These Minutes were approved at the Council meeting held on 8th February 2021

SWAINSWICK PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of a Virtual Meeting of Swainswick Parish Council

held on Monday 9^th 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). Five members of the public observed the meeting for varying periods.           

1.   Apologies

2.   Minutes of previous meeting held on 7^th September 2020.
The meeting approved these minutes and they were signed as a true record by the Chairman.

3.   Matters Arising from above Minutes
There were no matters arising

4.   Planning

New

Ref: 20/03908/FUL Pitlands Farm, Gloucester Road, Swainswick. Erection of a single storey extension and alterations to roof, including conversion of loft to habitable space. Swainswick PC – No objections. B&NES – Decision pending.

Ref: 20/03559/FUL Treetops Gloucester Road Swainswick

Erection of first floor extension of the same volume of existing extensions to be demolished, and improvements to existing vehicle access and parking.

Swainswick PC – No objections. There has been subsequent communication between B&NES and the applicant. It is understood some amendments to the detail regarding boundaries are to be submitted. G Davies advised the Council that the Treetops application was on hold, awaiting the bat survey. A member of the public, said the Council had told him it was de-registered for multiple reasons.

Ref: 20/03391/FUL Little Pear Tree Cottage, Tadwick Lane, Tadwick. Redevelopment of previously developed garage site for an office, gym and annexe to be used in connection with Pear Tree Cottage. Swainswick PC objection submitted 7/10/2020. B&NES – Decision pending.

Ref: 20/03255/FULLarkhall Sports Club, Charlcombe Lane, Charlcombe, Bath.Erection of a 20m high monopole supporting 3no. antennas and 2no. 0.3mm dishes above the top of the pole, the installation of 1no. equipment cabinet on new base and the installation of ancillary equipment.

Swainswick PC Objection submitted 29/09/2020. B&NES Decision pending.

Ref: 20/03810/FUL Agricultural Building opposite Jazira, Gloucester Road. Initially reported to enforcement and retrospective planning application submitted. No formal objections have been made but J Miles said that it was unclear whether the change of use request, agricultural to equestrian, covered the parcel of land where the structure is situated or the entire agricultural holding.

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 with Planning Committee.

Ref: 20/03009/FUL Ashcombe House Tadwick Lane Swainswick Bath. Conversion of long barn into two holiday cottages. B&NES – Decision pending.

Ref: 20/03077/FUL    (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). Swainswick PC objection submitted 29/9/2020. B&NES – Decision pending.

I Roberts stated that were inaccuracies in some of the witness statements and in categories attributed to certain buildings. Robust responses regarding ecology and highways issues were being made. He notified the meeting that the application would be going to the B&NES development committee.

Other Planning Matters

Ref: 18/03829/FUL  Four Winds Farm  Gloucester Road Swainswick -‘retention’ of Agricultural Building. Further concerns regarding possible non-agricultural usage. B&NES Enforcement have visited the site and will continue observations on the barn usage.

5.   Swainswick School – Pedestrian Safety.

I Roberts explained that residents and Swainswick School had growing concerns about pedestrian safety in the vicinity of the school. The painted road signs were in need of renewal and it had been suggested that a convex mirror be located near the corner to improve visibility in that area. The possible location needed clarification and the funding arranged. The school were likely to forge ahead with this task whilst financial support from the council was considered,

6    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.

7.   Highways, pavements and verges.

      Local Lane Speeds

Following detailed discussions and recent correspondence the council has submitted a        brief outline of its views on the issue of signage and the ‘quiet lane’ philosophy. This was sent to Sarah Warren, the B&NES councillor fronting the evaluation. The topic warranted further debate and M Hollings suggested further thought should be given by this council with any ideas tabled at the next meeting in February.

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

      Information Board

      Trough surround – improvement

9.   Finance

      A Financial Status update was circulated by the clerk.

10. School Governors

      R Shackell had nothing to report.

11. Clerk Vacancy advertising proposals and details.

The clerk had drafted an advertisement for inclusion in the Local Look magazine, December Edition. The approved fee would be £55.00.

The clerk raised concerns regarding attracting applicants as the salary was low in relation to statistics provided by ALCA. It was considered necessary to request an increase in the precept when the submission time comes later in the year.

12. Correspondence – all relevant previously circulated by email.

13. Any Other Business

14. Dates of next meetings:

      8^th February   2021

      12^th April        2021

14^th June         2021

            The meeting closed at 8.45pm

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

SWAINSWICK PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the meeting of Swainswick Parish Council

held in the garden of 48 Bailbrook Lane

 on Monday 15^th June at 7.00pm

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

1.         Apologies

            Apologies were received from M Holling, I Roberts and G Davies

2.         Minutes of previous meeting held on 10^th February and 28^th April 2020.

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.         AGM and Chairmanship.

As the current pandemic has altered many procedures and processes Councils were authorised to cancel AGM’s for this year. Therefore, no ‘annual election’ for the Chairmanship was held. Jonathan Miles has offered to continue for the next year. All Council members fully supported and approved this action using email communications.

5.         Planning
New

There were no new planning applications.

Previous Applications

Ref 20/01315/TEL: Telecommunications Application: Woolley Lane Charlcombe Bath Erection of a 20m high monopole supporting 3no. antennas and 2no. 0.3mm dishes above the top of the pole, the installation of 1no. equipment cabinet on new base and the installation of ancillary equipment.

Swainswick PC Objections submitted. Application Withdrawn.      

Ref: 20/00041/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 – Permit

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 – Permit

Ref: 20/00240/FUL Top Cottage, Tadwick Lane, Tadwick, Bath Proposed extension and alterations. Swainswick PC – Comments submitted. BANES – Permit

Ref: 20/01337/FUL Lambrook Barn, Deadmill Lane, Lower Swainswick. Erection of single storey extension. Swainswick PC Objections submitted. BANES Decision Pending. Put before Planning Committee for 1^st July meeting.

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.

Other Planning Matters

Ref: 19/00568/UNAUTH   The Manor Barn Swainswick, possible unauthorised usage for public events, catering etc.

Remains under review

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. To be retained for observation.

6.   University Building – Aircraft Warning Light

There have been a number of emails in circulation and the matter is still unresolved. As Autumn approaches and the evenings close in the evidence of this problem will be again re-examined.

7.   Swainswick PC – Future project ideas/proposals

      Information Board

      Trough surround – improvement

      These items will remain in abeyance until the current health crisis has passed,

8. Finance

The 2019/2020 Audit Papers were examined and approved. All relevant papers are now on the Parish Councils website.

The current Financial Status spreadsheet was issued.

9.   School Governors

      Nothing to report.

10. Correspondence – all relevant previously circulated by email.

11. Any Other Business

12. Dates of next meetings:

      Proposed but to be agreed in the coming weeks.

      7^th September 2020

      9^th November  2020                          

      8^th February   2021

      12^th April        2021

14^th June         2021  

            Meeting closed at 8.45pm

This virtual meeting was held in order to review the Certificate of Exemption and Governance Statement and to approve both so that it may be sent to the External Auditors.

Audit papers will be produced, reviewed and published on this Website in due course.

**********************************************************************

SWAINSWICK PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Virtual meeting of Swainswick Parish Council

 on Tuesday 28^th April at 12.00pm

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 10^th February 2020.

As this unscheduled meeting was called to formalise the Certificate of Exemption and Annual Governance Statement for the Annual Audit the above minutes will be considered at the scheduled June meeting.

3.         Annual Audit
The two papers referred to above were seen by all Council members and were unanimously approved.  The Annual Accounts were shown as supporting documentation and were also accepted.

            It was agreed that the Certificate of Exemption could be forwarded to the External Auditors.

13.       Date of Next Meetings

2020  June 8th although this is subject to revision due to the current lockdown.                     

            Meeting closed at 12.15pm

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