Present: G. Willcox (Chairman), D. Creed, M. Colman, T. Hodgson, L. Aldridge, P. Gurl, A. Creed, J. Tucker.
Apologies: J. Gane and D.Cllr Greenhalgh.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.
Nil Matters arising.
Correspondence: Circulated: No further action required.
Finance:
Clerk reported satisfactory conclusion of Audit which has been published.
1. Cheque drawn, J. House. £2,000.00. Wage.
Planning:
1. Conversion dutch barn to 2 dwellings/dutch barn adjacent to Coopers Cottage/Laverley.
Proposed, seconded and passed recommend Refusal.
Reasons: a. A number of vehicles would be using the same entrance.
b. The barn should remain agricultural.
2. Erection of 5 holiday-let cabins, laundry room and extension of existing spa buildings/Upper Woodlands Farm/Bradley Way.
The Parish Council voted as follows: 3- refusals, 2- recommend approval and 2 abstain.
Three Letters of Objections received.
Observations:
1. Impact on Landscape Character.
2. Impact on Listed Farmhouse and Barns - contrary to policies DP3 and CP4 Mendip District Local Plan 2006-29.
3. Flood risk/drainage.
Potentially this would need to address an additional 20 - 30 people and a public laundry. n.b. Excess water is already an issue in this area and current drainage is inadequate.
This is contrary to policy DP23 Mendip District Local Plan 2006-29.
4. Biodiversity - contrary to policies DP5 and DP6 Mendip District Local Plan 2006-29.
5. Parking: Proposals do not provide sufficient parking for increased numbers of visitors, deliveries, employees and contractors.
6. Traffic: Bradley Way is not suitable for additional traffic OR the A361 junction Newtown Lane from the village to site.
7. Noise: Would increase - already causes a nuisance to neighbours.
8. Three existing redundant barns were granted planning permission to turn into holiday accommodation. This has not been done and the barns are in a serious state of disrepair.
These should be converted BEFORE new buildings are generated.
9. There would appear to be omissions/contradictions in the application.
10. Failure to abide by previous plans and conditions:
1. Sedum spa roofed with astroturf.
2. Pool used by visitors and residents creating more traffic.
3. Planting has not been carried out.
Planning decisions, Mendip District council:
1. Notification for prior approval for proposed change of use of 2 agricultural buildings to 2 dwellings with associated operational development/East St Farm/East St.
Prior Approval Refused.
2. Fell Ash Tree/The Gables/Southtown lane.
Approved.
Highways Matters to be reported:
1. Very bad state of Scottles lane - requires drains.
2. Very bad state of Bradley lane.
Councillors praised the excellent work done on Moggs hole by Somerset Highways and on a water hydrant in Newtown lane by Bristol Water.
There being no further business the meeting was closed.