Attendance: Cllr S Hillier (Chairman), Cllr J Thomas (Vice-Chair), Cllr L Bennett, Cllr P Clarke, Cllr D Coffin, Cllr S Longdon
Also in Attendance: Cllr R Legg (Dorset Council) Mr. J Hart and 2 members of the public
- Welcome and apologies for absence: The Chairman welcomed Councillors and visitors to the meeting. Apologies were received from Cllr. Iain Houston.
- Declarations of Interest: There were none declared.
- To approve the minutes of the Ordinary meeting held on 7th November 2023: Their approval was proposed by Cllr Bennett, seconded by Cllr Coffin – agreed nem con.
The matter of Fanny Brooks Lane was then discussed. Mr. Hart, Rights of Way Liaison Officer explained the options open to Councillors. There is some confusion and uncertainty regarding its status. Ordinance Survey maps indicate that it is an ’other road with public access’. Fanny Brooks Lane is not on Dorset Council’s guidance list of 2021 which indicates streets that are all or part accessible or part of the road network. It can be made a Right of Way by the DMMO process. A simple process, if the neighbours on either side can be identified, then a letter indicating that the Parish Council intends to apply for a DMMO would remove any ambiguity thus clarifying the status. At present the road has no legal protection and it could disappear, a Right of Way has legal status. It would secure the position should the fields in the future be developed. At present Dorset Council will not clear the Lane, if it is a Right or Way they will have to.
An alternative option is to get the adjoining landowners to dedicate it as a Right of Way – Bridleway. Cllr Hillier asked for clarification as to whether it is the landowner or land occupier – it is the people affected. It would be sensible for the Parish Council to take on the responsibility for the application. As a courtesy the four landowners should be informed of the application. There is a standard letter that can be used and Mr. Hart indicated his willingness to assist with the application. The advantage of its being a Right of Way is that there would be some clarity re hedges and their maintenance.
Mr Hart was thanked for his presentation and assistance.
The Post Box was discussed – Although Dorset Council had indicated no services at the site near the war memorial, the Royal Mail surveyor had identified a drain in the area, making that site inappropriate. Dorset Council confirmed that if the go ahead was given for the site we may be liable for any damage caused even though no drain was recoded on the utilities map.
It was agreed to publish an update via Pennant and Cllr Legg (Dorset Councillor) would write to Royal Mail relocation Manager to accept the site they had offered on the other side of Church Road. Proposed Cllr Clark, Seconded Cllr Longdon. This was agreed by Councillors nem con.
Public Forum - No members of the public present wished to make any further comments.
- Planning Application and decisions.
P/HOU/2023/06234 10 Cross Road – Demolition of existing conservatory, erection of single storey rear extension with covered patio area with rear roof overhang – Granted
P/FUL/2022/07371 – Yeovil Golf Club, Bradford Hollow. Erection of a single storey side extension to form a new Sports Bar and extension to the Driving Rage to form a Swing Studio. –No objection.
- Financial Accounts
- January and February payments were presented and0 agreed for payment.
- To consider any Grants or Donations – there were none.
- To review and finalise the 2024/2025 Budget – a paper was presented by the Clerk. The Tax Base for 2024/25 is 366 Band D equivalent properties which would raise an income at present rates of £15981.34 as opposed to 2023/24 the income was £16025.00. Many items were indicating at least a cost of living increase, including expenditure on a new laptop, an allowance for the war memorial and tree/hedge work the new budget was indicating an expenditure of £16590. Cllr Longdon proposed that the budget be accepted, seconded by Cllr Bennett -agreed nem con.
- Setting the Precept 2024/2025. A paper was presented by the Clerk for discussion. In order to cover the proposed Budget agreed in 3 above a increase in the precept would be required unless reserves were to be used, this is not desirable as reserves need to be maintained at a level equivalent to a year’s running costs. It was agreed to raise the Precept by 4% to generate an income of £16621.84. Proposed by Cllr Bennett, Seconded by Cllr Longdon -carried nem con.
6. To receive Officer Reports.
1. Tree Officer – Cllr Coffin noted that the church was to cut down some of the conifers damaged in the storms around the church. The Clerk reported that the trees on the Play Area had been looked at and were not a problem.
2. Footpath Officer – Cllr Longdon noted that fallen trees had partially blocked the bridge over the river, but these had now been removed. Gravel and mud had washed down Fanny Brooks Lane and the top half was very wet and muddy especially as the fields were being worked.
3.Village Hall Officer – Cllr Bennett noted that the rate for hiring the Hall was being increased due to the increased cost of electricity.
7. To receive an update from Working Groups.
1. Telephone Box /Library Group – Cllr Thomas reported that the area around the War Memorial had been decorated with poppies and camouflage netting in November. Cllr Longdon was thanked for his assistance. A Christmas Tree had been purchased and decorated and it had looked very impressive. A new thatched crib had been made. Bulbs had been planted ready for the spring in the beds and planters. Jigsaws and books were still proving very popular and were changed on a regular basis.
2. Neighbourhood Plan Working Group – Cllr Bennett reported that the group continued to meet on a regular basis and there was to be a presentation to Councillors on progress so far on 6th February. The Council has to be consulted and agreement on progress and the way forward reached.
3. Web site group – Cllr Hunt noted that they had not met but would need to in the near future. The Clerk had requested that Cllr Houston register invoices for Domain name and hosting to the Council. The Domain name had been re-registered for the next two years.
8. To receive updates regarding DMMO applications. There were no updates
9. To discuss Highways Issues. The Clerk noted the dates for two road closures in the area over the next two months. Cllr Coffin noted that the edges of Underdown Road had been badly damaged by vehicles, in particular large tractors. The drop was marked with cones.
10. Playing Field - A new bin rota was required. There were two dead elder bushes in the hedgeline close to the railway bridge. Quotations for cutting back the hedge were being collected.
11. Correspondence – The electoral register had been ordered. Nomination papers for the May elections were now available. The Clerk noted that the free ‘dorset-aptc.gov.uk’ e-mail address was not going to be available in the future, DAPTC was offering a 100mb ‘.gov.uk’ e-mail address for £45pa, very much cheaper than was available elsewhere, it was agreed to take up this offer. Cllr Hillier mentioned a meeting he had attended with the General Manager of Plus Bus who would be prepared to give a presentation on bus provision in the area. It was agreed to run a joint meeting with Thornhackett Parish Council to hear what he has to say.
12. Items for Pennant – There would be an Update on the Post Box
Date of next Ordinary Council Meeting Tuesday 5th March 7.00pm in the Village Hall
Financial information for 22nd January 2024 meeting
Current Account
£9320.28 Account Balance as at 6th November 2023 Neighbourhood Plan Group
£40.00 Braford Abbas Village Hall £6807.00 received current
£22.50 DAPTC Inv 1516 (half of conference fee) account transferred to Deposit Acct.
£169.39 KM Dike Inv 1784
£169.39 KM Dike Inv 1811
£20.99 Royal British Legion (S Hillier)
£187.60 Salary Month 7
£74.25 Temporary Clerk fee 5.5hrs
£840.00 South Western Ambulance Service
£125.00 Allotment Assn
£156.80 HMRC PAYE
£169.39 KM Dike Inv 1836
£219.80 Salary Month 8
Direct Debits
£0.28 AWS EMAE Hosting (Dec)
£0.27 AWS EMAE (hosting (Jan)
£7,374.82 Account Balance as at 19th January 2024
Deposit Account
£17947.06 Account Balance as at 6th November 2023
£19.82 Interest Paid - Nov
£6807.00 Groundwork Uk from Current Account (NP ring fenced)
£25.81 Interest Paid - Dec
£25.62 Interest Paid - Jan
£24,825.31 Account Balance as at 19th January 2024
£32,700.63 Total in all accounts
Proposed payments
£169.39 KM Dike Inv 1856
£219.60 Salary month 9
£38.18 Parish on Line (NP)
£219.60 Salary Month 10
£198.00 Hall Hire (Parish Council)
£249.00 Hall Hire ( Neighbourhood Plan Group) 10 meetings
£1680.00 SW Ambulance Service goods & services for 2 defibs.
£380.00 Back Salay from pay rises.
£3,153.77 total payments
Before Next Meeting (approx. amounts)
£219.60 Salary Month 11
£169.39 KM Dike
£497.79 total before March meeting.