MINUTES OF THE BOTHENHAMPTON & WALDITCH PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE VILLAGE HALL, WALDITCH ON MONDAY 14TH MARCH 2005.
Present: Mrs Regan (Chair), Mr Matthews, Mrs England MBE, Mr Harrison, Mr Dennis, Mr Stubbs, Mr Stenning, Mrs Kirkpatrick. In attendance: D. R. Barnes (Clerk)
1. APOLOGIES.
Mr Tett, Mr Coatsworth, Mr Roberts, Mr Ffooks.
2. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING.
The minutes of the previous meeting held on 14th February 2005 having been circulated to all members were accepted as a true record of the meeting and duly signed.
3. MATTERS ARISING.
Item 3 - Grit bins. The clerk informed the meeting that DAPTC had advised that, as long as the bins were as visible in snowy conditions, their colour could be changed from yellow. Mrs Regan informed the meeting that no firm objections to the present colour had been received.
Item 8 - Planning application 1/W/04/002180: 23 Mount Joy. The clerk informed the meeting that both front and rear extensions did appear on the plans, which were inspected by Mrs Regan.
4. DEMOCRATIC HALF HOUR.
At 7.10pm the meeting was adjourned to enable members of the public to air their views on matters of local interest. At 7.40pm the meeting re-convened to complete the council's agenda, there being no further matters raised.
5. REPORT BY WDDC COUNCILLORS FOR BOTHENHAMPTON.
As all district councillors were absent from the meeting, no report was given.
6. REPORT BY WDDC COUNCILLOR FOR WALDITCH, MR ROBERTS.
As Mr Roberts was absent from the meeting, no report was given.
7. REPORT BY DCC COUNCILLOR, MR COATSWORTH.
As Mr Coatsworth was absent from the meeting, no report was given.
8. PLANNING.
A] Applications received from WDDC/DCC:
WDDC:
1/W/05/000200 - 26 Crock Lane: Erection of conservatory: No comment.
1/W/05/000139 - Eastwood, Burton Road: Demolition of existing bungalow and garage; erection of new bungalow and double garage: In light of the representation made by the applicant during the Democratic Half Hour, the
councillors, (apart from Mrs England), examined and took measurements from amended plans. They agreed that the height of the proposed new dwelling did not appear to exceed 30 feet, as first thought. Mrs Regan proposed that if the height is confirmed as below the permitted maximum, (as stated in property deeds), taking into account that the new dwelling might occupy higher ground than the existing one it is replacing, the council recommends approval of the application. This was seconded by Mr Matthews and all councillors voted in favour, except for Mrs England, who abstained.
1/W/05/000201 - 22 Glebe Close: Erect extensions: No Comment.
1/W/05/000376 - Ab Antiquo, Main Street, Bothenhampton: Replace rafters and thatch, carry out internal alterations: passed to Mr Matthews for comment.
1/W/05/000328 - 40 Maple Gardens: Erect dormer window: passed to Mr Stubbs for comment.
1/W/05/000385 - 18 Elwell: Erect conservatory: passed to Mr Harrison for comment.
1/W/05/000388 - Cherry Tree, Duck Street, Bothenhampton: Erect extension and garage, carry out internal/external alterations: passed to Mr Matthews for comment.
DCC: None.
B] Decisions by WDDC/DCC:
WDDC:
1/W/04/002382 - 87 Crock Lane: Erect conservatory: Approval given.
1/W/04/002296 - 6 Valley Road: Erect detached house, replacement garage and construct new vehicular and pedestrian access: Permission refused.
1/W/05/000098 - 9 Bowhayes: Erect detached garage: approval given.
DCC: 1/W/2004/2220 - Bridport Sewage Treatment Works, Burton Road: Erect polymer preparation kiosk: Permission granted.
The Planning Inspectorate: Dismissal of appeal against refusal of planning permission for 1/W/04/000683: 1 Chestnut Road: erection of 2 bedroom house with integral garage and construction of new vehicular access.
9. FINANCE
A] Statement of Account as at 28 February 2005.
The Clerk informed the meeting of the current position.
B] Accounts for Payment.
Clerk's salary (February)…...…………..……..………..£249.02
Bothenhampton Church (annual churchyard maint)……£900.00
CPRE (annual subscription)……………...………………£25.00
David Landscapes (grass cutting etc)……...……………£492.32
Bothenhampton Village Hall (hire)……………………….£24.00
Mrs Regan proposed these accounts should be paid. This was seconded by Mrs England and approved by all of the other councillors.
10. APPROVAL OF ANNUAL RETURN 2003-4.
The clerk presented the internally-audited Return to the council. After a brief discussion, it was decided to reclassify the two grit bins recently purchased as assets, rather than consumable expenditure. Mrs Regan proposed that she and the clerk sign the Return as appropriate. This was seconded by Mr Matthews and agreed by all of the other councillors.
11. NEWSLETTER
Mrs Regan informed the other councillors that she will instruct the clerk to circulate a copy of the proposed newsletter to each of them with the next agenda, with a view to obtaining feedback at the next meeting. She explained that the sheet displaying the revised areas of responsibility can be printed on the reverse of the newsletter, as well as displayed on each notice board.
12. REQUESTS FOR GRANTS.
None.
13. PARISH MATTERS.
Footpaths & Roads - The clerk was instructed to chase up the replacement "Bothenhampton" road sign again. Mrs Regan passed on Mr Ffooks' appreciation that the 'Copplestones' sign had been removed.
DAPTC - The clerk referred to Chief Executive Circular 04-05. Mr Matthews reported that at the last meeting of DAPTC, (which was very poorly attended), support was requested for reducing the litter currently lining the main road into Bridport and improving the safety of the Eype junction of the A35.
Grants for Vital Villages Projects - Mrs Regan informed the council that Bothenhampton Village Hall is likely to apply for funding, which would involve a contribution from the council. She confirmed that, at present, no applications have been submitted by any organisation within the parish.
Permanent Vodafone Mast - Mrs Regan reported that residents have contacted Vodafone with a request to remove their debris from around the electricity box near to the mast.
Walditch Village Green - The clerk read out a letter from Mrs P Sanders of Shute Haye, Walditch, in which she requested to use the green to site a canopy for use by guests at her daughter's wedding on 17th September 2005. Mrs Regan proposed that the council gives permission (with normal insurance disclaimer sent to Mrs Sanders by the clerk). Mr Stenning seconded this and all of the other councillors agreed.
14. CORRESPONDENCE.
WDDC: Letter regarding the hire of premises for one day sales of pet animals; Guide to Sports Development in West Dorset.
Bridport Local Area Partnership: Notice of next meeting (24/3/05) & minutes of last.
CPRE: "Fieldwork" newsletter.
15. CONFIDENTIAL ITEM.
Mrs Regan repeated that she will be resigning as Chair in May 2005, (although she expects to be able to remain as a councillor), therefore a decision on a successor is urgently needed. She invited all councillors to state their positions. After a discussion, Mr Stenning agreed to take on the role at the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council in May. Mr Matthews said he was happy to remain as Vice-Chairman and would fully support Mr Stenning. All of the other councillors offered their support also. A training course for new Chairmen was referred to, to be held on July 21st.
The next meeting will be held in Bothenhampton Village Hall at 7.00pm on Monday, April 11th 2005.
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting closed at 8.28pm.
MATTERS RAISED IN THE DEMOCRATIC HALF HOUR:
1. Planning Application 1/W/05/000139: Eastwood, Burton Road
2. Sycamore Avenue in the Walditch Conservation Area: tree felling and management
3. Walditch Village Green
4. Blocked drains on Walditch Road
5. Obstruction along Lower Walditch Lane footpath caused by overgrown hedging
6. Jellyfields open space
7. Walditch Village Play Area - benches & goal posts & grants