Minutes published unapproved for ratification at the 1 October 2013
MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD AT THE PAVILION ON 3 SEPTEMBER 2013
PRESENT: Cllr M Burt, Chairman
Cllr R Corben
Cllr B Fox
Cllr A Frampton
Cllr M Wood
Also present: – Mrs Sandra Deary (Clerk), Cllr A Burch, NDDC, Cllr H Cox, DCC, Mr P Eastwood, DCC, Mr N Grace, Elderberry Construction and 8 members of the public.
The Chairman proposed discussing item 7.9 before 7.1, this was seconded by Cllr Fox and agreed by Council.
1 APOLOGIES: Cllr S Corben and Cllr M Paine
2. THE MINUTES OF PARISH COUNCIL MEETING 6 August 2013: having been circulated to Cllrs and noticeboards were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr R Corben and seconded by Cllr Fox they be signed by the Chairman, this was agreed.
3. POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC RELATING TO ITEM 7 ONLY. None
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.
5. GRANTING OF DISPENSATIONS:
6. District & County Councillors’ Report: Cllr Cox, DCC advised that she had stepped down as Deputy Leader of DCC and that she had now been given the Environment Portfolio which included Highways and Transport. She added that the work on the proposed changes to the bus service had already started when she took up her new responsibilities, she added that the changes would hit rural areas really hard and asked that people respond to the consultation. She advised that the next Winterborne Division Parishes meeting would be held on Wednesday 25th September at 7pm in the Milton Abbas Reading Rooms, Officers involved with the forthcoming changes to the bus services had been invited to come along to discuss any issues.. Sue Warr who had helped Community Transport schemes would also be attending and Paul Eastwood would be on hand for general Highways issues. She added that she would continue with the Divisional meetings but would be happy to attend any Parish Council meeting if required.
A member of the public enquired about the EU money given to Dorset and Wiltshire a number of years ago for improvements to the highways, he stated that Wiltshire had used the money to make many improvements but Dorset had not. Cllr Cox advised that the money had been withdrawn as no firm plans were ready to improve Dorset Roads. She added that new funding was available in Dorset and the A338 at Ringwood had been prioritised as urgent and this work would be carried out first.
7. MATTERS ARISING
7.1 Recreation Ground/Pavilion to include Recycling Centre Items: Cllr Burt advised that he had received a price for the replacement doors. One larger door for wheelchair access and one smaller door would cost £1000 – £1100 including fitting. Following discussions Cllr R Corben proposed going ahead with the quote, this was seconded by Cllr Wood and agreed by Council. Cllr R Corben advised that there was a broken window in the door to the youth club, he added that no one could gain access and the Cllr S Corben was in the process of getting it replaced.
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Bowey Field: Cllr Fox advised that ‘Awards for All’ had received the bid for funding for new play equipment and were looking at it. A member of the public suggested bidding to Children in Need.
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Village Hall Extension and Car Park: N.F.T.R.
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Community Planning: N.F.T.R.
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Belchalwell & Fiddleford Items: The Clerk advised that she had written to DCC Highways requesting an inspection for the road between The Cross and Garland Lane.
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Home Watch: Cllr Wood advised that the next meeting of the Co-ordinators would be held on either the 19 or 26 September. He added that 1 volunteer had come forward for the speed watch initiative. Cllr R Corben advised that he may have the details of a further two volunteers.
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7.7 Land at top of Back Lane: The Clerk advised that she had written to Mrs L Goodall, Chief Executive of NDDC regarding this issue. A response had been received to advise that Mr Hammond had resolved to secure an external experienced Enforcement Officer to review and progress this case on a contract basis.
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Land at bottom of Okeford Hill: Please see minute 7.8.
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Speeding and Parking issues in Back Lane:
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The Chairman advised that a Special Council meeting had been arranged to take place on Monday 23 September at 7.30 pm in the Village Hall. The following people had been invited to attend: Cllr Hilary Cox, DCC, Cllr A Burch, NDDC, officers from NDDC Planning Department, Mr S Savage of Dorset Highways and the police. He added that the issue was complicated by the fact that NDDC had not carried out the Enforcement Notices and therefore more traffic was using Back Lane, also a large development had been given planning permission in Back Lane, again creating additional traffic, many people driving in Back Lane do so with a total disregard to others. Mr Eastwood advised that planning and enforcement issues were dealt with by NDDC and that any speeding issues should be dealt with by the Police. Cllr Burt enquired if a traffic survey on the use of Back lane could be carried out. Mr Eastwood agreed to pass this enquiry to the Traffic Engineers Department and ask them to attend the meeting to be held on 23 September.
A member of the public stated that the problem was inappropriate driving for the road conditions, he added that 20 years ago the road had been deemed as sub-standard and further development was not advised. He added that the Dorset Rural Roads Protocol stated that DCC will ensure the conservation and enhancement of the outstanding quality of its landscape and settlements, whilst delivering a safe and convenient network for all modes of movement. He felt that this road was not a safe road and that 60 other residents had made complaints. Another member of the public advised that people were parking over fire hydrants and felt this issue should also be addressed.
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Okeford Fitzpaine Housing Survey Results: Cllr Burt advised that he had met with Mr J Hammond, NDDC to discuss possible sites.
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Electronic Planning Applications: N.F.T.R.
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Draft Core Strategy: Cllr Burch advised that the New Plan for Dorset was due to go back out to consultation at the end of October.
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Seat on the Cross: The Clerk reported that she had now been in contact with C & D South West and had been informed that the information had been passed on to their insurers who would contact her in the near future. A new seat has been ordered and will be delivered in due course.
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Proposed changes to the Dorset Local Bus Network: Council discussed the proposed changes to the Bus Services which would affect Okeford Fitzpaine, the main concern raised was the loss of weekend service which would impact hugely on rural areas for a relatively small saving. A member of the public advised that the 339 and the X8 from Blandford run approximately 2 minutes apart and wondered why this service could not be cut instead of rural services. The Clerk was asked to write to DCC raising its concerns.
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8. PLANNING MATTERS:
8.1 Applications: 2/2013/0835/PLNG – Brooks Cottage, Belchalwell Street, Belchalwell, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0EG – Install 3 No. replacement windows, expose original fireplace and carry out associated internal and external alterations. Following discussions Cllr Frampton proposed no objection to this application, this was seconded by Cllr Fox and agreed by Council.
2/2013/0853/PLNG – Land West of Back Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset – Develop land by the erection of a single dwelling and detached double garage. Modify existing vehicle access. Mr N Grace of Elderberry Construction spoke on behalf of the applicant, he advised that the area to the north of the site would remain as grassland and a condition of sale would include this. Cllr Wood advised that an application for a similar sized development was refused 2 years ago. Cllr R Corben pointed out that the proposed site was in a conservation area. Mr Grace advised that building within a conservation area was allowed and that the proposed development had been planned in conjunction with Kevin Morris, Environment Officer at NDDC. He added that the development would include the planting of an orchard and that it would tidy up the site. A member of the public felt that the land did not need to be developed to tidy it up and that scrap had been left on the site on purpose to make development seem a good option. He added that there was already a problem with traffic in Back Lane and that over 60 people had made complaints regarding this. Mr Grace advised that the proposed development would use the existing access, however a visibility splay would be incorporated to improve it.
Following discussions Cllr Wood proposed objecting to the application due to Back Lane having reached its maximum for development and the increase in traffic. This proposal was not seconded. Cllr Fox propose no objection to the application, this was seconded by Cllr Frampton and agreed by Council.
2/2013/0903/PLNG – Former Faccenda Factory, Okeford Fitzpaine – Erect 4 No. buildings to provide 655 square metres of floor space for Commercial use, with associated vehicular access and parking. (Reserved Matters application to determine Appearance and Landscaping, following grant of Outline Planning Permission No. 2/2010/0322). During discussion Cllr Burt asked if the Council thought this was the best use for this part of the site as vehicles accessing the commercial units would need to travel through the housing area. With a proven need for affordable housing in the village perhaps this site could be used for that purpose. Cllr R Corben proposed no objection to the application and requested that the Clerk seek the views of NDDC with regard to the question of affordable housing, this was seconded by Cllr Wood and agreed by Council.
8.2 Decisions: 2/2013/0642/PLNG – The Old Mill, Little Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RB – Change of use of from office (Class B1) to 1 No. dwelling (Class C3) – GRANTED
2/2013/0643/PLNG – The Old Mill, Little Lane, Okeford Fitzpaine, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RB – Remove 2 No. internal doors and block up doorway, erect internal partitions and carry out associated internal alterations – GRANTED
8.3 Any other planning matters: None
8.4 Updates: None
9. CORRESPONDENCE FOR 3 SEPTEMBER 2013 PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
Homewatch Meeting Notification – 15 August 2013
Sturquest Action Plan Meeting – 14 October 2013
Changes to Dorset Local Bus Network
The Rural Fair Share Petition
Consultation on Bus Service Revision Meeting – 20 September 2013
DT11 Minutes – 14 August 2013
Police and Crime Commissioner Summer Newsletter 2013
North Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner Forum – Blandford 17 September 2013
Update on Neighbourhood Planning & Community Rights Meeting – 4 November 2013
Winterborne Division Parishes meeting Wed 25th September, 7pm Milton Abbas Reading Room
Invitation to the Dorset Advocacy Annual General Meeting at the Dorset Advocacy Meeting Place, Paceycombe Way, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 3AE.
Invitation to Sturquest Meeting
10. REPRESENTATIVES REPORTS:
Rights of Way/Footpaths: N.F.T.R.
Football Club: N.F.T.R.
Village Hall: N.F.T.R.
Well Being Committee: N.F.T.R.
DAPTC: N.F.T.R.
Youth Club: N.F.T.R.
Tree Officer: The Council paid its respects to the former tree Officer Mr Dennis Eadsforth who had sadly passed away.
11. POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Donation of a number of 1 yr old oak trees: A member of the public advised that he had approximately 14 oak trees which he would like to donate to the village. Cllr R Corben advised him to contact the owner of High Bench who would have sufficient room for them around the lake. The Chairman thanked him for his offer.
Caravan in Shillingstone Lane: A member of the public advised that a caravan in Shillingstone Lane, opposite to the entrance to the chicken breeding farm was occupied. The Clerk was asked to write to the Pitt-Rivers estate to make them aware of this.
12. FINANCIAL MATTERS:
12.1 Accounts paid since last meeting: None
12.2 Accounts to be paid:
Mrs S Deary – Salary
£289.17 Chq No 767
Mrs S Deary – Printer Ink
£49.98 Chq No 767
HMRC – PAYE Tax
£217.00 Chq No 768
Southern Electric – Bus Shelter Electric
£16.80 Chq No 769
Multi-Signs – No Dogs signs
£290.53 Chq No 770
12.3 Annual Accounts: N.F.T.R.
13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS: Cllr Mike Wood advised that the map of the area situated at the cross had recently been updated, the Council thanked Mr & Mrs Buckley for their work on this item.
THE NEXT MEETING: A special meeting of the Council will be held on Monday 23 September in the Village Hall at 7.30pm to discuss traffic issues in Back Lane. The next ordinary Parish Council meeting will be held on Tuesday 1 October 2013 at the Pavilion, Castle Lane at 7.30 pm. The Chairman thanked all present and closed the meeting at 9.30 pm
