Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Monday 4th February 2008 at
7.00pm in the Village Hall
| Present: |
Chairman |
Cllr Bryant |
| |
Vice Chairman |
Cllr Plummer
Cllr Neal
Cllr Lawson
Cllr Bulford
Cllr Chant
Cllr Bridger
Cllr Young |
| And the Clerk Sally Upshall. |
In attendance: Cllr Dowden – North Dorset District Councillor
There
were twelve members of the public present.
Public Consultation
Mr Powell addressed the Council regarding several issues, the first being
the condition of some of the hedges in the village. The hedge in Hains
Lane has now been cut and visibility has been greatly improved. Mr Powell
reported that the hedge in Nash lane bordering the Recreation Ground on
both sides needed attention. The Chairman noted that the Parish Council
had instructed a contractor to cut the hedge, but he had failed to do the
job. Another contractor will be found to take the job on.
Mr Powell also reported that he had attended the Village Hall committee meeting,
and explained that the main job to be focused on at present was updating
the kitchen. Mr Powell requested that the Parish Council gave the Village
Committee its full support in any ventures that they undertake. The Chairman
assured Mr Powell that the Council would offer their support wherever possible.
Mr Powell’s final point was regarding planning issues. In his opinion
it is the most important job that the Parish Council undertakes and it is
important that the Councillors get it right. Mr Powell again noted that he
felt that it is very poor that a member of NDDC Planning Department would
not attend a public meeting to discuss the issues of planning. The Chairman
explained that a letter had been written to NDDC regarding planning and the
process involved, and that we had received a detailed reply that had been
circulated to all Councillors. Mr Powell requested that the clerk please
forward him a copy. The Chairman also asked the clerk to put the issue of
communicating about planning applications on the agenda for the March meeting.
Mr Eslick suggested that a good way forward may be to ask our District Councillor
to give a short talk on the system of planning applications as he is very
knowledgeable about the subject and sits on various planning committees.
The Chairman suggested that anyone with access to the internet should go
to the NDDC website, where a lot of information regarding planning is displayed.
Mr Kendall asked when letters were last written to the owners of the houses
whose gardens back onto the driveway of the Recreation Ground, regarding
the usage of the right of way. The Clerk noted that these were written three
years ago.
Mr Kendall asked why we would consider the need for more low cost houses
in the village as the houses at Butts Close took a long time to fill, and
they were also not sold to local people. Several of the families who live
there came from outside the village.
Mr Watson reported that he had some concerns over the Doctors Surgery being
open for fewer hours. Councillor Plummer, as an employee of the surgery,
noted that the surgery is not actually closed for any days; there are just
some days when there is no doctor available. All the other services the surgery
offers are still available. The Chairman suggested that this was a matter
for Mr Watson to take up with the surgery and suggested that he write to
the practice manager. The clerk will also write to the practice manager from
the Parish Council asking what the current situation is with the surgery
and if they are encountering any difficulties. Action Item 01/08.
Mr Plowman spoke regarding the flooding at Kingsmill and explained that
it was actually to do with the blocked drain, rather than the excess water
coming from the field. The clerk will write to DCC and ask for the drain
to be cleared. Action Item 02/08.
Mrs Sturges asked the Council to take note that when the hedges around the
Recreation Ground were cut then they need to be cut from the outside and
not cut too short.
2008/001 Apologies for Absence
Cllr Fraser and Cllr Snow.
2008/002 Declaration of Interest.
There were none.
2008/003 Minutes
The Minutes of the meeting held on the 3rd of December 2007 had three amendments
made, and then it was agreed and signed that the minutes are a correct
and true record.
The minutes of the planning meeting on the 15th of December 2007 and those
of the budget meeting on the 22nd of January 2008 were also checked; it was
agreed and signed that these minutes are a correct and true record.
2008/004 Financial Matters
The Payment Schedule had been circulated and read out to the public. The
total cost to the Parish Council for January and February is for the sum
of £49612.47. This was agreed, proposed and seconded.
The Councillors discussed the figures that had been circulated by the RFO
before the meeting. It was asked that there could be a heading to label the
column for the cheque numbers. The clerk to pass this on.
The Chairman asked about the item on the payment schedule for the car park
in Burton Street. The clerk explained that this was for the general maintenance
of the car park and then reclaimed back from NDDC. The chairman asked the
clerk to find out from the RFO whether this had been done. The Chairman also
queried the amount £93.00 paid to the Village Hall committee. After
discussion Councillor Lawson to investigate and report back.
The Chairman then spoke regarding £1400 that we were short for, to
go to Playdale for the playarea. All Councillors agreed that the Parish Council
should make up the short fall from our reserves. This was proposed by Cllr
Bridger and seconded by Cllr Lawson.
2008/005 Planning Matters
Timescales and Publicity relating to planning application. All Councillors
had previously received a copy of this information from NDDC. Mr Watson
and Mr Eslick also requested copies of these from the clerk.
| 2/2007/0976 |
Land at Green Lane Change of use from agricultural building
to office.
Refusal of Planning Permission. |
| 2/2007/1275 |
Breach Farm Erect single storey link.
Grant of Listed Building
Consent. |
| 2/2007/1248 |
Hazlewood, 5 Husseys Erect Polytunnel
Grant of Planning
Permission. |
| 2/2007/1188 |
Bella Vista, Carraway Lane Two storey extension.
Grant of Planning Permission. |
| 0702855/FUL |
Land at Henstridge Airfield erection of an engineering
workshop.
Refusal of Planning Permission. |
The Chairman reported that Mrs Locke received correspondence from someone
regarding a piece of land in Sackmore Lane. She then passed them on to the
Chairman who explained that there was planning permission on the piece of
land for a three bedroom house and the applicant was hoping to change it
to a four bedroom house. The applicant was going to get back to the Parish
Council with further information regarding this, but nothing has been heard
at present.
2008/006 Reports from County and District Councillors
Cllr Cattaway – Not present at the meeting.
Cllr Dowden – He reported that there had been some progress with the
verge outside the Post office. A representative from roads and highways had
been out to look at it last week and said that it did not warrant having
a kerb, but that they would make up the ditch with stones.
Mr Lloyd noted at this point that the Parish Council did have the authority
to carry out roadworks itself and that it would cost the Parish Council in
the region of £800.
The Chairman requested that the clerk write to DCC roads and highways department
to complain about the lack of response we have had regarding this issue,
and that people have stumbled and fallen and that it is dangerous. Action
Item 03/08.
The letter to be copied to Councillor Cattaway.
Parish
Footpaths – Councillor Chant reported that he had received a comprehensive
list from Des O’Bryne with regard to the footpaths. He had already
repaired some and had no more reports of any damaged at present.
Councillor Young suggested that we request some grit bins for the two car
parks by Marnhull Stores in the village. These are given out and filled for
free and felt that it would be a good idea especially for the elderly gaining
access to these areas. The clerk to liaise with Councillor Young on the siting
of the bins and to write to DCC to request some. Action Item 04/08.
Youth Matters/Play Area - Councillor Plummer reported on the playarea and
the progress that has been made. Unfortunately it has been too wet to lay
the turf and they are waiting for the weather to improve. The metal fencing
is coming down and will be replaced by orange mesh fencing. The date of Saturday
the 16th February has been noted for the opening of the play area, but that
is dependant on the weather and the turf being laid.
Mrs Locke reported that they had decided against the barriers for the playarea
equipment as this made the equipment inaccessible for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
This also resulted in a saving of £800 approx. And the turfing is also
being laid for approx £500 less than expected.
The Chairman reminded Councillors that there is money held in the reserves
for some items for the teenagers of the village. The Chairman asked the Councillors
to consider what the teenagers may like.
Recreation/Burial Ground – The Councillors discussed the issue of
widening the gates at the entrance of the drive. In the past some coach drivers
have refused to go up the drive, thus meaning that elderly people have to
walk up the drive. The Chairman reported that he had been in touch with the
Fire Brigade and they had said that as long as the opening is ten feet wide
then they are happy to enter. It was also noted that skip lorries have been
entering as also have the lorries for the equipment for the Fest. It was
decided that the best way forward was for the clerk to find out how much
it would cost to widen the drive, and this can then be tied in with the issue
of the re-surfacing of the drive. Action Item 05/08.
The Chairman noted that he felt that the Burial Ground needs to be brightened
up and fitted with some extra seating. He also felt that it may be better
named as the ‘garden of rest and remembrance’. This to be discussed
further at the next meeting.
The clerk noted that the notice boards need to have new locks and the one
at the bottom of the Recreation Ground drive needs to be lowered. Councillor
Young said that he would have a look at them in the Spring.
DCA Village Competition – Councillor Neal gave a report on what he
had found out about this competition. He explained that there were actually
three competitions, the Best Kept Village, the Best Community Village, and
the Pride of Place Award. He said that he had enquired with various people
in the village who all felt that it was a good idea in principal but could
get no one to actually commit to volunteering themselves for it. It was felt
that as a village we would not benefit from the prize if won and it was a
waste of our resources when we have many more projects to invest our time
in. Councillor Neal said he had discussed with Councillor Snow, who was in
complete agreement.
Local Delivery – Councillor Young and Councillor Bridger reported that
they were still waiting for some information from the RFO regarding this.
When they have the required information they can report more fully.
Sturquest – Councillor Young reported that he had attended a meeting
regarding this recently and all Councillors have a copy of the information.
Village Design Statement – Councillor Dowden reported that Child Okeford
had now completed their Village Design Statement. It noted that if we felt
that we were going to produce one then we needed to act quickly. Councillor
Dowden is prepared to front the project as a resident of the village with
Councillor Lawson and Councillor Neal assisting. He will contact Child Okeford
to try and arrange a meeting with the leading man from there to gain more
information, but it was felt that the biggest cost that will be incurred
is that of time. All Councillors were in favour of this idea. It was proposed
by Councillor Lawson and seconded by Councillor Chant.
Village Hall – Councillor Lawson reported that the main priority of
the committee this year is to update the kitchen facilities. Plans are in
place for this to happen in the next two to three months and the various
clubs and societies will be asked to contribute where they can.
2008/07 Councillors Portfolios – The Chairman read through the list
of Councillors responsibilities for the agreement of the Councillors. It
was agreed that:
Henstridge Airfield – Councillor Fraser.
Recreation and Burial Grounds – Chairman, Councillor Snow and Councillor
Bulford.
Footpaths/Roads – Councillor Chant.
Skatepark – Mr Plowman. At this point Mr Plowman reported that he was
still carrying out his weekly safety inspections of the Skatepark and has
them all on file. He expressed his concern that recently on two occasions
he has found broken bottles on the surface of the park. He requested everyone
to be vigilant when using the Recreation Ground and check that there aren’t
more.
Allotments – The Chairman reported that the contract is with Mr Crocker
and we are just waiting for him to sign it and return it to the Parish Council.
The clerk is obtaining some more quotations for the work as the previous
ones are out of date. Action Item 06/08.
At this point the issue of the Post Office closure was spoken about and it
was decided that the Chairman would liaise with the owners of the Post Office
regarding this.
The issue of a Human Resources Committee was postponed until the March meeting
due to the lateness of the time.
2008/008 Action Update
The Chairman gave an update on the Action List. Please see attached list
for information.
2008/009 Clerk’s Report
The clerk noted that she had gained some information on the training available
and is able to do the work from home.
She also asked all Councillors which programme they would prefer to have
the files saved and forwarded in and all Councillors requested that they
be saved in word format. The new computer system is expected in the near
future. Discussion was also held regarding the circulation file and no decision
was reached.
2008/010 Correspondence
The Chairman read out a letter from Mr Cooper at Tapshays Cottage regarding
a situation with his hedge and ditch. All Councillors were in agreement
for him to carry out the work as stated in his letter. The clerk will write
and also suggest that he contacts Mrs Sturges regarding any further information
he may require. Action Item 07/08.
The Chairman read out a letter from Steve Howard at NDDC regarding the issue
of the speed limit around Church Corner. We are in line to have the limit
reduced to 30mph in the near future. After discussion, it was agreed to leave
the matter as outlined in the later, as any attempts at this stage to alter
the proposal would result in it being deferred.
The Chairman read out a letter regarding the erection of a Bouncy Castle
in the Recreation Ground on the bank holiday weekend in August. All Councillors
were in favour of the idea, but some points were raised.
There is to be a pre-erection site meeting.
The erection of the structure is to be supervised.
The access is maintained to all parts of the Recreation Ground whilst the
structure is in use.
Suggest cordoning off a private area.
Provide any supervision that is deemed necessary.
The Parish Council is to be fully indemnified against any claims or charges
that may arise.
Dismantle and remove the structure at the earliest opportunity.
The clerk to write to Mrs Beattie explaining these points. Action Item 08/08.
The issue of a dangerous tree in Chippel lane was discussed and all the correct
people have been contacted regarding this.
Other items of correspondence were read out by the Chairman and duly noted.
The last item to be noted was the Identification of new sites for housing.
It was requested that the clerk write to the planning department at NDDC
to ask to be kept well informed of any future proposals affecting the village
in terms of affordable housing. Action Item 09/08.
2008/011 Chairman’s Urgent Business
The Chairman reported that the Annual Parish Assembly will be held as always
in April and all Councillors are invited to attend as members of the public.
2008/012 Press Release
Councillor Plummer noted that the opening of the play area will be advertised
in the Western Gazette and the Blackmore Vale Magazine.
2008/013 Date of next meeting
The next Parish Council Meeting will be on Monday the 3rd of March 2008 in
the Village Hall at 7.00pm
There being no further business the meeting was closed at 10.10pm
Chairman………………………….
Date……………………..
| ACTION LIST: |
| 30/06 |
Repair of the small football pitch. |
Completed. |
| 43/06 |
Mrs Locke to find out from the Tennis Club some more information
regarding a practice wall in the Recreation Ground. |
Mrs Locke. On going |
| 20/07 |
Quotations to be obtained for the wall at the entrance
to the Recreation Ground to be repointed and the notice board lowered. |
Clerk. |
| 25/07 |
To order the Village Hall Signs |
On hold until the playarea is completed. |
| 26/07 |
To obtain quotes for resurfacing of drive and car
park at Village Hall. |
Clerk. |
| 01/08 |
The Clerk to write to the Practice manager at Marnhull
surgery. |
Clerk. |
| 02/08 |
The Clerk to write to DDC to request the drain at Kingsmill
is cleared. |
Clerk. |
| 03/08 |
The Clerk to write to DCC concerning the verge outside
the Post Office and copy to Cllr Cattaway. |
Clerk. |
| 04/08 |
The Clerk to write to DCC to request some grit bins. |
Clerk. |
| 05/08 |
The Clerk to obtain some quotations for the widening of
the gates at the Recreation Ground. |
Clerk. |
| 06/08 |
The Clerk to obtain some more quotations for the
work at the allotments. |
Clerk. |
| 07/08 |
The Clerk to write to Mr Cooper regarding his letter
to the Council. |
Clerk. |
| 08/08 |
The Clerk to write to Mrs Beattie regarding the issue
of the Bouncy Castle. |
Clerk. |
| 09/08 |
The Clerk to write to NDDC regarding the issue of
Affordable Housing in Marnhull. |
Clerk. |
| 10/08 |
Clerk to write to householders backing onto the
Recreation Ground regarding their respective rear entrances. |
Clerk. |
