Parish council minutes - 12th November 2002 - Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, UK

12th November 2002

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Published unapproved ï¿½ for ratification at the December 10th meeting.

MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE PAVILIONON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12TH 2002
Present:- Cllr M Burt
Cllr B Trowbridge
Cllr Mrs A Calcott
Cllr A Frampton
Cllr C Nelson
In attendance:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), and four members of the public.
1) Apologies Cllrs Thorne and Corben and Mr E Fleetwood (Homewatch coordinator). Cllr Bignell (NDDC) would be late.
2) The minutes of the October 15th meeting, having been circulated to councillors, notice boards and the website, were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Frampton that the chairman signs them this was agreed.
3) Points from the public relating to item 4 only None
4) Matters Arising
i) Recreation ground
The new swings have now been installed, the clerk reported having received the bill and that it included ï¿½300 for storage and ï¿½250 for security fencing, neither of these services had been provided. She had contacted the company by telephone but would now write formally saying that these amounts should not be included. There had also been a problem with the contractors who installed the wet pour safety surface in that they had broken the gate padlock in order to gain access to the site. Cllr Frampton had challenged them and then informed the clerk who informed Wicksteed, the padlock has now been replaced. The chairman had made up the ground around the safety surface area with some earth and awaits delivery of some turf to finish the job.
The chairman reported the delivery of the new mower and the turf wheels and tyres. He had replaced the front tyres of the tractor with Land Rover tyres and put a bracket for weights on the front, it is hoped that weights will be arriving shortly. Garaging still has to be sorted out.
There had been a visit from a fire officer in connection with the liquor licence being applied for by the Football Club, some ï¿½push bar to openï¿½ signs need to be put on the exit doors and an electrical certificate needs to be obtained, the Football Club will pay any necessary expenses.
Cllr Nelson reported having received a telephone call from the Lottery – Sport England enquiring about cricket at the recreation ground, he said that he was involved with Shillingstone regarding this. They also asked whether he thought that the application for a liquor licence would affect the Youth Club he said that he saw no reason why it should.
ii) Bowey Field NTR
iii) Chicken Processing Factory
Two odour diaries had been received, one reported no smells and the other, one smell.
Letters had been received from the solicitor representing NDDC reporting that the planning permission for the chimney has been quashed by Order of the Court and NDDC will now reconsider the planning decision. Also confirmation that the determination of the re submitted planning application for the chimney should go through the usual consultation procedures which include the Parish Council and neighbours.
A copy of a letter from the Primary School to Development Control NDDC had been received complaining that the smells have not diminished since the erection of the chimney. The PC had responded to the school enclosing blank odour monitoring sheets and offering to investigate any future smells, as it was not always the case that they emanate from the Higher St factory.
An anonymous letter in support of the factory had been received, a vote was taken as to whether it should be read, two voted against it being read and 2 abstained it was therefore not read.
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Cllr Trowbridge said that the chimney was working well. Cllr Nelson said that the school had written to NDDC who were not taking any notice, they were now talking to the County Council. He called for an independent survey of smells and said he would abide by the result.
The chairman warned that councillors should be careful with regard to the code of conduct as any prejudicial arguments could preclude inclusion on planning discussions.
Cllr Frampton said that ï¿½Ofchicsï¿½ may not be the majority view of the village, an overall balanced view is needed and some people were not being balanced.
Cllr Nelson said we donï¿½t want cosy meetings with NDDC and Faccenda.
There was some discussion about the nature and source of the smells. The chairman said genuine smell diaries are needed, there is now an ideal opportunity to eliminate the chicken houses as the source as they will shortly be shut down for a period. The discussion continued at length. Cllr Nelson proposed and Cllr Trowbridge seconded that a letter be written to NDDC to ask for an independent survey of smells to include a period during the summer months, this was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Frampton asked what measures the factory was taking. The Chairman said that a computer system had been installed to monitor wind direction and speed.
Cllr Nelson said that the centre of the village is okay but other parts are getting milder smells. Cllr Frampton said that the survey might show that there is no problem, there is no machine to measure smells so diaries are the best way to monitor them.
The chairman said that maybe further meetings with NDDC would be useful to find a way forward. Consultants are being engaged by NDDC to look at the evidence. Cllr Nelson reiterated the need to establish if the chimney was working. The chairman said that it was the Parish Councilï¿½s objective to get rid of the smells and if they are elsewhere we need to know, the best way to do this was by smell diaries.
iv) Greenhayes/Higher St path Awaiting response from DCC.
v) The Pound
Cllr Mrs Calcott reported that a branch had fallen down in recent storms but that it had now been removed and little damage was done to the wall. Dave Frampton continues to work on the wall when he can. Paul Louth, the stonemason from Belchalwell, says that as it is a parish project he will provide a stone at a reduced price with the required wording for approximately ï¿½200.
vi) Parish Survey
The clerk has produced a prï¿½cis of the results, councillors have a copy and a copy will be put in the minutes (appendix a). It was agreed that this should be published in the Parish Magazine and on notice boards but not delivered to every household in the parish. It is also available on the website along with the full statistical data a copy of which is available from the clerk.
vii) Future Development NFTR
viii) Golden Jubilee 2002
A commemorative magazine had been received and news that the next National celebration would be the bicentenary of the battle of Trafalgar ï¿½England salutes Admiral Nelsonï¿½ on October 21st ï¿½23rd 2005.
ix) Travellers
A reply had been received from Mr Evans DCC saying that staff from DCC waste management section make regular visits to the site with regard to concerns about sanitation, and that ï¿½there is no sign that this discrete community has enlargedï¿½.
The chairman is continuing his efforts with the Inland Revenue and the DTLR to establish to what extent these two bodies are aware of traveller numbers, location and whether or not they are conforming to the law as the settled communities are.
There was some discussion about the continuation of this item when Cllr Nelson said he didnï¿½t care about the travellers and indicated that he didnï¿½t see the need to talk about them. The chairman pointed out that these encampments were of great concern to parishioners and that this council had
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an obligation to follow up on those concerns the other councillors agreed that this item should continue. Cllr Burt proposed and Cllr Trowbridge seconded that a letter be written to development control at NDDC informing them of the unauthorised encampment at Conygar Copse which has no planning permission. This was agreed unanimously.
x) Footway ï¿½ Castle Lane NFTR
xi) Extension of 30 mph speed limit NFTR
xii) Angers Lane
A response from DCC had been received saying that various drainage works had been done and the road had been added to its list of overlay schemes. A programme for repairs to potholes and patching failed areas is ongoing.
xiii) Bridleway 13
The widening of the bottom end of this path has now been completed.
xiv) Overhanging hedges Nothing more from DCC.
xv) Orchard ï¿½ Mary Gardens NFTR
xvi) Parish Councils Code of Conduct
The monitoring officer for NDDC has responded to the request for progress on the matter of an alleged breach of the code by one of our councillors, reported to her by a parishioner. Mrs Guest says that Cllr Nelson has been advised to declare his membership of ï¿½Ofchicsï¿½ which he has done and that the meeting chaired by Cllr Nelson appeared to have been properly conducted. Cllr Nelson said he was disappointed that someone had complained about his conduct to NDDC and not to his face.
Cllr Mrs Calcott wished to declare that her son is now working for a company which supplies packaging to the Faccenda Group.
xvii) Countryside & Rights of Way Act 2000
After much discussion on the two pieces of land marked on the draft map as open country it was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Frampton that the comment form be return saying that those pieces are not open country, this was agreed unanimously.
xviii) A357 closure
A response had been received from DCC saying that the work in Shillingstone will not take place for some time and they will advise us of the revised start date.
xix) Accounts & Audit Regulations 2003
The council had no comments in general on this paper but agreed that council with an annual budget of below ï¿½50,000 should be exempted from the need for an internal audit. The clerk and chairman will reply to this consultation.
xx) Any Other Matters Arising
The clerk reported having followed up the enquiry about the missing bin at Mary Gardens and reported that NDDC said it should have been replaced. Continuing.
5) Correspondence
Dorset Police, Eastern Division ï¿½ community service vehicle rota.
DCC ï¿½ Local transport plan 2nd annual progress report ï¿½ comments by Mar 31st 2003.
Cllr Bignell arrived at 9-40 pm
Sturminster Newton Town Council ï¿½ asking for ï¿½2 per elector to put in our precept to support ï¿½community planning & local community partnershipsï¿½. This subject had been talked about at recent parish liaison meetings where clusters had been identified with the ï¿½marketï¿½ town being targeted to receive financial help from developer contributions gained from developments in the surrounding parishes. This council has in the past been against this practice and the feeling was that this proposed additional sort of contribution should be acquired through the District Council via the council tax. The clerk said that she was not prepared to add over ï¿½1400 to the proposed budget for use outside of the parish. Cllr Bignell talked about developer contributions and community partnerships. It was proposed by Cllr Frampton and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that
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a letter be written to SNTC saying that this council would not add to its budget for projects outside the parish this was agreed unanimously.
Countryside Agency ï¿½ information on vital villages.
DAPTC ï¿½ circulars 44 ï¿½ 46, regional training event at ï¿½30 per head, consultation paper on elections 2004, comments by January 16th exec comm. meeting minutes, report from working party on NALC development strategy.
NORDCAT ï¿½ newsletter and bus programme.
DCC ï¿½ proposed mobile library schedules 2003/2004.
The chairman asked to be excused for a few minutes and vice chairman Cllr Trowbridge took the chair.
6) Representatives Reports
School Governors ï¿½ Cllr Nelson said that a meeting was scheduled for next week but reported that building work was ongoing and the annual meeting with parents was also next week.
Footpaths Liaison Officer ï¿½ Cllr Mrs Calcott reported that the barriers at the top of footpath 53 had been lifted out, the clerk would inform DCC ROW.
Youth Club ï¿½ Cllr Mrs Calcott reported that 15 children were being taken to see the pantomime at Bournemouth this year. The club is still being run with volunteers as no youth worker has yet been found.
Cllr Burt thanked Cllr Trowbridge and resumed his position as chairman.
7) District Councillors Report
Cllr Bignell reported that he had brought to the District Councils attention the problem of some people buying affordable housing at a cheap price and then being able to resell within months and make huge profits. He is pursuing this issue as he feels there should be some sort of claw back for those people who wish to sell so that the property could be resold at an affordable price.
8) Points from the public
via the clerk ï¿½ A parishioner had complained that some people were using litter bins for household waste particularly food items. She also wanted dog litter bins put in Bowey Field, the clerk had pointed out that bins had not been put there because dogs were not allowed on the field except on the footpath and that dog owners using the path should take any litter and dispose of it at home.
The clerk was asked to check with NDDC if the bins at Bowey were being emptied regularly.
9) Financial Matters including 2nd draft precept 2003/2004
Accounts paid since the last meeting:-
Blandford Engraving ï¿½ signs relating to risk assessment 148.50
Post Office Ltd ï¿½ gas 45.15
Accounts to pay:-
Mrs D Burt ï¿½ clerkï¿½s salary for 2 months and expenses 452.72
C & O Tractors Ltd ï¿½ mower, wheels and tyres 3906.87
NDDC ï¿½ RoSPA of playground equipment 137.48
It was proposed by Cllr Frampton and seconded Cllr Mrs Calcott that these be approved and paid, this was agreed.
Donations of ï¿½6 had been received for mugs.
The clerk reported that Barclays Bank had lost a cheque she had paid in, so the person who wrote the cheque had to be contacted and asked to write out another one.
She also reported that Mike Wingrove had waived his bill for the refurbishment of the map board on The Cross, the council was very grateful.
2nd draft precept 2003/2004 ï¿½ the clerk presented this saying that ï¿½150 had been added to assist the PCC with the production costs of the parish magazine, the draft now stands at ï¿½9200. If the band D property level remains the same as the previous year this amount would incur an increase of approximately 81p per household on the council tax. Cllr Nelson commented that a big percentage of the precept was for establishment expenses. The clerk pointed out that the big increase was due
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to the increased hours being given to the clerk that is an extra 2 hours per week now and a further 2 hours from April next year, she said that this would still not be sufficient and while she was happy to do some work for nothing a future clerk may not be and a further increase may be necessary in the future. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Frampton that the 2nd draft be accepted, this was agreed. There will be one more meeting where changes can be made.
The chairman said that perhaps the council should be considering space for an office in the future as at present a considerable amount of space in the clerks home was being used and a future clerk may not have the room to house all the files and equipment necessary.
The clerk asked for authorisation to pay Wicksteed Leisure for the swings when an amended bill came in. It was proposed by Cllr Frampton and seconded by Cllr Nelson that authorisation be granted, this was agreed.
10) Annual Risk Assessment
Due to the lateness of the hour the chairman asked that this item be deferred to the next meeting, this was agreed.
11) Planning Matters
a) applications
2/2002/0984 ï¿½ Mr & Mrs Dobbins, 18 Mary Gardens ï¿½ two storey extension, porch and form roof windows. Cllr Trowbridge proposed and Cllr Frampton seconded that there be no objections, this was agreed.
2/2002/0997 ï¿½ Ms D Bradbury, Froghole Farm ï¿½ renewal of 01/0796 for relief of condition 3 of 94/0523 to allow residential use of caravan/mobile home (specifically for groom).
Cllr Burt declared an interest in this application and left the room.
There was some discussion about previous applications, the clerk said that there were now 4 horses on the property and drew the councillors attention to the letter of support from Ms Bradbury. Cllr Trowbridge said that it had been this councilï¿½s policy to object to further development in this area and circumstances had not changed. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Calcott and seconded by Cllr Frampton that the council objects to this application on the grounds that it would be contrary to the District Councils rural planning policy, a vote was taken, there were 3 in favour with 1 abstention the proposal was therefore carried.
Cllr Burt was called back to resume his place in the chair.
b) decisions
2/2002/0909 ï¿½ Pleydells Farm ï¿½ dwelling and turning space. This was refused by NDDC on the grounds that it was an unacceptable form of backland development, it was outside the settlement limit and that there was inadequate access and bad visibility onto Higher St.
c) other NONE
12) A.O.B. NONE
13) The next meeting will be on December 10th at 7-30 pm at The Pavilion.
There being no further business the chairman thanked everyone and closed the meeting at 10-20 pm.