MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Lane, Mark on Tuesday, 14th December 2021 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillor S. Emary (Chairman) Councillors D. Champion, Mrs E. Corkish, G. Francis, W. Human, D. Sellers and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk.
Apology for absence received from Councillor J. Spencer and County Councillor D. Huxtable.
38. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Mrs E. Corkish and Mrs J. Weekes declared personal interests in matters relating to the Village Hall .
39. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 2nd November 2021 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
40. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st December were as follows - Current £15,847.59, Reserve £28,505.41.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payments be authorised:-
000942 GWB Services grass cutting £576.70
000943 Parish Clerk expenses & reimbursement of sundry payments £688.06
c) Estimates 2022/23
The Council considered the draft estimates for 2022/23. It was agreed that the Estimates be approved, the precept for 2022/23 be £17,600 and the Clerk’s salary be fixed at £4,000.
34. Planning Portfolio
It was agreed to confirm recommendations of permission made in respect of the following applications –
031 Erection of replacement dwelling, The Homestead, Northwick Road, Mark – W. Howard
032 Erection of single storey dwelling and formation of access, Vicarage Lane Farm, Vicarage Lane, Mark – R. Catton and Mrs S. Campbell.
033 Remove deadwood and crown to nearest suitable growth, Walnut Tree, 23 Grange Paddock, Mark – D. Hanlon
The following new application was considered -
036 Proposed change of use of agricultural buildings to flexible use, Laurel Farm, The Causeway, Mark – Mr & Mrs J. Griffin – recommend refusal.
The Chairman outlined a letter received from a local resident regarding issues concerning response to a number of recent planning matters in the village. A draft response would be circulated to all Members for comment prior to despatch.
Concern was also expressed at the condition of buildings at Wainbridge Farm. National Grid had advised that they were in the process of transferring ownership from the Hinkley Connection Project team to National Grid UK property team who would then be responsible for the property. It was agreed to request an update on their plans for repairs and to raise concerns at the condition of the barns which were collapsing with a risk of endangering users of Harp Road. County Highways would also be alerted to this risk
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35. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
It was agreed to report fly-tipping at Blackford Road, near Totney Farm. Mr Bickers would be requested to repair railings at the junction of Northwick Road and Vole Road. County Highways had still not provided repeater signs at Blackford Road and it was agreed that consideration be given to a village gateway at a future date. Meetings had taken place to give detailed consideration to issues relating to parking in the vicinity of Mark First School. It was felt that greater police presence was required to deal with inconsiderate parking by parents. Councillor Mrs Corkish had taken part in a Zoom Meeting organised by the Somerset Bus Partnership and representations on behalf of the Parish Council had been sent to the Minister for Roads, Buses and Places. It was agreed that a quotation be sought for the supply and installation of an additional dog waste bin at Littlemoor Road.
Councillor Francis reported that, following assistance from County Councillor Filmer, the new poles required for the additional SIDs had been installed by the County Council. One pole was incorrectly sited and this would be relocated to its correct location by Easter.
b) Play Area
It was noted that the play equipment annual inspection report did not indicate that any urgent repairs were required. The Chairman had arranged for the purchase of a new “No dogs” sign for the play area gate
c) Public Rights of Way
Members reported upon work carried out by National Grid to help clear AX23/15 and a need for further work.
d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported upon an issue of dog fouling on the football pitch.
36. Web-site Portfolio
Councillor Mrs Weekes reported that work was taking place to update information on the web-site.
37. H.M. The Queen – Platinum Jubilee
Members agreed in principle to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 by installing a new seat and planting a standard weeping willow tree at Jubilee Green and making a grant to Mark Community Association towards the cost of a village celebration event.
38. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 1st March 2022 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8.00 p.m. Chairman
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