Present: Cllrs D Hayward, L Bennett, D Coffin, I Houston and S Longdon.
In attendance: P Chapman (Clerk) and Mr Andrew Tregay (Boon Brown).
- To elect Chairman of the Council
Cllr D Coffin proposed Cllr D Hayward, Cllr L Bennett seconded. Cllr D Hayward kindly accepted the office of Chairman.
- To receive the Chairman’s declaration of acceptance of office.
The Clerk received Cllr D Hayward’s signed acceptance form.
- To elect a Vice-Chairman of the Council.
Cllr I Houston proposed Cllr L Bennett; Cllr S Longdon seconded. Cllr L Bennett kindly accepted the office of Vice Chair.
- To receive the Vice-Chairman’s declaration of acceptance of office.
The Clerk received Cllr L Bennett’s signed acceptance form.
- To appoint representatives to outside bodies
- Tree Preservation: Officer Cllr L Bennett
- Pennant and Heritage: Cllr D Hayward
- Rights of Ways/Foothpaths: Cllr S Longdon
- Village Hall: TBD at the next meeting when Cllr T Hunt is present.
- Planning Representative: Cllr D Hayward is the nominated representative although it is permissible for any councillor to represent the Parish Council at the meetings in Dorchester .
- To appoint Working Groups
- Planning Working Group
This item will be discussed later in the meeting when the councillors review the standing orders.
- Playing Field Working Group
After a short discussion, it was decided Cllrs D Hayward, S Longdon and I Houston would remain on the Playing Field Working Group.
- Planning Working Group
- To consider the payment of any subscriptions falling to be paid annually.
The Parish Council resolved DAPTC (Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils), LCN and Amazon SSL (website) will be renewed annually.
- Apologies for Absence.
Cllrs T Hunt and P Clark.
- Declarations of Interests.
None.
- West Dorset District Council Planning Applications
- Planning Applications
WD/D/17/000929 Coimbra, Mill Lane, Bradford Abbas. Proposed kitchen and box dormer extensions, 2nr. velux windows and sunpipe, 2nr. rooflights to kitchen, replacement windows and cladding, conversion of integrated garage, internal refurbishment works and loft conversion (Full). The Planning Working Group reviewed this application and did not have any objections.The Parish Council did not have any objections.
WD/D/17/00083 2 Mill Farm, Bradford Abbas. Erection of a new building ancillary to the main dwelling house with associated landscaping works (Full). The Planning Working Group reviewed this application and did not have any objections.The Parish Council did not have any objections.
WD/D/17/000739 2 Coombe Cottages, East Farm Access Lane, Bradford Abbas. Erection of two storey side extension and proposed car port and garage store (Full). The Planning Working Group reviewed this application and did not have any objections.The Parish Council did not have any objections.
Cllr D Hayward noted at the April Parish Meeting the majority of attendees were from Compton Road stating their objections to the possible 400 or more houses in the area proposed in the West Dorset Local Plan. Cllr D Hayward attended a West Dorset District Council (WDDC) Planning Session the following day in Dorchester and discussed the views of the Parish Council and residents with the Planning Authorities in order to submit a comment to the Issues and Options Consultation after the deadline. The Annual Meeting was held 24 hrs after the closing date of the consultation. Cllr D Hayward, on behalf of the Parish Council, submitted comments stating objections to the proposed housing within the parish.
The Clerk delivered a copy of the comments submitted by Cllr D Hayward to a resident on Compton Road along with guidance (received via email from District Cllr R Legg) concerning how to submit a petition to the West Dorset District Council. The Clerk will follow-up with the resident to ensure the petition is submitted within the suggested guidelines. Action: Clerk
Cllr D Hayward noted both J Barber and Queen Thorne Parish Council submitted comments to the Issues and Options Consultation objecting to the houses along the Compton Road area.
- Presentation from Andrew Tregay, Planning Consultant, Boon Brown
Mr Tregay thanked the Parish council for the ongoing support with the numerous planning applications submitted for Mill Farm. He stated the site has been a “work in progress” with many changes along the way but the goal is to bring the site back to farming with a business. Soon there will be Aplacas in the fields. Mr Tregay thanked the Parish Council for the ongoing support with the numerous planning applications submitted for Mill Farm.
The most recent application moves the office space to the Dutch barn. They no longer wish the office space to tie into the home as shown in the original / previous application.
The walled garden application was refused by WDDC. The walled garden application will be modified and resubmitted taking into consideration the suggestions from WDDC. It will be no higher than the eaves and constructed from the same stone as the house.
The land owners intend to create bunds with the debris left onsite. Mr Tregay discussed the ecological aspects of the build and informed the councillors areas that were constructed for bats to roost in rafters of the old barns. Cllr I Houston asked if any provisions were made for the Swallows. Mr Tregray stated this was not raised by the County Ecologist but he is happy to pass on any suggestions.
Cllr D Hayward thanked him for attending the meeting.
- West Dorset District Council Planning Decisions
WDDC granted permission for Virginia Cottage WD/D/17/000597. The Clerk received an email today from WDDC with a new application for Virginia Cottage but it seems to be the same as 000597. She will review the application online once it is available online and email the Planning Working Group with the comments deadline and whether or not an extraordinary meeting will be necessary. Action: Clerk
Cllr D Hayward noted the approval for the minutes from the last meeting were left off the agenda. No comments or corrections were made. They were signed by the Chairman, Cllr D Hayward.
- Planning Applications
- Affordable Housing
Cllr D Hayward reported the Sports & Social Club is no longer considering affordable housing although they are reviewing the possibility of a few retirement bungalows on the grounds. The Parish Council resolved to pursue the site next to Pettitts Close for affordable housing. Cllr D Hayward will speak to Mr Friend of Hastoe to seek advice on how to provide assurances to the landowner affordable housing is needed in Bradford Abbas. . Action: Cllr D Hayward
Cllr D Hayward has been invited to an opening of new affordable houses on 20th June located in Tolpuddle. Both Cllr D Hayward and I Houston will attend. Cllr D Hayward will RSVP. Action: Cllr D Hayward
- Matters Arising / Actions Taken
- Design Statement
The item will be discussed at the next meeting when Cllr T Hunt is in attendance.
- Defibrillator Update
Nothing to report.
- Safe Cycle and Walking Route to Yeovil
Nothing to report.
- Design Statement
- County Councillor, District Councillor and Officer Reports
The County and District Councillors were not in attendance.
Trees: Cllr L Bennett noted a tree application for Ashe House, North Street. Cllr D Hayward informed the councillors his tree application was approved.
Footpaths: Cllr S Longdon did not have any issues to report. Cllr D Coffin reported she followed up with the Definitive Map Team concerning the approved East Farm footpath application that is waiting for formal notice. Cllr D Coffin was informed “it is near the top of the pile”. Once the formal notice is begins there is a 28 day period for objections to be raised.
Village Hall: Cllr T Hunt was not in attendance. Cllr D Hayward noted there has not been a meeting in a few months.
- Standing Orders
Cllr D Hayward had a few minor changes to the standing orders concerning the wording between Planning Committee and Planning Working Group. The Clerk questioned if the Councillors should declare an interest if a neighbour submits a planning application. It was resolved as it has been normal practice to declare an interest it should be stated in the standing orders. Action: Clerk
- Highways
- Fingerposts Update
Cllr D Hayward noted he was requested for advice from Camvale Parish Council for repairing their fingerposts. Cllr D Hayward offered advice but declined to refurbish them himself.
- Back Lane Mirror
Nothing to report.
- Any other Highway Matters
The Clerk will email R Skeats to ask when they are meant to remove signage. Cllr S Longdon noted DCC is not removing their temporary roadwork signage and with the recent volume of traffic they are ending up in the hedges.
Due to upcoming elections there is nothing to report concerning the meeting between Dorset County Council and Somerset County Council to discuss the closure of the A30 between Babylon Hill Roundabout and Pittards.
- Fingerposts Update
- Playing Field
- Inspection Reports from Volunteers
Nothing to report. The Clerk will contact Mr Tomsett concerning the decreasing footpath alongside the playing fields from Churchwell Street. Action: Clerk
- Ongoing Repairs
Nothing to report.
Cllr D Coffin and the Clerk have both researched possible bench replacements for the playing fields. There has been a volunteer to investigate if the just the wood could be replaced or if the entire bench needs replacing. Cllr L Bennett will contact the volunteer. Action: Cllr L Bennett
Cllr D Coffin noted plastic replacement (seat material only) would cost approximately ÂŁ200. Cllr D Hayward stated hardwood seat material only would cost an estimated ÂŁ140.
Cllr S Longdon suggested a picnic table would be a nice addition to the playing fields.
- Inspection Reports from Volunteers
- Financial Accounts
- Grants & Donations
None.
- Accounts for Payment
The only cheque to be paid is the Clerk’s wage for £209.34.
The current account balance as of today is ÂŁ7,242.43 with an outstanding cheque for ÂŁ12.60. The deposit account balance as of today is ÂŁ10,172.99
- Online Banking
At long last the bank approved Cllr L Bennett’s application for online banking.
- Grants & Donations
- Correspondences
Action: Cllr D Hayward The Clerk had an email from a resident concerning the parking outside the Old Rectory making it difficult for buses to get through with the increase of ongoing traffic. Cllr D Hayward will speak to the nearby houses to ask their visitors not to park near the junction.
Both the Clerk and Chairman were invited to the Mayor Making Ceremony and Reception at Digby Hall 15 May.
- Items for the Pennant
Thanks to the people who volunteered for litter picking and attending the Annual Parish Meeting.
- Any Other Information/Items for June Agenda
Audit. Cllr I Houston noted there is a lot of dog fouling. The Clerk will look into some new posters for the next meeting. Action: Clerk