Present:
E Fortescue (Chairman), V Diment (Vice Chairman), R Andrews, C Richards, S Johnson, C Bailey, W Chapman, B Briscoe, G Brierley, D Newson, I Gillespie, S Creed-Castle and 5 members of the public.
1611 Apologies:
R Cook, R Taylor and J Bridle.
1612 Public Discussion Period:
The meeting was suspended for the public discussion period. Mrs Collins spoke on behalf of the Stonebarrow Residents Association regarding the Tetra Mast. She reported that they were pleased with the refusal and the enforcement notice and now have to deal with the appeal of which they are not very optimistic but will carry on fighting. She thanked the Parish Council, Councillors and the District Councillors for their help with this matter whatever the outcome and asked that they continue their support.
Mrs Chambers asked if Morcombelake could have some rubbish bins in the area especially near the bus shelter by the Ship Inn and at the Post Office, it was agreed that the Clerk chase this request with the relevant authority.
Mr Legg spoke regarding Grandview Riding Stables at Morcombelake and the matter of the Certificate of Lawfulness. He confirmed that he has written to the District Council on this matter and that Howard Thomas has too. He said that this Certificate of Lawfulness must not be approved, if it does it will set a precedent and that other people will do the same thing. Action: Clerk 1613 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting was re-opened. Cllr Fortescue declared an interest on an item in the Finance section and Cllr Chapman declared an interest on Overlea, Monkton Wyld on the Planning section.
1614 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes held on the 9th October 2006:
The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Richards, seconded by Cllr Briscoe, Cllr Chapman and Cllr Chapman abstained, all agreed and signed.
1615 Actions Following the Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported that she has written to West Dorset District Council regarding Grandview Riding Stables at Morcombelake and no answer has been received, wrote to Dorset County Council regarding painting on the layby outside Newlands Caravan Park and a reply under correspondence, written to Dorset County Council regarding road contracts, reply under correspondence, sent off Environment Agency consultation document comments and reply under correspondence, wrote to Dorset County Council regarding various highway matters, acknowledgement under correspondence and salt bins ordered and delivered. Cllr Fortescue reported that she has written to Ann Chard at West Dorset District Council with details of the Parish Plan.
1616 Planning Applicants Presentation: None.
1617 Planning: Planning Applications to Consider:
Stubbs, Whitchurch Canonicorum - Cllr Richards and Cllr Andrews looked at this application to demolish utility room and erect a conservatory and fence. They could see no problems with this and recommended approval, all agreed.
Shave View, Marshwood (Adjoining Consultation) - Cllr Richards and Cllr Andrews looked at this application to erect extensions. They could see no problems with this and it would not affect anything in our area and it was agreed to reply saying no comments and thank you for consulting us.
Pothills Farm, Ryall - Cllr Diment and Cllr Cook looked at this application to convert barn to holiday accommodation. It was agreed to recommend approval as this old stone building should not be allowed to fall into disrepair. It was also agreed to comment on the drainage, requesting a bio disk; conversion tied to the main building; roof very low and lacking in height upstairs; concerns that the roof will not bear the weight of double roman tiles; that the accommodation may not be up to tourist board standards with regards to one bathroom downstairs which would have to cope for up to six people.
Certificate of Lawfulness to Consider:
Grandview Riding Stables, Morcombelake - Cllr Diment read out a document received from the agents for Mr Russell, supporting a certificate. It was unanimously agreed to strongly object to this application for the following reasons:- the applicant knew that he was living there illegally and breaking the law, complaints had been reported to West Dorset District Council in the past by Howard Thomas and by others previously, no evidence produced of Council Tax being paid, applicant not registered on the electoral role at present; perhaps West Dorset District Council has evidence for past years?, local neighbours cannot see what is going on from public roads or paths, it can only be seen from across the valley, no evidence that a farming business is taking place there and if this is allowed it will set a precedent to others in the area.
Planning Applications to Note:
Overlea, Elsdons Lane, Monkton Wyld - Cllr Fortescue, Cllr Briscoe and Cllr Bridle looked at an application to erect a two storey extension and retain the conservatory, approval was recommended.
Grandview Bungalow, Morcombelake - Outbuilding to ancillary accommodation which has now been withdrawn.
Greenings, Fishpond - Cllr Fortescue, Cllr Briscoe and Cllr Bridle looked at this application to convert a single storey stable; approval was recommended.
6 Goodens Hill, Whitchurch Canonicorum - Erection of a barn which has now been withdrawn.
Cross Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum - Cllr Richards reported that this application is to convert a barn into four workshop units. He reported that he has a copy of a letter to West Dorset District Council from a near neighbour requesting that the units be used as craft units and that they not used for vehicle repairs and that the metal doors be changed to wooden doors. Cllr Fortescue reported that an objection has been sent in by a department which deals with bat and barn owls too. However approval was recommended subject to the alterations detailed above.
Planning Approvals to Note:
Coldharbour, Morcombelake, Paddocks Farm, Broadoak, Higher Abbotts Wootton Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine, Bonhays Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum, Reeds Barn Cottage, Axminster, Cuthay Farmhouse, Whitchurch Canonicorum and Whellers, Ryall.
Planning Appeals to Note:
Mast Site, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth and Lyme Regis Golf Course, Lyme Regis. Cllr Fortescue reported that the Stonebarrow Residents Association would like the appeal for the Mast Site heard in public, however the Parish Council unanimously agreed not to support this. 1618 District and County Councillor Reports:
Councillor Newson reported that if the Stonebarrow Mast appeal was held in public then it would be incumbent for the Parish Council to attend. He also reported that he is on the scrutiny committee regarding enforcement issues and procedures and this will take around 5 months to complete. Finally he reported that he attended a Dorset Coast Forum Meeting which discussed the impact of the sailing/Olympics in the area in 2012.
Cllr Gillespie reported that the Enforcement team at the District Council are now three rather than just the one and he emphasised that early reporting was essential. He also reported that the new protection team for trees was working well. He also reported that the new joint finance system at Dorchester is also working well and saving money and it may well be used in other departments in the future. Finally he reported that the Rectory in Whitchurch Canonicorum is housing a couple and they are looking into ways of developing the church.
Cllr Brierley hoped that the Parish Council have received a letter from the Chief Executive at Dorset County Council regarding road contracts. He also reported that Dorset County Council wanted to take off one Parish Maintenance Unit and bring them down to three but this was refused. Finally he reported that he has spoken to Parishes in the Marshwood Vale, Lyme Regis and Charmouth with a view to buying our own SID's and to share them, this would cost each Parish around £500 and be with us around every six weeks. Designated people in the Parish would have to take control of them and be trained on how to use them. He will look further into this matter and report back next year and Cllr Fortescue asked that this matter be put on the agenda for January 2007. 1619 Resolution to Write to Jim Fitzpatrick, MP, Responsible for Post Offices, Regarding Keeping Rural Post Offices Open:
Cllr Fortescue reported on a letter which has been received from the Countryside Alliance asking Parish Councils to write in showing support for rural Post Offices. It was unanimously agreed to do this but it was agreed not to distribute stickers containing advertising for the Countryside Alliance. Action: Clerk
1620 To Note Forthcoming Applications for the Modification of the Definitive Map for the Chideock/Whitchurch Canonicorum Area:
Cllr Fortescue reported on a letter received from Dorset County Council informing us of an application to modify the definitive map in the near future. It was unanimously agreed to put an article in the Char Chat to inform people and perhaps have a public meeting nearer the time to show local people what is intended.
1621 Resolution to Form Working Party to Put Together the Next Issues of the Char Chat on the 2007 Elections:
Cllr Fortescue reported that the next edition of the Char Chat will be devoted to the elections in 2007. It was agreed that she would arrange a convenient meeting with the editors and let all Councillors know, so those who wish can attend the meeting. She also asked that councillors write short articles on their experiences of being a Councillor for inclusion in the Char Chat. Action: Cllr Fortescue
1622 Report on the Drains at Verriotts Lane, Morcombelake:
Cllr Diment reported that during the heavy rain recently the owners of Spring Bottom have had problems with flooding again. It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk write to Kevin Cheleda at Dorset County Council asking if the camber of the road could be altered to stop the water running into their property. Action: Clerk
1623 To Note the Report on the Charmouth Library Working Group:
Cllr Fortescue reported that meetings of the joint councils working party have taken place. During the two years grace which they have, they will be looking into the opening hours and additional ways of utilising the library building. A further meeting is to be held on the 8th December 2006.
1624 To Note the Report on the Bridport Local Area Partnership Meetings:
Cllr Fortescue reported on a Planning Working Group meeting It was unanimously agreed that Cllr Fortescue will talk to the Bridport Local Area Partnership about the problems with retrospective planning applications and Licences for Lawful Use. Action: Cllr Fortescue
1625 To Note the Report on the A35 Meeting:
Cllr Fortescue reported that she had attended this meeting with Cllr Bridle and Cllr Taylor which had been called by Chideock Parish Council. There is nothing much to report as the same answers were given to the questions, however Cllr Taylor gave a very good presentation and we were assured that SID's for Morcombelake will turn up any day now.
1626 To Note the Update on the Whitchurch Canonicorum Affordable Housing Scheme:
Cllr Fortescue handed out a report which detailed what had happened on this matter since day one. She reported that she has shown all the sites offered to Lindsay Aldington, a consultant for Hastoe Housing and that a meeting with planners is now expected.
1627 Resolution to Comment on the West Dorset District Council Consultation Document on Controlling Dogs:
It was unanimously agreed that this Parish Council does not have trouble with dog fouling and dogs not under control so it was agreed not to ask for any further controls for this area.
1628 Reports:
Cllr Richards reported the felling of three diseased Beech trees at Reeds Farm, Axminster and they have to be replaced with Oak trees. Cllr Richards asked if the Clerk could contact West Dorset District Council asking for tree letters to be sent to him as well as the Clerk.
Cllr Chapman reported that a DAPTC meeting has been held with various items discussed including problems of traffic on the A35 and the broken promises by the Highways Agency, a weigh bridge request for the A35 in our area and that DAPTC subscriptions will rise by 6% next year.
Cllr Johnson reported that a Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall meeting has been held and that she has the minutes if anyone would like to read them.
Mr Trevor Chambers reported on the fundraising events at the James Hargreaves Community Hall and reported that the building works had stalled for a while. Cllr Fortescue reported that some old films of our area had been showed at the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall and it was very interesting, she also reported that the Christmas Ball is coming up in December.
Cllr Diment reported that an extension is being built at Cima Dorada at Morcombelake and could the Clerk report this to Kevin Perry at West Dorset District Council. He also reported that at the junction of Ship Lane and the A35 the lane is hollow with a puddle of water and mud in the middle, could this be reported to Dorset County Council. Also to report to Dorset County Council that water is eroding the road near Greensands at Pitmans Lane, Morcombelake, coming off the highway and going into the Greensands vegetable patch. There is mud all over the road at Love Lane, Morcombelake following slurry hauling from Shedbush Farm. It was agreed that the Clerk report this to PC Bye. Finally he asked that the Clerk report to Connect that the pavement is cracking up near the Ship Inn bus stop and the Post Office, Morcomblake.
Cllr Richards asked if he could have the Char Chat via the internet, Cllr Fortescue said she would add him to the list.
Cllr Bailey said that even though it is not in our area, could the Clerk report to Connect the edge deterioration near the London Inn, it is very dangerous.
Cllr Johnson asked if we were any closer to getting the 'accident' signs for the area in case of an accident on the A35, it was agreed that the Clerk contact Cllr Brierley to see what the latest position is.
Cllr Andrews reported that Berne Lane, Charmouth is in a mess and will be until Wessex Water have finished their works.
Cllr Chapman reported that the water problem in Monkton Wyld is still outstanding and it was agreed that the Clerk contact Dorset County Council again requesting action.
Cllr Fortescue reported that she felt that the yearly highway inspections are a waste of time, as cleaning of drains and gullies to prevent winter flooding have still not been carried out. She also reported that she is attending a planning seminar with Cllr Diment and Cllr Johnson on the 4th December 2006 and attending the West Dorset Annual Assembly on the 25th November 2006.
Action: Clerk & Cllr Fortescue 1629 Finance:
Clerks Report/General Finance Matters:
The Clerk had nothing to report. Payments: Clerks Salary & Expenses for November 2006, £328.38 - Clerks Salary & Expenses for December 2006 (postdated), £328.38 - Petty Cash, £40.00 - Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, £16.00 - Glasdon UK Limited, £547.46 - Mrs Fortescue, £63.26 - Mr Kitcher, £445.00 - Creeds, £50.50, proposed by Cllr Diment, all agreed (Councillor Fortescue abstained).
Resolution to Note the Finance Meeting Report:
Cllr Fortescue reported on the items discussed at the last Finance Meeting, they included the Clerk belonging to the Society of Local Council Clerks, examining the accounts to date, setting the budget for 2007/2008 and other minor finance matters.
Resolution to Approve the Budget for 2007/2008:
Cllr Fortescue reported that the Finance Committee had recommended a Precept of £15,600, however an extra £600 might be needed as reported by Councillor Brierley, if the Council decides to a joint purchase of a portable SID. It was proposed by Cllr Diment and unanimously agreed to add £600 to the contingency sum and to set the Precept for 2007/2008 at £16,200. 1630 Correspondence:
Safe Partnership Ltd, Dorset Safe Scheme details - SWH BBIS Joint Venture (Previously Connect), Verges on the A35 - Dorset County Council, Road Closures for Elsdons Lane, Monkton Wyld and Berne Lane, Charmouth - West Dorset District Council, Planning Enforcement Details of Higher Wyld Farm, Monkton Wyld and Berne Manor, Charmouth - West Dorset District Council, Certificate of Lawfulness for Cothayes, Whitchurch Canonicorum - Dorset Partnership for Older People, Details of Scheme - DAPTC, Circular No 14/06 - Environment Agency, Thank you for Comments - WATAG, Thank you for Donation - West Dorset District Council, Planning Presentation - Dorset County Council, Layby near Newlands Caravan Park, Charmouth - Society of Local Council Clerks, Seminar Details - Bopper Bus Organisation, Thank you for Donation - Mrs Groombridge, Bench near the Ship Inn, Morcombelake - West Dorset District Council, Christmas and New Year Refuse Collection Details - Dorset County Council, Road Contracts & Highways Acknowledgement.
1631 Items for Next Agenda:
A Meeting about the Conservation Area at Whitchurch Canonicorum - To request a report from James Hargreaves Community Hall at Morcombelake regarding cleaning up the site behind the hall - Replacement Seat near the Ship Inn, Morcombelake - To decide whether to jointly purchase a SID with other local councils.
1632 Date of Next Meeting:
Monday 8th January 2007 at 7.30pm in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall.
1633 Close of Meeting: 10.50pm. |