Present: Cllrs L Bennett, P Clark, D Coffin, S Longdon and J Thomas
In attendance: T Chapman (Clerk) and one member of the public arrived at 7:30pm
- Welcome and to receive apologies for absence
The Clerk welcomed the Councillors to the meeting. Apologies were accepted from Cllrs I Houston, T Hunt and County Cllr R Legg.
- To elect a Chairperson of the Council
Cllr J Thomas proposed Cllr L Bennett; Cllr D Coffin seconded. Cllr L Bennett kindly accepted.
- To receive the Chairperson's declaration on acceptance of office
Cllr L Bennett signed the declaration of acceptance form.
- To elect a Vice Chairperson of the Council
None of the Councillors volunteered for the position of Vice Chair. Cllr L Bennett noted Cllr I Houston would continue in the role if no one else was interested. The Clerk will confirm this prior to the next meeting.
- To receive the Vice Chairperson's declaration of acceptance of office
N/A
- To appoint representatives to outside bodies
(The Councillors are happy to continue with their current roles.)
Tree Preservation Officer: Cllr D Coffin
Pennant and Heritage: Cllr T Hunt
Rights of Way/ Footpaths Officer: Cllr S Longdon
Village Hall Representative: Cllr J Thomas
Community Land Trust: Cllr T Hunt
- To appoint councillors to the Working Groups
Playing Field Working Group: Cllrs L Bennett, P Clark, I Houston, and S Longdon
Cllr D Coffin offered to assist when needed.
Neighbourbood Plan Working Group: Cllrs T Hunt and J Thomas
Climate Change Working Group: Cllr I Houston
Telephone Box Working Group: Cllrs S Longdon & J Thomas
Website Working Group: Cllrs I Houston, T Hunt, P Clark & S Longdon
- To consider the payment of any subscription falling to be paid annually
The Clerk suggested DAPTC, all renewals relating to the website & ICO payments with the possibility to add the Open Space Society on renewal. The Councillors agreed with all 4 subscriptions.
- To receive declarations of interests
Cllr J Thomas declared in interest in her planning application (P/HOU/2022/01765).
- To approve the minutes from the Ordinary Meeting held on 1st March 2022
No amendments suggested. The minutes were approved by the Councillors and signed by the Chairperson, Cllr L Bennett, as a true record of the meeting.
Public period for comments and issues on the agenda (up to 15 minutes allocated for electors, residents in the parish or adjoining parishes to comment on any items to be discussed for decision.)
None
- To discuss the Parochial Church Council's alcohol/entertainments license
Mr T Jacklin proposed is organising a premise license for the church and would like to include the playing fields within the boundary. The annual license will cover music and other events that are organized by the PCC or St Mary's Week Community Trust and is restricted to 10am to 11pm. No objections were raised.
- To discuss Dorset Council planning applications and decisions
- P/HOU/2022/02446: 3 Cross Road Dorset Bradford Abbas DT9 6SG Erect extension to the rear, (demolish existing). Extend existing garage to include solar panels to the roof. Complete loft conversion with windows to the rear elevation and realignment of window to the front elevation. Erect new front porch. (Comments accepted until 11/5/22) The application was supported by the Cllrs.
- P/HOU/2022/01765: Tudor Cottage Church Road Bradford Abbas DT9 6RF Erection of free standing garden room. This application was supported by the Councillors prior to this meeting due to the consultation period. (Comments accepted until 28/4/22)
- P/FUL/2021/04205: Saxon Maybank East Farm Grain Mills Bradford Abbas Sherborne DT9 6JN Change of use of land for the stationing of 3no. holiday lodges. (Comments closed) Nothing to report.
It was noted there is a new dropped kerb from Old Compton Road however this does not need planning permission as it is an unclassified road.
- To receive officer reports
Footpaths: Cllr S Longdon reported the paths are all clear and passable, although a few are beginning to become overgrown. He attended the meeting held in Thornford at the end of April organized by Cllr R Legg concerning DMMO orders. The Parish Council should review unclassified roads within its boundary and consider an application to classify them as a footpath, bridleway etc. (eg Fannybrooks Lane and the area near the Peel Centre) The Clerk will add this to the next agenda. Cllr S Longdon will forward the information from the meeting. Action: Clerk & Cllr S Longdon
Trees: Cllr D Coffin did not have new anything to report.
Village Hall: The village hall is now financially viable with all the clubs that intend to continue returning to the hall.
- To receive an update concerning community assets
Cllr L Bennett met with the owners of the field across from the pub that the Parish Council was considering making a Community Asset application. After a discussion it was resolved not to move forward with registering this field as a Community Asset. The Parish Council will move forward with the Gollops Ground and Allotment field. Action: Clerk
- To receive an update from working groups
- Telephone Box Working Group
The phone box has been well used and will be decorated with red, white and blue for the Jubiliee weekend. Cllr J Thomas discussed an offer they received from a resident to put a additional tub of flowers in front of the war memorial. The Councillors did not have any objections but do not have a budget for it.
The Clerk asked if they felt the memorial bench for Mr D Hayward needed treating/staining in order to preserve it. The Clerk will do this if needed. Action: Clerk
- Climate Change Emergency Working Group
Nothing to report
- Neighbourhood Plan Working Group
Cllr L Bennett and T Hunt met with Mr & Mrs Mellish to discuss the possibility of Clifton Maybank joining in the Bradford Abbas. They were happy with the suggestion and said they would send a representative from Clifton Maybank to the next meeting.
The Clerk asked if the Terms of Reference for the NP were accepted by the Councillors and could be published. The Terms of Reference were accepted by all Cllrs in attendance. The Clerk will investigate the cost for the software Parish Online that could be at least £63 to £100 annually. Cllr J Thomas invited all the Cllrs to join the meeting to be held on 19/5 that will include the Planning Consultant, Jo Witherden. Cllr J Thomas urged the Parish Council to consider a retrospective payment to the Clerk for the work toward the NP.
- Website Working Group
Nothing to report/ Cllr I Houston not present.
- Telephone Box Working Group
- An update from the Clerk concerning the Gollops Group DMMO
The Clerk reported there are 3 drop in sessions for residents to complete the evidence form to support the application. The Clerk requested a councillor is present to answer any other questions that may come up during these sessions that does not have to do with the ROW application.
- A resident's request for cameras in Underdown Hollow to deter fly tipping
A resident contacted the Clerk to ask if the PC would consider installing cameras at the top and bottom of Underdown Hollow in order to catch the fly tippers. The Councillors agreed it is an area that suffers from fly tipping often. The Clerk contacted Dorset Waste Partnership who informed her the onus is on the PC to install, monitor and forward all information for prosecution to the police. It will be up to the police to decide if they wish to prosecute. The Clerk noted the property is not owned by the PC and the owners of the property must provide permission for any cameras to be installed. The Parish Council did not wish to move forward as are not in a position to monitor the area. The Clerk will let the resident know the outcome. Action: Clerk
- To discuss any highways issues
- Trees overhanging Underdown
The trees have been cut although it was felt it could have been cleared to a better standard. The Clerk will report the closed road and diversion signs left in the hedges to DC. This item is no longer needed on the agenda Action: Clerk
- Any other highways issues
Nothing reported.
- Trees overhanging Underdown
- Playing Field
- Inspection reports from volunteers
Nothing new reported. The Clerk contacted M Hopkins to discuss installing the goal posts and noticeboard.
- New equipment orders and fundraising
The Clerk will organise another cake sale on Friday 27th May. The equipment has been ordered. Delivery of the picnic tables and goal posts should be by the end of the month. The new multi unit, the Wicksteed Galahad, is waiting for a Wicksteed inspector to come out and finalise the area with the local installers.
- Jubilee Tree Planting
There have been a few suggestions put forward. It was resolved the Clerk will ask R Green to suggest a tree that could be sourced in time. Action: Clerk
- Inspection reports from volunteers
- Financial Accounts
- To consider any grants and/or donation requests
No grants or donations requested or received.
- To consider May & June payments
The Clerk provided the following information at the meeting.
Accounts as of the end of March 2022
Current Account: £ 1,619.35
Deposit Account: £19,971.32
April Payments:
£190.00 Pennant Reprint (April error)
£230.00 Clerk's wage 1
£158.90 KM Dike (grass cutting)
£500.00 Fusion (Mill Lane footpath repairs)
May Payments:
£230.00 Clerk's wage 2
£158.90 KM Dike (grass cutting)
Please note: Open Space Society renewal £45.00 (renewed from Clerk's credit card), Wicksteed Galahad £11,790.85, picnic tables £485.00, goal posts £1,512.70 (awaiting final figure for carriage)
The payments were approved by the Cllrs in attendance. The orders were requested and approved by the Cllrs at the March Mtg.
- To consider any grants and/or donation requests
- Correspondences received
- The Clerk emailed the newsletters and consultations she received
- The Clerk handed in her resignation due to work commitments. It was received with regret. Cllr L Bennett will put together a plan of action. Action: Cllr L Bennett
- Items for The Pennant
- Vacancy
- Playing Field equipment update.
- Any other Information / Date of the Next Meeting
Ordinary Meeting held on Tuesday 7th June (TBC) The Clerk requested if the meeting could take place in order to meet the audit deadlines. It was agreed the meeting will need to take place.
Ordinary Meeting held on Tuesday 5th July