Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb,
S Creed-Castle, V Diment, P Ray, P Watt, C Parr, D Snook, C Sage, C Everidge,
C Bailey, PC Forshaw and 2 members of the public.
1852 Apologies:
M Robinson
and G Brierley 1853 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period: The
meeting was suspended for public discussion but nothing was discussed.
1854 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting was re-opened. Cllr Sage
declared an interest in the Higher Pound Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine planning
applications.
1855 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes Held
on the 11th February 2008:
The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed
by Cllr Tubb, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed.
1856 Actions Following
Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported that she had contacted Charlotte Hughes,
the previous clerk, regarding the figure set aside in the parish council's 2007/2008 budget to assist the Wootton Fitzpaine war memorial clock works. It was confirmed that this figure could be carried over into next year's
budget and that the parish council are able to obtain the total funds
for the clock works and then pay the final bill in order to claim back
the VAT. Clerk reported the log blocking the entrance to the track from
St Witeswell down to Shipp Knapp to Dorset County Council and the report
had been passed onto the Rights of Way team. The clerk has booked Whitchurch
Canonicorum Village Hall for 19th May 2008 for the parish meeting. Clerk
contacted Chris Douglas regarding the problems with the noticeboards
in Morcombelake. It was established that the repairs to the noticeboards
are not under any guarantee and as Mr Douglas is due to retire he does
not wish to take on any further work. Mr Douglas suggested the parish
council contact Andy Hughes, a local builder, as he may be willing to
do some repairs. The parish council agreed that the clerk should contact
Mr Hughes regarding repairs to the two noticeboards in Morcombelake and
one in Ryall. Clerk sent a letter of thanks to Mrs Fortescue for her
work with the affordable housing steering group. Action: Clerk
1857 Planning
Applicants Presentation:
Mr Bowley, the owner of Southover, Morcombelake,
spoke about the revised plans submitted to West Dorset District Council.
He explained how the plans have been adapted to overcome the objections
of the parish council and his neighbours. Mr Clist, the owner of Charmouth
Tunnel, spoke about the planning application recently submitted to convert
the redundant tunnel into offices.
1858 Planning: Applications to Consider:
Higher Pound Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine- Cllr Mansbridge looked at this
application to construct ponds linked with open ditches and although
he had no objections he felt that clarification was needed that the excavation
of pond B will not have any effect on the stability of Lower Pound Farm
land and buildings. He also thought that Dorset Wildlife Trust and the
Environment Agency should be consulted with regard to the draining of
wetlands. Finally Cllr Mansbridge noted that leaving mature trees on
an island in pond C and surrounding them with water will kill them unless
the island is very large. The parish council were all in agreement with
the comments. Southover, Morcombelake- Cllr Parr and Cllr Diment looked
at this application and noted that the amendments made to the fenestration
and roof level addressed the concerns raised by the parish council and
had no further objections. The parish council were all in agreement and
approval was recommended. Charmouth Tunnel Adjacent To A35, Charmouth-
Cllr Mansbridge and Cllr Sage looked at this application and approval
was recommended, proposed by Cllr Diment, seconded by Cllr Parr, all
agreed. Hogchester Farm, Charmouth- Cllr Sage looked at this application
and explained that a previous application was made to turn an outbuilding
into a holiday let. The revised plans are to convert the existing outbuilding
to ancillary accommodation, not into holiday let's as previously thought.
Approval was recommended, proposed by Cllr Mansbridge, seconded by Cllr
Diment, all agreed. Frodsham Motors, Morcombelake- Cllr Parr and Cllr
Diment looked at this application and although no objections were raised
it was felt that it is essential that the historic bus stop at the site
should be reinstated with flagging and a proper lay-by. This could encourage
people along the bus route to visit the shop and buy local produce. Approval
was recommended, proposed by Cllr Parr, seconded by Cllr Diment, all
agreed. It was requested that the clerk contact Michelle Boone at Dorset
County Council regarding the bus stop.
Applications to Note:
Newlands
Caravan Park, Charmouth- Cllr Mansbridge and Cllr Sage looked at this
application to re-roof and re-clad the clubhouse and restaurant with
revised window designs. No objections were raised and approval was
recommended. Long Orchard Farm, Ryall- Cllr Parr and Cllr Diment looked
at this application to erect an agricultural building for the housing
of livestock. They had no objections and approval was recommended. Shave
View, Shave Cross, Marshwood- Cllr Bailey looked at this adjoining parish
consultation to install addition windows and had no comments to make.
Approvals to Note: None.
Refusals to Note: The Coach House, Plenty
House, Whitchurch Canonicorum. Withdrawals to Note: Tempest House,
Hawkchurch, Frodsham Motors, Morcombelake.
Application for Certificate
of Lawfulness to Note:
Land at Green Lane, Monkton Wyld. Action: Clerk
1859 Reports:
PC Forshaw spoke about the
recent burglaries in the char valley area and talked about the efforts
being made by the police to catch the culprits. He explained that various
rumours were circulating that the police had done things wrong and he
asked that these rumours and comments be directed to him so he can clarify
what action has been done and to clear up any misunderstandings. He reported
that the burglaries had quietened down, although Cllr Johnson stated
that a theft had occurred the previous day in Axminster.
PC Forshaw reported
that the 'Stop That Thief' scheme was working well and that 20 pieces
of new machinery had been obtained to be distributed throughout the area.
Cllr Bailey queried if the rumours of a recent warrant search being carried
out in the area were true and PC Forshaw confirmed that a warrant had
been carried out, although not hugely successful. He said it seems likely
that the thieves are being informed on where to go by gangs, possibly
from Bridport.
Cllr Sage asked about the questions that are asked when
reporting a crime and PC Forshaw stated that certain questions are
routinely asked over the phone as this builds up a crime report. Cllr
Bailey told PC Forshaw of a recent incident when she had to use 999 to
report a crime but found the service to be very unhelpful. She then contacted
the non emergency number 01305 222222 which she found to be very helpful.
PC Forshaw confirmed that if there is an immediate threat to person or
property then 999 should be used. He reported that although he can be
contacted on the usual email address there is now a new address that
can be used: marshwoodvalesnt@Dorset.PNN.Police.uk
He also spoke about the first PACT
Meeting that he attended, and explained that the three main priorities
for the team are road conditions, thefts and flooding. He explained that
firm reports on the road problems need to be logged before the next meeting.
He also said that with regards to flooding, better signage is needed
and areas need to be made more secure.
The Clerk reported on behalf of
Cllr Robinson that the planning call in time has been revised to 28 days
and a flow chart will be received in due course. Cllr Robinson attended
the PACT meeting for Marshwood Vale at Bridport Police Station and confirmed
the key issues raised. He also stated that the Shaves Cross Inn retrospective
application was approved subject to a number of conditions.
Cllr Robinson
asked that as part of the Affordable Housing arrangements being proposed
in Whitchurch Canonicorum, consideration be given to a village shop being
built under a 106 agreement. This would counter many of the sustainability
arguments and could be considered for other facilities such as an outreach
post office, possibly community run.
Finally, Cllr Robinson stated that
an article on the First Responders will be published in the next parish
magazine.
The Clerk reported on behalf of John Bridle and read out a
report by the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership on a recent speed monitoring
survey carried out on the A35 at Chideock. The overall findings were
that the majority of the road use is during the day with the main variation
being heavier flows on Thursday and Fridays. It states that between the
two cameras at either end of the village there is very good compliance
with the 30mph limit. Very few vehicles exceeded the 60mph so enforcement
will not pick up many speed violations relative to the effort required.
Clerk also reported that a strip of land 25 meters wide was purchased
at the Charmouth end of the cliff path between Golden Cap and Charmouth
approximately two years ago. The cliff was expected to erode at one meter
per year but the land has all fallen away and the ground inland of this
is cracking. The path is now closed for 26 weeks.
Cllr Mansbridge reported
that he attended the Bridport Local Area Partnership meeting and had
nothing to report other than that the recycling officer stated that plastic
bottles would not be recycled as it is not financially viable. Cllr Snook
reported that she had read the DAPTC Chief Executives Circular 02/08
and that there was a report on 'Strengthening the Role of Local Councillors'. She also reported that NALC will be hosting its annual conference on 20-22nd May 2008.
Cllr Tubb reported that the redecoration of Whitchurch Canonicorum Village
Hall was ongoing and that lottery funding and other grants were being
applied for. He reported that upcoming events at the hall included Bingo
on 13th March 2008, a dance on 12th April 2008, skittles event on 2nd/3rd
May 2008 and indoor bowls once a month. Cllr Tubb also stated that the
hall committee are trying to get an indoor skittles alley for the hall
to establish a regular skittles event. Finally, Cllr Tubb wanted to express
his thanks to Bettiscombe residents for all their help with the hall.
Cllr Snook reported that Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall is in need of
redecoration, the kitchen area in particular, and a new water heater
is needed in the toilet. A maintenance report will be carried out at
the next hall committee meeting.
Cllr Watt reported that the James Hargreaves
Community Hall roof appeal has so far raised £1500 from local resident's
contributions and grants are being applied for. A monthly luncheon club
open to people aged 70yrs and over or those living alone has started
and has proved to be very successful.
Cllr Bailey reported that all floods
since the parish councils January meeting have been reported. She stated
that the problems were also with blocked drains and a build up of mud.
Cllr Bailey is expecting to have a meeting about the flooding areas
but this has yet to be arranged. Cllr Bailey stated that she was told
that the Char Valley was not a priority area.
Cllr Sage reported a pothole
on the B3165 at the junction of Blackpool Corner and Pound Lane.
Clerk to report this with Dorset County Council.
Cllr Diment reported
that the new bus pass that will come into effect approximately April
will allow passengers to travel anywhere in Dorset, free of charge.
He also reported that Palmers Brewery is selling the Ship Inn as commercial
premises.
Cllr Parr reported a road problem at the Loscombe Well
end of Pitmans Lane. Clerk to report this with Dorset County Council.
Cllr Parr also queried whether a proposal for installing a mains sewage
system in Whitchurch Canonicorum was going ahead. It was agreed that
the clerk write to Wessex Water to find out some information on this.
Cllr Watt reported a blocked drain on Gibbs Lane between High Mead
and Pine Cottage. Clerk to report this to Dorset County Council.
Cllr Everidge reported that she attended the Shoreline Development Plan
meeting. If anybody has any historical information or concerns about
the coastline then the Shoreline Development committee need to be
informed. Cllr Everidge also reported that a new bug has been found in
the area called the Harlequin Bug. They can have a detrimental effect
on plant and wild life and are very difficult to kill.
Cllr Johnson reported
that there are still problems with Stockham Bridge, Gassons Lane,
Whitchurch Canonicorum. Clerk to report to Dorset County Council. Cllr
Johnson also reported that Richard Colby will be joining the Steering
Group for Affordable Housing. Action: Clerk 1860
Update on Wootton Fitzpaine War Memorial Clock Works:
Cllr Snook reported
that she had had a meeting with Caroline Scott from Dorset Community
Action who advised her to apply for a Heritage Lottery Grant. In order
to increase the chances of being successful with this it is advisable
to show that it is a project that has a strong community involvement.
The success rate of being successful with the grant is not very high
but a decision should be received within 6 weeks of applying. Cllr Snook
has contacted Smiths of Derby who are carrying out the repairs to establish
how long it will take to do. They have confirmed that the scaffolding
shouldn't be required for longer than 4 weeks. They have given Cllr
Snook a leaflet about funding for clocks which lists other possible funding
schemes. If the Heritage Lottery Grant is not successful Cllr Snook will
look into other funding opportunities. Action: Cllr Snook
1861 Resolution
to Discuss/Comment on Communities and Local Government Consultation Document
on Orders and Regulations Relating to the Conduct of Local Authority
Members in England:
Cllr Diment stated that the document was aimed more
at larger councils who have a standards officer in place. The document
is also relevant to other organisations such as the police. The deadline
for comments has passed so the parish council agreed that no further
action was required.
1862 Update on Well House, Whitchurch Canonicorum:
Clerk reported that planning permission was granted for work on the
Well House and David Brooks was verbally told that he would be taking
on the repairs. Grants were applied for but were not successful, however
there appears to be enough money allocated in the parish council budget
to pay for the repairs. Clerk suggested a letter be written to David
Brooks to confirm that planning permission has been granted, to establish
a firm start date for the repairs, to establish how long the repairs
will take and to verify that the quote given in September 2007 for the
cost of the repairs is still valid. Proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded
by Cllr Parr, all agreed.
1863 Resolution to Agree Date and Venue for Finance
Meeting:
It was confirmed that finance committee members include Cllr
Johnson, Cllr Mansbridge, Cllr Creed-Castle, Cllr Everidge and Cllr Tubb.
It was agreed the meeting would be held in Whitchurch Canonicorum Village
Hall on either a Tuesday or Wednesday. The Clerk will contact the hall
caretaker to establish hall availability for weeks commencing 21st April
and 28th April 2008.
1864 Finance: Clerks Report/General Matters:
The
Clerk reported that the Wootton Fitzpaine parish meeting will be held
on 17th April 2008 at 7pm in the village hall. Clerk also reported the
recent problems with the parish council computer and the inability to
send emails. Tony Gibbs from DAPTC is going to come out to the clerk
to check the computer is running as it should be. Tony Gibbs suggested
that the parish council purchase a memory stick to back up all information
on the computer. The parish council were in agreement with this, proposed
by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Sage, all agreed. Clerk also reported
that a training course for new clerks would be beneficial and will establish
some more details on this and report back at a later date.
Resolution
for Payment Approvals:
Clerks Salary for March 2008, £285.04 -Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall (hall hire) £17.50 - Petty Cash £20.00. Late payment to Elizabeth Fortescue (char chat expenses February 2008) £89.66. Proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Watt, all agreed.
1865 Correspondence:
Life Educate Dorset, Grant Application - East Devon District Council, Local Development Framework - Devon County Council, MSC Napoli updates - Monkton Wyld PCC, letter of thanks for burial ground donation - Hastoe, Copy of letter sent to Hastoe customer - Dorset County Council, Confirmation of Bluetongue case in Dorset - Dorset County Council, Spring Edition of Dorset Countryside News - West Dorset District Council, Validation of Planning Applications - West Dorset District Council, Funding for Community Projects - Dorset County Council, copy of letter re bus stop request, Newlands, Charmouth - Wand Dorset, International Women's Day flyer - West Dorset District Council, Refuse & Recycling changes - Boilerjuice, Community information update - Real Sports and Leisure, Newsletter - Teignbridge District Council, Shoreline Management Plan - Dorset County Council, details of new Local Involvement Networks - NALC, March 2008 Newsletter - West Dorset District Council, Standards Committee Meeting agenda - Colyton Vintage Tractor Run details - Dorset County Council, Temporary Footpath Closure - Age Concern Dorchester, Concert details - Society of Local Council Clerks, March 2008 Booklet - Plantscape, Product catalogue - Campaign to Protect Rural Dorset, details of seminar - Hastoe, property availability in Wootton Fitzpaine - James Hargreaves Community Hall, March 2008 newsletter - Glasdon, product catalogue - Email from member of public, Copy of letter sent to Highways Agency re Higher Pound Farm planning applications - DAPTC, Chief Executives Circular 02/08 - Dorset Safety Camera Partnership, speed monitoring report on A35 Chideock - Char Chat February 2008 - Weldmar Hospicecare Trust, details of services - Clerks & Councils Direct, March 2008 Newsletter - Vision ICT, vision websites - The
Local Channel, New services details. Cllr Johnson reported that the co-editor
of the Char Chat, Trevor Chambers, had resigned and a replacement needs to
be found. Cllr Watt volunteered to join the Char Chat team. Clerk to write
a letter of thanks to Trevor Chambers for all his help and input to the magazine.
Cllr Johnson also reported that she has received the Rural Housing Enabler
annual evaluation form. It was agreed that Cllr Johnson complete and return
the form. Action: Cllr Johnson and Clerk
1866 Items for Next Agenda:
Wootton
Fitzpaine War Memorial Clock Works
1867 Any other business: No other business
was discussed. 1868 Date of Next Meeting:
Monday 14th April 2008 at 7.30pm
in the James Hargreaves Community Hall. 1869 Close of Meeting: 9.45pm
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