3rd February 2004
Published unapproved for ratification at the March 2nd meeting.
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MINUTES OF OKEFORD FITZPAINE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING
HELD IN THE PAVILION ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 3RD 2004
Present:- Cllr M Burt (chairman)
Cllr E Horton (vice-chairman)
Cllr Mrs A Buckley
Cllr A Frampton
Cllr B Trowbridge
Also present:- Mrs D Burt (clerk), Cllr M Bignell (NDDC), Cllr A Campbell (DCC) and four members of the public.
1) APOLOGIES Cllr Nelson (working), Cllr Corben (working).
2) THE MINUTES of January 6th having been circulated were taken as read. It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Frampton 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
Cllr Burt reported that he had now replaced all but one of the batteries in the emergency lights at the Pavilion.
ii) Bowey Field
The bins have now been emptied.
iii) Chicken Processing Factory
Cllr Trowbridge said that with the shortage of birds caused by the problems in Asia he thought that production locally may increase.
iv) The Pound NFTR
v) Travellers
In mid January travellers broke open a gate and moved onto a piece of land owned by Hinton St Mary Estates in Shillingstone Lane. DCC were informed. The chairman spoke to the owners who said that they were aware of the encampment and that their agents were dealing with the matter. It was reported that children from the encampment were now attending the local school.
The chairman reported having replied to the consultation paper and had asked DCC for a copy of its response.
vi) Extension of 30 mph speed limit NFTR
vii) Speeding Vehicles
No response had been received from the Police.
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viii) Policing
There had been a reply from the assistant Chief Constable admitting that the fault was not that of BT and that Dorset Police were responsible for the difficulties and delays in answering the emergency calls that were made. As a direct result of this they are engaged in a review of staffing arrangements. A second letter received approximately two weeks later stated that their performance relating to answering 999 calls had improved. There was also an invitation for the council to visit the call centre to see how it works. Both these letters were copied to all councillors. Cllr Frampton reported that another incident had occurred recently where armed Police with dogs were present in the village. After some discussion it was proposed by Cllr Frampton and seconded by Cllr Horton that a letter be written voicing the council�s concerns about the way in which the investigation into the attempted armed robbery had been dealt with and asking for a representative to talk to the PC, this was agreed.
ix) NDDC � performance assessment
The clerk reported having received completed forms in time from Cllrs Burt and Horton and had completed and returned the original with the opinions of those two. A copy of NDDC�s own self assessment had been received.
x) Darknoll Lane
A reply had been received from DCC Stour Park stating that the matter had been passed to County Hall.
xi) High Pavement
A reply had been received stating that this was being dealt with. As the railings were now considered to be dangerous it was agreed to call the technician the next day for an update.
xii) Any Other Matters Arising
The chairman had attended a meeting of the Police Partnership Trust. This is not a Police run organisation. They had talked about the problems of anti social behaviour among other things and how information should be gathered before a phone call is made to the Police. The chairman felt that this approach was not very helpful.
5) CORRESPONDENCE
o NDDC � posters advertising roadshow at Tarrant Gunville on Feb 17th about flooding.
o T. Muir � relating his anger at the council�s decision.
o DAPTC � circulars relating to (1) a petition generated by DCA asking the Government to instigate capital grants for community buildings blank sheets were circulated to be returned by Feb 14th. (2) a poster from the Boundary Committee about periodic electoral review (on NB�s). (3) use of mechanically propelled vehicles on ROW. (to be copied to Cllr Horton).
o D Lambert � raising concerns about the steel posts erected on the road side of the property adjacent Castle Farmhouse, Castle Lane. Clerk to write to DCC to clarify situation.
o DCC � consultation paper �Future School Provision in Blandford area� any comments by March 12th. Also booklet �Changes to School Organisation in Dorset � Process�. Both passed to Cllr Mrs Buckley.
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6) REPRESENTATIVE�S REPORTS
School Governors � Cllr Mrs Buckley reported that a meeting was to be held at the School on February 10th at 6-30 pm to discuss the planning application for a mobile classroom, in particular it�s positioning. The classroom was donated by the Diocese for Playgroup to be run by them in an attempt to better integrate the children into the School. It was felt that it would be an advantage to both Playgroup and School.
(Clerk�s note) The application is on this agenda but it was felt that a decision on it should be deferred until after the School meeting. Cllrs Horton, Burt and the clerk to attend that meeting and the clerk to respond to the planning authority by the correct date. There was no objection in principle to the application.
Local Public Transport – Mrs Calcott reported that rural buses were to get less money, this might result in having some services cut.
Youth Club � Mrs Burt reported a donation of �100 from the Youth Club to the PC to assist with Pavilion expenses.
Village Hall � Cllr Burt reported that the committee was awaiting a response from NDDC regarding the drainage plan. The committee is in the process of obtaining revised estimates one for the extension to the building and one for the car park. The annual fund raising fete �The Fippenny Fayre� would take place on June 20th and there would be an appeal for more help on the day.
7) DISTRICT COUNCILLOR�S REPORT
o Cllr Bignell reported that the budget was now being discussed, a reduction on investment income and most departments needing more resources would probably mean an increase in tax over the next 5 or so years. Nick Raynsford has threatened to cap councils with a high percentage rise.
o Planning permission has been passed for a Playbarn at Rivers Corner.
o Work is to start soon at the Marsh & Ham car park to increase the disabled parking.
o The boundaries for County Council divisions are to be redrawn. This will mean that Okeford will be in a different division. (clerks note) As the council had not received any information about this apart from the letter via the DAPTC (see item 5 correspondence) the clerk was asked to obtain maps etc so that it could be discussed at the next meeting, comments have to be received by March 8th.
8) POINTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mrs Calcott reported that a window in the telephone kiosk has still not been repaired. BT has been informed � clerk to follow up.
Mrs Calcott had been asked by another to enquire about the white shed opposite Hartcliff Farm. The chairman replied that he had been assured by the owner that the building which was a replacement had the full backing of the planning authority and suggested that the person contacts them for clarification.
Mrs Calcott reported that on FP 52 some of the stiles need attention. Cllr Horton to follow up.
9) FINANCIAL MATTERS
Accounts to pay:- Post Office Ltd � Gas 136.35
Glasdon UK Ltd � Seat for Fiddleford 457.67
M A Thompson � final payment grass cutting 70.00
It was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Mrs Buckley that these be paid, this was agreed.
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o The clerk had put out notices inviting tenders for grass cutting for the 2004 season. There had been one reply from M A Thompson for the same amount as the previous year. It was proposed by Cllr Frampton and seconded by Cllr Horton that the council accepts this tender, this was agreed.
Cllr Trowbridge said that the council is grateful to the Football Club for cutting the recreation ground grass which saves a lot of money.
o The clerk asked if the council wished to continue the arrangement with Mr Casebourne at Greenhayes it was proposed by Cllr Trowbridge and seconded by Cllr Frampton that this continues, this was agreed.
o A donation of �100 had been received from the Youth Club.
Cllr Campbell left the meeting at approximately 9pm.
10) PLANNING MATTERS
a) applications 2/2004/0002 � Mr S Smith, Kingstag. Amended plans for 14 Castle Ave � erect 1st floor side extension and pitched roof over porch.
The extension has been reduced in size it was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Frampton that there be no objections, this was agreed.
Cllr Trowbridge apologised and left the meeting at approximately 9.05pm.
2/20040011 � (adjacent parish comments) Mr B Miller, Lower Fifehead Farm / Gorse Farm � erect agricultural dwelling. After some discussion it was proposed by Cllr Horton and seconded by Cllr Frampton that no objections be raised but that comment should be made that the development would be less intrusive if located within the existing buildings area. This was agreed.
2/2004/0068 � Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education � O/F School � station temporary (5 years) mobile classroom and erect 2.43m high fence on part of boundary of sports field. There were no objections in principle but a response would be deferred until after Feb 10th (see item 6 – representative�s reports).
b) decisions 2/2003/1087 � land at OS 6537 rear of Back Lane � erect 3 agricultural buildings. REFUSED
2/2003/0974 � land at OS 6961 & 6537 rear of Back Lane � erect 3 agricultural buildings. REFUSED
Both the above applications were refused on grounds:- no essential agricultural need, buildings poorly designed for stated purpose would fail to meet DEFRA regulations. Development on prominent site would prove seriously detrimental to rural character. Proximi
