Present: Cllrs L Bennett, P Clark, D Coffin, I Houston, T Hunt, S Longdon and J Thomas
In Attendance: P Chapman (Clerk), County Cllr R Legg and 2 members of the public
- Welcome & to receive apologies for absence
Cllr L Bennett wished everyone a Happy New Year and welcomed the Councillors and members of the public. She noted the new structure of the agenda as suggested at the previous meeting.
- To receive declarations of interests
None received.
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.)
A member of the public noted issues on Bradford Road and has had damage to their car stating vehicles tend to drive in the middle of the road in order to avoid the ruts along the sides, increased traffic and the speed of the vehicles. It was acknowledged Dorset Council has filled the potholes but has not repaired the ruts along the both sides of the road. The Clerk will report this to Dorset Highways and email the problem to the Yeohead Parish Clerk, the issues lie within the Castleton boundary. Cllr R Legg encouraged residents to report the issues as well.
- To discuss the request to recall of Ordinary Meeting held in July 2021 Minutes
The Clerk received, and forwarded a few emails from a member of the public stating the minutes from the July meeting did not correlate with their notes from the meeting. Their offer to source and fit a shipping container to be used as a community shop was not noted and Cllr T Hunt’s statement “the success of a shop is dependent on the expectations of the owner” was a personal opinion and should be removed as well as a statement published in the Pennant noting their offer and the Parish Council’s misrepresentation.
The Councillors considered the requests and it was resolved the Clerk will:
- remove the statement concerning the success of a shop, as requested
- republish the minutes on the website and noticeboard
- a statement in the Pennant, an independently edited newsletter, was not an appropriate
Action: Clerk
It was noted the Shop Steering Group has not met since June 2021, the July / August meeting was cancelled.
- To approve the minutes from the previous meeting
No changes were proposed to the minutes for the Ordinary Parish Council Meeting held on 2nd November. They were signed by the Chairperson, Cllr L Bennett as a true record of the meeting.
- An update from the Shop Steering Group and COU concerns
No further meetings have been called. It was noted this is an informal group without a Chairperson or secretary. At the last meeting, held in June 2021, a questionnaire was discussed to be distributed to all the households in the village. No final questionnaire was produced for distribution.
The Shop Steering Group Representative will contact the group to ask if they wish to move forward. The Councillors will consider an item in the February Pennant, depending on the outcome / if the Steering Group wish to continue. Action: Shop Steering Group Rep/ Cllr T Hunt & L Bennett
The Parish Council passed residents’ concerns to Dorset Council surrounding the work being done within a conservation area to the Old Post Office House. The Clerk received an email from the Enforcement Manager stating after a visit Dorset Council is satisfied the work has been done in order to maintain the buildings and as a result of the investigations the case is closed. At present there are no issues to follow-up on.
- To discuss Dorset Council planning applications and decisions
- P/HOU/2021/04573: Manor Farm, Rock Cottage, Farm Road Bradford Abbas DT9 6RP. Erect Garage with Office over. (Under Officer Consideration) No decision made at the time of the meeting
- P/FUL/2021/04205: Saxon Holiday Lodges Ltd, Bradford Abbas. Change of use of land for the stationing of 3no. holiday lodges (Out to consultation) Cllr R Legg noted the objections continue to appear on the website.
- P/FUL/2021/01851: St Mary's Primary School, Bradford Abbas. Construction of a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) within the boundary of the school playing field (Under Officer Consideration) No decision made at the time of the meeting
- P/HOU/2021/02357: 6, Manor Close Bradford Abbas DT9 6RN. Extension to form carport with studio annex over (Under Officer Consideration) Cllr R Legg noted he requested the application goes to Committee.
- To discuss possible community assets
Two Cllrs and the Clerk met to identify areas within the village that should be considered for a Community Asset application. Five suggestions were emailed prior to the meeting. It was resolved the Councillors will need more time to consider the options (allotment fields, field across from the pub, Gollops Ground, shop and pub).
- To receive officer reports
Footpaths: Cllr S Longdon reported the damaged footbridge at the end of Mill Lane has been repaired. It was requested the Clerk continues to follow-up with DC ownership in order to get the steep slippery path down to the bridge resurfaced. The footpaths toward the Peel Centre are passable. Action: Clerk
Cllr R Legg informed the Cllrs the ROW team is meeting next week to consider moving up the outstanding report needed to go to the inspectorate concerning the East Farm Footpath case. It has been ongoing since 2009.
Trees: Cllr D Coffin reported The Old Post Office House tree application (P/TRC/2021/04740) was granted. The Coombe Road application (P/TRC/2021/05418) has not been determined.
Village Hall: Cllr J Thomas reported no meeting has taken place and the internet connection is nearly complete, thanks to the Village Hall Vice Chair.
CLT: Cllr T Hunt had nothing to report
- To receive an update from working groups
- Telephone Box Working Group
The group has been busy decorating in November and December for Remembrance Day and Christmas displays. There is a healthy stock of books for all.
- Climate Change Emergency Working Group
- Nothing to report.
- Nothing to report.
- Telephone Box Working Group
- To discuss location of the noticeboard
It was agreed the suggested Church Road location of the noticeboard is unsuitable. Cllr S Longdon suggested the Churchwell Street underpass area. Cllr L Bennett asked all the Cllrs to look at the area before the next meeting. Action: All Cllrs
- To discuss local footpath issues
- Gollops Ground update
It was reported the working group met and determined, after the reviewing the results of the recent survey, to reject the landowners proposal. An alternative suggestion was to gain access from the school playing field but that was rejected on safety grounds. The working group agreed the Parish Council should move forward with the ROW application. The Clerk has had contact from two residents that would like to help. Action: Clerk
- Any other footpath issues to report
The Clerk will follow up with the Mill Lane footpath issues as noted earlier in the meeting. Action: Clerk
- Gollops Ground update
- To review and discuss a possible neighbourhood plan
There was full support from residents at the NP meeting held 16th November. The Councillors unanimously agreed to move forward with a NP. The Clerk has had 10 to 15 names to begin the process and would like to use the PC booking for the village hall on the 1st February for the first meeting. All agreed no February meeting will be needed. Cllr T Hunt kindly offered to head the first meeting. The Clerk will forward the information she currently has to him. Action: Clerk
- To discuss any highways issues
- Trees overhanging Underdown
Mr P Thatcher, DC Highways, emailed the Clerk noting the recent Underdown closure was for tree removal. DC removed a couple of trees for safety reasons and is in the process of recovering funds from the landowners.
- Any other highways issues
Cllr D Coffin noted the fingerpost in Clifton Maybank is missing the signage for Bradford Abbas. The Clerk will contact the residents on the corner and / or the Mrs Mellish to ask if the post has been recovered. Action: Clerk
Many thanks to Cllr S Longdon for reported fly tipping in several areas throughout the village.
- Trees overhanging Underdown
- To review the annual playing field inspection reports
It was resolved from the Annual Inspection Report the multi unit needs to be removed for safety reasons. The Councillors agreed repairs would be costly and delay the replacement. Cllr I Houston suggested to leave two posts and the wooden slats between them as a noticeboard to inform residents of the reason for its removal and the fundraising ideas for the future equipment. The Clerk contacted Mr M Hopkins requesting the removal of the multiunit and will pass on this change asap. Cllr I Houston will draft a notice. Action: Cllr I Houston & Clerk
The Clerk received the final costs from Wicksteed the week between Christmas and New Years and can now complete the funding application.
The Clerk is unable to attend the rescheduled Queen Jubilee Weekend Committee meeting. Cllrs J Thomas & D Coffin volunteered to attend the meeting and put forward the idea perhaps some of the funds could be donated toward the replacement equipment. Action: Cllrs J Thomas & D Coffin
The Clerk will distribute the 2022 playing field rota volunteer inspection schedule. Action: Clerk
- New equipment grant applications update
The Clerk is applying for a grant from the Lottery Fund / Awards for All. Cllr I Houston will contact Voltaira after the result of the Lottery Fund application is known. Action: Clerk
- Financial Accounts
- To consider any grants and/or donation requests
No new grants or donations were requested or received.
- To consider January & February payments
Current Account:
£6,201.47 Account balance reported from the previous meeting
£1,508.90 Less: Approved November payments
£625.00 Receipt: deposite from BAAHA (allotment rental)
£1,500.00 Receipt: transfer from the deposit account for payment to Savills (KT)
£83.40 Less: Payment to the Play Inspection Ltd (as estimated)
£388.90 Less: December Payments (see below)
£46.50 Less: Christmas Tree expense (SL)
£1,875.00 Less: Approved rent to Savills for allotments and fields
£4,423.77
Deposit Account:
£11,416.10 Account balance reported from the previous meeting
£0.09 Receipt: November interest
£0.09 Receipt: December Interes
£1,500.00 Transfer to current account for Savills Payment (allotment and fields rental)
£551.46 Receipt: VAT refund
£10,467.74
£14,891.51 Total in all accounts
December Payments:
£230.00 Clerk's wage 9
£158.90 K M Dike invoice 1268 (grass cutting)
Proposed January payments
£230.00 Clerk's wage 10
£158.90 K M Dike invoice 1290 (grass cutting)
Cllr T Hunt proposed the accounts were accepted; Cllr D Coffin seconded.
- To consider any grants and/or donation requests
- Correspondences received
- The Clerk received a few emails concerned the PC is in breach of the transparency code. The Clerk and Cllrs have resolved the issues. No further action needed.
- The Clerk noted a resident mentioned trees could be planted along the playing field footpath near the chain link fence.
- The Clerk had an email from a resident that mentioned a Good Neighbours program may be beneficial for elderly residents. Cllr L Bennett will contact the Sherborne Good Neighbours program and report back to the PC. Action: Cllr L Bennett
- Cllr P Clark kindly offered to attend the DC Planning webinar at 2.30pm on Thursday 27 January Action: Cllr P Clark
- Items for The Pennant
- New playing field equipment update
- Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group Meeting date 1st Feb 7pm in the village hall
- community shop, clerk circulate
- Jubiliee Tree location suggestions
- Any other Information / Date of the Next Meeting
Monday 24th January 2022 Extraordinary Parish Council Meeting 7:30pm in the village hall
The Clerk noted the village hall is in use until 7:30pm. The 24/1/22 meeting start time is now 7:30pm. It was suggested the Community Assets item should be on the next agenda. (The next Ordinary Parish Council Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 1st March 7pm in the village hall)