Minutes summary – West Monkton Parish Council Meeting – 24 February 2026:

Meeting Overview
The meeting was held on 24 February 2026 at 7.00pm. All councillors were present and no
apologies were received. The minutes of the 10 February 2026 meeting were approved.

Public Participation
 Landowners from Hyde Lane outlined plans to submit a planning application for a
dwelling and were advised to consider neighbourhood plan policies.

Planning
 18 Knight Close, Bathpool – Single-storey rear extension supported.
 Care home proposal – Plans shared informally; public viewing session to be
arranged once validated.
 Planning decisions available via Somerset Council website.

Key Projects & Decisions

Poppy of Honour Memorial
 Repairs to be completed before installation in the Country Park.
 Glass to be replaced with UV-protected glazing.
 Oak-framed structure design agreed; new planning application required.
 Further meeting scheduled for 11 June 2026.

Hyde Park Sports Ground
 Rugby fixtures to continue using Coker Engineering parking.
 Pump track works start 9 March (approx. 4 weeks).
 Drainage, car park quotes, and rugby post installation progressing.
 Grant and lottery funding being explored.
 Fence around pump track to proceed; additional bund agreed.

MH2 Development & Community Governance Review (CGR)
 Risks discussed regarding CIL exemption.
 Resolved to pursue a CGR to move the parish boundary to the motorway, subject to
agreement by Creech St Michael PC and Boundary Commission confirmation.

Blundells Lane Flooding

 Collapsed drain identified and to be reported.
 Further gully clearing commissioned.
 Additional drainage, hedge cutting, and culvert concerns to be pursued.

Community Matters

Annual Parish Meeting
 Agenda reviewed; meeting scheduled for 24 March 2026.
Youth Café
 Policies formally adopted and to be published online.
Yallands Hill Crossing
 Statement of support to be provided to Taunton Town Council for Tudor Park crossing
proposal.

Environment
 PSPO consultation response to be drafted (no proposal for dogs on leads in Country
Park).
 Verge marker posts approved (to be fabricated locally).

Assets & Facilities
Heathfield Gardens (formerly MH1 POS)
 8 bins installed; 7 more approved (£464.99 each).
 Knee-high fencing replacement approved (£600 materials).
 Ongoing MUGA noise concerns; signage to be installed.
Bus Shelters
 Repairs required; quotes to be obtained.

Country Park & Somerset Wood
 Volunteer activity ongoing (planting, mowing, pond works).
 Lottery pathway works delayed to 23 March but on track for April completion.
 Training and community engagement progressing.

Other Updates
 BACH lighting installation scheduled.
 Community Fridge surface improvements pending.
 Community Garden progressing well.

Other Reports
 PC to join inter-parish flooding working group.
 Fly tipping reported to Somerset Council.
 IT policy review suggested following AI training.
 First Aid training requested.
 Various highways, drainage, and tree issues raised for follow-up.

Next Meetings
 Annual Parish Meeting – 24 March 2026
 Next Parish Council meeting – 10 March 2026
 Sports Pitch Committee – 17 March 2026

Note: This summary was produced by AI using the DRAFT minutes of the Parish Council
Meeting. The full minutes will be available on the parish council
website once they are approved at the next parish council meeting.