MAIDEN NEWTON PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON

THURSDAY 1 JUNE 2006 AT 7.00 PM

IN COMMUNAL ROOM WEBBERS PIECE

CHAIR: Cllr. Mrs S Falkingham

PRESENT:

Cllr. S Bryant
Cllr. D Charman
Cllr. R Wood
County Cllr. J Peake

There were five members of the public present and the following comments were made:

• It was suggested that a copy of the ‘Dog Control Orders’ that have been displayed around the village by the Dog Warden West Dorset District Council (WDDC) should be placed on the Parish Notice Board. It was asked whether dogs have to be kept on a lead when taken out. Cllr. Bryant said the orders do not state dogs have to be kept on a lead but that dogs should be kept under control.
• Cllr. Wood reported he had been asked by a visitor of a resident in Webbers Piece whether the Parish Council could contact Magna Housing Association and request seats on the grass verges at the junction of Webbers Piece and Norden Lane (Request discussed Agenda Item 14 Any Other Business).
• The procedure to fill the vacant Parish councillor position was questioned in particular the closing date for applications. Chairman Mrs Falkingham explained if a vacancy occurs it must be publicly notified and if, within 14 days of this notification, a poll is claimed by ten electors then a by-election must be called. Otherwise a notice is posted on the Parish Notice Board inviting people to apply for co-option. Applications are then considered at a special meeting of the Parish Council. If the Parish Council does not receive any applications or the applications received are unsuitable the vacancy is re-advertised. The election process is monitored by West Dorset District Council (WDDC). Cllr. Bryant requested informal meetings are arranged before the special meeting to enable councillors to meet with the applicants and discuss the position to be filled.        

1	Apologies: Cllr. D Chaffey, Cllr. R Watts and District Cllr. N Patmore.
2	Declarations of Interest - None
3	Minutes of Last Meeting – 4 May 2006: These were approved and signed by the Chairman. Minutes of special meeting to review allotment grazing – 22 May 2006: These were approved and signed by the Chairman. At the special meeting to review allotment grazing it was decided to offer the lease of part of the vacant land to Ms S Elsworth at an additional cost of £150pa and the remainder to Mrs D Rowland at a rent of £350pa. It was also decided to allow Ms Elsworth to place a new gate and access her rented land from Norden Lane across the adjoining piece of grazing land (access to be detailed in both Grazing Agreements allowing this under prior arrangement between graziers). These decisions were then formally ratified. Cllr. Wood said he thought work already carried out on the land should be recognized in some way. Cllr. Bryant proposed, Cllr. Charman seconded and Council agreed to offer Mrs Rowland a rebate on the first years rent of £150 in recognition of the work carried out last year to clear the land. It was also agreed to conserve the hawthorn bushes and unimproved grassland but clear scrub close to the hedge to allow this to be trimmed and maintained. Meeting was suspended at 19.40 Discussion with Mrs Rowland who thanked the Council for their proposals for her grazing lease. Mr Brian Westlake owner of Cheverells Nursing Home, accompanied by his architect Mr Philip Dyke Lawray Partnership presented a proposed planning application to be submitted to West Dorset District Council (WDDC). Mr Westlake explained he is legally required to carry out modernisation work and in order to make these alterations and be economically viable he must extend the property to increase the number of residents. He explained that a previous planning application had been refused for parking reasons and appearance of property (mass size and reduced length of wall). Mr Westlake said they had addressed the appearance issue in the new plans by changing the angle of the extension and retaining the wall. Parking issues are still being considered they have increased the number of spaces to six but Mr Westlake said eight spaces are required. He said they are investigating the availability of other possible car parking spaces in the village. The noise level when waste is collected from Cheverells at night was discussed and Mr Westlake confirmed he would investigate the matter. Meeting reconvened at 20.15.
4	Matters Arising: None
5	Chairman’s Report (tabled at meeting): Council agreed to arrange a meeting about the community open space (‘The Green’) with developer of properties on the land off Bull Lane but thought a representative from West Dorset District Council (WDDC) should also attend. Council agreed Mrs Tracy Marsh should be asked to suggest play equipment for the new Play Area. Chairman Mrs Falkingham reported there are no BOATS in Maiden Newton. She informed Councillors that landowners could request from Dorset County Council (DCC) ‘No Vehicle’ notices for bridleways. Chairman Mrs Falkingham reported Mr G Lawrie Dorset County Council (DCC) has confirmed a resident in Dorchester Road may carry out some specified work on the trees on the grass area close to his property.
6	Correspondence: Dorchester Area Community Partnership West Dorset District Council (WDDC) – Re: Poundbury Second Consultation Stage. Circulated. Mrs Kathryn Miller Licensing Officer West Dorset District Council (WDDC) – Re: Licensing Act 2003 Maiden Newton Village Hall. Circulated. Mr Graham Cox Senior Trees and Woodlands Officer West Dorset District Council (WDDC) – Re: Tree Work Application Protocol. Circulated. Office of the Deputy Prime Minister – Re: Local Authority Byelaws in England A Discussion Paper. Circulated. Mr Phil England Maiden Newton Runners – Re: Use of Playing Field 12/08/2006 for finish of race. Permission to use field agreed. Dorset Community Action – ‘Community News’ Spring 2006 Issue 102. Circulated. Ms Charlotte Loveridge West Dorset District Council (WDDC) – Re: The felling of a spruce tree The Old Post Office, Church Road, DT2 0AA. Circulated. Mrs A Doutch Legal and Democratic Services Dorset County Council (DCC) – Re: Highways Act 1980 – proposed application to the Magistrates Court to Stop Up an area of highway verge fronting 67 Dorchester Road, Maiden Newton. Circulated. Ms Jane Stokes Highways Information Officer Dorset County Council (DCC) – Re: Highways Act 1980 – Stopping Up of Highway Notton Maiden Newton. Circulated. Ms Sally Lloyd-Jacob Principal Planning Officer, Local Policy West Dorset District Council (WDDC) – Re: West Dorset District Council Statement of Community Involvement – Submission Draft May 2006. Circulated. Ms Sarah Davies Sports Development Officer West Dorset District Council (WDDC) – Re: Short-term loan to Maiden Newton Parish Council. Circulated. Ms Lisa Camp Senior Support Officer West Dorset District Council (WDDC) – Re: Leisure Development Fund – Maiden Newton Parish Council – MUGA. Circulated. Inspector L Fry Dorchester Section Commander Dorset Police – Re: MUGA. Circulated. Drs David and Felicity Quick – copy of letter sent to West Dorset District Council (WDDC) Re: Planning Application 1/W/06/000778. Circulated. Charter 88 Campaign for a modern and fair democracy – Re: Community Decline and Charter 88’s Campaign for a modern democracy – empowering citizens and local councils. Magna Housing Association – ‘Opendoor’ Summer 2006. Circulated. Mr Rick Thompson Project Liaison Office BT Payphones – Re: notification of changes to public payphone service. Circulated. Mr M Scrace General Manager Ilchester Estates – Re: Disused Quarry. Mr S Keep – Re: request to rent an allotment. South and West Dorset Broadcasting Action Group – copy of minutes from Committee Meeting 05/05/2006. Circulated. Mr D Clarke Returning Officer West Dorset District Council (WDDC) – Re: Casual Vacancy of Parish Councillor. Notice displayed on Parish council Notice Board. Mr M Hickman Electoral Services Officer West Dorset District Council (WDDC) – Re: Casual Vacancy of Parish Councillor.
7	Planning Applications: 1/W/06/000151 Major Land adjacent to Frome View – erect 12No affordable houses and starter workshop unit. Construct new vehicular and pedestrian accesses. Council informed consent granted for this application 04/05/2006. 1/W/06/000365 Other 1 Frome Lane – reconstruction of single storey outbuilding as utility room and WC with addition of link lobby. Amended plans received and circulated 17/05/2006. 1/W/06/000440 Major Land adjoining Station Road – erect 20No dwellings (14 houses 6 flats), and 1No B1 employment use building. Modify existing vehicular access and construct new pedestrian access. Amended plans received and circulated 19/05/2006.  1/W/06/000454 Minor 5 Cattistock Road – demolish garage and outbuilding and erect a dwelling and car park. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it has no objections. Council informed consent granted for this application 05/05/2006. 1/W/06/000455 Other 5 Cattistock Road – erect two storey extension and conservatory. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it has no objections. Amended plans received and circulated 23/05/2006. 1/W/06/000421  Other 2 Pound Piece – erect PVCU conservatory to rear of property. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it has no objections. Council informed consent granted for this application 12/05/2006. 1/W/06/000504  Other 4A Station Road – erect a wooden shed. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it has no objections. Council informed consent granted for this application 11/05/2006. 1/W/06/000627  Other 38 Dorchester Road – erect PVCU lean-to conservatory. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it has no objections. Council informed consent granted for this application 11/05/2006. 1/W/06/000742  Minor Greenford Farm Greenford Lane – develop land by the erection of an agricultural dwelling and double garage. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it objects to this planning application as Greenford Farm has already had an extra house built as an agricultural dwelling which has now been sold with part of the land. The Council questions whether this house will also be sold in a similar way or whether it is needed for an agricultural worker. 1/W/06/000763  Other  The Coach House, Bull Lane – erect first floor extension. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it has no objections. 1/W/06/000869  Minor  Unit 4, Station Road – install waste water treatment plant and external staircase. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it has no objections to this application provided that the proposed changes do not increase noise levels out of normal working hours. 1/W/06/000778  Minor  Barns adjacent to Mill Cottage, Notton – convert barns into 2No units of holiday accommodation. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it has the following concerns over this planning application: the application will increase vehicular access on Bridleway 17 (National Cycle Route 26). The car parking area is accessed from Bridleway 17 which is not a public highway. Concerns over the suitability of this site for holiday accommodation as it is prone to flooding, has limited availability of services and its development would affect the privacy of neighbouring properties. 1/W/06/000928  Other  7 Church Road – remove redundant shop front and door and install sliding sash windows to match adjoining. This application was considered and the corporate view of the Parish Council was that it has no objections. 1/W/06/000930 Greenford Farm, Greenford Lane DT2 0QL – erect straw and hay barn. Circulated.
8	Accounts for Payment: Clerks Salary (June 2006) - £156.46 Magna Housing Association Ltd (Hire of room for monthly meeting June 2006) - £12.00 PAYE £44.22 not paid because £250 is owed by IR for 2005/06 for completing end of year return on line.
9	Standing Orders and Financial Regulations: Cllr. Bryant proposed, Cllr. Charman seconded and Council agreed to include the following clause in the Parish Council Standing Orders and Financial Regulations: ‘Any decision taken outside the Parish Council meeting is not binding until ratified at the next meeting’.
10	Village Development Projects: Agenda Item to be carried forward to next meeting. Chairman Mrs Falkingham requested councillors provide written suggestions of projects to provide community facilities for current and new residents of Maiden Newton funded by new village developments.
11	White Horse Mews Car Park and Picnic Area: Letter dated 11 May from Mr G Allen circulated and discussed at meeting. Council agreed letter of response objecting to plans and introduction of charges. Response letter from Parish Council to be copied to Rt Hon Oliver Letwin MP, Chairman of West Dorset District Council (WDDC) Mrs Mary Penfold, CEO West Dorset District Council (WDDC) Mr David Jenkins and District Cllr. Patmore.
12	DAPTC Matters: None
13	Report on Meetings Attended: Cllr. Bryant reported he had attended the last Village Hall Committee meeting. Chairman Mrs Falkingham reported she had attended a meeting regarding Poundbury development. Chairman Mrs Falkingham reported she had attended a Community Rail Working Party Meeting.
14	Any other business: Council agreed to contact Webbers Piece Residents Committee and Magna Housing Association regarding the request for seats on the grass verges at the junction of Webbers Piece and Norden Lane. Council agreed to pay £100 toward funding West Dorset District Council (WDDC)’s Action Van visits to the Playing Field during the school Summer holiday. The programme to be managed by Mr P Valinski through the Youth and Community Centre Management Committee. Chairman Mrs Falkingham reported items of Play Area equipment require re-painting. Council agreed Clerk to arrange for this work to be carried out and village benches to be treated to protect the wooden seats.
	Meeting closed 9.40pm. Date of next meeting: 06/07/2006 7.00pm in the Communal Room at Webbers Piece Maiden Newton.