- Present: M.J.Tucker, Grace Jones, Margaret Agass, Jenny Hutt, Carol Hobson – Treasurer, Alwyn Lindley, Graham Foster, John Dawson, Rob Kirby, Heather Foster, Stephen Martin Scott – County Councillor, Shaun Dale, Blossom Funnell and Steven Holmes – Chairman.
- Apologies for Absence: Alan Stoodley, John Meikle, Jean Allgrove, Terry Hall, Pat Ogden and Alan Wedderkopp.
The Chairman welcomed attending residents in WSCA area and Steven Martin-Scott, our TDBC Councillor, who was sitting in on the meeting so he could carry our concerns ref. parking back to TDBC/ SCC at their dedicated meeting at 15.30pm on 24th July 2007.
3. Previous Minutes: These were checked and signed.
- Parking: Steven Martin-Scott pointed out that SCC and TDBC are supposed to work as one, but that it had been appreciated that parking issues had become especially acute and that “piecemeal” street by street solutions often merely shifted a problem to an adjacent street. Steven pointed out that there are certain “natural breaks” in usage patterns. The Vivary Green Wedge, Queen’s College and Wilton Street bound our area. A more holistic solution was being aimed for, dedicated to better-manage commuter flows coming into our area and parking, mainly from the south plus a series of tailored schemes managing individual streets in the manner their natural attributes permitted.
Residents highlighted the particular and severe problems currently being encountered in `Haines Hill. Commuter parking was being exacerbated by vehicles belonging to workers at “Blagdon Village”. Even though the latter is temporary, the long term situation is unacceptable. Similarly, resident Blossom Funnell outlined the gross disturbance of Lower Sherford Road arising from illegally-operated businesses, plus the damaging effects of growth of commercial vehicle size in this narrow lane. In all cases residents urged the need for urgent solutions.
In terms of potential solutions, it was pointed out that the new multi-storey car park at Musgrove Park was said to have its upper 2 storeys more or less unused. Similarly, we requested data on intensity of usage of town centre car parks. It was suggested that all “large” employers in the town – County Hall, Police, Law Courts, etc. should be asked to make provision for their own commuters. The paucity of commuter parking facilities south of the A38 through the town was remarked upon, with the suggestion that a Park & Ride scheme, even an informal one sited in pub car parks, Canonsgrove or other poorly used open spaces, should be considered.
We can expect a report back from Stephen Martin-Scott and have offered to co-operate in finding solutions.
5.. Planning issues:
- Plans for a garden development at 14 Highgrove with entrance onto Trull Road.
- Block of flats on the old Red Cross building site. Completed building is not built according to the plan and an enforcement notice has been issued for its demolition. In response, the developers have issued a revised retrospective planning application embracing the departures.
- Parish’s farm building, Lower Sherford Road. An appeal against demolition of this, which was built without current planning permission, had been lodged by the owners. Local residents, WSCA and the Environment Agency all object to what has been erected.
- Bob Ostler’s market garden behind the “Red Cross” site has been bought for potential development.
- Consent sought for 2 houses in garden at Bishops House, Sherford Road will raise further traffic burden on Lower Sherford if granted.
6. Area Working Team;
Latest Meeting - Children and Young People issues. Restorative Justice experiment commencing in Wellington/Wiveliscombe. Taunton late night buses proposed/discussed.
7. AGM/Chairperson: Steven intends stepping down at the AGM after 5 years of service to WSCA. By way of “easing the burden” we have reduced meeting frequency to bi-monthly and set aside the “events” formerly run. Suggestions for a replacement chairperson were requested. One possible candidate was talked about and Carol will “test the water” and report back at the next meeting. Please note the AGM date now 25th October 2007.
- AOB:
- Notice Board for Lower Sherford Road. £50 quoted - going ahead.
- Greenfest - deferred to June 2008.
- Batts Park - Wellingtonia - Shaun Dale/Bob Kirby - action promised.
- Newsletter - St George’s Wilton relaunch “By The Way”. Theme is “Remembrance”. We will assist in publicising their events if appropriate.
- Japanese Knotweed - Sherford Stream - needs spraying.
- Grass Mowings & Hedge Cuttings still being dumped on bank of Sherford Stream by residents of Pikes Crescent. John Meikle and Chris Mulchai to be consulted on next steps.
- Civil Service Sports Club - A new facility, focused on swimming, keep fit and aerobics, open to the public with reduced fees for CSSC members, with a new building accessed from College Way, is planned. A meeting report provided for WSCA chairman. Planning application possibly September 2007. If accepted, possible opening date 1st January 2009. Would replace, but improve upon, the lost facility at Gatchell House in Trull Village.
- Vivary Park - twinned tarmac paths enquiry.
- At the meeting three new members were co-opted onto the committee, Mr Shaun Dale, Mrs Funnell and Jenny Hutt
Date and time of next meeting Tuesday 11th September 7:30pm
