Minutes

Councillors present:  A. Creed (Vice-Chair), T. Holley, S. Petherbridge, A. Oakerbee, J. Gane, D.  Creed, M. Heal and parishoners P. Chant and S. Johnson.

Apologies:  G.  Willcox (Chair).

Report C. Sully, Somerset Council.

Pre-meeting statements and questions from members of the public in respect of business itemised as per Agenda:-  S.  Johnson in respect of Planning Application 2025/2093/HSE.  Letter P. Chant, post-Agenda.

Statement of Declarations of Interest (in accordance with the Local Authorities Model Code of Conduct Order adopted on 07.08.2012) - Nil.

Approval of Minutes of Meeting 10.11.25 - Proposed, seconded, all in favour.

Matters arising from the last Minutes:

1. Councillor Oakerbee gave update on pre-agreement documentation re S.I.D.S for submission to Somerset Council.
2. Councillor Petherbridge gave a report re Brue Valley Catchment Meeting held 17.11.25.  Action - Joint letter received and approved unanimously seeking action to address local flooding in Somerset to be sent to Sarah Dyke MP and copied to Anne Sabine MP from West Pennard, Baltonsborough, Barton St David and Butleigh.  Clerk to confirm with Caron Potts, Clerk, Baltonsborough Parish Council.  Vice Chair A. Creed to signature letter.  It was Proposed, Seconded, all in favour to Precept for an extra £200 in respect of future works. It was also noted Whitelake and Redlake are not dredged.  Councillor Petherbridge reported there are plans in motion to hold a Presentatioon for Riparian Owners - Date and Venue to be announced.

Correspondence:

1. Dog-Bin, Newtown Lane:  Emptied 08.12.25 - Lid not locked properly so cannot be opened.  Cllr Holley to take a look.
2. Letter of thanks from West Pennard Parochial Church Council for GFL Donation.
3. Information from resident re BT Fibre for Sticklynch (Via Fibre Availability Form) duly posted on website and noticeboard.
4. Parish Information Sheet, Consultation on the Future Electoral and Boundary Arrangements for Somerset re-opens (25.11.25 - 14.01.26) - duly posted on website and noticeboard.
5. Notice of Wessex Water and Bristol Water Community Drop-In - Street, Mondays 26th January, 23rd March and 1st June 2026.  10am-12pm, 1-2pm, Street Library, BA16 OHL.
6. Information from Flood Warden Meeting 27.11.25 - New Flood Warning Service live at Get flood warnings by text, phone or email-GOV>UK (www.gov.uk).  Existing users automatically moved across to new system.  OR Updates to your Flood Warning Area at Check for flooding- GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or call recorded message service - 0345 988 1188/Textphone 0345 602 6340.  River Information available at any time at Find river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels-GOV.UK (check-for-flooding.service.gov.uk  Future Flood Warden Sessions Thursday 22.01.26 (online).Local Resilience Forums - Date to be confirmed.
7. Avalon and Poldens LCN Health and Wellbeing - next meeting 20.01.26, 2-4pm, Avalon Marshes Centre BA6   9TT.  Councillor Petherbridge endeavouring to arrange a Dr Bike Session for West Pennard for April/May to coincide with events in the village hall.
8. Report and Notice of A39 Street Works to commence January - May 2026.  Duly posted on website and noticeboard.  Drop-in Meeting for the general public 09.12.25 3.30-7PM, The Grange, Clarks Village, Street.
9. Poppy Appeal 2025 - Total for the Year monies raised £2,052.53.
10. Road Closures - ttro156896E - Stockbridge Lane - 11.12.25 - 31.12.25 - Road Repairs.  (UPDATE AS PER NOTICES - ROAD WILL NOW REMAIN CLOSED FOR MOST OF 2026).

Finance:

Bank Balance to date £6,591.06.

Clerk submitted prepared Statement of Account in respect of determining Precept for 2026/7.

It was Proposed, seconded, all in favour to Precept for £17,000.00.

2 Cheques drawn:

1. T.  Holley (as Minutes 10.11.25) £1,092.00.  Works to War Memorial.
2. Murfdog £120.00  Website Update.

In respect of Churchyard Maintenance the Parochial Church Council will be asked to submit a requisition form for 2026.

Councillor D. Creed thought the figure to be just over £3,000.00.

Planning Applications:

Planning Decisions - 1.  Installation of 2 conservation style rooflights to rear roof slope/The Old Manor/Coxbridge/Planning Ref 2025/1564/LBC - Refused.

Planning Applications received:

1. Single-storey and two-storey extension, garage roof conversion and rear dormer and refurbishment works/Concord/Southtown Lane/Planning Ref 2025/2093/HSE - Proposed, seconded and all in favour - Recommend Approval.

REASONS:

A.  Design, appearance and materials in keeping.

B.  Visual impact negligible.

C.  Sustainable living-arrangements.

     2.  Erection of new build dwelling and car port/Land at 354425 and 136507/

Coxbridge Drove/Coxbridge/Planning Ref 2025/2162/FUL.

Proposed, seconded and all in favour - Recommend Approval.

REASONS:

A.  In line with the NPPF.

B.  No adverse effect on the residential amenities of neighbouring properties.

C.  No Visual Impact.

Highways - LCN Report in due course.

Clerk to report multiple potholes between Stockbridge Lane and Higher Sticklynch Farm.

Overgrown hedge/Newtown Lane:  Cllr Holley will speak to householder.

There being no further business the meeting was closed.

Time 9.15PM.

Date of Next Meetings Monday 12th January and Monday 9th February 2026, 8.00PM West Pennard Village Hall.

Chair/Vice Chair 12.01.26.