Whitchurch Canonicorum, Wootton Fitzpaine and Stanton St. Gabriel Parishes

Present: E Fortescue (Chairman), V Diment (Vice Chairman), A Bay, R Andrews, C Richards, S Johnson, R Cook, B Briscoe, J Bridle, R Taylor, D Newson, G Brierley, L Jenkins, S Creed-Castle and 5 members of the public.

4014 Apologies: W Chapman.

4015 Declarations Of Interest: Cllr Bay declared an interest on Paddox Farm Broadoak planning application and Cllr Fortescue declared an interest on Thurning Instruments under the Finance Section.

4016 Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on the 14th March 2005: The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Briscoe, all agreed and signed.

4017 Action Following Last Meeting: The Clerk reported that a letter was sent to the National Trust regarding land at Greenacres at Morcombelake, she asked West Dorset District Council for a copy of the Shave Cross planning application but was informed to look at it on the web site, sent a hedge cutting letter to Eagle Cottage at Morcombelake, contacted West Dorset Services asking for second hand recycling bins but they said no, kerb side recycling due to be provided soon and Char Chat envelopes and stamps ordered. Cllr Diment reported that he has not spoken to Richard Fox yet regarding the sign on the Cobb at Lyme Regis.

4018 Finance: Clerks Report: The Clerk reported that Simon Christopher has written asking for the Parish Councils books ready for the Internal Audit. She also reported that she has sent off the VAT return claiming £149.30 for the year 2004/2005.

Report from the Finance Committee: Cllr Fortescue read through the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting, highlighting slight alterations to the Financial Regulations. Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall request for grant has been delegated to Cllr Andrews and Cllr Johnson as more information is needed on the subject. The balance sheet for 2004/2005 was looked at along with budget for 2005/2006, the annual salary increase for the Clerk was approved along with a £15 per month to cover her expenses and the setting up of the Inland Revenue Clerk’s gratuity scheme. This report was noted and agreed.

To Agree Clerks Annual Salary Increase: Resolution to approve the annual salary increase for the Clerk to Scale Point 19 at £283.81 per month, proposed by Cllr Fortescue, seconded by Cllr Bridle was unanimously agreed as acceptable.

Payments: Clerks Salary, £283.81 – James Hargreaves Community Hall, £7.00 – Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, £28.00 – Thurning Instruments, £3.75 – Deane Business Solutions, £23.48 – DAPTC, £212.18 – Logomotion, £260.00 – Petty Cash, £105.00 (retrospective) – Creeds, £50.50. Resolution proposed by Cllr Bay, seconded by Cllr Diment, all agreed. Cllr Fortescue abstained (interest).

Donations: Resolution to give Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, £50.00, Bridport Citizens Advice Bureau, £50.00 and WRVS, £50.00, proposed by Cllr Taylor, seconded Cllr Briscoe, all agreed.

4019 Public Discussion: Mrs Collins spoke on behalf of the Stonebarrow Residents’ Association regarding the mast site at Stonebarrow Lane Charmouth. She reported that the six-month period for the temporary mast had nearly expired and a new site has still not been found. The noise pollution is considerable especially during the night, however the company is taking reasonable steps to help with this. The proposed screening will not stop the noise pollution and the Residents’ Association is asking the Parish Council to support them in getting the whole site moved to another place. Could the Council write to West Dorset District Council to this effect and copy the letter to Charmouth Parish Council and Lyme Regis Town Council.

4020 Planning: Mast Site, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth: Cllr Richards and Cllr Bridle looked at this application to install screening around the existing cabinets. A resolution was proposed by Cllr Bridle, seconded by Cllr Fortescue to object to this application, as the screening would not be 100% effective and the generator noise is causing a nuisance to surrounding properties. The Parish Council would also like to see the T-mobile service moved to the proposed new Tetra site higher up Stonebarrow Lane. Finally an enforcement notice should be issued against the Tetra mast which has been on site for more than six months without planning permission. Resolution to send a letter with the above comments was proposed by Cllr Bridle, seconded by Cllr Richards and unanimously agreed.

Paddox Farm, Broadoak: Cllr Richards looked at this application to replace the lean to roof and install roof windows. He could see no objections to this and it was agreed to recommend approval. Late applications: Marsh Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine: It was agreed that Cllr Fortescue, Cllr Briscoe and Cllr Chapman look at this application to make alterations to convert redundant barn to workshop and if there are any problems to call a Planning Meeting.

Paddox Farm, Broadoak: It was agreed that Cllr Richards look at this application to convert a redundant store to a studio along with two other Councillors and if there are any problems to call a Planning Meeting.

Dodpen Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine: It was agreed that Cllr Fortescue, Cllr Briscoe and Cllr Chapman to look at this application to erect an open fronted store for agricultural use and if there are any problems to call a Planning Meeting. Because this is the third application for a storage barn on the site, it was agreed that the Clerk contact Mr Hughes at the Planning Department to see what his views are on the siting of the store. Action: Clerk

Planning approval received: Copse Gate Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum. Appeal decision: Cllr Fortescue reported that Five Penny Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine have been given permission to stay initially for a temporary period of four years subject to many conditions. It was felt that the type of work they were carrying out needed people to live on site. Cllr Newson reported that West Dorset District Council could ask for a judicial review at the High Court. A resolution that the Clerk write to David Evans at West Dorset District Council thanking them for their work and support on the matter and at the same time expressing the Parish Councils concern about setting a precedent. Also to ask if WDDC intend to go for a judicial review which we would support. Proposed by Cllr Fortescue, seconded by Vincent Diment, all agreed. Action: Clerk

4021 Reports: Cllr Brierley reported that following the works on the A35 at Morcombelake there could be a problem with flooding in Berne Lane. He has spoken to Dorset County Council and they are aware of a small culvert that a private individual has put in over his field, which may be a problem and they have also promised to jet out the drains in the area. Cllr Brierley also reported that he attended a Rights of Way Committee Meeting today discussing the realignment of the fence from Stonebarrow to Charmouth. Negotiations are taking place regarding 3 acres of land belonging to Mr Loosemore to realign the footpath, however he has put a motion to the cabinet asking the County Council to pay the price for the land and get the footpath opened as soon as possible.

On the Lyme Regis golf course, negotiations are again continuing however geologists have said that 30 metres of coastal land will fall within 20 years, so the problem of erosion will continue. It may be that a permissive footpath can be installed.

Finally he reported that the pedestrian crossing at Chideock seems to have stopped because of a problem with ownership of land.

A35: Cllr Bridle and Cllr Taylor reported that they had attended a meeting regarding the A35. A resolution was proposed by Cllr Taylor, seconded by Cllr Bridle that the Clerk write to a Mr Sledge requesting a 30mph speed limit, SIDS and a pedestrian crossing through Morcombelake. All agreed. Action: Clerk

BAP: Cllr Bay reported that she had attended a Bridport Area Partnership meeting. Unfortunately the talk on the Jurassic Coast did not take place, but they had discussed the setting up of a Coastal Parishes working group on which Village Hall Committees and other local community groups could become involved. The Partnership also discussed community consultations.

Ancient Monuments Officer: Mrs Sylvia Creed-Castle reported that she has been in contact with a Bournemouth University Student who has studied the history of Whitchurch Canonicorum up to 1650 and once this work has been marked she will be able to have a look at the course work which she is very much looking forward to.

Village Halls: Cllr Richards reported that the James Hargreaves Community Hall reopened on the 31st March 2005 ready for their second annual Flower Show. Progress is slow and there is still more clearing of the site to be carried out, work to the new rear door and resurfacing of the lane to the rear. Cllr Fortescue reported that the Wootton Fitzpaine village hall AGM took place recently and it was agreed to upgrade the central heating. Also discussed were the celebrations for the Centenary of the Village Hall, which takes place in 2006.

WATAG: Cllr Bridle reported that WATAG are sending a roadshow around the area visiting village hall car parks so please attend them if you see them. He also reported that a letter has been sent to Mr Tim Westwood at Dorset County Council asking for free travel for the older passenger on the Hopper Bus.

Parish Councillors: Cllr Andrews reported a blocked gully between Berne Farm and Dolphins at Berne Lane, Charmouth. Cllr Johnson reported that work has started on Stockham Bridge, Whitchurch Canonicorum. Cllr Bay reported potholes and vehicles grounding on the road surface in Stoke Mill Lane, Broadoak. Cllr Briscoe reported that crossing a horse over the A35 at Morcombelake is just as bad as pedestrians crossing and this has been recognised by a recent report. Cllr Diment reported that a resident of Pitmans Lane, Morcombelake requested mirrors in the verges due to speeding traffic, however this was not seen to be appropriate and perhaps painting a slow sign on the road would help. Cllr Richards reported that areas on the cliff edge on the Golden Cap Estate need roping off as there are many places where people walk near the edge on the but there is an overhang with no soil underneath. It was agreed the Clerk report this to the National Trust urgently. Action: Clerk

4022 Correspondence: West Dorset District Council, Enforcement Notice to Bluebell Wood Cottage, Ryall – Mr D Joyce, Estimate for Well House, Whitchurch Canonicorum Works – Sutcliffe, Playground Equipment Details – West Dorset District Council, Election Notices – DAPTC, Quality Parish Council Booklets and Circular No 06-05 - Dorset County Council, Parish Maintenance Units – West Dorset CPRE, Meeting Details – DEFRA, Quality Parish and Parish Planning – Mr & Mrs Collins, Screening around Mast at Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth – Dorset County Council, Local Waste Plan – Devon County Council, Waste Plan – Mrs Quinton, Screening around Mast at Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth – West Dorset District Council, Older Peoples Lunches.

4023 A35 Cyclepath/Footpath, Morcombelake: Cllr Taylor asked if a letter could be sent to Connect Road Operators asking if it would be possible to install a cyclepath/footpath while works are taking place in the area, this was agreed. Action: Clerk

4024 Coastal Footpath/Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth: Cllr Bay asked if a letter could be sent to the Chairman of the Rights of Way Committee at Dorset County Council asking for a quick solution to the reopening of the coastal footpath. She expressed her concerns after trying to walk up Stonebarrow Lane, reporting that it is very dangerous and with the tourist season fast approaching something must be done. Cllr Johnson reported that she has had comments on the subject too. All agreed. Action: Clerk

4025 Approval of the Purpose of the Annual Report: Cllr Fortescue reported the Parish Council must produce an Annual Report on the activities of the Parish Council of the previous year and publish it (within the Char Chat) before the end of June if the Council is to gain Quality Status. It should include Councillors contact details, a summary of the unaudited accounts, and an overview of the activities of the Council over the year. A resolution was proposed by Cllr Bridle, seconded by Cllr Bay to do this yearly in order to qualify for Quality Status and that for the first year Councillor Fortescue would also provide details of how our Council operates to inform our electorate. Unanimously agreed. Action: Cllr Fortescue

4026 Whitchurch Canonicorum Playground Lease: Cllr Fortescue reported that the Village Hall committee has received a valuation with regards to charging a peppercorn rent to the Parish Council for the Whitchurch Playground. An annual rent of £25.00 per year is suggested, to be reviewed every three years. A resolution to approve the rent at £25 and to continue to completion of the lease was proposed by Cllr Fortescue, seconded by Cllr Johnson. Unanimously agreed and the Clerk was asked to contact the Parish Councils Solicitor to draft the lease. Action: Clerk

4027 Review of Times of Parish Council Meetings: Cllr Fortescue reported that following a six month trial of the earlier time of 7.00pm start for Parish Council meetings in the winter months it is not working for some Councillors and difficult for the Clerk. It was unanimously agreed to keep all Parish Council meeting times at 7.30pm throughout the year.

4028 Items for Next Agenda: Cllr Fortescue reminded the Councillors that the May meeting is the AGM.

4029 Date of Next Meeting: 9th May 2005 at 7.30pm in the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall.

4030 Close of Meeting: 9.17pm.