MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Special Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Village Hall, Mark on Monday, 22nd February 2016 at 6.30 p.m.
Present:- Councillor N. Van der Bijl (Chairman), Councillors Mrs E. Corkish, Mrs S. Flack, G. Francis, Mrs A. Hanlon and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk.
Apology for absence received from Councillor W. Human.
83. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Mrs Weekes declared prejudicial interests in planning applications 001 and 002LB as a near neighbour and left the Meeting during consideration thereof. Councillor Francis declared an interest in National Grid as a shareholder.
84. Planning Portfolio
The following applications were considered:-
001 & 002LB Change of use and conversion of two outbuildings to two, one bedroom holiday lets, Packhorse Farm, Church Street, Mark – Mr. and Mrs. B. Morley – recommend refusal;
It was agreed that Councillor Mrs Flack speak on behalf of the Parish Council at the District Council’s Development Control Meeting on 1st March 2016 against the officer’s recommendation in respect of 33/15/047.
It was also agreed to raise no objection to an application for a premises licence from the Somerset Federation of Young Farmers Clubs in respect of their Annual Rally to be held at Southwick Farm from 13th to 15th May 2016.
85. National Grid
Councillor Mrs Corkish reported that a legal opinion had been received indicating that no grounds could be identified for challenging the Secretary of State’s decision to grant consent for the pylons. The legal work had cost £8,500 and it was agreed to consider making a contribution of up to £500 at the next Meeting.
86. Financial Issues
a) Authorisation for Payment
The following payment was authorised:-
000814 M. Lapage work to cemetery fence £965.00
b) Statement of Internal Control 2015/16
Members considered and approved a Statement of Internal Control for 2015/16.
87. Highway Issues
The Chairman reported upon a verbal update received from a representative of Wessex Water regarding their work at Mark Causeway/Poplar Lane. It was understood that Mark Causeway was likely to reopen under traffic light control from 29th February 2016. It was agreed to publicise the information once confirmed.
The meeting closed at 7.30 p.m.
Chairman