23rd July 2002
Published unapproved � for ratification at the August 20th meeting.
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MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE PAVILION ON TUESDAY JULY 23RD 2002
Present:- Cllr M Burt
Cllr B Trowbridge
Cllr Mrs A Calcott
Cllr R Corben
Cllr A Frampton
Cllr C Nelson
Cllr E Thorne
In Attendance:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), Cllr M Bignell (NDDC), and four members of the public.
1) Apologies none
2) The minutes of the June 25th meeting, having been circulated to councillors and notice boards, were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Mrs Calcott that they be signed by the chairman, this was agreed.
3) Points from the public relating to item 4 only none
4) Matters Arising
i) Recreation Ground
* Swings � the clerk reported that �Awards for All� have now accepted our application there will be a possible 3 month wait for an answer.
* The chairman reported that vandals had broken several of the floodlights, lamps and front glass, and a door pane, new ones are on order the lamps alone cost �40 each, he suggested that guards be put over the new ones to protect them, the cost would be approx �200. It is hoped that they can be replaced before the Football Club fund raiser �Butterboys Bonanza�. The Police have been informed and a crime number issued.
* A bill had been received from T.D. & S.I. Fry for VAT and excess of �75 in relation to the insurance claim for damage to the Pavilion in 2000. It was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that this be paid as soon as possible and the VAT reclaimed from Customs & Excise, this was agreed.
* The chairman is arranging for a demonstration of a new type of mowers later in the week, the cost of these new is approx. �3500, a set of new gang mowers would be approx. �8000. Cllr Corben said that the old gang mowers were falling apart and needed replacing urgently, the chairman had recently replaced some of the bearings but this will not solve the problem. Cllr Trowbridge suggested that the stones in the drain that runs parallel to the car park could be covered perhaps with concrete or tarmac to stop them being thrown onto the field and at the lights, to be investigated.
ii) Bowey Field
*Mr Potter had cut and removed the grass, Cllr Thorne cut it again with his farm mowers it was then short enough to use the gang mowers.
*Cllr Mrs Calcott reported that brambles had grown over the footpath again and offered to deal with them.
iii) Chicken Processing Factory
A letter from Mr Greaves NDDC was read saying he would ask his staff to look into the matter of representations to the Traffic Commissioner.
A copy of a letter from Faccenda (copied to councillors) to DCC was read in which it was stated that their intention was to use Shillingstone Farm site to house the current fleet and they did not wish to increase the number of vehicles operating in the village.
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A Department of Transport public inquiry will take place on August 21st at The Crown Hotel, Blandford. The chairman asked for discussion in the light of the letter from Faccenda. Cllr Nelson said he saw no reason for discussion the council had made its decision and he didn�t believe what Faccenda had said in the letter. The chairman pointed out that as a council they had a duty to take all things into consideration and this letter must be considered in good faith. There was further discussion Cllr Corben felt that the operation was now too big for the village and Cllr Trowbridge said that the application was still for 11 vehicles. The chairman said that we need to be clear on what the possible consequences of the application being refused might be and whoever represents the council at the inquiry will need to know exactly what the council wants him or her to do, if for instance the inspector offers some sort of compromise ie a reduction of vehicles in Higher St.. It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Calcott and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that the council oppose the application for 11 vehicles and 10 trailers to operate from Shillingstone Farm, Shillingstone Lane irrespective of any compromise that might be offered. A vote was taken with 6 for the proposition and 1 against, the proposition was therefore carried.
The chairman asked for nominations to represent the council at the inquiry, Cllr Nelson proposed Cllr Trowbridge who declined saying he would be representing himself. The proposal was not seconded. Cllrs Nelson and Calcott also said they would be representing themselves. Cllr Trowbridge said he had full confidence in the chairman and thought that he would do a good job. Cllr Corben proposed and Cllr Thorne seconded that the chairman be asked to represent the council, the chairman agreed and a vote was taken, 5 were in favour Cllr Nelson abstained, the proposition was carried.
The clerk had received two smell diaries, the chairman asked that those people continue to monitor the smells when the new chimney, which has now been installed, goes into operation. Cllr Mrs Calcott said that the offal lorries often smell when they arrive.
iv) Greenhayes /Higher St path
NFTR � clerk to write to DCC again.
v) The Pound
Work is progressing. Cllr Frampton asked when the tree could be taken down, the chairman said that he had spoken to the tree surgeon who would wait until birds had finished nesting, clerk to write to confirm.
vi) Parish Survey NFTR
vii) Future Development
The landowners agents had written to NDDC planning services asking if there was any likelihood of permission being granted, a copy was read. Cllr Bignell said that as the proposed development was outside the settlement boundary the matter would be put before the full council for discussion.
viii) Golden Jubilee 2002 (including suggested use of surplus funds)
The clerk reported that the grant of �300 had been received from NDDC. There was some discussion about possible uses, the final amount is not certain at present but it was proposed by Cllr Mrs Calcott and seconded by Cllr Trowbridge that some money be used for the renovation of The Pound, this was agreed. Stonemason to be contacted for price of engraved stone.
ix) Travellers
It is understood that a paper on new powers to deal with gypsies and travellers has been issued, it is hoped to obtain a copy.
x) Footway � Castle Lane
NFTR on footway. Cllr Mrs Calcott reported that bus drivers had complained about overgrown hedges in that area, the chairman asked her to tell them to report directly to DCC.
xi) Chapel Green NFTR Item discharged.
xii) Extension of 30 mph speed limit NFTR
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xiii) The Parish Councils (Model Code of Conduct) order 2001
The chair and vice chair had recently attended an open forum with MP Robert Walter at which councillors were complaining about the code, some had not signed up. Item discharged.
xiv) �Sleeping� Parish Councils
A further letter had been received from DEFRA assuring that the vibrancy indicator was not intended to measure the effectiveness of parish councils, it also stated that there would now be no charge for anyone wanting a copy of the original survey form.
xv) Angers Lane NFTR
xvi) GM Crop Trials NFTR on trials but protesters had defaced roads and road signs in the area.
xvii) Bridleway 13 To be pursued with DCC Right of Way.
xviii) Fingerpost � The Cross
This has now been replaced, item discharged.
xix) Overhanging hedges
Most have now been dealt with. The trees by footpath 2, behind the school, need to be checked.
xx) Race Relations
In line with the race relations (amendment) act 2000, it was proposed by Cllr Corben and seconded by Cllr Mrs Calcott that �Okeford Fitzpaine Parish Council acknowledges the general duty placed upon it by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000. The Council will continue within its functions and policies to have due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, promote equality of opportunity and promote racial equality between people of different racial groups�, this was agreed.
xxi) Dumped rubbish Br 50
NDDC have been informed.
xxii) Any Other Matters Arising NONE
5) Correspondence
� NDDC � Best value performance plan 2002/2003
� DAPTC � notice of AGM Oct 19th with speaker chief constable Mrs Stichbury, circulars including info on internal auditors (copied to councillors) and details of seminar for new audit regime Sep 3rd �5 per delegate.
� Robert Walter MP � open forum on local democracy, councillors were informed but very short notice given, chair and vice chair attended.
� Common Ground � creating web site need info/history about tributaries of the River Stour.
� NDDC � Occasional PEL Lowbrook Farm for 150 people August 23rd. no objections.
� NDDC � Brian Bray, principal technical officer, reporting on the condition of the apple trees in Mary Gardens only can be saved with major surgery, the others are dead or decaying. It was agreed to agree to their removal. Cllr Corben offered a replacement tree.
6) Representatives Reports
Youth Club � Cllr Mrs Calcott reported that the youth leader is leaving and will not be coming back next term, the post will be advertised but in the meantime the club will operate with volunteers only, more are needed to help, this asset cannot afford to be lost.
School Governors � Cllr Nelson reported that 16 children will be leaving this term with only 11 � 13 coming in for next term. Building work on the kitchen area is progressing.
Homewatch � Mr Fleetwood continues to put information on the notice board, he warned that con men were in the area.
7) District Councillors Report
Cllr Bignell reported that NDDC were not co-operating with the Stour Bowling Club issue.
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8) Points from the Public
Mr Russell reported that the owners of the land adjacent �Myrtle Cottage� had put up a large fence around the land, which was an eyesore.
Mr Fleetwood said that a dog was regularly let out in Bowey Field for exercise and the barbed wire was still around the trees in the corner of the field. The chairman said the no dogs signs would be checked and renewed if necessary. (a note be put in the next parish magazine)
9) Financial Matters
Accounts paid since the last meeting:-
Post Office Ltd � Gas 71.73
Accounts to pay:-
Southern Electric PLC � pavilion 97.75
Southern Electric PLC � bus shelter/museum 8.93
Mrs D Burt � Clerk�s salary 2 months 257.22 )
Expenses 72.33 ) 329.55
It was proposed by Cllr Mrs Calcott and seconded by Cllr Frampton that these are approved and paid, this was agreed.
The clerk reported having received a grant of �300 from NDDC and a donation of �10 from T.O.P.S.
10) Planning Matters
a) applications 2/2002/0672 � A & R Mewse, 3 Castle Lane � new vehicular access and erect balcony to first floor. There were no objections. Cllr Frampton asked if the footway issue would need to be addressed, the chairman thanked him and it was agreed to mention this to planning services and the contact at DCC.
2/2002/0688 & LB 2/2002/9102 � J Abbott and P Gray, Fontmell Magna re: Littlebrook Farm Farmhouse, Belchalwell St � demolish single storey extension, erect two storey extension, carry out internal and external alterations. No objections.
2/2002/0699 � Mr Sturmey C/O Groundworkers Ltd, Frampton re: garden of 9 Castle Ave. Erect single dwelling and garage (approval of reserved matters). There were no objections but the footway did not appear to be included, this needs to be clarified and letter copied to DCC.
b) decisions 2/2002/9076 � Nutmeg Cottage � single storey extension and carry out alterations. Listed Building consent granted.
c) other none
11) A.O.B. none
12) The next meeting will be Tuesday August 20th at the Pavilion, Castle Lane at 7-30 pm. The chair thanked all present, there being no further business he closed the meeting at 9-35 pm.
