Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb, S Creed-Castle, P Watt, C Parr, D Snook, C Everidge, C Bailey, J Marsden, M Robinson, G Brierley, G Summers, M Jones and 3 members of the public.
2291 Apologies: C Sage
2292 Declarations of Interest: None.
2293 Chairman's Closing Remarks:
Cllr Johnson spoke of the Parish Council's achievements over the past year, including the VAS and crossing in Morcombelake, the 'Today and Yesterday' exhibitions, the support for the playgroup and toddler group and the telemetry unit at Stockham Bridge. She spoke of the ongoing projects, including the Morcombelake bus shelter, Affordable Housing and the Conservation Area Appraisal, along with the monthly duties such as planning, road problem reports, correspondence and play areas. She gave thanks to all of the Parish, District and County Cllrs, the Parish Council representatives and the Clerk for their dedication and hard work.
2294 Election of Chairman and Signing of Acceptance of Office:
Cllr Mansbridge asked if anybody was willing to stand and stated that although being Vice Chairman he was not able to take on the role. With no volunteers the Clerk explained that although section 5(b) of the Parish Councils Standing Orders state that the Chairman can only stand for three consecutive years, this item was not mandatory. Cllr Johnson stated that she was willing to carry on with the role for a further year. Cllr Watt proposed that Cllr Johnson remain as Chairman, this was seconded by Cllr Snook and all Cllrs were in agreement to revoke item 5(b) of the Parish Councils Standing Orders and for Cllr Johnson to remain as Chairman. The Acceptance of Office was then signed.
2295 Election of Vice Chairman:
Cllr Bailey proposed that Cllr Mansbridge remain as Vice Chairman. Cllr Mansbridge was happy to carry on so this was seconded by Cllr Tubb and all Cllrs were in agreement.
2296 Election of Members to Committees and Appointment of Representatives:
Finance: Cllr Johnson, Cllr Mansbridge, Cllr Creed-Castle, Cllr Tubb, Cllr Watt & Cllr Marsden.
Rights of Way: Mr & Mrs Bridle for Stanton St Gabriel, Mr & Mrs Newman for Whitchurch Canonicorum and Mr P Mills for Wootton Fitzpaine. It was agreed that the clerk write to the above to confirm they are willing to continue with their role and to thank them for their work over the past year.
Trees: Cllr Parr.
Transport: Mr Diment (WATAG) and Cllr Everidge (A35).
DAPTC: Cllr Snook.
Bridport Local Area Partnership: Cllr Parr and Cllr Snook.
Village Halls: Cllr Tubb for Whitchurch Canonicorum, Cllr Snook for Wootton Fitzpaine and Cllr Watt for James Hargreaves.
Ancient Monuments: Cllr Creed-Castle.
Planning Areas: Cllr Bailey for Whitchurch Canonicorum, Cllr Snook for Wootton Fitzpaine, Cllr Parr for Morcombelake & Ryall and Cllr Everidge for Stanton St Gabriel.
Wootton Fitzpaine Playing Field: Lord Bradbury, Mr Snook and Mr Chapman.
Planning Committee: Cllr Johnson, Cllr Bailey, Cllr Tubb, Cllr Sage, Cllr Marsden and Cllr Creed Castle.
Flood Warden: Cllr Bailey.
Char Chat Liaison: Cllr Johnson, Cllr Everidge and Cllr Marsden. Also Liz Daros and Trevor Chambers.
Affordable Housing: Cllr Johnson, Cllr Sage, Cllr Bailey and Cllr Everidge. Also Pete Ray, Simon Christopher, Anthea Bay, Richard Colby and Clive Richards.
Lengthsman Scheme: Cllr Johnson, Cllr Mansbridge, Cllr Creed Castle, Cllr Sage, Cllr Marsden and Cllr Bailey. Action: Clerk
2297 Resolution to Approve the Minutes of the Last Parish Council Meeting held on the 12th April 2010:
The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Mansbridge, all agreed.
2298 Actions Following Last Meeting:
The Clerk contacted Graham Laurie regarding Stockham Bridge repairs, Kevin Perry regarding potential enforcement issue at Griddleshay Farm and Phil Perkins at the District Council regarding the Lengthsman Scheme. The Clerk reported all potholes, blocked drains and flytipping to the relevant County Councils and sent a letter of thanks to Alexis Wood at the Highways Agency. The investigation into using the James Hargreaves Community Hall as an emergency contact point is ongoing.
2299 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period: None.
2300 Planning Applicants Presentation:
The meeting was re-opened. The architectural consultant for the Oaklands planning application, Mr Chris Fearn, spoke about the application and showed plans to the Parish Council. He explained that the proposed barn is considerably bigger, with a view to accommodate farm machinery and to potentially store vegetable seeds or animals to allow the family to be self sufficient. The current barn is very small and of little use and a bigger barn would be required to allow the family to set up a small holding. The building will not be overlooked and will have little visual impact. The revised application that has been submitted demonstrates a reduced height and no extra vehicular access. He went on to explain that the cavity walls in the barn will allow the walls to be stronger and reduce dampness. All Cllrs were in agreement that the use of cavity walls and household windows seemed elaborate for an agricultural building and that if approval was granted this could lend itself to a change of use application in the future, therefore making a Section 106 agreement essential. Cllr Robinson added that previous applications of this nature had been viewed with caution by the planning department and that a referral to the Development Control Committee was recommended.
2301 Planning:
Applications to Consider:
Oaklands, Fishpond - Cllrs Snook and Sage looked at this application to demolish an agricultural barn and workshop and build a new barn and workshop and Cllr Sage commented that the existing barn and workshop has not been recently used therefore a new development on the two and a half acre site cannot be justified. It was also noted that the proposed construction, with cavity walls, household windows and a glazed section, does not lend itself to any form of agricultural building. It was proposed by Cllr Snook to send Cllr Sage's comments into the District Council, this was seconded by Cllr Marsden and all agreed. It was also agreed to add to the comments that the Parish Council request that this application be seen by the Development Control Committee. There was a late application for Paddocks Farm, Broadoak that was passed to Cllr Bailey to look at.
Applications to Note:
November Cottage, Morcombelake - Cllrs Parr and Watt looked at this application to extend the time limit to erect an extension to a garage and had no comment to make as no plans were provided. The Gables, Wootton Fitzpaine - Cllrs Mansbridge and Sage looked at this application to erect a first floor extension to garage and recommended refusal as the development is out of keeping with the other houses, was considered over development and the proximity to the boundary of The Old School gives cause for concern. Butt Farm, Ryall - Cllrs Parr and Watt looked at these applications, one for normal planning consent and one for listed building consent, to erect single storey extensions and carry out internal and external alterations. It was noted that this historic house is of great value to the area, the plans appear sympathetic, the previous owner often spoke of the prevalence of bats and considerable earth moving and removal of vegetation has already taken place. Westhay House, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth - Cllrs Everidge and Watt looked at this application to make alterations to an existing garage and outbuildings and had no comments or objections to make.
Approvals to Note:
Artwave West, Morcombelake - Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall - Nettlemore Farm, Fishpond - Brigs Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine - Rose Cottage, Morcombelake - St Gabriels Church, Morcombelake. Withdrawals to Note: The Gables, Wootton Fitzpaine.
2302 Reports:
The Clerk reported on behalf of Mr Diment that he was happy to carry on as transport representative. He had also reported a large pothole on Berne Lane between Bonhays Farm and Dolphins Caravan Park which the Clerk will report to the District Council. The Clerk reported on behalf of Mr Bridle on the recent disruption in Chideock due to protestors operating the crossing to stop the traffic. He stated that the Highways Department feel that the 4 mile long queues are tolerable and that the police state the protest is lawful and peaceful. He stated that Chideock Parish Council had not become involved and that it is his opinion that the Char Valley Parish Council should stay neutral. Mr Bridle had also reported that work is beginning to reinstate the National Trusts footpath to St Gabriels.
Cllr Snook reported on the BLAP AGM and stated they are looking into Parish Clustering and are trying to involve young people in Community Planning. Cllr Snook also reported that the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall had held its AGM and had appointed a new secretary. Parking problems at the hall were discussed along with the possibility of a new security light and quotes were being sought for the kitchen refurbishment.
Cllr Watt reported that the James Hargreaves Community Hall fundraising was ongoing with a village picnic planned for June.
Cllr Tubb reported that there are several fundraising events planned for the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall including a quiz night on 17th July. An architect has also been asked to look into the possibility of making alterations to the old kitchen area. Cllr Snook reported that a potential oil theft from a neighbour had been averted, that the potholes on Long Lane had been repaired and that the Wootton Fitzpaine village fete will be held on 31st May.
Cllr Tubb reported that the repairs to the hole on Gassons Lane had been completed.
Cllr Parr reported that previously repaired potholes outside Tanglewood House had reappeared. The Clerk will report this to the County Council.
Cllr Robinson reported that he now had the Emergency Planning template and gave a copy to Cllr Johnson and that the private water supply details had now been updated. He reported that Development Control and Planning were being looked into to establish what areas are working and what training requirements exist. A questionnaire will be sent to all Parish Clerks to complete so any comments the Cllrs have should be forwarded on to the Clerk.
Cllr Summers reported on the protests in Chideock, stating that there was no health risk as pollution levels were no greater than in any city centre. Cllr Tubb commented that this was not a wise comparison as Chideock is a rural village and not an urban town. Cllr Summers also reported that the proposed new council offices would not cause a rise in council tax as the finances have already been reserved for the project. She stated that the work would be done within the allocated budget as much as possible.
Cllr Brierley reported that he had stood down from the Cabinet and was now involved with the Community Safety Partnership and the Audit and Scrutiny Committee. He also reported that the No Excuse campaign was proving to be highly successful with over 5500 drivers being stopped since January. He reported that more money has been allocated for road repairs and that the parish Council should continue to report all road problems to the County Council. Cllr Brierley reported that the speed limit through Marshwood is due to be reduced from 40 to 30mph and that the County Councils contribution to the Lengthsman Scheme is due to be paid to the Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council imminently.
PCSO Mark Jones reported on the crime statistics for the past year, stating that apart from dwelling burglaries all aspects of crime had reduced. He stated that he will be visiting all Homewatch meetings in the area to discuss ways of making your home more secure and will being demonstrating all products available from www.streetwise.org.uk He also reported that a meeting is due to be held on 13th May in Chideock to discuss the traffic issues in the village. He went on to report that the lay-by by the post office in Morcombelake had been incorrectly marked to show it is entirely a bus stop. It is in fact a bus stop and lay-by and the markings are due to be redone. He also reported that members of the public are able to receive Community Messaging to notify them of any crime issues. Cllr Johnson stated that the Stop that Oil campaign will be mentioned in the next Char Chat edition. Action: Clerk
2303 Update on Bus Shelter for Morcombelake:
Cllr Tubb reported that three new quotes had been received for the bus shelter, although one of the quotes is for the wrong size shelter. The Highways Agency has stated that it will only be possible to have a cantilever style shelter with back and sides only due to the pavement size restrictions. Cllr Tubb will now go back to the Highways Agency to see if small sides would be possible. Cllr Johnson asked Cllr Everidge to report on this at the Stanton St Gabriel parish meeting to see if any parents would be able to form an action group to enable more funding to be applied for. Cllr Johnson also offered to contact BLAP to find out exactly what funding is available. Action: Cllrs Tubb, Johnson & Everidge
2304 Update on Affordable Housing for Whitchurch Canonicorum:
Cllr Johnson reported that an email had been received from Rob Asprey stating that Hastoe are currently finalising details with their solicitors and that the plans had not changed since the consultation event. He had also stated that grant funding confirmation was pending and all other funding had currently been put on hold. Cllr Johnson read out a letter that had been received from the Church Lands Charity asking if the Parish Council are still interested in the church site as a possible third location for the housing. It was agreed that Cllr Johnson contact Rob Asprey and Peter Friend for them to make the decision but that the Parish Council supported the church site as an additional third location. The Clerk is to notify the Church Lands Charity of this decision. Action: Cllr Johnson & Clerk
2305 Update on Lengthsman Scheme:
Cllr Johnson reported that a meeting with the Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council, Char Valley Parish Council and the proposed Lengthsman was due to take place on 11th May to discuss the final details. It was agreed that Cllr Mansbridge would be the contact person for the Parish Council to liaise with the Upper Marshwood Vale Chairman on what work the Lengthsman was required to do each week. All Cllrs will contact Cllr Mansbridge with proposals for work to be done.
2306 Whitchurch Canonicorum Parish Meeting Report:
Cllr Bailey read through the minutes from the parish meeting and reported that issues discussed included affordable housing, the Lengthsman Scheme, the Conservation Area Consultation and the Parish Cllr vacancy. It was reported that the new cycle route signs were deemed to be inappropriate but that the Parish Council had no input or authority over this matter. It was reported that Becklands Bridge is in need of some extended railings to make it safer and that a flood warning sign on the Wootton Fitzpaine side of the bridge is missing. It was agreed that the Clerk would report this to the County Council. The issues of signs advertising caravan sites off the A35 and the Loscombe Well road now being open to all traffic were discussed and it was agreed that the Parish Council would not become involved and no action would be taken. Finally, Cllr Bailey suggested that a report on the Parish Councils achievements over the past year could be placed in the parish magazine to make the public aware of our successes. It was agreed that the Clerk would edit the Chairman's Closing Report and submit as an article for the next edition of the magazine. Action: Clerk
2307 Wootton Fitzpaine Parish Meeting Report:
Cllr Snook reported that the missing sign in Charmouth for the village had yet to be replaced and that she was in the process of chasing this up. She also reported that the recycling bins in Charmouth are due to be replaced when building work is complete, the playing field hedging has been completed and a village clean up is organised for this month.
2308 Resolution to Agree the Re-Election of Wootton Fitzpaine Playing Field Trustees:
Cllr Snook reported that the persons to be re-elected are Mr Bradbury, Mr Snook and Mr Chapman. Proposed by Cllr Mansbridge, seconded by Cllr Snook, all agreed.
2309 Discussion on the Proposed New Formula for Calculating the Annual DAPTC Subscription:
Cllr Snook reported that the old system used for calculating the annual subscription was very complicated and that the proposed new system was much easier and would be based on the electoral number. If adopted, the new system would be introduced in 2011/2012 and would save the Parish Council money. It was proposed by Cllr Mansbridge that Cllr Snook notify the DAPTC of the Parish Councils agreement to the new formula, this was seconded by Cllr Watt, all agreed. Action: Cllr Snook
2310 Discuss Community Self-Help during Extreme Winter Weather:
The Clerk stated that the County Council had requested details of help the local community may be able to provide during extreme weather conditions. Cllr Bailey stated that farmers are not insured to use their vehicles and equipment on public roads and would therefore not be able to offer any assistance. It was agreed to defer this discussion until the June meeting at which time this issue, along with salt bins and the Community Resilience Plan document, can be discussed in full.
2311 Discuss Councillor Vacancy for Whitchurch Canonicorum South Ward:
The Clerk reported that Mrs Janet Sandford had resigned from her role as Cllr and that the District Council had been notified. If no election is called by the general public then the post will be advertised with a view to co-option.
2312 Finance:
Clerks Report/General Matters: The Clerk reported that the VAT return had been sent off. She also reported that she had been experiencing problems with the Parish Council laptop; Tim Heap had suggested ways of cleaning the computer which may help with the problems but failing this it was agreed that if necessary the Clerk should employ the services of somebody to try to fix it. The Clerk stated that on advice from DAPTC the Parish Council should consider budgeting for a new computer for any future purchases.
Resolution for Payment Approvals: Clerks Salary & Expenses for May 2010, £356.13 - James Hargreaves Community Hall (Finance Meeting Hall Hire, AGM Hall Hire & Parish Meeting Hall Hire), £36.00 - Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall (Parish Meeting Hall Hire), £20.00 - Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall (Parish Meeting Hall Hire), £17.00 - DAPTC (Annual Subscription), £305.42 - Victim Support (Donation), £25.00 - Citizens Advice Bureau (Donation), £50.00 - Mr M White (Wootton Fitzpaine Playing Field Hedging), £450.00 - Mr G D Wright (Whitchurch Canonicorum Playground Grass Cutting), £242.00 - The Lyme Regis Twinning Association (Annual Subscription), £7.00 - Petty Cash, £40.00. All payments proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Mansbridge, all agreed.
Resolution to Approve Audited Accounts for Year Ending 31st March 2010: The Clerk reported that the end of year accounts had been prepared and had been seen by Mr Simon Christopher for the internal audit. No problems had been found and the remaining money at the end of the financial year totalled £11,036.39. Out of this figure payments for the Lengthsman Scheme and the bus shelter are to be made. The accounts were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Snook, seconded by Cllr Marsden, all agreed. The relevant paperwork was then signed ready for the Clerk to submit to the external auditors. It was agreed that the Clerk would write a letter of thanks to Simon Christopher. Action: Clerk
Resolution to Agree Budget for Lengthsman Scheme: The budget for the Lengthsman Scheme was agreed as being £2000.00, this was proposed by Cllr Mansbridge, seconded by Cllr Bailey, all agreed.
Resolution to Agree Budget for Bus Shelter: It was agreed that the budget for the bus shelter would be £3,500.00, this was proposed by Cllr Watt, seconded by Cllr Tubb, all agreed.
Resolution to Agree Budget for Salt Bins: It was agreed that following discussions at the June meeting the Parish Council would consider purchasing up to 10 new salt bins for the area. The bins can be purchased at a cost of £116.00 each, therefore making the budget for salt bins £1160.00. This was proposed by Cllr Marsden, seconded by Cllr Snook, all agreed.
2313 Correspondence:
Mr Laurie, Stockham Bridge Repairs - West Dorset District Council, Section 106 Agreement, Brigs farm, Wootton Fitzpaine - DAPTC, Extraordinary Chief Executive's Circular - Lyme Regis Twinning Assc, Newsletter - Housing Advice Centre, Change of Address - Rural Services Community, Weekly Rural Updates - Dorset Local Access Forum, Annual Report - Dorset Crimebeat, Newsletter - DAPTC, Governance & Accountability - NALC, Event Programme 2010 - CPRE, Countryside Voice & Members Guide - West Dorset District Council, Precept Payment - South Western Ambulance Service, Spring Newsletter - Environment Agency, Flood Warning System - Dorset Direct, Contact Cards - SWCAA, Newsletter - BLAP, Newsletter & Meeting Details - Dorset County Council, Dorset Countryside News - West Dorset District Council, Planning Notification, Greenlands Farm, Morcombelake.
2314 Items for Next Agenda:
Bus Shelter, Salt Bins, Affordable Housing, Lengthsman Scheme, Stanton St Gabriel Parish Meeting Report and Community Resilience Emergency Plans.
2315 Date of Next Meeting:
14th June 2010 at 7.30pm in the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall.
2316 Any Other Business: None.
2317 Close of Meeting: 10.10pm. |