24th June 2003
Published unapproved for ratification at the July 22nd meeting.
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MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE PAVILION ON TUESDAY JUNE 24TH 2003
Present:- Cllr M Burt
Cllr Mrs A Buckley
Cllr R Corben
Cllr B Trowbridge
In attendance:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), Cllr A Campbell (DCC), and eight members of the public. Also Mr Muir owner of a piece of land to the east of the recreation ground and Mr Nicholson North Dorset Ranger.
1) Apologies Cllr Frampton (working), Cllr Horton (holiday), Cllr Nelson (working) and Cllr Bignell (NDDC).
2) The minutes of the May 27th meeting, having been circulated were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Corben that they be signed by the chairman, this was agreed.
In the absence of Cllr Horton, Cllr Corben proposed and Cllr Mrs Buckley seconded that Cllr Trowbridge be appointed vice-chairman for this meeting this was agreed.
3) Points from the public relating to item 4 only None
The chairman asked that item 4xvi) be brought forward to accommodate Mr Muir and Mr Nicholson who were giving a presentation about Mr Muir�s Land.
Mr Muir handed out information sheets and went through the history since his ownership. The land had been planted with trees and shrubs, some of which needed to be replaced. Due to health and financial reasons he is now unable to carry out routine maintenance on the land. He wishes the land to become a community amenity. A public access over the recreation ground and a bridge over the ditch would be needed. Mr Nicholson indicated that the Ranger Service could help maintain the land. The council was not happy about creating an access and felt that the problems with his own access should be sorted out. Mr Muir and Mr Nicholson agreed to go away and put together a scheme, which the council could then take to its solicitor for legal advice before any further discussion could take place.
The chairman thanked them both and they left at 8.07pm.
4) Matters Arising
i) Recreation ground
a) Damage caused by burning car May 21st. It was proposed by Cllr Burt and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge to defer discussion on this to a closed session at the end of the meeting, this was agreed.
b) There had been an attempted break in of all doors on June 16th /17th the grill on the boiler room door had been broken. The outside door to the toilets in the old part of the pavilion still needs to be repaired. Cllr Trowbridge offered a door that may be suitable.
As no alcohol or valuables are kept on the premises the clerk had drafted a notice for windows and doors to that effect, it was agreed that this might deter an opportunist thief.
c) It was agreed that two galvanised gates would be needed with a centre post and possibly pedestrian access.
d) Wicksteed Leisure has sent a booklet re the disability discrimination act relating to outdoor play areas. Cllr Mrs Buckley will read.
e) A decision about the seesaw needs to be made there are several options 1) to put a new safety surface at the existing site 2) re-site it and put down a new safety surface 3) purchase a new one and install in a new position. Clerk to check price of new seesaw.
f) The garaging of the tractor and mowers was also discussed these are kept at the chairman�s home at present.
g) The chairman reported that the electrical inspection report is being worked through. He had fitted a new light in the old showers. New batteries were needed in the emergency lights, this would cost around �200.
h) New No Dogs signs are awaited.
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ii) Bowey Field NFTR
iii) Chicken Processing Factory
a) Odour diaries have been received and will be copied to NDDC.
b) The clerk reported having written again to Mr Pitt-Kerby at NDDC about the smells from the chicken houses at Shillingstone Lane, a response is awaited.
c) Via the clerk � Cllr Horton reported no progress on lorry operator and control and hopes to have a report for the July meeting.
The council files show nothing.
d) Cllr Nelson had circulated to councillors a report by MAS Environmental entitled Overview of odour reports & findings in relation to Faccenda Group�s plant @ Okeford Fitzpaine for redetermination of planning application.
Cllr Mrs Buckley said that the report asks for a full environmental impact assessment.
iv) The Pound
Mr Frampton is continuing work on the wall.
v) Golden Jubilee
The clerk reported selling 10 mugs at the Village Hall fete. There are still some available.
vi) Travellers
Mr Evans DCC has sent a copy of their �Gypsy and Traveller Policy 2003�. He said that the encampment at Conygar should be moving on June 7th/8th. The encampment on Woolland Hill has a pregnant woman with them so they have been given until July to move. The Ibberton group is being allowed to stay.
There is now a group on the grass verge on the road to Belchalwell.
vii) Extension of 30 mph speed limit
The clerk had written to County Hall for an update.
Via the clerk – Cllr Bignell said that consideration should be given to Higher Street leading to Okeford Hill as traffic comes into the village at high speeds. He is also concerned that children use that road to ride skateboards.
viii) Fiddleford drainage/bridge
Mr Flatters DCC proposes to take down the existing post and rail parapet and replace it with timber post and rails similar to those on the downstream side. He asks if the PC could �encourage local drivers, particularly those with large vehicles, to take additional care at this location.
ix) Ford at Fifehead Neville NFTR
x) Tree � Yeatmans, Lower St
The clerk had again written to Mark Hemming NDDC tree officer and had no response. She had received a further report from Mr Percival that more trees had been cut down.
xi) Fiddleford Notice Board NFTR
xii) Track � Fiddleford
via the clerk � Cllr Horton reported that DCC ROW have no record that this track is a right of way and cannot explain why there is a footpath arrow at the NW end but confirmed that it is not a public footpath. The clerk was asked to write for further clarification.
xiii) Cemetery
The chairman had spoken to Mr Brooks at NDDC who had been most helpful.
A reply had been received from Mr Pitt-Rivers who had passed the matter to his agents Symonds & Sampson. The chairman had met their representative.
There had been no reply from Mr Ricketts.
Cllr Burt proposed and Cllr Trowbridge seconded that further discussions take place in closed session at the end of the meeting this was agreed.
xiv) MCTi
The chairman had attended the seminar and did not learn very much from it. There are still serious concerns about democracy.
There will be a visit by cabinet office partnership on June 25th � 27th the chairman can attend on the 25th but no other days.
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xv) Land south of village � Okeford Hill
via the clerk � Cllr Horton reported on various policies relating to AONB. He said that development which affects the visual amenity of a conservation area would be subject to special scrutiny.
The clerk had written to Mr Fagan immediately after the May meeting but had no response. When contacting NDDC about this she was told the letter had not been received. A copy was emailed and a hard copy put in the post.
xvi) Land to east of recreation ground dealt with earlier.
xvii) Council photograph NFTR
xviii) Any Other Matters Arising None
5) Correspondence
 DCC � Safer routes to school newsletter � given to councillors.
 NDDC � private sector housing renewal policy comments by June 30th � the chairman had read and said it was a good document.
 WDCHC � newsletter
 NDDC � closure of services notice June 12th � on notice boards.
 Community.com � newsletter.
 NDDC � Signpost walkabout week June 30th � July 7th � Okeford Lower St July 9th � on notice board.
 NDDC � draft homelessness strategy � comments by July 4th.
 NALC � conference October 2nd � 5th.
 Standards Board � IDeA guide for new members.
 Defra � Quality Parish Council scheme � registration begins July 1st.
 Standards Board � code of practise video � Cllr Mrs Buckley to view.
 Cllr Bignell � NFU information day at Belchalwell (he cannot attend) no-one else available
 DCC � reception July 9th Cllr Trowbridge will take Cllr Horton�s place.
6) Representatives Report
Youth Club � Mrs Burt reported that there are 34 children on the current register and an average of 23/24 come each week. For the last � term of the school year Y5 children are accepted. The club had been given an almost new table tennis. The end of term treat will be circus skills on July 21st.
School Governors � Cllr Mrs Buckley reported on an extraordinary committee meeting to discuss a proposed new school at Shillingstone.
DAPTC � Cllrs Burt and Horton attended a meeting at Bourton where community planning and its dangers were discussed. Generally Parish Councils are not taking enough interest and agencies are taking over.
Homewatch � Mr Senner reported that the Church had been robbed. Also thieves were targeting horse tack.
7) District Councillors Report
via the clerk � Cllr Bignell reports that he will be proposing a motion at Council on Friday raising concerns abut GM crops.
The training day on June 12th was worthwhile provided that the findings are followed through. There was some criticism about the cost of the day allegedly �30,000, in a letter to the BVM he has written about this and the overall waste of money at Nordon.
8) Points from the Public
Mrs Calcott said she has been weeding the area around The Cross but was now unable to continue. Cllr Mrs Buckley said she would take on the task.
Mrs Calcott asked about the possible surface for The Pound and if post and rail or just posts would be suitable for the road side. The chairman said that fine powder scalpings should be used.
A decision about the fencing was not made.
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9) Financial Matters
To pay:-
St Andrews PCC – grant to assist with grass cutting at the Church �300 }
– grant to assist with publication of �Fippenny News� �150 } �400.00
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Buckley and seconded by Cllr Corben that this be paid, this was agreed.
The clerk reported having received donations of �20 for use of the pavilion after a funeral, �15 from the Village Hall Management Committee for use of the pavilion for its fete and �30 for Jubilee mugs.
The clerk presented the income & expenditure account, balance sheet and supporting statement for the year ending 31- 3-03. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Corben that they be accepted, this was agreed.
The clerk reported that the audit for year ending 31-3-03 would be August 11th. The annual return needs to be signed at the next meeting. Mr Weeks is continuing to do the internal audits and will fill in his part of the return.
10) Planning Matters
a) applications 2/2003/0542 (outline) � Mr & Mrs Filmer, Manor Farm House,
Fiddleford – and south of Manor Farm House. Develop land by erection of dwelling and garage.
The chairman asked if the members of the public from Fiddleford had any comments. There was concern that with no mains drainage the added overflow from further cess pits/ septic tanks would exacerbate the problem of pollution to the brook. It was also felt that it would be over development of the site. Cllr Trowbridge proposed and Cllr Corben seconded to object to the application on the grounds quoted above, this was agreed.
2/2003/0582 – Mr & Mrs E Horton, 15 Bowey. Erect extension and raise roof to form additional accommodation over garage. NO OBJECTIONS
b) decisions
2/2003/0345 � Bryanston Cottage, Fiddleford � 2 storey rear extension. GRANTED
2/2003/0389 � Okedene, Castle Ave � first floor extension and garage. GRANTED
2/2003/0454 � Hartcliff Farmhouse � erect conservatory GRANTED
c) other
Notice of an appeal by MJ, CO & AE Yeatman � develop land by election of 2 agricultural workers dwellings Lowbrook Farm, Belchalwell. Any further comments to the Planning Inspectorate quoting reference:- APP/N1215/A/03/1116793 (3 copies) by July 3rd.
The Parish Council supported the original application but it was agreed not to follow up at the appeal.
11) AOB None
12) The Next Meeting will be on July 22nd at 7-30pm and will take place at The Pavilion, Castle Lane.
The chairman thanked everyone for coming and closed the meeting to the public at 9-45 pm.
