Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), S Creed-Castle, P Ray, P Watt, C Parr, D Snook, C Bailey, J Sandford, G Brierley, M Robinson, D Newman and 20 members of the public.
2012 Apologies:
K Mansbridge, C Everidge, K Tubb, C Sage and J Bridle.
2013 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period:
Mr Newman spoke
to the Parish Council regarding the potential sewerage system plans for
the area. The plans were detailed in the latest issue of the Char Chat
which it seems did not reach every household. Mr Newman stated that as
not all households have received their Char Chat they may not be aware
of the plans and therefore the Parish Council should not be making any
decisions about the scheme until everybody has had a chance to put their
comments forward. Cllr Johnson explained the current Char Chat arrangements
and said that she had not heard of any other residents not receiving
a copy. These arrangements will be discussed and updated at the next
Char Chat meeting. Cllr Bailey explained that the Char Chat is not a
compulsory method of distributing parish information and that anything
that is discussed at Parish Council meetings is always noted on agendas
and minutes, all of which are available to the public. A member of the
public asked for information regarding the Vehicle Activated Sign that
is planned for Morcombelake and the clerk explained that the sign has
been ordered but not yet delivered. Once received then an installation
date can be arranged. A number of residents expressed their concerns
over the road closure between Catherston Lane, Charmouth and Green Pit
Knapp, Wootton Fitzpaine, the disruption this has caused and the lack
of prior notice that residents received. Concerns over the safety of
the diversion route, Westover Lane, were discussed as it is felt that
this road is particularly unsafe at this time of year due to excess mud
and poor passing points. Cllr Brierley explained that this is a standard
detour and that the road had been cleared that day to improve safety. Cllr Snook stated that although the top of the road did show signs of clearing, the bottom was still thick with mud. Cllr Brierley said that he would take these concerns back to the Highways Department and it was also agreed for the clerk to write to Dorset County Council expressing the resident's concerns. Action: Clerk
2014 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting was re-opened. There were
no declarations of interest.
2015 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council
Minutes Held on the 17th November 2008:
Cllr Snook asked that item number
1999, 'Applications to Consider', be amended to read 'Cllr Snook felt this could be seen as a case of overdevelopment with no evidence there is the necessity of more holiday accommodation in West Dorset'. The minutes were amended and then agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Snook, all agreed.
2016 Actions Following Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported that the insurance
form to increase the level of fidelity cover had been completed , new
parish councillor paperwork had been completed, precept request for 2009/2010
was sent to West Dorset District Council, a letter was sent to Citizens
Advice Bureau advising of the parish council's donation to be paid in May 2009, notified Ring and Ride service that a donation would not be paid by the parish council, all missing and damaged finger and sign posts were reported, all road problems were reported to Dorset County Council, letter sent to enforcement officer at West Dorset District Council regarding developments at Higher Pound Farm, Monkton Wyld and finally a letter was sent to Cllr Brierley regarding the road problems within the area along with a copy of Mr Tidy's letter of complaint. A letter was also sent to Mr Tidy informing him of this action.
2017 Planning Applicants Presentation: None.
2018 Planning: Applications to Consider:
The Bungalow, Champernhayes
Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine- Cllr Snook looked at this application to relocate
a touring caravan/mobile home. Cllr Snook explained to the parish council
that recently a certificate of lawfulness had been granted for the touring
caravan. As the occupants of the caravan include a young child the health
authorities have expressed concerns over the suitability of this accommodation,
therefore this application is asking that the certificate of lawfulness
be relocated to the mobile home in the centre of the site, to which there
are no objections. Cllr Snook explained that this should be subject to
renewal, as for the previous occupant, every 5 years, in the names of
the new occupants, Mr T Fowler and Ms K Worthington. All caravans should
be removed from the site, there should be no further development of the
site and the certificate of lawfulness should not be transferable to
any other persons. The timber framed and clad sheds on site are currently
used for family storage and car parking and should remain for this purpose.
Cllr Snook noted that the current application is in the name of Mr Nicholas
Fowler, the father of Mr Tim Fowler, who currently resides on the site.
The letter of support from the agent states that the applicants are Mr
T Fowler and Ms K Worthington, which is not the case. Clarification is
needed about who is actually applying for this change from a touring
caravan to mobile home which is currently subject to a Breach of Condition
notice. If the applicant, as named on the West Dorset District Council
paperwork is Mr Nicholas Fowler, there is no evidence that there is a
need to change the current certificate of lawfulness and therefore refusal
is recommended. It was proposed by Cllr Parr and seconded by Cllr Watt
to send these comments back to West Dorset District Council, all agreed.
There was one late planning application for Sun Ridge, Morcombelake which was passed to Cllr Parr to look at. As yet no action has been taken with this application.
Applications to Note:
Mast Site 13220, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth-
Cllr Everidge looked at this application to replace two existing T-Mobile
antennas with two duel operator antennas at the same height with associated
cables and cabinets. Although a request was made for better screening,
no objections were made.
James Hargreaves Community Hall, Morcombelake-
Cllr Parr and Cllr Sandford looked at this application to erect a timber
shed for use as storage for the hall and had no objections to make.
Penn
View, Shave Cross- Cllr Bailey looked at this adjoining parish application
to erect an additional garage to store classic cars and had no comments
to make.
Approvals to Note:
White Mists, Morcombelake - High Close, Morcombelake - Mast Site 13220, Charmouth - The Hive, Ryall - Five Bells Inn, Whitchurch Canonicorum.
Withdrawals to Note:
West Bullen, Morcombelake - Jasmine, Morcombelake - Enforcement
Notice for the Land at Axminster Excavators Site, Green Lane, Monkton
Wyld. A certificate of lawfulness has now been granted for the land at
Axminster Excavators Site, Green Lane, Monkton Wyld.
2019 Reports:
The clerk reported on behalf of John Bridle that the
steps down to St Gabriels are fine and that the footpath between Golden
Cap and Charmouth is closed but is still being used. Mr Newman reported
that on some footpaths, the gates are in need of repair by land owners.
Cllr Parr reported that a Tree Preservation Order had been received
for Green Lane, Monkton Wyld Cross that will come into force within 6
months and had no objections to make to this.
The clerk reported on behalf
of Mr Diment that Dorset County Councils budget for marking bus stops
with poles and flags has run out and that hopefully in the new financial
year the ones at Morcombelake will be installed.
Cllr Snook reported
on the DAPTC and said that following a recent meeting she established
that more enforcement notices are being issued. She stated that if anything
is done to a listed tree or building it is deemed to be a criminal offence
and action can be taken immediately whereas if it is not listed it can
take considerably longer for any action to be taken. Cllr Snook also
reported on behalf of Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall and stated that
there had been two Artsreach events in November and December 2008, the
village hall rates have increased from January 2009 and funding for the
stage lighting and the kitchen area will need to begin.
Cllr Watt reported
that the James Hargreaves Community Hall finances are good and that the
next project is the storage hut. Cllr Johnson reported on behalf of Cllr
Tubb on Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall and stated that the continuing
intention is to reduce mortgages and improve the caretakers cottage as
funds become available. The floor problem in the hall still needs to
be solved and expert advice will be sought. Forthcoming events include The Farmhouse Breakfast on 25th January 2009, an Easter Bingo evening and a June Dinner in cooperation with the church to celebrate St Wite. Two dance dates are also planned for May and November. Thanks were expressed for the very successful Christmas games evening which will be repeated on 21st December 2009. Cllr Creed Castle reported on the Char Valley Ancient Monuments exhibition to be held in August. A small admission charge of approximately £1.50 - £2.00 is planned with the proceeds being split between the three halls and churches within the parish. All members of the Parish Council were in agreement with this.
Cllr Snook reported that as yet no action had been taken with the missing
and damaged finger posts and the clerk stated that an email had been
received to say that this matter is in hand and will be dealt with.
Cllr
Bailey reported that she had arranged to have 62 sandbags delivered and
stored at an agreed address for 4 Whitchurch Canonicorum residents that
expressed an interest in the flooding scheme. She also reported one flood
on 4th December 2008. Cllr Bailey reported that the road from Cardsmill
Farm to Stockham Bridge is still in a bad state of repair with potholes,
mud and flooding and the road between Shaves Cross and The Five Bells,
Whitchurch Canonicorum has spring water coming out of the hedge presenting
a need for sand and grit to be delivered to this location. The clerk
will report both matters to County Council.
Cllr Parr reported that the
litter bin alongside the bus shelter outside the Ship Inn, Morcombelake
is not being emptied and therefore overflowing. The clerk will report
this to County Council. The clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Mansbridge
that there is a pothole below Champernhayes Lodge and that on Monkton
Wyld Lane between Higher Wyld Farm and Stubbs there is a very bad section
of road that needs re-surfacing. The clerk will report both matters to
County Council.
The clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Everidge that there
are drainage problems down Stonebarrow Lane, especially at Stonebarrow
Manor. The excess water is causing potholes and in current temperatures
ice patches. The issue of drainage has already been reported by the clerk.
It seems that County Council were to contact the National Trust regarding
funding repairs to the highway between Ship Knapp and Pickaxe Cross and
an update on this action is requested. The clerk will chase this up.
Cllr Everidge recently attended a meeting for the Bermuda Twinning Association and it seems there will be three processions starting at Manor Farm, Berne Lane, Whitchurch Canonicorum on Saturday 23rd May at 2pm followed by Lyme Regis on Sunday and Plymouth on Monday. The Whitchurch Canonicorum procession will travel from the farm to the church for a service and back again for activities. Interested groups are asked to become involved, including local schools. Methods of advertising the event were discussed and it was suggested that other than caravan sites and tourist information centres, the free papers, church magazine and local radio may be able to help. The issue of the Parish Council contributing to the cost was discussed and it was agreed that until the actual figure needed for the event is established it is difficult to set a donation amount. It was noted that a list of groups within the parish can be found in the parish magazine and that all residents of Whitchurch Canonicorum are to be encouraged to participate. Help was sought in finding various suppliers and a number of suggestions were made.
Cllr Robinson reported that the recent credit crunch is having an impact
on affordable housing as this is funded by the sale of open market houses
which are currently not selling. He also reported that with regard to
the First Responders scheme, Marshwood is now being serviced out of Thorncombe
and that Thorncombe are going to buy and run a village shop for the community.
There is a lot of information now available on how to do this and any
funding that may be available.
Cllr Brierley reported that following
the last PACT meeting he has arranged a meeting with the Environment
Agency for 20th January 2009 to discuss flooding issues. He is hoping
to get a representative to come and inspect the Char Valley area. Cllr
Brierley reported that a reply to the Parish Councils recent letter regarding
road problems will be forthcoming. He also stated that with regard to
heavy vehicles using small lanes it is very hard to enforce weight restrictions as residents have a right of access to their own properties and farms, meaning heavy farm vehicles will continue to use the lanes.
Cllr Brierley reported that a co-responders scheme has been set up with
the Beaminster Fire Service and that a similar scheme may be possible
for Charmouth which would mean that the Char Valley area would be covered
in the same way. Action: Clerk
2020 Update on Bus Shelters for Morcombelake:
The clerk reported that
the Highways Agency have now had an independent site survey carried out
at Ship Knapp to assess the suitability of having a bus shelter installed
and they are awaiting the report. The clerk read out a letter from a
concerned resident over the location of the proposed shelters and it
was agreed that the clerk reply to this letter. The issue of the shelters
will be put on the February agenda by which time the site survey report
should have been received. Action: Clerk
2021 Discuss Plans to Install
Sewerage System in the Char Valley Area:
The sewerage system was discussed
and Cllr Johnson explained that following the last issue of Char Chat
only 6 households had responded to the article and were in favour of
proceeding with the plans. Mr Newman commented that as not everyone had
received a copy of the Char Chat, before a final decision can be made
all households should be made aware of the plans and that the most appropriate
way of doing this is by carrying out a leaflet drop of all households
in the area. It was agreed that the clerk produce a flyer giving a brief
outline of the plans which will be distributed throughout the villages.
Mr Newman volunteered to distribute these throughout Whitchurch Canonicorum,
Ryall and Morcombelake. Action: Clerk
2022 Resolution to Discuss and
Approve Freedom of Information Act Model Template:
The clerk reported
that a new model template had been produced by the Information Commissioner's Office outlining what information held by Parish Council's should be made available to the public. This new template is to replace any existing guidelines and is to be adopted by every public authority. A brief outline of the scheme was read out to the Parish Council and it was agreed that the model template for Char Valley Parish Council be adopted, proposed by Cllr Watt, seconded by Cllr Snook, all agreed. The clerk also explained that this same procedure will need to be carried out at the parish meetings.
2023 Resolution to Set Dates for Annual Parish Meetings:
The Whitchurch
Canonicorum parish meeting was arranged for Tuesday 19th May 2009 at
the village hall. The clerk is to book the hall for this date. Cllr Snook
will liaise with the Wootton Fitzpaine committee and inform the clerk
of the date for the meeting and Cllr Watt with liaise with Cllr Everidge
regarding the Stanton St Gabriel parish meeting. Action: Clerk, Cllr
Snook and Cllr Watt
2024 Resolution to Discuss Affordable Housing for
Whitchurch Canonicorum:
Cllr Johnson reported that a meeting had taken
place with the Church Lands Trust and Humberts and it was established
that Cascade, a Kent based rural housing company that specialise in planning
and building houses to then sell on to housing associations, is the preferred
bidder for the site. A second meeting had taken place with Cascade who
has stated that they want to build 11 houses on the site comprising of
1 and 2 bedroom homes. It appears that a village plan housing needs survey
needs to be carried out, which Cascade will fund and organise, with the
Parish Council's input, through a company called MRUK. Alternatively, the Parish Council can organise this survey themselves. Cllr Ray stated that the Parish Council need to establish if the revised survey is necessary before this action is taken. Cllr Johnson further reported that although Cascade wish to build 11 houses, Hastoe Housing Association have said that they are only willing to support 6 houses as 11 on the site would be too many. Also, the proposed number of bedrooms means the houses will be too small. It seems that all local housing associations are of the same opinion. Cllr Ray asked if Cascade will still buy the land if they are only able to build 6 houses and not the proposed 11. Cllr Johnson agreed to make enquiries with the planning team and also to establish if a revised survey is actually necessary. It was decided that the Affordable Housing sub-committee would meet again to discuss the matter further, proposed by Cllr Ray, seconded by Cllr Bailey, all agreed. Action: Cllr Johnson
2025 Discuss Flooding Scheme for the Area:
Cllr Bailey covered this
issue under representatives reports earlier in the meeting.
2026 Discuss
New Street Name Plate for Lower Lane, Ryall:
Cllr Parr explained that
the suggested location of the new street name plate would not actually
be beneficial as it would not be seen. Cllr Parr suggested the sign be
positioned by the junction of Ryall Road and Butt Lane and it was agreed
that the clerk inform Dorset County Council of this. Action: Clerk
2027 Resolution to Elect New Bridport Local Area Partnership Representative:
Cllr Johnson reported that she wishes to stand down as Bridport Local
Area Partnership representative and asked if anyone would be willing
to take over this role. Cllr Parr and Cllr Snook agreed to become the
new representatives, sharing the responsibilities. This was proposed
by Cllr Sandford, seconded by Cllr Bailey, all agreed. The clerk will
inform Tessa Greenaway from BLAP of this change. Action: Clerk
2028 Resolution to Discuss Clerks Appraisal and
Agree Salary Spine Increase:
Cllr Johnson reported that herself, Cllr Watt and Cllr Bailey had carried out the clerk's appraisal and found there to be no problems. The clerk explained that she was currently receiving the lowest salary rate and that to move up the scale points the parish council had to agree to this. It was decided that a spinal point increase was acceptable, proposed by Cllr Watt, seconded by Cllr Ray, all agreed.
2029 Finance: Clerks Report/General Matters:
The Clerk reported that
a revised insurance document had arrived detailing the new fidelity guarantee
limit as £20,000 and that there are no extra charges to be paid for the remainder of this insurance period. Clerk asked if any Cllrs with computer access would be able to read circulars via the internet to speed up circulation. It was agreed that for consultation documents with deadlines only this was a good idea and the Cllrs who currently receive correspondence via email, along with Cllr Ray and Cllr Bailey would do this.
Resolution for Payment Approvals:
Clerks Salary for January 2009, £336.28 - Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall (Hall Hire), £20.00 - Mr Les Kitcher (Wootton Fitzpaine Playing Field Grass Cutting 2008), £468.00 - Creeds (Char Chat Printing November 2008), £73.00 - Whitchurch Canonicorum PCC, £252.00 - Wootton Fitzpaine PCC, £252.00 - Fishpond PCC, £47.00 - Stanton PCC, £47.00 - James Hargreaves URC Burial Ground, £47.00 - Monkton Wyld PCC, £219.00 - Petty Cash, £40.00 -Proposed by Cllr Snook, seconded by Cllr Parr , all agreed.
2030 Correspondence:
Dorset Blind Association, Thanks for Donation - Digital UK, TV Switchover Pack - West Dorset District Council, Tree Preservation Order - Letter from Ryall resident regarding potential bus shelters - Bermuda Twinning Association, Autumn Newsletter 2008 - Ms Burleigh, Copy of objections regarding Higher Pound Farm Planning Applications - James Hargreaves Community Hall, December 2008 and January 2009 Newsletters - West Dorset District Council, Acknowledgement of Planning Breach letter regarding Higher Pound Farm - Campaign to Protect Rural England, December 2008 Newsletter - West Dorset District Council, Cancellation of Appeal Hearing regarding The Hive, Ryall - DEFRA, Access Newsletter December 2008 - Dorset Community Action, Winter 2008 Newsletter - BLAP, Race Relations seminar - BLAP, Planting and Wassailing Day Details - DAPTC, Dorset Strategic Partnership Bulletin - Connect, A35 Update - Dorset County Council, Application and Confirmation of Temporary Road Closure in Wootton Fitzpaine - West Dorset District Council, Licence Application for Monkton Wyld Court - DAPTC, Chief Executive's Circular 16/08 - Local Works, Sustainable Communities Act Seminar - Dorset County Council, Structural Manitenance Draft Programme - Local Works, Empowerment Seminar details - West Dorset District Council, Dorset Active Leisure Programme 2009 - Homewatch, Scam report - Homewatch, Theft report. Cllr Parr stated that having looked at the new planning application for Sun Ridge, Morcombelake, it appears that the plans are unchanged. The clerk will compare the new plans to the previous ones and if no changes are apparent then the original comments will be sent back to West Dorset District Council.
2031 Items for Next Agenda:
Bus Shelter update, sewerage system update,
Affordable Housing update and confirmation of parish meeting dates.
2032 Any other business: None.
2033 Date of Next Meeting: Monday 9th February 2009 at 7.30pm in the
Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall.
2034 Close of Meeting: 10pm |