SWAINSWICK PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a Virtual Meeting of Swainswick Parish Council

held on Monday 7^th September 2020 at 7.30pm

Present:  Cllrs Mr J Miles (Chairman): Mr I Roberts Mr T Stuckes: Mr R Shackell: M Hollings: Mr G Davies: Mr T Woods ( Treetops discussion only) and Mr R Clist (Clerk)    

1. Apologies
   
   
2. Minutes of previous meeting held on 15^th June.
   The meeting approved these minutes and they were signed as a true record by the Chairman.
   
   

3. Matters Arising from above Minutes
   There wee no matters arising
   
   
4. Planning

New
Ref: 20/03078/LBA   (resulting from Ref: 19/00568/UNAUTH )  Listed Building Consent (Alts/exts) Manor Farm Buildings Manor Lane Swainswick Bath.

Repairs and alterations to curtilage listed former farm buildings (part retrospective). Change of use of one building from B8 storage to B1 business use (retrospective).

This application was debated at length. The potential impact of the proposals could be significant in the medium and longer term as ultimately a small busines park could result.

J Miles highlighted that the relevant buildings were agricultural  and there was no evidence of a formal change of use ( to B8 or B1 ) for any of them despite the existence of an established florist on site.

I Roberts informed the meeting that residents were very much against the application and were organising a structured response against it. The major point being made relates to the issue of increased traffic volumes and access along restricted country lanes.

G Davis said that in the absence of any references to the impact of traffic along the lanes and village centre the council should state that BANES should withhold any decision until such considerations had been documented.

The clerk was asked to write to the BANES officer, J Davey, stating the initial concerns and requesting a delay should answers to the major issues not be forthcoming. The clerk, in the meantime would draft an initial objection document for consideration by council members.

Ref: 20/02734/CLEU Spring Close Tadwick Lane Tadwick Bath
Remove condition attached to Spring Close that stipulated it must be occupied by a resident who works in agriculture, agricultural industry or forestry. (Certificate of Lawfulness for an Existing Use).
R Shackell stated that the applicant had been asked to supply additional information and, should all be in order, Swainswick PC would make no comment.

Ref: 20/03009/FUL Ashcombe House Tadwick Lane Swainswick Bath. Conversion of long barn into two holiday cottages.
Following a brief discussion on the future potential of a change in use it was decided that it be approved. No comments were necessary.

Previous Aplications

Ref: 19/05534/FUL  Larkhall Athletic Ground. Erection of 20 metre-high telecommunications mast accommodating 6 antenna apertures, 4 transmission dishes and8 ground-based equipment cabinets. Swainswick PC – Objections submitted. B&NES – Decision pending.

Ref: 20/01337/FUL Lambrook Barn, Deadmill Lane, Lower Swainswick. Erection of single storey extension. Swainswick PC Objections submitted. BANES Decision Permit.

Other Planning Matters

Ref: 18/03829/FUL  Four Winds Farm  Gloucester Road Swainswick -‘retention’ of Agricultural Building. Further concerns regarding possible non-agricultural usage. R Shackell reported that hydraulic vehicle ramps had been installed in the building indicating unauthorised use. The clerk was asked to contact BANES Enforcement.

Ref:  19/00125.UNDEV & Appeal Ref: 19.00062/ENFAPL Shire End Farm Without planning permission the change of use of land from agriculture to a mixed use of agriculture and residential through the siting of a mobile home and wooden buildings for residential purposes.

This item will now be dropped from future agendas.

Proposed developments at Treetops, Swainswick.

G Davies gave an overview of the proposals likely to be submitted for formal registration with BANES on behalf of T Woods..

5.   University Building – Aircraft Warning Light

I Roberts has written to the Civil Aviation Authority seeking additional information and guidance regarding regulations and requirements for structures.

6.   Highways, pavements and verges.

      Local Lane Speeds

There is ongoing discussion in the local villages regarding the desire to introduce formal speed limits in the lanes. This could mean a proliferation of signs and this council is not supportive of that idea.

      Pavement clearance

Work scheduled by BANES 

7.   Swainswick PC – Future project ideas/proposals. On hold at present.

      Information Board

      Trough surround – improvement

8.   Finance

      Payment – Data Protection Fee – Information Commissioners Office

      Paid 28/8/2020 by R Clist. Refund  – £40.00

      Financial Status – update

9.   School Governors

      Nothing to report

10. Correspondence – all relevant previously circulated by email.

11. Any Other Business

  The clerk confirmed his resignation and would leave the post on the 31st March 2021.

Dates of next meetings:

      9^th November  2020   Zoom meeting scheduled                 

      8^th February   2021

      12^th April        2021

14^th June         2021