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Minutes of a Town Council meeting held on Monday, 2nd September 2024

Mere Town Council

Town Clerk – Mrs. L. C. Wood

 

 

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 2nd September 2024 at 7.00 pm at Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire, BA12 6EW.  The meeting will consider the items set out below. 

 

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

4 members of the public

 

Public Participation Session

Five members of the public spoke in objection to the planning application for a new detached dwelling adjacent to Long Cottage, North Street, Mere and mentioned issues with parking spaces, vehicular access, pedestrian access, drainage and sewerage and said that there should be a climate strategy and environmental study to accompany the planning application.  Concerns about the scale/measurements of the plans were also raised.

The Chairman announced that some councillors and relatives of the late Eric Mitchell came along last week to unveil the name signs for footpaths 50 & 66 now known as ‘Eric Mitchell Way’.

  1. Apologies for absence received from Councillors Sandra Catley & Rodney Coward.

 

  1. Declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • Glen Ings declared a pecuniary interest in planning application PL/2024/07693
  • Clive Hazzard declared a personal interest in planning application PL/2024/07693 (he pointed out that North Street Nurseries used to own the site but that there was no longer any ownership connection to the site)

 

*460. Minutes – RESOLVED that the minutes of the Town Council meeting held on 1st July 2024 be approved as a correct record and APPROVED the contents of Delegated Decision Report dated 8.8.24.

 

  1. Matters Arising from Public Session
  • None

 

  1. Matters Arising from previous Meetings (not covered by other agenda items)
  • None

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Jeans said that although copies of the consultation documents had been sent to some of the Wiltshire Libraries, they had not been sent to Mere Library and he had made representations about this with no success. Cllr. Debbie Beale volunteered to print out a copy of the draft Wiltshire Gypsy and Travellers Development Plan and take it to the Mere Library for people to read. The Clerk reported that Wiltshire Council now had a new Chief Executive – Lucy Townsend.

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

*c) Report on AIM event (attached) – The Chairman reported that the AIM event had been very successful and thanked the people that took part in the activities as well as all those that helped to organise it.  He said that any prospects of holding a similar event next year would be dependent on funding.

 

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

 

Application No: PL/2024/07515
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: T1 Pittosporum – Reduce the height by up to 2 metres and spread by up to 1.5 metres on all sides.
Site Address: 3 NURSERY GARDENS, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6PP
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ3000008N3gX

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

 Application No: PL/2024/07480
Application Type: Removal/variation of conditions
Proposal: Variation of conditions 2 (approved plans) and 4 relating to application 21/01808/FUL
Site Address: Dews Pasture, Burton Farm, Burton, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BR
Planning Register Link:  https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ3000008Jz3B

RESOLVED to object to the above application for the following reasons:   [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

The Town Council approved the original planning application 21/01808/FUL on condition that the property had an agricultural occupancy condition.  The original application was approved by the Planning Department in 2021 with the planning officer stating under “Siting, scale, design and impact on the character of the Special Landscape Area (SLA)” –  ‘the proposed dwelling is, in my view, of a size that is commensurate with the identified essential need and the proposed dwelling was therefore considered to be acceptable in terms of scale.’  The planning officer also concluded that “the proposed development would not unduly disturb, interfere, conflict with or overlook adjoining dwellings or uses to the detriment of existing occupiers and appropriate levels of amenity are achievable within the development, in accordance with CP57.’  The proposed dwelling under the original application had two bedrooms and two parking spaces.  It would appear that the applicant now wishes to build the agricultural workers dwelling to a different design to provide three bedrooms and an office and to re-orientate the building by 90 degrees on the site.   In response to a planning application submitted by the same applicant (albeit in a slightly different location) that was refused by the planning authority in 2022 (PL/2022/06854), the planning officer stated: ‘The consented dwelling does not provide for a farm office.  No clear reasons or evidence has been given to explain this additional element or the need for larger accommodation, when the justified essential need and business proposition apparently remains unchanged.  The enlarged and re-sited dwelling is therefore unjustified…”    He also pointed out in his report that “the proposed dwelling is not for occupation by the general public, but an agricultural worker caring for the calves in the adjacent barns.”  The Town Council feels that the planning application and planning statement does not provide sufficient justification to demonstrate the need for the additional bedroom, farm office or re-orientation of the building and nor does it appear that the functional needs of the farm have changed and therefore members felt unable to support the application.

 

Application No: PL/2024/07693
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: New detached dwelling with associated works
Site Address: Long Cottage, North Street, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6HH
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0iQ3000008YDvt

 

Having declared a prejudicial interest in the above planning application, Cllr. Glen Ings left the meeting whilst this application was discussed/considered and took no part in discussion.

RESOLVED to object to the above application for the following reasons: .  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

The Highways Department states that they are satisfied that adequate parking has been shown for both the existing and new units.  However, we believe that there may be an anomaly in the provision that is shown and the actual provision that may be achieved.  There is one proposed parking space shown on the plans for Long Cottage (outside the stone barn).  There is another parking space shown alongside (not allocated to any particular property), in front of the corrugated metal shed.  The scaled parking width on the proposed Site Plan & Floor Plans would suggest that the available parking width is approximately 2.5m.  However, it is believed that the available parking width is much narrower (between 1.67m and 1.95m).  Given that the standard parking space for parallel parking is 2m X 6m on a road where both doors can be opened, the Town Council feels that it would be impossible to achieve these off-road parking spaces adjacent to the building.  Indeed, it is noted that the Design & Access Statement says in 7.5 that the proposals also include external works to the street, within the ownership of Long Cottage, by reducing the width of the stone chip tarmac with a strip of block paving.  The Town Council is concerned that the reduction of the width of the road by nearly 1m may therefore impede access for the other properties that have access rights to the road when the cars are parked in the allocated parking spaces.

 

We note that within this application is the proposal to remove the garage/store adjacent to Long Cottage in order to create a courtyard area as amenity space for Long Cottage.  This will also leave a detached, dilapidated stone barn in the middle of the site.  Furthermore, whilst we realise that we can only consider the plans and drawings presented to us, there is concern that the stone barn structure may later be the subject of future development proposals which would require more off-site parking provision and, indeed, this may impede the provision of the unallocated parking space altogether.  If this is the case then the Highway Officer’s view that one additional small dwelling would be unlikely to present a significant highway safety concern would become invalid.  Existing on-street parking in North Street is heavily congested and there is no further capacity for on-street parking along the street and therefore it is vital to be able to accommodate sufficient parking.  I am attaching photo captures from Google streetview showing the current problems with on-street parking in North Street (see photo 2 & 3).  The on-street parking situation is, however, even more congested during the evening and weekends.

 

The Town Council feels that the proposed development will result in overcrowding of the site resulting in a cramped form of restricted development with little amenity space around it and a front door coming out directly onto the road.

 

The new plot is squeezed into the site with only 1m space behind and in front and a small garden area.  There is no provision shown on the plans for bin storage capacity either for the new plot or for Long Cottage.  Therefore, we assume that the bin storage will need to be accommodated within the small garden areas for both properties as there is insufficient room for them elsewhere.

 

We cannot find any biodiversity report nor consideration for climate strategy measures or renewable energy provision within this planning application which is very disappointing and does not conform to the Town Council’s Biodiversity Strategy.

 

Concerns that there is a certain amount of speculation relating to the future purpose/intention for the dilapidated stone barn that sits in between the new plot and Long Cottage.  As you can see from photo capture 1 – the outside stonework of this building has been crumbling into the area that is roped off.    As the whole site is owned by the applicant it would be preferable if the purpose/intention for this building were to be included within the plans in order to avoid conjecture and take away any element of guesswork.

 

Informative:

Although not a planning consideration, given the fact that the road outside this site is a private road and access needs to be maintained for all properties that have access rights and given the fact that it is proposed to demolish the garage part of Long Cottage which has a building behind it, and given the fact that the development site is fairly cramped with little off-road space, we would stress the importance of communication with adjoining landowners and requirements of the Party Wall Act 1996

 

*b) Consultation on Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework and other changes to the planning system (Consultation runs from Tuesday, 30th July 2024 until Tuesday, 24th September) See: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system

Notes from Chairman attached

Link to Wiltshire Council’s webinar:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MLFP7-Ex90

The Chairman stressed the importance of the Town Council responding to this consultation as well as the importance of individuals responding to this consultation.  It was agreed that the Chair, along with Cllrs. Nick Beale, Debbie Beale, Rachael Hansford, George Jeans and Lesley Traves would get together to form a draft response to the consultation which could then be distributed to councillors for final comment before submission by the deadline on 24th September.

  1. c) Consultation on the draft Wiltshire Gypsy and Travellers Development Plan (Consultation runs from Tuesday, 20th August until Friday, 4th October 2024) For further information see: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/planning-gypsy-travellers

The Chairman explained that he had looked at this in detail and the consultation really relates to whether or not the draft Plan complies with the relevant legal requirements and regulations in the way it has been prepared, including the duty to co-operate, and the soundness of their proposals.  It was felt that the Town Council had insufficient expertise to be able to comment on the legal compliance, soundness and whether or not this Plan met the Duty to Cooperate.

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports – the Chairman said that he had received requests to ask the Parish Steward to tidy up Dark Lane, especially overhanging foliage.
  3. b) Naming of footpath in memory of Dr. David Longbourne – Kate Symonds asked if the Town Council were in support of naming a footpath after Dr. David Longbourne. She said that she was aware of two different footpaths that had been suggested, one of which already had a name, but said there may be more but wondered if the question might be put to the family for them to decide. There was a discussion as to the wording on any such nameplate but it was RESOLVED that the Town Council would look at naming a footpath after Dr. David Longbourne – the details on exact wording to be decided later and the exact route to be discussed at a later meeting with a view of reaching a consensus that can be put to the family for consideration.

*c) Public Consultation on proposed Traffic Regulation Order to extend 30mph speed limit along Shaftesbury Road (in Clerks Report) – the Chairman confirmed that the details were covered in the Clerks Report.  He said that one member of the public had raised comments on what he believed to be errors in the proposed Traffic Regulator Orders to Wiltshire Council but that the Town Council would leave Wiltshire Council to deal with this direct.  RESOLVED to respond to the consultation in support of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order to extend the 30mph speed limit along Shaftesbury Road.

  1. d) To report on LHFIG meeting held on 28.8.24 – The Chairman reported that he and Roger Pipe (Town Council’s Project Co-Ordinator) had attended the LHFIG meeting on 28th Both had arrived early because they wanted to talk to Paul Shaddock about trying to get some of Mere’s issues moving and Roger was very forceful about the fact that he doesn’t get any response from Paul Shaddock to emails which is extremely frustrating because we can’t find out what is happening. The Chairman said that he was going to make contact with the Chair of the meeting, Bridget Wayman, about the lack of progress on any of the Mere issues and particularly the question of who is accepting responsibility for the payment of the electricity for the lighting of Eric Mitchell Way as it is likely that the clocks will change before this matter is resolved.

The Chairman also stated that he wouldn’t be at all surprised if Town and Parish Council contributions were raised above 25% in the future as it is fairly obvious that their finances will not be sufficient to deal with all the issues that are put forward.

It was agreed that a formal complaint to Bridget Wayman about the lack of responses to any correspondence and to question whether the reason for this is a completely unrealistic workload and whether the job of progressing the LHFIG is completely unsustainable in terms of officer time.

 

  1. Buildings, Open Spaces, Play Areas, Sports Grounds, Car Parks, Allotments & Cemeteries
  2. a) Use of Duchy Manor foyer for foodbank distribution on Saturday mornings – the Chairman confirmed that this had been happening over the summer without problem and it was RESOLVED that this practice could continue. The Chairman said that the Town Council would be discussing the use of a fridges in the kitchen for the Foodbank in the near future but felt that it was inappropriate to consider this until the Town Council had a lease in place.

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

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

  1. b) To note the bank reconciliations for month ending June 2024 and July 2024; the Chairman confirmed that he had verified the bank reconciliation against the bank statements and signed accordingly.

*c) To consider Budget/Expenditure report prepared for quarter ending 30.6.24 (attached) – it was pointed out that the Town Council’s spending against the budget was showing a shortfall of £15,254.36 at the end of the first quarter.  However, the Clerk was confident that this shortfall would be reduced as the year progressed.

*d) To review Procurement Policy (attached) to take account of changes in Procurement Thresholds – see NALC Legal Topic Note 87 – 24.1.24 (attached) – RESOLVED to adopt the Procurement Policy as reviewed without further amendment.

 

  1. General Items

*a) To note Clerks research on Forest Deer Leazeholders and consider way forward (attached) – members noted, with interest, the information that had been presented and agreed to take up the Clerk’s suggestions as follows:

  • contact Dorset County Council and get an up-to-date register for the Forest Deer Leazes and any other common land in the vicinity.
  • contact Wiltshire Council to get an up-to-date register of Common Land within the parish of Mere.
  • ensure that a commons association is re-formed for the Forest Deer Leazes with detailed discussions on the financial situation and what to do about back rents and back payments that have been missed. Bank accounts, signatories and banking rights would also need to be discussed.
  1. b) Does Mere want/need a 24-hour cashpoint machine? – the general concensus was that a 24-hour cash machine would be a useful facility. Jeans said that about three years ago a planning application was approved for him to have a 24-hour cashpoint machine outside the post office. However, this did not go forward and it is no longer a feasible option.  The only alternative is to have a stand-alone ATM booth which would take up too much space to house outside the Post Office as it would cause an obstruction.  There was a discussion about whether or not one of these stand-alone ATM booths could be housed in the car park and the general feeling was that members felt that a 24-hour ATM machine would be a useful facility but they didn’t want to commit to installing one anywhere until they had further information such as what it would look like, where it would go and how it would be managed.

 

  1. Future meetings and events
  2. a) Invitation to Community First AGM 2024 on Wednesday, 9th October, meeting 6-7.30 pm, Devizes Town Hall
  3. b) South West Wiltshire Area Board meeting to be held on 11th September 2024 at 6.30 pm at East Knoyle Village Hall.

*c) Invitation to Wiltshire Neighbourhood Watch Association AGM, Saturday 5th October at Wiltshire Police HQ, Devizes commencing at 10 am

  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

 

 

Meeting closed at 8.58 pm