Present: Cllrs L. Bennett (in the Chair), D Coffin, T Hunt, I Houston (Vice Chair), S. Longdon, P Clarke, J Thomas
In Attendance: S Hillier (Clerk), Cllr R Legg, 2 members of the public.
- Welcome and to receive apologies for absence - Cllr L Bennett welcomed Councillor's and members of the public to the meeting.
There were no apologies for absence.
2. To receive declarations of interest. - There were no declarations of interest.
3. To approve the minutes from the Ordinary Meeting held on 3rd January 2023 and the Extraordinary meeting 24th January 2023 - The minutes were approved by the Councillor's present and signed by Cllr L Bennet (in the Chair) as a true record of the meeting.
Public Forum. - A period for comments and issues on the agenda (up to 15 minutes) for electors, residents in the parish or adjoining parishes to comment on any items on the agenda being discussed for decision.)
The applicants from the Post Office P/FUL/2022/07038 submitted 4 papers in justification of their planning application which were distributed to councillors and Cllr Legg, Dorset Councillor for Sherborne Rural..
4. To discuss Dorset Council planning applications and decisions
P/FUL/2022/07038 Proposal: Change of use of part of building (former Post Office) from mixed use (sui generis) to residential accommodation Old Post Office House. Application as yet not determined. The Chair thanked the applicants for the documentation but noted that the time had passed for further consideration of the applications as it was now in the hands of the Dorset planning committee who meet on 11th April to determine the outcome of the application.
P/LBC/2023/00711 Wild Thyme Cottage, The Cross, Bradford Abbas - Internal alterations to ground floor. No objections.
7. Community Assets Update
It was decided to defer work on this item for 6 months.
6. Officer Reports
Tree Officer - Cllr Coffin had access to a number of trees, Rowan, Crab Apple and Hazel. Councillors decided to request a Rowan to replace the damaged tree on the Playing Field.
Footpath Officer – Cllr Longdon - nothing to report.
Village Hall – PAT Testing of 60 items completed. The gatepost was to be sorted. Cleaning materials for users were to be supplied. here had been a discussion regarding the raising of rents, but, it was decided that now was not the right time and would be looked at again in September. The village Hall was now being used for 'pop-up' shops two days a week. There had also been a discussion regarding glass on the playground which had not been cleared properly. It was suggested that an agreement regarding responsibilities be looked into.
7. Working Groups
Telephone Box Library – Council was thanked for paying for the Christmas Tree. Children's books and jigsaws were proving to be very popular. For the Coronation there would be red, white and blue planting in that area, also a gold coach cut out was being constructed so that children could be photographed by relatives as though they were in the coach. The group was thanked for their hard work.
Neighbourhood Plan Working Group – The questionnaire had been widely distributed in Bradford Abbas via The Pennant and in Clifton Maybank. The responses would be analysed prior to more work being conducted. Another questionnaire was being worked on for small businesses and a third for the Peel Centre tenants. Engaging the Community Land Trust was on hold until housing need was determined and then there would be a call for suitable development land for consideration. Consideration on what would be required 10 or 20 years from now was also necessary. Cllr Hunt was thanked for his and the working group's hard work.
8. To receive updates re the DMMO applications.
T749 to alter the Dorset Council definitive rights of way map by adding a Byway Open to All Traffic for a route known as Bradford Hollow. No objections were voiced by Councillors.
T474 Footpath from East Lane to Public Road east of Coombe Cottages. Dorset Council have received an objection to the Order being made and so the application will be referred to the Planning Inspectorate for determination following a Public Enquiry.
9. Highways Issues
Dorset Council is considering a reduction in the speed limit of 60 mph from 70 mph for the A30 from Sherborne to Yeovil. Councillors expressed concern that unless the speed limit was rigorously enforced there would be no effect. Also a reduction in the speed limit will do little to solve the problem at the Over Compton crossroads the scene of a recent fatality. This would require a re-engineering of the junction.
Concern was also expressed about the amount of litter along the roadside.
Cllr Coffin had reported some tyres and a three-piece suite to the DWP which was removed very quickly.
10. Playing Field
Two Councillor reports had been received.
It was hoped that as soon as the weather improved some of the equipment would be re-painted.
The cricket nets were due to be in place as soon as the replacement bracket became available.
11. Civility and Respect Project
The project has arisen as a consequence of some behaviours in a few Councils. It is hoped that by Councils agreeing to sign up to the protocol there will be no intimidation, abuse, bullying and harassment of councillors, or clerks, in person or on line, whether by councillors, clerks or members of the public. Proposed Cllr Houston, seconded by Cllr Bennett - agreed unanimously.
12. Financial Accounts
i)To consider any grants and/or donations. There were none.
iii) The proposed payments and future payments for February and March had been e-mailed to Councillors prior to the meeting. These were approved. were approved.
iv) The Financial Regulations were presented for re-adoption and the section regarding the use of a Debit Card was highlighted.
14. Correspondence Received.
Notification of a Planning Engagement Session between Council Officers and Councillors. on 19th April.
Letter regarding Building Re-Instatement Cost Assessments and appraisal for insurance purposes - look into for War Memorial.
Letter regarding network electrical suppliers - decided to invite them to the Annual Parish Meeting
15. Items for Pennant. – Future dates of Council Meetings to be given.
16. Any Other Information/Date of the Next Meeting.
Cllr Legg informed Council of a consultation that was open until 24th April regarding the provision of stroke treatment in Somerset in particular for local residents Yeovil Hospital and its function in the future. More on this can be found on the Parish Council web page.
The next meeting is the Annual Parish Meeting for members of the public to attend to hear about the work of the Parish Council and to have an input into future projects. This meeting takes place on 4th April 2023at 7.00p in the Village Hall.
The next Ordinary Parish Council meeting is on 2nd May 2023 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall.
Financial information for March 7th 2023 meeting
Current Account
£6,927.65 Account Balance reported at 24th January Meeting
£184.14 Iain Houston (Hosting and Web Services)
£36.49 Iain Houston (Web Services)
£162.88 K.M.Dyke inv 1505
£187.68 Clerk salary (month 10)
£ 41.40 P. Chapman Salary (back pay inc)
£55.00 Mrs J Thomas (Christmas Tree Telephone box group)
£6260.06 in Account as at 7th March 2023
Deposit Account
£17411.50 account balance reported at last meeting 24th January 2003
£8.87 RECEIPT Interest February
£17,420.37 in Account as at 7th March 2003 including Ring-fenced £6776.00
£23680.43 Total in all accounts (of which is £6776.00 ring fenced for Neighbourhood Plan)
Proposed payments
£162.88 KM Dike Inv 1596
£187.68 S Hillier Salary (month 11)
£375.00 Savills (Allotment Rent 6 months)
£162.88 KM Dike Inv 1620
£187.68 S Hillier Salary (month 12)
£140.40 HMRC (PAYE)
£66.37 P Chapman Expenses
Total Payments £1282.89 .
From Neighbourhood Plan funds of £6776.00
£72.98 I Houston (Hosting and web services
£442.00 Avalon Print Neighbourhood Plan in Pennant (8 pages)
After Payment Neighbourhood Plan fund will stand at £6261.02 as of 8th March 2023