Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb, S Creed-Castle, P Ray, P Watt, C Parr, D Snook, C Sage, C Everidge, C Bailey, G Brierley, M Robinson, PCSO Mark Jones, Vincent Diment and 5 members of the public.
1970 Apologies: G Summers.
1971 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period:
The meeting was suspended for public discussion but nothing was discussed.
1972 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting was re-opened. Cllr Johnson declared an interest
in the payment to Matthew Roberts for the Whitchurch Canonicorum playground
repairs.
1973 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes Held on
the 8th September 2008:
The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed
by Cllr Watt, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed. 1974 Actions Following
Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported that the fly tipping and all road problems
were reported to District and County Councils, finance meeting booked
for Monday 27th October 2008 at 7.30pm in the Wootton Fitzpaine Village
Hall, made enquiries with planning and funding departments about proposed
bus shelter at Ship Knapp, Morcombelake, spoke to West Dorset District
Council regarding flood scheme options, sent a letter of thanks to Vincent
Diment and sent a letter to the owners of Wanehouse Farm regarding overgrown
foliage which resulted in the matter being reported to Dorset County
Council.
1975 Planning Applicants Presentation: None.
1976 Planning:
Applications to Consider:
West Bullen, Morcombelake-
Cllr Parr, Cllr Watt and Cllr Ray looked at this application to erect
a first floor extension and commented that the proposed extension would
more than double the size of the existing bungalow and would adversely
affect neighbours and the surrounding landscape. Given that the property
is probably on Greensand and has limited drains, a narrow dirt access
road and inadequate parking for such a large 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom house
overall refusal was recommended. All Cllrs were in agreement with these
comments, proposed by Cllr Ray and seconded by Cllr Bailey.
Sun Ridge, Morcombelake- Cllr Parr, Cllr Ray and Cllr Watt looked at
this application to erect a garage outbuilding with ancillary room above
and to extend the existing driveway. The proposed two storey building
would be in the middle of the garden and quite separate from the house,
introducing traffic to a new area. As the surrounding properties soak-aways
drain into this area it was felt that extra hard standing and rain could
cause problems. Finally neighbouring properties would be adversely affected
and overall refusal was recommended. It was agreed to send these comments
onto West Dorset District Council, proposed by Cllr Tubb, seconded by
Cllr Creed-Castle, all agreed. Cllr Johnson also read out two letters
from neighbours stating their concerns with the proposals.
White Mists-
Cllr Parr, Cllr Watt and Cllr Ray looked at this application to demolish
and existing greenhouse garage and shed and erect a new garage, workshop
and store. They commented that since the last planning application the
trees that were a concern have now been cut down and the building has
been re-sited, giving more space for parking and turning. All Cllrs were
in agreement with these comments, proposed by Cllr Sage and seconded
by Cllr Mansbridge.
High Close, Morcombelake- Cllr Everidge and Cllr
Watt looked at this application to demolish a single storey extension
and erect a new single storey extension with terrace, new porch, extend
patio and carry out internal alterations. It was felt that it is over-development
of the site but seems to be following the trend with neighbouring properties.
The main concern was that the development must have non-reflective glass
on the south side. All Cllrs agreed with these comments, proposed by
Cllr Sage and seconded by Cllr Watt.
There were two late planning applications
that need to be considered, Mast Site 13220, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth
was passed to Cllr Everidge to look into and Wood Farm, Axminster Road,
Charmouth was passed to Cllr Snook to be looked into.
Applications to Note:
Ship Inn, Morcombelake- Cllr Parr, Cllr Watt and
Cllr Ray looked at this application for change of use to art gallery,
artist's studio, workshop and coffee bar. They were pleased that the building would be restored and thought the appearance would be improved. They noted that they would like more information on the sodium lighting and its effects on neighbours, the A35 and the AONB. Brookfield, Whitchurch Canonicorum- Cllr Bailey and Cllr Tubb looked at this application to demolish an extension and conservatory and erect a new extension and porch and had no objections to make, therefore recommending approval. Jasmine, Morcombelake- Cllr Everidge and Cllr Watt looked at this application to erect a first floor extension and although they felt it was overdevelopment, it appears to be in line with other properties and looks out onto National Trust Land, therefore no objections were raised.
Approvals to Note:
Tresillian, Morcombelake - Whellers Cottage, Ryall. Withdrawals to Note: High Close, Morcombelake Tree Work Approval to Note: Sun Ridge, Morcombelake.
1977 Reports:
Cllr Robinson reported that there are three important
consultations coming out regarding the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty,
The Shoreline Management Document and The Draft Design and Sustainable
Development Planning Guidelines. He also reported that proposals had
been put forward for West Dorset District Council to commit to building
a large number of new houses, with 7,000 being in Dorchester alone. Finally
Cllr Robinson reported that the Upper Marshwood Vale area may join the
Thorncombe First Responders but unfortunately Char Valley will remain
unsupported.
Cllr Brierley reported that the Char Valley road maintenance
inspections have been completed and it seems that flooding is a key issue.
He stated that the Highways Agency have a side verge plough that is now
only used when road re-surfacing takes place. Cllr Brierley would like
to see the plough used more often to stop the roads becoming narrower.
He has requested a meeting with the Environment Agency to discuss the
possible dredging of local rivers to help ease flooding. With regards
to the repairs needed to Stockham Bridge, Whitchurch Canonicorum Cllr
Brierley reported that it is unlikely that anything will be done until
next year. Finally Cllr Brierley suggested that the parish council contact
the 'safer routes to school' team at Dorset County Council with regards to funding for the proposed bus shelter at Ship Knapp, Morcombelake and he also requested that the clerk send him details of the overgrown foliage at Wanehouse Farm so this can be looked into and dealt with.
PCSO Mark Jones reported that the 'Stop That Thief' initiative is ongoing and seems to be working. Local farmers are able to trial alarms and if thought worthwhile they can then purchase one for themselves. He also reported that at the recent PACT meeting the three main issues to be focused on are flooding, theft of fuel oil and speeding through villages. With regards to speeding, Morcombelake is one of the chosen 4 locations that will be focused on.
Vincent Diment gave a transport report and told the parish council that
following a recent WATAG meeting, it seems that the No.31 bus will no
longer be going into Dorchester Hospital as all buses will now be double
decker and the hospital infrastructure is not able to cope with this.
There will be a bus stop on Bridport Road at the northern end of the
hospital and it is proposed that two shelters will be installed on both
sides of the road with a crossing put in place. He also reported that
the Highways Agency plan to install a pole at the bus stop at Frodshams
Motors and that the bus drivers seem to be more aware of this bus stop.
Mr Diment also reported that work will be underway at Axminster Station
between November 2008 and November 2009, the outcome of which will be
an hourly train service. £3million are being spent which will include a disused platform being put back into use. Finally Mr Diment stated that the recent Dorset Roads and Transport Survey had been completed by himself and returned to Dorset County Council. The parish council agreed that a sub-committee, as suggested by Mr Bridle, would not be necessary as Mr Diments input is sufficient.
Cllr Snook reported that the DAPTC AGM will be held on 1st November
2008 and she will be attending. Cllr Snook also reported that the Wootton
Fitzpaine Village Hall harvest supper was successful and that a 'screen bites' event to include films and food is due to take place. The fundraising for the kitchen refurbishment is ongoing and she recently attended an event in West Bay in conjunction with the 'car boot sale' grant that had been awarded for the war memorial clock repairs. Finally Cllr Snook reported that the 'walk around the clock' fundraising event raised £867 for the clock repairs fund.
Cllr Watt reported that the James Hargreaves Community Hall will be
closed for approximately 4 weeks from 13th October 2008 due to roof and
ceiling repairs.
Cllr Tubb reported that the decoration of the Whitchurch
Canonicorum Village Hall had been completed. Cllr Bailey reported that
a meeting is coming up in connection with flooding issues but she will
not be able to attend.
Cllr Johnson reported on the Affordable Housing
and stated that the Church Lands Trust are unable to locate the original
deeds, therefore the purchase of the land cannot proceed until the Land
Registry have been contacted. Cllr Johnson also reported that the next
edition of the Char Chat magazine is currently being written.
Cllr Snook
reported that the fly tipping on the A35 has been removed and that she
has reported local flooding issues to West Dorset District Council. Cllr
Snook has also reported pot holes and missing sign posts at Manor Farm
in Charmouth and outside Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall to Dorset County
Council.
Cllr Bailey reported on the overgrown hedgerows on the road
between the Five Bells and Shaves Cross Inn and stated that landowners
have cut back the hedges. Following confusion over who is responsible
for cutting which part of the hedges, Cllr Johnson reported that at the
latest PACT meeting Cllr Brierley agreed to try and get some details
to clarify the situation.
Cllr Mansbridge reported that at the recent
road maintenance visit in Wootton Fitzpaine he had re-reported last year's issues. He also talked of a road improvement that is needed within the village near Champernhayes Lane and asked the clerk to report this.
Cllr Everidge reported that the overgrown verges at Stonebarrow Lane
have been cut back and following the road maintenance visit at Stanton
St Gabriel, all road problems were reported. With regards to the Vehicle
Activated Sign for Morcombelake, Cllr Everidge has been unable to contact
Andy Kirby at Connect due to his absence from work. Cllr Everidge reported
that the Lyme Regis and St Georges Twinning Association will be having
a meeting in two weeks to discuss next year's anniversary celebrations. Finally Cllr Everidge talked about BT's proposals for local villages to adopt or sponsor a telephone box.
Cllr Sage reported that Monkton Wyld Court had made enquiries with himself
about their insurance policy as it states that they are responsible for
the church. It was agreed that the parish council take no action until
a formal request to do so is made. Cllr Tubb reported that following
the road maintenance visit in Whitchurch Canonicorum the list of road
problems have been re-reported.
Cllr Parr reported that she had recently
attended a Homewatch meeting. Action: Clerk
1978 Update on Wootton Fitzpaine
War Memorial Clock Works:
Cllr Snook reported that the work to repair
the clock has now started, with scaffolding being erected on 13th October
2008. It is hoped that the work will take no longer than 4 weeks but
at this stage the exact time scale is not known. It is also still not
known if any extra costs for repairs will be needed. It has yet to be
decided if a rededication ceremony will be held and Cllr Snook asked
if this were to happen if the parish council may like to be involved.
Finally the payment of the repairs and the option of the parish council
paying the invoice on behalf of the village hall were discussed. Although
there appears to be no problem with this option from an audit point of
view it was agreed that no decision be made until DAPTC have confirmed
that this is allowed. Action: Cllr Snook & Clerk
1979 Resolution to Discuss Dorset County Flag:
The Clerk read an email
received from Stephen Coombs regarding the new Dorset County Flag which
carries St Wite's name and the connection of this flag with Whitchurch
Canonicorum. Cllr Johnson reported that she had been in contact with
the church wardens who have said that they have no objections at this
time but would like to be consulted and informed of any future developments.
It was agreed that the clerk contact Mr Coombs to this effect, proposed
by Cllr Sage, seconded by Cllr Tubb, all agreed. Action: Clerk
1980 Update
on Extra Bus Shelters for Morcombelake:
The Clerk reported that she had
been in contact with the planning department and at this stage it appears
that planning approval for a bus shelter at Ship Knapp would not be necessary
as it would be considered to be a permitted development, however, size
restrictions would apply. She also reported that funding of approximately £800
has been agreed by Dorset County Council with further funding via the 'safer
routes to school' team a possibility. It is also thought that some funds
may be available from the West Bay 'car boot fund' but as the parish
council cannot apply for this themselves a separate group, possible a
youth or parent /toddler group would have to apply. Finally the clerk
reported that she had been in contact with the Highways Agency to discuss
a site survey but as yet no reply had been received. Mr Diment stated
that he would be happy to attend the site survey and that he felt this
was essential before any further enquiries are made. It was agreed that
the clerk chase this action with the Highways Agency. Action: Clerk
1981
Resolution to Discuss Parish Council Website:
The Clerk circulated some
statistics that showed that the website gets good usage with approximately
600 to 700 visits per month on average. Cllr Snook felt that the site
is very good with a lot of information contained there. She also stated
that as a direct result of the website she had managed to secure a donation
from a visitor to the site for the War Memorial Clock fund. All Cllrs
agreed that the website was worth having and that it remain as it is,
proposed by Cllr Mansbridge and seconded by Cllr Snook.
1982 Resolution
to Discuss Councillors Out of Pocket Expenses Associated with the Use
of Computers:
Cllr Snook stated that this is one of four resolutions
to be discussed at the upcoming DAPTC AGM and she needs to find out the
parish councils views on the matters. Cllr Parr stated that at the recent
Homewatch Meeting, a member of the group had to print a large colour
document, with all expenses being incurred by herself. Cllr Parr said
that this is a good example of when expenses should be able to be reclaimed
and all Cllrs were in agreement that Cllr Snook reported this at the
AGM, proposed by Cllr Parr and seconded by Cllr Ray.
1983 Resolution
to Discuss Increasing Numbers of Retrospective Planning Applications:
This
is the second of the DAPTC AGM resolutions and all Cllrs were in agreement
that the number of retrospective planning applications are increasing
and there is a lack of effective enforcement procedures, proposed by Cllr
Creed-Castle and seconded by Cllr Parr.
1984 Resolution to Discuss Current
Planning Enforcement Procedures:
This is the third of the DAPTC AGM
resolutions and all Cllrs were in favour of West Dorset District Council
acting more swiftly on obvious planning violations and that more financial
support is given to the enforcement team, proposed by Cllr Sage and seconded
by Cllr Bailey.
1985 Resolution to Discuss Tax Exempt Mileage Rate Increase:
This is the fourth of the DAPTC AGM resolutions. As this did not directly
affect the Cllrs it was decided to abstain from discussing this matter
at the AGM.
1986 Resolution to Discuss Lyme Regis and St Georges Twinning
Association Anniversary Celebrations:
Cllr Everidge stated that as
the twinning association were not meeting for a further two weeks it
would be best to delay the parish councils discussion until after this
time. Cllr Johnson suggested that it would be a good idea to coordinate
a committee to deal with the anniversary celebrations.
1987 Finance: Clerks Report/General
Matters:
The Clerk reported that due to no election being called by Whitchurch
Canonicorum South Ward residents, the vacancy for a parish councillor
can now be advised throughout Whitchurch Canonicorum. Posters will be
displayed in the parish inviting people to apply and all successful applicants
will be invited to attend the parish council meeting to be held on 17th
November 2008 to give a short speech of no longer than 3 minutes regarding
their application. It was agreed that co-option will take place at the
January 2009 meeting which will allow the Cllrs time to vote on the most
suitable applicant. Clerk also reported that an accident had occurred
outside Marshwood School and residents are asking parish councils to
contact the Highways Dept to ensure speed restriction action be taken
outside the school. Cllr Johnson reported that this matter seems to be
in hand as at the recent PACT meeting this matter was discussed and local
police have been using a speed gun at the site.
Resolution for Payment
Approvals:
Clerks Salary for October 2008 & Sundries, £315.03 - Logomotion
(Agenda Website Updates July 07-July 08), £150.00 - Mr M Roberts (Whitchurch
Canonicorum Playground Repairs), £169.25 - Whitchurch Canonicorum Village
Hall (Hall Hire), £17.50 - Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall (Finance Meeting
Hall Hire), £16.00 - Petty Cash, £30.00 - Proposed by Cllr Watt, seconded
by Cllr Parr, all agreed.
1988 Correspondence:
West Dorset District
Council, Withdrawn Enforcement Notice, Higher Wyld Farm - West Dorset
District Council, BT Phone Box Schemes - West Dorset District Council,
Xmas Refuse Collection Arrangements - Dorset County Council, Youth Opportunities
Fund - Dorset AONB, Annual Forum & Management Plan - Bopper Bus, Thank
you for recent donation - James Hargreaves Community Hall, Hall Closure
Details - Dorset County Council, Road Maintenance Programme Visits - Standards
Board, September 2008 Newsletter - Axe Valley & West Dorset Ring & Ride
Service, Donation Request - Dorset Blind Association, Donation Request - DEFRA,
Access Newsletter September 2008 - Mr Mills, Letter re Footpath Issues
- West Dorset District Council, Precept Payment October 2008 - DAPTC,
Chief Executive's Circular 13/08 - DAPTC, AGM Agenda - Local Councils
Update, Sept/Oct 2008 - Bridport Local Area Partnership, Bridport Apple
Day - Dorset County Council, Dorset Countryside News, Autumn 2008 - Digital
UK, Digital switch over advice - West Dorset District Council, BTs Realignment
Proposals - West Dorset Partnership, Climate Change Strategy.
1989 Items for Next Agenda: None
1990 Any other business:
Cllr Johnson informed the parish council that
the clerk is expecting a baby in March and that the previous clerk,
Charlotte Hughes, has agreed to provide maternity cover. Cllr Johnson
also stated that it would be beneficial for the District and County
Cllrs to remain at the parish council meetings to hear the Parish Cllrs
reports. Finally the issue of the repairs to the Whitchurch Canonicorum
Well House was raised and it seems that the repairs are underway.
1991
Date of Next Meeting:
Monday 17th November 2008 at 7.30pm in the James
Hargreaves Community Hall, Morcombelake.
1992 Close of Meeting: 10.10pm |