SWAINSWICK PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of Swainswick Parish Council

held at Swainswick School Upper Swainswick

 on Monday 10^th February at 7.30pm

Present:  Cllrs Mr J Miles (Chairman): Mr T Stuckes: Mr R Shackell: Mr G Davies and Mr R Clist (Clerk)

1.         Apologies

            Apologies were received from M Holling and I Roberts.

2.         Minutes of previous meeting held 11^th November 2019.

The meeting approved these minutes and they were signed as a true record by the Chairman.

3.         Matters arising
There were no matters arising.

4.         Planning

New

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: 20/00014/FUL Swainswick Primary School Innox Lane Swainswick Bath Erection of a garden office in the school grounds, following removal of existing shed. Swainswick PC – No Objections. B&NES – Decision pending.

Ref: 20/00103/FUL: Smallmans Tadwick Lane Swainswick Bath.  Change of use from garden room/studio to habitable family annexe ancillary to main dwelling. Swainswick PC – No Objections. B&NES – Decision pending.

Ref: 20/00240/FUL Top Cottage, Tadwick Lane, Tadwick, Bath Proposed extension and alterations. As the closing date for comments was 12^th February 2020 this item was reviewed in some detail. There was a view that there may be an issue regarding the impact of reduced natural light on neighbouring property. J Miles explained how this topic is viewed in planning by describing the Waldron diagram. No objections will be submitted.

Other Planning Matters

Four Winds Farm Previous ref No’s WB/3346/A and WB/3346/C. Restarted building works. Final comments received from M Almond. No further action proposed.

Ref: 19/00568/UNAUTH   The Manor Barn Swainswick, possible unauthorised usage for public events, catering etc. This is an ongoing issue with the site being monitored and updates being regularly reported to M Almond, (BANES Enforcement),  ex this council and nearby residents.

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. Although no action is currently proposed this item remains of interest.

5.         University Building – Bright red Lights

The University are planning to replace these but are waiting for financial funding and approval.

6.         Swainswick PC – Future Projects – Ideas and Proposals

Village Information Board

M Hollings suggested that there could be an information board about the village located in an accessible location for visitors. No update on this as councillor unable to attend this meeting.

Village water Trough

A possible improvement to the bank and surroundings near the water trough has been suggested. The clerk would discuss with a local tradesman.

7.         Financial Status  – update

      The clerk circulated the latest financial statement.

8.         School Governors

R Shackell referred to a report that he had previously circulated.

9.         Correspondence        .

All relevant material previously circulated.

10.       Any Other Business

T Stuckes reported that the beach hedge was again overgrown and in that location essential road traffic signs were now being hidden by vegetation. The clerk to report to BANES.

11.       Date of Next Meetings

2020 –  April 6^th:  &  June 8th                       

            Meeting closed at 9.00pm

SWAINSWICK PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Swainswick Parish Council
held at “Naille” Upper Swainswick
on Monday 11th November at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs Mr J Miles (Chairman): Mr I Roberts: Mr T Stuckes: Mr R Shackell: M Hollings: Mr G Davies and Mr R Clist (Clerk)

1. Apologies
   There were no apologies.
2. Minutes of previous meeting held 23rd September 2019.
   The meeting approved these minutes and they were signed as a true record by the Chairman.
3. Matters arising There were no matters arising.
4. Co-option
   Mr G Davies attended the meeting as it was hoped that he would return to the Parish Council. Following a brief discussion J Miles proposed that he should be co-opted, this was seconded by I Roberts. This was unanimously approved.
5. Planning
   Ref: 19/00568/UNAUTH The Manor Barn Swainswick, possible unauthorised usage for public events, catering etc.
   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.
   Other Planning Matters Four Winds Farm Previous ref No’s WB/3346/A and WB/3346/C. Restarted building works.
6. Bath University – Red Aviation Light Sarah Warren (B&NES Councillor) has been following this up with B&NES Planning and more specifically the University management. It has been stated that the lights are in full compliance with the CAA aviation standards. There now seems to be a likelihood that the installed lights can be replaced with less imposing lamps. 7. Charmy Down – Footpath re-routing Discussions took place on the proposed changes and J Miles noted that a number of gates were already in place and some diversions seem to have been mad. M Hollings asked whether the general public would be inconvenienced. This did seem unlikely. As the footpaths were not in the Parish the council was not overly enthusiastic to
   make any comments or objections. J Miles said he would make a private representation. 8. Swainswick PC – Future Projects, ideas/proposals Water Flow to Trough on the green Completed. Further Ideas M Hollings suggested that there could be an information board about the village located in an accessible location for visitors. This was idea was given general approval and the Councillor would put forward ideas on its potential design and contents in due course. A possible improvement to the bank and surroundings near the water trough has been suggested. The clerk would discuss with a local tradesman.
7. Financial Status – update
   The clerk circulated the latest financial statement.
8. School Governors
   R Shackell reported that there are plans for a “break-out area” and some landscaping at the front of the school. In answer to previous questions about the academy status and quality of teachers he said all recruits would be fully qualified teachers.
9. Correspondence .
   All relevant material previously circulated.
10. Any Other Business
    M Hollings offered her apologies for the February meeting.
11. Date of Next Meetings
    2020 – February 10th , April 6th: & June 8th
    Meeting closed at 9.05pm

SWAINSWICK PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of Swainswick Parish Council
held at “Naille” Upper Swainswick
on Monday 23rd September 2019 at 7.30pm
Present: Cllrs Mr J Miles (Chairman): Mr I Roberts: Mr T Stuckes: Mr R Shackell: M Hollings and Mr R Clist (Clerk)

1. Apologies
   There were no apologies.
2. Minutes of previous meeting held 10th June 2019.
   The meeting approved these minutes and they were signed as a true record by the Chairman.
3. Matters arising There were no matters arising.
4. Planning
   New There were no new applications.
   Previous Applications
   Ref: 18/03829/FUL Four Winds Farm Gloucester Road Swainswick -‘retention’ of Agricultural Building. Swainswick PC objections submitted. BANES Decision – Permit.
   Despite this decision concerns remain regarding the future use of this building and other references were given where misuse of developments, such as the Fullers Earth site to the south of Bath, had expanded and no action had been forthcoming. On this point J Miles pointed out that there is a small parcel of land, close to the access from the A46, which is regularly used for a variety of activity. Material storage and heavy plant parking have been observed at this site. It was agreed that this situation needs monitoring.
   Other Planning Matters
   The Manor Barn A significant development regarding the use of this building has been reported. Recently a social event was held in the building and this information, together with previous unspecified works adjacent to the barn, has indicated possible inappropriate use of the building. This has been highlighted by a resident who identified an advertised catering use of the property for which planning approval would be necessary. J Miles added that should such events be being held there would be additional checks needed such as Health & Safety and food hygiene standards. Appropriate insurances would also be required. I Roberts agreed that the situation need to be carefully monitored and B&NES Enforcement notified.
   The clerk had previously contacted B&NES and the owner regarding the perceived
   condition of this structure, which is a listed building. There had been no response
   from the owner and the clerk was asked to again refer the matter to the Council.
   The Conservation Dept stated it would put the building on its ‘at risk’ register.
   The clerk was asked to provide full details to B&NES enforcement and to combine
   this with a further reference to the Conservation Dept.
5. Bathavon Forum update
   J Miles represented this Council at the meeting and stated that the attendance was
   good and, under a new structure and regime, the content useful. Of note was the
   implication that the Eastern Park & Ride project was not dormant! M Hollings asked
   about the presence of the new Ward Councillors at meetings and asked whether they
   are invited to Parish Council meetings. The clerk confirmed that they are made fully
   aware of dates and meeting content.
6. Swainswick PC – Future Projects, ideas/proposals
   Defibrillator installation
   Consideration was given to the purchase and installation of a unit for the village.
   Although some devices were affordable it was not clear, because of the village layout,
   where it could be suitably installed.
   Bench Installation
   An earlier proposal for the placement of a bench near Church Hill currently remains
   dormant.
   Water Flow to Trough on the green
   The task to clear the drain feeding the trough has not yet been addressed.
7. Red Light on the Eastern Horizon
   A very bright red light has recently become very visible on the eastern horizon from
   Swainswick. It is considered intrusive. It is thought that the source is near the
   university at Claverton and I Roberts and T Stuckes have offered to seek out the exact
   location.
8. Finance
   Payments
   The following payments were authorised:

• R Clist (ICO Data Protection Fee refund) £40.00
• Bath Preservation Trust £20.00
  Financial Status – update
  The clerk circulated the latest financial statement.

1. School Governors
   For some time now a review on the status of Swainswick School has been ongoing. R
   Shackell reported that as from November 1st 2019 the school would become an
   academy under the Multi-Academy Trust scheme (MAT). One objective was to get
   improved funding for the school. M Hollings questioned the long-term viability of
   this and raised concerns about the quality and qualifications of future teachers the new
   rooms were now in full use.
   I Roberts asked about school signage. R Shackell stated he would bring the matter up
   at the next governors meeting on 25th September.
2. Correspondence .
   All relevant material previously circulated.
3. Any Other Business
   J Miles said he had met up with Glyn Davies. Having resigned from the council,
   earlier in the year, for personal reasons, G Davies had always been interested in a
   return should circumstances change. He would be invited to the November meeting
   with a view to co-option should he so wish.
4. Date of Next Meetings
   2019 – November 11th
   2020 – February 10th , April 6th: & June 8th
   Meeting closed at 9.30pm

These minutes were approved at the PC meting held on the 23rd September 2019

JUNE2019mins

At the Annual Meeting of the Council held on the 10th June 2019 the Chairman gave this report. Please click on the link below.

Chairmans Report 2018-2019

These minutes were approved at the June meeting of the Parish Council (10/09/2019)

Minutes of Meeting APRIL 2019