Present: Cllrs L Bennett (Chair), P Clark, D Coffin, I Houston (Vice Chair), T Hunt, S Longdon and J Thomas.
In Attendance: P Chapman (Clerk) and County Cllr R Legg
- Welcome and to receive apologies for absence
All present.
- To receive declarations of interests
Cllr J Thomas declared an interest in WD/D/20/002281 & WD/D/20/002285.
- To approve the minutes from the November meeting
The minutes from the meeting held in November were approved by the Councillors and will be signed by the Chairperson, Cllr L Bennett, as a true record of the meeting.
- To discuss Dorset Council planning applications
WD/D/20/002281 Tudor Cottage, Church Road, Bradford Abbas. Erection of garden office.
WD/D/20/002285 Tudor Cottage, Church Road, Bradford Erection of a summer house in the curtilage of a listed building.
The Councillors did not raise any objections to the above applications. The Clerk submitted comments prior to the meeting due to the deadline/ expiry date. Cllr J Thomas noted the garden office will only be used as an office during the pandemic.
The Councillors discussed the garden shed erected across from the pub. The Clerk is investigating if it requires planning permission in conservation area. Action: Clerk
- To receive officer reports
Tree Officer: Cllr D Coffin had nothing new to report.
Footpaths: Cllr S Longdon reported all the footpaths are passable at the moment. All gates and sign posts are in good order.
Village Hall: Cllr J Thomas has nothing to report. Cllr L Bennett noted the Village Hall installed hot water in the toilets.
Cllr T Hunt noted the County Council is reviewing a housing survey for residents on behalf of the CLT. He requested the Councillors encourage all resident to complete the questionnaire.
Cllr R Legg arrived (technical issue prevented him from attending at 7:30pm)
- To discuss local footpath issues
Cllr R Legg reported there is no way to move the East Farm footpath case any soon, the Parish Council will need to wait until it is processed, mostly likely few more years.
The Clerk noted she forwarded the correspondence concerning the Section 31(6) Hwys Act 1980 and Sectoin 15A(1) of the Commons Act 2006 from Wyke Farm. It was felt the purpose is to ensure long term usage of footpaths are not acquired by local councils as rights of way. No action needed.
The Clerk had contact from a member of the public concerned with the increased activity in the hollow. The Clerk has reported this activity to the PSCO, Police and most recently to the new COVID dedicated police units “operation tattoo” throughout the pandemic. It was resolved the Clerk contact the Yeovil Golf Course to make them aware of complaints received and actions the Parish Council has taken to decrease the activity. Cllr L Bennett will provide a contact and suggested the Parish Council keeps an eye on the situation. Action: Clerk/Cllr L Bennett
- To receive a telephone box working group update
Cllr J Thomas reported the telephone box was officially opened 12/12. It was noted the Christmas tree was a good idea and very much appreciated. The working group would like to put planters out in the spring. Cllr J Thomas thanked Cllr S Longdon for all his help. Cllr L Bennett thanked the working group for their community spirit during this difficult time.
- Community Land Trust Update
Discussed earlier in the meeting.
- To receive a War Memorial Update
- Missing names plaques
Ongoing, awaiting installation.
- D Hayward Memorial bench
The memorial bench on Churchwell Street/ outside the telephone box. It was resolved the smaller bench that was outside the telephone box will be moved to the playing fields, position TBD. The Clerk will contact Mr M Hopkins to secure the bench/ level off the ground. Cllr S Longdon has the keys for the padlock as it is currently chained to the stone wall. Action: Clerk
- Missing names plaques
- To receive a village plan update to include the Neighbourhood Plan discussion
Cllr I Houston noted he is happy to promote on the website the Parish Council’s need for volunteers for whether it is one-off event or a working group. He will provide a draft at the February Meeting. Action: Cllr I Houston
- To discuss the website updates
The Clerk reported the contact page from the website has generated a large number of emails that were filling the .gov inbox. Cllr I Houston has kindly sorted the issue.
- To discuss the Government’s Ultrafast Broadband Scheme
Cllr I Houston reported 90% of the pledge target has been achieved as of today. Cllr I Houston noted it may need a final push. He will put another item/article on the website. Action: Cllr I Houston
Cllr R Legg reported there are possibly two different schemes running in parallel, a BT and a gov’t scheme that has caused some confusion.
- To discuss the Climate Change Emergency Working Group
Cllrs I Houston and J Thomas met to discuss what can be done at the moment and future ideas. Cllr J Thomas listed some examples and will contact the volunteers the working group will move forward when viable. Action: Cllr J Thomas
Cllr I Houston noted Mr K Tinsley is happy to have trees planted in the field near Fanny Brook’s Lane to replace the dead trees removed.
Cllr R Legg reported he is in contact with DC concerning the quick turnaround of the tree applications allowing little or no time for members of the public to consult. He also reported he spoke to Mr D Sussex (DC) concerning the empty house on Cross Road and the dog charity that inherited the house was only recently informed (Dec 2020) of the donation.
- To discuss any highways issues
Cllr R Legg noted DC is considering a flashing warning light at the Old Compton Road Crossing at the A30.
The Clerk reported potholes and fly tipping in the village.
It was decided the Clerk will contact Dorset Waste Partnership in order to request a larger bin at the top of North Street. It is often spilling over and unpleasant, particularly in the summer months.
The Clerk will order fingerpost letters. Cllr D Coffin will email the Clerk the needed letters. Action: Clerk
The Clerk will follow up with Mr P Thatcher, DC to ask if they have had a chance to inspect the trees overhanging Underdown in the hollow. Action: Clerk
- To review the playing field inspection reports and future budget
Cllrs I Houston & S Longdon volunteered to tighten the zipwire cable when the weather improves. Action: Cllrs I Houston & S Longdon
One of the infant cradle swings is broken. The Clerk will order a replacement seat and mark the broken one out of service. Prior to the meeting the Clerk investigated online a replacement cost, it could be up to £210. The Councillors approved the cost. Action: Clerk
- Financial Accounts
- To consider any grants or donations
None.
- To consider January payments
The reported the following prior to the meeting:
Current Account:
£ 3,602.83 Account balance reported from the previous meeting
£ 1,236.91 Less: November payments
£ 153.41 Less: IH website expenses
£ 1,138.86 Less: December Payments
£ 1,073.65 Total current account
Deposit Account:
£10,155.39 Account balance reported from the previous meeting
£ .18 Receipt: Interest
£ 2,128.66 Receipt: VAT return
£12,284.23 Total in deposit account
£13,357.88 Total in all account
December Payments made:
£ 151.86 SL: post box expenses
£ 220.00 Clerk's wage
£ 155.80 K M Dike invoice per month (inv 982) November
£ 505.20 K M Dike invoice per month (inv 981) Cut hedges
£ 25.00 Remembrance Day Wreath
£ 81.00 Play Inspection invoice 44230
£1,138.86
£220.00 Clerk's wage
£155.80 KM Dike monthly invoice
£158.25 JT: post box expenses
- To consider any grants or donations
- Correspondences received
- DAPTC newsletters and Census
- Dorset Council Newsletters and Climate Change emails
- All correspondences discussed earlier in the meeting.
- Items for the Pennant
- Thank you to the new editor
- reminder to subscribe to the website for Parish Council News
- Ultra broadband scheme
- Items for the next Agenda
Budget Meeting 15/1. It was resolved to add a Shop Working Group update to the agenda of the budget meeting.