Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb, S Creed-Castle, V Diment, P Watt, C Parr, C Everidge, C Bailey, M Robinson, D Newson, J Bridle, and 6 members of the public.
Cllr Mansbridge chaired the meeting due to Cllr Johnson having Laryngitis and no voice.
1931 Apologies:
G Brierley, C Sage, D Snook and P Ray.
1932 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period:
Simon Kewley, a
local resident, spoke about the proposed plans for a gypsy traveller
site at Monkton Wyld Cross in Devon. As the site is on the Char Valley
border he felt it would have a detrimental impact on local residents
and businesses in Monkton Wyld. He has already had reports that tourists
will not be staying in local holiday accommodation or storing their caravans
in the area if the plans are to go ahead. He would like the Parish Council
to contact West Dorset District Council to state these concerns to get
them involved. Cllr Robinson explained that district councils are always
under pressure to find suitable traveller sites so the worry is if every
application is refused then the gypsy community will appeal and then
go on to win. He stated that a site in Hawkchurch was approved so it
may be worthwhile for the Parish Council to contact their parish clerk
for some information on what happened in this case.
1933 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting
was re-opened. Cllr Bailey declared an interest in the Manderville Stoke
Farm planning applications and Cllr Johnson declared an interest in the
potential candidate for carrying out any repairs to the Whitchurch Canonicorum
playing area.
1934 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes Held
on the 9th June 2008:
The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed
by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed.
1935 Actions Following
Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported all road problems, edge deterioration
and overgrown verges to Dorset County Council. An email was sent to Wessex
Water to establish further information on installing a sewerage system,
the reply will come up under correspondence. Clerk wrote a letter regarding
the proposed plans to manage any future flooding for Cllrs to distribute
to houses they think are at risk.
1936 Planning Applicants Presentation:
Mr Paul White distributed a letter that has been sent to West Dorset
District Council in support of the Hinkhams Farm planning application.
Mr White stores his materials and equipment at Hinkhams Farm and feels
that the planning application should be approved, thus supporting local
business and employment.
1937 Planning:
Applications to Consider:
Hinkhams
Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum- Cllr Bailey looked at this application
to change use from agricultural to mixed use of agricultural and storage
of builders plant and materials. It was felt this would cause very low
visual impact on the site. The building firm wishing to use the site
have had a successful business in the Char Valley since approx 1970 employing
local people and it was felt that if unsuccessful the sustainability
of these local businesses would be jeopardised. No objections were raised
and approval was recommended, all agreed.
Applications to Note:
Plenty
House, Whitchurch Canonicorum- Cllr Bailey and Cllr Diment looked at
this application to erect a two storey extension and carry out alterations
to convert part of an existing garage and workshop into guest annex.
It was noted that the old coach house has downstairs storage, the upstairs
is accessed by external steps and has been used as residential. Providing
there is no serious increase in size and a clause that the Coachhouse
cannot be sold separately to the main property, Plenty House, no reasons
for refusal could be made.
Approvals to Note:
Greenings, Fishpond.
Approval
of Listed Building Consent to Note:
Manderville Stoke Farm, Whitchurch
Canonicorum.
Refusals to Note: Higher Pound Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine.
Application/Approval to Fell Tree to Note:
Oaks Hay, Whitchurch Canonicorum.
Application for Certificate of Lawfulness to Note:
Mobile Home, The
Bungalow, Champernhayes Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine: Cllr Snook looked at
this application and commented that a former Cllr has been contacted
who was on the Parish Council at a time when a letter was sent to the
enforcement officer at WDDC stating there were a number of caravans situated
in the same field as the bungalow. This was some time between 2002 and
2004, WDDC should have a record of this. Cllr Mansbridge commented that
it is a young family living in the caravan who have been there a long
time. As there is already a housing shortage, making the family homeless
would only present a need for re-housing. It was agreed that the clerk
write a letter to West Dorset District Council planning department to
state these concerns, proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Tubb,
all agreed.
Appeal to Note:
The Hive, Ryall. The recent appeal against
an enforcement notice and refusal of certificate of lawfulness at Axminster
Excavators Site, Land at Green Lane, Monkton Wyld was discussed. Cllrs
have no evidence to provide either for or against the application but
was in favour of it remaining. No correspondence or objections from local
residents have been received. It is thought that the site has been in
use for more than 10 years without problems but the parish council has
no actual evidence of this. It was agreed that the clerk write a formal
response to this effect to Mrs Ricketts, Legal Executive at West Dorset
District Council.
The proposed gypsy site at Monkton Wyld Cross was discussed
by the Parish Council. Many concerns and objections were raised such
as the site being in an Area of Great Landscape Value and directly bordering
an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The development would have a detrimental
impact of neighbouring properties, businesses and the character of the
area and traffic levels would increase. Concerns were raised that the
proposed plans are in a site previously refused planning permission.
Cllr Robinson suggested that we write a letter of objection to East Devon
District Council, with a copy going to West Dorset District Council to ensure they are aware
of the plans and to get their involvement. He stated that he would consult
the planning department at West Dorset District Council himself to see
if they know of the plans. Mr Bridle suggested a separate letter be written
to Oliver Letwin to gain his support with the objections. It was agreed
that the clerk write to East Devon District Council to express the Parish
Council's objections, with a copy going to West Dorset District Council.
A separate letter will be sent to Oliver Letwin. Proposed by Cllr Tubb,
seconded by Cllr Watt, all agreed. Action: Clerk
1938 Reports:
Cllr Robinson
told the Parish Council that he has a lot of information about sustainable
energy sources. If anybody would like to see this then he will pass the
details onto the clerk. He reported that the wind turbine at Marshwood
School is proving to be very successful.
Cllr Robinson spoke about the
proposed gypsy site at Monkton Wyld Cross and said that another implication
if the plans are approved is that local schools will have to find extra
places for the children of these families.
Cllr Parr spoke about the
application and subsequent approval to fell an oak tree and perform a
25% crown reduction at Oak Hay, Whitchurch Canonicorum. The site was
a small garden and she could see no problems, hence approval was recommended
by the Parish Council.
Cllr Diment reported that road works are due to
commence on the A35, this will be done at night and will involve speed
restrictions and a convoy system. Road patching is due to be done between
Berne Lane and the Ship Inn. Finally he reported that a new fleet of
X53 buses are coming into service.
Mr Bridle reported that a meeting
took place with Connect on 27th June 2008 to discuss the imminent installation
of the Speed Indicator Device at Morcombelake. Two potential sites for
the device were highlighted, both for traffic travelling West. It was
agreed that the clerk should contact Andy Kirby with a decision on the
Parish Councils preferred site. Mr Bridle spoke about the Connect annual
report. An incident support unit was introduced in 2007 to help clear
minor incidents on the A35. He reported that the road was resurfaced
between Chideock and Bridport last year and resurfacing at Fulvens Bend
will take place in September. Connect have supplied DVDs which may be
useful to learner drivers, motorcyclists and people towing trailers or
caravans.
Mr Bridle reported that the footpath at St Gabriels Mouth is
open and well used.
Cllr Tubb reported that fundraising at Whitchurch
Canonicorum Village Hall is ongoing with three games nights to be held
on Monday evenings being organised. Money raised will go towards paying
for work on the hall and the cottage.
Cllr Watt reported that internal
repairs to the James Hargreaves Community Hall roof are yet to be done
as it is proving difficult to agree a time when the hall can be closed
for two weeks, as this will result in loss of revenue.
Cllr Bailey reported
a flood on 9th July 2008 as the River Char had burst its banks.
Cllr
Diment reported that a former Cllr, David Richards, had recently passed
away. It was agreed that the clerk send a sympathy card to his family.
He also reported blocked drains down Verriotts Lane, Morcombelake. Clerk
to report this to Dorset County Council. Also, overhanging trees on the
southern side of the A35 between Ship Knapp and the post office were
reported, the clerk will pass this onto Connect.
Finally Cllr Diment
reported that the wooden seat owned by the WI at the bus stop outside
the Ship Inn has been stolen. Mr Chambers pointed out that this seat
is regularly used by the elderly so a replacement may be necessary. Some
time ago the Parish Council looked into buying a seat but the original
one was repaired. Cllr Bailey suggested that the WI may have insurance
to cover the theft so it was agreed that the clerk contact the WI to
establish if they will be able to replace the seat. If this is not possible
then it will placed on the agenda for the autumn finance meeting for
the Parish Council to decide if they feel we are able to purchase a new
seat.
Cllr Parr reported that Homewatch packs have been delivered in
Ryall.
Cllr Everidge reported blocked drains and overhanging trees in
Stonebarrow Lane. Both to be reported by the clerk to Dorset County Council.
She also reported overhanging trees on the A35 at the turning to Langdon
Wood. The clerk will report this to Connect.
Cllr Tubb reported that
there were four separate parties interested in the affordable housing
land, with one of these being favourable. Before they can progress the
sizings of the land need to be established. Cllr Bailey stated that
this can be done by applying to the land registry.
Cllr Bailey reported
that the bridle path at Spearepits Copse, Whitchurch Canonicorum is overgrown
and there are no directional signs. She also reported overgrown hedges
and verges in the lane from the Five Bells to Shaves Cross. Clerk to
report both matters to Dorset County Council. Cllr Mansbridge reported
that some potholes have been filled.
The clerk reported on behalf of
Cllr Ray that there is a huge gouge out in the bank by the Five Bells
and the subsequent pile of earth is in the road. Clerk to report this
to Dorset County Council. Action: Clerk
1939 Update on Wootton Fitzpaine
War Memorial Clock Works:
The clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Snook
that West Dorset District Council has donated £500 from the West Bay
Car Boot Sales fund. West Dorset District Council has also advised that
a possible grant may be available from the David Webster Charitable Trust,
so an application for this will be submitted. A 'walk around the clock' sponsored
walk will be held on Sunday 7th September 2008. If insufficient funds
are received from these two sources then local villagers may be asked
for donations.
1940 Resolution to Discuss the Footpath from Ryall to
Chideock:
Cllr Creed Castle reported that a local resident who has been
using this footpath for the past 23 years has now been told that she
is no longer allowed to walk here. The local gamekeeper is using the
new Explorer map which has omitted the footpath and he is therefore saying
that the footpath does not exist. The footpath does appear on an earlier
Ordnance Survey map and there are stiles and waymarkers which all support
that it is an official footpath. It was agreed that Cllr Creed Castle
contact the local resident to advise her to get in touch with the local
Ramblers Association as they may be able to help her. It was agreed that
the Parish Council would not take this matter any further. Action: Cllr
Creed Castle
1941 Resolution to Discuss A35 Speed Indicator Devices:
Cllr Everidge reported that following the recent meeting with Connect
a number of matters needed to be decided by the Parish Council. The most
suitable direction for the SID was Westbound and there are two different
types of device that can be installed, one that shows the 40mph limit
which is called a Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) and one that displays
the actual speed the vehicle is travelling known as a Speed Indicator
Device (SID). Two sites were identified for the device, site A being
prior to St Gabriels Church and site B being prior to Gibbs Lane. The
positive and negative aspects of both sites were discussed. It was agreed
by the Parish Council that the device would be positioned on the Westbound
side of the A35, that a device displaying the 40mph limit (VAS) would
be used and that Site B was the preferred location. Proposed by Cllr
Everidge, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed. It was agreed that the clerk
write a letter to Andy Kirby at Connect to inform him of the Parish Councils
decisions. Action: Clerk
1942 Resolution to Discuss Additional Bus Shelters
at Morcombelake:
Cllr Diment reported that two additional bus shelters
are needed in Morcombelake. The first is at Ship Knapp opposite the Ship
Inn for buses travelling west towards Lyme Regis. It seems children that
attend a school in Lyme Regis are waiting in the shelter on the opposite
side of the road in poor weather conditions and on the buses approach
they are running across the road. The second is opposite the Frodsham
Motors site, for buses travelling East towards Bridport. It is hoped
that if a shelter and pole is erected it will help bus drivers to recognise
that this is indeed a stop. Cllr Diment has drafted a letter to Michelle
Boone at Dorset County Council which was deemed acceptable, proposed
by Cllr Tubb, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed. The clerk will re-type
this letter and send this off. Action: Clerk
1943 Finance:
Clerks Report/General
Matters:
The Clerk reported that the repairs to Stockham Bridge, Gassons
Lane are due to be started approx September. Simon Hughes has yet to
provide a quotation for the repairs to the noticeboards so it is assumed
that he is not willing to take on the work. Cllr Diment offered to carry
out the repairs after September, this matter will be placed on the September
agenda.
Following the Whitchurch Canonicorum parish meeting, overgrown
hedges and damaged finger post signs were reported to Dorset County Council
and a letter of thanks for recent road repairs sent to the Highways dept.
Clerk contacted the Highways dept about having a curved mirror installed
at Ryall Road at Pitmans Lane. This would have to be done by a private
company at a cost of approx £135 excluding VAT and installation. It
was agreed for this to be put on the agenda for the autumn finance meeting.
The Whitchurch Canonicorum play equipment has been inspected and it
all meets the required standard. However, the main gate is not shutting
properly and needs adjustment. Clerk has made enquiries with a local
tradesman, Matthew Roberts, who is able to carry out these repairs. There
have also been some reports of faulty benches and picnic table. The clerk
will contact Mr Roberts and ask him to carry out all of the repairs.
The clerk had an update on the Well House repairs, the new door is being
made and plans for the remedial works are going ahead. There will be
an additional charge of £100 due to inflation making the total cost of repairs £3300.
The clerk reported that the paperwork from the external auditor had been
returned asking for more information. This has been collated and sent
off.
Finally, a letter has been received from a resident in Ryall expressing
an interest in joining the Parish Council should a vacancy arise.
Resolution
for Payment Approvals:
Clerks Salary for July 2008 & Sundries, £297.06 - Clerks
Salary for August 2008 (postdated), £285.04 - Clerks Temp Cover for June
Meeting, £46.70 - James Hargreaves Community Hall (Hall Hire), £12.00 - Whitchurch
Canonicorum Village Hall (Homewatch Meeting Hall Hire), £17.50 - Whitchurch
Canonicorum Village Hall (Maintenance Grant 08/09), £330.00 - James Hargreaves
Community Hall (Maintenance Grant 08/09), £330.00 - Wootton Fitzpaine
Village Hall (Maintenance Grant 08/09), £330.00 - Whitchurch Canonicorum
Village Hall (Playground Rental 01/07/08- 30/06/09), £25.00 - Petty Cash, £40.00 -late
payment to Mrs Elizabeth Fortescue (300 2nd class stamps for CharChat), £81.00
- Proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Tubb, all agreed.
1944 Correspondence:
Dorset County Council, Sports & Physical Activity
Strategy Consultation - Connect,
Copy of letter sent to Trevor Chambers re SID - Oliver Letwin, Copy of
letter received from Connect re SID - DAPTC, Chief Executives Circular
07/08 - Bridport Local Area Partnership, Funding Bulletin June '08 - Bridport
Town Council, report on post office closures - British Red Cross, Invite
to Seminar - Dorset County Council, new contact details - West Dorset
District Council, Homelessness Strategy - Wessex Water, further info
on sewerage system - West Dorset District Council, Planning Notifications
for 'Great Coombe Farm, Fishpond', 'Flintbatch Woods, Monkton Wyld' & 'Manderville
Stoke Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum' - DAPTC, Chief Executives Circular
08/08 - Dorset County Council, Bus shelter cleaning contract - James
Hargreaves Community Hall, July newsletter - Teignbridge District Council,
Key Stakeholder Forums - Ironman Triathlon, route details - West Dorset
District Council, Strike Action - Campaign to Protect Rural England,
Chairmans Appeal - DAPTC, Chief Executives Circular 09/08 - West Dorset
District Council, Complaints Proceedure - Dorset County Council, Dorset
Transport Studies - PC Forshaw, copy of road problem report - Axminster
Town Council, Details of proposed Gypsy Site, Monkton Wyld Cross - PC
Forshaw, PACT meeting. It was agreed that the clerk would complete the
Wessex Water application form to start initial proceedings into obtaining
mains sewerage. Action: Clerk
1945 Items for Next Agenda:
Update on proposed
gypsy site at Monkton Wyld Cross.
1946 Date of Next Meeting:
Monday
8th September 2008 at 7.30pm in the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall.
1947 Any other business:
Cllr Everidge reported on her recent internet
problems and apologised for being unable to be contacted.
1948 Close
of Meeting: 9.45pm. |