Meeting Calendar

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BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL

 

MINUTES OF MEETING

HELD ON THURSDAY 15 JANUARY 2009 AT 7.30PM

IN THE CHAIRMAN'S ROOM, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER

 

 

PRESENT: Cllr JG Granter (Mayor of Bridgwater - in the Chair) Cllrs DL Baker, D Busby (JP), MD Cresswell, D Hall, DP Loveridge, WJ Monteith, PGH Parker,

DL Preece, Ms JA Raven KF Richards, Mrs GJ Slocombe, PJ Smeed and

J Turner (JP)

 

Apologies: Cllr Downes

 

74/08 NORTH EAST BRIDGWATER - INNOVIA/LITTLE SYDENHAM FARM (PLANNING APPLICATION 09/08/17) PRESENTATION:

 

Steve Atkinson was in attendance to present to members an outline of the major planning application, which had been received covering a mixed-use development providing up to 2000 houses, up to 110,000m² of employment development, a mixed-use local centre, a primary school, sports and recreational facilities, community facilities, associated infrastructure works and a wind turbine. An integral part of the overall scheme was a fully detailed submission for a regional distribution centre for William Morrison Supermarket plc. The application had been circulated with six weeks for comment and was expected to be submitted to the Development Control Committee in July. Although broadly in line with the Local Development Framework, the Bridgwater Challenge and the Economic Development Strategy, the application had yet to be examined fully. It was likely that given the scale of the application and the environmental statement it would be referred to the Government Office.

 

Mr Atkinson volunteered to attend the Town Council Planning Panel when the application was formally considered.

 

Members raised a number of issues that were noted for further examination. This included the intentions for employment use upon the closure of the Innovia factory, transportation strategy issues, including the linkage across the railway line to the A38 and back to the A39, particularly in light of the proposed location for the new community hospital. Members were also conscious of the listed building Sydenham Manor and the need to take this into account. Generally speaking, members welcomed the investment, which would be covered by the proposed development.

 

Copies of a letter were circulated detailing the structure of the application, the description of development with its various elements, and relevant plans and illustrations.

 

The Mayor thanked Mr Atkinson for his presentation.

 

75/08 POLICING IN BRIDGWATER - PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION WITH INSPECTOR NIC CROCKER:

 

Inspector Crocker dealt with a series of issues affecting policing in Bridgwater. He referred to a major emergency planning exercise involving all public authorities and major industrial concerns, which had taken place. More would be forthcoming on this including the Town Council involvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

In relation to policing performance Inspector Crocker reported improvements in reporting procedures and actions in dealing with those who were victims of crime. He advised latest movements in crime statistics, which showed in the previous eight months an increase of an estimated 3% across the board, but with continuing detection rate in Bridgwater area of one-third. Some specific instances were highlighted including serious inquisitive crime, increased calls on New Years Eve, but which were not related solely to the town centre.

 

Inspector Crocker responded to a number of questions in relation to the DVD launch, special constables, links to senior schools and 'operation glitter'. He thanked the Town Council for their support for the initiative combating "crime against the person" aimed at young people.

 

Members' appreciation was expressed for response times to incidents in Victoria Road, to work with the PRU, and the PCSOs in the Union Street area of the Town, and miss use of a motor scooter provided through the rural youth project. Requests were made for PCSO attendance at Neighbourhood Watch meetings in HAMP and to keep the pressure on in respect of the parking problems identified in Rhode Lane and referred to the Highway Authority. The Town Clerk was also asked to make representations to the department of transport, with police support, reference new bicycles sold without lights.

 

The Council thanked Inspector Crocker for his attendance.

 

76/08 MINUTES

 

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 December 2008 be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

 

77/08 MATTERS ARISING:

 

1. Skate Park and facilities (Min 63/08) - the Town Clerk reported written confirmation that finance previously set aside by the District Council for this purpose had been deleted from the budget, but that RLT3 monies could be used in line with the new guidelines;

2. Report of the Finance Committee - Precept (Min 64/08) - the Town Council precept had been held at the same level as 2008/2009 including the element of special expenses recovery and it was proposed to publish this on the Council's website;

3. Report of the Finance Committee - Cemeteries (Min 64/08) - the Town Clerk had now received further information in relation to the memorial testing, which indicated the prospect of an overspend of an estimated £10K through the final tranche of the memorial testing and repair estimates.

 

78/08 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:

 

RESOLVED: That the payments (including Section 137 payments) made since the last meeting recorded in the Town Clerk's Report dated 8 January 2009 be approved and confirmed.

 

(Cllr. Cresswell declared an interest in the item relating to Griffens Carnival Club and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon).

 

79/08 PROGRESS ON MATTERS ARISING FROM BUDGET AND PRECEPT 2008/2009 - BUDGET AND FACILITY AND SERVICE SUPPORT (MIN 65/08):

 

Members were updated on all the items contained in Minute 50/08 and 60/08 of the Minutes of 13 November 2008 and Minute 65/08

 

 

 

 

 

1. Blake Museum - further discussions had taken place with SDC officers and draft principles and heads of terms were nearing completion through exchange of letters of intent. The object was to transfer the Museum and the Old Mill to the Town Council by 31/03/09. Transitional arrangements had also been discussed and broadly agreed to take this forward using the voluntary services of the Friends. Co-ordination of the practical steps to transfer alongside the legal process was essential and in view of the time schedules the Town Clerk recommended that this would best be achieved by managing the process through the appointed sub-group and by the nomination of an honorary co-ordinator on a voluntary basis to work with the Friends and the current museum staff. To achieve the objective and re-ordering, temporary, possibly partial, closure of the Museum was intended for re-launch post 1 April 2009.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.  
   1.  
      1.  

         1. That the position with the exchange of letters of intent, particularly in relation to TUPE and liabilities be noted;

         2. that the need for temporary closure, but honouring existing bookings be agreed;

         3. that a visit by members of the Town Council be arranged;

         4. that the appointment of the Sub-Group comprising the Mayor, Chairman of the Finance Committee and Cllr. Smeed be confirmed to manage the process with power to act; and

         5. that Dr Peter Cattermole be appointed as honorary co-ordinator on a voluntary basis for a temporary period covering the transition.

 

1. Cemeteries - new fee schedules had been set up for each cemetery for 2009/2010 utilising the 3% figure which formed the basis of the estimates and budgets approved by the Council.

 

With the Service Level Agreement now in operation, Members confirmed the desire for monitoring of the operation and expenditure to ensure that value for money was obtained. Much of this was built into the Service Level Agreement and continued through regular communication between the cemeteries operation, with SDC, and the Town Clerk.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1. That the steps necessary to ensure value for money be put in place; and

2. that copies of the new cemetery charges be circulated to all members

 

1. Trinity Hall - the Town Clerk confirmed a meeting with SDC on 20/01/09. which it was hoped would crystallise the response to the Town Council's stance offering to take over the hall as a community resource for nil consideration;

2. Building Schools for the Future (BSF) and transfer of Chilton 2 - following circulation to all members of a note of the meeting of the sub-group held on 16/12/08, and in line with the recommendation and the majority view of councillors consistent with the Town Council objectives, the provisional special meeting had not been convened. The Settlement Agreement had been varied accordingly and had been completed, and thus enabled the transfer of the land to SCC and BSF to take place by the due date.

 

(Cllr. Busby reiterated the view he had expressed by e-mail and registered his dissension from the decision taken).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

80/08 TOWN HALL AND ISLAND SITE (THIS):

 

A meeting of the THIS Stakeholder Group had been held on 09/12/08. A meeting of the Project Team had also been held, which had been quite positive. A co-ordination group had been established within SDC covering the THIS project as well as Northgate and other associated projects. Preliminary plans had been displayed illustrating specific allocations, which took into account the commercial development necessary to achieve viability, as well as the refurbishment of the main hall, the cultural partners desires, and existing users as well as the needs of the town council and present lets. The Development Trust Association had also provided advice and this would be followed up in Business Planning covering financing and funding as well timescales and the relocation planning within the site.

A memorandum of understanding for signature by all relevant parties was also in draft form.

 

(Cllrs. Busby, Loveridge, Parker and Smeed declared an interest in this matter and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon).

 

81/08 MODEL PUBLICATION SCHEME:

 

The new model scheme, as approved at the last meeting, was now in place with effect from 1 January 2009. This included a schedule of information available and contact details consistent with the requirements of the Information Commissioners Office (ICO). Copies would also be available on the Council's website.

 

82/08 COMMUNITIES IN CONTROL: REAL PEOPLE, REAL POWER - CONSULTATION:

 

The Town Clerk referred to a consultation document issued by the Department of Communities and Local Government, covering a code of recommended practice on local authority publicity. Responses were required by 12/03/09 and the Town Clerk identified the location of the document on the DCLG website.

 

83/08 MAYORAL ITEMS:

 

1. The record of recent engagements would be circulated by e-mail.

2. Tour of Britain - a request had been submitted, via Cllr. Pat Parker, on whether the Town Council would entertain the start/finish of the Tour of Britain in 2009. It was assured that this would be without financial commitment on the part of the Town Council.

 

RESOLVED: That an expression of interest be submitted via Cllr Parker.

 

1. Christmas trees - the Town Clerk had been advised that trees previously used in St John Street (£100) were available to members of the Town Council.

 

RESOLVED: That subject to suitability a number be obtained for appropriate use

 

1. Christmas Shop window display - the Mayor and Mayoress had presented a trophy for the best decorated window, which on this inaugural occasion had been presented to Biddiscombes furniture shop in Old Taunton Road.

 

84/08 PUBLICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

 

The Town Clerk reported on correspondence and papers received and those additional to the report.

 

RESOLVED: That all items be noted as listed in the report dated 4 January 2009 (agenda item 9) and action taken on the following and additional items:-

 

1. Proposals for the development of mental health services in Mendip and Bridgwater (Church Street and Broadway Health Park) and planning application 08/08/262;

2. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority - corporate plan consultation 2009/2010 - 2011/2012;

6. Heritage Open Days 2009/2010 13 September 2009 - ongoing discussions with Civic Society;

8. Bridgwater Allotment Tenants Association - BTC Prize £50 - agreed;

9. War Memorial - cleaning and plaque replacement - application to War Memorials Trust awaiting response;

20. International Awards for liveable communities;

21. Bridgwater Challenge - vision and strategic framework - appointment of Gillespies;

22. Severn Side Community rail partnership - progress report;

23. Somerset Art Works (SAW) - contribution of £30 approved subject to Finance Committee;

 

85/08 GRANTS AND WARD BUDGET BIDDING:

 

RESOLVED: That the following decisions (within the provision of Section 137 where applicable) be made:-

 

1. HAMP Community Association - start-up costs for taking over the running and management of minibus including insurance, tax, MOT and repairs (available to all "Bridgwater community") - grant of £1000 approved with reference to Finance Committee;

2. Bridgwater Area Association for the Elderly (Ivy House) - completion of refurbishment work to kitchen - (Victoria) ward grant of £1000 approved.

 

(Cllrs. Parker, Ms Raven and Turner declared an interest in the HAMP community association item and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon).

 

(Declarations of interest: Cllrs, Busby, Cresswell, Granter, Hall and Richards item 1, Cllr. Parker items 1 as County Councillor and 2 as a member of the Fire & Rescue Authority, and Cllr. Smeed item 6 as a member of the Civic Society).

 

86/08 EXEMPT ITEMS - EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC:

 

RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the business recorded in Minute 87/08 on the grounds that this will involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Section 100.1 of the Local Government Act 1972.

 

87/08 THE BRIDGWATER CUP 2008:

RESOLVED:

 

1. That having considered the merits of the worthy nominations eligible the cup be awarded to Mrs Janet Harvey in recognition of her outstanding voluntary service and dedication to a range of Bridgwater organisations, including Bridgwater Carnival and Bridgwater Operatic and Pantomime, her service to Bridgwater Town Football Club and many years service at Eastover School, largely in a voluntary capacity;

2. that a suitable presentation and photograph opportunity be organised; and

3. that members recognise the work of all those nominated and their support in the community and the nominees be thanked for their submissions

 

The meeting finished at 9.33pm

 

..........................................Signed

Chairman