Decisions

Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.

Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.

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Decisions published

08/06/2021 - Proposed removal of Four Public Call Boxes in Somerset West and Taunton- Final Decision to Object ref: 1308    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Community Portfolio Holder

Decision published: 08/06/2021

Effective from: 16/06/2021

Decision:

Details of decision:  British Telecommunications plc (BT) has recently contacted the Council concerning proposals to remove four public call boxes within the Somerset West and Taunton area.

 

With the spread of mobile telephone communications the need for public telephone boxes has significantly declined over the past few years and is likely to continue leading to the current proposal.  The telephone box the subject of this proposal has been monitored for 12 months by BT and very low usage (in many cases no use at all) has been recorded.

 

Consultations with the appropriate Ward Councillors and Parish Councils have taken place within the last couple of months and the responses received confirm a wish to raise an objection to the removal have been added into the attached Schedule.

 

This Schedule formed a ‘draft’ decision which had to be notified to both BT and the Secretary of State.

 

A further round of consultation has been undertaken before the end of May 2021 before this ‘final’ decision in respect of the telephone boxes identified is being issued by the Council as the ‘Relevant Public Body’.

 

At this final stage, Executive Councillor Chris Booth has agreed that the final decision should be published and sent to BT and the Secretary of State.

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Reasons for proposed decision:  BT has been assessing usage of public telephone boxes in the Somerset West and Taunton Area and has found that these boxes have not been used at all during the last year or on such an infrequent basis that it is simply not worthwhile keeping the boxes listed operational.

 

 

 

 

Alternative funding options sourced: None

 

 

 

 

The below has been completed:

 

 

Name(s)

 

Date

Relevant ward councillor(s) consulted

Cllrs Firmin, Darch, Sully, Whetlor, Aldridge, Davies, Morgan, Milne

19/03/21

 

The following are if appropriate / applicable:  Yes/No.  If yes the implications should be attached to this decision notice.

 

Finance implications

 

None

 

Legal implications

 

None

 

Links to corporate aims

 

None

 

Community Safety implications

 

Where local communities have expressed concerns about the loss of call boxes within an area –say with poor mobile reception – the Council has supported the request to lodge an objection against the removal of the call box.

 

Environmental implications

Aesthetically some boxes are likely to be adopted to maintain the current street scene.

 

Equalities Impact

 

None

 

Safeguarding Implications

None

 

Risk management

 

None

 

Partnership implications

None

 

 

Any conflicts of interest declared by Leader or Executive Members consulted on the proposed decision.  If Yes provide confirmation from Chief Executive to grant dispensation for the Leader’s / Executive Member’s views to be considered.

 

Not Applicable

 


04/06/2021 - Rainbow Path - Goodland Gardens ref: 1307    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Sports, Parks, Leisure and Phosphates Portfolio Holder

Decision published: 04/06/2021

Effective from: 12/06/2021

Decision:

Install a permanent rainbow path of 62m along the footpath in Goodland Gardens (please see attached artist impression of location)

 

The rainbow's path starts at the entrance of Goodland Gardens from Bridge St next, to the bridge, it then carries for 62 metres parallel to the river tone and curves off into the hard surface area of Goodland Gardens.

 

The path will be installed by approved contractors WJ, who have experience of implementing rainbow crossings around the country. They are also the UK's leading highway road marking specialists.

 

It is expected, due to the specification of the paint and the volume of footfall that, this footpath will mean that maintenance will not be required for a minimum of 15 years creating a permanent feature in the park. 

 

The rainbow path will also include the "Progress" colours which will add a chevron along the hoist that features black, brown, light blue, pink, and white stripes to bring those communities (marginalized people) to the forefront; "the arrow points to the right to show forward movement, while being along the left edge shows that progress is being made.