December 2nd 2014

Minutes published unapproved for ratification at the meeting to be held on 6 January 2014

MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

HELD AT THE PAVILION ON 2 DECEMBER 2014

PRESENT: Cllr M Burt (Chairman)

Cllr B Fox (Vice-Chairman)

Cllr D Burt

Cllr R Corben

Cllr S Corben

Cllr A Frampton

Cllr M Paine

Also present: – Cllr A Burch, NDDC, Mrs Sandra Deary, Clerk and 10 members of public

1 APOLOGIES: Cllr H Cox, DCC

2. THE MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 4 NOVEMBER having been circulated to Cllrs and noticeboards were taken as read. Cllr D Burt requested that the following change was made: Minutes 15 to read “It was agreed that a further meeting with the Clerk, Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Cllr D Burt be held to further discuss the accounts. It was proposed by Cllr D Burt and seconded by Cllr Paine they be signed by the Chairman with this amendment, this was agreed.

3. POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC RELATING TO ITEM 7 ONLY.

4. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Members were reminded of the need to declare an interest if it was not already disclosed on their declaration of disclosable pecuniary interest form held by the Clerk.

The Chairman and Cllr D Burt declared a prejudicial interest in Planning Application 2/2014/1446/FUL as owners of the land.

	Action
5. GRANTING OF DISPENSATIONS: The Clerk granted dispensation to all Councillors to enable them to discuss and agree the precept for 2015/16
6. District & County Councillors’ Reports: 6.1 County Councillor: None 6.2 District Councillor: Cllr Burch report on the Dorset Waste Partnership. She advised that there was a consultation on Dorset for You regarding the options available for savings. She advised that the possible changes being considered were: a)   Close one or more of the 11 Dorset HRCs on a permanent basis. (Specific HRCs have not yet been identified and would be subject to further consultation.) Potential savings: Up to £100,000 a year per site b).   Charge for entry at one or more HRCs instead of closing them. Potential savings: £65,000 a year per site c)  Close all HRCs for up to three weekdays. Potential savings: up to £300,000 a year d)   Charge residents to dispose of non-household materials, such as DIY waste and tyres. Potential savings: £250,000 a year e)   Remove the subsidy the DWP pays neighbouring councils for Dorset residents to use their HRCs and ask residents to pay instead (e.g. £5 per visit). Potential savings: £70,000 a year Cllr Burch advised that the consultation was open until midnight on Friday 13 February 2015 and urged all Councillors to complete the consultation and asked that residents be informed. She advised that the consultation was on the Dorset for You website. The Chairman requested that the Clerk forward a paper copy of the consultation to Cllr R Corben for completion. The Clerk agreed to put an article in the Fippenny News and to forward a paper copy of the consultation to Cllr R Corben. Annual Budget Workshop: Cllr Burch advised that NDDCs annual budget workshop was taking place on 3 December at Durweston Village Hall, to which Parish Council had been invited. The Chairman advised that only 9 Parish Council had been invited and that he would be attending the workshop.	Clerk to advertise the consultation in the Fippenny News and provide a paper copy for Cllr R Corben
MATTERS ARISING: 7.1 Poultry Farm, Shillingstone Lane: Lone Star Land LLP: Mr Park of Lone Star Land LLP advised that discussions had taken place with landowners and an agreement had been put together. He advised that updated plans showing how the site would be connected to the Village had been sent to the Parish Council and feedback from the Parish Council was being Sought. The Chairman advised that the plans had not been received. Mr Park agreed to re-send the plans.
7.2 Land at former Wessex Park Homes Site: Mr Park of Lone Star Land LLP advised that he was looking for opinions of the potential development of the site. He advised that the site had a long history of employment generating and manufacturing. A recent application for a large shed on the site had been granted although the business had now ceased to operate. The site was regarded as employment or brown field land. Mr Park advised that it was highly unlikely that a large scale employer would be attracted to the site and that it was important to get the views of the community regarding future use of the site. He added that the District Core Strategy indicated that there was a desire to see growth within, and close to, the village to help sustain the village and its facilities into the future. The site was halfway between Okeford Fitzpaine and Shillingstone, development of the site could provide an opportunity to meet the housing needs for both settlements into the future. National policy supported additional housing to help sustain community facilities. With regard to connectivity Mr Park advised that the site had a public right of way at the rear of the site from Shillingstone to Okeford Fitzpaine, this would need to be upgraded to enable cyclists and pedestrians to use the footpath without having to use Shillingstone Lane. A member of public advised that part of this footpath was on private land. Mr Parks advised that the public had a right of way over the footpath. If the developer carried out any upgrading to the footpath this would be done following negotiations with the landowner. The Chairman advised that the Neighbourhood Plan had not been started yet and as this was a major development the views of the community would need to be sought. He asked Mr Park to outline how Lone Star Land LLP saw the development of the site. These options could then be passed to the community via the Neighbourhood Plan. Mr Parks advised that draft plans had been made to give a flavour of what could happen on the site. It was considered that a Business Park with knowledge based industries would be a better option than a trading estate, however this could vary on any feedback received showing a different need. An element of housing was needed to make the site viable. The Chairman advised that enquiries had been received from a manufacturer which had not come to fruition, therefore there could be interest in developing the site for commercial. Mr Park said that the site had been advertised as a commercial site for a considerable time and no interest had been received. Mr Sey, the architect presented the draft plans showing a possible option for the site. The site could include 2 barn like buildings containing commercial units, mixed type housing and live/work accommodation, e.g. housing with office space above the garage to enable more people to work from home or run a business from home. He advised that the site already had good screening and trees and offered good views from it. He advised that the commercial units should be situated at the front of the site to avoid nuisance to residential properties. The site could have green areas and the layout should be walkable. The Chairman considered that the layout of the residential part of the site was very close to existing business which could cause complaints due to lorries etc. Mr Sey advised this was a big site and alternative placement of housing could be considered. A member of the pubic who resided close to the site advised that he was happy with the draft plans. A member of the public was concerned that the footpath at the rear of the site was used by heavy farm machinery and this could cause complaints regarding mud being dragged across it. Mr Park advised that there were various materials to choose from to upgrade the footpath which would help with this situation. Cllr S Corben was concerned about the increase in traffic in Shillingstone Lane. Cllr Fox advised that similar units it Winterborne Stickland had all been filled. She felt that these proposals were a good idea as home working and self employment was increasing. Cllr R Corben advised that the old Facccenda site was originally meant to have business units, however following advertising no interest was shown. The Chairman asked if the commercial units would be build before looking for people to rent them. Mr Park advised that the units would be built first. A member of the public asked what the requirement was for affordable housing. Mr Park advised that this would be between 40-50%. The Chairman thanked Mr Park and Mr Sey for their attendance and presentation.
7.3 Recreation Ground/Pavilion to include Recycling Centre Items: Cllr Frampton reported that a carpet had been dumped in the car park, upon further investigation it was established that this had now been removed.
7.4 Bowey Field: Cllr Frampton advised that the swings were now back in operation.
7.5 Neighbourhood Planning: The Chairman advised that a further meeting had been held and a questionnaire was in the process of being produced. These would be circulated to the group for their views before being distributed to residents. Cllr Fox advised that a number of residents who attended the Christmas Fair event had enquired if there would be a community shop if the current village shop were to go.
7.6 Belchalwell & Fiddleford Items: The Chairman advised that the Fiddleford village sign had been knocked by a vehicle and would need to be replaced. The Clerk was asked to report this to DCC Highways.	Clerk to report to DCC
7.7 Land at top of Back Lane: N.F.T.R.
7.8 Land at bottom of Okeford Hill: N.F.T.R.
7.9 Draft Core Strategy: The Clerk advised that NDDC had voted at full Council on 28 November to submit the New Plan to the Secretary of State.
7.10 Castle Lane Footpath: The Clerk advised that the feasibility study had been received and circulated to members. This had shown a number of options. The Chairman felt that this should be discussed further at the next meeting to ascertain which scheme would be best before asking residents for their views. The Chairman suggested getting the views of the landowners concerned.
7.11 Museum/Bus Shelter: The Chairman advised that work on the museum/bus shelter was now complete. It was agreed that this item be discharged from the agenda. Cllr Fox advised that the new noticeboard was nearing completion. The Chairman advised that he had manufactured a second pole to enable the noticeboard to be installed. The Clerk advised that the noticeboard in Fiddleford was leaking quite badly, the Chairman advised that the pavement in front of the noticeboard was broken. It was agreed to keep an eye on the situation to see if any improvements were made during the current alterations to the pub.
7.12 Darknoll Lane: N.F.T.R.
7.13 Old Orchard, Mary Gardens and other areas of grass: A Planning Application had been received as was discussed at Minute 8.1
7.14 Fingerposts: The Chairman gave a report to Cllr S Corben for his perusal. The report advised that some of the fingerposts could be repaired using new boards and existing lettering. Cllr S Corben agreed to look at the report and report back to Council.	Cllr S Corben to report back to Council
7.15 Parish Council Photograph: The Clerk advised that the Parish Council Photograph had now been printed. The photograph was given to Cllr S Corben for framing.	Cllr Corben to frame Photograph
7.16 Encouraging community interest in Parish and Town Council Elections: Cllr Fox agreed to place an article in the Fippenny News in the new year.
7.17 Shillingstone Lane (Water in Road): Cllr advised that Wessex Water had not yet been in touch regarding the water samples they had taken.
7.18 Sign on the Cross: N.F.T.R.
7.19 Any Other Matters: Cllr Burt advised that he had been given the report from Wessex Water which showed a high level of lead in the water of a house in the village. The report added that once a new meter had been fitted the lead content reduced considerably. Cllr R Corben advised that no lead pipes were used and there was no lead in Okeford. Concerns were raised about the quality of water in other houses. A member of the public advised that she had had her water tested when she moved into the house and all levels were ok. The Chairman asked if he could have a copy of the report. The Chairman and Clerk agreed to liaise once this report was received in order to draft a letter to Wessex Water.	Chairman and Clerk to Liaise re: letter to Wessex Water.
8. PLANNING MATTERS: The Chairman and Cllr D Burt left the room for the following item. 8.1 Applications: 2/2014/1446/FUL – Hartcliff Farm High Street To Belchalwell Street – Road Okeford Fitzpaine Dorset DT11 0EF – Continue to use land for the storage of landscape contractor’s materials and equipment. Following discussions Cllr Frampton proposed no objection to this application, this was seconded by Cllr Paine and agreed by Council. The Chairman and Cllr D Burt returned to the meeting. 2/2014/1442/LBC – Castle Cottage Castle Lane Okeford Fitzpaine Dorset DT11 0RL – Install 2 No. new windows, 1 No. replacement window and 1 No. replacement door. Following discussions Cllr Frampton proposed no objection to this application, this was seconded by Cllr Paine and agreed by Council. 2/2014/1331/OUT – Land North Of Mary Gardens Okeford Fitzpaine Dorset – Develop land by the erection of 2 No. dwellings (all matters reserved). Members discussed the application at length and agreed that the site had been open space for many years and was enjoyed by local children and their families. Building on the site would give a high density feel to the area and would upset the character of the area. Cllr Paine proposed objecting to the application on these grounds, this was seconded by Cllr S Corben and agreed by Council. 8.2 Decisions: None 8.3 Any other planning matters: None 8.4 Updates: Gypsy & Travellers Sites. N.F.T.R	Clerk to inform NDDC of any comments.
9. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING: DAPTC – Chief Executive’s Circular 8/14 SNT Newsletter – Blandford Rural Nov 2014 DAPTC Member Survey North Dorset Community Lunch 25 November 2014 Household Recycling Centre Consultation Dorset Community Action AGM – 12 December 2014
10. REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS: Rights of Way/Footpaths: N.F.T.R. Football Club: N.F.T.R. Village Hall: N.F.T.R. Community Group: N.F.T.R. DAPTC: N.F.T.R. Poorlands Charity: The Chairman enquired if the Poorlands Charity would help if a resident was in need of electricity but had no money for the meter. Cllr Frampton and Cllr S Corben explained that whilst this should be allowed the amount of time it would take to set up a meeting of the trustees would be prohibitive. Cllr Fox advised that a vulnerable person in need of heating should contact the CAB who had a fund of money donated by people who did not want their £200 cold weather payment. The pot currently stood at £14,000 and would be used for vulnerable people in need.
11. POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC: The Chairman advised that a member of the public had enquired who owns the ditch behind Chapel Cottage and if it ever flooded. The Chairman had advised that the ditch was owned by the Parish Council and as far as he was aware it had never flooded.
12. FINANCIAL MATTERS: 12.1 Accounts paid since last meeting: None 12.2 Accounts to be paid: BDO LLP – Annual Audit £240.00 Chq No 849 Wessex Water – Pavilion water and sewerage £118.49 Chq No 850 Peter Gillett – Hedge Cutting at Recreation Ground £165.00 Chq No 851 Mrs S Deary – Salary, Stamps, Ink and Photos £344.24 Chq No 847 It was proposed by Cllr S Corben and seconded by Cllr R Corben that these be paid.  This was agreed by Council. 12.3 Precept: Members discussed the draft precept. It was agreed that further work was needed on the running accounts before a decision was made at the meeting to be held in January. 12.5 Any Other Financial Business: Cllr Fox advised that she had met with the Clerk to look further at the running account budgets. A number of which were over funded and a number underfunded. Following discussion the council agreed that the transfer of funds between budgets be formalised at the next meeting with a detailed breakdown of this being provided’.
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: The Chairman reminded members that the Parish Councils had received a grant with regard to Council tax in the first year but not since. A questionnaire had been received enquiring if Parish Councils wished to receive a grant of 25% of the original grant or nothing. If Parish Councils wanted the grant savings would need to be made by the District Council in other areas. Following discussions The Chairman agreed to complete the questionnaire advising that Okeford Fitzpaine had managed the situation and would prefer to not have the grant.
THE NEXT MEETING: The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 6 January 2014 at the Pavilion, Castle Lane at 7:30 pm. The Chairman thanked all present and closed the meeting at 10:40pm.