Present: G. Willcox (Chair), D. Creed, J. Gane, A. Creed, M. Heal, T. Holley (20.20 Hrs) and 8 parishoners.
Apologies: A. Oakerbee.
There were Nil Declarations of Interest.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.
Public Speaking-time:-
Request from spokesperson of The West Pennard Traffic Action Group for funding from West Pennard Parish Council GFL Fund for the purchase of 2 Solar Speed Indicator Devices.
Two quotes offered for £7,500 and £5,600 respectively with a view to collecting data on speed of traffic through West Pennard on the A361 with a long-term goal of decreasing the 40MPH Speed Limit to 30 and the 30MPH Speed Limit to 20.
Cllr A. Creed asked who would insure and maintain speed cameras and also pay for installation.
The spokesperson confirmed the cost of installing was unknown and that the cameras have a 6 year warrantee.
She also confirmed there is a separate group who monitor traffic speeds.
Parishoner present informed the council anyone with Chapter 8 would be qualified to install them and that the Speed Cameras would then be owned by the parish council and would be added to the List of Assets.
The Clerk stated the cost of Feasibility Studies (Somerset Council) - Basic £3,000-£6,000, 4-6 weeks programme, Intermediate £8,000-£12,000, 12-16 weeks programme and Enhanced £12,000-£20,000, 20+ weeks for a change of speed limit.
Parishoner present suggested regular police speed checks on the A361 would be a better option and greater deterrent.
It was proposed, seconded and passed £5,000.00 be ring-fenced and further information is sought by the applicant.
Matters arising from the last Minutes:
War memorial.
Parishoner present informed the parish council the war memorial is a Grade II Listed building and would require LBC and appropriate stonemason.
To be discussed at next meeting.
GFl Fund Application from the Parochial Church Council received for £12,000, single payment as per last minutes.
Correspondence circulated:
Parish Information Sheet, Consultation on Sunday Parking Charges (currently including Watchet, Minehead, Wells, Glastonbury, Frome, Cheddar and Williton).
The aim is to bring consistency across Somerset.
Consultation runs from 8th September to 20th October and can be commented on at somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/parking/copy-of-consultation.
Final decisions will be made 3rd December and if agreed any changes would come into effect early 2026.
Also Flags and painting on roads or roundabouts - DO NOT DO IT!
NOTICE: Wellbeing and Wonder, Glastonbury Town Council, Sunday 14th September - stalls, activities, displays and talks.
Somerset Prepared Sept/Oct 2025 Newsletter and Cllr C. Sully's Monthly Report were also circulated.
Finance: As per last Minutes the following cheques were issued as per GFL Funding:-
- West Pennard Village Hall Committee, Update kitchen, £9,000.00.
- West Pennard Parochial Church Council £9,000.00, One-off Payment to sustain the opening of St. Nicholas Church.
- West Pennard Primary School, £6,000.00, Refurbishment of Trim Trail.
Balance of £29,000 from GFL - £5,000.00.
Planning Decisions, Somerset Council:-
- Conversion of Grade II curtilage listed barn to form residential annexe and enlargement of garden room/The Old Manor/Kennard Moor Drove/Coxbridge/Planning Ref 2025/1012/HSE - REFUSED.
- Re-roofing existing contemporary glass link building along with alterations/The Old Farmhouse/East St/Planning Ref 2024/2274/LBC - REFUSED.
Highways Matters to be reported:-
Report of blocked off public footpath by locked gates at Holt Farm/Stickleball Lane.
Parishoner reported having reported the matter to Rights of Way Officer.
Clerk asked to report the matter also.
Moggs hole has been reported as impassable and Stockbridge Lane has numerous potholes and bollards are blocking the rhyne.
There being no further business the meeting was closed.