Whitchurch Canonicorum, Wootton Fitzpaine and Stanton St. Gabriel Parishes

Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb, S Creed-Castle, V Diment, P Watt, C Parr, D Snook, C Sage, C Everidge, C Bailey, G Brierley, M Robinson, D Newson, J Bridle and 3 members of the public.

1870 Apologies: P Ray

1871 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period:
Trevor Chambers spoke to the parish council regarding the ongoing situation with the request for SID signs for Morcombelake. He expressed his concern that no signs had yet been put in place and was trying to establish how far the process had got. The clerk reported that the last correspondence from South West Highways stated that Connect are enthusiastic to proceed with the installation but are having problems with the maintenance of SID signs once installed. The clerk telephoned Andy Kirby W/C 7th April 2008 and he confirmed that the situation has not progressed since the last correspondence. Cllr Brierley reported that Dorset County Council are due to purchase 8 new SID signs making a total of 16 to be used among local parishes. He suggested that Rob Camp be contacted to chase up the installation for Morcombelake. John Bridle suggested that the parish council contact Andy Dean at Connect to suggest a speed and count of traffic be done through the village and to request that the SID sign be installed. A further member of the public expressed her concern for the safety of pedestrians using the A35 and as the SID sign was promised 18 months ago would like to know if and when a SID sign will be installed at Morcombelake. The clerk will contact Andy Dean at Connect to chase the matter up. Action: Clerk

1872 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting was re-opened. Cllr Mansbridge declared an interest in 2 Centre Cottages, Wootton Fitzpaine planning application.

1873 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes Held on the 10th March 2008:
The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed.

1874 Actions Following Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported all road problems to Dorset County Council. The problem with Stockham Bridge, Whitchurch Canonicorum is being looked into by the Highways Department who will inspect the bridge, take photos and measurements of the watercourse and check for damage to the structure and bank erosion. Cllr Johnson reported that the inspection has been carried out. The clerk wrote a letter to Wessex Water regarding plans to install a sewage system in Whitchurch Canonicorum.

A reply has been received and will be discussed later in the meeting. A letter of thanks was sent to Trevor Chambers. Letter to Michelle Boone at Dorset County Council to request a bus stop outside the old Frodsham Motors. Ms Boone has passed the letter to the Highways Agency as all A35 matters are now dealt with by them.

Letter to David Brooks regarding commencement of work on Whitchurch Canonicorum Well House, email received in response stating that a start date will be arranged in the near future. Finance meeting booked for Tuesday 29th April 2008 at 7.30pm in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall.

Clerk telephoned Andy Hughes regarding repairs to the parish noticeboards. Mr Hughes is unable to take on the work but suggested his son, Simon Hughes, who is a carpenter. The parish council agreed that the clerk contact Simon Hughes to get a quote for the repairs. Action: Clerk

1875 Planning Applicants Presentation: None

1876 Planning: Applications to Consider: None.

Two late applications:
Dodpen Stables, Fishpond- This application has been passed to Cllr Snook to look at.
Highcliffe Cottage, Fishpond- This application has been passed to Cllr Mansbridge to look at.

Applications to Note:
The Hive, Ryall- Cllr Parr and Cllr Diment looked at this application and commented that the area is greensand and full of springs which form the source of the River Winniford to the south of the property leading to a concern about land stability. They noted that the proposed access has not been used for many years and may need approval from Dorset County Council. The window/balcony onto Ryall road could be vulnerable to large vehicles and a window flush with the wall would be preferable. The Cllrs would like the retention of all trees to be part of the planning permission and they were pleased to note that the sheds will be removed and replaced with garden rooms. Overall approval was recommended.

Tempest House, Hawkchurch - Cllr Mansbridge and Cllr Snook looked at this application to erect a single storey extension. They noted that eco friendly materials will be used, the property cannot be seen therefore having no effect on neighbours and the property will generally be enhanced. No objections were made and approval was recommended.

2 Centre Cottages, Wootton Fitzpaine - Cllr Sage and Cllr Snook looked at this application to erect a single storey extension for disabled use and noted that the site is well screened, materials are in keeping with the existing building and it will not have a detrimental impact on neighbouring properties. Approval was recommended and it was asked that West Dorset District Council give the application immediate and urgent attention.

Approvals to Note:
Newlands Caravan Park, Charmouth. White Mists, Morcombelake.
Hogchester Farm, Charmouth. Long Orchard Farm, Ryall.
Southover, Morcombelake.

Refusals to Note: None

Enforcement Notice to Note:
Land at Green Lane, Monkton Wyld.

1877 Reports:
Cllr Newson reported that there was no movement on the Higher Pound Farm planning application for stables. Cllr Sage told the council that an email from Andrew Jordan stated that further information submitted by the applicant is being assessed by financial experts. Cllr Sage also asked Councillor Newson to represent the Wootton Fitzpaine residents at any upcoming meetings to do with the Higher Pound Farm applications to which Cllr Newson agreed.

Cllr Newson also apologised for the late issue of bus passes but hoped that all had now been received. He also reported that the District Council has money to be used for youth projects, one of which is a mobile skate park which is part of the Action Van programme. If any villages run a youth organisation then the skate park is available to use at a charge. Cllr Newson will contact the clerk with details of who to apply to.

Finally Cllr Newson reported that the Dorset For You website will be undergoing improvements on 30th June 2008. Cllr Robinson reported that there had been no interest in the proposed First Responders scheme in the Char Valley parish so the matter would therefore not be pursued. Cllr Robinson now has a large scale map of the area and will pass to Cllr Bailey as flood warden. It was reported that a wind power generator has been granted planning permission at Marshwood School. He noted that more thought has been put into the new plans for Highcliffe Cottage, including a geological survey.

Cllr Robinson raised the issue of the affordable housing scheme and suggested a community shop may be beneficial. Cllr Johnson reported that she had received an email on 10th April 2008 from Peter Friend at Hastoe stating that tenders for the proposed site had to be in by 20th February 2008 but as yet no decisions have been made and no further details have emerged.

The clerk has spoken to the secretary for the Church Land Charity who said that the trustees would be meeting in due course to make a decision and we would be contacted again when they have an update.

Cllr Brierley spoke about the PACT meeting and said that he felt that highways and flooding issues are better dealt with by parish councils as the system of reporting these issues seems to work well and he felt that there was no need for PACT to become involved. He also felt that the PACT meetings would be better held within the parish as opposed to Bridport to allow local residents to attend. Cllr Robinson also feels that PACT is of little benefit as parish councils manage the matters sufficiently.

Cllr Creed-Castle reported on her ancient monument work and said that an article will be published in the May edition of the parish magazine about next year's exhibition. It will talk about the exhibits and will ask for help from local people.

The clerk reported on behalf of John Bridle. There is no known progress for the widening of the entrance to Langdon Woods. The cliff walk from Charmouth is not open and a volunteer team are due to work on the steps to St Gabriels mouth in the week commencing 12th May 2008 and it should be open by 18th May 2008.

Cllr Creed-Castle reported a problem with the footpath starting at Butt Lane and leading towards Chideock. Cllr Creed-Castle will send the clerk the full details, who will in turn report this matter and will also contact Chideock parish council to see if they are aware of it.

Cllr Johnson reported that she attended a BLAP meeting on 13th March 2008 but had nothing to report.

Cllr Snook reported that an email had been received from the DAPTC but had difficulty opening the attachment. Nothing further to report with regards to the DAPTC. Cllr Snook told the parish council that the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall AGM is being held on Thursday 24th April 2008.

Cllr Tubb reported that a dance was held in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall on Saturday 12th April 2008 to which 80 people came along. He also reported that the next main event is the skittles weekend.

Cllr Watt reported that the James Hargreaves Community Hall had managed to secure a grant of £6000 from the 'Funding for Community Projects' scheme with a further £2000 being raised through general grant applications. An offer has also been received to have the entire roof repaired with no actual labour costs. Cllr Bailey told the council that a flood was reported on 15th March 2008 at 4.15pm but as of yet no reply has been received.

Cllr Diment reported overhanging gorse in the bus lay by opposite the church on the A35. Clerk to report this to Connect. The 'Loves Lane' name plate still has not been replaced and the clerk is to report this to West Dorset District Council. Cllr Diment also reported that a building has appeared at West Bullen, Verriots Lane, Morcombelake and has asked the clerk to contact Kevin Perry, the enforcement officer at West Dorset District Council to establish if he is aware of the development.

Finally, the post mistress at the Mocombelake post office has taken a job elsewhere as the post office is expected to be closed. We will know for definite by 3rd June 2008 if it is going to be closed.

Cllr Bailey reported that road patching has taken place at Goodens Hill, Whitchurch Canonicorum. Some of the road has been missed as the verge needs trimming and the patching has been done around the verge. Cllr Bailey also reported a large pothole on the B3165 between White Gates and the Fishpond turning. Clerk to report both matters to Dorset County Council. Cllr Sage reported that the pothole on the B3165 at the junction of Blackpool Corner and Pound Lane has been filled. Cllr Everidge reported bad road surfaces and flooding problems in Muddyford Lane. She also reported rubbish in the hedges on the coastal side of the A35 from Ship Knapp to the post office. Clerk to report these issues to Dorset County Council. Cllr Snook reported that road patching had taken place in Wotton Fitzpaine but only a third of what is needed. She also reported that the road at Westover Hill is in poor condition. Clerk will report this to Dorset County Council.

The condition of the drains and the regular blockages was discussed and it was agreed that Cllr Johnson contact Yarcombe Parish Council to find out what measures they take to combat this problem. Cllr Watt reported that the blocked drain between High Mead and Pine Cottage in Morcombelake has been cleared. Cllr Tubb commented that he was not keen on the idea of a community shop as proposed by Cllr Robinson. If the proposed plans at Frodsham Motors goes ahead then there will be three shops available to local people.

Cllr Creed-Castle commented that her rubbish had not been collected and was a little unclear about the collection days. Cllr Mansbridge commented that full details of collection days was included with the yearly council tax bill. Action: Cllr Johnson, Cllr Creed Castle & Clerk

1878 Update on Wootton Fitzpaine War Memorial Clock Works:
Cllr Snook had little to report as the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall AGM had been postponed. There have been no further updates regarding the Heritage Grant application. An application form from the 'Funding for Community Projects' scheme will be completed at the AGM to see if they can offer a grant towards the repairs.

1879 Resolution to Discuss Whitchurch Canonicorum Sewage System:
The clerk read out an email received from Wessex Water regarding the possibility of installing the sewage system. It seems that the procedure to provide a sewage system is only instigated by a formal application to Wessex Water. When received it is then subject to an initial viability test. If the test is passed a full engineering appraisal is prepared and if funding is approved it will be entered into an investment programme to be constructed. It was decided that Cllr Johnson will put this matter on the agenda for the Whitchurch Canonicorum parish meeting to see if local residents have any interest. Proposed by Cllr Diment, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed. Action: Cllr Johnson

1880 Resolution to Discuss Parish Meetings to Ensure Councillors Understand how Meetings are Managed:
Cllr Snook reported that the Wootton Fitzpaine parish meeting agenda has been prepared and she is taking the minutes, Cllr Mansbridge is dealing with the reports and John Bradbury is acting as chairman. Cllr Everidge reported that the Stanton St Gabriel parish meeting is being held on Tuesday 13th May 2008 and she is aware of what needs to be done. Cllr Bailey reported that she will be taking the minutes for the Whitchurch Canonicorum parish meeting but the agenda has yet to be prepared.
* Cllr Johnson left the meeting and Cllr Mansbridge took over as chairman. *

1881 Resolution to Discuss Future Management of Flooding and the Issuing of Sandbags to Protect Properties:
The clerk read out a letter received from West Dorset District Council regarding their plans, in conjunction with the Environment Agency, to improve the way they respond to flooding incidents. The plan is to adopt a flood warden system that would be organised by the Parish Council using voluntary help from local residents who have reasonable knowledge of the area and of the properties that are affected by flooding. Sandbags would need to be distributed in an emergency and then returned to a store to dry out. The District Council will be arranging a series of group meetings to discuss these plans in more detail with representatives from the Parish Councils. The intention is that each parish will provide its own flood plan and arrange an annual meeting to discuss arrangements. The Parish Council had no knowledge of any houses being affected by flooding but it was agreed that this should go on the agenda for the parish meetings to see if anyone has any local knowledge of problem areas. This matter can then be discussed again at the next suitable parish meeting.

1882 Resolution to Discuss Temporary Cover for Clerks Annual Leave in June:
The clerk reported that she would be unable to attend the June 2008 meeting. She has spoken to the previous clerk, Mrs Charlotte Hughes, who is willing to attend the meeting to take the minutes. All work generated from the meeting will be passed back to the clerk to action. Proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed.

1883 Finance: Clerks Report/General Matters:
The Clerk had nothing to report.

Resolution for Payment Approvals:
Clerks Salary for April 2008 & Sundries, £296.46 - Mr G Wright (grass cutting & gravel clearance of Whitchurch Canonicorum playground), £284.50 - Creeds, February Char Chat printing, £68.00 - James Hargreaves Community Hall (hall hire), £12.00 - Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall (parish meeting hall hire), £16.00 - Allianz, Insurance Renewal, £1198.94 - DAPTC, Subscription Renewal, £311.90 - Proposed by Cllr Snook, seconded by Cllr Sage, all agreed.

1884 Correspondence:
Monkton Wyld PCC, thank you for donation - Clerks & Councils Direct, Local Councils Update March 2008 Newsletter - Complete Weed Control, product leaflet - DAPTC, post office closures - Devon County Council, MSC Napoli updates - Society of Local Council Clerks, Seminar details - Town and Parish Standard, March 2008 Newsletter - Dorset Community Action, Dorset Pride of Place Award 2008 - Wessex Water, email re sewage system in Whitchurch Canonicorum - Audit Commission, appointment of external auditor - DAPTC, Chief Executive's Circular 03/08 - Campaign to Protect Rural England, March 2008 Newsletter - BDO Stoy Hayward, Local Council Briefing Spring 2008 - Trevor Chambers, email of thanks - BT, details of broadband services - West Dorset District Council, Design and Sustainable Development in West Dorset - Campaign to Protect Rural England, seminar details and Spring 2008 Newsletter - James Hargreaves Community Hall, April 2008 Newsletter - East Devon District Council, Local Development Framework - Dorset County Council, Rights of Way Improvement Plan - Chideock Parish Council, Muddyford Lane update - West Dorset District Council, Future Management of Flooding - DAPTC, subscription renewal - DEFRA, Access Newsletter - Clerks & Councils Direct, Local Councils Update April Newsletter - Campaign to Protect Rural England, Spring 2008 booklet - Chalk & Cheese, seminar details & achievement booklet - Piddle Valley Players, Spring 2009 production recruitment - DAPTC, CPRE Seminar - Dorset County Council, details of mobile library changes.

1885 Items for Next Agenda:
Wootton Fitzpaine War Memorial Clock Works

1886 Any other business: No other business was discussed

1887 Date of Next Meeting:
Monday 12th May 2008 at 7.30pm in the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall. This will be the parish council's AGM.

1888 Close of Meeting: 9.45pm