Councillors present: A. Creed (Vice Chair), S. Petherbridge,
M. Heal, T. Holley, D. Creed, J. Gane, A. Oakerbee and Somerset Councillor C. Sully.
There were 12 members of the public present.
Apologies for absence: G. Willcox (Chair) due to illness.
Pre-Meeting statements and questions from members of the public in respect of business itemised as per Agenda - Nil.
Statement of Declarations of Interest (in accordance with the Local Authorities Model Code of Conduct Order adopted on 07.08.12) -
One - Councillor Petherbridge declared a pecuniary interest in respect of Planning Application 2025/2199/FUL.
Approval of Minutes of Meeting 08.12.25 - Proposed, seconded - all in favour and duly signed.
Matters arising from the last Minutes:
- Councillor Holley reported having spoken to landowner re overgrown hedge/Newtown Lane who will trim hedge in clement weather.
- Councillor Holley reported having fixed lid on Dog Litter Bin in Newtown Lane.
- Councillor Oakerbee confirmed SIDS sightings to be decided in the 40MPH Limit zones and is a work in progress.
Correspondence:
- Notice of Dr Bike Session, West Pennard Village Hall on Friday April 24th 2026. 2.30-6.30PM giving people the opportunity to bring along their bicycles to be fixed free of charge - arranged by Councillor Petherbridge through Somerset Association of Local Councils Community Health and Wellbeing Programme. NB Poster proposed, seconded and all in favour as to poster format. Permission given by Community Health and Wellbeing representatives present to use their logo. Same posted at westpennard.org.uk and West Pennard Primary School.
- Notice re the 668 Libra Bus to the Avalon Marshes which runs from Mon-Fri, Pick -up points Street Library 8.55am and 11.25am, Opposite Glastonbury Town Hall 09.05 and 11.35am: Return from Avalon Marshes Centre 13.35pm.
Attending this evening Fodo Higginson, Community Health and Wellbeing Officer and Fen who gave a report.
In the Spring there are plans in motion for a 'Discovering Nature Week', Sensory Walks, Tree Walks and the Heritage Centre will be open.
The above duly posted at westpennard.org.uk and on the village noticeboard.
3. Survey posted through the Parish News and Views Magazine proposing a Glastonbury train-link Service connecting villages. Same can be returned to West Pennard Village Hall. All who received one encouraged to fill one out.
Fodo confirmed Grants are available up to £1,000 for other Health and Wellbeing Projects - the Dr Bike Scheme being one. It was also confirmed the suggestion of a 'Laughter Clinic' would be acceptable.
Clerk to follow up.
4. Somerset Association of Local Councils January 2026 newsletter, Somerset Council's Devolution Update 19.11.25 and Somerset Local Plan 2045 duly circulated. No further action.
Report by C. Sully, Somerset Councillor was duly circulated and discussed.
T. Holley requested highlighting the 'Help expand Electric Vehicles Charging in Somerset'.
To precis: Somerset Council is investing £3.78M from the government to enhance electric vehicle (EV) charging. Residents can suggest locations for at least 1,606 new chargepoints (3.5KW and 7KW), focusing on serving those without off-street parking.
Residents are invited to propose sites near homes, local roads or busy areas through the council's webpage Electric vehicle charging. Proposals will be based on safety and accessibility. Only council-owned sites will be considered for installation with further evaluations conducted by the preferred supplier. Community engagement is essential and local input will shape the final locations, ensuring SC create a sustainable and accessible charging network. There will be regular updates as to progress. Suggestions can be submitted at https://www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/electric-vehicle-charging/
Same duly posted at westpennard.org.uk and the village noticeboard.
Devolution: There is no expectation for parish councils to take on services.
Proposed changes to payments of Parish Precepts over £10,000 - that being payments in April and September.
Clerk reported such a scheme would not fit as payment in full is required in April to fulfil payments in the first part of the financial year. Proposed, seconded and All Agreed this to be brought to the attention of SC via Claire and the Clerk. Clerk did so when presenting Precept requisition for 26/7.
Councillors reported path clearance of vegetation on footpath running through West Pennard has been reported several times but has not been cleared.
Claire to follow up.
Temporary Road Closures:
- ttro156896E Stockbridge Lane to remain closed from 01.01.26 for 334 days for safety defect repairs/Somerset Highways.
- ttro04098E East Compton Road, Whitstone Hill, Woodlands roadto Stockbridge lane and Havyatt, Pilton, West Pennard and Glastonbury - works expected to commence 08.02.26 for 17 nights UPDATE (09.02.26 was initially cancelled, Please see Notices).
Finance: Balance at 17.12.25 £6591.06.
Updating of authorised signatures for parish councillors - duly expedited.
Planning:
Planning decisions, SC.
- Recommendation by Conservation Officer recommending Refusal of Planning Ref 2025/2162/FUL and email from resident present not in favour of same. Clerk confirmed having emailed resident explaining a request had been made for an extension to January meeting which was declined. Therefore an addendum to the Agenda for last meeting gave members of the public the opportunity to comment either via Planning, SC or through the Parish Council - with the cut-off date 30.12.25.
- Single-storey and 2 storey extn, garage roof conversion and rear dormer and refurb works/Concord/Southtown Lane/Planning Ref 2025/2093/HSE - Approved.
- Planning to remove existing chimney breast and remove glazed panel on external door and rebuild as stable door/Planning Ref 2025/0553/LBC has gone to Appeal.
- Conversion of outbuilding to holiday let/Woodlands Farm/Woodlands/Planning Ref 2024/0650/FUL - Pending decision.
Planning Application received:-
Change of Use of Land for the siting of 4 Mobile Homes and tearoom with associated landscaping/Land at 356287 and 139493 Stockbridge Lane to Steanbow/Planning Ref 2025/2199/FUL. Extension granted by Planning Officer to meeting date.
Councillor Petherbridge left the room at 21.02HRS and returned 2.15 HRS after discussion and decisions as to planning.
It was Proposed, seconded, all in favour Recommend Refusal for following reasons:-
Outline Planning was granted on 13.03.2018 (2018/0590/OTS).
Conditions included:-
16. Need for a pre-commencement detailed scheme for the disposal of foul drainage to be submitted and approved by the LPA,
To ensure a provision of satisfactory drainage to avoid run-off and pollution of the environment.
The Agent gave assurances that it would be taken care of within the red line. This has not been addressed in the application other than under 13. Nutrient Neutrality. 13.1 states it is not in the Somerset Levels and Moors Catchment Area and 13.2 states therefore no requirements to demonstrate on insignificant effect on the area.
This does not address the detailed scheme for the adequate drainage for 5 dwellings.
Highways safety: 'The access is fully formed and compliant'. The ingress and egress of the lodges has been underestimated. In 14.2 they expect a single journey a day as they expect visitors to stay on site/walk/cycle along the A361. This may not be the case. There is no provision for children to play safely without going elsewhere.
The entrance track and exit are inadequate if the lodges are occupied most of the time. 4 Lodges could have more than 6 vehicles plus the anticipated vehicles using the Tearooms/proposed shop. Vehicles could cause a problem due to the single width on the ingress and egress and therefore cause a further problem with fast traffic on the A361 (National Speed Limit 60MPH).
Parking: The 4 lodges are 3-bed with only 1 parking space per lodge and 5 overflow/parking/turning spaces that are actually for the tearoom. This seems inadequate for the proposal.
Tearoom: There has been no feasibility study to demonstrate the need for a tearoom and a possible shop. For 4 lodges probably not be viable to keep open from 8am-6pm unless a significant passing trade is established. It is not practicable for vehicles much larger than a private car to access and park.
Highways: Councillor Petherbridge will be photographing and reporting potholes. Report at next meeting.
There being no further business the meeting was closed. Time 9.25PM.
Date of Next Meetings 09.02.26 and 09.03.26.
Chair/Vice Chair.
09.02.26.