Parish Council Meeting – 5th July 2023
CHILTON TRINITY PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Chilton Trinity Parish Council was held on Wednesday, 5th July 2023 in the Village Hall, Chilton Trinity at 7.30 pm.
In attendance: Parish Councillors Mr P Felton (Chairman), Mrs R Felton,
Mr D Hobbs and Mrs L Hook; Ward Somerset Councillors Mr B Bolt and
Mr M Caswell together with the Clerk Graham Jarvis. No members of the public were present.
Public Speaking Time: No topics raised.
* * * * *
13. Apologies for absence, disclosures of interest and dispensations.
An apology for absence was received from Parish Councillor Mr D Brown (work commitments) which was accepted. Dispensations from the Code of Conduct were held by Mr Felton and Mrs Felton regarding support for facilities at a Chilton Waters and by Mr Hobbs concerning the proposed river barrier and associated flood defence works.
14. Minutes of Previous Meetings.
The minutes of the Annual Parish Council meeting held on 3rd May 2023 were presented. These were approved and signed as a true and complete record.
15. Matters Arising: –
a) 5a – Chilton Waters Play Area – Mrs Hook reported that there had been no further news from the Planning Authority. The Chairman understood that Redrow (the site developer) had been in contact with the Management Company for Chilton Waters offering to sign-over the open space and other areas for a nominal fee. The offer had been declined due to unresolved issues and discussions were taking place between legal representatives from both parties. (Also see Minute 19b below.)
b) 5b – Coronation of HM King Charles III.
The Chairman read from an account, prepared by a Village Hall Committee Member, of the celebrations that took place on Coronation Day, Saturday,6th May. Events included a cream tea and a competition where children were encouraged to colour a Crown and a Royal Fun quiz. A “sold-out” hog roast followed in the evening. The whole day was well supported and an enjoyable time was experienced by all. A copy of the report is appended to the signed copy of the minutes of this meeting.
c) 6 – River Parrett Barrier – The Chairman reported that the drop-in session held on 25th May arranged by the Environment Agency had been well attended with residents asking many questions. As expected, test piling was in progress. In response to the issue raised at the last meeting the Chairman read an email from the EA which mentioned that only low-level lighting would be installed for the works compounds. The Parish Council would be consulted on a lighting strategy for the haul road and other areas. Reference was also made to an article in the Bridgwater Mercury which stated that the expect cost of the project had increased and was now in excess of £120 million.
16. Local Community Network.
Mrs Hook gave a report on the inaugural meeting of the Dowsborough Group which was held on 14th June at Stogursey Victory Hall. There were in the region of 50 representatives attending either in person or via Zoom. Attendees were invited to list areas of concern of their respective communities. There was agreement that Mrs Hook would attend the next meeting likely to be in September.
17. Planning Matters.
a) Decision notified by the Local Planning Authority and recorded: – None.
b) Any Other Planning Matters – None.
(Mr Caswell left the meeting).
18. Financial Matters.
a) Payment of Creditors.
The following payments were approved: –
i) Somerset Council – Waste collections – £334.46 (£278.72 + £55.74 VAT) – Cheque No. 240.
ii) Mr P Felton – Reimbursements – £36.58 (£30.48 + £6.10 VAT) – Cheque No. 241.
iii) Clerk’s salary/reimbursements etc – £1,079.26 (£1,076.07+ £3.19 VAT) – Cheque No. 242.
iv) National Allotment Society – Membership Fee – £66.00 (£55.00 + £11.00 VAT) – Cheque No. 243.
b) Internal Audit 2022/23.
The Clerk read a letter from the Council’s Internal Auditor – which stated that there no matters he wished to raise with the Council.
19. Roads and Footpaths.
a) Maintenance of Land.
The Chairman mentioned that vegetation on land adjacent to the footpath at the school playing field end was now too high, due to a wet spring, to be treated with machinery at his disposal. It was agreed that enquiries be made to engage a contractor as a one-off.
b) Adoption of Areas by Highway Authority*
The Chairman referred to a document issued by the Highway Authority on 16th March 2023 to Redrow Homes SW regarding adoption of “land at the former brickworks, cycleway/footway”. Unfortunately, a map identifying those areas was not readily available. There was agreement that the Chairman would contact Redrow (with a copy to the Highway Authority) seeking clarification as to the ownership and responsibility for maintenance of the overgrown verge at the corner of Chilton Road and Squares Road.
20. Topics for Future Meetings: Topics to be raised at the next LCN meeting.
21. Date of next meeting – Wednesday, 30th August 2023 at 7.30 pm.
Meeting closed 8.55 pm.
Chairman
* Due to the close association with Chilton Waters – this agenda item was brought forward and discussed at the meeting immediately after the item recorded as Minute 15a.