Present:
Blossom Funnell (Chair)
Carol Hobson (Treasurer)
Alwyn Lynley
Pat Ogden
Grace Jones
Rob Kirby
Marion Hunter
Elieen White
Alan Stoodley (Secretary)
1. Apologies:
Steve Holmes (Vice Chair)
2. Previous Minutes:
The apologies were accepted. The previous minutes were reviewed and agreed.
3. - Venture Developments – 4 Wilton Street:
The continuing work on the Venture Development site at the above location has raised some issues. Mud on Wilton Rd. and indeed some damage to the road itself has caused concerns. These issues have been raised with the site agent by Blossom and Taunton Deane have been advised of the concerns.
The association expressed further concerns regarding the fact that large machinery, possibly track driven, will shortly need to be employed to import large materials to the site to facilitate the next phase of building, if this is the case it will only compound the above problems.
It is also understood that the developers will apply for a road closure to enable the large materials to be delivered. It was agreed that the Association should oppose this application, however until events unfold we can only maintain a watching brief.
4. – Parris Farm update:
The building and concrete area on the flood plain at the bottom of Sherford Lane have still not been removed despite an order for the work to be carried out by the end of July.
Blossom has discussed the situation with Mr. Harding of Taunton Deane who has advised that he has applied for a court order to impose a ‘daily basis fine’ to hopefully accelerate the removal of the building. If this fails Mr. Harding advised that he will apply for a court order for an independent company to carry out the work with Mr. Parris bearing the costs.
5. – Vagrancy latest:
No problems at present however it is an issue that will need to be continually monitored.
6. – Parking
- Sherford Lane – The sign that as been erected indicating that the road is unsuitable for large vehicles seems to be working. The problem has considerably reduced. The situation to be monitored but so far so good.
- Sherford Rd. /Middleway Junction – The safety issues around the parking arrangement at this junction continue to cause concern. Ian Titcombe (Highways) has again been contacted and has agreed to review the situation.
- Westgate Street – The number of parking permits per household was discussed. It seems that two per household are allocated with an additional permit being available for visitors. Unfortunately this volume of permits outways the parking capacity afforded by Westgate St. One problem in particular was raised in that an owner of a large 4 x 4 vehicle often parked outside a neighbour’s house blocking out the light to the neighbours house. This issue was raised by Blossom with the owner of the 4 x 4 (who through convoluted reasons has the right to park three vehicles outside his property) and he agreed to try and park the 4 x 4 vehicle outside his own house when space permits.
- Venture Developments – It seems that the residents of the new Venture Development will be afforded the same parking permit privileges as other residents who do not have sufficient off road parking. The association felt concern that this would only compound the existing parking problems and after investigation it has been found that there seems to be some indecision between local and central government regarding the laws that dictate with regard this situation. Blossom and Steve Holmes to discuss the matter with Steven Martin-Scott. Rob offered to write to the Ombudsman to seek clarity.
7. – Notice Board
The new notice board which will be positioned at the entrance to Cotlake Close has been commissioned and is currently being made.
8. – A.O.B.
- Allotments – The renovated pillars and a new fence are now in place. New people are taking up and refurbishing old plots. The demand for plots has considerably increased.
- Lane from Churchill Way to The Bishops House – Blossom has contacted Taunton Deane with regard the overgrown state of the lane. The Deane have agreed to review the site when they conduct their ‘autumn clearance’ activities.
- Burton Orchard Development – No information at present regarding who will develop or the number of units. It was confirmed that there is a tree preservation order in place.
- Payment to Church – The meeting was advised that the payment of £100 has been made to the Church. Nick Taylor thanked the association, will decide how to spend the money and will advise the association in due course.
- Payment from Stephen Martin-Scott – The payment has been paid into the bank leaving the association with in excess of £1500. This was deemed to be a healthy situation although some money will need to be spent on the new notice board and the refurbishment of the existing one.
- Chairman – Blossom kindly offered to take up the Chair of the committee on a one year basis to ensure the association did not fold. However that tenure is rapidly coming to an end and efforts to find a new chairperson have to date been unsuccessful. It was suggested that the position should be ‘advertised’ in the newsletter to be shortly published by Rob.
- Newsletter – Rob has produced a new newsletter which is to be distributed shortly
- A.G.M. – To encourage attendance at the A.G.M. it was thought that posters advertising the event would be an advantage. All agreed item to be discussed at the September meeting.
- The meeting was advised that there is a free Clubs and Societies section in the County Gazette where the A.G.M. could be advertised. It was agreed that this should be further considered at the September meeting
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.00pm
Next Meetings
Tuesday 16th September 7.30pm St Georges Meeting Room
A.G.M. Friday 31st October St Georges Main Hall 7.30pm
