Parish Council of Langton Matravers
www.langtonmatravers-pc.org
Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Village Hall on Thursday 14th April 2011 at 7.00pm
Present: Cllr P White in the Chair, Cllrs J Bradford, Mrs C Drayson, M Kirby, W Knight, 
M Lovell (until 7.35pm), P Loudoun H Tizard and M Turner.
There were five members of the public present.
1.	Apologies: None
2.	Declarations of interest: Cllrs Mrs Drayson and Tizard each declared a personal interest as allotment tenants.  Cllr Kirby declared a personal interest as his Wife has an allotment tenancy. 
3.	Public discussion: A member of the public reported a marked increase in the number of speeding vehicles over the past few weeks and enquired as to what action could be taken.  Agreed – That the matter be reported to PACT.  A relative of Mr Norman Priddle reported that he had been touched by receiving the Volunteer of the Year Award 2010 and circulated photographs.
4.	Planning Matters: 
(1)	Receive comments from the public concerning the following Plans:-
(a)	6/2011/0177 Submitted by Mrs F Aktas; Erect two storey rear extension at Kitchie Cottage, Knitson, Corfe Castle BH20 5JB. Observation – No objection.
(b)	6/2011/0192 Submitted by Raglan Housing Association; Variation of condition 1 of Planning Permission 6/2010/0751 to allow amended layout of dwellings approved under O/A 6/2006/1154 at Land adjacent to Steppes, Langton Matravers. OBSERVATION - Object by reason of the following:- 
(i)	The original plans did not, in the Parish Council's view, have sufficient parking places and it is dismayed to see that this new design actually reduces this number.
(ii) 	The earth bund, considered by the planners to be of such importance to hide the proposed brick properties from Valley Road and the Downs, has now been removed. It is hoped that this means that the properties will now be built with local stone to preserve the look of the Northern boundary of the village.
(ii)	It is not clear from the plan whether the play area is properly fenced off, to make it inaccessible to dogs.
(iii)	The original application was non-delegated, these major changes should also be dealt with by the Planning Board. Voting: For – 7 Against – 0 Abstained – 1
(c)	6/2011/0201 Submitted by Mr. S Smith; Change of use of barn and alterations to form holiday unit at New Barn, Valley Road Swanage.  OBSERVATION - No objection.
(d)	6/2011/0224 Submitted by Mr & Mrs Hedley; (i) Demolition of existing single storey conservatory and replacement with new single storey extension (ii) Replace 2 x no. existing windows with new (iii) Creation of new external decking to south elevation (iv) Loft conversion and insertion of new dormer roof-lights. 6/2011/224  OBSERVATION – Object by reason of dormer being out of keeping with local character. Voting: Unanimous.
Note – Cllr Lovell did not vote on any planning application by reason of being a member of the District Council’s Planning Board.
(2)	Receive planning decisions by PDC affecting this parish since the last Parish Council Meeting:
(i)	6/2011/0125 Steppes (New Lodge), Langton Matravers: Insert two roof lights on east elevation Approved 25th March 2011.
5.	Minutes of Meeting held 10th March 2011 having been circulated previously the Minutes were agreed as a correct record and signed.
6.	Matters arising from the Minutes:
(1)	Item 8 Cllr Knight sought an update on the replacement of the street lights. Cllr Lovell reported the experience of Corfe Castle in which the parish council was consulted and the new lights when fitted were to be in sympathy with existing heritage design.
(2)	Item 8 Cllr Knight sought an update on the proposal to nominate the School playing field for the Fields in Trust QEII Fields Challenge.  The Clerk reported that no progress had been made.
(3)	Item 8 Cllr Tizard advised that he had spoken to the sign writer in respect of the news sign at Acton.  The Clerk provided an update on the car park and office.
(4)	Item 6 (5) Cllr Lovell reported that, having checked with officers at the District Council, the replacement of the fencing at Leeson House was subject to Listed Buildings consent.
(5)	Item 6 (2) Cllr Kirby reported having received confirmation that the sum of £2,968, being the additional grant towards the costs of the proposed bus shelter had been paid by direct debit.  The Clerk reported that DCC advised that the maximum award was 85% and that the £1,000 original award had been reduced to £759.25.
(6)	Item 7 (2) Cllr Tizard enquired as to progress on the sign for Acton. The Clerk confirmed that property information was awaited from Purbeck District Council. Cllr Kirby questioned the progress of the signs for the Parish Office and car park. The Clerk advised that these should be in place prior to the next Council meeting.
(7)	Cllr Mrs Drayson advised of an impending meeting scheduled for 2.00pm on 18th May 2011 at Purbeck District Council offices to discuss the continuance of Purbeck Community Partnership and sought clarification over the future of the Dorset Strategic Partnership.  Cllr Lovell provided an explanation referring to the current budget constraints.
(8)	Item 12 Cllr Bradford referred to the continued problem related to a sunken grave at the Crack Lane Cemetery. 
(9)	Item 10 Cllr Kirby sought details of the outcome of queries related to the installation of replacement galvanised fencing at Leeson House.  The Clerk summarised the action taken in reporting the matter to the Planning Authority.  Cllr Lovell stated his intentions to pursue the matter further.
(10)	Cllr Turner raised concern at being requested by the District Council to provide a signed Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Register of Interest having previously provided the information on at least two occasions previously. Fellow Councillors supported the comments, having had similar experiences. AGREED that the matter be referred to the District Council.
(11)	Item 11 Cllr Bradford enquired as to proposals to replace the noticeboard at Crack Lane Cemetery. The Clerk provided clarification of the range of options and prices and following discussion it was AGREED that Cllr Kirby explore a low cost option. 
(12)	Item 16 Cllr Turner requested clarification as to the Cemetery maintenance contract. The Clerk provided an update with regards to responses to a request for details via the DAPTC.  AGREED that a Working Party comprising of Cllrs Bradford and Turner, supported by the Clerk, be formed.
(13)	Item 16 Cllr Tizard sought an update following the grant of permission to Mrs Ibbs to erect a family memorial at the Crack Lane Cemetery. AGREED that Cllr Tizard to liaise with the applicant over the proposals.
(14)	 Item 6 (6) Cllr Tizard requested an update concerning continued parking on zig-zags outside school. Cllr Knight provided an updates and the Clerk confirmed that the continued concerns would be communicated to PACT.
7.	The Clerk’s Report for the period 8.3.2011 to 10.4.2011: Report received.
8.	Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report:
Item 2 The Clerk reported proposals to hold a Royal Wedding Party on 29th April 2011 at St Georges First School.
Item 11 The Clerk highlighted the invitation received for allotment holders to participate in a BBC Radio 2 live to be broadcast 8pm Friday 15th April 2011 at Lytchett Matravers School.  Cllr Kirby reported that the event was not live and would be recorded for transmission at a later date.
Item 13 The Clerk reported that the Bus Shelter was to be installed on Wednesday 20th April 2011.
Cllr Knight stated that he had spoken to the property owner of the site of the proposed shelter on the other side of Steppes Hill, who had indicated that they might support the proposal.
Item 3 Cllr Mrs Drayson sought an update on the appeal lodged in respect of the Windmill Lane Footpath.  The Clerk advised that the appeal had been acknowledged and could take several years to resolve.
9.	Chairman’s Announcements:  
The Chairman reported having received notice of a light not working at Capston Field and the difficulty in the resident finding a telephone number for their Parish Councillor in order to report the fault.  Cllr Knight suggested that reference to the location of the parish notice boards and information points be placed in The Dubber.
The Chairman reported continued problems with drain outside of 38 High Street, despite the gully having been emptied recently. The Clerk stated that he would refer the matter to the Highways Authority once again.
The Chairman reported having received a letter seeking support for local businesses and trades. It was proposed by Cllr Knight, seconded by Cllr Turner and RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY to support the campaign organised by Chris Meadows to support local trades and business and authorise the Chairman to sign the letter in support.
10.	Financial Matters:
 (1) Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting:
£80.00 received for Memorial headstone and inscription A13 Landers
£10.00 for Memorial inscription plot V5 Shoesmith 
£500.00 for Grave plot P18 by Mrs Jorssen.
(2) Note the following Payments by Cheque, already authorised, since last Meeting:
£12.00 to Langton Matravers Village Hall Committee for March Council chamber.
£120.00 to Mr P Newell for Cemetery Maintenance
£278.64 to AJ Leeson for Clerk’s Salary - March.
£185.00 to HMRC March Payroll
£30.00 to DAPTC – Course Fee 13th March 2011 (Cllr Lovell)
£5,262 to Queensbury Shelters – 3m Arun Bus Shelter 
£544.01 to Southern Electric – Unmetered supply to 1 April 2011
£102.44 to Southern Electric – Public Toilets
£340.80 to Purbeck District Council – NNDR for Parish Office/Public Conveniences
£25.98 to Martin Kirby – Stationery supplies for Parish Assembly.
(3) Payments by Direct Debit:
£31.68 to XLN Telecom for phone and broadband.
(4) Any other Financial Matters: None.
11.	Cemetery Matters:
Council Cemetery: 
(1)	Cllr Turner referred to the work undertaken by the Contractor and that the walling had been completed.
(2)	Cllr Bradford referred to the F Selman sunken grave. The Chairman advised that the matter had been referred the undertakers. It was noted that P S Lander’s grave required similar attention.
Closed Cemetery: No matters were reported.
12.	Allotments: 
(1)	Cllr Kirby reported that water supply had been restored and offered thanks to Richard Simpson. 
(2)	The number currently on the waiting list was 4.
(3)	Concern was expressed at some unkempt plots and it was suggested that notice be given.  After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Turner, seconded by Cllr Tizard and AGREED that Cllr Kirby be authorised to liaise with the two individual plot holders to resolve the matter.
13.	Parish Plan:  Cllr Kirby provided an update on the number of responses received. It was reported that the update/questionnaire were to analysed after the closing date of 22nd April 2011.
14.	Parish Assembly – Cllr Mrs Drayson presented details of the programme for the Parish Assembly to be held in 19th May 2011. The Chairman’s suggestion of seeking £20 contributions from individual councillors towards the costs was not supported.  Proposed by Cllr Kirby, seconded by the Chairman it was RESOLVED that a budget of £150 be granted and that local traders be used to provide goods on a sale or return basis. Voting: For 6, Against 1, Abstention 1.
15.	North Street – Pavement Repairs: Cllr Kirby reported that it had now been established that the damage caused by the District Council’s service vehicle was a private matter due to the land in question not being adopted highway.
16.	Speed Limit  - Crack Lane: Cllr Knight advised that the national speed limit of 60mph was inappropriate, given the number of pedestrians.  Proposed by Cllr Knight, seconded by Cllr Bradford and RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY that Dorset County Council be requested to introduce a speed limit of 30mph.
17.	Footpath and Stiles: Cllr Mrs Drayson reported the difficulty in reporting damaged stiles with dangerous barbed wire and metal gate being in disrepair to the Rights of Way officer at DCC.  Cllr Bradford referred to the broken footboard on a stile leading from Crack Lane into Toms Wood. Action: Clerk to report the matters.
18.	The date of the next Meeting was confirmed as 7pm on Thursday 12th May 2011 monthly meeting is to be held at 7pm on Thursday 10th June 2011.
19.	Additional Items for the Agenda of the  next Council Meeting –  i) Mike Collins – Refurbishing seat

Closed - 8:26pm 

Signed……………………………………… (Chairman)		Date…………………………………..