Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb, S Creed-Castle, V Diment, P Ray, P Watt, C Parr, D Snook, C Everidge, C Bailey, M Robinson, PCSO Jones and 3 members of the public.
1889 Apologies:
G Brierley and C Sage
1890 Declarations of Interest:
There were no declarations of interest.
1891 Chairman's Closing Remarks:
Cllr Johnson spoke about the past year, including the election and co-opting of new Councillors and the many subjects that have been discussed throughout that time such as planning applications, footpaths, road and drain repairs, affordable housing, the Well House repairs, Wootton Fitzpaine War memorial Clock repairs, First Responders, the A35 issues and the SID's. The clerk to the council, Charlotte Hughes, has left and has been replaced by Emma who is quickly learning the role. Cllr Johnson thanked the County and District Councillors and the local Police Liaison Officers for their knowledge, interest and help and all fellow Parish Councillors and members of the public for their time and hard work for this Parish Council.
1892 Election of Chairman and Signing of Acceptance of Office:
There
was no other interest so Cllr Johnson agreed to carry on with the role
of Chairman. The re-election of Cllr Johnson as Chairman was proposed
by Cllr Diment, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed. The Acceptance of
Office was then signed.
1893 Election of Vice Chairman:
Cllr Mansbridge
said he was happy to continue with his role as Vice Chairman. The Parish
Council were in agreement to re-elect Cllr Mansbridge, proposed by Cllr
Bailey, seconded by Cllr Snook.
1894 Election of Members to Committees
and Appointment of Representatives:
Finance:
Cllr Johnson, Cllr Mansbridge,
Cllr Creed-Castle, Cllr Everidge, Cllr Tubb and Cllr Watt.
Rights of
Way:
Mr & Mrs Bridle for Stanton St Gabriel, Mr & Mrs Newman for Whitchurch
Canonicorum and Mr P Mills for Wootton Fitzpaine.
It was agreed that the
clerk write to the above to confirm they are willing to continue with their
role and to thank them for their work over the past year.
Trees:
Cllr Parr.
Transport: Cllr Diment and Mr J Bridle. It was agreed the clerk contact
Mr Bridle to confirm he is willing to continue with this role.
DAPTC:
Cllr Snook.
Bridport Local Area: Cllr Johnson and in her absence Cllr
Mansbridge.
Partnership:
Village Halls:
Cllr Tubb for Whitchurch Canonicorum,
Cllr Snook for Wootton Fitzpaine and Cllr Watt for James Hargreaves.
Ancient Monuments:
Cllr Creed-Castle. Wootton Fitzpaine Lord Bradbury,
Mr Snook and Mr Chapman.
Playing Field:
Planning Committee:
Cllr Johnson,
Cllr Bailey, Cllr Tubb, Cllr Diment, Cllr Ray and Cllr Parr. Flood Warden:
Cllr Bailey.
Char Chat Liaison: Cllr Johnson, Cllr Everidge and Cllr
Watt. Also Liz Daros and Elizabeth Fortescue. Affordable
Housing: Cllr
Johnson, Cllr Ray and Cllr Bailey. Also Simon Christopher, Anthea Bay,
Richard Corby and Clive Richards.
Action: Clerk
1895 Resolution to Approve
the Parish Council Minutes held on the 14th April 2008:
Cllr Parr reported
that at item 1877 it was actually Cllr Watt that reported on a blocked
drain being cleared and not Cllr Parr. Cllr Creed-Castle reported that
at item 1877 the footpath problem should read 'leading towards Chideock' and
not as 'leading towards Charmouth''. These changes were made and the
minutes were then agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Mansbridge,
seconded by Cllr Tubb, all agreed.
1896 Actions Following Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported all road problems to Dorset County Council and the
overhanging gorse on the A35 to Connect. The missing Loves Lane nameplate
in Morcombelake was reported again and has now been replaced. Clerk contacted
Simon Hughes regarding the noticeboard repairs and was told that he would
inspect the noticeboards and provide a quote. Clerk wrote a letter regarding
the SID for Morcombelake to Rob Camp at Dorset County Council with copies
also sent to Andy Kirby, Andy Dean, Oliver Letwin and Trevor Chambers.
The Clerk reported the development at West Bullen to Kevin Perry, planning
enforcement officer at West Dorset District Council. Finally the clerk
spoke to Charlotte Hughes to confirm that she is able to cover the parish
councils June meeting.
Cllr Creed-Castle reported that she is still gathering
information regarding the problem with the footpath from Butts Lane leading
to Chideock. When all details are received the clerk will report the
problem.
1897 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period:
A neighbour
of the owner of Whellers Cottage, Ryall spoke about their concerns over
the recent planning application. He reported that he had sent several
letters into West Dorset District Council regarding the development of
this property but has yet to have a full response. He stated that there
was an illegal access made onto the highway which after obtaining planning
approval, a fire hydrant and footpath sign was removed. He also stated
that 3 meter high pillars and a retaining wall have been erected without
planning permission and the general feeling is that the property is being
overdeveloped. A copy of a letter written to West Dorset District Council
planning department was passed to the Parish Council.
1898 Planning Applicants
Presentation:
The meeting was re-opened. There were no planning applicant's
presentations.
1899 Planning:
Applications to Consider:
Whellers Cottage,
Ryall- Cllr Snook, Cllr Watt, Cllr Diment and Cllr Parr looked at this
application to erect a Balustrade and decking area on an existing flat
roofed balcony. It was felt that this was an inappropriate development
in an area of outstanding natural beauty and would dominate a large area
above North Chideock. It was also felt that it is an undesirable urbanisation
of a rural area and if used to the full in summer would introduce light,
noise and probably BBQ smell pollution which would affect their neighbour's
privacy and enjoyment of their own garden. They felt the decking was
too elevated, intrusive and unnecessary with links into the house through
the bedroom and not the living space and while the balustrade is acceptable,
the decking area is at least 16 sq ft and seen as overdevelopment. Overall
refusal was recommended. The neighbours of Whellers Cottage also spoke
about their concerns over their privacy and Cllr Tubb stated that this
is not merely an alteration but a serious development. Cllr Robinson
stated that he will look into the matter further.
Applications to Note:
Dodpen Stables, Fishpond- Cllr Snook looked at this application and had
no objections to make. She felt the look of the site would be enhanced
and that all materials to be used are in keeping with the surroundings.
With no objections from neighbours approval was recommended.
Highcliffe
Cottage, Fishpond- Cllr Snook and Cllr Mansbridge looked at this application
to erect a two storey extension and make external alterations and commented
that the plans show a good quality residence to replace the current accommodation
of poor condition. They felt the new building would enhance the architectural
quality of the site, will have no detrimental impact on landscape or
neighbours and the design is in keeping with the area. Their concern
was that more geological investigation is needed to establish the exact
nature and type of foundations needed before a fully informed decision
could be made.
St Christophers, Ryall- Cllr Parr and Cllr Diment looked
at this application to erect a dormer window and had no objections to
make. Approval was recommended. Approvals to Note: 2 Centre Cottages,
Wootton Fitzpaine and Tempest House, Hawkchurch.
Refusals to Note:
Charmouth
Tunnel, Charmouth Refusal of Listed Building Consent to Note: Charmouth
Tunnel, Charmouth. Withdrawals to Note: Higher Pound Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine.
Enforcement Notice to Note:
Higher Wyld Farm, Monkton Wyld.
1900 Reports:
Cllr Robinson reported that once road repairs are reported
they are taking a long time to be done. He suggested that the parish
council write a stiff letter to Dorset County Council if it feels strongly
that the service being provided is inadequate. He told the council
that the maps for the flood warden have been provided and the contracts
that need to be signed for the use of Ordnance Survey Data are with the
parish clerk to process. He reported that wind turbine applications are
increasing and so far Marshwood School has been successful in obtaining
permission.
Cllr Robinson reported that he was disappointed with the
lack of interest in the First Responders Scheme and Cllr Johnson stated
that she had received only one phone call regarding the matter and that
was from the Marshwood Vale area. Cllr Bailey stated that the general
feeling from the public is that the scheme is needed but the community
are not at present willing to participate. Cllr Robinson reported that
a new consultation document is due to be issued regarding a Rural Transport
Plan. He also stated that there had been no reports of problems with
the recent issue of bus passes so it appears it is running smoothly.
If any queries are made then Cllr Robinson knows who needs to be contacted.
With regards to the planning application at Whellers Cottage and the
concerns of the neighbours, Cllr Robinson said he was happy to step in
and help. Cllr Tubb felt that all letters sent to the planning department
should be given a formal response.
PCSO Mark Jones from the safer neighbourhood
team at Marshwood Vale attended the meeting and spoke briefly of the
recent PACT meeting and its findings. He reported that rural thefts have
reduced to a normal level due to the influx of police officers to the
area to deal with it. He told the parish council that a speed gun had
recently been obtained and had already been used in Chideock and outside
Marshwood School, resulting in many warnings. He stated that if it is
felt to be of benefit within the Char Valley Parish then either himself
or PC Forshaw should be contacted. Cllr Watt asked if it would be suitable
to use on the A35 at Morcombelake and PCSO Jones said that this could
be done W/C 19th May. Finally he said that either himself or PC Forshaw
could be contacted direct on 01305 226912 or himself by emailing mark.jones@dorset.pnn.police.uk
Cllr Diment reported that the bus passes are a success, often leaving
buses full. The bus company Shoreline have considered removing two of
their routes due to it being uneconomical as bus pass passengers are
filling the buses meaning paying customers are unable to use the routes.
It appears Dorset County Council have given further funds to Shoreline
to stop the routes from being removed.
Cllr Johnson reported that the
next meeting of the Bridport Local Area Partnership is on 22nd May 2008.
Cllr Snook reported that she had received the spring newsletter from
DAPTC and would report on this at the Parish Councils June Meeting. She
had also received the Chief Executives Circular which talks about the
changes to CiLCA training for clerks and the new guide about the power
of well being. She also reported that it appears that clerks and up to
75% of Councillors may need to provide evidence of training, so she will
find out some more information about this. Finally a finance seminar
is being held on 15th May 2008 but Cllr Snook and the clerk were unsure
if this is open to Councillors or specifically for clerks.
Cllr Tubb
reported that Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall had enjoyed a very
successful Skittles weekend with the help of the organiser, Miss K Johnson.
He also reported that the application of grants is ongoing and the re-decoration
by the community workers has yet to be done. Cllr Snook reported that
the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall AGM was successful and the accounts
are looking healthy. She said that the hall was not used as much this
year as opposed to last year but that could be due to the fact that last
year was the Jubilee. She stated that the kitchen area needs total refurbishment,
for which fundraising will be done, and the hall needs general re-decoration.
Finally, the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Fete is being held this month,
which is the first time in 10 years.
Cllr Watt reported that James Hargreaves
Community Hall had been given the go ahead to start on the roof repairs
but is having difficulty setting a date due to problems with scaffolding
and access to neighbouring properties. Also the hall will need to be
closed to have the work done. A recent variety show was held which was
very successful raising £660, of which two thirds went to charity. Finally,
due the success of the luncheon club, a community village lunch is being
planned for 35 people. Cllr Johnson reported that there had been no further
meetings of the PACT group.
Cllr Bailey reported that there had been
no flooding incidents to report since the last meeting. Cllr Johnson
read a letter from David Pullen regarding the affordable housing scheme
and reported that the church land charities trustees will be entering
into detailed discussions with the preferred bidder. The Parish Council
will be kept up to date with any developments.
Cllr Creed-Castle reported
that road repairs had been made down Bluntshay Lane but unfortunately
no warning of the repairs' were
given to local residents. She also reported a pothole between Brooklyn
and Copse Gate on Bluntshay Lane, Whitchurch Canonicorum. The clerk
will report this to Dorset County Council.
Cllr Johnson told the Parish
Council that Villages in Bedford run a scheme where a skip is left in
the village for two hours for local people to use in an attempt to stop
rubbish being discarded. Cllr Robinson said that he is happy to approach
the waste manager at West Dorset District Council about starting a similar
scheme but it is unlikely it will go ahead.
Cllr Ray reported that the
potholes throughout Whitchurch Canonicorum are being repaired. Cllr Snook
reported that although some road repair work has been done throughout
Wootton Fitzpaine, the white lines indicating where the remaining road
repairs are needed are fading before the work is done. She will check
specific areas and then report these through the Dorset For You website.
Cllr Bailey reported that she recently had at least 60 people from a
power walking group cross her land causing disruption and damage. As
the public footpaths go through buildings and livestock it would be courteous
to ask permission from farmers before such a large group come through.
Cllr Bailey asked if the Rights of Way Officer could contact such groups
to ask them to be more thoughtful. Cllr Robinson said that he will contact
the Footpaths and Bridleways department of West Dorset District Council
about this matter.
Cllr Mansbridge reported that the poor road conditions
at Champenhays has been badly repaired. Cllr Diment spoke about a new
vehicular access that had been made on to Pitmans Lane, Morcombelake.
He asked the clerk to report this matter, which has been done. He also
reported that vehicles appear to be being sold at Random Lodge, opposite
the Ship Inn in Morcombelake. A caravan was being advertised by a sign
that had been attached to a road sign. PCSO Jones said he will investigate
it this evening.
Cllr Parr reported that Loscombewell Road has been
repaired and the River Winiford has been dammed allowing little water
to trickle down. She asked whether an application for approval of this
damming has been made. Cllr Creed-Castle stated that this is linked to
the footpath issue she reported from Butt Lane to Chideock and that people
are looking into the matter. Cllr Tubb reported that the road between
Broadwindsor and Marshwood has no indication of the upcoming Bettiscombe
Road turning, presenting a serious accident risk. PCSO Jones said he
will look into this matter. Cllr Robinson said that in approximately
four days time contractors will be carrying out repairs on this stretch
of road. Cllr Everidge reported that the potholes in the Stanton St Gabriel
area have been filled and that the mess that was south of the A35 was
recently tidied by a police officer who was attempting to remove a car.
Action: Cllr Snook & Clerk
1901 Update on Wootton Fitzpaine War Memorial Clock Works:
Cllr Snook
reported that at the village meeting a pledge of £500 was received, made
up of £300 from the Best Kept Village and £200 from Wootton 2000. Sophie
Burleigh, village hall chairman, has been unable to apply for a lottery
grant up to now due to the minimum grant criteria but in June the rules
are changing and the minimum grant figure is dropping to £3000 so this
can then be applied for. An application for a £3000 grant has been applied
for from the Funding for Community Projects scheme. Cllr Watt spoke about
the fund raising for the James Hargreaves Community Hall roof repairs
and said that £2000 was raised from local people through special appeals
and Cllr Snook agreed that this was something that could be considered
for Wootton Fitzpaine to help raise funds for the War Memorial Clock.
Ultimately it seems likely that any shortfall in the total figure needed
for the repairs will have to come from the Parish Council. Action: Cllr
Snook
1902 Wootton Fitzpaine Parish Meeting Report:
Cllr Snook reported
that the meeting was well attended, Lord Bradbury was re-elected as Chairman,
the Parish Councillors introduced themselves, Cllr Mansbridge gave a
report about the Parish Council over the past year, the playing field
trustees were elected, there was a report from the Best Kept Village
Group, and a village hall report and Homewatch report were given. There
were also a number of reports of missing road signs which have been passed
to the clerk to report. The clerk was also asked to make enquiries into
obtaining a Best Kept Village sign. Finally, reports were made that the
rubbish from Dairy Farm Holiday Cottages is not being contained properly
and therefore being scattered around. A resolution was made for the clerk
to contact the owners to ask that all rubbish is put into bins so as
to be disposed of properly, proposed by Cllr Snook, seconded by Cllr
Mansbridge. Action: Clerk
1903 Resolution to Agree the Re-Election of
Wootton Fitzpaine Playing Field Trustees:
Cllr Snook reported that Lord
Bradbury, Mr Jon Snook and Mr Winston Chapman were happy to be re-elected.
This was proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Snook, all agreed.
1904 Resolution to Discuss VOSA Vehicle Testing Station on A35 to the
West of Dorchester:
Cllr Johnson reported that the Parish Council are
in support of the testing station and that Cllr Sage had attended a meeting
in May 2007 that was arranged to discuss the matter. It was agreed that
the clerk contact Chideock Parish Council to express our support of their
plans.
1905 Finance: Clerks Report/General Matters:
The Clerk reported
that she had been in contact with Kevin Perry at West Dorset District
Council, regarding a new vehicular access at Greensand, Morcombelake
and has since received a reply stating that there has been no breech
of planning control. Clerk reported a missing finger sign for Monkton
Wyld and a missing sign post for Wootton Fitzpaine to Dorset County Council
and a missing sign for Wootton Fitzpaine at White Gates to Devon County
Council. Clerk also contacted Dorset Community Action about obtaining
a Best Kept Village sign for Wootton Fitzpaine but was told that a plaque
was the only thing that can be issued. It was agreed that the clerk contact
Burton Bradstock Parish Clerk to find out how their sign was obtained.
Clerk also contacted Mr & Mrs Wright to ensure that inspections of Whitchurch
Canonicorum playground are still being carried out. This is being done
and the safety book is being kept up to date. Finally the clerk reported
that she had been in contact with Simon Christopher, the internal auditor,
regarding the Parish Council Assets. Cllr Johnson told the Cllrs that
Mr Christopher had stated that the assets were originally set to show
what the Parish Council own and for insurance purposes and that depreciation
of the assets is not really necessary.
Resolution for Payment Approvals:
Clerks Salary for May 2008 & sundries, £297.98 - Wootton Fitzpaine Village
Hall (AGM Hall Hire), £16.00 - Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall (Parish
Meeting & Finance Meeting Hall Hire), £35.00 - James Hargreaves Community
Hall (Parish Meeting Hall Hire), £12.00 - Whitchurch Canonicorum Village
Hall ( Maintenance Grant 07/08), £330.00 - James Hargreave Community
Hall (Maintenance Grant 07/08), £330.00 - Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall
(Maintenance Grant 07/08), £330.00 - Petty Cash, £40.00. Proposed by
Cllr Ray, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed.
Resolution to Approve Audited
Accounts for 2007/2008:
Cllr Johnson told the Parish Council that
the internal audit had been carried out and the accounts were ready for
approval. Proposed by Cllr Bailey, Seconded by Cllr Watt, all agreed.
Resolution
to Agree Donation of £50.00 to Life Education Dorset:
Cllr Johnson spoke
briefly about the donation request and Cllr Mansbrisge confirmed that
the organisation does visit schools within the area. The donation of £50.00
was agreed, proposed by Cllr Creed-Castle, seconded by Cllr Watt. Resolution
to Agree Donation of £50.00 to Citizens Advice Bureau: Cllr Johnson reported
that this is a regular donation by the Parish Council and it was agreed
to pay £50.00, proposed by Cllr Tubb, seconded by Cllr Parr.
1906 Correspondence:
West Dorset District Council, Dorset Active Leisure
Booklet - WESTCAT, April meeting date - BDO Stoy Hayward, extranet details - Southern
Electric, Dorset Street Lighting Project - Hastoe, Wootton Fitzpaine
housing - ICAS, NHS Complaints - Dorset Community Action, Post Office
Closures - DAPTC, Dorset Countryside Volunteers - DAPTC, Unsuccessful
Royal Garden Party Application - NALC, Conference details - DAPTC, Spring
Newsletter - DAPTC, Chief Exec Circular 05/08 - Society of Local Council
Clerks, AGM Agenda - Dorset Police Authority, Recruitment of Custody
Visitors - Synergy Housing, Voluntary Board Member Vacancy - DEFRA, Access
Newsletter Issue 31 - Highways Agency, Letter re Bus Stop request at
Frodsham Motors - West Dorset District Council, Response to Alleged Breach
of Planning Control at West Bullen and Greensands - Mr & Mrs Ferris,
Copy of letter to WDDC re planning application at Highcliffe Cottage - West
Dorset District Council, April Precept - James Hargreaves Community Hall,
May Newsletter - Whitchurch Charities, Letter re Affordable Housing - PC
Forshaw, Speed Gun - Rob Camp (Dorset County Council), SID Morcombelake - Language
Direct, Interpreter Services - Devon County Council, Napoli Update - Oliver
Letwin, 2 letters re SID Morcombelake - Dorset Community Action, Spring
2008 Newsletter - Dorset Accessible & Responsive Transport, Community
Transport Directory - BT, Phone Box Closures - West Dorset District Council,
Poster re complaints about parish Councillors - DAPTC, Finance meeting
agenda - Chideock Parish Council, Email re Carry Capacity study for World
Heritage site - Social Services, Request for Volunteers - East Devon
District Council, Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan - Society of Local
Council Clerks, May 2008 Newsletter - PC Forshaw, Dorset police Community
Engagement - Bopper Bus, Donation request - Dorset Police Authority,
Appointment of new members - Bridport Local Area Partnership, Agenda
for Steering Group meeting. It was agreed the clerk contact the Bopper
Bus team to pledge a donation of £550 to be paid in September 2008 and
Cllr Johnson will contact Chideock Parish Council regarding their application
to have a Carrying Capacity Study done within this World Heritage Site
area. Action: Cllr Johnson & Clerk
1907 Items for Next Agenda:
Whitchurch Canonicorum and Stanton St
Gabriel Parish Meeting Reports.
1908 Date of Next Meeting:
9th
June 2008 at 7.30pm in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall.
1909
Close of Meeting: 9.45pm. |