Whitchurch Canonicorum, Wootton Fitzpaine and Stanton St. Gabriel Parishes

Present: E Fortescue (Chairman), V Diment (Vice Chairman), R Andrews, S Johnson, C Bailey, C Richards, W Chapman, B Briscoe, R Cook, J Bridle, R Taylor, D Newson, I Gillespie, G Brierley, G Summers, S Creed-Castle and 2 members of the public.

1502 Apologies: P White.

1503 Public Discussion Period: The meeting was suspended for the public discussion period. Mr Muir raised his objections to the planning application for Topsy-Turvey, Morcombelake. He feels that this is certainly over development of the site and he said that problems with the septic tank would be worsened.

1504 Declarations of Interest: The meeting was re-opened. Cllr Richards declared an interest on the late planning application for Frodsham Motors, Morcombelake.

1505 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes held on the 13th March 2006: Subject to Item 1489 reading Barn instead of Farm the minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Diment, seconded by Cllr Taylor, all agreed and signed.

1506 Actions Following the Last Meeting: The Clerk reported that she has written to West Dorset District Council and Dorset County Council regarding hedge cutting but no reply as yet, written to CPRE supporting litter campaign, written to Dorset County Council regarding highway problems, reply received and written to West Dorset District Council regarding the new recycling scheme and reply received.

1507 Planning Applicants Presentation: None.

1508 Planning: Planning Applications to Consider:
Topsy-Turvey, Morcombelake - Cllr Diment, Cllr Taylor and Cllr Bridle looked at this application to erect a replacement garage and single storey extension. They felt that it is over development of the site and that the whole building is built to its boundaries. Other concerns were the problems with the septic tank and that it was a shared tank on the neighbours property and that the building was going to be built over the manhole cover which could cause problems. Cllr Richards abstained from the voting but it was agreed to recommend refusal of this application.
Fernhill Hotel, Charmouth - Cllr Fortescue looked at this adjoining parish council application to erect a single storey extension to provide disabled toilets. It was unanimously agreed to comment that disabled toilets would be welcomed to this establishment.
Paddock Farm, Broadoak - Cllr Richards and Cllr White looked at this application to erect a detached garage and change agricultural land to residential cartilage. It was agreed to recommend refusal of this application as there are other buildings on site which could be used, Cllr Andrews abstained, five for and five against, Cllr Fortescue had the casting vote and voted against this application.
Cuthay Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum - Cllr Andrews reported that this application is to convert existing stables to holiday accommodation, similar to the previous application. It was felt that this was a well designed proposal and agreed to recommend approval, ten for, one against. Frodsham Motors, Morcombelake - It was agreed that this late application for change of use will be looked at further by Cllr Bridle, Cllr Diment and Cllr Taylor, however in the meantime the general feeling by the Parish Council is to recommend approval.

Planning Approvals to Note: Hinkhams Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum and Greenings, Fishpond.

Planning Refusals to Note: Paddocks Farm, Broadoak, Guppy Barn, Spence Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine and Belle Vue, Luscombe Well Road, Ryall.

1509 Resolution to Accept Amended Whitchurch Canonicorum Playground Lease: Cllr Fortescue reported that a draft lease had been received and had been looked at by the DAPTC. It was unanimously agreed as acceptable subject to the insurance being in the Parish Council name only and that the rent review be carried out every four years. It was agreed that the Clerk write to the Village Hall Committee. Action: Clerk

1510 To Note Report on the Whitchurch Canonicorum Affordable Housing Consultation: Cllr Fortescue reported on a very successful consultation period which took place on the 30th March in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall between 3.30pm and 7.30pm. The Housing Enabler Officer and Hastoe Housing Association attended along with around 60 local residents. Four sites that have been offered by local landowners were shown on a map, three in Whitchurch Canonicorum and one in Morcombelake. 14 people were already on the West Dorset housing list in need of housing and another 6 put their name forward on the evening. The majority of local residents were in favour of having affordable housing and many people wrote down their views on the suitability of the different sites. Cllr Gillespie reported that the funds available for affordable housing have been allocated this year but future rounds of money might be available for Whitchurch Canonicorum. Cllr Fortescue thanked all the Councillors for coming along and thank you to Cllr Johnson for the teas and coffees. Finally she reported that Mr Rendle had offered some land near Wakelys Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum and a meeting will take place after Easter to discuss the site.

1511 Next Step on Whitchurch Canonicorum Playground Surface: Cllr Richards reported that he had spoken to Dale Wright with regards to a machine which will clear/brush up the stones off the grass before mowing and Dale was in agreement to try this rather than having a new surface installed. Cllr Richards reported that he can get this machine from Crewkerne Horticulture at a cost of £364.25 which is much cheaper than paying for a new surface. Cllr Richards also said that if Dale was not happy with this machine he would buy it from the Parish Council at the bought price, but he is sure that Dale will be happy with it. It was unanimously agreed that Cllr Richards order this machine and take delivery and the invoice should be made sent to the Clerk. It was agreed that Cllr Richards ask if a demo could be given to Dale by Crewkerne Horticulture. Also, that the Clerk look into extra insurance and that a sticker be put on the machine so that it is for Parish Council use only. Action: Cllr Richards & Clerk

1512 Reports on Refuse Collection Problems in the Area and Recycling in the Morcombelake Area: Cllr Fortescue that residents in Wootton Fitzpaine are experiencing problems with ordinary refuse collections, lorries coming before 7.30am. Cllr Fortescue then read out the letter received from West Dorset District Council regarding recycling boxes in the Morcombelake area. Cllr Diment asked if residents in Morcombelake who were not given a recycling box and bag could be given one and they will put them in an area where the boxes are picked up. It was agreed that the Clerk write back to West Dorset District Council requesting boxes and bags. Action Clerk

1513 Resolution to Agree System when Commenting on Tree Work Applications: Cllr Fortescue reported that West Dorset District Council are now consulting the Parish Council on tree work applications in the area which is what the Parish Council have been asking for years. It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk give the details to our Tree Preservation Officer, Cllr Richards, he will investigate, contact local Councillors and then send in comments to the Clerk by the time stated and then comments will go to West Dorset District Council. Cllr Richards reported on two applications he has received. First one for Cothayes, Whitchurch Canonicorum to fell an Ash tree, Cllr Richards felt that pollarding would be sufficient and finally Bellair Hotel Nursery, Charmouth, to fell an Oak tree, Cllr Richards had no objections to this as it is diseased. Action: Clerk

1514 To Discuss Next Step and Reply from the Highways Agency on the A35 Morcombelake: Cllr Taylor reported that the reply from the Highways Agency was an insult and it was time to see Mr Baston again. Cllr Brierley reported that Oliver Letwin is negotiating with other MP's for smaller funding groups but progress has been made on the 50mph speed limit at Miles Cross. It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk contact Oliver Letwin again asking him to get in contact with Mr Baston to ask for a meeting regarding the Morcombelake problems. Action: Clerk

1515 To Discuss and Request SID's on the A35 at Morcombelake: Cllr Taylor reported that SID's were promised for Morcombelake in a letter dated 4th May 2005 and they still have not been installed. It was agreed that the Clerk write to Mr Baston of the Highways Agency requesting them. Action: Clerk

1516 Reports:Cllr Gillespie reported that the District Council have been busy with the Local Plan which is up for public consultation and to view on the web site, however, there aren't too many changes in this area. In the Local Plan planners will be tightening laws on holiday accommodation, developments close to the farm only and there will be no new buildings in the local villages. Cllr Summers reported that the Licensing Act has been in effect for 6 months now and there has been no rise in problems but the summer months are still to come. She reported that the District Council had everything in place in time and have issued 600 licences and received 1 appeal. Cllr Brierley reported that huge savings are needed at the County Council in the next three years, around 10 million and the community library services will be looked at closely. Cllr Richards asked Trevor Chambers to report for the James Hargreaves Community Hall latest news and Trevor confirmed that they have received a £13,000 grant and that work has started on the kitchens. Mrs Sylvia Creed-Castle reported that her Ancient Monuments training will begin in May 2006. Cllr Johnson reported on the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall Committee meeting. The heating is now in and the events coming up soon are the bingo, dance, race night and Symondsbury Mummers. Cllr Fortescue reported on the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall and said that they have been in contact with Lois Rose regarding grants for the lighting. Cllr Diment reported on WATAG. He said that there is another service which duplicates the Jurassic Coast service and this is run by Stage Coach. He also reported that he has some forms for free bus passes which he will pass to the Clerk to keep. Cllr Fortescue reported that the Bridport Local Area Partnership will be going through the Local Plan and other important documents. She reported that the Annual Assembly had an audience of around 60 people. Finally she reported that car park closed/open/spaces signs will be erected in Bridport. Cllr Bailey reported a large pothole in Bettiscombe and that the road sweeper has been in the area but what is really needed is side verging. It was agreed that the Clerk write to the County Council asking for side verging in the area and thanking them for the ditching works in the area. Cllr Johnson reported the pothole on the B3165 at Lamberts Castle which has been marked but still not repaired. She also reported that the trees have not been trimmed at Berne Lane, Charmouth which has been promised by Dorset County Council. Cllr Bridle reported potholes between The Ship and Charmouth, dangerous for motor bikes and push bikes. Cllr Richards reported blocked gullies at Goodens Hill, Whitchurch Canonicorum. Cllr Fortescue reported that she has had a report from Barbara Collins on Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth. The gullies are blocked, potholes in the lane and Sherborne Turf have yet to repair the damage they caused. It was agreed that the Clerk report all these matters to the relevant authorities. Action: Clerk

1517 Finance: Clerks Report/General Financial Matters - Cllr Fortescue reported that a quote has been received for work to the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall clock at a cost of £4,870 which is quite high and other quotes will now be found. Payments: Clerks Salary & Expenses, £328.38 - Petty Cash, £40.00 -Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, £14.00 - Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall, £25.00 - Creeds the Printers, £50.50 - Deane Business Solutions, £11.74, unanimously agreed.

1518 Correspondence: Bridport Local Area Partnership, Agenda and Minutes - Somerset County Council and Dorset County Council, Statement of Community Correspondence - West Dorset District Council, Tree Work at Orchard Mead, Whitchurch Canonicorum - West Dorset District Council, Mast Details - Dorset Community Action, Dorset Village of the Year - DAPTC, Playground Lease and Circular 04-06 - West Dorset District Council, Local Plan - DEFRA, Clean Neighbourhoods Act - Dorset AONB, Newsletter.

1519 Items for Next Agenda: Payments for Insurance and DAPTC Subscription. 1520 Date of Next Meeting: Monday 8th May 2006 at 7.30pm in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall - AGM.

1521 Close of Meeting: 10.15pm.