1st June 2004
Published unapproved for ratification at the July 6th meeting.
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MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE PAVILION ON TUESDAY JUNE 1ST 2004
Present:- Cllr M Burt (chairman)
Cllr E Horton (vice chairman)
Cllr R Corben
Cllr A Frampton
Cllr B Trowbridge
Also present:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), Cllr M Bignell (NDDC), and 15 members of the public.
1) APOLOGIES Cllr Mrs Buckley (attending funeral), Cllr Campbell (DCC).
2) THE MINUTES OF AGM � MAY 4th having been circulated to councillors, notice boards and the website were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Horton that they be signed by the chairman, this was agreed.
2a) MATTERS ARISING None
3) THE MINUTES OF MAY 4th having been circulated to councillors, notice boards and the website were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that they be signed by the chairman. This was agreed.
4) POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC RELATING TO ITEM 6 ONLY None
5) DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST Cllr Burt declared an interest in an item to be brought to the council�s attention in item 13) planning � other, he would leave the room and hand over the chair to the vice chairman.
6) MATTERS ARISING
i) Recreation Ground
The chairman reported a bearing and belt failure on the mower at the weekend, he reported having purchased and fitted replacements and had ordered spares. See item 11 for details.
Cllr Frampton reported having repaired the guttering on the pavilion. See item 11 for details.
ii) Bowey Field NTR
iii) Chicken Processing Factory
The chairman reported that the factory manager had told him that Faccenda had handed in its vehicle operator�s licence and that vehicles from other sources were now being used.
iv) Extension of 30 mph speed limit NFTR
v) Darknoll Lane DCC has acknowledged PC�s request and will deal with it in early June.
vi) New Cross NFTR
vii) Community Planning
Cllr Horton reported that there was some money available for parish plans from DCA and that he intended to attend a meeting at Child Okeford to find out more of what is involved.
The chairman reported on a DAPTC meeting he attended where Janet Rees (NDDC) was to talk about the District Council�s approach to community planning. He had voiced this council�s concerns about the democracy of SturQuest and its constitution. She said she would look into this. He also considered it undemocratic of NDDC to not recognise a Parish Council simply because it did not have an election, they are legally empowered whether an election is held or a
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council is returned unopposed. He asked Cllr Bignell why the District Council councillors would agree to this. Cllr Bignell said that it was probably a decision made at Cabinet and not at a full council meeting. He was himself concerned about the unelected partnerships and would be raising the issue with Janet Rees. The chairman said another concern was that NDDC would only consider representation on committees from Parish Councils which had completed a parish plan and felt that NDDC did not have the right to exclude a democratically elected PC. Cllr Bignell said that again this decision was probably made by the Cabinet, very little was decided at full council, he felt that this was also undemocratic.
After further discussion it was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that letters be written to Janet Rees and David Webb (DAPTC) for an update on these issues, this was agreed.
viii) Travellers
A copy of a forms completed by NDDC for the ODPM has been received listing the last two counts of Gypsy caravans in north Dorset. There is some dubiety as to how different authorities do the count so the figures are not useful. A response has not yet been received from DCC about the number of pitches required or the issue of planning regulations. Clerk to follow up.
ix) Belchalwell posts
The chairman reported that Cllrs Horton, Trowbridge and himself had met with Mrs Sheriff and other residents of Lower Belchalwell on site to discuss the posts around the grass verge. Councillors agreed that there should be no problem with access to Saints Hill. Cllr Horton felt that the posts were not aesthetically obtrusive. Cllr Trowbridge said that if he�d realised that there was so much opposition he would not have voted for them to be installed. Cllr Frampton felt that they should remain but said that perhaps all posts and stones should be removed from verges. The chairman allowed members of the public to enter the discussion, where it was clear that many people were opposed to the posts and wanted them removed and others felt that they protected the grass from damage by cars. Cllr Corben had visited the site and thought they looked okay, he was concerned about the council changing its mind on a decision democratically reached. Some residents of Belchalwell agreed to help Mr Orriss to keep the area tidy and agreed that they did not want to see cars parked on it.
It was proposed by Cllr Frampton and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that the posts be removed a vote was taken with 4 for the proposition and 1 against, it was therefore carried. The proposition in no way condones the parking of vehicles on the verges at Belchalwell and anyone that does so risks prosecution.
x) Belchalwell lay-by
There had been a letter from a couple at Belchalwell in opposition to a lay �by. The chairman felt reluctant to pursue this issue with DCC as there are other issues which the County Engineer would have to take up. There was general agreement from the floor and it was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that this item be dropped, this was agreed.
xi Belchalwell passing places
This item was also dropped.
xii) Belchalwell payphone
An acknowledgement of the PC�s concerns has been received from BT. The consultation period has been extended until July 12th.
xiii) Clamping sign VH car park
This has now been removed. Item discharged.
xiv) The Pound sign
Awaiting details of size and amount before ordering. Cllrs Burt and Frampton to follow up.
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xv) Any Other Matters Arising None
7) CORRESPONDENCE
o NDDC � notice of European Parliamentary elections � on NB�s.
o DCC � Future school provision in Blandford Area � copied to Cllr Mrs Buckley.
o Dorset Art Week � May 29th � June 13th posters – on NB�s.
o NDDC � copy of hedgerow removal notice (no greater than 6m) Banbury Cross to Fiddleford. Wessex Water to lay replacement water main. No covering letter � clerk to follow up.
o DCC � 40mph speed limit for part of A357 Fiddleford. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Corben that this council agrees with the proposal, this was agreed.
o Robert Walter MP � information on how to get in touch with him – on NB�s.
o DAPTC � newsletter circulated to councillors. Planning course available on June 16th.
o NDDC � occasional PEL for July 30th, 31st & Aug 1st at the recreation ground, there were no objections. (Cllrs Corben and Frampton declared an interest in this item as the PEL is for O.U.F.C.�s Butterboys Bonanza
o Winged Fellowship Trust � requesting grant.
8) REPRESENTATIVE�S REPORTS
DAPTC � Cllr Burt reported that the DAPTC had agreed at its meeting to express extreme concern to NDDC with regard to the locally inadequate level of planning enforcement. Also agreed was to ask NDDC to set out a clear policy regarding section 106 agreements ensuring the transparent use of such monies and that allocation reflects locally identified needs.
VILLAGE HALL � Cllr Burt reported that the annual fund raising event the Fippenny Fayre would take place on June 20th and the committee would be grateful for any help.
9) DISTRICT COUNCILLOR�S REPORT
Cllr Bignell reported that the Cabinet has discussed the travellers� situation.
MP Robert Walter had attended a meeting with District Councillors where he was asked to look into matters concerning the Faccenda, Higher Street planning application and smells from the chicken houses in Shillingstone Lane.
Mike Oliver is now chairman of the council.
Section 106 agreements � money should be used within a certain period, some had been handed back to developers and some money had not been collected.
Nick Fagan has been suspended from his post as Development Control manager.
10) POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mr Gillingham reported that the summer bus services would be run by a different company but he had no details about times at present.
Mrs Calcott reported that part of the hedge along footpath 66 was very overgrown. Clerk to follow up with the owner.
Mr Gillingham reported an incident involving 3 cars one driven by a paramedic and asked who he should inform. The chairman said that if it was felt that the paramedic was driving dangerously then it should be reported to the Ambulance Service.
Mr Varley reported a problem with water draining from the road onto his property. The chairman said that he should report it to �CLARENCE� in the first instance and if he was not satisfied then come back to the PC to follow up.
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11) FINANCIAL MATTERS
To Pay:-
ND Young � scalpings for The Pound 61.50
Muddyweb Ltd � web hosing renewal (at reduced price) 58.75
Mrs D Burt � invoices:-
Maplin Electronics � lamps 4.49 }
Harts � keys 10.50 }
Blandford Timber � guttering 4.12 }
Autolock security � keys 7.00 } 26.11
St Andrews PCC �
Assistance with Churchyard maintenance 300.00 }
Assistance with publication of Parish magazine 150.00 } 450.00
Mrs D Burt � invoice:-
Ashley Power � bearings and belts for mower 86.95
It was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Horton that these be paid, this was agreed.
The clerk reported that August 9th was the date set for the audit of the accounts for year ending 31-3-04. Relevant notices will be posted at appropriate times.
12) ANNUAL RISK ASSESSMENT
The council went through items listed in the �Governance & Accountability in Local Councils�� handbook relating to finance, insurance, minutes, budgeting, buildings and equipment. It was agreed that the insurance for the Pavilion should be looked at. Also a gate to the north of the recreation ground car park was in need of attention Cllrs Burt and Frampton to follow up. The clerk suggested that there should be a first aid box in the Pavilion although the main users have their own. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Corben that one should be bought, this was agreed.
The council is satisfied that sufficient checks are in place and are adequate.
13) PLANNING MATTERS
a) applications 2/2004/0474 � Mr & Mrs Bryant, Hill View, Okeford Common. Erect single storey side extension. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Corben that there be no objections, this was agreed.
2/2004/0523 � Mrs L Kannangara & Collins, Barkhill Farmhouse, Okeford Common. Demolish existing garage and workshop and erect double garage and workshop with office and store above. It was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Horton that there be no objections, this was agreed.
b) decisions None
c) other
Cllr Burt declared an interest and left the room, Cllr Horton took the chair.
o The clerk reported having had several parishioners voice their concerns to her about Froghole Farm, adjacent to Hartcliff Farm and the amount of fencing being installed including a high metal fenced enclosure and the fact that there is now someone living there for which there is no planning permission. The vice chairman said he had looked at the site and felt that a letter should be sent to NDDC planning enforcement to draw the situation to their attention. This was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge and agreed.
Cllr Burt was asked to return and re-took the chair.
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o A letter had been received from NDDC planning enforcement regarding the land at Okeford Hill, it said that once the determination of planning application no 2/2003/0259 is reached this would be a guide for the enforcement team as to the best way forward in
resolving breaches of planning control. There was concern that a precedent would be set for other land in an AONB. It was agreed to reply asking if an agricultural business plan had been presented.
Cllr Corben apologised and left the meeting at 9-22pm.
14) A.O.B.
Cllr Frampton reported that dogs had been allowed to foul the footpath behind Bowey making it difficult and unpleasant to walk. The clerk was asked to enquire about signs from NDDC and to include an appeal to dog owners in her report for the parish magazine.
Cllr Burt put forward a newsletter from NorDOP (North Dorset Older Peoples Forum) with notice of a conference/open meeting on July 16th at The Crown Hotel, Blandford where Robert Walter MP would be speaking. Information to be put in parish magazine and notice boards.
Cllr Burt reported that he had spoken to the new postmaster about the provision of a new Post Office sign which he had to pay for at a cost of around �312. As it is a listed building he has to apply for planning permission at a further cost of around �60. If the application is successful he may need to ask the PC for a small grant.
Cllr Trowbridge took the opportunity to say how pleased he was to see how well the new owners of the shop/post office are meeting the needs of the parish.
Cllr Horton asked if there was any news about the Homewatch notice board which was requested. Clerk to follow up.
Cllr Frampton asked the council to consider the purchase of a hand mower to tidy up the outside of the recreation ground. The clerk asked him to get some prices and if it was not possible to purchase one in the near future then it could be put in the precept for 2005/6.
15) THE NEXT MEETING will be on July 6th at the Pavilion, Castle Lane at 7-30 pm.
There being no further business the chairman thanked all present and closed the meeting at 9-33 pm
