Present:
E Fortescue (Chairman), V Diment (Vice Chairman), S Johnson, C Bailey, C Richards, R Andrews, W Chapman, B Briscoe, J Bridle, R Taylor, S Creed-Castle, D Newson, C Sage, D Snook, C Everidge and 1 member of the public.
1692 Apologies:
R Cook and G Brierley.
1693 Public Discussion Period:
The meeting was suspended for the public discussion, however nothing was discussed.
1694 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting was re-opened. Cllr Diment declared an interest of November Cottage, Morcombelake planning application, Cllr Bailey and Cllr Richards declared an interest on Whellers, Ryall planning application and Cllr Andrews declared an interest on Befferlands Farm, Charmouth planning application.
1695 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes held on the 12th March 2007:
The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Chapman, seconded by Cllr Andrews, all agreed and signed.
1696 Actions Following the Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported that she had reported on all the highway matters and replies are under correspondence, reported to the police and insurance company the theft of two salt bins, wrote to West Dorset District Council regarding recycling boxes, again reply under correspondence and finally arranged a finance meeting which has now taken place.
1697 Introducing Tessa Greenaway, Bridport Local Area Partnership Community Planning Officer:
Cllr Fortescue welcomed Tessa to the meeting and thanked her for coming. Tessa thanked Cllr Fortescue and the Parish Council for inviting her to the meeting and said that she had only been in post for a few weeks and was looking forward to listening to the meeting and taking away any comments/problems which we might have.
1698 Planning Applicants Presentation: None.
1699 Planning:
Planning Applications to Consider:
Five Penny Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine - Cllr Fortescue and Cllr Chapman looked at this application to erect a turbine and construct a reed bed. Concerns raised and reported to the planning authority would be that the turbine be painted a darker colour and was this turbine the most efficient for its size. Cllr Taylor proposed, Cllr Bailey seconded, Cllr Richards against, Cllr Andrews abstained, all others agreed. Whellers, Ryall - Cllr Diment and Cllr Taylor looked at this application to demolish garages and sheds and erect a garage and stables. They could see no problems and recommended approval, all agreed. Befferlands Farm, Charmouth - Cllr Richards and Cllr White looked at this application to convert barns into holiday accommodation. They could see no problems with this application and recommended approval, 8 for 2 against.
Planning Applications to Note:
Anvil Cottage, Whitchurch Canonicorum - Cllr Johnson and Cllr Bailey looked at this application to erect extensions and carry out alterations. They recommended approval, however concerns were raised by neighbours with regards to parking on the highway and it was noted that one local resident would be objecting to the application.
Bellair Haye, Berne Lane, Charmouth - Cllr Johnson and Cllr Bailey looked at this application to erect an extension. Concerns were raised on an oak tree near the neighbours boundary but apart from that no objections and recommended approval.
15, 16 & 17 Knapp Cottages, Wootton Fitzpaine - Cllr Chapman and Cllr Briscoe looked at this application to erect extensions and carry out alterations. There were no objections and approval was recommended.
November Cottage, Taylors Lane, Morcombelake - Cllr Bailey and Cllr Johnson looked at this application to erect an extension to the existing garage. There were no objections and approval was recommended.
Stanton Lea, Shedbush Lane, Morcombelake - Cllr Bridle looked at this application to erect a conservatory. The only comment raised was that the toilet window opened into the conservatory. Approval was recommended. Whellers, Ryall - Cllr Diment and Cllr Taylor looked at this application to erect a two storey extension. There were no objections and approval was recommended.
Approvals to Note:
Long Orchard Farm, Ryall and Clouds Hill, Morcombelake.
1700 Reports: Cllr Fortescue thanked all the District and County Councillors for coming to many meetings and for all of their help over the years. Cllr Newson also thanked the Parish Council and reported nothing to report, all quiet until the 3rd May. Mrs Creed-Castle had nothing to report on Ancient Monuments. Cllr Fortescue thanked her for coming to all meetings and wished her well as a Councillor from May onwards.
1701 Resolution to Send Comments to West Dorset District Council Regarding Hedgerow Removal at Spence Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine:
Cllr Fortescue and Cllr Chapman looked at this removal notice which had been put to the District Council as the owner of the land is planting a vineyard. The owner needs to remove a section of hedge in order to plant the vines in straight lines and then will replant another hedge further along. It was unanimously agreed that the Clerk write to West Dorset District Council approving this application subject to work being carried out after the bird nesting season. Action: Clerk
1702 West Dorset District Councils Consultation Document on Empty Property Strategy:
Cllr Fortescue reported that she has read this document and its all about empty flats above shops and other vacant properties in Dorset where there are very few empty houses. It was agreed that this document is better looked at by the Bridport Local Area Partnership but it was agreed that the Clerk write to West Dorset District Council commenting that empty Palmers Brewery properties really annoy us. Action: Clerk
1703 Discussion on New Councillors/Elections and Co-options: Cllr Fortescue reported that there are no elections for the Parish Council this May as only five Councillors are standing and asked if people could again ask around to see if there are any further candidates for co-opting at a later date. She said that it was lovely to see four new Councillors at the meeting tonight, Clive Sage, Debby Snook, Sylvia Creed-Castle and Christine Everidge and wished them luck for the future. She reported that Sue Johnson is the only original Councillor staying on and Cllr Bailey can be co-opted at a later date due to not getting her forms in on time due to family commitments. It was agreed that the Clerk contact West Dorset District Council and the DAPTC with regards to the procedure on co-opting Action: Clerk
1704 Reports: Cllr Johnson reported that there is a Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall users meeting this Thursday and a dance on Saturday night and that the bar area is coming on. Cllr Diment reported that the park and ride scheme at Dorchester will be in operation for five days a week. Cllr Taylor reported that the works at the James Hargreaves Community Hall are progressing well. Cllr Fortescue reported that she had attended the Bridport Local Area Partnership Annual Assembly which was very successful, she also attended a planning group meeting which discussed a proposal for new affordable housing on a large site at West Allington, Bridport. Cllr Fortescue also reported on the Wootton Fitzpaine Parish Meeting which has been held. Matters discussed were; Mrs Rorstads hot air balloon which will be allowed to fly from the playing field (when not being used for sports) up to six times a year; Best Kept Village monies and ways to spend it, this will be put into the next Char Chat; Homewatch very quiet; Litter and fly tipping on rural lanes, who picks up litter when refuse sacks get ripped open, it was agreed that the Clerk write to West Dorset District Council asking the question; Council Tax, villages get a poor deal; Broadband difficulty from the Charmouth Exchange.
Cllr Bridle reported that he will be happy to carry on as Footpath Officer for his area and also reported that near Shedbush Lane Farm there is now a diverted footpath walkway through. Cllr Andrews reported that the Whitchurch Canonicorum Parish Meeting is coming up soon and that the conservation area and playground inspections will be discussed. Cllr Bailey reported a large pothole outside the Shaves Cross Inn, Marshwood. Cllr Johnson reported the bad state of roads everywhere in the area. Cllr Chapman reported that at last his drainage problem is to be sorted out and that there is still no salt in the salt bin near Wyld Meadow Farm, Monkton Wyld. Cllr Diment reported that near Little Manscombe, Tizzards Knapp, Morcombelake there is a hole in the road covered by a road sign, could the Clerk report this on urgently. Cllr Bridle reported that tests are being carried out on water running down Ship Lane, Morcombelake. Cllr Briscoe reported that potholes in the area have been mended and that collisions between horses and cyclists are still happening. Action: Clerk
1705 Finance:
Clerks Report/General Financial Matters - The Clerk asked Cllr Richards if he had contacted Cllr White regarding the playground inspections and record book, nothing as yet. She also reported that the accounts for 2006/2007 have been totalled and ready to go to Simon Christopher this week for the external audit. Finally she reported that the VAT refund for 2006/2007 has been sent off. Payments - Clerks Salary & Expenses, £343.94 - Clerks Salary & Expenses (May/Postdated), £343.94 - Petty Cash, £40.00 - Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall, £20.00 - James Hargreaves Community Hall, £10.00 - Allianz Cornhill, £1,120.64 - DAPTC, £250.63 - Chris Douglas, £250.00 - Bridport CAB, £50.00 - Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, £12.00 - James Hargreaves Community Hall (Postdated), £10.00 and £10.00 - Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall (Postdated) £17.50. Proposed by Cllr Taylor, all agreed. Report on Recent Finance Meeting: Cllr Fortescue read out the minutes from the meeting. Items discussed were the 2006/2007Accounts and handing them over to the new Council, Clerks Salary and Expenses, James Hargreaves Community Hall grant request, financial regulations, Monkton Wyld PCC donation request and damage to the Fishpond notice board. Resolution to Send out a Letter to the James Hargreaves Community Hall Confirming £100.00 Grant: It was proposed by Cllr Johnson, seconded by Cllr Andrews that the Clerk send out a letter confirming the £100 grant. Resolution to Send out a Letter to Monkton Wyld PCC Confirming £400.00 Grant Towards Church Clock Repairs: Cllr Fortescue reported that a letter has been received asking for a £400.00 grant towards the church clock repairs as the clock is deemed a public service. It was agreed that the Clerk send a letter, proposed by Cllr Taylor, seconded by Cllr Fortescue, all agreed. Resolution to Discuss a Request for a Donation for the Life Education Centres Dorset: It was unanimously agreed that no donation be given.
1706 Correspondence:
Environment Agency, CAMS Document - Palmers Brewery, Ship Inn, Morcombelake - The National Trust, Car Parking Charges - Department of Constitutional Affairs, Memorial Safety - CPRE, Westbury Bypass Details - BDO Stoy Hayward, Audit Briefing - Dorset County Council, Library Schedules - Dorset Partnership for Older People Project - SWH BBIS, Highway Matters - Audit Commission, External Auditor Details - West Dorset District Council, Highway Matters - Ironman Triathlon, Event Details - West Dorset District Council, Recycling Boxes - James Hargreaves Community Hall, April 2007 Newsletter - Dorset Police, Salt Bin Thefts - DAPTC, Circular - Bridport Local Area Partnership, Agenda for Meeting - West Dorset District Council, Confirmation of Tree Works - Dorset County Council, Highway Matters - Simon John Christopher, Remind for Accounts - Charles Street Project, Details - West Dorset District Council, Enforcement Notice Details - Highways Agency/Oliver Letwin, A35 Morcombelake Matters. It was agreed that Cllr Fortescue report this letter at the Bridport Local Area Partnership meeting and it was agreed that the Clerk write to Mr Letwin reporting that yes we would like a crossing, however the Parish Council are not willing to finance it as it is beyond our remit especially with a precept of around £16,000.00 per year. Action: Clerk
1707 Items for the Next Agenda:
Cllr Fortescue reported that she will be the Chairman at the start of next months meeting until a new Chairman is elected. She thanked everyone for being great Councillors and that she has enjoyed her time on the Parish Council enormously. Cllr Johnson presented Cllr Fortescue with a bouquet of flowers.
1708 Date of Next Meeting:
Annual General Meeting, Monday 14th May 2007 at 7.30pm in the James Hargreaves Community Hall, Morcombelake.
1709 Close of Meeting: 9.55pm. |