Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb, S Creed-Castle, P Watt, C Parr, D Snook, J Marsden, M Robinson, G Brierley and 1 member of the public.
2254 Apologies:
C Sage, J Sandford, C Bailey, C Everidge and D Newson.
2255 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period:
The meeting was suspended for public discussion but nothing was discussed.
2256 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting was re-opened. Cllr Creed Castle declared an interest in the Crabbs Bluntshay Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum planning application.
2257 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes Held on the 8th February 2010:
Cllr Johnson reported that Mr Bridle had requested that item 2240 of the minutes be amended to read that there is a ‘Monument in Stonebarrow Lane’ and not a ‘war memorial’. The minutes were amended and with no other alterations were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Watt, Seconded by Cllr Snook, all agreed.
2258 Actions Following Last Meeting:
The Clerk contacted Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council and Cllr Brierley regarding the Lengthsman Scheme, contacted Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council regarding ordering salt bins, chased up newspaper adverts for exhibition, arranged web hosting with Tim Heap, emailed Graham Laurie regarding eroding bank at The Hive, reported blocked drains on Loves Lane and Gibbs Lane to the County Council, contacted Garrick Outdoor Shelters to arrange a site survey for bus shelter, contacted Don Newman regarding footpaths in Morcombelake, reported collapsed railings and rusting sign posts at Green Pit Knapp bridge to the County Council, contacted PlayQuest regarding play equipment maintenance visit, contacted planning department at the District Council regarding Greenlands Farm, sent letter to the County Council regarding lack of railings at Stockham Bridge, produced and distributed affordable housing posters and sent in Royal Garden Party nomination. The Clerk also contacted Cllr Brierley regarding road problems between Pickaxe Cross and Ship Knapp who confirmed that a meeting was to be held on 10th March to discuss the matter further.
2259 Planning Applicants Presentation:
Cllr Creed Castle spoke about her planning application at Crabbs Bluntshay Farm, stating that new toilet and shower facilities were needed on the camp site as the current facilities are inadequate to accommodate the larger numbers of people visiting. The camp site is due to extend its season making the new facilities essential. *At this point Cllr Creed Castle left the room to allow the Parish Council to discuss the application further.*
2260 Planning: Applications to Consider:
Crabbs Bluntshay Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum – Cllrs Tubb and Johnson looked at this application for a portable cabin for use as showers and toilet. Cllr Tubb reported that it is a small camp site, well screened from the road. The cabin will be situated in the place of a previous, now removed unit, and it is understood that trellis and planting will be used to landscape the cabin area. New waste water and drainage will be installed and overall there seems no reason to refuse the application. It was proposed by Cllr Tubb that these comments be sent to the District Council, this was seconded by Cllr Parr and all Cllrs were in agreement. *Cllr Creed Castle rejoined the meeting*
A Late application for Penn View, Shave Cross was sent to Cllr Bailey to look at. Cllr Tubb also looked at the application to erect a single storey extension and carry out internal alterations. Cllr Tubb stated that there were no objections or comments to make on this adjoining application but that this latest application was noted. All Cllrs looked at this application and after further discussions it was agreed that the plans were considered as overdevelopment. It was proposed by Cllr Snook to notify the planning department of this decision, seconded by Cllr Tubb and all agreed.
Two late applications for Rose Cottage, Morcombelake and Artwave West, Morcombelake were passed to Cllr Parr at the meeting to look at.
Applications to Note:
Hinkhams Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum – Cllr Bailey and Cllr Tubb looked at this application for change of use of land and buildings from agricultural to a mixed agricultural and agricultural contracting use and had no objections to make. Cllr Marsden commented that there was nothing in the plans to restrict the use to the landowner and they may decide to sub let or use the land for other purposes. Cllr Tubb stated that based on the plans submitted there were no grounds for objection.
Approval to Note:
Higher Abbots Wootton Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine – Windrush, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth – Chico Cottage, Morcombelake – 3 Meerhayfield Cottages, Wootton Fitzpaine – Greenlands Farm, Morcombelake – Seadown House, Stonebarrow lane, Charmouth.
Withdrawals to Note:
Shave Cross Inn, Shave Cross – Oaklands, Fishpond
(1/D/09/001895) –
Oaklands, Fishpond (1/D/10/000046).
Appeal Approval to Note: Highcliff Cottage, Fishpond.
2261 Reports:
Cllr Watt reported on the monument in Stonebarrow Lane and stated that the National Trust is looking into the matter. Cllr Robinson also stated that Mr Bridle and Cllr Summers are now corresponding on the matter. Cllr Snook reported that she had attended the Bridport Local Area Partnership meeting on 25th February 2010 and stated that BLAP will be sending a letter to the County Council regarding the poor condition of the roads in the area. She also reported that there are still funds available from the Westbay Car Boot Fund and that a public consultation will be held on 3rd June 2010 on the Whitchurch Canonicorum Conservation Area. Finally Cllr Snook reported that Symondsbury Parish Council is joining Bridport Town Council’s Lengthsman Scheme. It seems that the County Council have provided £10,000, Bridport Town Council has provided £14,000 and Symondsbury Parish Council has provided £1,500 for the scheme.
Cllr Snook reported that she had attended a meeting with the DAPTC at which the Chairman of the County Council spoke about the road conditions and the lack of funding for repairs. Cllr Snook reported on the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, stating that the AGM will be held on 25th March 2010 and that the recent Rotary quiz night and the Artsreach project were both a success. Cllr Watt reported on the James Hargreaves Community Hall, stating that fundraising was going ahead and that the finances were good. Cllr Tubb reported on the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall, stating that the recent Farmhouse Breakfast and Exhibition had both been a success. Future events include ‘Let us Entertain You’ on 20th March and Easter Bingo on 27th March.
The Clerk reported on behalf of PC Forshaw, stating that following the recent oil thefts a new campaign had been launched entitled ‘Stop that Oil’. In an attempt to deter thieves, a number of OFTEC registered Oil installers have come on board to install alarms for fuel tanks at an agreed fee. The Clerk also reported that the ‘Stop that Thief’ campaign had proved very successful and is now being adopted by other police forces. Cllr Snook reported that repairs had started to the bridge at Green Pit Knapp, Wootton Fitzpaine but as yet no work has begun on the rusting sign post. She also reported a damaged bridge on the road between Whitchurch Canonicorum and Wootton Fitzpaine, near Long Lane. Part of the brick work has fallen away and is lying in the hedge, leaving the bridge unsafe. The Clerk will report this to the County Council. Cllr Snook also reported the on-going problems with potholes but did state that the two worst holes had recently been mended.
Cllr Watt reported on behalf of Cllr Everidge that an email had been received from a resident in St Gabriels Close, Stanton St Gabriel stating that the new street name plate had been installed. However, when searching for the lane on either Google or on satellite navigation systems the lane is listed as Agatha Close. It was decided that there was no action that the Parish Council could take to rectify this.
Cllr Watt also stated that better communication on road works is needed as many closures and diversions are not notified in time, if at all. The recent disruptions in Morcombelake due to work carried out on behalf of the Highways Agency were not notified to residents or the Clerk at all. Cllr Brierley stated that the County Council will always send notification to the Clerk of road works that they are planning which can then be displayed on notice boards. It was agreed that the Clerk would email Alexis Wood at the Highways Agency to ensure that any road works they are planning are notified with plenty of prior notice.
The Clerk requested confirmation of the dates for the Parish Meetings and it was confirmed that the Whitchurch Canonicorum Parish Meeting will be held on 29th April 2010 and that the Wootton Fitzpaine Parish Meeing will be held on 22nd April 2010. The date for the Stanton St Gabriel Parish Meeting has been revised and is yet to be confirmed.
Cllr Mansbridge reported a blocked drain below Champernhayes Lodge, a pothole by Champernhayes Holiday Complex and potholes at Stubbs Bridge and above Stubbs Farm. The Clerk will report these issues to the County Council. Cllr Tubb reported that the abandoned appliances on Poor House Lane, near Lodge house Farm had all been removed except for one. The Clerk will report this to the County Council. Cllr Parr reported blocked drains on Goodens Hill which the Clerk will report to the County Council.
Cllr Robinson commented on the recent Affordable Housing Consultation event and stated that Mr Asprey did not make himself very visible; therefore people had to gather all of their information from the housing representatives. Although there was a lot of positive feedback, concerns were raised as to whether it can be a sustainable development and whether the village can cope with the increased traffic. Cllr Robinson also reported that the District Council need to move offices as the current premises are highly inadequate. Details of the proposals can be found at www.youtube.com/watch?valomgLIDM
Cllr Brierley congratulated the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall on managing their financial affairs. He also explained the difficulties the County Council has faced in managing the poor road conditions, mainly due to having one of the coldest winters in recent years. Resources and budgets have been stretched and in order to repair all of the damage caused by the cold weather conditions a total of £2m would be needed but the County Council only has £1m in their budget. He stated that repairs are being made where possible and that the most dangerous potholes are being repaired within 36 hours of the report being made.
Cllr Brierley also reported on the recent road safety campaign and stated that it had been highly successful with 2,600 people caught offending. With regards to the lengthsman Scheme, Cllr Brierley stated that the County Council will underwrite the project. Finally Cllr Brierley commented on the recent complaints that salt bins in Monkton Wyld were not being filled and stated that salt was being provided but residents were emptying them immediately to use for personal use. Cllr Mansbridge asked if the ‘New Road Layout Ahead’ signs were necessary and Cllr Brierley confirmed that they are required to give notice of any changes to the road. Action: Clerk
2262 Update on Bus Shelter for Morcombelake:
Cllr Tubb reported that a site survey was arranged with Garrick Outdoor Shelters but as they cancelled the appointment he decided to research other companies. Cllr Tubb is confident that a company called Queensbury Shelters provided the shelter outside Artwave West, so he contacted them for a quotation for a shelter of the same style and size. A quotation has been received and the cost of such a shelter, including installation, will be £4,192.28. This is something that can be discussed in more detail at the upcoming finance meeting. Cllr Tubb stated that he contacted Garrick Outdoor Shelters again who have agreed to provide a quotation for a similar shelter but this has yet to arrive.
2263 Report on ‘Life, Work & History in the Char Valley’ Exhibition:
Cllr Creed Castle reported that the exhibition saw 190 people attend over the three days, making an income of £371.00 which will cover the cost of the hall hire and the shortfall the Parish Council incurred following the previous exhibition. Feedback from attendees was positive with some people coming on more than one day. Cllr Creed Castle stated that although adverts were not placed in a couple of the newspapers, even though requested to do so, reporters from the Western Gazette and the Bridport News did attend the event and both gave the exhibition a good write up. Cllr Creed Castle has had a request from the organisers of the Whitchurch Canonicorum Fete and from the Family History Group to borrow some of the exhibition material. It was agreed that no charge would be made to people within the Char Valley area and that it was better that the material is used again and not wasted. Finally Cllr Creed Castle stated that she had not yet calculated her final expenses and when done she would submit an invoice to the Parish Council. A cheque for the proceeds was handed to the Clerk to be banked. Cllr Johnson thanked Cllr Creed Castle and all of the people who helped over the weekend for their hard work and in making the exhibition a success.
2264 Update on Affordable Housing for Whitchurch Canonicorum:
Cllr Johnson reported that the consultation event on 4th March was very well attended with lots of feedback being given on the plans. She has received an email from Peter Friend at Hastoe thanking her for the help in organising the event and stating that it was the best attended event so far, with 90% of the attendees in favour of the scheme. The main concerns raised were with the location of the site. He stated that he will try and get some more detailed plans ready to hold a further consultation event around April/May time. An email was also sent to Cllr Johnson from Rob Asprey commenting on the positive feedback and the support from the local community. Cllr Johnson stated that 20 people have put themselves forward for the scheme and are in need of affordable housing. Cllr Johnson is hoping to have the plans printed in the next edition of the Char Chat to ensure the wider community are able to see them.
2265 Finance: Clerks Report/General Matters:
The Clerk reported that a form for Lloyds TSB needs to be signed by two signatories to enable the Clerks new address to be updated with them.
Resolution for Payment Approvals:
Clerks Salary, Expenses & Back Pay for March 2010, £371.87 – Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall (Hall Hire), £20.00 – Petty Cash, £40.00. A late payment of £120.00 to Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall to cover the hall hire costs for the exhibition was noted. All payments proposed by Cllr Creed Castle, seconded by Cllr Parr, all agreed.
2266 Correspondence:
DAPTC, Community Hall Training – DAPTC, COMMA Funding – View From Nespapers, Parish News – Alexis Wood, Morcombelake Crossing - Wootton Toddler Group, Thank you for donation – DAPTC, County Council’S Budget Speech – Dorset Community Action, Village of the Year – Dorset AONB, Undergrounding of power lines – Ms McIndoe, Email re Unpaved Highway – Dorset County Council, Road & Street Works Schedule – West Dorset District Council, Spring Clean – Dorset Police Authority, Recruitment of custody visitors – Dorset County Council, Conditions of roads within Char Valley Parish – West Dorset District Council, Planning Notifications for Pax Cottage, Ryall, Land West of Fulvens Home Farm, Morcombelake, Higher Abbots Wootton Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine and Smiths Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine – Dorset County Council, Planning Application Validation Checklist Consultation.
2267 Items for Next Agenda:
Parish Meeting Dates, Bus Shelter, Affordable Housing and Finance Meeting.
2268 Date of Next Meeting:
Monday 12th April 2010 at 7.30pm in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall.
2269 Any other business:
Cllr Creed Castle spoke about the Monument on Westhay, Stanton St Gabriel and read out the inscription. She gave a copy of the inscription to the Clerk and asked that it be forwarded on to Gillian Summers and Cllr Everidge. Cllr Creed Castle also stated that she was still in possession of the George Somers plaque and it was agreed that this would simply handed over to the church to display. Cllr Johnson reported that the Clerk still has no access to emails following the recent house move but as soon as this resumes all relevant people will be notified. Finally Cllr Johnson reminded all Cllrs that the AGM will be held in May at which time a new Chairman and Vice Chairman will need to be elected.
2270 Close of Meeting: 9.35pm |