Temperature 13°c (55°f)

Clouds are
Few Broken
Humidity 71%

May 2012
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
29	30	1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18	19
20	21	22	23	24	25	26
27	28	29	30	31	1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9

-=-

Key

To view Meeting details please go to the Meetings Page.

October 2009

BRIDGWATER TOWN COUNCIL

MINUTES OF MEETING

HELD ON THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER 2009 AT 7.30PM

IN THE CHAIRMAN'S ROOM, TOWN HALL, BRIDGWATER

PRESENT: Cllr KF Richards (Mayor of Bridgwater - in the Chair) Cllrs DL Baker,

D Busby, MD Cresswell, AS Downes, GJ Granter, D Hall, DP Loveridge,

WJ Monteith, PJ Parker, D Preece, Mrs GJ Slocombe, P Smeed and

J Turner (JP)

Apologies: Cllrs Munn and Ms Raven

27/09 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (LDF) PLANNING PRESENTATION:

The Council received a presentation from Nick Tait and Stuart Houlet on the Core Strategy document illustrating the preferred options for the Local Development Framework and aimed at shaping the future of Sedgemoor for the period ending 2026. This followed the opening of the consultation period to the end of November, which was also available through a portal online. Update newsletters numbers 1, 2 and 3 had been circulated as background. Further consultation events were planned including an exhibition in Angel Place. The options document was based on the Regional Special Strategy, although this was delayed requiring additional papers to substantiate sustainability. Bridgwater was the focus for growth with some 7700 houses and 6000 jobs planned. Mr Tait explained the impact in relation to other towns in the south west, and outlined the document in terms of residential development and the settlement hierarchy, before moving on to deal with employment issues. The document which identified specific sites was now a material consideration following adoption alongside the Bridgwater Challenge. Employment sites were also identified.

The Officers responded to questions in relation to residential sites, requirement for affordable housing, empty properties, and links to regeneration. In relation to both residential and employment allocations, notations pertaining to flooding were questioned in detail. One particular aspect raised, related to the planed new community hospital on the site at Bower. Planning questions related to the town centre, interlinking this with the Bridgwater Challenge, the need for larger units and impact of comparison and convenience shopping through the plan period. Members referred to a lack of clarity and conflict within the document in relation to demand for leisure.

Members agreed to defer the item without submitting formal comments at this stage and to bring forth views to the meeting on 12 November, to which the Planning Policy Team would again be invited. This providing sufficient time for comment before the end of the consultation period.

The Mayor thanked Messrs Tait and Houlet for their forbearance and they were invited to remain for the public participation part of the meeting.

28/09 PUBLIC SPEAKING:

The Council were addressed by Mrs Sally Jones speaking on behalf of the Bridgwater Forward Group, which had recently been established. This had risen from the action taken against the Splash closure and concerns about the overall impact of this on the town centre and commercial sectors. She raised various issues including the certainty of the BSF projects and the planned swimming pool at Chilton. Mrs Linda Brigg also addressed the meeting and was allowed to circulate a paper again relating to the splash closure.

Members emphasised that this was a decision by SDC and entirely within their purview. However, Members undertook to consider the paper with a view to further discussion on 12 November 2009.

29/09 MINUTES

RESOLVED: That the Minutes held on 6 August 2009 be approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record.

30/09 REPORT OF THE MUSEUM SUB-COMMITTEE (19/08/09):

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 19/08/09 (attached as an Appendix) were circulated. The Town Clerk drew attention to issues discussed and circulated an updated statement of performance against budget. Members congratulated the Friends of Blake Museum (FOBM) and other volunteers on the progress that was being made, together with the Honorary Museum Co-ordinator.

RESOLVED: That the report of the Museum Sub-Committee be approved.

31/09 PAYMENT OF ACCOUNTS:

RESOLVED: That the payments (including Section 137 payments) made since the last meeting recorded in the Town Clerk's report dated 24 September 2009 be approved and confirmed and the credit income being precept second instalment be noted.

32/09 MATTERS ARISING FROM MINUTES OF 06/08/09:

Audit of Accounts 2008/2009 (Min 18/09) - further information requested by the auditor had been supplied, which should now conclude the audit. A report would be presented to the upcoming meeting of the Finance Committee.
Bridgwater Challenge (Min 21/09.1) - following the meeting of the Project Board on 30/09/09 the Bridgwater Challenge Changing Face New Place had moved into the delivery phase with new terms of reference. A news release had been circulated and the Town Council's representative Cllrs Downes referred to the availability of the DVD, which had been issued updating the project. He felt this was moving into a positive phase.
Skate Park and Facilities (Min 21/09.2) - progress was continuing with the planning application for the two micro-sites approved. The Task and Finish Group had met again on 24/09/09 and were actively planning an opening ceremony supported by Maverick Co. who were undertaking the developments.
Ex-Cattle Market and Bristol Road Lands (Min 21/09.5) - the Town Clerk confirmed that the heads of terms for the landowners agreement had now been confirmed by SDC Executive and the agreement and option and development agreement were being finalised (see Min 40/09 dealt with in the absence of press and public).
Somerset Archaeological & Natural History Society - Maritime History Project (Min 26/09.3) - the Town Clerk had obtained details of the financing of the project and Members agreed to refer the item to the Finance Committee for consideration.

33/09 TOWN HALL ISLAND SITE (THIS/THERP PROJECT) (MIN 22/09):

Members were advised that the project was now moving forward with the listed building consent application submitted and contractors interviewed. The listed building application included BTC requirements for two notice boards and two flagpoles. Completion of the scheme in four phases was due in May 2010. A further meeting of the user group was coming up. It appeared that SDC were still thinking longer-term to establish a cultural trust.

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

34/09 ALLOTMENTS IN BRIDGWATER (MIN 23/09):

As decided at the previous meeting, representatives had met with the Bridgwater Allotment Tenants Association on the Kidsbury site and information on likely costs of clearing, fencing and providing additional plots on the currently unused land had been commissioned. Further information was reported on vacancies, registered need and the waiting list. Costs had been obtained for replacement signs on various sites.

It had not yet been possible to set up a meeting with the Ashleigh Avenue & Terrace Residents Association to examine the land that had previously been private allotments, although a copy of the application submitted by the owners for the removal of the restrictive covenant, ie: the hinderance to building on site, had been received.

RESOLVED:

That if received the additional information on the Kidsbury site be referred to the Finance Committee;
That the Finance Committee include the sign replacement on the various sites in the budget for 2010/2011;
that the meeting at Ashleigh Avenue be convened as soon as possible

34/09 BRIDGWATER, TAUNTON AND WELLINGTON TRANSPORT STRATEGY 2009/2026:

The consultation was now underway with responses required by 23/10/09. Members were invited to respond on the forms available.

Concern was still voiced that the Transport Strategy Group covering Bridgwater had not been convened and appeared no longer to exist. The Town Clerk had previously made enquiries about this without success.

Members recognised the impact of the strategy given the consequences of the Regional Special Strategy as outlined earlier with the LDF. Members reiterated concerns about the impact of the residential and employment development with the LDF options and the continued pursuit of the park and ride schemes south and north of Bridgwater and the re-emergence of a Taunton Road bus lane proposal to which extensive objection had been raised.

RESOLVED: That further confirmation be sought on the position with the Bridgwater Transport Strategy Group and in the meantime members respond individually, or submit observations to the Town Clerk for a composite response by 23/10/09.

35/09 REDEVELOPMENT OF BRIDGWATER COMMUNITY HOSPITAL - CONSULTATION:

A further consultation document had been received with the period closing on 02/12/09 seeking feedback to inform the NHS Somerset Business Case for the new Bridgwater Community Hospital. This was particularly targeted at additional services to be provided over and above those planned in the original submission.

RESOLVED: That copies be circulated and a representative invited to attend on 12/11/09 to discuss the proposals in more detail.

36/09 BRIDGWATER/UHERSKE HRADISTE TWINNING:

The Town Clerk reported on the Co-operation Agreement in line with the European framework, which had been received on the recent Mayoral visit to UH. Ratification by resolution of the Council was required although Members were concerned that the terms of the agreement should not go beyond what was previously laid down in terms of obligations on the Council. This reflected the traditional role of local authorities.

RESOLVED:

That the Town Clerk be requested to circulate a copy of the agreement based on the previously signed Co-operation Agreement for members' consideration;
that the point made by Cllr Loveridge about the difficult timings of the meetings of the group be noted and letter sent to the organisation expressing the Town Council's disappointment.

37/09 BRIDGWATER CARNIVAL COMMUNITY CENTRE PROPOSAL:

The Town Clerk referred to plans by the Carnival Committee to establish a community centre and to the business plan that had been submitted. The Committee were actively seeking funding to purchase the building.

RESOLVED: That this be referred to the Finance Committee for consideration.

(Cllrs Mrs Slocombe {personal and prejudicial interest} and Cresswell declared an interest in this item and took no part in the consideration and did not vote thereon).

38/09 PUBLICATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE:

The Town Clerk reported on correspondence and papers received and those additional to the report in two sections: those for decision and those for information.

RESOLVED: that all items be noted as listed in the report dated 24 September 2009 (Agenda item 10) and decisions taken as follows:-

SDC car parking charges 2010/11 - support for recommendation to retain existing tariffs;
Community Policing Awards 2009 - members to submit nominations to the Town Clerk for comprehensive response within the various categories and policing team for Bridgwater;
Highway lighting - Gloucester Road - left on table unless additional information is forthcoming as to necessity;
WWA Proposed Major water supply scheme for Bridgwater - refer to the Planning Panel to meet and deal with;
Victim Support Somerset - funding request 2009/2010 - referred to Finance Committee;
Hinkley Point Site Stakeholder group - Induction Day 15/10/09 - invitation to members to attend;
Hinkley Point C site investigation works (EDF Energy) - invitation to members to examine plans of investigative works;
National Grid: Hinkley Point C Connection Project - invitation to members to attend information meeting as part of the "statement of community consultation" to be held at Bawdrip Village Hall on 14/10/09 between 7.30 and 9pm

39/09 EXEMPT ITEM - EXCLUSION OF PRESS & PUBLIC:

RESOLVED: That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the business recorded in Minute 40/09 on the grounds that this will involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in section 100.1 of the Local Government Act 1972.

40/09 TOWN COUNCIL ASSETS AND CATTLE MARKET ROAD LANDS AND THIS (THERP) PROJECT: ARISING FROM MINS 32/09.IV AND 33/09 RECORDED ABOVE:

The Town Clerk reminded Members of the Heads of Terms, which had previously been

approved by the Town Council and now approved by the Executive of Sedgemoor District Council for the Landowners' Agreement and the forerunner to the Promotion and Development Agreement about to be finalised with the prospective development company. Members sought clarification of the terms and the Town Clerk explained the matters that had developed through negotiation in relation to the enhanced payment to the Town Council, percentage to be utilised on internal works at the Town Hall, long-term lease and accommodation, reduction of rent against open-market value, option for additional premises, all distinct from the BTC land included in the disposal. The Town Council had also spelt out the express purposes for which their contribution could be utilised on internal refurbishment in the main in association with the Town Hall users. Although some Members were still of the view that Town Council accommodation should be rent free for the entire term of the lease, the Council had approved the specific terms and these were accepted in the round. Following all the necessary approvals legal documentation would now be finalised.

RESOLVED: That the position be noted and terms accepted in their entirety.

41/09 TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS - ACCOMMODATION:

Reviewing the accommodation for meetings in light of the number of members of the public who had attended, it was agreed that whenever available the Charter Hall should be used. Members might however consider meeting at an alternative venue with ground floor accommodation if interest warranted this.

RESOLVED: That other than the Charter Hall being used whenever available, no firm decisions be taken on this issue at this meeting.

The meeting finished at 10.15pm

.............................................

Signed

Chairman

Meeting Calendar

October 2009