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), R Legg (County Cllr) and 1 member of the public.
- Welcome and to receive apologies for absence
All Cllrs in attendance.
- To receive declarations of interests
None.
- To approve the minutes from the January meeting
The minutes from the ordinary meeting held in January were approved by the Councillors and will be signed by the Chairperson, Cllr L Bennett, as a true record of the meeting. The Clerk distributed the minutes from the extraordinary meeting held 13th January yesterday. The Councillors will review the minutes for the March Meeting.
- To discuss Dorset Council planning applications
No new planning applications submitted for consultation.
The Clerk phoned Dorset Council Planning in an attempt to speak to a representative to enquire if the summerhouse erected across from the Rose & Crown Pub required planning permission. It was suggested the Parish Council completes a form on the DC website for planning enforcement to determine if it requires planning permission. The Councillors resolved the Clerk will speak to the owners of the field prior to completing the form online. Action: Clerk
- To discuss the Local Plan Consultation
The Clerk forwarded a link to the Dorset Council Local Plan consultation and an email (7/1/21) with an attachment from Cllr R Legg that summarises the plan. Many of the Councillors did not get a chance to fully review the plan for the meeting. Cllr L Bennett encouraged the Cllrs to review it to be discussed at the next meeting. The consultation ends 15/3/21, after the Parish Council’s March Meeting.
Cllr R Legg noted the Digby Estate will put forward a consultation proposing of the majority of the housing is built at the western side of Sherborne, introducing a more attractive entrance to Sherborne from Yeovil.
Cllr L Bennett noted there will some webinars concerning the DC’s local plan that maybe useful. Cllr P Clark will look into attending the one on 9/2. Cllr L Bennett will attend the one the following week. Action: Cllrs P Clark/L Bennett
- To receive officer reports
Village Hall: Cllr J Thomas had nothing to report
Footpaths: Cllr S Longdon reported they are in good order but some are waterlogged and slippery after heavy rainfall. He has put two tyres at the end of Fannybrook’s Lane to discourage fly tipping. The Clerk noted a resident mentioned the flow of water down Fannybrook’s Lane. Cllr S Longdon said this is most likely due to the compacted surface on the path.
Trees: Cllr D Coffin did not see any new tree applications to be review. It was concluded after a few attempts to contact the resident of 3 Churchwell Close the Parish Council will move forward with trimming the trees in the playing field overhanging their garage. The Clerk was able to arrange two quotes but the third has let her down several times. It was resolved to move forward with Toomer Tree Services for £360. Action: Clerk
Cllr T Hunt reported the CLT group will hold off their housing survey until later this year. The website is up and running. (baclt.org.uk)
- To discuss local footpath issues
The Clerk is still waiting for a response from P Thatcher, DC Hwys, concerning inspection of the trees along Underdown.
The Clerk emailed the Golf Club to discuss the increased activity in the Hollow reported to the Parish Council during the lockdowns. No reply received at the time of the meeting.
- To receive a telephone box working group update
Cllr J Thomas reported it is well used and now includes videos and puzzles. She suggested purchasing a small bench for children that would cost £60 to £80. The Councillors supported this idea, but do not wish to see the area overcrowded. Cllr J Thomas said she will try to get donations for the bench. Action: Cllr J Thomas
- Community Land Trust update
This item was discussed earlier in the meeting.
- To receive a war memorial update
- Missing names plaques
The plaques should be erected next week.
- D Hayward Memorial bench
The Parish Council received a donation of £300 toward the cost of the bench from the family of Derek Hayward.
The Clerk spoke to M Hopkins to discuss a plinth. He said it would be difficult to get a plinth in where is it and would cost at least £250 and suggested securing it with stainless steel fixings that would cost approximately £85. It was resolved to go forward with the stainless steel fixings, Cllr L Bennett will let the Clerk know the exact position of the bench. Action: Clerk/Cllr L Bennett
- Missing names plaques
- To receive a village plan update to include neighbourhood plan discussion
Nothing to report.
- To discuss the website updates
Nothing to report.
- To discuss the Government's Ultrafast Broadband Scheme
Cllr I Houston noted 90% of the target was reached then was reduced to 75%, possibly due to duplicates or post codes that are not eligible. It is unlikely the target will be hit by the deadline.
Cllr I Houston reported a member of the public had concerns with the T & Cs of the scheme, those that signed up could be charged the estimated if the final cost is more than expected. Cllr I Houston believes this does not apply to the Bradford Abbas Scheme and emailed Openreach in order to receive confirmation there will not be any additional costs. Action: Cllr I Houston
- To discuss the Climate Change Emergency Working Group
Cllr I Houston summarized the 2 Climate Action Network (CAN) meetings he attended (virtually). He has also kindly written up an article for the website linking the documents responding to Dorset Council's Climate and Ecological Emergency Strategy.
- To discuss any highways issues to include the bin at the top of North Street
The Clerk reported the pothole in Queens Road and Bishops Lane. She requested a larger litter bin at the top of North Street from Dorset Waste Partnership (DWP). The bin is often overflowing and unpleasant in the warmer months.
Cllr I Houston reported the flooding outside the club over the past week.
The Clerk email P Thatcher highways to ask if it was highways or the police that clear up the road closed signs around Smith’s Bridge. Cllr S London suggested in order to alleviate flooding on the Clifton Maybank side if a culvert was dug that led to a conduit/pipe leading the flooded water to the river. The Clerk will discuss this with Highways. Action: Clerk
Cllr R Legg left the meeting
- To review the playing field inspection reports
Nothing new to report from the volunteer inspections. The Clerk has a the infant swing cradle replacement at her house. She will contact M Hopkins to replace it. Action: Clerk
Cllr I Houston reported 3 disease resistant Elms 2 mtr tall and 4 or 5 bare root trees were delivered to him for planting. Cllr D Coffin or Cllr L Bennett will purchase the stake shields and compost needed. Action: Cllr D Coffin/L Bennett
The Clerk provided a few more catalogues to review for the large toddler multi unit climbing frame replacement. It was suggested the age ideal ages for the equipment is 5 years old upwards, and try to stay within the budget of £10K to £15K. The Clerk will contact M Hopkins to get an estimate for removing the climbing frame. Action: Clerk
The Clerk and Cllr D Coffin met with a representative of Playdale to discuss potential options. The cost for delivery and installation is normally an additional 20% of the cost of the equipment. The Clerk measured the area the current unit covers at approximately between 35 and 40 sq mtr.
Cllr J Thomas suggested when possible Cllrs take a look at local play areas for ideas and contact the Councils concerning possible successful grants. She also agreed with Cllr I Houston it is a good idea to look into inclusive equipment.
Cllr T Hunt left the meeting - Financial Accounts
- To consider any grants or donations
The Hayward family kindly donated £300 toward D Hayward memorial bench
Cllr I Houston left the meeting - To consider February payments
The councillors remaining in the meeting approved the proposed payments distributed prior to the meeting.
£1,073.65 Account balance reported from the previous meeting
£ 534.05 Less: January payments
£2,500.00 Transfer from the deposit account
£3,039.60
Deposit Account
£12,284.23 Account balance reported from the previous meeting
£ .11 Receipt: January interest
£ 2,500.00 Less: transfer to current account
£ 9,784.34
£12,823.94 Total in all accounts
February Payments: £220.00 Clerk’s wage, £155.80 KM Dike invoice January 2021 and £162.76 Wicksteed invoice for infant cradle swing basket.
- To consider any grants or donations
- Correspondences received
- The Clerk reported a resident from Ambrose Close spoke to her concerning a fence blocking off a footpath/ access. The path runs along 18/19 Ambrose Close. The Clerk will email photos and details for discussion at the next meeting. Cllr S Longdon (footpaths officer) noted the paths around those bungalows are not on the definitive map but could be on their deeds.
- The Clerk emailed the police crime report and other various newsletters.
- Items for The Pennant
After a discussion, it was resolved to move the Annual Parish Meeting currently scheduled in April to July, hoping it can take place in person. The Clerk will put an item in The Pennant, as well as the playing field equipment/trees.
- Any other Information / Date of the Next Meeting
Ambrose Close access path. Tuesday 2nd March 2021 7:30pm to be held on Zoom
Meeting closed 9:25pm