The meeting held on 29th April was attended by 8 Councillors, with Mrs. Savage in the chair. Also in attendance were nine members of the public.
Terry Sleightholme was in attendance on behalf of Seend Shuttle. He said that the village bus had been operating for 15 years, and was now on its third bus. With the new Unitary Council coming into effect in April 2009, Kennet DC has offered to pass the bus to the appropriate village committee. Mr. Sleightholme asked whether the PC would agree to take on the ownership of the bus. He advised that the present bus would probably need replacing in 4 or 5 years time. Councillors felt there could well be an alternative scheme of funding for local bus schemes under the Unitary Authority. Councillors agreed that they had no objection to Seend PC taking over ownership of the Shuttle, subject to sight of the current accounts.
The situation with Spiderweb Paddock has not been resolved to the satisfaction of the PC, and it was felt that the Enforcement Officer’s response had been weak. It was noted that there are still vehicles on the site, two wooden buildings and large metal gates that have not had planning permission, and consequent damage to the land and hedgerows. It was agreed that a strong letter should be sent to the Chief Executive of Kennet DC, all members of the Planning Committee, the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol, the District Councillor, Anthony Lake, and MP, Michael Ancram.
The Chairman asked whether members of the public present wished to make any comments. It was clear that those present felt let down by the lack of action on the part of the District Council, as this situation had now been going on for two years.
It was reported that two holes had been filled in on the bridge in Station Road, but others had not been dealt with. This will be taken up with Highways.
Spout Lane continues to cause problems, and this issue will also be taken up again with Highways.
K/5709/F Mr & Mrs Moore, Brookes Farm, Bath Road, Seend
Proposed conversion and extension to outbuildings to form dwelling
The appeal hearing date is 24 June 2008.
K.58410/F Mr & Mrs Shearmon, Spiderweb Paddock, Rusty Lane, Seend
2 pole barns, one for storage of farm machinery and one for hay and straw
There have been two previous refusals of planning permission for a mobile home and barn on the land, and also a stop notice issued with respect to the unauthorised development of this site. The Parish Council deplores the visual impact this site is already having on its rural surroundings, and its effect on local amenity, especially regarding the safe use of the bridleway providing a vehicular access to the land. The Parish Council strongly objects to further development of Spiderweb Paddock. Local residents present at the meeting also made clear their objections to the proposed application, and their dismay at Kennet District Council’s perceived reluctance to take action to ascertain whether Mr. & Mrs. Shearmon are in residence at Spiderweb Paddock. It is felt there should be no further development before the current problems are satisfactorily resolved.
K/58463/TR1 Mr S Grimes, Manor Field, High Street
Crown raising of trees to the south of the property by removing the lower
branches to a height of 2 metres to clear the adjacent footpath. The trees are
protected by tree preservation order 229-G1 which is a group comprising
beech and holly.
No objections.
K/58470/F Mr J Steel, Well Cottage, 92 Seend Cleeve
Demolition of existing conservatory, proposed single storey garage and rear
two storey extension.
No objections.
Wiltshire CC advise that an application to upgrade Public Footpath Keevil 23 to u/c 6076 Seend has been prioritised, as it would meet the aims of the County Council’s Rights of Way Improvement Plan by providing a safer environment for horse riders and cyclists.
Kennet DC advise that BT propose to remove the payphone in The Lye. Comments must be submitted before the consultation period ends on 2nd July.
The Parish Steward will be in the village on 23 June. The PC will request the cutting back of vegetation around the Horse Pond.
Dates for the next Parish skips will be:
May 30th Seend Community Centre
June 27th Three Magpies
The next parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, 27th May 2008 at Seend
Community Centre at 7.30 p.m.
Mrs. Rosemary Fisher
Clerk