October 7th 2014

Action

5. GRANTING OF DISPENSATIONS: None

6. District & County Councillors’ Reports:

6.1 County Councillor: None.

6.2 District Councillor: Cllr Burch reported on the ongoing proposal for a Tri-Council Partnership – North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council. She advised that many see it as an exciting opportunity for personal development. It had the potential to deliver efficient and responsive services across a wide area. The new organisation would have the potential to be influential in future partnership discussion and could be a positive force should unification models start to be considered. She added that the Chief Executive of North Dorset District Council would be retiring next year and that the first stage of tri-Council working would be a merging of the Senior Management Team. An award of £600.000 had been received from the Government’s Transition Challenge Award which would greatly help in the proposed re-structuring.

7. MATTERS ARISING

7.1 Standing Orders Amendments: Following a recent change in Legislation the mandatory standing order stating Photographing, recording, broadcasting or transmitting the proceedings of a meeting by any means is not permitted without the Council’s prior (written) consent should now be removed as this was no longer the case. Photographing, recording, broadcasting or transmitting the proceedings of a meeting was now allowed.

7.2 Poultry Farm, Shillingstone Lane: Lone Star Land LLP: The Chairman advised that he had received an email from Mr Parks to advise that negotiations were underway with land owners regarding the provision of a path to the centre of the village. This would probably incorporate the existing path to the back of the school. A member of the public asked if parking would be provided. The Chairman responded that it was hoped that parking for dropping off children at school would be provided.

7.3 Recreation Ground/Pavilion to include Recycling Centre Items: Cllr S Corben advised that he had arranged for the replacement of the damaged sealed units and that he had purchased a new fridge as agreed at the last meeting. The Chairman advised that he had purchased a light for the garage and had received instruction on how to refurbish the Fields in Trust (FIT) plaque. Cllr Frampton informed the Council that he had started work on the painting of the outside of the Pavilion. He agreed to carry out the work to refurbish the FIT plaque.

Cllr Frampton to refurbish the FIT Plaque

7.4 Bowey Field: Cllr Frampton advised that he had painted the goalposts and seeded beneath the swings. The Chairman advised that he had investigated the material needed to carry out work on the ditch as discussed at the last meeting. He advised that 40 x 1.5m x 600 x 600 concrete blocks would be required, these would cost £60 each. It was agreed to give this some consideration when discussing the precept at the next meeting. Cllr S Corben agreed to produce the leaflets regarding dog fouling this week. The Chairman advised that there were some ‘No Dogs’ signs left in the office which could be put up.

Cllr S Corben to produce leaflets

7.5 Village Hall Extension and Car Park: The Chairman advised that the Village Hall Committee felt that it did not look like an extension would be possible in te near future due to lack of funding. Therefore they were looking at having new scalpings which a local haulier had agreed to do at a special price. He added that the new chairs which the Parish Council had agreed to fund were now on order. Cllr D Burt thanked the Parish Council on behalf of the Village Hall Management Committee.

7.6 Community Planning: The Chairman advised that the inaugural meeting of the Neighbourhood Plan Group had taken place. Seven volunteers had come forward to help produce the Neighbourhood Plan. Another meeting would be arranged in the near future.

7.7 Belchalwell & Fiddleford Items: N.F.T.R.

7.8 Land at top of Back Lane: N.F.T.R.

7.9 Land at bottom of Okeford Hill: N.F.T.R.

7.10 Okeford Fitzpaine Housing Survey Results: Following the decision to grant permission of new houses on the old Faccenda Site it was agreed to discharge this item from the agenda.

7.11 Draft Core Strategy: Cllr Burch advised that the Draft Core Strategy was well in hand.

7.12 Castle Lane Footpath: N.F.T.R.

7.13 Museum/Bus Shelter: The Chairman advised that the guttering on the north side and front had been completed, the wood on the other side needed replacing, he added that the materials were available. Cllrs R & S Corben agreed to meet The Chairman on site on Friday to complete the works.

Cllrs R & S Corben & Burt to meet to complete works

7.14 Darknoll Lane: The Clerk advised that she had received a response from Mr Paul Eastwood, DCC. He had attended site and advised that this road was an ungraded highway and should be reasonably maintained according to its expected use. He had requested a rough figure from the engineers to bring this highway up to a position where vehicles could drive along (stoned not metalled) and the figure would be in the region of £60,000 to £100,000 for the 500 metre distance. He advised that there was a metalled road nearby where the same journey could be easily made. He advised that he would not be making significant changes to the current situation in Darknoll Lane as he did not believe that it would be good value from their available resources.

The Chairman advised that he had spoken to Giles Nicholson, Ranger who had agreed to take a look at the problem to see if the Rangers can come up with a solution.

7.15 Old Orchard, Mary Gardens and other areas of grass: The Clerk advised that she had written to Mr Coker, NDDC, regarding the transfer of land to the Parish Council. The following email had been received in response: “I have put this before the Asset Management Board and have been instructed to investigate the potential for selling the site on the open market for housing development. When I have completed this exercise and presented the results to the board I will let you know the outcome”.

7.16 Fingerposts: The Clerk advised that she had written to Cllr Cox to establish the approximate cost to the Parish Council towards repairs to fingerposts, the following email had been received in response: “The refurbishment cost varies considerably, depending on condition and whether the village wants restoration to original or the cheaper (less attractive) option. Will have more idea of what we need by the Division meeting in October. As a rough guide a contribution of £100 per post from your PC would be a great help if you need to know before then”.

7.17 Fire Safe: The Chairman advised that he had been to the CAB to look if their fire safe was removable and found it was not. Cllr D Burt reported the cost of a new 1 hr. fire safe would be £199.00. It was proposed by Cllr Fox that a new fire safe be purchased, this was seconded by Cllr Frampton and agreed by Council.

Cllr D Burt to purchase new fire safe

7.18 Parish Council Photograph: It was agreed that the new Parish Council photograph be taken at the end of the meeting. The Clerk agreed to get the photograph printed by the next meeting.

Clerk to get Photograph printed

7.19 200 year Celebrations of Okeford Fitzpaine Primary School: The Chairman advised that the celebration had gone well. Cllr Paine thanked the Parish Council on behalf of the school for the donation towards the cost of the mugs. This item to be discharged from the agenda.

7.20 Dorset Waste Partnership Consultation on Street Cleaning and Litter: Following discussion it was agreed that the Chairman and Cllr Fox would meet to consider a response to the consultation and would then complete the consultation on behalf of the Parish Council.

The Chairman and Cllr Fox to respond.

7.21 Any Other Matters:

Shillingstone Lane: The Clerk advised that she had received a response from Mr Paul Eastwood advising that all highway defects should be reported via the Dorset for You website as this was the quickest route. He advised that he had now visited site and found one of the gully’s covered in silt, he had removed the silt and found the gully and sump underneath to be clear and running. However, he noticed that there was water coming from the ground and suspected a leak which he reported to Wessex Water.

The Chairman advised that he had spoken to Wessex Water advising that the water could be run off from the surrounding fields. He informed them that he would monitor the situation and call them if there was a leak.

Sign on the Cross: The Clerk advised that she had received a call from Mr Holloway to advise that he would look into this matter. The Chairman advised that he had spoken to Mr Hollowell advising where the sign should be situated.

8. PLANNING MATTERS:

8.1 Applications: 2/2014/0973/HOUSE – Squirrel Cottage, 80 Higher Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, DT11 0RQ – Erect conservatory (demolish existing single storey extension) (retrospective). Following discussions Cllr R Corben proposed no objection to this planning application, this was seconded by Cllr Fox and agreed by Council.

2/2014/0974/LBC – Squirrel Cottage, 80 Higher Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, DT11 0RQ – Demolish existing single storey extension. Erect conservatory

(regularisation of work). Following discussions Cllr R Corben proposed no objection to this planning application, this was seconded by Cllr Fox and agreed by Council.

2/2014/1061/FUL – Land At E 382047 N 111270, Forum School, Forum School Access Road, Shillingstone, Dorset – Station 1 No. portacabin and erect perimeter fencing to be used as a teaching apiary for bee keeping. Following discussions Cllr Paine proposed no objection to this planning application, this was seconded by Cllr R Corben and agreed by Council.

2/2014/0501/PLNG – Littlebrook Farm, Belchalwell Street, Belchalwell, Blandford Forum, Dorset – Erect horse walker. Following discussions Cllr Frampton proposed no objection to this planning application, this was seconded by Cllr D Burt and agreed by Council.

2/2014/0960/HOUSE – Cookwell, Back Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset – Erection of side Extension. Following discussions Cllr Paine proposed no objection to this planning application, this was seconded by Cllr R Corben and agreed by Council.

2/2014/0920/FUL – The Fiddleford Inn, Fiddleford Village Road, Fiddleford, Dorset, DT10 2BX – Erect building comprising Manager’s accommodation and additional guest accommodation. Erect ground floor and first floor extensions. Form additional car parking area. Following discussions Cllr R Corben proposed no objection to this planning application, this was seconded by Cllr M Burt and agreed by Council.

2/2014/0921/LBC – The Fiddleford Inn, Fiddleford Village Road, Fiddleford, Dorset, DT10 2BX – Demolish rear extensions and erect single storey and first floor rear extensions. Carry out internal and external alterations. Following discussions Cllr R Corben proposed no objection to this planning application, this was seconded by Cllr M Burt and agreed by Council.

2/2014/1058/HOUSE – Spring Cottage, Back Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, DT11 0RD – Erect replacement dwelling (retaining the existing chapel), with detached carport (including landscaping works). The Applicant advised the Council that a previous application had included a thatched roof. This application would have the same footprint at the current property. The rest of the application would be the same as the previous one. Following discussions Cllr Paine proposed no objection to this planning application, this was seconded by Cllr R Corben and agreed by Council.

8.2 Decisions: 2/2014/0932/CPE – Land At Wessex Park Homes, Shillingstone Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Dorset, DT11 0RB – Certificate of Lawfulness for Existing Use to continue setting out the access works, build up the access way construction, connection to, install kerb laying hardcore and tarmac to base level and new surface water drainage – APPROVED

8.3 Any other planning matters: None

8.4 Updates: Gypsy & Travellers Sites – The Clerk advised that she had written to NDDC attaching emails received from DCC regarding a Covenant on the Land at Conygar Coppice which prevented it being used as an authorised gypsy & traveller site. The following response had been received from Mr I Smith: “ I write in response to your letter of 9 September 2014. My reply has been delayed as I have been away on holiday. I note the views of the Parish Council. The current consultation exercise is based on sites which were put forward for consideration at the previous consultation and the point of the current exercise is to gather views on these sites. The consultation is to examine the suitability of sites as well as their availability and so the consultation is proceeding with the inclusion of Conygar Coppice. Clearly, if the Parish Council feels that there are reasons why the site at Conygar Coppice should not be taken forward for further consideration then it should present its views formally as a response to the consultation. You refer to the copy e-mails regarding the site which you attached to your letter. I have perused these and am aware that there is a restrictive covenant on the land. However, this in itself does not preclude the site from development as there are procedures for removing covenants and I note that in the e-mail of 5 April 2007 the phrase ‘as things currently stand’ is used. I understand that this matter is being explored afresh by the County Council”.

The Chairman advised that when he had spoken to the consultant at the consultation event today, the consultant was unaware of the covenant on the land.

There was some confusion about who owned the land. Cllr Burch confirmed that the land was owned by DCC. However, residents need not be concerned who owned the land, the consultation was to assess the suitability of the site for travellers, how many travellers it would be suitable for and what sort of travellers.

A member of the public raised concerns regarding the site being contaminated. The Chairman advised that the consultant’s report had shown no contamination on the site, however if it was considered that if the site was worth exploring further this would be looked at in more detail and questions would be answered.

A member of the public asked what other sites had been explored. Cllr R Corben listed the other sites being considered across Dorset. The Chairman advised that these sites were extra to the original consultation.

A member of the public felt that the views of people already living on the site should be obtained. The Chairman advised that some of them did attend the consultation today and some were present this evening. He hoped that they would complete the consultation document to ensure their views were taken in to consideration. The Clerk was asked to deliver consultation forms to the site.

A member of the public who was living on site advised that at present there were 16 adults and 1 child. All of the people living on site were happy as they were and did not want the site to change. The Chairman advised that DCC were obliged to provide authorised sites.

A further resident of the site advised that they just wanted common ground to live on. This site was tucked out of the way and allowed them to live as they wanted without any disruption to any neighbours.

A member of the public supported the travellers stating that they contributed to village life, paid their taxes and kept themselves to themselves and were decent upstanding people.

Cllr Corben felt that residents were wary of travellers due to past experiences. He added that the current residents had not caused any problems in the village. He added that if the site was not authorised then the current residents could be evicted leaving the site vacant and open to misuse in the future.

Cllr Paine felt that if the public said yes to the site being an authorised gypsy & traveller site then pitches would be put in, if the public said no then there was a chance that the current occupants of the site could be evicted. It felt that it was important that the site be allowed to stay as it was now.

A member of the public thought that the site should be authorised but allowed to stay as it was now. She added that toilets should be compost toilets not new toilet blocks. A middle ground should be obtained.

A member of the public enquired if there was scope for further travellers on the site. A resident at the site advised that the site was now full. Conditions had been set on how far down the track could be used, this had been strictly adhered too.

The Chairman felt that it was unfair that other residents were having enforcement notices served on them for breaking planning regulations but there was no enforcement on this site. He added that eviction would be needed if the site was not authorised. Cllr R Corben said it was hard to justify not taking enforcement action when it was being taken against others in the village.

A member of the public felt that better sites were available rather than this disused landfill site.

A resident of the site felt that if the site was authorised the Council would operate a points system which would allow different types of travellers to use the site which could cause problems. He added that the current occupiers of the site all knew each other and had formed a small community.

Following discussion it was agreed that if Councillors wanted to complete the consultation they would do so on an individual basis and the Parish Council would not respond to the consultation.

Clerk to inform NDDC of any comments.

Clerk to deliver forms to site,

9. CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED SINCE LAST MEETING:

Invitation to Dorset Play Partnership Stakeholder event – Weds 22nd October 2014 at Bovington Park.

SNT – September Home Watch Newsletter

Dorset Waste Partnership consultation on street cleaning and litter

Dorset – wide Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople Site Allocations Joint Development Plan Document

Process for salt bags and community salt bins – Cllr Burt advised that he still had a dumpy bag of salt which was purchased last year. He advised that the Community Salt bins were full, therefore there was no need to purchase salt at this time.

Cabe: Neighbourhood Planning Support

DAPTC AGM Motions 2014

Encouraging community interest in Parish and Town Council Elections – Members discussed this issue on how to encourage the community interest in Local Election. Cllr Fox agreed to place an item in the Fippenny News.

Community Energy – support for Neighbourhood planning Groups

Cllr Fox to put a piece in the Fippenny News.

10. REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS:

Rights of Way/Footpaths: Cllr Paine reported that he now had the details of a new contact at DCC and would report any problems directly to her.

Football Club: N.F.T.R.

Village Hall: N.F.T.R.

Community Group: N.F.T.R.

11. POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None

12. FINANCIAL MATTERS:

12.1 Accounts paid since last meeting:

Makro – Chairs for Village Hall

£3600.00 Chq No 836

12.2 Accounts to be paid:

Mr M Burt

£244.27 – Key Fobs, Garage Lights & Safety Wear, Printer Toner and Museum repairs. Chq No 837

Talk Talk Business – Internet Host

£46.80 Chq No 838

Southern Electric – Bus Shelter Electric

£16.67 Chq No 839

Mr A Frampton – Petrol, Paint & Grass seed

£52.92 Chq No 840

Mrs S Deary – Salary

£289.17 Chq No 841

HMRC – PAYE

£217.00 Chq No 842

It was proposed by Cllr Fox and seconded by Cllr Frampton that these be paid.  This was agreed by Council.

12.3 Annual Accounts: The Clerk advised that the Annual Accounts had been returned from the external Auditor with the following points:

• Asset Register Inadequate, to include date acquired

• Section 1 had been completed including pennies and should have been rounded up to the nearest pound.

12.4 Precept: The Clerk distributed the annual accounts for 2013/14. The Council agreed to look at them further and discuss the precept in more depth at the next meeting. The clerk was asked to produce a draft precept for the next meeting.

12.5 Any Other Financial Business: A donation of £250 was received from The Allotment Group and a £30 donation was received from the Dorset Rough Riders.

Clerk to produce draft precept.

13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: With regard to a pedestrian access in Pound Lane the developers were advised that this was privately owned and they would need to liaise with the land owner.

THE NEXT MEETING: The next Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 4 November 2014 at the Pavilion, Castle Lane at 7:30 pm. The Chairman thanked all present and closed the meeting at 10.25pm.