Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb, S Creed-Castle, P Watt, C Parr, J Marsden, C Sage, C Everidge, C Bailey, M Robinson, D Newson, D Newman and 5 members of the public.
2271 Apologies:
D Snook & G Brierley
2272 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period:
Mr Newman asked if the Parish Council had any updates on the Whitchurch Canonicorum Conservation Area Consultation event to be held on 3rd June 2010. The Clerk stated that no updates had been received but Cllr Robinson stated that he had seen the document in draft form and it seems to be formalising the details that already exist. It was agreed that when any documents arrive the Clerk will pass a copy on to Mr Newman. Ms Rorstad spoke about her concerns over The Gables, Wootton Fitzpaine planning application, stating that the current single storey double garage is planned to be developed into a two storey extension. She stated that the neighbours had not been consulted on the plans and that the proposed development will completely obliterate the view. She went on to hand out copies of her objection letter that has been sent to the planning department and stated that other residents would also be sending on letters of objection.
2273 Declarations of Interest:
The meeting was re-opened. Cllr Creed Castle declared an interest in the Crabbs Bluntshay Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum planning application. Cllr Johnson declared an interest in the repairs to the Whitchurch Canonicorum play ground and the subsequent payment to Matthew Roberts.
2274 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes Held on the 8th March 2010:
Cllr Creed Castle asked that an amendment be made to item number 2263 to state that 'adverts were not placed in a couple of the newspapers, even though requested to do so'. Cllr Parr stated that in item number 2261 the minutes read 'Alexis Brook' and the name should read 'Alexis Wood'. Both items were amended and then the minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Parr, seconded by Cllr Mansbridge, all agreed.
2275 Actions Following Last Meeting:
The Clerk contacted the Highways Agency regarding notification of road works. She also reported damaged bridge near Long Lane, blocked drains below Champernhayes Lodge and on Goodens Hill, potholes by Champernhayes Holiday Complex, Stubbs Bridge and above Stubbs Farm and abandoned fridge on Poor House Lane to Dorset County Council.
2276 Planning Applicants Presentation:
None.
2277 Planning:
Applications to Consider:
None. A late Application for November Cottage, Morcombelake was passed to Cllr Parr to look at. A late application for The Gables, Wootton Fitzpaine was passed to Cllrs Mansbridge and Sage to look at. It was agreed that as the comments would need to be sent back to the planning department before the next Parish Council meeting and that the application appears to have some strong objections, a separate planning meeting may need to be called. After an initial look at the plans, Cllrs Mansbridge and Sage will decide if this is necessary. A late application for Westhay House, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth was passed to Cllr Everidge to look at. A late application for normal and listed building consent for Butt Farm, Ryall was passed to Cllr Parr to look at.
Applications to Note:
Rose Cottage, Morcombelake - Cllrs Parr, Watt and Everidge looked at this application to erect a two storey extension and commented that the extension would look directly onto the neighbouring property. The plans show that the building will be very close to the road and it is unclear as to whether the hedge at the property will have to be removed to allow the building work to proceed. Artwave West, Morcombelake - Cllrs Parr, Watt and Everidge looked at this application for a non-illuminated advertisement on a timber pole and had no objections to make. Shave Cross Inn, Shave Cross - Cllr Tubb looked at this application to extend accommodation block to form residents lounge and stated that the comments made on the previous withdrawn application were to apply to this new application. He stated that the proposed addition does not give any cause for concern providing it complies with planning and building regulations, that it is assumed the neighbour has not objected to the height of the roof line or any other details and that a chimney is noted on the plans but no information is given for its use. Overall there were no reasons to recommend refusal. Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall, Wootton Fitzpaine - Cllr Snook looked at this application for internal alterations and had no objections to make. St Gabriels Church, Shedbush Lane, Morcombelake - Cllrs Everidge and Watt looked at this application to make access improvements and gate repairs and commented that there were no objections and the work is long overdue. There were concerns over raising the level of the path and increasing the hard standing as there could be insufficient drainage. It was also noted that by increasing the area of tarmac, vehicles may be left at the entrance thereby blocking access to the church and Shedbush Lane and that there is no tree and hedge survey as requested. Nettlemore Farm, Fishpond - Cllr Snook looked at this application to make alterations to an existing holiday let (Pool House) to form ancillary accommodation and transfer of holiday unit use from the Pool House to 'The Hut'. No objections were made but it was noted that the Pool House was originally used as a holiday let with use of the pool, close to the main house, until three years ago. 'The Hut' was constructed approximately five years ago as an extension of the main house, for which planning permission was given. It is now apparent that a much smaller Pool House would be more suitable as an extension of the house, being nearer to it and the owners can make use of the pool themselves. 'The Hut' would be fine for a couple wanting a quiet rural holiday, away from the main house. Approval to Note: Old Hinkhams, Whitchurch Canonicorum - Crabbs Bluntshay Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum.
2278 Reports:
Mr Newman reported that the footpath on Loves Lane, Morcombelake has had a new stile installed, however it was placed at the wrong end of the footpath. The County Council are aware of this and a stile at the correct end will be fitted in due course. Mr Newman also stated that work on the Char Valley Way is making slow progress; a new bridge has been installed but the gates are yet to be fitted. Cllr Parr mentioned the recent BLAP Newsletter and stated that she would be attending the next steering group meeting. The Clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Snook that she was unable to attend the BLAP AGM as it clashed with the village hall AGM but she will report anything of interest from the minutes when they arrive. She also stated that at the May Parish Council meeting she will outline the DAPTC's new proposed method for calculating the annual subscription, which will then need to be voted on. She will then pass on the results to the Western Area meeting on 27th May 2010. Finally the Clerk reported that the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall had a successful AGM on 25th March with good attendance. The lettings income was up from last year, a trend that seems to be continuing into 2010. Income from the investment account is down due to low interest rates and the major expenditure in 2009 was for stage lighting. Artsreach, harvest supper and the fete were all significant fundraisers in 2009. The focus for 2010 is the kitchen refurbishment, repairs to the guttering and a security light for the front of the building. Cllr Watt reported that the James Hargreaves Community Hall recently held a Spring Lunch for 48 people that was very successful. Finances are good and further fundraising is being organised. Cllr Watt asked if the Clerk could try and establish if any arrangements have been made in the past to use the hall as a meeting point in an emergency. It was agreed that the Clerk would make enquiries into the matter. Cllr Tubb reported that the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall is concerned over the lack of bookings and the next event to take place is the users meeting on 22nd April. Cllr Creed Castle reported on the poor condition of the road between Shave Cross and Bridport. There are many potholes, including a dangerous one outside Newhouse Farm. The Clerk will report these to the County Council. Cllr Sage reported that following the recent thefts, Hawkchurch residents are taking a proactive attitude and are canvassing the area and trying to work with the police to keep the crime levels down. Cllr Johnson stated that she had received an email from PCSO Mark Jones updating on the 'Stop that Oil' campaign. There are now four companies who have joined the campaign and will install alarms. Cllr Watt requested that the Parish Council write a letter on behalf of the Morcombelake residents to Alexis Wood at the Highways Agency to thank her and the team for the swift installation of the new crossing. It was agreed for the Clerk to action this. Cllr Bailey reported the very dangerous hole in the road on Gassons Lane, between Stockham Bridge and Cardsmill Farm. A drain that was filled in by the County Council has now broken up and has left a large hazardous hole in the road. It was agreed the Clerk would phone the emergency line at the County Council to report this and follow up with an email to Cllr Brierley. Cllr Mansbridge reported that the bad potholes in the area had been repaired. Cllr Tubb reiterated the urgency of having the hole on Gassons Lane repaired and stated that the potholes on Tizzards Lane had been repaired today. Cllr Bailey reported that on the approach to Stockham Bridge, on the left hand side, there are no railings and that the water from the river is eroding the underside of the road posing a serious threat to vehicles, cyclists and walkers. The Clerk had previously reported this issue to the County Council and it was agreed that the Clerk notify the relevant people again. Cllr Marsden reported a blocked drain between Griddleshay Farm and Peace Farm on Bluntshay Lane and a blocked drain outside Plenty Cottage. The Clerk will report both issues to the County Council. Cllr Sage reported a large pothole at Warehams Cross on the B3165 and flytipping at Monkton Wyld Farm. The Clerk will report both issues to the County Council. The Clerk reported on behalf of Cllr Snook that the repairs to Green Pit Knapp Bridge and the wall of the bridge near Long Lane seem to be finished. There are two bad potholes by the bridge near Long Lane that the Clerk will report to the County Council. Finally the poster for the Wootton Fitzpaine Parish Meeting has been placed on the notice board. Cllr Robinson reported that as an adjunct to the Village Plan, the Community Resilience Plan is due to be distributed by the DAPTC which will outline the emergency procedures in place. It will give the Parish Council the opportunity to register things of interest locally, such as the emergency use of the village hall. Cllr Robinson distributed details on the plans to relocate the District Council offices and he also reported that the Buckland Newton Community Land Trust had now commenced building their eco houses. Cllr Robinson reported that the charges for having private water supplies tested, along with the risk assessment, have increased dramatically. If anybody requires further information they are to contact himself. He also reported that the District Council are considering cancelling all charges to Parish Councils for planning applications. This would enable the parish Council to apply for planning permission on behalf of the village hall as this would then be free of charge. Finally Cllr Robinson stated that the District Council are to be given a presentation by the County Council on the Lengthsman Scheme and may therefore become involved at some point in the future. The contact at the District Council for this is Mr Phil Perkins. Cllr Newson reported on the plans for new District Council offices, stating they are much needed given the condition of the current ones, which is an inherited building that has no disabled access. Action: Clerk
2279 Update on Bus Shelter for Morcombelake:
The Clerk read through three quotations that had been obtained for bus shelters, all varying in price. It was felt that a site visit by the Highways Agency would be beneficial to establish the exact location of a shelter and the most suitable size and style before any decision be made on which company to use. Cllr Tubb agreed to contact Alexis Wood from the Highways Agency to try to arrange the visit. Action: Cllr Tubb
2280 Update on Affordable Housing for Whitchurch Canonicorum:
Cllr Johnson reported that it is hoped that more detailed plans will be ready for the May meeting and that there was no news on the Church site. Cllr Bailey stated her concerns that there was no housing specifically for disabled people as all proposed houses are two storey. Cllr Tubb stated that with only a pathway running the length of the houses and car parking at one end there would be no vehicular access to the houses, possibly presenting a problem for the emergency services.
2281 Update on Lengthsman Scheme:
Cllr Johnson reported that a meeting had taken place with Mr John Mann from the County Council, representatives from the Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council and Char Valley Parish Council, at which the Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council stated they are happy to be the lead parish and to manage the financial and organisational aspects of the scheme. The Lengthsman would cost each Parish Council approximately £2000 per year for one days' work per week each. It was agreed the financial aspects would be discussed further at the upcoming finance meeting. A local man has been approached with a view to starting the role on 1st May 2010. He is self employed and will therefore carry his own insurance and will have his own vehicle and tools. Cllr Robinson stated that it is important that records are kept of what work has been done. Cllr Bailey stated that it may be best if footpaths are not part of the work the Lengthsman will undertake as the Rights of Way team need to remain in control of this area.
2282 Update on Telemetry Unit and Kiosk at Stockham Bridge, Gassons Lane, Whitchurch Canonicorum:
Cllr Johnson reported that the Environment Agency had approached the Parish Council and land owners regarding plans to install a water monitoring system at Stockham Bridge. The system, used to warn oncoming vehicles of flooding, is now in place but is not yet operational as the warning signs at either end of the bridge are not yet in place.
2283 Discuss Parish Meetings:
The Clerk distributed posters for the notice boards for all of the parish meetings. The agenda for the Whitchurch Canonicorum parish meeting was discussed and items will include the conservation area, footpath maps, the Lengthsman Scheme, Affordable Housing and the road conditions. Cllr Everidge will be organising the Stanton St Gabriel agenda in due course.
2284 Set Date for Finance Meeting:
It was agreed that the finance meeting would be held in the James Hargreaves Community Hall, Morcombelake on either Monday 26th April or Tuesday 27th April, depending on when the hall is available. Items for the agenda will include the end of year accounts, the Lengthsman Scheme, salt bins and the Clerks holiday pay entitlement.
2285 Finance:
Clerks Report/General Matters: The Clerk reported that she had been notified that the latch on the Whitchurch Canonicorum play ground gate had broken off. Mr Roberts who had previously done repairs to the area was contacted and asked to repair the latch and an invoice for the work is on the agenda for payment approval.
Resolution for Payment Approvals:
Clerks Salary, Expenses & Sundries for April 2010, £373.87 - Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall (Hall Hire), £17.00 - Mr M Roberts (Play Ground Repairs), £25.56. A late payment of £79.97 to Elizabeth Fortescue to pay for the Char Chat expenses was noted. All payments proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Sage, all agreed.
2286 Correspondence:
Dorset County Council, Stockham Bridge Repairs - West Dorset District Council, Planning Enforcement at Five Bells Inn - DAPTC, Extraordinary Chief Executive's Circular - Dorset County Council, Changes to PMU Service - DAPTC, Royal Garden Party - West Dorset District Council, Sports Development Newsletter - West Dorset District Council, Planning Notification, Land West of Fulvens Home Farm, Morcombelake - DEFRA, Access Newsletters - Rural Services Community, Weekly Rural Updates - West Dorset District Council, New Council Offices - Dorset County Council, Mobile Library Schedule - Dorset Countryside, Beach Clean - CPRE, Dorset Review Spring 2010 - NALC, Conference & Exhibition - CPRE, Fieldwork Newsletter April 2010 - West Dorset District Council, Ordnance Survey Data - Dorset County Council, Road Safety Campaign - BLAP, Newsletter & Action Plan - West Dorset District Council, Parliamentary Election Posters. Cllr Bailey reported that she had been notified by a member of the public of a potential planning enforcement issue at Griddleshay Farm and it was agreed that the Clerk would contact Kevin Perry at the District Council.
2287 Items for Next Agenda:
Lengthsman Scheme, Affordable Housing, Parish Meeting reports, bus shelter and end of year accounts.
2288 Date of Next Meeting:
Monday 10th May 2010 at 7.30pm in the James Hargreaves Community Hall, Morcombelake (AGM).
2289 Any other business:
Cllr Creed Castle commented that some people are having separate conversations at the Parish Council meetings when items of business are being discussed. It was asked that all those present at the meetings refrain from talking inappropriately.
2290 Close of Meeting:
9.20pm |