Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb, S Creed-Castle, P Watt, C Bailey, J Sandford, J Marsden, C Sage, D Snook, M Robinson, D Newman and 1 member of the public.
2212 Apologies:
C Parr, C Everidge and G Brierley.
2213 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period:
Mr Newman reported that there is a blocked and damaged drain at Blackmore Farm, Bluntshay Lane, Whitchurch Canonicorum. This was first reported in November 2009 and after an initial assessment it was noted that heavy equipment would be needed to fix the drain. As yet no action has been taken and as the drain is in a dangerous state it was agreed that the Clerk would re-report the problem. Action: Clerk
2214 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting was re-opened. Cllr Sage declared an interest in the Wyld Meadow Farm planning application.
2215 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes Held on the 16th November 2009:
Cllr Johnson stated that Cllr Sandford had sent a letter requesting that item number 2196 of the November 2009 minutes be completely altered. Cllr Johnson went on to read Cllr Sandfords suggested amendments. Due to some inaccuracies with the suggested amendments the Clerk had prepared an alternative amendment which she read to the Parish Council. Cllr Robinson stated that if there were still issues to be discussed then Roger Greene, the Monitoring Officer at the District Council, would be happy to have a meeting with Cllr Sandford, Cllr Johnson and the Clerk to try to resolve the problems. Cllr Sandford agreed to the meeting and asked that Cllr Robinson also attend. Cllr Sandford questioned why the letters she had recently sent to Cllr Johnson had not been recorded on the post log, but as these were all linked to the complaint issue it had been decided that this should be kept confidential, to which Cllr Robinson agreed was the correct action to take and Cllr Sandford accepted. After questioning why the names of the Cllrs had been initially recorded Cllr Johnson explained that the complainant was prepared to attend a Parish Council meeting to discuss the issue if the Cllrs involved were not named. Cllr Johnson apologised again for naming the Cllrs involved but reiterated this was done following advice. Cllr Sandford went on to say that she did not agree with the minutes stating that 'letters' had been received when she was only aware of one. Cllr Johnson stated that in fact two letters had been received, one of which was initially sent to DAPTC. *Due to personal circumstances Cllr Sandford left the meeting at this point* Cllr Tubb proposed that item number 2196 of the November 2009 minutes be revised with the Clerks amendments, this was seconded by Cllr Sage and all agreed. With no further amendments to the minutes the full minutes for November 2009 were agreed as being correct, proposed by Cllr Watt, seconded by Cllr Marsden, all agreed.
2216 Actions Following Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported the precept request form for 2010/2011 had been sent to the District Council, Beaminster and Bridport Town Councils had been contacted requesting information on play equipment companies, all road problems were reported to the County Council and the Citizens Advice Bureau was notified that a £50.00 donation would be paid in May 2010.
2217 Planning Applicants Presentation: None.
2218 Planning:
Applications to Consider:
Shave Cross Inn, Shave Cross- Cllr Bailey looked at this application for an extension to the accommodation block to form a resident’s lounge and could see no problems. However, she asked that another Cllr look at the plans to give a second opinion and Cllr Tubb agreed to take this forward. Cllr Tubb will report back to the Clerk with his decision.
A late application for Chico Cottage, Morcombelake has been sent to Cllr Parr to look at.
A late application for Seadown House, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth has been passed to Cllr Everidge to look at.
A late application for Greenlands Farm, Ship Knapp, Morcombelake has been passed to Cllr Parr to look at.
A late application for 3 Meerhayfield Cottages, Wootton Fitzpaine has been passed to Cllr Snook to look at.
Applications to Note:
Pax Cottage, Ryall – Cllr Sage and Cllr Mansbridge looked at this application to retain a retaining wall and extend the driveway and patio and had no objections to make, therefore recommending approval.
Land Adjacent to Verriotts Lane, Morcombelake - Cllr Parr and Cllr Watt looked at this application to change the use of land to a burial plot and retain the wall enclosure. It was noted that the area involved, 65.5 sq meters seemed large for a single plot and that it was not known about the legalities involved.
Higher Abbots Wootton Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine - Cllr Snook looked at this application to make alterations to the roof and had no objections to make. Wyld Meadow Farm, Monkton Wyld - Cllr Snook looked at this application for a general purpose agricultural shed and had no objections to make.
Oaklands, Fishpond – Cllr Snook looked at this application to demolish and replace an agricultural barn and workshop. It was felt that the plans for the new barn and workshop were too elaborate and too large and it was asked if cavity walls were necessary for an agricultural building. It was also noted that a large house is being renovated in front of the existing barn and a larger building than the existing one would have a detrimental visual impact. Overall refusal was recommended.
Windrush, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth – Cllr Everidge and Cllr Watt looked at this application to extend a sun room and garage and had no objections to make. The neighbour’s are happy with the proposals as the plans state that it will not intrude on others.
Tree Work Application to Note: Marshwood House, Whitchurch Canonicorum - Cllr Parr looked at this application and had no objections to make.
Tree Work Approval to Note: Church of St Candida and Holy Cross, Whitchurch Canonicorum – Marshwood House, Whitchurch Canonicorum
Approval to Note: Old Post Office, Whitchurch Canonicorum – West View, Morcombelake – Smiths Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine – Land Adjacent to Verriotts Lane, Morcombelake Refusals to Note: Highcliffe Cottage, Fishpond
2219 Reports:
Mr Newman reported that the land owners have now approved the plans for the Char Valley Way. Renovations to the footpath between Becklands Farm Bridge and the A35 are to go ahead. Cllr Snook reported that Cllr Parr attended the last BLAP meeting in December and that the Arts Centre in Bridport is holding a barn dance on behalf of UNICEF to celebrate the Rights of a Child. Cllr Snook reported that the next Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall meeting is to be held on 14th January 2010.
Cllr Tubb reported that the new extractor fan has been installed in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall and repairs to the cottage have been ongoing and have now cost in the region of £10,000. Cllr Tubb also reported that the hall committee had recently held their AGM, the January concert had unfortunately been cancelled, the Christmas fayre and dinner dance was a success and upcoming events include the Farmhouse Breakfast on 31st January and the Exhibition over the weekend of 19th-21st February.
Cllr Creed Castle expressed her concerns over the condition of the rural roads during the recent icy and snowy weather, stating it has been impossible at times to leave the village as the roads have not been gritted. Cllr Sage went on to elaborate that in Monkton Wyld there had been two car accidents caused due to the ice on the roads. He stated that salt bins in the area had not been filled, even after requests to the County Council from the Clerk, and the roads had not been gritted. It was agreed that the Clerk write a letter to the Highways department, with copies going to Cllr Brierley and Graham Laurie, to inform them of the dangerous conditions and the lack of essential salt and grit being provided.
Cllr Bailey reported a damaged drain between Stockham Bridge and Cardsmill Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum, stating that the drain is extremely dangerous. Cllr Tubb stated that this issue had already been reported in December but as no repairs have been done it was agreed the Clerk would chase this matter up with the highways team at the County Council. Cllr Snook reported that two quotes had been received for the Wootton Fitzpaine playing field hedging and ditching work, one for £450 and the other for £930. Cllr Snook proposed that the Parish Council ask M & S White to carry out the work at a cost of £450. This was seconded by Cllr Sage and all agreed. Cllr Snook will contact M & S White to arrange for the work to be done with a deadline of the end of March.
Cllr Snook also reported that a request had been made for some salt at Westover Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine but following enquiries to the County Council we were notified that salt can only be left in salt bins. Cllr Snook however reported that some piles of salt had been left at various points in the village. It was also noted that farmers are able to go directly to the Bridport depot to collect a small amount of salt.
Finally Cllr Snook reported that the missing signpost for Wootton Fitzpaine on the Bypass is at Dorset Works being designed and can be expected to be replaced by the summer. Cllr Mansbridge reported that a temporary road surface sign was placed on Stubbs Lane beyond Stubbs Bridge in January 2009 and is still there. Cllr Tubb reported that a recent meeting had taken place with Steve Howard, the Transport Manager at the County Council, to assess the possibility of placing a flood warning device in the River Char at Stockham Bridge, Gassons Lane, Whitchurch Canonicorum. He explained that two wireless signals would be placed at Courthouse farm and Longleaze and when the river rises to a dangerous level the signals will be activated to warn oncoming traffic of the flood. Cllr Johnson added that it is a trial scheme completely funded by the Environment Agency. She also noted that Helen Davis at Valeview is not opposed to the scheme but has concerns that drivers will use her driveway for turning if the signals are indicating a flood ahead.
Cllr Marsden reported that the hedges on Ryall Road outside The Hive are gradually disappearing due to the heavy lorries using the area to assist in the building works at the site. It was agreed the Clerk would report the hedges to the County Council. Cllr Johnson reported on behalf of Cllr Parr that she had similar concerns over the road condition at this location. Drains are becoming blocked, the water is not draining away and then freezing, causing dangerous heavy ice patches. The Clerk stated that she had already asked for this area to be gritted but would report the blocked drains to County Council. Cllr Parr had also noted that potholes on Ryall Road at Tanglewood House and Trumps Inn Cottage had been previously reported and filled but to such a poor standard that the holes are now worse than before. The Clerk will report this to County Council.
Cllr Robinson reported that a recent Survey had shown that residents within the Marshwood Vale were not happy with the District Council services, in particular rubbish collections and the problems with fly tipping. Cllr Robinson stated that with regards to the problems with salt bins not being filled, if the Highways Department know where the bins are then it is their responsibility to keep them filled. If more bins are required the Parish Council can request a bin from the County Council, stating the desired location, and they will then provide it, at a cost to the Parish Council, and should then keep it filled with salt. He went on to say that if the Parish Council decided to go ahead with the Lengthsman Scheme the salt bins could be one of his responsibilities. Cllr Robinson stated that at present there is nothing in the District Councils budget to fund the Lengthsman Scheme and that the County and District Councils need to discuss the plans in a lot more detail before any schemes could successfully go ahead. Cllr Robinson stated that all parish plans will need to have an emergency procedure plan added as there is currently nothing in place. Finally Cllr Robinson stated that BT will be providing very fast broadband connections for the Olympic area but when the Olympics are finished they intend to remove these connections unless a real need for the service is shown. He urged that if the Parish Council feels strongly about the need for such broadband services they should contact Helen Heanes, the Senior Economic Development Officer at the County Council, who is coordinating the project to have fast broadband installed and not removed. It was agreed that the Clerk write to Ms Heanes to state the need and demand for fast broadband as it is essential for the rural community. Cllr Johnson asked if the Char Valley parish plan needed updating and Cllr Robinson stated that it was actually reasonably up to date and that we should wait until it is decided exactly what updates are required. Action: Cllr Snook & Clerk
2220 Update on Whitchurch Canonicorum Play Equipment Repairs:
The Clerk reported that she had contacted Dorchester Fabrications regarding the play equipment repairs and they have inspected the site to assess if they are able to carry out the recommended repairs and a quote has been written and posted. As yet the quote has not been received.
2221 Discuss Bus Shelter for Morcombelake:
The Clerk read a report from Mr Diment stating that the engineering work at the Ship Knapp bus stop is now complete and plans for a bus shelter can now go ahead. The Clerk has also contacted Alexis Wood from the Highways Agency who has confirmed that the Parish Council can now decide on the type of shelter required, but has suggested that a cantilever style would probably be most suitable. Ms Wood has also provided a design drawing of the bus stop that indicates the ideal location for a shelter. Any works will need to be approved by the Highways Agency before going ahead and the Parish Council will need to consult with the District Council planning department, the AONB and Connect. It was agreed that the Clerk contact Connect initially along with Chideok Parish Council who have recently gone through the process of installing a shelter. Action: Clerk
2222 Update on Lengthsman Scheme:
Cllr Bailey and Cllr Johnson recently attended a meeting to discuss the proposed Lengthsman Scheme and was able to discuss the scheme with representatives from East and West Coker who currently have a Lengthsman working in their area. Cllr Bailey stated that the Lengthsman would be able to take on a lot of jobs that the Parish Council currently has to pay out for. We would only pay for the days we use him and we would stipulate what work is carried out. The Lengthsman would be employed on a Self Employed basis and hold his own insurance, van and tools. At present it seems that the scheme is only likely to be accepted by the Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council and the Char Valley Parish Council, both sharing one Lengthsman. The scheme would require a central volunteer to work on behalf of both parishes and will involve a substantial amount of volunteer work to organise. The Clerk from the Upper Marshwood Vale parish seems keen to take on the financial issues and the Chairman potentially could manage the organisation aspects. Cllr Johnson suggested that the Parish Council form a sub-committee to take this project forward and it was agreed that Cllrs Marsden, Creed-Castle, Mansbridge, Johnson, Bailey and Sage would all join the ‘Lengthsman Sub-Committee’.
2223 Discuss ‘Life, Work & History in the Char Valley’ Exhibition:
Cllr Creed Castle reported that the WI have agreed to organise the refreshments for the exhibition and as there is no space in the old kitchen area of the village hall the refreshments would need to stay in the kitchen area. Advertising is in progress with Cllr Creed Castle and the Clerk currently contacting various magazines and newspapers. It was agreed that as a large amount of advertising had already been achieved for free it would not be necessary to pay for any adverts. Cllr Creed Castle asked for volunteers to help set up, pack away and be present during the opening times and a large number of Cllrs volunteered for various slots.
2224 Update on Affordable Housing for Whitchurch Canonicorum:
Cllr Johnson stated that she had heard nothing further from Rob Asprey and therefore had no updates to report.
2225 Discuss New Street Name Plate for St Gabriel’s Close, Morcombelake:
The Clerk reported that she had been contacted by the County Council asking for approval for a new street name plate to be placed on St Gabriel’s Close in Morcombelake. All Cllrs looked at the proposed location for the sign and Cllr Watt stated that she could see no problems with the position. All Cllrs were happy for this to proceed.
2226 Discuss Updates for Parish Council Website:
Cllr Johnson reported that many contacts listed on the Parish Council website are out of date. The list of contacts was looked at and amendments made where possible. The Clerk will finalise this and then arrange for the website to be updated.
2227 Finance: Clerks Report/General Matters:
The Clerk reported that a donation request for the year 2010/2011 had been made by Victim Support. It was agreed that the Parish Council would donate £25.00, the same sum as was donated in the year 2009/2010. The clerk will notify the organisation that this will be paid in May 2010. The Clerk reported that letters had been sent to Dorset County Hospital, NHS Dorset and Oliver Letwin regarding the proposed closure of the Breast Cancer Care and Treatment Dept at Dorset County Hospital. Finally the Clerk reported that emails had been received from a resident enquiring about salt bins, speed signs and sheet name signs in Stanton St Gabriel. It was agreed that the clerk refer each enquiry to the appropriate department at the County Council.
Resolution for Payment Approvals: Clerks Salary & Expenses for January 2010, £348.26 – Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall (Hall Hire), £17.00 - Whitchurch Canonicorum PCC, £260.00 – Wootton Fitzpaine PCC, £260.00 – Fishpond PCC, £50.00 – Stanton PCC, £50.00 – James Hargreaves (URC Burial Ground), £50.00 – Monkton Wyld PCC, £225.00 – Petty Cash, £40.00. A late payment to Mrs Fortescue for Char Chat expenses at £79.97 was received and agreed. All payments proposed by Cllr Snook, seconded by Cllr Watt, all agreed.
2228 Correspondence:
DEFRA, Access Newsletter Issue 42 – West Dorset District Council, Planning Cintrol Breach, The Bungalow, Champernhayes farm – West Dorset District Council, Development Control Meeting, Highcliffe Cottage, Fishpond – West Dorset District Council, BT Payphones – West Dorset District Council, Community Projects Fund 2010 – West Dorset District Council, Planning Notification for Dodpen Stables, Fishpond – Dorset County Council, Change of Address for Western Highways Team – Dorset Community Action, Winter 2009 Newsletter & Community Transport Directory – West Dorset District Council, Skate Park Equipment – Dorset AONB Partnership, Guide to Allotments – West Dorset District Council, Full Register of Electors – West Dorset District Council, Development Control Meeting, Brigs Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine – Environment Agency, Flood Warden Newsletter – DAPTC, Chief Executive’s Circular 17/09 – Oliver Letwin, Letter re Breast Cancer Unit at County Hospital – NHS Dorset, Letter re Oncology Dept at County Hospital – Dorset County Hospital, Letter re Breast Cancer Services at County Hospital – Dorset County Council, Lengthsman Scheme – BLAP, Ringmaster, Dorset Police – Office for National Statistics, Quarterly Enquiry – West Dorset District Council, Planning Appeal, Highcliffe Cottage, Fishpond – West Dorset District Council, Planning Appeal, Cow Byre, Tempest House, Hawkchurch – West Dorset District Council, Whitchurch Canonicorum Conservation Area – BLAP, Rights Respecting Display – West Dorset District Council, Planning Notification, Charmouth Tunnel – West Dorset District Council, Precept 2010/2011 – CPRE, Branch Committee Meeting – Victim Support, Newsletter.
2229 Items for Next Agenda:
Exhibition, Lengthsman Scheme, Affordable Housing and Morcombelake Bus Shelter.
2230 Date of Next Meeting:
Monday 8th February 2010 at 7.30pm in the James Hargreaves Community Hall, Morcombelake.
2231 Any other business: None.
2232 Close of Meeting: 10.10 pm. |