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MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETINGHELD AT THE PAVILION ON 7 SEPTEMBER 2010 PRESENT: Cllr M Burt (Chairman) Cllr T Horton (V.Chairman) Cllr R Corben Cllr S Corben Cllr B Fox Cllr A Frampton Cllr M Paine Also present: - Mrs Sandra Deary (Clerk) and 11 members of the public. 1. APOLOGIES: NONE2. THE MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 3 August 2010 having been circulated to Cllrs and noticeboards, were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr R Corben and seconded by Cllr Horton that they be signed by the Chairman, this was agreed.3. POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC RELATING TO ITEM 5 ONLY. None4. DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTCllrs Burt & Frampton as members of the Village Hall Management Committee.Cllrs Burt & Horton as members of the DAPTC.Cllr Burt as member of CPEND and LDWG.Cllrs R & S Corben & Frampton as members of Okeford United Football ClubCllrs R & S Corben as members of Okeford Fitzpaine Allotment Society Cllr Horton as member of NDDC Standards Committee.Cllr S Corben declared a prejudicial interest in Minute No. 7.1 and left the room during consideration of Application No. 2/2010/0788/PLNG.5. District & County Councillors’ Reports: Cllr Burch informed the Council that the issues in Back Lane were in hand. This was discussed further at minute no. 6.10. She also informed Council that the NDDC website had now migrated to Dorset for You and that Revenues and Benefits would be amalgamating with Christchurch and East Dorset from 1 October 2010, which should hopefully save approximately £100,000 per annum per Council.6. MATTERS ARISING6.1 Recreation Ground/Pavilion: Cllr Burt reported that the drainage ditch had now been dug and the pitch put back to its previous state. The footings for the store/garage have also been dug. Cllr S Corben reported that the cost for 3 windows would be £160, no price had been received for the required locks and handles yet. Cllr Burt advised him to get the work carried out. The football club has agreed to make a donation to the pavilion to help with these costs. Cllr S Corben had received a phone message from a resident with land adjoining the pavilion stating that on 9 October 2010 she would be holding a party and would be using the pavilion car park for parking for her guests and that camping would also take place on the recreation ground. Following discussion it was agreed that a letter be written to the resident advising that this would not be allowed and that access to her land must not be gained through the hedge separating the two pieces of land.6.2 Bowey Field: Cllr Fox advised that she had looked into the radio Solent offer of money to local groups and that the offer was only available to voluntary groups. Cllr Frampton reported that the damaged goal had been repaired and was now back in situ.6.3 Village Hall Extension and Car Park: Cllr Burt had received a letter from the Planning Department at NDDC stating that they did not think that the small increase in space to the village hall warranted the removal of the cherry tree. Cllr Burt had responded that some years ago when the Hall was in a poor state of repair the Trustees (Village Hall Management Committee) consulted the village, the PC and NDDC planners to discuss the possible relocation of the Hall. The village were not 100% behind relocation to the recreation ground and after a site meeting the planners indicated that they were not keen on relocation at all as the Hall was fairly central and is in walking distance of most of the village. As a result of this, major uplift work and plans for extensions followed. At a later date a land owner came forward with an offer to build a housing estate with whatever houses the PC felt were required and to build a new village hall and car park in the field opposite the recreation ground. The PC and the land agent approached NDDC who dismissed the idea. A further extension was then carried out to the village hall using very little grant assistance and a lot of voluntary labour. There are three other trees within close proximity, all planted by the parish with the knowledge that if we were to retain the Hall in its present location the need for extension would arise and the cherry tree would need to be removed. A new cherry tree has also been planted at the eastern end of the car park. No response had yet been received from NDDC. Planning permission would be needed before any grants could be applied for.6.4 Footway – Castle Lane: N.F.T.R.6.5 Community Planning: Mrs Deary had received the minutes from the CPEND Chairs meeting which had taken place on 2 September 2010. She will distribute to all Councillors for discussion at the next meeting.6.5 Belchalwell & Fiddleford Items: N.F.T.R.6.6 Action Highlighted in the Parish Plan: Mrs Deary to place another advertisement for volunteers in the Fippenny News.6.7 Blandford PACT and Home Watch: The Police are placing an advertisement in the Parish Magazine to encourage residents to join the home watch scheme.6.8 Okeford Hill – salting/gritting: Mrs Deary was asked to write to DCC regarding the outcome of the recent review.6.9 Traffic (volume and speed) using Back Lane: Mrs Deary informed the Council that she had received a response from Mr S Graeser, Enforcement Officer for NDDC stating that two enforcements notices had been issued with regard to the land off Back Lane. Details of which were as follows: 1. Alleged Breach: Without planning permission the unauthorised construction of buildings on the land. Steps required to be taken: Demolish the unauthorised development and permanently remove from the land the materials used in the construction of the unauthorised development 2. Alleged Breach: Without planning permission the material change of use of the land from agriculture to a mixed use of agriculture and for the purpose of storage of machinery, items, materials and equipment not requisite for the purposes of agriculture on the land. Steps required to be taken: Permanently stop using the land for the purposes of storage of machinery, items, materials and equipment not requisite for the purposes of agriculture on the land and to permanently remove from the land the machinery, items, materials and equipment identified in the Schedule. Mr Graeser had received a request to vary the notices, allowing additional time to enable negotiations to take place to seek some common ground in respect of what may be able to remain on the land. He advised that the Council would not agree to vary the enforcement notices and that any requirements could only be held in abeyance through the appeal process. The notices take effect from 10 September 2010 and any appeals must be lodged before this date. If an appeal is received the process stops until the appeal has been determined. If the notice is upheld the landowner would then have 4 months to carry out the requested actions.The other, nearby, land is owned by a number of other people and any alleged breaches of planning control on that land will be addressed as appropriate. The aim is to achieve a negotiated settlement wherever possible. Mrs Deary to enquire the timescale for the appeal process.6.12 Village Shop: N.F.T.R.7. PLANNING MATTERS: Mrs Deary reported that she had written to Mr N Fagan, Development Control Manager, NDDC regarding concerns about the correct way to advertise planning applications if they were received too late to be advertised on the agenda. Mr Fagan responded as follows: It is necessary for the District Council, as the Local Planning Authority, to process planning applications within the 8 week statutory period (13 weeks for a ‘major’ application & 16 weeks for a large ‘major’ application accompanied by an Environmental Statement – such as the Silton Wind Farm application). We therefore allow all consultees 3 weeks in which to respond, including all Parish & Town Councils. To allow a longer period would mean we did not meet our 8 week deadline (bearing in mind 98% of all applications are not ‘major’ applications). Therefore it is necessary for all consultees to respond within the consultation period. It is up to all Parish & Town Councils (and indeed all statutory consultees like the Highway Authority & the Environment Agency etc) to put in place sufficient arrangements for this to take place. Typically this would be by setting up a separate Planning Committee that meets more regularly or by delegating comments on planning applications to a sub group of Councillor(s). Obviously the way in which you choose to do this is a matter for the Parish Council. Although we sometimes agree to an extension of the consultation deadline (if and only if there is time to do so) this could not be countenanced as a matter of course because, as explained above, we require most responses within 3 weeks.7.1 Application: 2/2010/0788/PLNG – 28 Castle Avenue, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RY – Erect 1 x Dwelling with 2 x parking spaces (form 2 x parking spaces for 28 Castle Avenue. Cllr S Corben declared a prejudicial interest in this application and left the room prior to any discussion or debate having left a petition with the Chairman. Following discussions Cllr Fox proposed and Cllr Horton seconded that the application should be objected to on the grounds that the proposed dwelling would overlook neighbouring properties and gardens. It was also felt that if granted this would set a precedent for other back land development in the future and that gardens were now classed as Greenfield sites and therefore development should not be encouraged. This was agreed by Council. Mrs Deary to respond to NDDC raising the objections as stated. 2/2010/0823/PLNG – Land at Okeford Hill, Pound Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset – Erect 1 x single storey dwelling, 1 x mobile home and 4 x parking spaces. Erect stables to house 30 horses, re clad existing barn to be used for storage of hay, bedding, vetinary requisites and hard feed.Mrs Deary reported that the Council had received an email from CPRE stating that although they were very reluctant to see building on greenfield sites, they felt that this was a very carefully thought out application which had a lot to justify it by way of rural employment, support for a long-established business, less traffic movement and other considerations. They had written to the Development Control department at NDDC to say that although they could not wholeheartedly support the application, after careful deliberation they did not oppose it.An email had also been received from Brimble Lea stating that the likely traffic generation resulting from the proposal will be a maximum of 1 small horse box in and out per day taking horses to race courses therefore limited to the racing season. Food stuffs would be bought to the premises in a box-type lorry approximately once per week. Veterinary Surgeons and farriers would create approximately 2 vehicle movements in and out of the premises per week. The owners of the site would be living on site but employees would rent in the village and walk to work.Two emails had been received from members of the public opposing the application on the following grounds:1. Increased traffic on Back Lane, which is extremely narrow and is accessed via a turning on a sharp bed on Shillingstone Lane.2. Any development on this land will have a detremental affect on the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.3. Increase in noise pollution due to increased traffic.4. The proposed development does not conserve the wildlife habitats.5. Under Local Planning Policy, an applicant should try and identify a site within a defined settlement boundary to keep encroachment into the countryside to a minimum. This application contravenes this policy.6. Off-site exercising of 30 horses contributes to soil erosion on well-used bridleways, harms vegetation and will have a detrimental impact on wildlife interests.7. Disposal and storage of horse manure will cause pollution on the site.Cllr Horton presented the application to the Council. He pointed out that the site could be glimpsed from the north east and possibly the north west but could not be seen from other points. A number of local residents spoke against the application reiterating the points above. Concerns were raised regarding the Calcareous grassland of the site.One resident spoke in support of the application.Following discussion Cllr Frampton proposed and Cllr Fox seconded that the application be objected to on the grounds of poor access to the site using a narrow lane with a blind bend and increased traffic in Back Lane. This was agreed by Council. Mrs Deary to respond to NDDC raising the objections as stated. 2/2010/0871/PLNG – Thornhill Farm House, High Street, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RG – Install loft insulation. No objection providing due consideration is given to the roosting bats.7.2 Decisions: NONE8. CORRESPONDENCE FOR 7 SEPTEMBER 2010 PARISH COUNCIL MEETING Homewatch Newsletter – July 2010 Rural G – Homewatch Newsletter Blandford Rural July 2010 DAPTC – Chief Executive’s Circular 08/10 DAPTC – Chief Executive’s Circular 09/10 DAPTC – Newsletter Summer 2010 DAPTC – Agenda for North Area Meeting – 7 September 2010 Minutes of Sturquest Management Group – 25 August 2010 Open Spaces report to Sturquest Management Group Ringmaster Email dated 2 September 20109. REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORTS:Rights of Way/Footpaths: Cllr Paine reported that 2 footpaths had become overgrown. These had been reported to DCC.Football Club: Cllr S Corben reported that the new season started last week. The number of children participating had grown considerably.Village Hall: As reported in minute 6.3. 10. POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC: A member of the public pointed out that the 303 bus service to Yeovil now extends to Glastonbury during all school holidays.11. FINANCIAL MATTERS 11.1 Accounts paid since last meeting: Hansons – Concrete £685.02 Chq No. 54411.2 Accounts to pay: Mrs Deary – July Salary £361.57 Chq No. 545 Nildram 42.30 Chq No. 546 Gill of all Trades £362.50 Chq No. 547 NDDC – Building Inspection Fees £566.24 Chq No. 548 It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr R Corben that these be paid. This was agreed by Council.11.3 Income: £30 donation to the pavilion.12. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: A Licensing Policy consultation document had been received from NDDC. Cllr Burt agreed to respond on behalf of the Council. Cllr Burt had received a letter from Mr James, the church warden concerning the cost of the realignment of the Lych Gate. The cost to the PCC will be in the region of £3,200 and was seeking a donation from the Parish Council towards this cost. Cllr Burt proposed a donation of £300, this was seconded by Cllr Horton and agreed by Council. Cllr S Corben had been contacted by 2 residents regarding the possibility of having a grit box installed opposite the bottom of Castle Avenue. He proposed purchasing a grit bin for this location. This proposal was not seconded and would therefore not be carried out.Cllr Burt informed the Council that the shape of the extension to the pavilion for the new store/garage had been slightly altered to allow the footings to be put in straight. He asked the Councillors to give some thought to the new toilets to be installed there. Should there be 3 unisex toilets installed or 2 ladies toilets and 1 urinal? Cllr Burt agreed to be the link officer for the DCC parish maintenance unit scheme.13. THE NEXT MEETING will be held on Tuesday 5 October 2010 at the Pavilion, Castle Lane at 7.30 pm. The Chairman thanked all present and closed the meeting at 9.30 pm.
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