MARK PARISH COUNCIL
A Meeting of Mark Parish Council was held in the Church Hall, Vicarage Lane, Mark on Tuesday, 6th July 2021 at 7.00 p.m.
Present:- Councillor S. Emary (Chairman) Councillors, G. Francis, D. Sellers, J. Spencer and Mrs J. Weekes with the Clerk.
Apology for absence received from Councillors D. Champion, Mrs E. Corkish and W. Human.
14. Declarations of Interest
Councillor Mrs J. Weekes declared a personal interest in matters relating to the Village Hall.
15. Minutes
The Minutes of the Meeting held on 4th May 2021 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.
16. Finance
a) Balance of Accounts
It was reported that the balance of accounts at 1st July were as follows - Current £10,575.31, Reserve £28,504.22.
b) Authorisation for Payment
It was agreed that the following payment be confirmed:-
000930 SCC poles for SIDs £400.00
It was agreed that the following payments be authorised:-
000931 GWB Services grass cutting £1,628.00
000932 Parish Clerk expenses & sundry payments £228.37
It was noted that the Internal Auditor had inspected the 2020/21 accounts and had no issues to raise with Members.
17. Planning Portfolio
It was agreed to confirm recommendations made in respect of the following applications:-
006 Variation of condition 2 of 33/20/004 – Erection of an agricultural building and formation of a vehicular access to amend the design of the proposed building, south of Blackford Road, Mark – O. Seymour. Recommendation of permission.
008 Erection of a two lane "English Cricket Board" and approved cricket practice net 7.3m wide x 4m high x 18.3m long to the west of Vole Road, Mark – Mark Cricket Club. Recommendation of permission.
009 Erection of an agricultural storage shed and formation of hard standing area for parking at Yarrow Road, Mark – Miss M. Vearncombe. Recommendation of permission.
010 Erection of single storey extension and first floor rear extension to provide a self-contained annex and holiday let, Ridgemoor, Blackford Road, Mark – C. Barrow. Recommendation of permission.
012 Change of use of agricultural land to residential curtilage and erection of a three-bay garage with storage over, The Cottage, Northwick Road, Mark – Mrs S.V. Baker. Recommendation of refusal.
013 Erection of two storey side extension and demolition of rear conservatory, Syringa, The Causeway, Mark - Mr & Mrs Shortland. Recommendation of permission.
015 Certificate of Lawfulness for the siting of caravan and its use as a dwelling, together with the site as residential curtilage, The Dolls House, Northwick Road, Mark – M. Waller. Recommendation of refusal.
The following new applications were considered:-
014 Erection of timber agricultural workers dwelling south of Rookery Farm, Northwick Road, Mark – C. Petheram – recommend permission.
016 Erection of extensions, Larches, The Causeway, Mark – Mr & Mrs R. May – recommend permission.
19. Public Areas Portfolio
a) Highway Matters
A number of specified road defects would be reported to County Highways.
A reply had been received from the County Council in response to the Parish Council’s schedule of proposed improvements to road signs, infrastructure and markings with a view to increasing road safety in the village but Members were not satisfied at the level of action proposed, including a lack of information held at County Hall on road traffic collisions in the village and were opposed at the suggestion of the Parish Council meeting the cost of new traffic orders. No further information had been received regarding the provision of 20 mph zones outside Mark First School and Sedgemoor College. The County Council had still taken no action to complete of the signage following the extension of the 30 mph speed limit at Blackford Road. It was agreed to obtain press publicity in connection with the poor response of County Highways in dealing with matters raised by Mark Parish Council over many years, following which the issue be raised again with senior staff/Members at County Hall.
It was agreed to support Wedmore Parish Council in their bid for a 40 mph speed limit along Blackford Road and Mr Bickers would be requested to strim around the Mark stone at Blackford Road. The condition of the layby at Jubilee Green had deteriorated recently and it was agreed to seek a specification from Nigel Haggett for remedial work to include more robust foundations and possibly a tarmac finish. The County Council would also be requested to remove vegetation from the River Bridge near Burtle and to clarify the position regarding the operation of the bus service 67 on Saturdays.
Councillor Francis gave an update regarding the acquisition of more advanced SIDs for use in Mark, Burnham Without and East Huntspill. Approval was currently awaited from County Highways for sites and the installation of new poles for these SIDs in Mark.
b) Play Area
It was agreed to purchase a quantity of top soil to fill defects alongside the path leading to the play equipment.
c) Public Rights of Way
Councillor Sellers reported upon a stile at Dutch Road and the situation relating to AX23/15
d) Village Hall /Football Pitch Area
It was understood that the issue caused by model aircraft being flown on the football pitch area had been considered by the Mark Community Association.
e) Wainbridge Farm
Councillor Human had circulated a response from National Grid regarding their intentions for this property. They had carried out some stabilisation work and were working to achieve vacant possession.
12. Web-site Portfolio
Councillor Sellers kindly offered to assist Councillor Mrs Weekes with the web-site.
13. Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next Meeting be held on 7th September 2021 starting at 7.00 p.m.
The Meeting closed at 8.15 p.m. Chairman
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