Whitchurch Canonicorum, Wootton Fitzpaine and Stanton St. Gabriel Parishes

Present: E Fortescue (Chairman), V Diment (Vice Chairman), A Bay, S Johnson, C Richards, R Andrews, B Briscoe, J Bridle, R Andrews, R Taylor, W Chapman, G Brierley, I Gillespie, S Creed-Castle, L Jenkins and 7 members of the public.
Apologies: None received.

3899 Emergency Item: Cllr Fortescue asked that an emergency item be placed on the agenda under Planning, a planning application for East Barn at Abbotts Wootton, all agreed.

3900 Declarations of Interest: Cllr Fortescue reported on declarations of interest which were explained to her at the recent Chairmans Seminar. If you have a significant or pecuniary declaration of interest you must leave the room. If a councillor is asked to quote for a job before the planning application comes before the council they must declare an interest. Only where a councillors has no idea that they might be asked to quote for work relating to an application may they vote. If a councillor is asked to quote after voting on it you have a clear conscience. Cllr Fortescue declared an interest under Finance.

3901 Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 19th July 2004: The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Taylor, seconded by Cllr Diment, all agreed and signed.

3902 Actions Following Last Meeting: The Clerk reported that there has been no correspondence on the bin on the A35 Morcombelake, a thank you letter has been sent to Connect regarding resurfacing of the A35 Morcombelake, Potholes near Newlands at Charmouth have been reported and Mrs Collins has agreed to put notices on the notice board at Stonebarrow Lane. Cllr Fortescue reported that following liaison with the DAPTC, sponsorship of the Char Chat and the web site is not possible. She also reported that no decisions should be made under this heading (previously, ‘Matters Arising’). Cllr Johnson reported that she has spoken to Wilf Barnes’ family and they are happy for a bench to be purchased in his memory and will contact the Parish Council in the near future. Cllr Diment reported that the potholes at Newlands, Charmouth are still there, the Clerk will report them onto Dorset County Council again. Action: Clerk

3903 Finance: Clerk’s Report: The Clerk reported that both the bank accounts are going well. Acceptance of Annual Return: The Annual Return has been accepted by HLB AV Audit with no problems and now needs to be accepted by the Council, proposed by Cllr Diment, seconded by Cllr Bay, all agreed. Finance Committee Meeting: Cllr Fortescue reported that a Finance Committee Meeting will take place in October in public to discuss the Precept for 2005/2006, it was agreed that the Clerk write to the Village Halls asking for their financial requirements. Action: Clerk Payments: Cllr Fortescue left the room. As Vice Chairman Cllr Diment asked if the Council would accept the payment of the cheque for £123.92 to Thurning Instruments for the envelopes and postage for the July edition of Char Chat, proposed by Cllr Bridle and all agreed. Cllr Fortescue rejoined the meeting. Clerks Salary for August/September 2004 including 5 months back pay, £301.49 – Petty Cash, £20.00 – James Hargreaves Community Hall, £7.00 – Creeds the Printers, £53.03 – CPRE, £25.00 – Dorset County Training, £12.00 – HLB AV Audit, £141.00, proposed by Cllr Bay, all agreed. It was proposed by Cllr Bridle, seconded by Cllr Richards and all agreed that a £5.00 donation be given to WATAG.

3904 Public Discussion: Mrs Collins introduced herself as the Chairman for the Stonebarrow Residents Association, however at this meeting she is representing herself and 3 other neighbours as the Residents Association are not involved at the moment as a problem has come on them very quickly. She reported that last Sunday some British Telecom workers came to the Stonebarrow mast to connect a Tetra signal, which is used by the Police. She has contacted Cllr Newson and he and West Dorset District Council are only just aware of the plans although a planning application/permission is not required for a temporary signal. She asked that the Parish Council help the Stonebarrow Residents to stop this mast from being used for the Tetra signal. Cllr Fortescue reported that this matter will be placed on October’s agenda but in the meantime a letter will be sent to the planning department at West Dorset District Council voicing the Parish Councils concerns. Action: Clerk
Susan Anders from the Bridport Area Partnership reported that a meeting is taking place next week at which the new Local Area Community Planning Committee will be set up. She hoped that a representative would be attending as the Parish Council has been a regular contributor to BAP debate.

3905 Agree and Adopt a New System for Planning Committee Meetings: Cllr Fortescue reported that the Parish Council should in future make all planning decisions at a public meeting. Due to the fact that WDDC now has to turn applications around in a shorter period, it will mean organising a Planning Committee meeting half way through the month to see that applications are returned in time. It was agreed that all Councillors be on the Planning Committee and that they would meet in September to agree a new procedure and any applications that come in during that time. The Clerk will arrange this and notify all Councillors. Action: Clerk

3906 Planning: Westhay Cottage, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth – Cllr Bridle and Cllr Taylor looked at this application to erect a detached swimming pool building. There were no objections to this application, however Condition 4 was brought to the attention of West Dorset District Council as this condition has been broken. Rose Cottage, Pound Lane, Wootton Fitzpaine – Cllr Chapman and Cllr Briscoe looked at this application to erect a timber fuel store and workshop. There were no objections and approval was recommended. Lyme Regis Golf Club, Timber Hill, Lyme Regis – Cllr Chapman looked at this application to erect a timber golf driving range and extend the car park. He reported that only the road hedge and ditch are in the Parish Council’s area and felt that this application should be left for Lyme Regis Town Council to comment on. Dodpen Farm, Fishpond Bottom Road, Bridport – Cllr Fortescue and Cllr Briscoe looked at this application to a change of use from ancillary buildings to stables. There was no objection to this application and approval was recommended. However, observations were that: on site accommodation might be needed in future; no site plan provided for parking although there could be up to eight vehicle movements a day; streams must not be polluted and there are other livery stables in the immediate area.
Newlands Caravan Park, Charmouth – Cllr Andrews looked at this application to erect extensions to the toilet block and laundry store. No objections. East Barn, Abbotts Wootton – Cllr Fortescue looked at this application to erect a new porch canopy and first floor balcony, however she has not been able to contact the neighbours, or view the property from the rear. Cllr Richards reported that the nearest neighbour lives in London so should be contacted as this application could be intrusive to them. It was agreed that Cllr Richards try to contact the neighbour and if no objections the Parish Council recommends approval but if there are objections this application should go to the next Planning Committee Meeting. Action: Cllr Richards Planning Approvals received: St Christophers, Butt Lane, Ryall – Sunset, Taylors Lane, Morcombelake – Cockwell Farm, Morcombelake – Court Heath, Morcombelake – Rose Cottage, Pound Lane, Wootton Fitzpaine, Georgies, Morcombelake and Westhay Cottage, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth. Decision Notice and Acknowledgement received: Crabbs Bluntshay Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum. Appeal Decision received: Monkton Wyld Caravan Park, Monkton Wyld. Appeal Notice received: Five Penny Farm, Spence Lane, Wootton Fitzpaine.

3907 Reports: Cllr Gillespie reported that the new Charmouth Heritage Centre will be built this winter and Dorset County Council have volunteered to underwrite any over-expenditure on this project. Also he reported that he will provide the Parish Council with documentation on PPG7s and PPS7s on temporary accommodation to discuss at another meeting.
Cllr Brierley reported that the Hyder Report has arrived but he will digest it before he reports back on it. However he is disappointed it took so long to arrive and that no work is being considered. He also reported that Kevin Cheleda of the Highways Department of Dorset County Council will be coming around the area again on the 1st October to meet the local representatives to see what highway work needs to be carried out. Cllr Fortescue asked Councillors to report any problems in advance to the local representative for them to take on board and give to Kevin Cheleda. Finally he reported on the latest of the ship to ship transfers in Lyme Bay. The regulations still have not been drafted as there are not enough lawyers to deal with the work. Ship to ship transfers are taking place in Shetland. However, in the Lloyds List edition there is work taking place on ships in Portland and if an accident happens pollution will head towards The Fleet.
Cllr Richards reported on tree work at Bellair House, Charmouth. Cllr Bay reported that she will be attending the Bridport Area Partnership meeting next week. She also attended a DAPTC meeting at which Inspector Jenkins should have attended but did not. The subjects discussed at the meeting were Quiet Lanes, Quality Parish Councils and a change in the Planning system. Cllr Richards reported on behalf of the James Hargreaves Community Hall along with Trevor Chambers. The Land Registry has accepted the deeds of the Chapel, Hall, Churchyard and land in front of the Hall. Specification of the demolition of the Hall has been sent to seven contractors so things are starting to happen. Cllr Fortescue asked if the Parish Council Notice Board could be placed on the Hall wall but it was agreed to discuss this at a later date. Cllr Taylor reported that the hedges on the junctions with the A35 in Morcombelake have still yet to be trimmed, the Clerk will chase this matter with Connect.
Cllr Diment reported that the missing Morcombelake sign has been replaced. He also reported that he has been looking at the 1989 Parish Plan and the action on protection of the local pines; however the last one was cut down last week at Hardown House. It was agreed that Cllr Richards gives Cllr Diment a list of trees with Tree Preservation Orders on them. Cllr Johnson asked if the blue post verges have been cut back yet; no evidence of this. Cllr Chapman reported damage to verges by timber hauliers around the Highgate and Blackpool Corner area of Monkton Wyld, this has been reported. He also reported that the signpost at Monkton Wyld is still missing and a reminder that there is no ‘e’ on Wyld. The Clerk will chase these matters too. Cllr Andrews reported that the listed wall opposite the Church in Whitchurch Canonicorum is starting to crumble away, it was agreed that the Clerk chase the Enforcement Officer at West Dorset District Council. Action: Cllr Richards and Clerk

3908 Correspondence: Dorset County Council, Various correspondence on the South West Footpath – Dorset Police, Traffic Management Plan for the A35 – Oliver Letwin, Hyder Report – DAPTC, Western Area Agenda – DAPTC, Circulars No 15/04, 16/04 and 17/04 - The Boundary Committee, Final Recommendations – West Dorset District Council, Corporate Plan and Performance Plan – Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall, Accounts – Connect Road Operators, Thank you for our Thank you – Dorset County Council, Funding to Support Dorset Community Strategy – Mr Pullen, Salters Charity – Macmillan Cancer Relief, Local Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning – Devon FWAG, Cycleau Axe/Char Project – West Dorset District Council, Licensing Act 2003, it was agreed that the Clerk reply to this questionnaire – Allianz Cornhill, Confirmation on Wootton Fitzpaine Playing Field Committee – West Dorset District Council, Village Design Statements – Deputy Prime Ministers Office, Consultation Documents on Code of Conduct and Political Activities of Local Authority Employees – West Dorset District Council, Lane for Affordable Housing – Dorset County Council, Temporary Closure of Stanton St Gabriel Footpath – Dorset County Council, Archiving Material from Stanton St Gabriel Parish Meeting – Mr Anderson, Siting of Salt Bin at Morcombelake. Action: Clerk

3909 Char Valley Parish Council Signs for Notice Boards: Cllr Fortescue reported that a request for a sign had been received from Mrs Collins for the Stonebarrow Lane notice board and two quotations had been obtained for signs for all the Parish Council notice boards. It was agreed to accept Creative Solutions quote for £35.00 for 10 signs. The Clerk will order these signs. Action: Clerk

3910 Report on Chairmans Seminar: Cllr Fortescue reported that she had attended the Seminar and there is a lot to take on board. All Committees need to be in public especially finance and planning. Letters must go through the Clerk not from individual Councillors, actions should only be taken on agenda items not under reports or matters arising.

3911 Quality Status Working Group: This is an ‘advisory committee’ or ‘working group’ so does not have to meet in public. Cllr Fortescue reported that the group is to meet soon, to look at the best way forward to work towards Quality Status.

3912 Quotes for Whitchurch Canonicorum Wishing Well Repairs: Cllr Fortescue reported that on a recent inspection of the Wishing Well, which is a listed building, it is in a bad state of repair with coping stones coming off and ivy growing over it. She reported that there is an inscription inside and it would be nice to take the door off and put a grill so people could see it. Cllr Bridle said that from a road safety issue it would not be wise. It was agreed that the Clerk contact Maureen Pearce at West Dorset District Council to advise us what to do next. Action: Clerk

3913 Report on George Somers Day: Cllr Fortescue reported on an excellent George Somers Day. and thanked other Councillors for attending at the unveiling of the plaque on a chestnut tree at Berne Manor Farm. A short service was held in Whitchurch Canonicorum Church which included people from Bermuda. Finally she reported that the Honorary Town Crier is Mr Frith and he is a distant descendant from sailors shipwrecked on Bermuda. It was agreed to send Mr Frith copies of Char Chat.

3914 Progress Report on Local Housing Questionnaire: Cllr Fortescue reported that the questionnaire went out on the 3rd September and has to be back by the 8th October.
3915 Parish Boundary Changes: Cllr Bridle asked if the Clerk could send out a letter he has penned to West Dorset District Council regarding some enforcement issues in the area, Random Lodge, Morcombelake and the telephone exchange in Carters Lane, Morcombelake. He also asked if Cllr Fortescue could contact our neighbouring Parish Councils with a view to talking/changing local boundaries in some cases. Action: Cllr Fortescue and Clerk.

3916 Traffic Calming A35 Morcombelake: Cllr Bridle reported that the Hyder Report has now been sent to the Parish Council and summarised it for all the Councillors on a hand-out. It was agreed that the Clerk write to Oliver Letwin thanking him for his work and taking him up on the offer of a meeting to discuss the report. Action: Clerk

3917 Coastal Path Matters: Cllr Bridle reported that he had attended a meeting with local representatives and Dorset County Council on the South West Coast Footpath closure. He reported that he put a suggestion across at the meeting for Dorset County Council to buy the coast land off of the Golf Club and lease it back to them and then they will have a footpath along the coast. The Chairman of the Golf Club liked the idea and it is now being looked into, perhaps the same could be done at Stanton St Gabriel. It was agreed that the Clerk send Cllr Bridle’s letter with copies to various interested parties and Cllr Bay will take this matter up at the Bridport Area Partnership meeting. Action: Clerk

3918 Items for Next Agenda: None at present.

3919 Date of Next Meeting: Monday 11th October 2004 at 7.30pm in Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall.

3920 Close of Meeting: 10.20pm.