Executive Summary – West Monkton Parish Council Meeting 28.10.25
Executive Summary – West Monkton Parish Council Meeting
Date: Tuesday, 28th October 2025
Venue: BACH Centre, 7:00pm
Clerk: Amy Shepherd | Assistant Clerk: Kate Welsh | Volunteer Coordinator: Candy Sully
🏛 1. Council Administration
- Attendance: Cllrs Besley, Cavill, Chapman, C. Cronshaw, D. Cronshaw, Ellis, Haskins, Munson.
- Apologies: Cllr Gage.
- Co-option: David Cronshaw co-opted as Parish Councillor.
- Previous Minutes: Adopted (14th October 2025).
- Declarations: None.
💬 2. Public Engagement
Key issues raised by residents:
- Monkton Heathfield Management Co.: Five new directors appointed.
- Tree replanting: 62 trees required; to be sourced via Country Park thinning.
- Persimmon Homes: PC continues to press for completion of MH1 remedial works.
- MH2 planning revisions: Concerns over downgrade of through-school to primary and reduction of affordable housing (25% → 5%).
Additional updates:
- Parking issues on Mead Way/Greenway to be reported.
- A38 Bathpool closure expected to increase local traffic.
🏗 3. Planning
- Application 48/25/0058 (Monkton House): Supported.
- Decisions: Available on Somerset Council website.
🌿 4. Community Initiatives
New 2026–27 Initiatives: Flower Show, Fun Day, regular Bingo, youth sports and wellbeing projects, social media expansion, intergenerational events, and monthly markets.
Community & Events:
- Community Café to act as “Volunteer Opportunity Drop-In.”
- Updated Welcome Pack for new residents underway.
- Full festive calendar including remembrance, bingo, tree festival, Santa trailer, and volunteer awards.
Youth Provision:
- HYPE youth research informs new funding bids.
- TYCA rap workshops, Go Create and Dance sessions scheduled.
- Youth Café thriving; new Sports Coach appointed; wellbeing sessions popular.
🚸 5. Highways & Footpaths
- Reports of HGV traffic and signage rust to be addressed.
- Road safety audit commissioned for Tudor Park and Yallands Hill crossings.
- Agreement on solar SID installations at Richards Crescent, Yallands Hill, and Bathpool.
🌎 6. Environment
- Planned bus shelter at Bridgwater Road.
- Enhanced grant pots for climate and community projects.
- Layby opposite Thornash Close: consultation with residents for improvements (hedge planting, wildflowers, bench).
🏞 7. Assets
Country Park & Somerset Wood:
- Expanded volunteer programme, tree planting, and site improvements.
- £7,000 Lottery underspend reallocated to volunteer tools, seating, and promotion.
- Drainage payment authorised.
- Insurance provision extended.
MH1 Public Open Space:
- Concerns over vehicle access for bin emptying; letter to be sent to Somerset Council.
- Plans for new noticeboards and bins.
BACH Centre:
- Maintenance updates completed; new chairs approved; Warm Hub grant to be pursued.
- Martyn’s Law policy under development.
- Solar panel decision awaited from Diocese.
Community Projects:
- Additional volunteers sought for Community Fridge and Garden; small grants applied for.
🎖 8. Major Projects
Poppy of Honour:
- £5,000 donation secured; towing logistics under review.
Hyde Park Sports Ground:
- Cricket and rugby facilities progressing; fencing contract awarded.
- Pump Track tender specification approved.
- Access through sports pitches refused due to safety and legal covenant.
- Sponsorship discussions to continue including with Cooper Associates.
MH2 Development:
- Joint stance with Creech St. Michael PC favouring S106 contributions over CIL due to boundary review delays.
Bridgwater Road Football Pitch:
- Deferred to next meeting.
🗓 9. Other Matters
- Proposal to move meeting start times earlier for efficiency.
- WMPC to share development site data with North Petherton Town Council regarding road capacity studies (Junction 24).
Next Meeting: To be scheduled — November 11th 2025
Note: These minutes have been created by AI and are a summary of the full minutes which are available to view on our website. Please follow this link: Parish Council Meetings – West Monkton Parish Council