Working Group (in Clerks Report)

  1. b) Minute Reference 296b) Highway Improvement Request Forms
  2. c) Minute Reference 298 b) – Wiltshire Towns Programme 2022-23
  3. d) Minute Reference 298 c) Wiltshire Towns Programme 2023-24
  4. e) Minute Reference 265a) Lease for EV charger in Salisbury Street Car Park
  5. f) Minute Reference 276c) Lease for Salisbury Street Car Park
  6. g) Minute Reference 276d) Lease for Castle Street Car Park

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

*b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (two attachments)

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2023/06092
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Conversion of redundant butchers’ shop into a two bedroom studio apartment
Site Address: W H DAVIE AND SON, ANGEL LANE, MERE
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BKE25

 

 

Application No: PL/2023/04023
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Two Storey Extension to provide additional accommodation
Site Address: SPRINGWATER COTTAGE, MILL LANE, MERE, BA12 6DA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001Ac12O

 

 

Application No: PL/2023/06825
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: removal of the existing roof, increase pitch and form new roof with dormers
Site Address: WHITEHILL HOUSE, SWAINSFORD, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6JU
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BLYeT

 

 

Application No: PL/2023/06930
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Proposed Single Storey Replacement Dwelling
Site Address: Forgurls, Mill Lane, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6DA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BLqLG

 

 

Application No: PL/2023/07176
Application Type: Hedgerow removal notice
Proposal: Wessex Water are carrying out the installation of a new water pipeline to support water levels in the Shreen Water in Mere, Wiltshire. The temporary removal of sections of hedgerow (1 x 6m section (H2) is required in order to facilitate these works – provide access to the working area for construction vehicles. These hedgerow sections will replanted as per STD 836.
Site Address:
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BMGiC

 

 

 

*b)  Planning Inspectorate appeal decision & costs decision for PL/2022/06387 – Breaches Barn, Barrow Street, Mere.  BA12 6AB (2 attachments)

*c) Wiltshire Council Local Plan Consultation – in-person and online events.  (Clerks Report)

*d) DLUHC Consultation on Local Plans (attached)

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

*a) Petanque proposals for the old swimming pool site (attached)

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (schedule attached)

*b) To note the reconciliations for June & July 2023; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements seen

*c) To consider and approve Budget/Expenditure report @ 31.7.23 (report attached)

  1. d) To consider quotation to provide internal audit for 2023/24 accounting period

*e) LHFIG Funding Model and suggestion for parishes to contribute more, contributions to be means tested and/or larger parishes to contribute more than smaller parishes (Clerks Report)

*e) Review of council’s complaints procedure (attached)

 

  1. General Items
  2. a) To amend standing orders in relation to recording minutes and to set a defined period for keeping recorded minutes

 

Briefing Notes:

*Briefing Note 23-20 – Air Quality Action Plan and Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) consultations (attached)

*Briefing Note no. 23-22 Wiltshire & Swindon Tree Warden Scheme (attached)

*Briefing Note No. 23-23: Waste Sorting at Wiltshire’s Household Recycling Centres (attached)

 

  1. Future meetings and events
  2. a) Invitation to The Tower Stories Launch Party – Friday, 8th September in St. Michael’s Church at 7.00 pm – 8.30 pm

 

  1. Future agenda items

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items either in Clerks Report or attached.

 

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

 

For Trustees to consider the following

  1. Request from Mere Youth Football Club to re-erect fixed goals on the second pitch on Mere Recreation Ground.
  2. Request from Wessex Internet to lay fibre to Seeds4Success building

Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Monday, 5th June 2023

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 5th June 2023 at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere.  BA12 6EW at 7.00 pm.   

 

Present:  Councillors John Jordan (Chair), Glen Ings (Vice-Chair), Debbie Beale, Nick Beale, Sandra Catley, Aubrey Colman, Rodney Coward, Raymond Hill, George Jeans (from 7.10 pm), Lesley Traves, Lynden Stone & Kate Symonds,

 

Public Session

Inspector Harmsworth and PCSO Stuart Hunt were present at the meeting and gave a brief overview of crime in the local area and gave advice on how to local policing priorities and how to report crimes and antisocial behaviour.  PCSO Stuart Hunt said that he would be trying to make himself more visible in Mere and would be available periodically in the Mere police station for enquiries.

Debbie Beale reported that no-one is living on the plots at Burton Field any longer and all the caravans have now been removed.

 

Apologies for absence received from Councillors Philip Coward and Clive Hazzard.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • Jeans & Cllr. Ings declared an interest in planning application PL/2023/04197

 

  1. Minutes RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 15th May 2023 be approved as a correct record.

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session
  • None

 

  1. Matters Deferred from Previous meeting
  2. a) To appoint/re-appoint Trustees for Forest Charities – existing Trustees are Rodney Coward, Clive Hazzard, George Jeans, Ann Rich & Andrew Rees.
  3. b) Review of representation on or work with external bodies and arrangements for reporting back:

 

Organisation 2022/23 Representative 2023/24 Representative
Youth Club, Seeds4Success, CAYPIG (Community Area Young People) Cllrs. Hazzard, L. Bennett & R. Coward. Cllrs. S. Catley, A. Colman & G. Ings.
Cricket Club Cllr. Ings Cllr. Ings
Health & Community Care Cllr. Hill Cllr. Hill
Tennis Club Cllr. Jeans Cllr. Jeans
Football Club Cllr. Bennett Cllr. S. Catley
Public Transport & CATG Cllr. Debbie Beale Cllr. John Jordan
Mere & District Linkscheme Mrs. Adrienne Howell Mrs. Adrienne Howell
Museum Committee Cllr. Jeans Cllr. Jeans
Footpaths & Rights of Way Cllr. Jordan Cllr. Jordan
Chamber of Trade Chairman & Cllr. Colman Chairman & Cllr. Hazzard
Friends of Mere Museum Cllr. Jordan Cllr. Jordan
School Governor Cllr. Hansford Cllr. Ings & Cllr. S. Catley (Chair to talk to school to clarify)
Mere Bowling Club Cllr. Ings Cllr. Ings
Carnival Committee Cllr. Jordan & Cllr. Nick Beale Cllr. Jordan
Area Board & LHFIG Chairman & Vice-Chairman Chairman & Vice-Chairman
Mere Film Shows Mrs. Rosie Jordan-Barr Mrs. Rosie Jordan-Barr
Rivers Group Cllr. R. Coward, Cllr. Debbie Beale & Cllr. Symonds Cllr. R. Coward, Cllr. Debbie Beale & Cllr. Symonds
Mere Parochial Church Council Cllr. Traves Cllr. A. Colman
Trustees for Mere Forest Charity Cllrs. R. Coward, E. Mitchell, G. Jeans + Mrs. Anne Rich As Minute 277a)

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  2. a) Lynch Close Sheltered Housing Review – report on Housing Board meeting held on 31st May (Minute Ref: 265b) –It was generally felt, by those who attended the Housing Board meeting, that it was an undemocratic meeting with people being unable to speak, despite it being branded as a public meeting. The Clerk said that she had raised concerns with Wiltshire Council officers that decisions or advice might be provided at this Housing Board meeting on design proposals that have not even been seen or discussed by residents or the Town Council. The Chairman pointed out that the latest Newsletter (No. 7 issued on 2.6.23) mentioned one or two points that were of concern.
  3. b) Comment on style of Minutes (Minute Ref: 249)RESOLVED to produce brief Minutes for another month.
  4. c) Traffic Management in Mere – report from working group on Traffic Engineer’s comments (Minute Ref: 268b) – deferred.
  5. d) Review of football provision and facilities in view of new proposals for extra football fixtures (Minute Ref: 269a) – with reference to the discussion at last month’s meeting, the Clerk had tried to estimate likely utility costs based on historic usage over a 6-year period between 2012 and 2019 and applying current energy prices to those usage figures. She had presented members with an average cost and a worst-case scenario cost. There was a long discussion which included questions to the football representatives that were present.  However, members could not reach agreement over suggested fees for the new football proposals and the Clerk suggested that a meeting is arranged between all the football teams and the Chairman and Vice-Chairman in order to try and get a statement or proposal that could be presented to the Town Council to vote upon at the next meeting.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Cllr. Jeans mentioned dispensations, Chamber of Trade and thanked everyone for their help with the erection and removal of the Coronation flags and bunting, with special thanks to Andrew Bristow for the time he volunteered in helping.

*b) Project Co-Ordinator’s report (X2 reports attached) – With reference to the reports, Cllr. Colman expressed his appreciation to Roger for getting the Hills Waste grant via Community First towards the Walnut Road Play Area.  Roger confirmed that the installation of the play area was on track and hopefully on schedule for the opening event on 22nd June.  Roger Pipe drew members attention to the request from Seeds4Success for a 50-year lease instead of a 25-year lease for the youth club building in order to help with their fundraising.  Cllr Colman said he was not happy to grant a 50-year lease as it was not necessary for fund raising purposes.  Roger pointed out that in order for the Charity to give a peppercorn rent the lessee has to demonstrate that Seeds4Success would meet the objectives of the peace charity otherwise you will fall foul of charitable law.  He said that they would need to demonstrate that they are improving the wellbeing and social element of the Recreation Ground.  RESOLVED to recommend that the Trustee of the Charity should grant a 50-year lease on proposal made by Cllr. Debbie Beale, seconded by Cllr. G. Ings and carried with a vote of 11 for, 0 against and 1 abstention.  The Clerk said that this issue would need to be considered at a Trustee meeting and so would be on next month’s Trustee meeting agenda.

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:
Application No: PL/2023/04197
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: Apple Tree – Remove
Site Address: BRIDGE HOUSE, SALISBURY STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6HF
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001Axa4w

Cllr. Jeans & Cllr. Ings, having declared an interest in this planning application, left the room whilst the matter was discussed.  RESOLVED to object to this application on the basis that justification for removal of the tree was insufficient and would have a negative effect on the environment & nature and pruning to reduce the canopy would be a better option.

Application No: PL/2023/03389
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Construction of timber frame annex building to provide ancillary accommodation. (Timber clad with natural slate roof, single front door accessed from driveway, entrance/utility space, bathroom and open plan kitchen/dining/living space, single bedroom)
Site Address: Cedarstone, Limpers Hill, Mere, BA12 6BD
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001AaZW2

 

RESOLVED to approve the above application ON CONDITION that the annex provides ancillary accommodation to the main house known as Cedarstone only and cannot be rented out, occupied or sold off separately.  Services must be shared with the main house and it should have no separate access or separate garden.

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports – the Parish Steward service has now been resumed under the new contractors and the schedule for monthly visits to Mere has been received.
  • Weeds on path that connects Fennel Road, Lovage Way to Spinners Way.
  • Dirty road signs (locations to be identified)

*b) Extension of 30mph Speed Limit, Shaftesbury Road, Mere – Proposed Works and Cost Estimate (see Clerks Report + 4 attachments) – The Chairman said he had attended the meeting and had suggested that by removing the road name sign and going for the cheaper gates we can reduce the costs. Members wanted to see a photograph of the cheaper gates before they felt able to agree to this.

  1. c) Report on LHFIG meeting held 31.5.23 – the Chairman attended the meeting, as mentioned above, and said he was amazed at the cost of small highway changes and that Wiltshire Council are hoping for towns and parishes to take on more of the cost.

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries
  2. a) Cemetery policy for non-residents – suggestion that we might want to add more constraints relating to our policy for non-residents as other local cemeteries are running out of space and we are finding more non-residents wanting to purchase plots in Mere. There was a long conversation about this and it was agreed that the Clerk/Chair write some clear definitions/options that can be voted upon at a future meeting.
  3. b) Suggestion to reinstate clock tower hour-chimeRESOLVED to arrange for chiming mechanism to be repaired

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a) Payments –  RESOLVED to  authorise schedule of payments (attached)

*b) To review Mere Town Council Reserves Policy & Investment Strategy: To review reserves and authorise transfer of funds to interest bearing account (see Clerks Report + 2 attachments) – The Clerk explained the levels of reserves and it was agreed that the level of general reserves was adequate considering the budgeting process (full report attached).  With regards to the Investment Strategy the Clerk pointed out that the Council had now received the second tranche of S.106 funds and this money would be going into the National Savings Account which, although safe, was a fairly low rate of interest.  It has been suggested that the Council could use the CCLA as it has a higher rate of interest.  It was agreed to gather more information about investing funds to gain a higher interest rate.

*c) To approve the Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) for the year ending 31st March 2023

  1. To receive and note the Annual Internal Audit Report (attached) – members were presented with the Final Audit Report following the end of year Internal Audit Review carried out by the Internal Auditor Katherine Houlihan on 25th May 2023. Members were pleased to note that the internal auditor………….   A copy of Page 3 of the AGAR, completed and signed by the Internal Auditor was also distributed to members prior to the meeting and members noted that the Internal Auditor had confirmed that all the relevant Internal Control Objective’s had been met.
  2. To approve the Annual Governance Statement (Section 1) – Points 1 – 9 of the Annual Governance statement 2022/23 (Section 1 of the AGAR) were read out to members and members answered ‘yes’ to each of the statements. The Annual Governance Statement was signed by the Clerk and by the Chairman in the presence of the Town Council.
  • To approve the Accounting Statements (Section 2) Attached – The Accounting Statements 1 – 11a & 11b (Section 2 of the AGAR) were approved by the Town Council. Confirmation of approval of the Accounting Statements was signed by the Clerk and by the Chairman in the presence of the Town Council.
  1. To set the commencement date for the exercise of public rights – the Clerk confirmed that, as required by the Accounts & Audit Regulations 2015, the Town Council must now publish the unaudited AGAR and the Notice for the Commencement of the Period for the Exercise of Public Rights. Publication is on the Town Council’s website: www.merewilts.org
  2. To note other information to be sent to the External Auditor and required by External Auditor as part of Intermediate Review 2022/23 – the Clerk pointed out to members that because the Town Council had income exceeding £200k we were required to have an Intermediate Audit Review which required providing extra information to the external auditors. The Clerk informed members of the extra information to be submitted and said that additional information to support the council’s accounts would be published on the council’s website.

 

  1. General Items
  2. a) Vision for Mere – The Council approved the Chairman’s proposals to create a Vision For Mere Plan 2025. (Proposal attached) – RESOLVED that the Town Council should lead a process to create a 4-page document using the old Mere Parish Plan 2005 as a basis for focus groups to work from.

*b) Briefing Note No. 23-12 Update on Trowbridge leisure project (attached) – Noted

*c) Briefing Note 23-13 New kerbside collections of ‘small rechargeable electricals (attached) – Noted

*d)) Briefing Note 23-14 – Family Hubs (attached) – Noted

*e) Briefing Note 23-15 – Five-year Housing Land Supply and Housing Delivery Test – Noted

 

  1. Future meetings and events
  2. a) Invitation to attend CPRE Wiltshire’s AGM to be held on 13th July 2023 at 18:30 at The Corn Exchange, Devizes – Noted
  3. b) Mere & District Linkscheme AGM is at Grove Building on Friday, 23rd June at 7.00 pm and there is drinks and nibbles – Cllr. Sandra Catley said that she would try and attend.

 

  1. Future agenda items

Cllr. Debbie Beale asked about planning enforcement and the Clerk said that she thought this had been discussed by the Council within the last 6 months.

 

Meeting closed at 8.51 pm

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items in Clerks Report or attached

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Agenda for Town Council meeting to be held on Monday, 3rd July 2023

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

Phone: 01747 860701

e-mail: lindseywood@merewilts.org

www.merewilts.org

28th June 2023

Dear Councillor,

 

You are summoned to a meeting of Mere Town Council to be held on Monday, 3rd July 2023 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW.  The meeting will consider the items set out below.

 

Before the meeting there will be a public session to enable the people of Mere to ask questions of, and make comments, regarding the Town Council.  Questions not answered at this meeting will be answered in writing to the person asking the question, or may appear as an agenda item for the next meeting.  Members of the public are asked to restrict their comments, and/or questions to three minutes.

Please Note: By entering the meeting room you are consenting to the use of your name being recorded in the Minutes.  The meeting may also be recorded by the press or members of the public.  Any person or organisation choosing to film, record or broadcast any meeting of the Council or its committees is responsible for any claims or other liability resulting from them so doing and by choosing to film, record or broadcast proceedings they accept that they are required to indemnify the Council, its members and officers in relation to any such claims or liabilities.

Any person who may find difficulty in access to the meeting through disability is asked to advise the Clerk by email (lindseywood@merewilts.org) at least 24 hours before the meeting so that every effort may be made to provide access.

Yours sincerely,

 

 

Lindsey Wood,

Town Clerk & RFO

 

 

Public Participation Session

Members of the public are invited to address the Council on any issue over which it has a power. This session will be limited to 15 minutes (3 minutes per speaker). The Chairman will convene the Town Council meeting after the public session (please note that once the meeting has been convened members of the public are no longer permitted to speak unless invited to do so by the Chairman).

 

AGENDA

  1. Apologies – To receive apologies for absence.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.

2.1 To receive declarations of interest from councillors on items on the agenda

2.2 To receive written requests for dispensations for disclosable pecuniary interests (if any)

2.3 To grant any requests for dispensation as appropriate

A request for dispensation must be made on an individual basis

 

Members are invited to declare disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests in items on the agenda as required by the Mere Town Council Code of Conduct for Members and by the Localism Act 2011.  The disclosure must include the nature of the interest.  If you become aware, during the course of a meeting, of an interest that has not been disclosed under this item, you must immediately disclose it.  Whether you can remain in the meeting and the extent to which you can participate depends on the type of interest you have.

 

  1. Minutes – To resolve that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 5th June 2023 be approved as a correct record. (attached)

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  2. a) Comment on style of Minutes (Minute Ref: 249 and 278 b)

*b) Review of football provision and facilities in view of new proposals for extra football fixtures/team (Minute Ref: 269a) & 278 d) – Notes of meeting held on 26.6.23 + Statement for members to consider/vote upon attached.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report

*b) Project Co-Ordinators Report (report and plan attached)

 

  1. Planning
  2. a) Applications for consultation response:

 

Application No: PL/2023/04313
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Single Storey Side Extension
Site Address: Yew Tree Cottage, North Road, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6HP
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001Axte7

 

Application No: PL/2023/04118
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Modern steel frame, portal frame barn enclosed on three sides with concrete panels and ventilation boards under a cement fibre roof.
Site Address: Field to the east of Lyemarsh Farm and north of Wet Lane, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6BA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001AxT9n

 

Application No: PL/2023/04372
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Construct single storey rear extension to form new kitchen / dining area.
Site Address: 3 DUCHY COTTAGES, NORTH ROAD, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6HG
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001Ay2ZT

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports.

*b) Highways Improvement Request Form for the installation of a ‘No Through Road’ sign at junction of The Fields/Hazzards Hill (form attached)

*c) Highways Improvement Request Form for 20mph speed limit and central white line at Junction of Manor Road & Castle Street (form attached)

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries

*a) Proposals for a Community Garden

  1. b) Fencing on Long Hill

*c) Yew Trees in Cemetery – response from Forest Research via Astill Treecare

  1. d) Pest control at Duchy Manor

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – To review and authorise schedule of payments (attached)

*b) Wiltshire Towns Programme 2022-23

  1. c) Wiltshire Towns Programme 2023-24

 

  1. General Items

*a) Community Governance Review – Confirmation that Mere Town Council still wishes to proceed with the request as submitted in 2019 (see attached request).

  1. b) South Operational Flood Working Group Hybrid meeting 5.7.23 (see email link attached)
  2. c) Digital Inclusion pilot project for older and vulnerable adults in South West Wiltshire (see email link attached)

 

  1. Briefing Notes

*Briefing Note no. 23-17 – Launch of the second Solar Together scheme in Wiltshire & Swindon

*Briefing Note no. 23-18 Explore Wiltshire Heritage App

 

  1. Future meetings and events
  2. a) Inspector Kevin Harmsworth, Wiltshire Police will be holding Facebook Live Event July 11th between 5.30 – 7.00 pm. Are there any specific questions you would like to submit?

 

  1. Future agenda items

 

Note:  Members are reminded that the Town Council has a general duty to consider the following matters in the exercise of any of its functions: Equal Opportunities (race, gender, sexual orientation, marital status and any disability), Crime and Disorder, Health and Safety and Human Rights.

 

*Further information on these items enclosed/attached

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MERE PEACE MEMORIAL SPORTS AND RECREATION GROUND

Registered Charity No. 1093497

 

For Trustees to consider the following:

 

*a) To approve Town Council recommendation made at last meeting: 

Minute 279b) RESOLVED to recommend that the Trustee of the Charity should grant a 50-year lease on proposal made by Cllr. Debbie Beale, seconded by Cllr. G. Ings and carried with a vote of 11 for, 0 against and 1 abstention.