The minutes of the meeting held on 20th October were reviewed and signed as a correct record.

Matters arising:

Rickyard Road – Cllr Glynn commented on the criteria for Section 106 agreements generally.

5. NSC South Area Planning Committee

The papers for the South Area Committee were reviewed and items relating to Wrington Parish were noted.

Cinderford Cottage: it was noted that the application for erection of a two storey dwelling with office/workroom had been approved following a site meeting. Conditions of the permission included: the dwelling is not to be occupied until the office/workroom has been provided and made available for use; work carried out in the office/workroom is to be limited to persons whose sole or main place of residence is the adjacent dwelling; parking and turning area to be constructed of permeable materials.

Winford School: it was noted that plans had been submitted to extend Winford School in order to accommodate additional pupils following the closure of St Katharine’s School at Felton.

Tree works: it was noted that three recent applications for tree works in the Conservation Area had been approved.

6. Decisions Notices issued by NSC

09/P/1182/F – Cinderford Cottage, Ropers Lane, Wrington: erection of two storey dwelling with office/workroom – approved.

09/P/1675/WT – Tree work in the Conservation Area: Black Walnut and Mirbeck’s Oak to be felled – approved.

7. Planning Applications

09/P1734/ADV - Holiday Inn, Bridgwater Road, Redhill: Display of 2no internally illuminated wall mounted signs with additional building lighting, 1no internally illuminated wall mounted sign, 1no internally illuminated free standing sign, 1no non-illuminated freestanding sign and 1 internally illuminated wall mounted sign over front entrance.

It was noted that the signs applied for were to replace existing signs, due to a change in the company’s corporate identity. It was agreed that illuminated signs on the road would be unsuitable as the site is extremely visible from both directions on the A38 and is in the Green Belt, in an otherwise quiet rural location. Sign 4 is considered too large and prominent, and it was agreed to request that the size of this be reconsidered. It was agreed to object to the application on the ground that the signage should be more in keeping with the location and similar to the size of the existing signs. It was also agreed to point out the potential effect of increased illumination on wildlife, especially owls and bats, and to remind NSC of the obligations to comply with NERC Act.

09/P/1755/F – Oakdene Farm, Cox’s Green, Wrington: Change of use from redundant agricultural building to holiday accommodation to include first floor level, rooflights and fenestration to east elevation and associated parking.

It was agreed that there was no objection in principle to the proposed development. However, it was agreed to submit a comment that the site would benefit from more landscaping and the planting of trees adjacent to the road to screen the site.

09/P/1763/F - The Garage House, High Street, Wrington - Replacement of 2no ground floor windows and entrance door on west elevation.

It was agreed that there was no objection to the proposal, but to comment that the windows should be painted white to be in keeping with other windows in the building.

09/P/1804/F - 2 The Cottages, Station Road, Wrington - Replacement of 2no uPVC windows and 1no uPVC door with hardwood to front elevation. It was agreed that there was no objection to this application.

Brook House, Silver Street, Wrington: Information on this re-submitted application had been received from the developers, but as yet no plans or details of the application have been sent by NSC. It was therefore agreed to defer discussion until the next meeting.

8. Other Planning Issues

a. Rickyard Road – Section 106 agreement

A copy of the agreement had been received from NSC just prior to the meeting, and this was reviewed. The Chairwoman drew attention to paragraphs 9 and 10, which concern funding to be made available by the developers. This includes: £30,000 to be used in Wrington Parish for either the provision or improvement of surface water drainage and/or the provision or improvement of recreational or open space facilities; £13,000 for the specific provision of sport and recreation facilities within Wrington Parish Council area.

It was agreed that the Clerk would now contact the relevant officers at NSC to ascertain what process will now take place to determine how these funds should be used.

b. BIA Noise Action Plan

Cllr Turton circulated a draft response to the consultation, and drew attention to some of the shortcomings of the Action Plan. These include the fact that ground noise generated by the airport is not included, nor is the noise from increased local traffic. The latest research on the adverse effects of noise on human health has also not been taken into account.

It was agreed that the Clerk would circulate Cllr Turton’s draft to all members and ask for comments to be sent to Cllr Turton by 20th November. A final draft will then be produced for circulation prior to the next Planning Committee meeting on 1st December.

c. BIA Planning update

A printed leaflet had been received from BIA which included responses to some of the objections raised to the proposed expansion of the airport. It was noted that the PCAA had responded to some of the statements contained in the document, which were considered to be misleading. It was agreed that the Clerk would try to obtain an electronic copy of the leaflet, and circulate this to members together with the PCAA comments.

c. National Grid consultation – Hinkley Point C Connection Project

Cllr Glynn and Cllr Bigg reported from the briefing provided to Parish Councils on 2nd November. Cllr Bigg said she had asked for a copy of the slides from the presentation but as yet these have not been received.

Cllr Glynn explained that there are technical challenges involved in attempting to put the cable under the sea, and this would make it very expensive. Although neither of the proposed routes for the new power line are likely to pass through Wrington Parish, there would be a spur coming into the substation at Iwood, and this would result in the substation being considerably enlarged and power lines being installed where there are none currently.

The meeting was closed at 7.07 pm.