Minutes published unapproved for ratification at the meeting on 3 April 2012
MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD AT THE PAVILION ON 6 MARCH 2012
PRESENT: Cllr M Burt (Chairman)
Cllr Fox (Vice-Chairman)
Cllr R Corben
Cllr S Corben
Cllr M Paine
Also present: – Mrs Sandra Deary (Clerk), Cllr A Burch, NDDC and 2 members of the public.
1. APOLOGIES: Cllrs Frampton and Wood
2. THE MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 7 FEBRUARY 2012: having been circulated to Cllrs and noticeboards were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Wood and seconded by Cllr Fox they be signed by the Chairman, this was agreed.
3. POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC RELATING TO ITEM 6 ONLY. None
4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Cllrs Burt & Frampton as members of the Village Hall Management Committee.
Cllr Burt as member of the DAPTC.
Cllr Burt as member of CPEND and LDWG.
Cllrs R & S Corben as members of Okeford United Football Club
Cllrs R & S Corben as members of Okeford Fitzpaine Allotment Society
5. District & County Councillors’ Report: Cllr Burch reported that NDDC Cabinet had decided not to accept the freeze grant offered by central government. That was indeed the decision taken on 20th February. However, later that same day a communique from Central Government made it very clear that if they did not take the freeze grant and that any gains attributed to a new council tax level could not be guaranteed to be fixed in the following financial year. The cabinet, therefore, felt that it could not take that risk and therefore had no choice but to accept the freeze grant for 2012/13. This means that the level of council tax will remain at £104.78.
Local Enterprise Partnership- LEP – A new organisation called the local enterprise partnership is being launched in April to boost jobs and attract new industry across Dorset. It will be driven by the private sector and work in partnership with the local authorities. Its aim is to create an environment through improved connectivity and business infrastructure in which existing businesses can flourish and which is attractive for new start-ups and investments from the UK and abroad. This will deliver higher paid and better skilled jobs throughout Dorset. In 2010 the government offered local areas the chance to submit proposals to take control of their future economic development through the funding of the LEPs. The Dorset LEP is one of only 39 announced so far. It is made up of 9 members from the business community, 6 Local Authorities and academic representatives. It was formed last December and currently is developing a business plan to set a clear path to delivering a brighter economic future for the whole of Dorset
Olympic Torch Relay – On 12th July this relay will pass through Shaftesbury, Fontmell Magna, Iwerne Minster, Stourpaine, Blandford, Winterborne Whitechurch and Milborne St Andrew.
Stickland Community Response Group – A very comprehensive report on the impact of a proposed gipsy and travellers site at Downfield has been presented to NNDC. On Thursday 16th there was a session in the council chamber on the results, so far, collated on the proposed North Dorset sites. This information is now being sent to Bakers, the consultants. This is the state of play at the moment.
A member of the public advised that two previous gypsy & travellers sites, one at Three Legged Cross and 1 near Wareham, had been destroyed by the gypsys & travellers, he wondered why these sites could not be reused. Cllr Burch agreed to take this point back to the Council.
Cllr Burt advised Cllr Burch that he had had difficulties accessing the consultation on the Dorset for You website. The consultation page was only showing 1 current consultation but he knew of at least 2 current consultations. When he had clicked on the link to take him to the consultation document it had not worked. He had reported this to Peter Hyde at NDDC.
He also felt that a link from Cllr Burch’s page to the Bulbarrow document would be useful.
Cllr Burch agreed to look into the matter.
6. MATTERS ARISING
6.1 Recreation Ground/Pavilion: Mrs Deary advised that the ‘No Dogs Allowed’ signs were on order. Cllr Burt had been approached by a member of the public asking if the parish Council had considered solar panels on the roof of the pavilion. Following discussion Council agreed not to have solar panels. Cllr S Corben advised that the pavilion at Shillingstone had be badly damaged and that the Baker’s Arm football team had requested the use of Okeford Fitzpaine football pitches on Sunday. It was agreed by Council to allow them to use the football pitches. Cllr Corben advised that the football club would organise this.
Cllr Burt extended thanks to Peter Hall for his help with the electrical work and to Dougie Corben for painting the outside of the extension.
6.2 Bowey Field: Cllr Paine advised that the play equipment had now been installed and that the Bowey Field group had raised £2,500 toward the next phase. Cllr Burt extended the Council’s thanks to the Bowey Field group for their work. Cllr Burt advised that the fence at the rear had been damaged by horses.
6.3 Village Hall Extension and Car Park: Cllr Fox agreed to help the Village Hall Committee apply for grants to continue the extension works. Councillors had looked at the retaining wall and felt that the slope was solid with a lot of tree roots in it. Cllr Burt advised moving the seat from its current position and placing it in front of the slope. The retaining wall would be considered at a later date if necessary.
-
-
Community Planning: N.F.T.R.
-
6.5 Belchalwell & Fiddleford Items: Cllr Burt advised that he had reported some pot holes to DCC.
6.6 Actions Highlighted in the Parish Plan: Mrs Deary advised that she had written to DCC with regard to the 20 mph speed limit and had received a reply to say that for the next year funding was only available for 2 speed limits, with priority being given to those on the list with the highest collision rates. The policy on 20mph speed limits states that 20mph limits should not be implemented on roads with a strategic function or on a main road. The advice from the Police is that the limits must be self enforcing. The speed of traffic should naturally be at or around 20mph and no greater that 24mph. Where vehicle speeds are substantially higher than this then traffic calming would be required. Repeater signs are required.
Cllr Burch raised the issue of neighbourhood plans, she advised that the building of houses would be decided on by the Parish Council and that the Planning Department would consider the Neighbourhood Plan when making decision of planning applications. Cllr Burt felt that development should take place in villagers rather that big towns as this would help to retain local businesses, eg, pub, shop and other small local businesses. Cllr Burch pointed to the LEP’s as reported in minute 5.
-
-
Home Watch: Cllr Burt advised that the next meeting of the homewatch group would take place on 22 March 2012.
-
Land at top of Back Lane: N.F.T.R.
-
Land at bottom of Okeford Hill: N.F.T.R.
-
6.10 The Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge: Mrs Deary advised that she had contacted Mr Chapman who then forwarded the Deed of Dedication for signature. Cllr Burt and Cllr Fox signed the Deed of Dedication and this was witnessed by Mrs Deary.
6.11 Okeford Fitzpaine Housing Survey Results: Mrs Deary advised that she had written to NDDC with regard to the shortfall in affordable housing. Mrs Rickman responded that she would be willing to attend a Parish Council meeting to update the Council. The Council felt that this would be a good idea and asked Mrs Deary to make the necessary arrangements.
6.12 Queens Jubilee Celebrations: Cllr Fox advised that she had written to the residents of Lower Street who were happy for the road to be closed to allow a street party to take place. She advised that she had a list of volunteers to help with the event and would be setting up the first meeting in the near future.
Cllr Burt informed the Council that he had attended the test lighting of the Beacon. The Chairman of NDDC is organising this event. Mrs Deary was asked to write to all organisations in the village advising them that if they wished to take part they should contact Kevin Morris, NDDC.
Mrs Deary advised that she had looked at the cost of mugs for all children in the Parish but needed to know what inscription would be put on the back of the mugs. Cllr Burt to advise what wording is required.
6.13 Beacon Sign: N.F.T.R.
7. PLANNING MATTERS:
7.1 Applications: 2/2012/0125/PLNG – Garlands Farm, Garlands Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RT– Erect extension to existing agricultural building. Cllr Burt presented the application. Following discussion Cllr Paine proposed no objection, this was seconded by Cllr Fox and agreed by Council.
2/2012/0114/PLNG – Thornhill Farmhouse, Higher Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RQ – Remove windows, replace with double-glazed, wooden-framed windows and carry out associated internal and external alterations. Cllr Burt presented the application. Following discussion Cllr Paine proposed no objection, this was seconded by Cllr Fox and agreed by Council.
2/2012/0114/PLNG – Thornhill Farmhouse, Higher Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RQ – Remove cladding, battens and barge-boards from west wall. Remove render to south and west walls. Install cladding to south and west walls and carry out associated alterations. Cllr Burt presented the application. Following discussion Cllr Paine proposed no objection, this was seconded by Cllr Fox and agreed by Council.
Application for work to protected trees at The Old Farm House, Dark Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, DT11 0RP – Fell 1 x Poplar, Fell the southern most stem of 1 x Ash.- Members noted the Report, no objections were raised.
7.2 Decisions: 2/2011/1453/PLNG – 10 Netherway Cottages, Lower Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RW – Erect two storey rear extension – GRANTED
2/2012/001/PLNG – 25 Castle Avenue, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RY – Erect two storey extension – GRANTED
7.3 Any other planning matters: None
7.4 Updates: None
8. CORRESPONDENCE FOR 6 MARCH 2012 PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
DAPTC – Newsletter – Winter 2011/2012
DAPTC – Chief Executive’s Circular 2/12
Homewatch Newsletter – Blandford South, Feb 2012
The Rural ‘G’ – Blandford Rural March 2012
Corporate Plan Consultation Papers
Housing Strategy Consultation Papers
Cllr Burt agreed to respond to the Corporate Plan Consultation and the Housing Strategy Consultation on behalf of the Council.
9. REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORTS:
Rights of Way/Footpaths: N.F.T.R.
Football Club: Cllr S Corben advised that the football club wished to hold a fund raising tournament on 27 May and enquired if they could have a license for the event. Cllr Burt suggested linking this event with a ‘Field Day’ as part of the Queen Elizabeth Fields in Trust event for the Queens Jubilee. Cllr Corben agreed that the two events could be merged, he advised that the football club would be happy to organize the joint event.
Village Hall: N.F.T.R.
-
POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None
-
FINANCIAL MATTERS:
11.1 Annual Audit: It was agreed the Mrs Deary should contact Mr Weekes to ask if he would be willing to undertake the internal audit on behalf of the Council.
11.2 Accounts paid since last meeting: None
11.3 Accounts to be paid:
Mrs Sandra Deary – Salary
£289.17 Chq No 664
Symonds & Sampson – Allotment Rent
£50.00 Chq No 666
Symonds & Sampson – Allotment Rent
£150.00 Chq No 667
A W Cuff Ltd – Extension Works
£380.00 Chq No 668
Fireline – Fire Equipment Servicew
£71.44 Chq No 669
Mr S Corben
£38.40 – Ballast for Pavilion Chq No 670
It was proposed by Cllr Paine and seconded by Cllr S Corben that these be paid. This was agreed by Council.
11.4 60 Greenhayes, Parking & Access. Mrs Deary reported that the signed Licenses had been received back from 60 Greenhayes, together with a cheque for £20 to cover parking and access.
11.5 Annual Risk Assessment: The Council discussed the annual risk assessment. The only concern raised by the internal auditor was PAYE needed to be paid by the clerk. Mrs Deary informed the Council that she had been paying PAYE as required since April this year.
-
ANY OTHER BUSINESS: None
-
THE NEXT MEETING will be held on Tuesday 3 April 2012 at the Pavilion, Castle Lane at 7.30 pm. The Chairman thanked all present and closed the meeting at 9.45 pm
