Minutes of the Bothenhampton and Walditch Parish Council Meeting held in the Village Hall, Bothenhampton on Monday 11 November 2002.
Those present for the monthly meeting were: - Mrs.Regan Chair person, Professor Eastham, Mr.Matthews, Mrs.Sawyer, Mrs.England, Mr.Harrsion, in attendance M.C.Farnham [Clerk] Rear Admiral Pritchard
1 APOLOGIES
Mr.Coatsworth
2 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING
The minutes of the previous meeting held on the 14 October 2002 having been circulated to all members was accepted as a true record of the meeting and duly signed.
3 MATTERS ARISING
Mrs.Regan informed the meeting that the Bothenhampton Residents’ Association had agreed to pay for the installation of the Jubilee seat, she also confirmed that she had purchased materials to re-stain and preserve the existing seat outside the Bothenhampton Church.
4. RESIGNATION OF PARISH COUNCILLOR
The Clerk informed the meeting that Mrs.Clements had resigned from the Parish Council. This had been reported to the District Council and as this had occurred within 6 months of the end of the current Council it was not necessary to replace any of the three current vacancies. However, the Clerk had asked from the required notices from the District Council and it was agreed that this should be put up with a note for anyone who was interested in being co-opted onto the Parish Council, should write to the Clerk by the 6 December 2002.
5. REPORT BY DISTRICT COUNCILLOR REAR ADMIRAL PRITCHARD
Rear Admiral Pritchard confirmed that they are currently carrying out a Housing Needs Survey in order to help obtain future finance for affordable housing in the South West. Central Government has indicated that they should share in any profit form the sale of old council houses as they provided the funding in the first place. The value of this profit for WDDC is about ¾ million pounds, which could be handed back with Central Government deciding how this should be spent or re-distributed.
6. REPORT BY COUNTY COUNCILLOR Mr.COATSWORTH
As Mr.Coatsworth was unable to attend no report was made.
7. DEMOCRATIC HALF HOUR
At this point the meeting was adjourned to enable members of the public to air their views on matters of local interest. The meeting then re-convened to complete the Council’s agenda.
8. WEST DORSET DISTRICT COUNCIL LOCAL PLAN REVIEW
The Clerk referred to the letter received from WDDC dated 18 October 2002, copy of which was sent out with the agenda, concerning the review of the Local Plan, the contents of which was noted. The Clerk also informed the meeting that a further letter dated 8 November 2002 had been received inviting a members of the Parish Council to a preview meeting of the First Deposit Plan on the 9 January 2003. Following a short discussion on this matter it was agreed that 3 Parish Councillors should attend this evening meeting in Dorchester.
Action; the clerk to complete and return form to WDDC
9. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000
The Clerk asked if all Parish Councillors had now had the chance to review the documents that were being circulated? However, as these documents had still not been seen by all Councillors it was agreed that this matter would be held over to the next meeting.
10. PERIODIC ELECTORAL REVIEW OF WEST DORSET AREA – PUBLICATION OF THE 2003 REGISTER OF ELECTORS
The Clerk referred to the letter received from WDDC dated 29 October 2002, copy of which was sent out with the agenda, concerning the revised procedures for the publication of the 2003 Register, the contents of which were noted.
11. WEST DORSET HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY
The Clerk referred to the letter received from WDDC dated 30 October 2002, copy of which was sent out with the agenda, concerning the Housing Needs Survey, the contents of which were noted.
12. COUNTRYSIDE AGENCY PUBLICATIONS
The Clerk referred to the Letter received from The Countryside Agency dated October 2002, copy of which was sent out with the agenda. It was agreed that the 3 publications on Vital Villages Update 2, Step by Step Guide to the Parish Transport Grant and Local Heritage Initiative Poster would be of interest to the Vital Villages Committee. They were therefore given to Mrs.Regan to pass on to the committee.
13. PLANNING
- Applications received from WDDC;
- Application 1/W/2002/1723, 11 Uplands, Walditch, erect two storey extensions, returned “No comments”.
- Application 1/W/2002/1724, Blossoms, Quarry Lane, Bothenhampton, erect two storey side extension, 2 dormer windows & conservatory to rear elevation, returned “No comments”.
- Application 1/W/2002/1734, 3 Elwell, Crock Lane, Bothenhampton, erect first floor extension, returned “No comments”.
- Application 1/W/2002/1736, Blueberry Hill Farm, Boscombe Lane. Walditch, erect sheep handling building. Returned with the following comments,"
1] currently there is an existing agricultural building on the site.
2] approval has already been given earlier in the year for a machinery/implement store/workshop
3] The Parish Council is therefore concerned why a third building is required on such a small agricultural holding.
4] It is understood that other businesses operate from this site, which has lead to the deteriorating state of Boscombe Lane, which is currently unusable, by pedestrians. Because of the above, the Parish Council objects to this application and considers that it should be refused.” - Application 1/W/2002/1755, 2 Bowhayes, Bothenhampton returned “ No comments”.
- Application 1/W/2002/1784, 69 Gundry Road, Bothenhampton, erect conservatory, returned “ No comments”.
- Application 1/W/2002/1792, land at Copplestone/Marrowbone Lane, Bothenhampton, erect five dwellings with garages and construct new vehicular access and modify existing access.
Returned with following comments, “The Parish Council in February 2002 considered a Planning Application [No.1/W/2002/0134] in relation to this proposed development and commented as follows.
[1]“The Parish Council considers that this application should be refused. They believe that the access onto the development would create a five-way junction is dangerous [it is understood that a previous application in this area was refused on this matter]. No Plans showing the levels of the proposed development in relation to existing properties has been provided. It is considered that the proposed development would tower over existing properties. The area concerned has, it is believed a badger set. Concern has also been raised on the proposed use of the sewer system to take away surface water."
[2]The Parish Council in July 2002 considered a Planning Application [No.1/W/2002/1048] in relation to this proposed development and made the following comments; “The Parish Council still consider that the above comments are still valid. While a plan showing the street elevations of the development has now been provided it does not show this in relation to the existing properties. As regard to the problem of surface water drainage, it is noted that an engineer’s report dated 10 June 2002 was submitted as part of this application, but not copied to the Parish Council. However, following examination of a copy of this report at the local Council Offices it is noted that within item 4.2 Conclusions and Recommendations the following statements were made;"
2 trial pits at the south end show the presence of impermeable clay strata which would make the use of soakaways unacceptable in these areas. Off-site surface drainage has been investigated but Environment Agency concerns and the cost of constructing off-site sewers makes this an extremely unattractive option.” The Parish Council believes that any further development in this area would be detrimental to the existing street scene and be detrimental to the character of the Conservation area. It is understood that these points lead to the District Council to turn down a planning application in relation to the provision of a dwelling next to May Cottage which is adjacent to this proposed development. Another reason give was that such a development would also be detrimental to the safety and convenience of highway users. Concern has also been raised to the Parish Council in relation to the collection of household rubbish Currently the householders in Marrowbone Lane have to bring all there bags up to the current four way junction, as Marrowbone Lane is to narrow for the rubbish vehicle to go down and collect it. And while this is not a reason to refuse this planning application the Parish Council believes that the District Council must consider how the rubbish will be safely collected, as currently the area used to stack these rubbish bags is the entrance to the proposed development.”
[3] The Parish Council has now considered this current application 1/W/2002/1792 and believes that the comments already made i.e. above are still valid. The access off the dangerous junction is the same, the site is still as prominent as before and the connecting of the development to the existing sewage system would only add to the inadequacies that already exist. The problem of dealing with surface water has still not been satisfactory addressed. The Parish Council is also concerned that the problem of how to deal with the badger set which is only 150 metres away from this site has not been addressed, but only the badger set that is over 400 metres away has been considered in great detail. The application states that the site is enclosed by domestic residential development on all sides, the Parish Council considered that this is not the case and would recommend a site visit by the Planning Committee to confirm this point. The application also states that the development would not impact on adjacent public areas, but does not consider its impact when viewed from further away.
The Parish Council believes that any new development in the area concerned would be unacceptable because of the points raised above and therefore recommends that this application should be refused.
Finally I attach copies of letters received by the Parish Council on this application and these comments should be considered before any decision is made. - Application 1/W/2002/1862, 9 Lower Walditch Lane, Walditch, erect a single store extension, returned “No comments”.
Applications received from DCC; None
- Decisions by WDDC;
- Application 1/W/2002/1359, The Old Vicarage, Westown, Bothenhampton, demolish existing garage and erect new double garage. Permission granted.
- Application 1/W/2002/1562, 71 Gundry Road, Walditch, erect conservatory, Permission granted.
- Application 1/W/2002/1653, 23 Pasture Way, Bothenhampton, erect a single storey extension. Permission granted.
Decisions by DCC; None
14. FINANCE
- The Clerk informed the meeting of the current situation, i.e. Capital Account £16,579.27 Current Account £28,589.21
- The following accounts were approved for payment.
[1] M.C.Farnham Salary for November 2002, £203.54
[2] Mrs.Regan towards expenses for October 2002 £3.80 plus materials to repair seat £17.48
[3] Bridport Town Council letting of Skilling Allotments to 30 Sept 2003 £32.55
[4] Stadia Surfaces Ltd. £8,904.16
Mr.Matthews proposed that these accounts are paid, this was seconded by Professor Eastham and agreed by all the other Councillors.
15. REQUESTS FOR GRANTS
NONE
16. VITAL VILLAGES
Mr.Harrison reported that the 2 open meeting had now been held and that they had provided valuable and constructive views on improvements to the 2 parish areas. A total of 75 residents attended the 2 meetings. Through small in number compared to a possible total of over 2,000.
Their views have provided added points which will be incorporated in the final questionnaire which will distributed to all households by the end of November 2002. A stamped addressed envelope will be provided for the return of the questionnaires, which will be confidential as no names or addresses will be required. Mr.Harrison also confirmed that a Mr.G.Deakin had jointed the committee and the next committee meeting will be held on the 13 November 2002.
17. FOOTPATHS & ROADS
[1] The current state of Boscombe Lane, Walditch means that it is unusable by pedestrians.
[2] The footpath sign for footpath 25 from the A35 has been removed.
[3] The Clerk confirmed that he had written to DCC concerning footpath No14 Bothenhampton in support of the letter sent by Mr.Bird. He also confirmed that he had received a copy of the reply sent to Mr.Bird on the matter, which stated that the change from footpath to Byway was “simply a question of what colour to paint a line on a map”.
18. STREET LIGHTING
Nothing to report.
19. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Mr.Harrison agreed to take over this area following the resignation of Mrs.Clements.
20. CONSERVATION & OPEN SPACES.
The Clerk informed the meeting that he had received a letter dated 21 October 2002 from the Valley View Residents Society concerning proposed improvements to the open space area within the lower Walditch Development using the interest earned i.e. over £3,00 of the sum the levied of £20,000. The Clerk confirmed that from the sum of just over £3,000 will have to be deducted the Parish Council Solicitors fees of over £600, therefore a sum of £2,400 is currently available for some improvements plus ongoing maintenance of the area. Professor Eastham also confirmed that a meeting was to be held between himself, Mrs.Sawyers and members of the Valley View Residents Society to discuss the way forward and hopefully he will be able to report back to the Parish CounciI at the next monthly meeting.
Action Professor Eastham to arrange meeting with Residents Society
21. PLAY AREAS
[1] John Holt Play Area; The Clerk confirmed that he has asked the grass cutting contractor to cut the grass one more time. He also confirmed that he would write asking for a quotation for the removal of the ivy.
Action Clerk to request quotation
[2] Play Area Walditch; Mr.Matthews reported that he was awaiting details of the depth of trench and its reinstatement from the electricity company Western Power Distribution [WPD] before he could get an up to date costing for this work. In the meantime he would contact the Chairperson of the newly formed Walditch Residents Association concerning the holding of a public meeting to obtain views on the use of the this area.
Action Mr.Matthews to contact Walditch Residents Association
[3] Possible Play Area Lower Walditch; The Clerk reported that all the required forms had been completed and returned to the Diocesan of Salisbury Registrar in relation to the “Petition for Faculty”. The a period of 28 days to allow time for people to object end on the 15 November 2002 at which time a copy of the notice has to be returned to the Registrar and we then have to wait to see it this is approved before we can meet with the Town Council to confirm the terms of the lease of the area.
Action the Clerk to return forms to Registrar
22. BRIDPORT REGENERATION AREA PARTNERSHIP MEETINGS
The Clerk reported that the next meeting is to be held on the 26 November 2002. Professor Eastham confirmed that he would be attending the November meeting.
23. DORSET ASSOCIATION OF PARISH AND TOWN COUNCILS
The Clerk informed the meeting that a regional meeting had been arranged for the 19 November 2002 to discuss a number of recent legislation and its impact on Local Councils. Following a short discussion Mrs.England said she could attend if required. The Clerk undertook to see if any places were still available.
Action Clerk to find out if any places are still available
24. CORRESPONDANCE RECEIVED
[a] From DCC; None
[b] From WDDC; Letter dated 1 November 2002 removal of Cypress tree at the Old Rectory Bothenhampton
[c] From; Letter dated 17 October 2002 from Mr.P.J.Copland concerning the provision of bin by the seat half way up Walditch Lane.
It was also agreed that the next monthly meeting at Walditch Village Hall on the 9 December 2002 would start at 7.00pm
There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 9.15m.
MATTERS RAISED IN THE DEMOCRATIC HALF HOUR
Open space Lower Walditch Development.
Play area Lower Walditch Development
Footpath No14 possible change from footpath to Byway
Vital Villages
Waste Disposal site
Seat at Bothenhampton Church
Provision for fishing at West Bay