17th July 2001
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MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE PAVILION ON TUESDAY 17TH JULY 2001
Present:- Cllr M Burt
Cllr B Trowbridge
Cllr Mrs Calcott
Cllr R Corben
Cllr A Frampton
Cllr C Nelson
Cllr E Thorne
In attendance:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), Cllr M Bignell (NDDC), and 12 members of the public.
1) Apologies Cllr I A Campbell (DCC) and Cllr M Burt who would be a little late.
In the absence of the chairman Cllr Trowbridge took the chair.
2) The minutes of the June 19th meeting, having been circulated to councillors and notice boards were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Calcott and seconded by Cllr Corben that they be signed by the vice chairman, this was agreed.
3) Points from the public relating to item 4 only
Mr Young and Mr Russell both expressed concerns that nothing seemed to be done about the travellers? encampment on Okeford Hill. (Clerk’s note item 4xv on current agenda)
Cllr Burt arrived at 7-35pm and took the chair.
4) Matters arising
i) Recreation ground
The chairman had removed the dangerous seat from the end of the pavilion.
The chairman reported that he had temporarily taken the swings out of service. During routine inspection and refurbishment he found that the casting on top nearest the pavilion was cracked, this is a butt joint type. The manufacturers say that it cannot be replaced and as it is pre 1959 the equipment should be taken out of service. Also two pole ends were found to be rusty and would need replacing. The safety surface of bark chippings needs to be replaced and made deeper to bring it up to new standards this would cost an estimated �600 – �700.
A new set of similar swings would cost in the region of �3000. It was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge to defer any decision until more information could be acquired about prices, safety surfaces and grants available, this was agreed. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Corben that the existing swings be taken down and made safe this was agreed.
Work still needs to be done to the roundabout, it cannot be lifted off so the work will have to be done on site. The slide also needs to be painted.
A questionnaire from the Football foundation re; registering football facilities was passed to the F.C.
A sub committee was formed to discuss the future of the pavilion and recreation ground, a date to be fixed as soon as possible, members are: – Cllrs Frampton, Corben, Burt, Trowbridge and the clerk.
ii) Bowey Field
The chairman reported that the toggle trap on the slide had been fixed. The Lower St gate catch needs attention.
iii) The Cross Awaiting reply from English Heritage.
iv) Cemetery NFTR
v) Chicken Processing Factory
Faccenda say they are currently working within the limits of their operators licence. Western Traffic Area office will check to ensure that Faccenda abide by licence conditions. Mr Williams (NDDC) has suggested that lorry movements be monitored. A copy of a letter to MP Robert Walter on behalf of many residents was read. A sympathetic reply had been received he would approach the chief executive NDDC. Complaints about smells and noise continue to come in, particular concern was made about the effect the smells may have on the children in the local school. The chairman again asked that anyone with a valid concern about smells or noise should write to NDDC and copy the letter to the PC. Cllr Frampton suggested writing to the Environment Agency. No response to the PC’s letter about relocation had yet been received from Allan Greaves, chief executive NDDC. Cllr Bignell said that NDDC did not have the power to make the company move.
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vi) Greenhayes/Higher St path NFTR
vii) Little Lane NFTR
viii) Council property More information was needed by the solicitor.
ix) Council photograph This is now ready to frame, clerk to deal.
x) Parish Survey Of the 714 that went out, 89 had so far been returned.
xi) Future development
NFTR on building sketch plan.
DCC agree the move of the 30mph limit to include the recreation ground entrance was reasonable but their budget is fully committed this year, will consider later. Clerk to clarify what is involved in moving the sign. (Clerk’s note : separate item for next agenda)
xii) Darknoll Lane – Banbury Cross end NFTR
xiii) Golden Jubilee 2002 NFTR
xiv) Road Hedges Castle Ave. Housing Association still not responded.
xv) Travellers
Mr Evans DCC has been kept updated about the increase in numbers and the inclusion of the lay-by and farm entrances to the travellers? encampment. He said in an email that they have agreed to move at the end of the school year in late July.
xvi) Foot and Mouth Epidemic
Notice from DCC saying it is the Governments intention to remove the blanket closure of paths in most areas by July 20th, notices will be removed by DCC.
xvii) Visibility Splay ? Okeford Hill
This work has now been completed, temporary bollards have been installed to improve visibility from the village direction and the DCC safety officer is due to inspect the site.
xviii) Fairfield close ? ditch Awaiting response from Signpost HA.
xix) Notice Boards
Mr Wingrove has inspected both boards and considers that the Belchalwell one is not worth repairing agreed to ask him to quote for a new one to be included in the next precept. The map board can be repaired for approximately �45.50 assuming the back is in reasonable condition when removed. It was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Frampton to ask Mr Wingrove to carry out work on this board this was agreed. Clerk to write to DCC to get a new ROW map.
xx) Greenhayes
The chairman had discussed with the council solicitor the various options regarding Mr Casebourne?s request to alter the level of ground outside his barn door. The solicitor advised that the P.C. should not agree to this at the present time. Option 1) To grant full vehicle access. This would involve the District Valuer assessing the increased value of the property and the amount that the Parish Council should receive of that increased value. Not recommended by the solicitor. Option 2) To grant a license for access to the barn for the kit car only, for a small ongoing fee with 6 months notice of termination without any alterations to Greenhayes.
The P.C. must regularize the parking of Mr Casebourne?s own car by granting a license under the same terms or alternatively prevent parking altogether. It was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Nelson that a licence to park a car on Greenhayes be issued at a cost of �5 per six months. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Mrs Calcott that an amendment be made, and the fee be �25. The chairman called for a vote on the amendment, with only 2 votes in favour, the amendment failed. The chairman called for a vote on the proposition, with 4 votes in favour and 2 against the proposition was carried.
It was proposed by Cllr Frampton and seconded by Cllr Corben that a license for access to the barn for the kit car only be granted, for a fee of �5 for six months with no alteration to the ground. The chairman called for a vote, 4 were in favour with 2 abstentions the proposition was carried. The clerk was asked to do the necessary paperwork. There was some discussion about the continued unauthorised use of the car park, it was agreed for the clerk to do some more ?no unauthorised parking? flyers.
xxi) Footpath 53 NFTR
xxii) Belchalwell sign Awaiting reply from DCC.
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xxiii) Chapel Green
Regarding the planting and fencing on Chapel Green, the solicitor needs to get more information and will then get back to us.
xxiii) Any Other Matters Arising None
5) Correspondence
*DAPTC ? a) exec.comm. minutes b) various director?s circulars incl; recommended salary increase for clerks of 3.5%, planning seminar 24/9/01, AGM 20/10/01, resolution must be in the office by 5/9/01, seminar for chairmen 11/9/01.
*Signpost H.A. ? newsletter.
*NDDC ? occasional P.E.L. Fiddleford Inn Aug 10th, 11th & 12th, 7-30 ?11pm, 6pm ? midnight and 6 ? 11pm respectively. No objections from the P.C.
*NDDC ? The District Council?s response to the Rural White Paper.
* Kirsty Main ? wanting information about provision for young people 13-19 years in area.
6) Representatives Reports
School Governors ? Cllr Nelson reported that two new teaching staff had been recruited following the retirement of Mrs Best and the resignation of Miss Jones. The school had just undergone an OFSTED inspection the reports for which will be available in September.
F.L.O. ? Cllr Mrs Calcott reported that she had informed DCC ROW dept. about the stile on footpath 22.
Homewatch ? Mr Fleetwood warned of a telephone credit card fraud and that thieves were still targeting 4×4 vehicles.
Youth Club ? Cllr Mrs Calcott reported that the Youth Club had now closed for the summer a barbecue and ?bouncy assault course? had been laid on for the last meeting, which had been enjoyed by the 38 members present.
From the floor – Mr Loving expressed his thanks to the volunteers who continue to keep the club going.
7) District Councillor?s Report
Cllr Bignell reported that the District council had recommended ward boundary changes (2001-2006).
Four more heads of service had now left and more were to go in March 2002. He wished to know if the service deteriorates due to the changes.
There are currently two pieces of land owned by the District Council in Okeford, they are in Mary Gardens and Nether Mead.
8) Points From the Public None
9) Financial Matters
Accounts paid since last meeting:-
Post Office Counters Ltd Electric for pavilion 103.51
Accounts to pay:-
Post Office Counters Ltd Electric for bus shelter/museum 8.93
Post Office Counters Ltd Gas for pavilion 75.67
Newglaze Window for pavilion 35.00
Mrs D Burt clerk?s salary (2 mths) 217.44
clerk?s expenses ? 30.59
plus invoices Hart & Sons ? paint & sand sheets 10.84
Makro ? cleaning materials 22.30 281.17
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Calcott and seconded by Cllr Thorne that these be paid, this was agreed.
Cllr Trowbridge proposed and Cllr Mrs Calcott seconded that the clerk be given the recommended 3.5% increase, this was agreed.
The clerk requested that she be given an extra � hour per week which would bring her paid hours to 4 per week, a decision on this to be deferred until the next meeting.
A letter of thanks had been received from the WRVS.
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10) Planning Matters
a) applications 2/2001/0541 ? Mr & Mrs Salisbury, Whippletrees, Belchalwell. Erect two-storey extension and reposition conservatory. No Objections from the P.C.
2/2001/0579 ? W. Middleton, O.S. 7912, Penny?s Place, Angers Lane, Fiddleford. Erect calving pens, youngstock pens & lambing building. No Objections from the P.C.
b) decisions 2/2001/0430 ? Earls Farm, Belchalwell ? erect stable. GRANTED.
2/00/407(42) ? The Scrapyard, Okeford Common ? decision deferred for further investigation of the report of the technical officer.
c) other Section 106 agreement on property adjacent Pie Powders, Lower St. Mr Bagnall NDDC head of planning, has replied indicating that the developers contribution of around �600 will be spent ?towards the provision of community infrastructure in the Council?s catchment area for Sturminster Newton?. ?The policy under which these contributions are being collected has yet to be endorsed.? Until the policy is firmly embedded the District Audit has recommended that no money should be spent.? The clerk was asked to write back asking for clarification of the situation.
Also on that development a letter had been received from Mrs Durrant of the neighbouring property about modifications to the plans of which they had not been notified. The P.C. had not had notification of these changes and the chairman had spoken to the planning about them, the planning office was now looking into the matter. Cllr Bignell offered to follow this up.
11) A.O.B.
The clerk reported that the signpost at the bottom of Okeford Hill had again been demolished. She had informed DCC.
12) The Next Meeting will be Tuesday August 14th at 7-30pm in The Pavilion, Castle Lane. The chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 10-05pm.
