11/12/2025
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Berkley Parish Council
Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held at Frome Rugby Club on Wednesday 19 November 2025 at 7.30pm
Present: Mr A Knight, (Chairman), Mr P James (Vice Chairman) Mr D Lee, Mr K Mills
Mrs J Harvey (Clerk)
Mr A Boyden (SCC Frome North)
1. Apologies Ms D Denton (SCC Frome North)
2. Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday 11 September 2025 having been previously circulated were taken as read, unanimously approved and signed by Andrew Knight, Chairman.
3. Matters Arising
Oldford Development David Lee reported that he had looked into, on behalf of the Parish Council, the feasibility of employing planning consultants to assist in ensuring that the interests of local residents are protected when the planning application is submitted.
He has received two quotes, and it was unanimously agreed that the proposal of Context Planning Consultants was best suited to our needs; also it came at the recommendation of Andrew Boyden and Dawn Denton. Context’s proposal includes a meeting with the Parish Council, a site visit, a detailed review of the application documents and preparation of a comprehensive objection letter. Their hourly rate is £130 plus VAT, with an overall estimate of £3,000 plus VAT. VAT is retrievable by the Parish Council. It was unanimously approved to go ahead when the planning application has been submitted.
It was also agreed that Berkley Parish Council would request a meeting with and get the views of Frome Town Council with regard to the proposed development.
The Pines Despite the lawful development certificate having been turned down, and the order to stop work has been made by Somerset Council, activity continues on the site. Adam Boyden will make arrangements to meet with planning to keep this a priority issue.
Some twenty or more new families are on site, mainly transient. Discussions with Cllr Frederica Smith-Roberts and Somerset Council will continue, although the laws on fair rents apparently do not apply to Caravans/mobile homes.
The problem of fly tipping continues unabated. Andrew Knight has contacted Commerce Park with regard to the risk to the bund, but they are not interested. Andrew emphasized the need to keep a record of key issues.
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Battery Energy Storage System Anna Jones, Planning Manager, Enray Power, telephoned the Clerk prior to the meeting advising of their proposed response to our letter of 30 June 2025. However, at the time of the meeting this had not been received. Kelvin undertook to consult with EDP and Screwfix, Commerce Park, both businesses in close proximity to the proposed development.
(Notification of amendments to the original construction was received from Somerset Council Planning on 20 November 2025, and Enray’s response was subsequently circulated on 20 November 2025. A request for extension of time was refused. A meeting to discuss was arranged for 1 December 2025.)
Signs at Rooks Lane, Pot and Kemps Lane and Public Footpath Peter James agreed that the ground was now soft enough to knock in the posts. The public footpath sign has been reinstated at Fairoak Farm.
New Parish Councillor Not discussed.
Fly Tipping is being reported on the portal and councillors informed. Er****on of signs to be discussed later.
4. Parking Issue – Commerce Park This is in the hands of Commerce Park and the Police.
5. Potential Visit by Bill Revans re. gypsy site policy Discussed under The Pines, Matters Arising, The Pines.
6. Somerset Council Redundancies & Spending on Consultants Adam Boynton reported little solution at Somerset Council policy level.
7. Planning Situation at Packsaddle- The Appeal has been refused.
8. Finance The cheque for £30 to SALC in respect of Councillor training was unanimously approved.
9. Correspondence
Email 22 October 2025 re Devon Somerset Fire & Rescue Service Precept Survey – no comment.
Email 28 October 2025 Mile Wilsher appeal for grant towards publication of The Network. Unanimously agreed to contribute £150.
10. Any Other Business
There is damage to the bridge adjacent to Andros, caused no-doubt by their lorries. Adam Denton agreed to take this up with Andros and to liaise with Lullington Parish Council.
Bus stop at Oldford. If planning permission is given to the development at Oldford this can be discussed further down the line.
The Bell, Standerwick. The Chairman announced this is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment. The palm trees on the perimeter, which the Parish Council have long time flagged up as a sight hazard, have been removed.
The meeting closed at 9.15pm.
JRH/4.12.25
Date of Next Meeting: 7.30PM, WEDNESDAY, 18 FEBRUARY 2026, FROME RUGBY CLUB
