PARRETT TALK Issue 173
Parish of Kingsbury Episcopi
Interim Website
Parish Calendar
Invitation to all residents, organisations and businesses in Kingsbury Episcopi Parish.
(East, West & Middle Lambrook, Stembridge,
Higher & Lower Burrow, Thorney, Gawbridge
And Kingsbury Episcopi)
Come along to the Annual Parish Meeting
On
26
th
March 2020 at 8pm
At
KINGSBURY EPISCOPI COMMUNITY CENTRE
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be served.
We need your help in producing our Neighbourhood Plan for the future of our Parish. This will include
future development for employment as well as housing that meets our needs whilst ensuring that new
buildings harmonise with our older ones and that our valued landscapes and wildlife habitats are not
impaired.
Come along and hear about what your local organisations and the Parish Council have done this year.
Tell us what you would like the Parish Council to do this coming year.
Do you have views on grass verges, litter, traffic and speeding, potholes and blocked drains?
This is not a Parish Council meeting, this is an open meeting for all parishioners so why not come along and
tell us your views, suggestions, ask questions whilst enjoying a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits!!
Sarah Potepa
Parish Clerk
Parish Notices
and Flyers
(Click to enlarge)
Parish Council Notices go here
(Click to enlarge)
Kingsbury Episcopi Parish Councillors email addresses
Public questions/comments. There were a number of residents present,
together with the applicant and agent. The following issues/comments were
raised by the residents.
How would the foul water be disposed of, a pumping station?
This is agricultural land.
The idea of raising the level of the site before any building could take place
would affect the existing properties in The Avenue. It could cause flooding to
their properties and an effect on insurance premiums.
It has been stated that there are bus services from Kingsbury, there is only a
student’s bus to Taunton and a once a week bus to Longport which returns in
under two hours. Therefore most journeys would be made by car.
The residents stated that they had not been consulted by the agents before the
application was submitted to SSDC. After it had been submitted they received a
very basic information pack that did not contain much information, but pointed
residents to a website that had been set up, and that did not contain much
additional information either.
The proposed new length of pavement on Thorney Road although would be
welcome, doesn’t really help if you expect parents to walk their children to the
Primary School.
At present delivery vehicles, refuse lorry etc. turn at the top of The Avenue, and
if this new development goes ahead where will are the cars that park around
that area park?
It was felt that the transport assessment carried out on behalf on the applicant
was not accurate.
SSDC have now confirmed that land supply for housing for the next five years
has already been met.
The development could change under reserved matters, number of dwellings
could increase.
It was asked whether the applicant planned on carrying out the development
himself or whether it was a site to just sell on to another developer. The agent
responded and confirmed that the site would be sold on.
This field is not the right place for a large development and the affordable
housing element is not written in stone at this time. At time there is standing
water in this field, recent test have shown that water is only 300mm down from
the surface, so raising it by another 300mm will need a great deal of lorry loads
of earth. The foundations would probably need to be piled, the extra
inconvenience and noise to the residents in The Avenue is not acceptable. The
amount of vehicles using the Avenue would double, and the amount of parking
allocated in the new development is not adequate, nor has an alternative
parking area been allowed for, for the residents in The Avenue who would be
affected by the loss of one side of the existing parking area.
A great deal of people walk through the Avenue daily because it is safe to do so
at present, as it’s a cull de sac, if this development is approved, The Avenue will
no longer be a cull de sac but a through road to the new development. The
increase in traffic on the roads around Kingsbury together with the access onto
Thorney Road which is already dangerous should be a serious consideration
when Cllrs consider their decision.
Demolishing part of one of the houses will change the look of The Avenue.
The local primary school is one of the best in Somerset, the capacity of the
school would need to be increased and with that the possible standard could
diminish. Any development has to be an asset to our community; this proposal
would not be an asset.
The site is on the edge of the Somerset levels, flooding maps may state that the
land is not in a flood zone, but with climate change, which is to say it will not be
in the near future. The suffering of wellbeing alone, that this proposal is causing
the residents at The Avenue, should be grounds to refuse this application.
In times of serious flooding in the area, there is only one road in and out of
Kingsbury.
The proposed access to the site is not suitable; some of the proposed dwellings
are less than 2metres away from the back gardens of properties in The Avenue.
There appears to be a hammerhead at the far end of the site, is that left that
way for another development in the future.
The chair of the Primary School Governor’s spoke of the schools capacity. At
present the school is oversubscribed by 21 places. There should be 5 classes
of 29 pupils, at present there are 6 classes, this development could mean 25
more pupils which would mean an additional class. Investment would be
needed from the local authority/developer. The mobile classrooms being
used at present are at the end of their life. Would it be easy to not take
pupils from outside our catchment, not really, if there is already a child at
the primary school, it would natural to want the second child to attend the
same school. It was asked how many pupils at present were from outside
out catchment. The chair had tried to obtain this figure, but at present he
did not have that information. The agent responded with a figure of 68
pupils that were from our catchment, the remaining 93 were from outside,
however when asked by the chair who gave him these figures, he could not
give an officers name. He did state however that if they would be over
capacity, the local authority could seek a S106 agreement for funding from
the developer.
Cllr Loxston informed the agent that The Avenue was constructed in the
1950’s with concrete slab and no sub-base, the structure of the road is
therefore not of a standard to cope with the increase in the number of
vehicles from this new development. He suggested that a structural survey
should be carried out first, and if the development is approved, the road
itself will be damaged further by construction equipment, who will rectify
that damage? The Avenue is also not wide enough for two lorries to pass
each other.
The agent then spoke in response to the other issues raised. He was not
aware of The Avenue’s history, but stated that as it is an adopted highway,
county highways would carry out any repairs that were needed at that time.
The new road inside the development would also be adopted by county
highways once the development was completed. He also stated that he had
spoken to Highways and they would not be objecting to the proposal, their
full comments would be available on the planning website in due course.
The development would not commence until how the foul drainage would
be dealt with was agreed.
Climate change has been considered.
There will be a turning area in the new development.
This application is outline only for 25 dwellings. If the number were to
increase, a new application would have to be submitted. Although Kingsbury
Episcopi is not the most sustainable village for a new development, very few
villages are, and he emphasised that policy SS2 was the important policy to
be considered.
Present: Cllr L Langford(Chair), Miss S Brooks, Mrs C Paul, Mrs P Warren,
Messrs K Cox, N Frost, P Carpenter, P Loxston and Cllr M Stanton.
1.Apologies for absence: None
2.Declarations of Interest: Cllr Langford regarding planning application
21/00503/OUT land OS3346 off Thorney Road, Kingsbury Episcopi. Cllr
Langford then stood down from chairing the meeting and vice chair Cllr Cox
took item 3.
3.Planning Application: Having fully discussed all the issues and concerns
from the residents regarding this proposal, the vice chair asked for any
comments/proposal. Cllr Frost thanked everyone present for their
comments and reminded them to submit their comments to the SSDC
website as well. Cllr Carpenter then proposed that the Parish Council should
object to this application for the following reasons: Highway issues and
safety, housing land supply has already been met, environmental impact,
local services such as school and surgeries are full and the development is
too large for the village. Cllr Brooks second the proposal. A vote was taken
and 6 cllrs were in favour of the proposal to object to the application with
one abstaining, as the application may be taken to the Area North
committee.
4.Date and time of next meeting: Cllrs were reminded that the next Parish
Council meeting would be held a week later than usual because of the
elections, on Wednesday 12
th
May at 8.00pm at St Martins Church Rooms,
Kingsbury Episcopi. Unless the Government agrees to allow Councils to
continue to meet virtually.
In light of Covid-19 pandemic and government advice the following meeting was held via Microsoft Teams.
The agenda had been posted on all notice boards and the public were given the opportunity to contact the
clerk if they wished to attend the meeting via Microsoft Teams,
Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 21
st
April 2021
Annual Parish Council Meeting 12th May 2021. 195/196
Public question time: The chair cllr Langford thanked everyone for the
past year, despite its difficulties the Parish has coped really well. She was
pleased the council were finally able to meet in person and was nice to
see everyone again. She pointed out that the doors had to be left open
to allow ventilation, and to exit the building the rear door should be
used, and that face masks should be worn, but could be removed when
speaking. She has been chair for the past two years and would now like
to step down from the position, and nominations for chair would be
asked for shortly.
One member of the public was present, requesting an update on issues
reported a few months ago. The Gypsy site at Gawbridge and its status.
Clerk informed the council that it was still in the hands of SSDC, They
were looking through their archives to establish what happened when
the family were allowed to return to the site without planning
permission, and whether conditions were applied at that time.
The Gypsy site at Coles Furlong. The clerk informed the council that it
was still in the hands of SSDC, they have been made aware that a third
mobile home is now on the site, without planning permission. She would
also reported there are dog kennels as well, which would indicate they
are possibly breeding dogs as well.
The footpath between Scotts lane and Middle Street, East Lambrook
which is badly obstructed by the Oak Tree, which has been ongoing for
some time. Cllr Frost reported it online at the meeting. It was suggested
that our County Councillor may be able to help with this, as Highways
and Rights of Way are both involved in this path as it’s tarmaced.
Cllr Loxston was pleased to note that the Highways Planning Officer had
stated that a before and after survey would be carried out on The
Avenue, if the development was approved. Cllr Carpenter asked when
the application would be heard at The Area North meeting. Clerk stated
that she would be notified when that is and would let everyone know as
soon as she knows.
Cllr Brooks thanked the chair and the clerk for keeping the Parish Council
running throughout the last very challenging year.
Present: Mrs L Langford(Chairperson), Miss S Brooks, Mrs T Burnett, Mrs
P Warren, Messrs P Carpenter,K Cox, S Jones, P loxston and N Frost.
1. Election of Chair: Nominations for the chair for the ensuing year were
called for, at which point Cllr Warren proposed cllr Langford, duly
seconded by cllr Frost. As there were no other nominations a vote was
taken and unanimously carried that cllr Langford continue as chair for a
further year. Cllr Langford duly signed her acceptance of office.
2. To receive declarations of acceptance and review of Interest forms.
All cllrs signed their declarations and it was resolved that any not
completed tonight would be completed by the 5
th
June 2021.
3. Apologies for absence: Cllrs Paul and Aplin.
4. Declarations of interest: Cllrs Cox, Carpenter, Loxston, Jones,
Langford and Brooks declared an interest in the planning application at
The Bungalow, Stembridge. As this would only leave three cllrs able to
vote, which was not quorate, the application could not be discussed. It
would have to be deferred until a dispensation had been granted.
Cllr Burnett declared an interest in the planning application on Southay
Farm Lane, East Lambrook.
5. Election of Vice-Chair: Cllr Frost proposed cllr Cox, seconded by cllr
Carpenter. As there were no other nominations a vote was taken and
unanimously carried that cllr Cox continue as vice-chair for a further
year.
6. Confirmation of previous minutes: Minutes for the 7
th
and 21
st
April
were agreed and duly signed.
7. The following appointments to sub committees were resolved.
The Cemetery Sub-Committee are Cllrs Brooks, Loxston and Warren.
The Grievance and Disciplinary Committee are Cllrs Burnett, Cox and
Paul.
The Appeal Panel are Cllrs Carpenter, Frost and Brooks.
Parish Environment Warden is the clerk Sarah Potepa.
Affiliated member for the Amenities Committee Cllr Aplin.
8. Review and adopt Code of Conduct: Cllrs having been sent a copy of
the Code of Conduct, resolved to adopt the Code of Conduct.
9. Review and adopt Standing Orders: Cllrs having been sent a copy of
the Standing Orders, resolved to adopt the Standing Orders.
10.Review and adopt the statement of Internal Control and Financial
Regulations. Cllrs having been sent a copy of these, resolved to adopt
them.
11.Reaffirm General Power of Competence:Cllrs resolved to reaffirm the
General Power of Competence.
12.Planning applications:The application for The Bungalow was deferred
for reasons stated in item 4. The planning application for the siting of
three holiday lodges with formation of access and parking area at
Southay Farm Lane, East Lambrook was discussed fully. Clld Jones
proposed it should be supported, duly seconded by cllr Loxston. Cllr
Frost then proposed it should be supported but with a condition that use
is restricted to holiday let, duly seconded by cllr Carpenter. The second
proposal was taken first, two in favour. The first proposal was then taken
and unanimously carried that the application be supported.
13.Climate Emergency Grant Fund:Cllr Loxston gave a summary of
where the project is now, which would be called Kingsbury Wildlife
Group. The aim is to create more enjoyment in our environment, to
educate people on how to look after the wildlife and to collect data on
the wildlife we have in our area. Nesting boxes for Swallows, Owls etc
would be purchased as well as wildlife cameras to monitor what, how
and when wildlife behaves. RSPB and Natural England were advising on
all aspects of the project, as they are concerned about some issues on
West Moor, involving the nesting birds and flora and fauna. As part of
the project, information boards would be erected at the entrances to the
Moors, with a map of footpaths/bridleways. Information on what wildlife
you could expect to see on the Moors and how to behave responsibly
whilst on the Moors. The Primary School would be very involved in the
monitoring of the wildlife, to help educate the children on our
environment whilst making it enjoyable for them.
The grant of £8289.39 is to cover all costs for equipment needed and
includes £4500 for an administrator, for three years, to collect and
collate data for reporting back to Somerset County Council. SCC will
regularly check that the grant is being spent as it should be.
As the Parish Council will ultimately be responsible for the grant
money, it was proposed by cllr Frost and seconded by cllr Jones, that
a sub-committee, to include some parish councillors, be formed to
oversee the project and report back to the Parish Council, this was
unanimously carried.
An article would be written for the Parrett Talk informing people of
the project and asking for volunteers who would like to be involved.
Cllr Carpenter informed cllrs that the joint project with Muchelney
Parish, for Pedal for the Planet, was ongoing and it was proposed
that cllr Carpenter should represent this Parish on that group.
14.Playdays 2021:The play day should go ahead this year in August
and a request for funding had been received. Cllr Brooks proposed
£300 and cllr Burnett seconded, this was unanimously carried.
15.Grant for St Martins Church:A request had been received for
£325 towards the churchyard grasscutting. Cllr Frost declared an
interest. As we had supported this in previous years cllr Brooks
proposed we should grant the £325, seconded by cllr Burnett,
unanimously carried.
16.Amenities/Community Shop Update:Cllr Cox informed cllrs that
The Community Centre would be reopening on the 18
th
May for
some classes. They have some christenings and weddings booked as
well. As the AGM did not take place in 2020, it was asked when it
would be rescheduled, this has not been announced as yet.
Cllr warren informed cllrs that the shop is struggling at present with
not enough volunteers, but there are some young people coming on
board. The shop did really well during the pandemic but has now
reverted back to pre-pandemic numbers. The café is open.
There is going to be a change in committee members, by co-option.
Cllr Frost questioned that may not be possible, he asked that cllr
Warren take his concerns back to the shop committee. The AGM
should be in September, but that would be confirmed shortly.
17.SSDC:The clerk informed cllrs that the CEO Alex Parmley is
standing down and would be leaving in July. Clare Pestell, a director
would be the new interim CEO until the Unitary debate has been
decided.
The clerk also informed cllrs that everyone in South Somerset would
be receiving voting papers regarding the Unitary debate, for their
opinions on whether we should have one Unitary authority or two.
18.Phosphate in the Parrett:Cllr Frost had contacted Mr Clegg
regarding his quest to put together more information on the
phosphates in our rivers and moors. It was also suggested that
perhaps Mr Clegg would like to put an article together for the Parrett
Talk, the clerk would contact him.
19.Bus Back Better:Cllrs having read the email, stated yes it’s a good
idea to try and increase buses in the areas, but not really sure what
they are asking the Parish Council to do. Clerk would contact them.
20.Footpaths and bridleways: Cllr Loxston, informed cllrs that the
project to re-open some historical paths, has been on hold because
of the pandemic, but the next step would be to contact the relevant
landowners to get them on board with the project. Cllr Burnett
stated that the West Moor Group of landowners were meeting next
week.
Cllr Frost informed cllrs that there is no public right of way beyond
the end of the road that is Norton Drove.
A fingerpost on Summerway Drove is damaged and hidden in
undergrowth. This has been reported to SCC.
21.Highway matters:The clerk reported back on the recent site visit
with the highways supervisor. A great deal of red lines have now
appeared on roads around the area for work to be carried out. New
Cross Hill has been put forward for a completely new drainage
scheme, as the existing storm drains are blocked with hedge roots
and they are not able to affectively jet them through. This work will
not be carried out for a couple of years though.
It was asked when the bridge at the bottom of Stockditch Road
would be repaired and also could the large potholes on the road
going up the hill form the bridge be repaired.
As cllr Paul was not present, the small improvement scheme options
for Thorney Road would be discussed at the next meeting, and in the
meantime cllrs would look at the Traffic Choices websites to put
together a list of what options might be possible for Thorney Road.
It was asked whether a reminder could be sent to the new occupants
of Sunshine Cottage at Stembridge regarding the height of their
hedge on the corner.
Clerk to also report the large log that is being left in the road to
reserve parking for Dudmoor Corner, it is an obstruction.
22.Date and time of next meeting: Parish Council meeting on
Wednesday 2nd June at 8pm, at St Martins Church Rooms, Kingsbury
Episcopi, as the Primary School is not accessible at present.
Annual Parish Council Meeting 12th May 2021.
Councillors Register of interests forms are available on the District Councils website www.southsomerset.gov.uk
David Hall(Chair)
david.dchassociates@gmail.com
07813 130738
Tuppence House, Stembridge, Martock, TA12 6BP
Nick Frost(Vice-Chair)
nick@frostline.org.uk
01458 250994
The Old Rising Sun, Thorney, Langport, TA10 0DR.
07768 540848
Paul Carpenter
pcarpenter49@gmail.com
01935 825470
Oakwood Cottage, West End, Kingsbury Episcopi, TA12 6AY.
07950 503522
Ginine Herridge
ginineherridge@gmail.com
3 The Avenue, Kingsbury Episcopi, TA12 6BE
07543945112
James Jeffery
james@newcrossfarmhouse.com
New Cross Farmhouse, New Cross, South Petherton, TA13 5HD
07870 527141
Peter Loxston
pete@loxston.co.uk
Oak Cottage, Burrow Way, Stembridge, TA12 6BT
07970 275756
Matthew Miller
howdoyoudo@newcrossfarmhouse.com
07595 663952
New Cross Farmhouse, New Cross, South Petherton, TA13 5HD
Clare Paul
clarepaul1@gmail.com
Tuppence House, Stembridge, Martock, TA12 6BP.
01460 241895
Nick Pearce
nickspearce@icloud.com
07747 464774
2 The Cross, West Lambrook, South Petherton, TA13 5HA.
Parish Clerk: Mrs Kelly deSilva. Kingsbury-Episcopi.pc@hotmail.com
01460712279
10 Bay Hill, Ilminster, Somerset,
07701 053903
Vacancy for a Councillor
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2024 AGM
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