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Minutes of Town Council meeting held on Monday, 15th January 2024

Minutes of a meeting of Mere Town Council held on Monday, 15th January 2024 in The Andy Young Pavilion, Duchy Manor, Springfield Road, Mere, Wiltshire.  BA12 6EW at 7.00 pm.

 

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 (from 7.35 pm), Kate Symonds & Lesley Traves

Also Town Clerk, Lindsey Wood.

 

Public Participation Session

Debbie Beale raised concerns about traffic coming into Mere from both directions when there was an accident on the A303 recently and the volume and size of the vehicles trying to get through the town caused chaos and gridlock.  The Chairman said that, living on Castle Street, he was aware that this happened fairly regularly.  The Clerk said that she did not think that the police officially diverted the traffic through Mere but once the road has been closed to through traffic, the drivers just find another way to go without any control.  It was agreed to ask the police about this when the Council is next in discussion with them to see if they can officially divert traffic either elsewhere or only one way through the town.

John Jordan thanked everyone who helped with the Great Bottom Walk on New Year’s Day.

The Clerk read out an email from Anne Rich thanking the Town Council for providing financial support to the Foodbank.

 

  1. Apologies for absence received from Cllrs. Sandra Catley, Philip Coward & Clive Hazzard.

 

  1. To receive any declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and other interests from Councillors on matters to be considered at the meeting.
  • George Jeans declared a pecuniary interest in Minute No. 362a) Payments
  • Glen Ings declared a personal interest in planning application PL/2023/10666

 

  1. Minutes – RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Town Council meeting held on Monday, 4th December 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)

*a)  Minute Ref: 344b) Community Governance Review (see Clerks Report) – members noted the information in the Clerks Report.

 

  1. Reports & Consultations
  2. a) Wiltshire Councillors Report – Cllr. Jeans reported on the judging for the Mere Xmas Lights kindly carried out by Nick & Debbie Beale and thanked the Chairman of the Town Council for presenting the shield and prizes to:

1st place – 26 Denes Avenue

2nd place – 2 Denes Avenue

Special recognition to Lambrook Cottage, Shaftesbury Road.

The Chairman reiterated thanks to Nick and Debbie Beale and said he was aware that it was not an easy task.

  1. b) Project Co-Ordinator’s Report (report attached) – members noted the information in the report.

 

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

 

Application No: PL/2023/09919
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Erection of WC hut, construction of access track and area of hardstanding (Retrospective)
Site Address: Land at Woodlands Road, Mere, Wilts, BA12 6JT
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001BDwbO

 

Following a long discussion and a majority vote (11 for and 1 abstention) it was RESOLVED to object to the above application for the reasons set out below [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]  :

This once agricultural field, as is evident from the attached Google earth aerial view, has now become spoiled by unnecessary overdevelopment and suburbanisation.  The field had a perfectly good vehicular field access gate on the southern boundary as can be seen from google street view and shown with a cross on the attached map view.  For some inexplicable reason, there is now a second vehicular access gate on the eastern boundary from Woodlands Road with a huge expanse of rubble track going along the whole length and half width of the field.  The Town Council supported the planning application for the agricultural barn on this field in 2022 (PL/2022/03832) on condition that there was no domestic paraphernalia brought onto the site which must be used solely for agricultural purposes – this condition was included within the planning authority’s decision notice for approval.  Furthermore, a second condition was included by the planning authority stating that within two months of the date of this decision, the wooden storage shed and its contents….should be removed from the land in its entirety and the land should be restored to its previous condition.

The Town Council cannot support the erection of a WC hut or the storage container that is on site surrounded by wooden cladding, or the huge expanse of rubble track or the removal of the agricultural hedgerow as there is no agricultural justification for this level of development.  This retrospective development has had an unacceptable impact on the amenity and rural character of the area and the field should be restored to its previous condition with the field hedgerow planted.

Local knowledge states that this field contained an attenuation pond which stored water during heavy rainfall and stopped it from running across the road.  It is now evident that this pond has been filled during the construction of the access track and the water run-off during periods of heavy rainfall across the road is now excessive.  We feel that the Highways Authority Department should be made aware of this issue.

This hedgerow should have been protected as it was more than 20m in length next to land used for agriculture.  The applicant should have submitted a Hedgerow removal notice: GOV.UK: Land management Guidance Countryside hedgerows: protection and management: Hedgerow Regulations 1997(opens new window).

Under the 2021 Environment Act, the Town Council recently agreed its biodiversity policy.  The Town Council felt that this planning application does not meet the criteria within Mere Town Council’s Biodiversity Policy as the application does not benefit biodiversity through the conservation and integration of existing habitats or provision of new habitats for wildlife.

Although we realise that this is not a planning consideration, we are aware that there are covenants in place on the conveyance of this land relating to the permitted use which is restricted to agricultural and forestry purposes.

 

Application No: PL/2023/10288
Application Type: Full planning permission
Proposal: Erection of a timber studio for use in association with donkey sanctuary and to provide holiday accommodation (retrospective)
Site Address: Land at Wet Lane, Mere, BA12 6BA
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001CFARM

Following detailed discussion on this retrospective planning application and a majority vote (11 for and 1 abstention) it was RESOLVED to object to the above application for the reasons set out below [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]  :

The Chairman provided members with a precis of the planning history of the site.  Members recalled that the applicant had attended Town Council meetings in 2022 explaining that he had bought 4 acres of land in Wet Lane in order to house his rescue donkeys and that he required the formation of a field access (another retrospective application) and the erection of an agricultural and livestock building.  There was no mention from the applicant that it would later be necessary to expand this into a developed donkey sanctuary which, whether private or charity, could be construed as a commercial activity.  The planning statement states that the studio will occasionally be let as tourist accommodation to provide financial support for this rural charity.  The assertion that this charity/sanctuary needs financial support would seem to validate the fact that it is therefore a commercial activity rather than a private one.  The planning permission related to this site is for the private stabling of donkeys and the storage of associated equipment and feed and shall at no time be used for any commercial purposes whatsoever.  The Town Council therefore suggests that there should be some clarification as to whether or not the activity is private or commercial.

The planning officer confirmed in his 2022 report that the site is predominately rural location within the open countryside for the purposes of the local plan and is outside the defined limits of development.   It would appear that this timber studio has been built on agricultural land.  Whilst the planning statement says that it has been built on what was once part of neighbouring garden, this would appear to be inaccurate as the land was part of Church Farm.  There is no evidence to support the claim that there was a previous timber shed on the site of this studio.  Conversely, there appears to be evidence to support that there were trees and hedges affected by this retrospective development.

The planning statement for the above application states that the timber studio is required to provide a working space for employees at the donkey sanctuary, whilst also enabling the applicant to let it out as tourist accommodation on an occasional basis that will be marketed towards couples and small families seeking a quiet countryside holiday with donkeys.  It also says that it will be used for hybrid office/tourist accommodation.   There are four donkeys on the site and it is believed that there is one member of staff who attends to the needs of these donkeys and it should be perfectly possibly to provide a working space for this staff member (and other staff members if necessary) within the existing barn that was erected in 2022.  Therefore, there is no justification to support the need for this additional building to serve the needs of staff associated with the needs of the donkeys as a suitable alternative existing building exists on the site. Letting of the studio as tourist accommodation would be a commercial activity that would be in breach of the agricultural and equestrian use of the site.

Whilst the Town Council recognises the importance of tourism and the contribution it can make to the local economy, it could not support the development of a studio as tourist accommodation in this location as the impact on the amenity, rural character and environmental quality of the area would be detrimental and unsustainable.

Under the 2021 Environment Act, the Town Council recently agreed its biodiversity policy.  The Town Council felt that this planning application does not meet the criteria within Mere Town Council’s Biodiversity Policy as the application does not benefit biodiversity through the conservation and integration of existing habitats or provision of new habitats for wildlife.

 

Application No: PL/2023/10700
Application Type: Listed building consent (Alt/Ext)
Proposal: Replace rotten kitchen window
Site Address: The House, Salisbury Street, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6HE
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001CFSJo

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application. [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

Application No: PL/2023/10666
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Demolition of store to rear of ground floor and construction of new extension at 1st floor over existing ground floor rooms.
Site Address: Beech Cottage, Chetcombe Road, Mere, BA12 6AX
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001CFRVZ

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

Cllr. Ings, having declared a personal interest in the above application, refrained from discussion or voting.

Application No: PL/2023/10999
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: T1 Horse Chestnut. Tree is close to the neighbouring property and has a large sub-dominant stem. Reduce height by 2-3 metres and reduce the lateral spread by 2-3 metres. General pruning to round over and balance the trees shape.
Site Address: THE OLD RECTORY, CHURCH STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6DS
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001CFkNy

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

Application No: PL/2023/10789
Application Type: Householder planning permission
Proposal: Single Storey Extension to East Elevation to Provide Family Room and Farm Office.
Site Address: Downs View Farm, Limpers Hill, Mere, Warminster, BA12 6BD
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001CFYmT

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.  [In order not to compromise his position as Wiltshire Councillor, Cllr. Jeans abstained from voting on this matter.]

Application No: PL/2023/11168
Application Type: Notification of proposed works to trees in a conservation area
Proposal: I propose to reduce 1 large Birch tree back to the previous (25% Reduction), to control the size and shape. I propose to reduce the height of 1 large Cotoneaster tree by approximately 6ft and shape the sides to keep the natural shape. I propose to reduce 1 Maple tree by 25% to control the size and shape.
Site Address: LINDEN HOUSE, CASTLE STREET, MERE, WARMINSTER, BA12 6JH
Planning Register Link: https://development.wiltshire.gov.uk/pr/s/planning-application/a0i3z00001CFxtt

 

RESOLVED to recommend approval of the above application.

 

  1. Highways, Rivers, Footpaths, Traffic & Transport
  2. a) To identify jobs for the Parish Steward, Sparkle Team and MyWiltshire reports – the Chairman reported that surface repair work was being carried out in Pettridge Lane by contractors at the end of this week. Jeans asked if something could be done about White Road (outside Social Club). Also look at the top of White Road (top of Hazzards Hill) where an HGV has mounted the grass verge.

 

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

*a) To approve wording and signage for Permissive Path through Duchy Manor (see Clerks Report) – RESOLVED to approve the wording and signage on condition that an officer from Wiltshire Council confirms that wording on this sign will protect us should someone make a challenge in 20 years’ time saying that it should become a public right of way because she/he has walked it every day for 20 years!

 

  1. Finance, Policy & Resources

*a)  Payments – Cllr. Jeans, having declared a pecuniary interest, left the meeting whilst this item was discussed.  The Chairman explained some of the expenses and also said that the grounds team were making good progress on the phased work in the cemetery.  RESOLVED to authorise payments as shown in the payment schedule distributed at the meeting.

  1. b) To note the bank reconciliations for November 2023; the Chairman to sign and verify against the bank statements – the Chairman confirmed that he had signed and verified the reconciliations against the bank statements

*c) To consider amendment to Council Tax Base and the affect this has on approved precept (see Clerks Report) – In view of the information in the Clerks Report members unanimously agreed to amend the Precept figure to £200,176.56 thereby increasing the budgeted figure for election expenses from £900 to £2000.

  1. d) To consider interim Internal Audit report (report attached) – the Chairman confirmed that he had read the report and discussed some recommended actions with the Clerk. The Chairman said that the internal auditor had provided some very useful advice.
  2. e) To review Annual Investment Strategy (Strategy document attached) – deferred

*f) To consider investment in CCLA (see Clerks Report) – With reference to the information in the Clerks Report, Cllr. Jeans asked that the Town Council should check that the CCLA is regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).  It was unanimously agreed, subject to the following check, that the Town Council should invest £100k into the CCLA.

  1. g) To consider Biodiversity Duty and Draft Biodiversity Policy & Action Plan (draft attached) – the Chairman felt that the Draft Policy was comprehensive but doesn’t promise more than we can actually deal with. Agreed to include, within the introduction, that Mere is fortunate in that the Duchy of Cornwall owns a large amount of land in the area and that the Duchy’s stewardship of that land, along with the work of the tenant farmers, is sustainably proactive in terms of nature, wildlife and biodiversity. R. Coward felt that the Town Council had been very proactive and ahead of the game in this respect.  RESOLVED to approve and adopt the Draft Policy and Action Plan.

 

  1. General Items

None

 

  1. Future meetings and events
  2. a) SW Wiltshire LHFIG meeting 7.2.24 at 2.00 pm at The Nadder Centre, Weaveland Road, Tisbury – Cllr. Mrs. Beale said that she was unable to attend the meeting. The Chairman said that he would try and attend although he was aware that our Project Co-ordinator was intending to attend the meeting.
  3. b) Cranborne Chase National Landscape Annual Forum 2024 – Wednesday, 28th February 2024 between 10 am – 4 pm at Dinton Village Hall.
  4. c) The Great Panto Puzzle, United Reform Church, Mere. Monday, 22nd January at 2.00 pm
  5. d) Spring Clean Litter Pick – 24th March – further details to be published

 

  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:

 

Submission of Annual Return for Mere Peace Memorial Sports & Recreation Ground Charity for Financial Year End 31.3.23

 

The Trustee approved the submission of the Annual Return for the year ending 31.3.23

 

Meeting closed at 8.11 pm