IN THE HALL

Councillors present: J Wright, G Casey, G Jeanes and

N Park – Chairman.

Apologies: P Moore

The MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING were accepted and signed.

MATTERS ARISING: - none

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

The meeting was attended by Caroline Hughes,Assistant Development Manager for Knightstone Housing Group, Knightstone Housing Group’s architect and Jonathan Layzell, Senior Rural Housing Enabler for Somerset CC. They presented architect’s sketches for a suggested development of three 2 bed and three 3 bed dwellings on land presently owned by Somerset CC towards the west end of village. 6 options were presented and discussed. The Parish Council requested additional artist’s impressions for options 4,5and 6 to complete information and drawings to be displayed at a public meeting proposed for the near future. Caroline Hughes undertook to consult with the Parish Council re. some use of suitable natural stone and to provide example survey sheets that could be used to obtain public opinion on style, materials, position and alternative sites. Proposal made by GJ to move forward to a public meeting, seconded by JW.

ACTION - CLERK

PLANNING

Erection of stables, creation of drive and change of use of land at Old Wells Rd, opp Grange Court – No objections made but comments submitted to suggest that splayed pull in from road should be provided to minimise traffic hazard.

Holly Bush Cottage, Knap Hill - removal of condition that development should not be occupied as separate dwelling place. The Parish Council objected as this was a stated requirement of the original application.

4 Park Hayes – 2 storey side extension. No objection and no comment.

QUARRY MATTERS

Barns Close quarry – a letter has now been obtained from the new owner, R.Massey, stating that no permission has been given for motorcycles to enter. Police should be contacted by those wishing to report any incidents and forms will be sent out to build up a general picture.

Quarry Liaison meeting – no notification received by Parish Council. Clerk requested to contact Manager, Alan Starling and to let police know of date of next meeting.

ACTION - CLERK

FINANCE

Financial statement for April accepted. Proposed by JW and seconded by GJ.

Current a/c – payment of Parish Clerk’s salary and expenses for the period Sept 03 – March 04 was proposed by NP and seconded by GJ. Cheque no.402 amount £745.85 was written and signed.

Investment a/c – a transfer of £800 to the current account was proposed by JW and seconded by NP. A crossed warrant was signed. ACTION – CLERK

CEMETERY

It was reported that further cutting back of overhanging bushes was necessary on east and north walls of the churchyard and the wall between churchyard and cemetery. JW proposed that Dave Jarvis be asked to quote for this work, seconded by GJ.

ROADS AND FOOTPATHS

Outstanding kissing gates. Alan Bristow has agreed to submit a quote for this work.

GJ will also contact the Ramblers Association re. possibility of voluntary labour for this and the Chairman of Chantry Parish Council to obtain name of contractor used by them.

The Head teacher of Leigh First School has agreed to seek the views of the school governors about traffic hazard and improved signing in the vicinity of the school.

State and width of pavement by Rec. Field - GJ will investigate complaint.

ACTION - GJ

REC FIELD REPORT

A problem had been experienced in renewing the rec, field insurance. This has been resolved and insurance is in place.

DATE OF AGM – MONDAY 17 MAY 2004 AT 7.30PM TO BE FOLLOWED BY ANNUAL PARISH MEETING AT 8.00PM

DATE OF NEXT MEETING –Monday 10 May. 2004 at 7.30pm at The Village Stores ( home of NP). Future meetings to be held on the third Monday of each month.