Present: G. Willcox, D. Creed, T. Hodgson, P. Gurl, L. Aldridge, J. Gane, D. Cllr J. Greenhalgh, Messrs R. and P. Crang and L. Wright.
J. Tucker and A. Creed arrived at 19.35Hrs.
Apologies: M. Colman.
Minutes of the last meeting were approved and signed.
Public Speaking-time.
Messrs Crang and Wright gave an explanation as to amended planning for Erection of 5 holiday let cabins, laundry room and extension of existing spa building/Upper Woodlands Farm.
The Planning application and revised copy of the Ecological Appraisal of Land at Upper Woodlands Farm 7.08.17, Issue 3 was circulated.
7 Letters of Objections were circulated.
The Parish Council voted 3 in favour, 1 absention, 3 recommend refusal with the Chairman having the casting vote to recommend REFUSAL on the following grounds:
Roof-lines of proposed cabins will be prominent and clearly visible from all angles and close in proximity to listed buildings.
The stone Barns are in a state of collapse - a health and safety issue.
Bradley Way is in a poor state, single-track and floods, contraindicating an increase in traffic.
Increase in noise.
Hot-tubs do not appear to have planning permission.
Messrs Crang and Wright left the meeting.
Summary of Report by D.Cllr J. Greenhalgh:-
Council Tax will increase by 5%. SCC have yet to determine theirs so the total increase is unknown at present.
Additionally MDC will continue the Council Tax Precept for the shadow Somerset Rivers Authority which gets passed directly to them.
MDC is facing a cumulative shortfall in funding over the next four years of nearly £5.5m and is looking to close the gap through efficiency savings, investing for earnings and other forms of revenue such as fees.
Due to further pressure on Planning, some of which is driven by government policy, MDC is looking at a new structure for the function with both more planners and enforcement officers.
MDC Local elections will take place in May 2019.
Correspondence: Circulated - no further action required.
Highways Matters - to be reported:
Bradley Way and Scottles lane in a very bad state of repair.
There being no further business the meeting was closed.