Archive for year: 2023

Footpath BW 22/19 (part) and BW 22/21 (part) in the Parish of Nether Stowey

On 17 November 2023 Somerset Council confirmed the above order made under section 257 Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

The effect of the order as confirmed is to divert:

1. Part of footpath BW 22/19 in the parish of Nether Stowey starting from the junction with BW 22/18 at OS grid reference ST 19472, 39764 (point A) and running in a generally easterly direction for approximately 65 metres to the junction with BW 22/21 (point B on the order plan) TO a route which starts from the junction with BW 22/18 at OS grid ref ST 19472 39764 (point A) and runs in a generally northerly direction for approximately 78 metres to OS grid ref ST 19490 39831 (point E) and then in a generally easterly direction for approximately 166 metres to OS grid ref ST 19649 39798 (point F) as shown on the order map. The width is 2 metres.

2. Part of Footpath BW 22/21 in the parish of Nether Stowey starting from it’s junction with the A39 (point K) and running in a generally northerly and then easterly and then northerly direction for approximately 281 metres to OS grid reference ST19657 39798 (point D) TO a route starting from OS grid ref ST 19534 39608 (point K) and runs in a generally north easterly direction for approximately 79 metres to OS grid ref ST 19575 39675 (point J) and then in a generally easterly direction for 59 metres to OS grid ref 19631 39668 (point I) and then curves to the north east and then runs north for approximately 98 metres to OS grid ref ST 19647 39739 (point H) and then runs east for approx. 10 metres to OS grid ref ST 19655 39739 (point G) and then runs in a generally northerly direction for approximately 70 metres to OS grid ref ST 19649 39798 (point F) and then in a generally easterly direction for approximately 8 metres to OS grid ref ST 19657 39798 (point D) as shown on the order map. The width is 2 metres.

A copy of the order as confirmed and the order map have been placed and may be seen free of charge by appointment (Tel: 01823 359 520) at Somerset Council, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, TA1 4DY from 9.00am until 3.00pm Monday to Friday. Copies can also be obtained there free of charge or by contacting rightsofway@somerset.gov.uk. It is also available from the Parish Office, Nether Stowey or from the link here

The order comes into force on the date on which Somerset Council certify that the terms of Article 2 of the order have been complied with, but if a person aggrieved by the order wants to question its validity, or that of any provision contained in it, on the ground that it is not within the powers of the above Act, or on the ground that any requirement of the Act,  or of any regulation made under it has not been complied with in relation to the order, he or she may, apply to the High Court  for any of the purposes under section 287 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 within six weeks of the date on which notice is first published as required by paragraph 7 of Schedule 14 to that Act.

19 December 2023

Andrew Turner – Strategic Manager – Highway Operations
Economic and Community Infrastructure , County Hall, Taunton TA1 4DY

A public consultation on the Council’s budget will launch later this afternoon.

It will offer a chance for people to have their say in light of the financial emergency, which was called in November. It’s open to all, and we are encouraging our Somerset communities, residents, businesses, stakeholders, and partners to take part.

The consultation highlights several discretionary services which could be redesigned, reduced, or even stopped.

It went live from yesterday (11 December) and will close on 22 January.  The link can be found at: https://somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/comms/budget-consultation-2024-2025/.
The consultation can also be completed in libraries and council offices across Somerset.

Financial Emergency

The in-year overspend for 2023/24 is £27m. The projected budget gap for 2024/25 is £100m.

To close the gap and balance the budget next year a series of service reductions, efficiency savings, and increases to fees and charges, including Council Tax, will need to be considered.

It is clear that this alone will not close the budget gap.

Plans to fundamentally change the council’s systems and processes to streamline its operations will need to speed up to reduce the size of the council in future.

Leader of Somerset Council, Cllr Bill Revans said:

“I urge everyone to take part in our consultation, read through the information, understand our challenges, and have your say.

“We are facing very difficult decisions – this is not where we want to be. But we must face the reality of what is, fundamentally, a broken system of local government funding nationally.

“The cost of delivering our services, particularly social care, is increasing at a much faster rate than our income.

“This means we have to consider every available option to plug our budget gap, including increasing fees, reducing operating costs and finding savings across all areas. Before we make any decisions, it’s important we listen to our residents, especially when those decisions will affect people across Somerset.”

Lobbying for fairer funding for Local Government

Cllr Revans continues:

“We are continuing to lobby Government to address the financial crisis facing local councils. Just last week the County Councils Network published a letter sent to Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove and signed by myself and 32 other Council Leaders from all over the country.

“The letter highlighted the growing concern nationally with 7 out of 10 councils no longer confident they can balance their budget next year.

“We are asking Somerset’s MPs to join our call for fairer funding, and I would encourage anyone who cares about local council services to write to your local MP to ask them to raise this at the highest level.”

Go to: https://somersetcouncil.citizenspace.com/comms/budget-consultation-2024-2025/

Message from Kevin Ferriday, Chairman, Nether Stowey Parish Council

Dear villagers

You may have heard that Somerset Council has declared a “Financial Emergency” and are therefore looking at all the services they provide to see where they can save money to try and avoid going bankrupt.

Somerset Council has written to all Town and Parish Councils listing all those services which they think may be affected.  It is very possible that some services will disappear or be reduced (for example grass cutting of public areas, the emptying of dog bins, recycling centres, etc).

In a nutshell, they are trying to find out whether the various Parish Councils would be willing to take over some of those services (at the parish councils’ costs) or pay a contribution to Somerset Council for them to carry on providing those services.

Nether Stowey Parish Council anticipated some of these problems and over the past few years has put money aside so that inevitable increases to the Parish Council’s part of the Council Tax would be spread over a couple of years.

Somerset Council’s planned cutbacks in services will affect us all and we will therefore be forming a working group which will analyse the services that will be affected and make recommendations to the Parish Council. 

We would therefore like you to read and consider the letter from Somerset Council which includes the list of services.  This can be seen on the Parish Council website (https://netherstowey-pc.gov.uk/somerset-council) or you can pop into the Parish Council office and collect a paper copy.  You may have ideas and suggestions about a way forward. We would welcome your thoughts either by e-mail (scwg@netherstowey-pc.gov.uk) or again, by visiting our Parish Council office for a chat.  Or maybe you feel that you would like to join our working group which will be looking at what we may be able to take on and the implications for the Parish precept?

Please do not ignore this letter, this is going to affect you and we are keen to hear your ideas.

We look forward to hearing from you!

 

Kevin Ferriday
Chairman

 

Today all designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) in England and Wales are becoming National Landscapes, including the Quantock Hills National Landscape. The new name reflects their national importance; the vital contribution they make to protect the nation from the threats of climate change, nature depletion and the wellbeing crisis, whilst also creating greater understanding and awareness for the work that they do.  

 

This is a significant milestone for the UK and the next step in fully realising the National Landscapes’ vision to be the leading exemplars of how thriving, diverse communities can work with and for nature in the UK: restoring ecosystems, providing food, storing carbon to mitigate the effects of climate change, safeguarding against drought and flooding, whilst also nurturing people’s health and wellbeing.  

 

National Landscapes teams have been at the forefront of delivering natural solutions to the main challenges facing the nation for many years. The new brand underscores their commitment to redoubling their efforts and engaging with a wider audience. In 2019, teams set themselves the most ambitious targets for nature in the sector and continue to work to meet them. 

 

By 2030, National Landscapes aim that, within their boundaries: at least 200,000 hectares of the most valuable natural areas (Sites of Special Scientific Interest or SSSIs), which equates to 1¼  times the size of London, will be in favourable condition; 100,000 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat outside of SSSIs will be created or restored, which is roughly nine times the size of Manchester; and 36,000 hectares of woodland, which is a little smaller than the Isle of Wight, will have been planted or allowed to regenerate. National Landscapes Partnerships will also focus on habitat restoration to ensure the protection of some of our most endangered species and increase their work to help more people to enjoy time spent in beautiful places. 

 

Because of their size and scope, National Landscapes are ideally positioned to address the environmental issues the UK is facing. There are 46 ​​National Landscapes in the UK, covering 14% of England, Wales and Northern Ireland including moorland, farmland, coast, forests, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Biosphere Reserves, a Geopark and International Dark Sky Reserves. They are the UK’s nearby countryside – 66% of people in England (44 million) live within 30 minutes of ​​a National Landscape and at least 170 million people visit them every year.  

 

Iain Porter, Quantock Hills National Landscape Manager said: 

“Since our designation in 1956 (England’s first) the Quantock Hills has inspired and enthralled our communities and visitors alike. Renaming to National Landscapes reflects the importance and value we place on these special areas and empower us all to deliver more for nature and climate, for our heritage and culture and for the people who live and work here.” 

 

John Watkins, Chief Executive of the ​​National Landscapes Association says: 

“For decades, AONB teams have convened powerful partnerships which have placed them at the forefront of the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss, but since their initial designation, our country has changed immensely, as have the needs and pressures on the environment and communities. However, we have great ambition as well as the commitment and readiness to care for and protect these important places, whilst also extending a welcome to more people. Our ambitious aims build on AONB teams’ long track record of successful delivery for nature and people and we are confident that we will achieve them. National Landscapes are the landscape designation for the 21 Century and beyond.” 

 
​​Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England says:  

“For decades the AONBs have helped protect the beauty of our finest landscapes. Today though we need so much more from these wonderful places, helping us adapt to climate change, catching carbon, restoring depleted wildlife and encouraging more people outside, at the same time as producing food, sustaining local communities and enhancing historic environments.  

“Modern challenges require new approaches and today marks the beginning of a new phase for our National Landscapes, as they strengthen their existing partnerships, and forge new ones that will secure in perpetuity the huge range of benefits that come from these special places. Big change has taken place during the past 75 years and bigger changes still can be expected during the decades ahead. Uniting the National Landscapes in this way is very welcome and spells immense opportunity and great hope for the future.” 

 

If you would like more information please contact Iain Porter, Quantock Hills National Landscape Manager.

iain.porter@somerset.gov.uk 07977 412077.  

The Parish Council have been advised that there have been significant amendments to the application made earlier this year and there is now another opportunity to comment on the revised application. Details are available on Somerset Council’s website at sdc.somerset.gov.uk/ application ref 36/23/00011.

The Parish Council will consider their response at the meeting on Monday 13 November.