Agenda and minutes

1.1 The Chair welcomed those present and gave a safety briefing

2.1 All introduced themselves.  Apologies as above.

3.1 There was none.

4.1 These were proposed by PDM; seconded by ME and agreed as a true record by majority.  ME asked whether the Somerset and Dorset Railway Heritage Trust now have a vote.  AW confirmed that they do.

5.1 EJ said that the Radstock and Westfield Economic Forum is now established, although it had taken some time.  DD said due to the cyclical nature of the Town and Parish Council meetings, it had taken some time for their representatives to be formally identified.  The next meeting would take place on 1/12/14.

Presentation on Placemaking Plans and Consultation (Simon de Beer

B&NES Group Manager, Policy & Environment, Planning)

Presentation on the Bath and North East Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group (Tracey Cox - Chief Officer and Dawn Clarke – Director of Nursing and Quality, CCG).

Placemaking Presentation

6.1 TT welcomed Simon de Beer to present on Placemaking. 

Action AW to circulate the presentation with the minutes.

6.2 SdeB said the Placemaking Plan Options Document is now on the Council’s website.  Parish and Town Councils will receive a hard copy of the document but it is also available on-line http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/placemaking-plan.

6.3 When the Placemaking Plan is adopted, it will complement the Core Strategy, which is a broad requirement – Placemaking provides more detail and gives clarity on applications.  It has been broken down into four areas: Bath; Keynsham; Somer Valley and Rural.  Planning Policy is consulting on the document until 30^th January 2015.  They will then work collaboratively with Town and Parish Councils and local communities to draft the document.  This will be examined externally in a process similar to the adopted Core Strategy.  In terms of the Somer Valley, the sites should be familiar but are they right?  Are any missing?  Are they deliverable?  What will the impact be in terms of access, highways, landscaping etc?

6.4 Over the next six months, there will be a Housing Development Boundary Review and B&NES will work with Town and Parish Councils on this.  As part of the consultation process, B&NES will be holding exhibitions, undertaking publicity and holding drop in events.  If any villages would like to host an event, or combine this with another, contact Planning Policy.  Support with publicity would also appreciated.

Action All

6.5 SdeB said the Council appreciates the work put in by Parishes to date – it is important to get policies right as they will be used by Planning Committees when considering applications.  TT thanked SdeB for his presentation and asked if there were any questions.

6.6 BMc asked SdeB to confirm that the consultation and contributions will not overturn or supersede the Core Strategy.  He said that housing is a key issue and wondered whether Town or Parish Councils could overturn the recommendations in the Core Strategy by identifying other sites – which document has priority?  SdeB said the Core Strategy is strategic and should not be contradicted by Neighbourhood Planning.

6.7 NH said that Peasedown should not have more housing allocated to it – the village’s amenities and services still need to catch up.  Also, Paulton and Peasedown seem to be paired in documents but should be seen separately.  The Somer Valley Forum can work together but also needs to recognise communities’ differences.  Peasedown Parish Council has voted not to change allocations as part of the Housing Development Review – will they be listened to?  SdeB said no new sites have been identified in Peasedown.  He appreciated the feedback re separating Peasedown and Paulton and this can be done going forward.  The Housing Development Review is there to correct any anomalies.

Action SdeB

6.8 WH asked how the Council aims to engage the public in the process?  SdeB said this is not always easy and they usually become more involved when development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

·  Community Safety

·  Cluster Meeting Issues

·  Parish and Town Council Items

·  Community Items

7.1 DD introduced Mark Graham and Louise Jones from Avon and Somerset Police.

7.2 MG said that since the last Forum meeting, the Carnival had taken place in Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Westfield.  Overall it was well received by the public but there were a few teething problems to address for the future.  There were few reported crimes.  There has been a spate of vehicle crime in Radstock recently, particularly in Lower Whitelands.  This is being investigated and may be a one-off target.  In Peasedown, the Beat Team is tackling anti-social behaviour (eg littering, egg throwing and door knocking).  Twelve people have now signed acceptable behaviour contracts relating to this.  In Paulton, the Police worked with a local housing association re a tenant eviction.  Community Speedwatch schemes are being set up in Radstock and Peasedown – they are both seeking volunteers to join.  In the run up to Christmas, there was a reminder not to put presents on public view.  Also, to be aware of security in relation to recently filled oil tanks.

7.3 TT thanked the Police and asked if there were any questions.  PR said it would be useful for her/the College to know about any of their students that have signed acceptable behaviour contracts.  MH said these are signed by the police, the child and their parents/guardians.  There is no legal comeuppance if they breach it but it will trigger the start of evidence gathering that could lead to an anti-social behaviour order.  He will liaise with PR on this.

Action MG

7.4 WH said she always hears much praise of the Police from local people.

7.5 LM asked whether the Radstock Community Speedwatch will include Writhlington?  MG said once the volunteers have been trained, they will work with them on the most appropriate locations.

7.6 BMc said the Community Speedwatch had been very successful in Midsomer Norton but he wonders who funds the speed-guns they use?  MG said he would find out and come back to him. The Police left the meeting at this point.

Action MG

8.1 DD said that while this is only the third meeting of the Forum, it is important to push ahead with this and identify priorities.  The Council is working on developing area profiles to support this and to compare and contrast all the Forum areas.  The initial work will be sent out with the minutes and all are to consider information they hold (such as Community Plans) that might be fed into this.  Also, potential sub-groups that might be established.

Action AW/ALL

8.2 AP said by Summer 2015, it would be useful to have identified some priorities, involving a range of partners.  At the next meeting, it may be useful to identify some sub-groups and consider how the profiles might be developed and used.  We also need assistance from all members in ensuring the right organisations are represented on the Forum.

Action All

9.1 DD said that Economic Development had been suggested as a topic.

9.2 EJ suggested public transport, due to proposals by Somerset Country Council to reduce bus services.  She said it is important Mendip Parishes attend such a meeting to get their input. 

10.1 There was none.

Thursday 19^th February 2015 (Venue tbc)

11.1 DD asked whether any Parishes interested in hosting the next meeting could get in touch with him or AW.

Action All