Present:
S Johnson (Chairman), K Mansbridge (Vice Chairman), K Tubb, S Creed-Castle, P Watt, D Snook, C Parr, C Sage, C Everidge, C Bailey, M Robinson, G Brierley, C Peck and 1 member of the public.
2318 Apologies: None.
2319 Meeting Suspended for Public Discussion Period:
The meeting was suspended for public discussion but nothing was discussed.
2320 Declarations of Interest:
Cllr Johnson declared an interest in the Cardsmill Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum planning application.
2321 Resolution to Approve the Parish Council Minutes Held on the 10th May 2010: The minutes were agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Tubb, seconded by Cllr Bailey, all agreed.
2322 Actions Following Last Meeting:
The Clerk reported all potholes and the need for railings and a flood warning sign at Becklands Bridge to Dorset County Council. Letters of thanks were sent to Simon Christopher and all Transport and Rights of Way representatives and a letter was sent to David Pullen regarding the Affordable Housing. Finally a report detailing the Parish Council's achievements was sent for inclusion in the Parish Magazine.
2323 Planning Applicants Presentation: None.
*Cllr Creed Castle joined the meeting*
2324 Planning:
Applications to Consider:
Land Adjacent Stockham Bridge, Whitchurch Canonicorum - Cllr Bailey looked at this application to install a telemetry unit and associated equipment at the bridge and had no objections to make and recommended approval. All Cllrs were in agreement that these comments should be sent back to the District Council.
*Cllr Sage joined the meeting*
A late application for Frodsham Motors, Morcombelake was passed to Cllr Everidge to look at.
A late application for Cardsmill Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum was passed to Cllr Snook to look at.
Applications to Note:
Paddocks Farm, Broadoak - Cllr Bailey looked at this application to erect a stable block and a detached garage/car port and to change the use of part of the paddock area for horses and had no objections to make. Approval to Note: Westhay House, Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth - Butt Farm, Ryall - Butt Farm, Ryall (listed building consent) - Hinkhams Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum - November Cottage, Morcombelake.
Refusals to Note:
Smiths Farm, Wootton Fitzpaine
Oaklands, Fishpond.
Appeal Dismissals to Note:
Cow Byre, Tempest House, Hawkchurch.
2325 Reports:
Cllr Parr reported that she had attended a BLAP meeting at which the new Chairman was introduced and the need for a waste disposal site was discussed. Citizens Advice Bureau is looking into the possibility of carrying out home visits but this would be at a cost of £25,000 which will need to be raised. Other issues discussed were the recent PACT meeting in Chideock, a potential funding workshop and a grant of £200 available for local people to make a film about local lives. Cllr Snook reported that she had attended a DAPTC meeting at which the 2012 Olympics were discussed and it was reported that between 60,000 and 100,000 extra visitors per day are expected in Weymouth during the Olympics, 5 billion people throughout the world will be watching and in June 2011 a rehearsal for the Olympics will be held. More details can be found on the 'Destination Dorset' tourism website. Finally, Cllr Snook reported that a talk was given by David Evans, the Planning Director, and the DAPTC roadshow was discussed. Cllr Sage went on the mention that the soon to be completed shooting range at Charmouth Tunnel may be used for the Olympics and that Parish Cllrs are soon to be invited up to the site to see the completed works.
Cllr Snook reported that the Wootton Fitzpaine Village Hall kitchen refurbishment is due to go ahead in August and that the village fete raised in excess of £2000 which will be shared amongst the village hall, the local church and other charities.
Cllr Watt reported that the James Hargreaves Community Hall finances are good, the recent 50/50 auction was successful and other fundraising is ongoing. Cllr Tubb reported that the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall fundraising is ongoing and that although the funds being raised appear to be insufficient, the committee is hopeful that things will improve. Cllr Johnson reported that work on the next edition of the Char Chat is due to commence.
Cllr Watt reported that the grass bank outside the Morcombelake Post Office is very overgrown and causing damage. It was unclear who owned this land and it was agreed that Cllr Everidge would contact Connect to establish if the land is theirs and if so to arrange for the area to be cleared. Cllr Bailey reported that she had received complaints that the Pedestrian Crossing sign in Morcombelake is being obscured by shrubbery from a private residence. It was agreed that Cllr Watt would approach the owners of the property to ask that the shrubbery be cut back. Cllr Mansbridge reported overgrown hedges at Bowshot farm and Cllr Tubb reported overgrown trees on Berne Lane. Cllr Brierley agreed to notify the Highways Department of both issues. Cllr Tubb congratulated the work of the Lengthsman and stated that some drains had been cleared and new ones discovered. He also reported that a new sign had been placed outside the Whitchurch Canonicorum playground stating that the equipment is designed for use by the under 12's. Cllr Snook reported on the missing sign for Wootton Fitzpaine in Charmouth. Although the replacement sign was previously ordered through Dorset Works Organisation, it appears the order cannot be found. If unfound the order will have to be placed again which will mean further delays. Cllr Snook will email the details to Cllr Brierley who will investigate the matter further. Cllr Robinson reported that the current planning system is undergoing major changes, details of which can be found in the draft document 'Open Source Planning Number 14' which can be found on the Conservatives website.
Cllr Robinson also discussed the 'Planning Obligations Guidelines' document stating that to fulfil the obligations it may add an extra £20,000 to the cost of building a house. Finally Cllr Robinson mentioned that it will now be more difficult for retrospective planning applications to be approved. Cllr Brierley reported that the County Council had hoped to reduce its budget for next year but with the new cuts this will not be possible and he reported that the Regional Development Agency has been disbanded. The No Excuse campaign has now stopped 7,500 motorists and is proving to be very successful.
Cllr Brierley reported that the recent PACT meeting held in Chideock saw approx 140 residents attend to discuss the traffic and pollution problems in the village. The possibility of a weigh station at Raymonds Hill was thought to be a good idea but as yet no plans to take this forward have been made. The air quality in Chideock is thought to be equal to that in Bristol city centre and the new pedestrian crossing is thought to of added to the pollution levels. Another meeting is scheduled for 20th July and protestors have agreed to cease all activity until this time. Finally Cllr Brierley stated that after an initial delay in the County Council paying their contribution towards the Lengthsman Scheme, this has now been paid.
Cllr Creed Castle reported that parts of the Life, Work and History exhibition will be on display in the church during the village fete on 1st August 2010. Cllr Johnson mentioned that the next Homewatch meeting is to be held on 17th June at 7pm in the Whitchurch Canonicorum village hall. Action: Cllrs Everidge, Watt, Snook & Brierley
2326 Update on Bus Shelter for Morcombelake: Cllr Tubb reported that three new quotes for a shelter had been received, ranging from £2,400 to £3,500 but as yet he has not been able to establish which company Connect would prefer to work with. Slow progress is being made but no further developments to discuss.
2327 Update on Affordable Housing for Whitchurch Canonicorum:
Cllr Johnson reported that an email had been received from Peter Friend at Hastoe to say that they are still interested in purchasing the Church site. A further email has been received from Rob Aspray, the West Dorset Housing Enabler, stating that Hastoe are still negotiating the terms of the option agreement but that only minor details are left to be resolved. This is hoped to be completed by mid July after which time a planning application will be submitted. He also stated that the project is still dependant on funding being secured. Cllr Johnson read a letter from David Pullen stating that the Church Land Charity will keep the Parish Council updated on any developments.
2328 Update on Lengthsman Scheme:
Cllr Mansbridge reported that the scheme has been up and running for a couple of weeks and that many drains have been cleared in this time and that repairs to the bench in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Playground are hoped to of been completed. Cllr Mansbridge stated that he had received very little input from residents or Cllrs on what problems require work and urged everyone to contact him will all problems so he can arrange for the Lengthsman to action these. It was noted that the lengthsman requires a contact at the County Council for him to report problems to that are too large for him to deal with and it was agreed that the Clerk would contact the Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council to establish this. The Lengthsman is keeping a record of where all of the drains are and of the ones that are blocked underneath and require more action. Cllrs discussed the problem areas in need of work and stated that the drains on Prime Lane are blocked, hedge trimming is required on all corners of the lanes and all junctions need trimming. Cllr Robinson stated that he is able to obtain a large map showing the Char Valley area and boundaries for the lengthsman to use.
2329 Discuss Potential Enforcement Issue at Griddleshay Farm:
Cllr Bailey reported that a potential enforcement issue had been brought to her attention at Griddleshay Farm, stating that a report had been made of the garage being used as residential accommodation. The Enforcement Officer was notified but stated that without further details no action could be taken. The owners of Griddleshay Farm have contacted Cllr Bailey stating they are unhappy that they have been neither approached nor informed by the Parish Council of this action. The owners have assured Cllr Bailey that the garage is being used for garden storage only. Cllr Bailey concluded by saying that the Farm is now on the market to be sold.
2330 Discuss Community Resilience Plan:
Cllr Johnson reported that she had read through the Community Resilience Plan document and due to the large content and information required to complete it she proposed that an action group be set up consisting of at least one Cllr from each area, along with any villagers that wish to be involved, to enable the document to be fully completed with as much information as possible. It was agreed that Cllrs Johnson, Tubb, Sage, Watt and Snook would all join the committee. Cllr Tubb will read through the document and circulate where necessary. It was agreed that the action group would have a meeting in early August to discuss and complete the document. Action: Cllr Tubb
2331 Stanton St Gabriel Parish Meeting Report:
Cllr Everidge reported that it was a positive meeting with the main points discussed being salt bins, the bus shelter action group and speed signs. Cllr Watt reported that a group of mothers have formed an action group to assist with the bus shelter funding and it was agreed the Clerk would establish how the group apply for the funding and report back to Cllr Everidge. Action: Clerk
2332 Discuss Whitchurch Canonicorum Conservation Area Appraisal:
The Clerk read an email from the District Council stating that the consultation event on 3rd June had been a success and the comments were generally positive. The comments are due to be analysed in full by the Policy Scrutiny Committee on 21st September and by the Executive Committee on 12th October, after which the report and findings will be open for viewing on the 'Dorset for you' website. In general, all Cllrs felt the plans to extend the area should be opposed as there is no real benefit from extending and it was felt that it would only lead to further restrictions on land owners. There are substantial rules in place for planning and listed building consent and it was felt that the conservation area would be a further hurdle. It was agreed that the Clerk would send an email with these comments to the planning department on behalf of the Parish Council and that all Cllrs should also submit their own personal comments either via the questionnaire or by email. Action: Clerk
2333 Discuss Salt Bins:
The location of current salt bins was discussed along with potential sites for new ones. It was proposed by Cllr Snook that the Parish Council purchase the agreed 10 new 400 litre salt bins from the company recommended by the Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council, this was seconded by Cllr Creed Castle and all agreed. It was decided that these would be purchased in October and would be delivered to Cllr Johnsons residence. This item will be placed on the October agenda at which time the exact location of the new bins can be decided upon. Cllr Watt stated that it was important that Cllrs in the area should regularly check the bins to ensure they are always full of salt.
2334 Resolution to Discuss and Co-opt New Whitchurch Canonicorum South Ward Councillor:
Cllr Johnson introduced Carolyn Peck and stated that she was the sole applicant for the Cllr vacancy. It was proposed by Cllr Parr that Carolyn join the Parish Council, this was seconded by Cllr Watt, and all agreed. Carolyn accepted the position and it was explained that the relevant paperwork would need to be completed at the end of the meeting.
2335 Finance:
Clerks Report/General Matters:
The Clerk reported that the external audit paperwork had been sent off to BDO Stoy Hayward. The Clerk also reported that she had looked into her annual leave entitlement and had established that she is entitled to 50.4 hours paid leave for a complete year of employment, making a total of 25.2 hours due for the period January to June 2010. As no leave has been taken, the Clerk requested that she be paid for these hours and for this payment to be split over the July and August months. This was agreed as acceptable and all Cllrs were happy for this to be done.
Resolution for Payment Approvals:
Clerks Salary & Expenses for June 2010, £356.13 - Wootton Fitzpaine Village Halll (Hall Hire), £20.00 - Upper Marshwood Vale Parish Council (Quarterly Lengthsman Payment), £500.00. A late payment for Mystic Ltd for £13.51 as payment for a new sign at the Whitchurch Canonicorum playground was also noted. All payments agreed as acceptable, proposed by Cllr Bailey, seconded by Cllr Sage, all agreed.
2336 Correspondence:
West Dorset District Council, Planning Notifications for Land West of Fulvens Home Farm, Morcombelake and Charmouth Tunnel - BLAP, Revision of Community Plan - Dorset County Council, Highway Maintenance 2010/2011 - CAB, Thank you for Donation - Victim Support, Thank you for Donation - DAPTC, Chief Executive's Circular 04/10 & 05/10 and Extraordinary Chief Executive's Circular - Rural Services Community, Weekly Rural Updates - Dorset County Council, Direct Number for Highways Enquiries - BLAP, Meeting details and Grant Applications - Mr Newman, Letter re Rights of Way Representative - Kevin Perry, West Dorset District Council, Five Bells Inn - Dorset AONB, Fingerpost Spotting.
2337 Items for Next Agenda:
Cllr Tubb asked if it would be appropriate for the Parish Council to arrange for a skip to be placed at a village hall twice a year for use by villagers. After much discussions it was thought that due the limitations on the content of skips it would be too difficult to monitor and therefore not possible. Items for the July agenda include the Lengthsman Scheme, Affordable Housing, Bus Shelter and revision of the Parish Councils Standing Orders.
2338 Date of Next Meeting:
Monday 19th July 2010 at 7.30pm in the Whitchurch Canonicorum Village Hall.
2339 Any other business:
Cllr Everidge spoke of the planning application she had been given for Frodsham Motors, stating that after looking at the plans during the meeting it was felt that the lettering on the proposed signs was too large and unnecessary. It was also felt that lighting was not needed as the premises would be closed at night. All Cllrs looked at the plans and the matter was discussed and all Cllrs were agreement that these comments would go back to the District Council.
2340 Close of Meeting: 10pm. |