Public time
MINUTES of the COMBE ST. NICHOLAS PARISH COUNCIL Meeting
Held in the Village Hall on Monday 24th February 2025 at 7.30pm
PARISH COUNCILLORS Mr. Ed Cockburn, Chairman
Rev. Deborah Perreau, Mrs. Di Hine, Miss Sue Pargeter, Mrs. Louise Simmons,
Messrs. Ian Croucher, Dr. Colin Ryall, Ian Stonex, Ian Whitehead
Also Mrs. Jenny Kenton, and Mr. Martin Wale, (County Councillors) 3 members of the public and Mrs. A. Hunt – Parish Clerk
Apologies – Mrs. Cressida Govier-Drake,
82/2024-25 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – Mrs. Louisa Simmons declared a prejudicial interest re Minute 74/2025 (b)
83/2024-25 COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORT
Councillor Martin Wale – An Environment Agency Officer and a Planning Enforcement Officer will attend the building site for a menage to check conditions. Somerset County has been allowed by Govt. to increase the Council tax up to 7.5%, instead of the 5% normally allowed, to help with the budget deficit of £42 million. Changes for street parking and night time parking in Chard is proposed.
Councillor Jenny Kenton – `Step Up to social work` bursary and training available. Furnham Road is shut until end of May
84/2024-25 MINUTES
The Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 27th January 2025 were approved as a true record and signed
85/2024-25 COMBE WOOD
The previous C.M.E. Ltd buildings in Combe Wood have now been taken over by P.M.B.L. Ltd but some concerns from nearby residents due to content of materials. 1 Parish Councillor and 1 resident visited the Chard site to ask questions, etc. re safety, materials, etc. but were quite satisfied the new factory will be safe and controlled. The factory will be open 4 days a week, from 7 – 4pm. Probably 30 vehicles a day.
86/2024-25 PLANNING
No planning applications received this month.
- 2 Councillors attended the Local Planning Policy meeting in Chard. Discussions held about future ideas. For the next 5 years Councils have to work within current schemes.
- Planning result – Slurry Lagoon near Sticklepath has been given approval despite many objections. Feeling running high. Advice would be needed from a Planning Consultant to go for a judicial review. It was resolved to make enquiries regarding this action. Various names given.
87/2024-25 THE LAWNS PLAY AREA
It was resolved to order 2 new football goals. Arrangements to be made to move the litter bin from The Green to The Lawns to replace current bin, and to cover both litter bins in the wall.
It was resolved to accept the quarterly play equipment inspections by Somerset Co. @ £27.16 each.
88/2024-25 HIGHWAYS
- a) A meeting with the Asst. Highways Manager was held on site in Whiteway to try and solve the problem of flooding on the road. No enforcement powers available to drain into adjoining land. Highways checking suggestion that road is raised slightly so water drains further down. Attenuation pond also suggested with possible grant from Environment Agency or FWAG.
- b) Menage in Combe Wood – a large amount of soil has been transported on to the site, causing a lot of mud on the road. The site also appears to be higher than anticipated. Environment Agency will be checking the site shortly.
89/2024-25 FLOOD/RESILIENCE INFORMATION
The Draft Combe St. Nicholas Resilience Plan was circulated to all Councillors. Any comments re the contents please pass to Councillor Rev. Perreau.
A few call-outs for the Flood Wardens recently, especially around Combe Village Centre. A lot of water run-off from all the fields everywhere. Forms of communication important in emergency situations –
A meeting for Flood Wardens was held at Bickenhall recently. 2 members of the Group attended.
90/2024-25 FINANCE
The following payments were approved and will be paid via Internet Banking
Mrs A. Hunt (broadband costs + computer ink + postage) £79.97
Village Hall (Feb. PC mtg) £18.00
91/2024-25 GENERAL MATTERS
Some meetings have been held recently for the new Youth Club for older teenagers.
Next Agenda – Youth Club with possible contribution.
99 Bus is being taken on by Hatch Green buses from April. Timetable to remain the same as current service.
92/2024-25 RESIGNATION OF CLERK
Anne Hunt – Parish Clerk has tendered her resignation – date unlimited until new Clerk can be appointed. Small committee of Councillor Pargeter and Councillor Croucher to decide upon details for advertisement, etc.