27th May 2003
Published unapproved for ratification at the June 24th meeting.
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MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE PAVILION ON TUESDAY MAY 27TH 2003
Present:- Cllr M Burt
Cllr E Horton
Cllr Mrs A Buckley
Cllr R Corben
Cllr A Frampton
Cllr K Nelson
Cllr B Trowbridge
In attendance:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), Cllr M Bignell (NDDC) and nine members of the public.
1) Apologies Cllr A Campbell (DDC) who was attending another meeting.
2) The Minutes of the AGM May 13th 2003 having been circulated to councillors and notice boards were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that they be signed by the chairman this was agreed.
2a) Matters Arising NONE
3) The minutes of April 29th having been circulated to councillors and notice boards were taken as read. With a spelling amendment to item 4ia it was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Horton that they be signed by the chairman, this was agreed.
4) Points from the public relating to item 5 only NONE
5) Matters Arising
i) Recreation Ground
a) On Tuesday 21st a car had been set alight in the car park causing considerable damage to the tarmac. The car had been purchased by a 15 year old boy at an auction the previous weekend for �1. Damage had also occurred to one of the field gates where the car had been driven into it. The Police and Fire Services had attended, the Police advised that as it was private property they could do nothing. It could cost �50 – �60 for the removal of the car, between �350 and �500 to repair the car park and about �120 to replace the gate. There was some discussion about retrieving the costs from the parents of the boy. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Corben that advice be sought from the council�s solicitor to see if pursuing this would be worthwhile and that the chairman and clerk proceed on his advice. This was agreed unanimously.
Cllr Trowbridge said that in future everything should be removed from the field after an auction.
b) After a previous incident the Police had suggested various ways of making the ground and building more secure. The first was to fit gates to the entrance, there was a long discussion on this, some felt that gates would make it difficult for parishioners to use the facilities others that it was the only way to stop youngsters driving their cars around the car park. Vandalism could still occur even with gates. The PC has a responsibility to protect its property. Any gates would have to be set back from the road so there would be room to park 3 or 4 cars but a safety issue may occur with cars parking on the road. Someone would need to be responsible for locking and unlocking gates.
It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Horton that gates be bought, a vote was taken 5 were in favour 2 against the proposition was therefore carried. The clerk was asked to find information on what gates are available.
Another option was security cameras these would need to be of high quality and so would be very expensive.
c) The NO DOGS signs need to be replaced as instances of people allowing their dogs to exercise on and foul the field continue. Clerk to order new signs.
ii) Bowey Field
a) Clerk to find out cost of grill to cover the drain in the Chapel Green ditch.
b) The ditch needs clearing again and brambles are growing on the fence.
c) Cllr Corben reported that someone had dumped a load of spoil just inside the vehicle entrance. d) Cllr Mrs Buckley asked if the other half of the basketball court could be marked.
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The chairman said that we still have the template but help would be needed as it is very light. Clerk to purchase more paint.
iii) Chicken Processing Factory
Odour diaries have been received from 3 residents, these will be copied to NDDC.
Lester Aldridge solicitors acting for NDDC have sent a copy of the report by Reading Agricultural Consultants, a summary of the results had been copied to councillors and the whole report is available. This is for information only, it is not known when the re-determination of the planning application for the chimney will be processed. There was a long discussion about the installation of further equipment and criticism of NDDC for the way in which it has handled this matter. The chairman felt that the additional equipment would have been installed had it not been for the legal action, Cllr Nelson disagreed saying that nothing was being done before the legal action. He also said that it was unlikely that the application would be resubmitted until at least mid June when the report by Ofchics would be ready. Both Cllr Bignell and the chairman have asked NDDC several times why things are taking so long it was suggested that a question be asked of the full council at its meeting on Friday. It was also agreed that the clerk write to Lester Aldridge to ask what the timetable of events is.
Cllr Mrs Buckley asked about the lorry operations and what if any restrictions there were about 7-day working. Council files to be checked also Cllr Horton offered to check with the planning office NDDC.
iv) The Pound A further delivery of 4 tons of stone is awaited.
v) Golden Jubilee
The clerk asked if she could try to sell some of the 50 surplus mugs for the PC at the Village Hall�s �Fippenny Fayre� fete in June. This was agreed.
vi) Travellers
The encampment at Conygar Tip has not met the Easter deadline for leaving. There are more encampments at Ibberton Picnic site and Woolland Picnic site, although not in this parish these are of concern. The clerk to write to Mr Evans at County Hall.
vii) Footway � Castle Lane
Mr Mann has confirmed that this project is too big for his department so it is still in the hands of County Hall. Item discharged.
viii) Extension of 30 mph speed limit Clerk to pursue this matter.
ix) Angers Lane
This has now been completely resurfaced and is open to traffic. Item discharged.
x) Bus Stops � New Cross and The Cross O/F
A letter had been received from Mrs Boone, technical office DCC saying that she had inspected the sites with a member of the bus company and concluded that she would not want to put a stop opposite the school. She also said there was no real need for one at New Cross. The clerk to write and confirm that this council agreed and would leave the final decision in the hands of DCC. Item discharged.
xi) Fiddleford drainage The further damage to the bridge has been reported.
xii) Ford at Fifehead Neville
Mr Mann (DCC) has confirmed that he will provide a depth marker and replace existing damaged plastic marker posts with something more substantial. He will get the silt cleared from the river adjacent to the bank on the south side of the bridge and a �Ford Ahead� sign will be provided at the T-junction east of the ford.
xiii) Tree � Yeatmans Lower St Clerk to write to the tree officer NDDC again.
xiv) Fiddleford Notice Board This is in hand.
xv) High Pavement This has now been repaired. Item discharged.
xvi) Elections
The following were elected to the Parish Council:- Alexandra Buckley � 179, Michael Burt � 208, Robert Corben � 187, Allan Frampton � 199, Edward Horton � 168, Clive Nelson � 174 and Bernard Trowbridge � 200.
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Michael Bignell was elected as District Councillor for the Bulbarrow Ward with 406 votes.
xvii) Drain � Shillingstone Lane This now appears to be clear.
xviii) Track � Fiddleford
There is some confusion as to the status of this track as on the map it appears to be a byway but on the ground it is marked as a footpath at one end and has upright bars at the other which would not allow vehicles access. Cllr Horton, with the help of Mrs Calcott will follow this up.
xix) Cemetery
In an effort to secure land for cemetery space it was agreed that the clerk should write to the new owner of the land at Back Lane and to the Pitt-Rivers Estate who also own land in Back Lane.
xx) Any Other Matters Arising
Land at the bottom of Okeford Hill � Cllr Trowbridge expressed concern about this piece of agricultural land which stretches from Back Lane and above The Hollow. It appears that the land, approximately 34 acres, is being sold off in small plots. There is a possibility that each plot would want a shed or other building and this would have a detrimental effect on the land which forms a backdrop to the Church. The chairman had spoken informally to the planning department NDDC and had been told that an agricultural building such as the pole barn which has already been erected would probably not need planning permission. If the plots were used as allotments then again no planning permission would be needed but sheds on allotments would. The land is in an AONB and is an environmentally sensitive area. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that the clerk writes to the development control manager NDDC to ask him to look into the matter, this was agreed unanimously.
6) Correspondence
 NDDC � Market & Coastal Towns initiative seminar June 5th 9-30 � 4 pm. This is something that concerns parish councils and the democratic process, chairman to attend.
 DCC � an invitation for 2 representatives to a reception on July 9th 2-30 � 4-30 pm at Kingston Maurward. Chair and vice-chair to attend.
ï‚· Community.com newsletter.
 DCC � periodic electoral review of DCC � as the proposals are similar to that of the NDDC review, which this council endorsed, it was agreed to agree.
 Defra � info on Good Councillors Guide.
 DAPTC � circulars including introduction of new chief executive � David Webb. A welcome to new councillors meeting is being held on June 14th � replies by June 6th. Good Councillors Guide � limited number of 4 � 1 each for new councillors and the other 2 to circulate. Newsletter already distributed.
ï‚· Clerks and Councils Direct magazine.
 SturQuest � S/N open spaces group meeting. Timescale for notification of meetings not sufficient.
 SturQuest � S/N Healthcheck � MCTi
 DCC � FP�s 36 & 38 �want to know who owns land. Believed to be owned by The Portman Hunt.
 DCC � ND Ranger � owner of piece of land at back of rec: grnd: wishes to make a community wood. After some discussion it was agreed to invite the ranger to a council meeting.
 Countryside Agency � update maps on open country.
 Planning inspectorate � right to appeal re open country. Ensure landowners involved are aware of new maps.
7) Representatives Reports
Village Hall Management Committee � Cllr Burt reported that building regs: have been re-applied for and approved and work can now start.
Homewatch � Mr Senner reported this is not yet up and running, Mrs Calcott will be helping him get to know the people who are willing to be involved.
Local Public Transport � Mrs Calcott reported having attended the transport meeting in Blandford where a main topic was a need for volunteer car drivers for the sick and elderly.
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8) District Councillors Report
Cllr Bignell reported that Cllr Campbell is leader of the council which will have a one party cabinet.
There are still problems with processing housing benefits with currently a 6 week backlog, he is still pursuing this issue.
He left the meeting at 10-20 pm after his report.
9) Points from the public
Mrs Calcott reported that the bank to the east of the Village Hall has become very overgrown. When it was planted some time ago the Garden Club had agreed to maintain it. Clerk to write to Garden Club.
Mrs Calcott had seen children playing in the school grounds when the school was not in use and asked if they had permission. The answer was no but it is very difficult to police � Cllr Mrs Buckley was asked to report this at the next Governors meeting.
10) Financial Matters
Accounts to pay:-
BWBSL � water (20) �54.36
Mrs D Burt � clerk�s salary for 2 months including 2 extra hours per week from April 1st as agreed in the 2003/2004 precept � �514.46, plus 4 extra hours to cover extra work generated by the elections and AGM as agreed at the April 29th meeting � �29.68 and expenses for 2 months including toner cartridge for computer � �80.86.
Also included payment for invoices from Makro for �weedol� � �28.19 and JSC Electrical for lamps � �45.24. (21) �698.43
It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that these be paid, this was agreed.
The clerk suggested that the vice chairman Cllr Horton be the third signatory for signing cheques, it was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Corben that this be so, this was agreed.
The clerk reported having received donations of �80.
11) Planning Matters
a) applications 2/2003/0402 � K Hart, Earls Farmhouse, Belchalwell. Change of use of part of outbuilding to holiday accommodation. NO OBJECTIONS
Cllr Burt declared an interest in the next application and left the room. Cllr Horton took the chair. 2/2003/0405 � Mr & Mrs M Burt and Mr & Mrs T Burt, Hartcliff Farmhouse. Erect conservatory. NO OBJECTIONS
Cllr Burt was recalled to the chair.
2/2003/0407 � T & B Denny, Hinton St Mary. Lowbrook Cottage, Belchalwell. Erect studio/store on garden land adjacent cottage. NO OBJECTIONS
b) decisions 2/2003/0208 � 10 Mary Gardens – 2 storey rear extension. GRANTED
c) other none
12) A.O.B
Two people had reported to the chairman that a possible break-in had taken place, as the museum door was open. He had investigated and could find no evidence of a break-in but said that it had probably been opened accidentally.
Cllr Trowbridge asked that a new council photograph be taken. The clerk had this in hand.
13) The next meeting will be on June 24th at 7-30 pm and will take place at The Pavilion, Castle Lane.
The chairman apologised for the length of the meeting and thanked everyone who had stayed, he closed the meeting at 10-36 pm.
