Here in Mells, we believe in keeping our community connected and informed, which is why we’ve gathered all the latest from the Parish Council in one place. This page serves as your central hub for official updates, from meeting outcomes and local notices to project progress and community events, ensuring you stay up-to-date with all matters affecting our parish.
Latest Parish Council Meeting Minutes & Agendas
Transparency in local governance is paramount. Below, you’ll find a summary of the most recent Parish Council meeting, held on the first Tuesday of the month at the Village Hall. Our discussions consistently focus on preserving Mells’ character while addressing practical needs, from planning applications to the upkeep of our cherished public rights of way. Full, detailed minutes are available as PDF documents for your review.
Key Decisions from the Last Meeting
The council meeting on 3rd October 2023 resulted in several important resolutions. To provide clarity, here are the key decisions made:
- Approved a contribution of £1,500 towards the resurfacing of the footpath along Rodden Road, following a safety inspection report.
- Objected to planning application 2023/4567 for a rear extension on property on Nunney Road, citing concerns over overlooking and loss of light for neighbours.
- Agreed to the annual budget allocation for the maintenance of the war memorial and surrounding garden.
- Confirmed the date for the next Parish Litter Pick as Saturday, 18th November, with equipment to be provided by the council.
Upcoming Agenda Items & How to Have Your Say
Our next meeting, scheduled for 7th November, will include preliminary discussions on the 2024/25 precept. We will also review a new proposal for a community speed watch scheme on the B3139. Residents are encouraged to submit comments or questions on any agenda item by emailing the Parish Clerk at least three days prior to the meeting. A period for public participation is always allocated at the start of each council session.
Essential Local Notices for Mells Residents
Staying informed about disruptions and deadlines helps everyone plan accordingly. This section provides timely alerts regarding works carried out by external agencies and important planning cycles that directly impact life in our village.
Highways & Utility Works
Somerset County Council has notified us of essential carriageway patching work on the B3139 through the village, scheduled for week commencing 13th November. Traffic lights will be in operation between 9:30 AM and 3:30 PM daily. Separately, Wessex Water will be conducting routine maintenance on water mains in the St. Andrew’s Close area on 8th November. While access will be maintained, some parking bays may be temporarily out of use. We will update this notice with any changes.
Planning Application Deadlines
Local planning applications are published by Mendip District Council. The following application within Mells parish has a consultation deadline approaching: Application 2023/4789 for a change of use at the Old Forge (to a holiday let). Representations must be made to Mendip District Council by 5 PM on 24th November. All residents are urged to review applications on the Mendip planning portal and make their views known directly to the planning authority.
Community Project Updates & Village Life
The heart of Mells lies in its community spirit and shared projects. This section celebrates our collective efforts to enhance village facilities and records the lively events that bring us together.
Playground & Green Space Projects
The refurbishment of the children’s playground at Millfield is progressing well. The new safety surfacing has been installed, and we await the delivery of the accessible roundabout and swing set, which is due before the end of November. Thanks to funds raised from last year’s summer fête, this project is on budget and will provide a safe, modern play area for our youngest residents.
Mells Village Shop & Community Hub
The initiative to establish the Mells Village Shop as a sustainable community hub has reached a significant milestone. Volunteer recruitment is complete, and the steering group has secured a grant from the Plunkett Foundation. Focus is now on finalising the stock selection and launching a ‘Community Share’ offer in the new year. The shop aims to be more than a retail outlet; it will be a vital social space for the parish.
Fundraising & Our Community Bingo Nights
Our regular community bingo evenings are a cornerstone of village social life and a crucial source of funds for local projects. It is important to residents that these events are run properly and lawfully. We operate our bingo nights as a Small Society Lottery, registered with and compliant with the rules set by the UK Gambling Commission.
Next Bingo Night Details
Join us for our next evening of fun and fundraising on Friday, 17th November, at Mells Village Hall. Doors open at 6:30 PM for a 7:00 PM start. Entry is £5, which includes your first game card. There will be a licensed bar, refreshments, and a raffle. All proceeds from the evening are dedicated to the ongoing playground refurbishment fund.
How Our Village Lottery Complies with Regulations
To ensure our fundraising is legal and transparent, our bingo events are structured as a Small Society Lottery. This means they are exempt from the need for an operating licence but must adhere to strict rules. We are registered with Mendip District Council as the promoting society (Mells Parish Community Fund). Key compliance points include: at least 20% of proceeds going to charitable purposes (in our case, community projects), limits on ticket prices and prizes, and keeping clear records available for inspection. This framework, overseen by the UK Gambling Commission, allows us to raise funds responsibly for the benefit of Mells.
How to Get Involved & Contact the Council
Your Parish Council is here to represent you, and we actively welcome your involvement. Whether you wish to attend a meeting, voice an opinion, or volunteer your time, there are multiple ways to engage with the work that shapes our parish.
Attending Meetings & Public Participation
Parish Council meetings are held monthly at Mells Village Hall and are open to the public. The agenda is posted on the village noticeboard and our website at least three days in advance. During the designated public session at the start of each meeting, residents can speak on items relevant to the parish. For broader community updates, we also share news on our ‘Mells Parish Community’ Facebook page.
Contacting Councillors & Using Our Website
You can find contact details for all councillors and the Parish Clerk on the ‘Your Council’ section of mellsparishcouncil.org.uk. The website also hosts a calendar of meetings, archived minutes, and contact forms for reporting issues like street lighting faults or potholes to the relevant authorities. For urgent matters concerning highways, always contact Somerset County Council directly.
We encourage every resident to stay engaged, as your involvement is what truly shapes the future of our beautiful parish.