Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting held on 2^nd September 2015.

A query was raised by Councillor Gina Seaton on a possible amendment to Minute 44 of the minutes on 2^nd September 2015 relating to Agenda Item 10 Planning Application 15/02683/FUL Heathfield, 21 Manor Street, West Coker.  A short discussion ensued and following guidance by the Legal Services Manager, members were content that the minute as drafted adequately reflected the public contributions and debate that took place.  In particular, members were mindful that planning applications could generate strongly held opinion on all sides, and that minutes were not intended to be a verbatim record.  A vote was taken and members were happy that no changes be made.

The minutes of the Area South meeting held on 2^nd September 2015 of which had been circulated, were then agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kaysar Hussain, Peter Seib and Sam McAllister.

In accordance with the Council's current Code of Conduct (adopted July 2012), which includes all the provisions relating to Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPI), personal and prejudicial interests, Members are asked to declare any DPI and also any personal interests (and whether or not such personal interests are also "prejudicial") in relation to any matter on the Agenda for this meeting.  A DPI is defined in The Relevant Authorities (Disclosable Pecuniary Interests) Regulations 2012 (SI 2012 No. 1464) and Appendix 3 of the Council’s Code of Conduct.  A personal interest is defined in paragraph 2.8 of the Code and a prejudicial interest is defined in paragraph 2.9. 

Members are reminded that they need to declare the fact that they are also a member of a County, Town or Parish Council as a Personal Interest.  As a result of the change made to the Code of Conduct by this Council at its meeting on 15^th May 2014, where you are also a member of Somerset County Council and/or a Town or Parish Council within South Somerset you must declare a prejudicial interest in any business on the agenda where there is a financial benefit or gain or advantage to Somerset County Council and/or a Town or Parish Council which would be at the cost or to the financial disadvantage of South Somerset District Council.  If you have a prejudicial interest you must comply with paragraphs  2.9(b) and 2.9(c) of the Code.

In the interests of complete transparency, Members of the County Council, who are not also members of this committee, are encouraged to declare any interests they may have in any matters being discussed even though they may not be under any obligation to do so under any relevant code of conduct.

Planning Applications Referred to the District Council’s Regulation Committee

The following members of this Committee are also members of the Council's Regulation Committee:

Councillors Tim Carroll, Tony Fife, Peter Gubbins, Ian Martin and Gina Seaton

Where planning applications are referred by this Committee to the Regulation Committee for determination, in accordance with the Council's Code of Practice on Planning, Members of the Regulation Committee can participate and vote on these items at the Area Committee and at Regulation Committee. In these cases the Council's decision-making process is not complete until the application is determined by the Regulation Committee.  Members of the Regulation Committee retain an open mind and will not finalise their position until the Regulation Committee.  They will also consider the matter at Regulation Committee as Members of that Committee and not as representatives of the Area Committee.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

This is a chance for members of the public and representatives of Parish/Town Councils to participate in the meeting by asking questions, making comments and raising matters of concern.  Parish/Town Council representatives may also wish to use this opportunity to ask for the District Council’s support on any matter of particular concern to their Parish/Town. The public and representatives of Parish/Town Councils will be invited to speak on individual planning applications at the time the applications are considered.

There were no questions from members of the Public.

The Chairman informed members:

·         Super Saturday - Yeovil’s Super Saturday took place in Yeovil Town Centre on 26 September, bringing live music, market stalls and plenty of fun activities for children.

There was a flower and gardeners market which was complemented by the monthly farmer’s market at nearby Middle Street.  The annual Yeovil in Bloom prize-giving event also took place at the bandstand.

At King George Street, the monthly Vintage Market took place which consisted of local retailers offering recycled or ‘up-cycled’ hand painted furniture, interiors, giftware, collectable and accessories.

This is the second year that we have worked with the town council to bring this vibrant event to Yeovil and it is hoped that it will become part of the annual calendar like the Christmas Light Switch On event in November.  The press coverage for Super Saturday was fantastic.

·         Yeovil Half Marathon - The Yeovil Half Marathon will take place on the 20^th March 2016 and the web site opened for entries on Sunday.

Following negotiations with the organisers they have agreed to bring the start and finish of the race into the town centre.  It is estimated that his will bring around 4,000 people into the town centre that day and so it is great news.

The route will start at or near Petters Way, and finish in the Ouedam.

·         2015 Lantern Parade - Following the success of last year’s event, the second annual lantern parade in Yeovil will take place on Saturday, 14^th November immediately before the switch on the Christmas Lights. 

The parade will once again be led by the fantastic HMS Heron RN Volunteer Band which was extremely popular last year.

It is hoped that the route will be extended this year – full details to follow.

Children’s lantern making workshops, run by Playart, will be taking place in the Quedam Centre, Yeovil on Saturday, 31^st October and Saturday 7^th November.

·         Yeovil Vision - The Yeovil Vision Board continues to focus on transport issues for Yeovil, funds have been set aside to commission small scale improvement to improve traffic flow.  Work has also begun on a project to explore ways of resourcing a strategic assessment of lower middle street and the surrounding area to enable the Lower Middle Street Enhancement scheme to be undertaken.  Meanwhile work is progressing on developing the plans for the second exit from Tescos on to Clarence Street and these will shortly be circulated for consultation.

·         Community Forum Meeting - There will be a Community Forum Meeting on Monday 12^th October 2015 at 9.30am here at Brympton Way in the Council Chamber B.  This is an opportunity for members of community groups to get together and discuss a range of subjects including community safety.

Yeovil In Bloom - Councillor David Recardo Vice-Chairman informed members on the success of Yeovil in Bloom.  For the last seven out of eight years, Yeovil in Bloom has been awarded Gold at the South West in Bloom competition presentation.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

This is an opportunity for Members who represent the Council on outside organisations to report items of interest to the Committee.

There were no reports from Councillors on outside organisations.

RESOLVED:

That members:

1)    Noted the work undertaken by the Partnership in 2014/15 and that a similar report has been taken to Area East Committee

2)    Approved a funding contribution of £1,000 from Transport Scheme Grants Budget for 2015/16

Reason: To receive a summary of the work undertaken by the Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership during 2014/15.  To consider making a partnership contribution for 2015/16.

(voting: unanimous)

The Area East Development Manager presented the report as set out in the agenda and with the aid of a powerpoint presentation explained to members the work undertaken by the Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership during 2014/15. 

She also explained to members:

·         Historic Passenger Growth from 2006/7 to 2014.

·         Passenger Journey Growth since 2003 to present day.

·         The work carried out by volunteers with the Meadow Mix garden and work along the station frontage in the Spring.

·         Pen Mill station currently undergoing a complete repainting programme.

·         The importance of continuing to support the partnership and help improve and develop the station.

·         Work concentrating on ‘Connecting up Yeovil’ helping to link the station to the town centre by the bus connections or on foot.

·         Work on raising awareness and improving the line and securing better services in the future for links to schools, colleges and employment opportunities.

·         Development of improved services on the line including extra services on the Waterloo – Exeter Service with extra services being offered from December 2015.

During discussion various points were made by Members:-

• The trains ran beyond capacity and there was a need for more carriages.
• Support the work in continuing to advertise and market the area through the line guides.
• Support the need for improved trains as the current stock was basic.
• Support that Councillor John Clark become Champion for Area South for Heart of Wessex Rail Partnership.

At the conclusion of the debate, Members fully supported allocating the funding to the Partnership (voting: unanimous).

RESOLVED:

That members:

1)    Note the work undertaken by the Partnership in 2014/15 and that a similar report has been taken to Area East Committee

2)    Approved a funding contribution of £1,000 from Transport Scheme Grants Budget for 2015/16

(voting: unanimous)

The Careline and Welfare Manager presented the report as set out in the agenda and with the aid of a powerpoint presentation explained to members the work undertaken by South Somerset Careline.

She explained to members:

·         Careline began in 1982, running for 33 years.

·         2050 customers across South Somerset – and growing.

·         Team based at Petter’s House

·         Control centre at Sedgemoor District Council

·         Customers and Feedback including 38,556 calls in 2014/15, 86% are 75 years old and over.

·         Increase in demand of Service as 22.5% population of Somerset 65+( higher than national average) therefore increase in life expectancy ; many living with health issues and with cuts in health & social care.

·         Future plans to expand service & increase customer base.

In response to questions, the Careline and Welfare Manager explained to members:

·         Same charge per customer across the district including any customers located outside the boundary (we can offer hardship rate in certain circumstances).

·         Only South Somerset and Sedgemoor District Council use the call centre located at Sedgemoor.

·         Appreciate the suggestion of the Medication Reminder/Dispenser and will liaise with Yeovil District Hospital on possible future use.

Members were happy to note the report and thanked the Careline and Welfare Manager for the excellent valuable work of the Careline Service.

NOTED

The Area South Development Manager presented the report as set out in the agenda and outlined to members the areas of work and achievements during April – September 2015.  With the aid of a powerpoint presentation she highlighted to members:

·         Yeovil Vision and Regeneration – continued work with developers of the Glove Factory to market vacant units and recently the possibility of utilising the building to provide a supported work place hub.

·         Continued support to the Town Centre Enhancement Group.

·         Neighbourhood Development – Community including the success of the Wyndham Park Open Event held on 13^th June 2015 and Wyndham Park Play Area.

·         Success of the ‘Our Place’ Westfield Yeovil and on-going support and help with the Community Association.

·         Success of Super Saturday held on Saturday 26^th September 2015.

·         Christmas Lights switch on and Lantern Parade to be held on Saturday 14^th November 2015.

·         Markets – Continued work with Yeovil Market Improvement Group to regenerate Yeovil markets and the success of the Vintage market.

During discussion, members raised several comments including the following:

·         Support the need for utilising and promoting Foundry House and possible use for workplace hub.

·         Priority to be given for future work on Urban Development Framework

·         Ongoing work and research on the possible relocation and continued improvement on the Tuesday and Friday markets. 

·         Supported the success of the recent Super Saturday and the idea of making it an annual event.

The Area Development Manager South thanked and noted the comments made by members and advised that:

·         A demand study was being undertaken regarding the workplace hub.

·         Urban Development framework is a priority and an update will be brought to committee in the near future.

·         Work continues to be done with the Market Improvement Group on the progress of the Yeovil Markets.

Members thanked the Area South Development Manager for a very comprehensive report and approved the Area Development South work programme October 2015 – march 2016.

RESOLVED:

1.    That members noted the report.

2.    That members approved the Area Development South work programme October 2015 – March 2016.

(Voting: unanimous)

In response to a request regarding changes to the current Parking Strategy, Cllr Gina Seaton was advised that she contact Somerset County Council direct as they are the regulatory authority.

Councillor Graham Oakes requested that an update be included at next month’s Area South Committee report in Affordable Housing Development Programme regarding the latest positon on changes for developers regarding the allocation of Social Housing and Affordable Housing and the effect on SSDC.

(Voting: Without dissent)

Members noted the Planning Appeals.