Parish council minutes - 4th December 2001 - Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, UK

4th December 2001

Published unapproved ï¿½ for ratification at the January 8th 2002 meeting.
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MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE PAVILION ON TUESDAY 4TH DECEMBER 2001
Present:- Cllr M Burt
Cllr B Trowbridge
Cllr Mrs A Calcott
Cllr R Corben
Cllr A Frampton
Cllr E Thorne
In attendance:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), and five members of the public.
1) Apologies Cllr Nelson and Cllr Campbell (DCC).
2) The minutes of the November 6th meeting, having been circulated were taken as read, it was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Mrs Calcott that the chairman sign them, this was agreed.
3) Points from the public relating to item 4 only None
4) Matters Arising
i) Recreation Ground
Cllr Burt gave a sub/com/w/p report, the committee had taken the opportunity to talk about the periodic electoral review of NDDC and a housing survey for NDDC.
The w/p had concluded that some improvements were needed on the pavilion, in the short term to increase storage, the empty space at the south west end could be built up with access from inside and a door be put in the existing wall to allow access to toilets from the outside when necessary, this also to serve as an emergency exit. The toilets need a certain amount of refurbishment and an extractor fan fitted. In the longer term an extension to the community room was thought to be necessary and the south end of the building could be extended to include a tractor garage and increased toilet facilities both of these will need plans drawn – architect to be approached. A small amount of roofing over the veranda should be fitted to make the cover complete over the path at the front. The handle to the back emergency exit needs repair, M Stainer has been asked to attend to this.
The clerk reported that grants had been applied for the new swings.
An oak tree branch had broken and was hanging in the tree over the road, as this was thought to be dangerous ï¿½Westreeï¿½ tree surgeons were asked to remove it immediately this was done at a cost of ï¿½99.87.
The perimeter hedges have now all been cut, the chairman thanked Cllr Thorne for arranging this.
Cllr Corben reported that a car had been driven around the ground and suggested that the access gates should have locks put on all gates to stop unauthorised access, this was agreed, Cllr Corben to action.
Via the chairman Cllr Nelson reported that Shillingstone Cricket Club was investigating a transportable wicket. If successful this type could be used at Okeford.
ii) Bowey Field
Cllrs Corben and Burt reported that they had repaired and re-placed the goal posts.
The handrails at the Lower Street entrance have still not been repaired, clerk to follow up with DCC.
The ditch has now been cleared, the chairman reported that the fence had to be removed to allow machinery access and reinstated afterwards, a long term solution is needed.
iii) The Cross Item discharged.
iv) Cemetery NFTR ï¿½ item discharged until more information available.
v) Chicken Processing Factory
Correspondence with DTLR regarding heavy goods vehicles operating from the Higher St site and the Shillingstone Lane site continues, an enforcement officer from the Vehicle Inspectorate Agency has been sent to investigate for possible unauthorised use from the Shillingstone Lane site. DCC, NDDC and Robert Walter MP continue to be kept informed of the situation.
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Odour diaries are continuing to be kept and are proving a good source of information.
The factory ï¿½hotlineï¿½ is not being fully used, as it is a mobile ï¿½phone the calls to it are expensive and often only a message can be left, clerk to write to the factory manager pointing this out.
Via the chairman Cllr Nelson reported as School Governor that the school chooses to write to NDDC with complaints because it is cheaper than using the ï¿½hotlineï¿½. ï¿½Ofchicsï¿½ has met with Robert Walter MP who is meeting with the factory owners in January.
vi) Greenhayes/Higher St path NFTR
vii) Little Lane NFTR
viii) Council Property
Cllr Mrs Calcott reported that The Pound is in need of clearing, there are some volunteers willing to give a hand but more are needed. The clerk was asked to source information about advice and funding for its upkeep.
ix) Parish Survey NFTR
x) Future Development
The clerk reported that Mrs Spooner (the landowner) had assumed that the PC was causing the delay but now that she knows it is not she will find out what the problem is.
xi) Darknoll Lane-Banbury Cross end NFTR
xii) Golden Jubilee 2002
The commemorative mugs have arrived.
Mr & Mrs Alner have confirmed use of the Beacon Field. The clerk suggested that they be asked if they would like to light the Beacon, it was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Mrs Calcott that they be asked, this was agreed.
The Village Hall management committee has agreed that Sunday June 2nd would be most suitable for the tea party. (Clerkï¿½s note-mugs to be distributed on this day)
Via Cllr Mrs Calcott Mrs Handy has offered to organise a dinner to raise funds, this was thought to be a good idea and the offer accepted.
xiii) Road hedges ï¿½ Castle Ave
The problems were pointed out to DCC Highways officials on their visit. It was also reiterated that a footway even if not for the whole length of Castle Lane would be very beneficial to pedestrians on this busy road. This item would be pursued.
xiv) Travellers
Mr Evans (DCC liaison officer) is aware of the encampment near Okeford Common and is in contact with the landowners.
xv) Fairfield Close ï¿½ ditch defer
xvi) Notice Boards
Mr Wingrove will do the necessary repairs to the map board shortly, we await a new map from DCC ROW.
Following further discussions about the Belchalwell notice board it was thought that an aluminium one might prove longer lasting prices and sizes to be investigated.
xvii) Greenhayes
No 60 ï¿½ Mr Casebourne has been informed of the PCï¿½s position regarding licences to park and to access his barn with a kit car. A letter from Mr Casebourne was then received saying that he had prescriptive rights. The Councilï¿½s solicitor disagreed and drafted a letter from the PC to Mr Casebourne stating that matters will be taken further if he does not accept the PCï¿½s proposals, this has been sent.
No 62 ï¿½ A new plan had been received with clear markings these were acceptable and returned signed by the chairman and vice chairman and a suggested fee of ï¿½10 annually. A letter was subsequently received from the solicitor of the owners agreeing to this fee.

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xviii) Footpath 53
A meeting took place with two representatives from DCC Highways, one from DCC ROW, Cllr Campbell, Cllrs Burt and Trowbridge and the clerk to discuss the problems. Various suggestions were put forward and further discussion will need to take place. DCC may Tarmac the path ï¿½ chair to get price from local contractor. This item will be pursued.
xix) Belchalwell sign
This has now been replaced.
xx) Chapel Green
Letters have been written to Mr & Mrs Davisï¿½ solicitor and DCC solicitor.
xxi) Extension of 30mph speed limit
Head of Highways, DCC has stated that the extension of the speed limit is not being actioned because of lack of criteria, not because of lack of funds. It was agreed to write again reminding them that the recreation ground entrance is currently outside the speed limit and with its constant usage should be within it.
xxii) Any Other Matters Arising None
5) Correspondence
ï¿½ DAPTC ï¿½ newsletter (copied to councillors), amendment to DAPTC constitution carried. D.C.ï¿½s 41-45 including planning considerations and model code of conduct for PCï¿½s (copied to councillors). NDDC planning review (chair of DAPTCï¿½s view). AGM minutes.
ï¿½ DEFRA ï¿½ Quality Parish & Town councils ï¿½ consultation paper. Responses by Jan 31st
ï¿½ Standards Board ï¿½ various info (copied to councillors)
ï¿½ NDDC ï¿½ Local plan 1st revision modifications (copy to councillors). Responses by Dec 21st
ï¿½ DCC ï¿½ road safety scheme ï¿½ update driving skills.
ï¿½ CAB ï¿½ asking for grant. It was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Frampton that ï¿½40 be given, this was agreed.
ï¿½ DCC ï¿½ decriminalised parking enforcement in Dorset
ï¿½ DCC via NDDC ï¿½ bulletin – response to terrorist incidents in USA (on notice boards and parish magazine).
ï¿½ NDDC ï¿½ draft planning guidance note ï¿½ planning obligations for the provision of community infrastructure. Comments by Jan 4th.
ï¿½ NALC & Countryside Agency ï¿½ a guide to the national training strategy for Town & Parish Councils in England (extract copied to councillors).
ï¿½ NDDC ï¿½ yellow pages recycling posters ï¿½ on notice boards.
ï¿½ NDDC ï¿½ copy of letter to Mr Selby from Kevin Morris re trees at Fippenny Hollow/Br 13.
ï¿½ CHC ï¿½ newsletter.
6) Representatives Reports
Village Hall Management Committee ï¿½ Cllr Burt reported that the committee would like to give sufficient funds for a seat to replace the one on The Cross to commemorate the Queens Golden Jubilee.
It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Mrs Calcott that the offer be gratefully accepted, this was agreed.
School Governor ï¿½ via the chairman Cllr Nelson reported that the performance management targets have been agreed with the Head teacher and the action plan arising from the OFSTED inspection is being implemented. Plans have been submitted for an extension to the kitchen area.
Homewatch ï¿½ Mr Fleetwood reported that a house near the Royal Oak had been broken into, and he is continuing to post information on the notice board.
Poor Lands Committee ï¿½ Cllr Frampton reported that 15 donations had been made this year.
7) District Councillors Report None

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8) Points From the Public
Via the chairman ï¿½ Mr Ridout asked for clarification of Footpaths 47 and 41.
Mr Russell reported that rubbish is being tipped on the grass verge opposite the entrance to Conygar Copse. Cllr Mrs Calcott will investigate and report to NDDC and the land owner.
9) Financial Matters
Account paid since last meeting:-
Norfolk China (commemorative mugs) 785.00
Accounts to pay:-
Westree ï¿½ for work on oak branch (see item 4i) 99.87
C.A.B. ï¿½ grant (see item 5) 40.00
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Calcott and seconded by Cllr Frampton that these be paid, this was agreed.
Precept 2002/2003 ï¿½ the 2nd draft ï¿½8900, has been circulated to councillors and notice boards. The figure issued by NDDC for Band D properties is 368.90 which will mean an increase of ï¿½1.86 on the Council Tax. Via the chairman Cllr Nelson disagrees with the increase mainly because of money to be spent on the Queens Golden Jubilee commemorative mugs. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Calcott and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that the 2nd draft be accepted this was agreed.
The clerk reported that she had received ï¿½186.52 for VAT reimbursed.
10) Planning Matters
a) Applications 2/2001/0912 ï¿½ Okeford Fitzpaine VACE School ï¿½ erect extension to CDT area. No objections.
2/2001/0898 ï¿½ Mrs E Wood, Nutmeg Cottage, Higher St. ï¿½ erect single storye extension by infilling between existing extensions. No objections.
2/2001/0903 and 2/2001/9165 ï¿½ Mr P Frampton, Castle Farm ï¿½ erect two-storey extension, carry out internal and external repairs/alterations including re-thatching. No objections.
2/2001/0948 ï¿½ Mrs E James, Rectory Cottage, Higher St ï¿½ replace thatched garage roof with tiles. No objections.
b) Decisions 2/2001/0808 ï¿½ Dorset Heights ï¿½ erect loggia. GRANTED
2/2001/0776 ï¿½ Pennyï¿½s Place, Angers Lane, Fiddleford ï¿½ station agricultural mobile home for temporary period ending 31/10/03. GRANTED
2/01/796/42 committee report ï¿½ Miss Bradbury, Froghole Farm ï¿½ relief of condition to allow mobile home for groom. Recommendation to GRANT.
The clerk was asked to secure an explanation of this decision as the land has now changed hands.
2/01/831/42 committee report ï¿½ Mr C Birchall, Seven Acres Small Holding, Okeford Hill. Subject to comments from the County Surveyor the Head of Planning is to decide after relevant consultation period, subject to no new objection raising matters not previously considered. Conditions ï¿½ highway and landscaping.
The clerk was asked to write to DCC further pointing out the dangerous nature of the road where this developments entrance would be.
c) Other Development Control Committee Report on reorganisation.
11) A.O.B.
It was reported that water is once again leaking onto Shillingstone Lane.
12) The Next Meeting will be Tuesday January 8th 2002.
The chairman invited all present to join him in a pre-Christmas drink and closed the meeting at
9-40pm.