Parish Council of Langton Matravers
www.langtonmatravers-pc.org

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council, held in the Village Hall on Thursday 12th February 2015 at 7 pm.
Present: Cllr P.White in the Chair, Cllrs P Loudoun, P Christie, C Drayson, R Sheppard, M Turner, W Knight, M Lovell.
There were 53 members of the public present.
Before the meeting began, the Clerk announced that it was being (audio) recorded. There were no objections from members of the public.
1. Presentation and Q and A with Chris McDermott, Senior Housing Manager, PDC, about planning and allocation of affordable housing. Mrs McDermott advised of changes in the allocation policy for non-RES homes which might permit under-occupation by Langton applicants at the second round of bidding. Cllr Drayson asked for clarification about what ‘affordable’ meant. ‘Social’ rents are c. 60% of local market rents, ‘Affordable’ (all new housing funded by the Government through the Housing Corporation), are c.80% of local rates, and ‘Intermediate’ is housing such as shared ownership schemes. Cllr Knight expressed concern that Langton’s biggest need, for one bedroom dwellings, is not being met, and that the Planning policy (NPPF and PDC) which recommends allocation from adjacent rural parishes if the house sizes do not match Langton housing need , is in conflict with PDC’s Allocation policy, which recently let 2  2-bed homes in Langton to Swanage people. Mrs McDermott’s proposal for the recent Spyway Orchard site that included only 8 1-bed homes, was challenged on the grounds that the need was for 17, according to the Housing Needs survey of Dec 2013: the figure for 1-bed need presently stands at 18. Mrs McDermott said that developers were unwilling to build large numbers of 1-bed homes on any one site, because of ‘management issues’, which included problems with young and old people living together. Cllrs suggested that Mrs McDermott was pre-judging who such applicants might be, and Cllr Christie said that when he had contacted Hastoe, the Housing Association concerned, they had said that they were happy to provide more 1-bed homes to meet specific need. Mrs McDermott said that new Local Lettings Plans, agreements between the Registered Provider and District Council, might allow for under-occupancy. Cllr Sheppard asked why actual need is not being addressed, and Mrs McDermott said that that is not how development works at PDC. Mr M Kirby asked if locals in housing need can be alerted when housing comes up in Langton; Mrs McDermott said that she would try to pass on such information, though it cannot be done for all on the Register. Cllr White thanked Mrs McDermott for her attendance.
2. Apologies for absence. Cllr Lucas.
3. Declarations of Interest / Grant of Dispensations. Cllr Loudoun declared an interest in Planning Item 1a. Cllr White declared an interest in Planning Item 1c. Both left the chamber and did not vote when these items were under discussion. Cllr Knight declared that his Declaration of Interest form has been amended to reflect the fact that he is no longer a member of the St George’s School Governing Body. 
4. RoWLO Report. Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle reported that 10,000 copies of the Priests Way leaflet have been produced, sponsored by the Brenscombe Outdoor Centre.  A meeting is planned with DCC and Highways to look at how the PW has stood up to the weather. There is to be another reorganisation at DCC Countryside, with reductions in staff and support for local Rights of Way; Mr V-A suggested that somebody is invited to come and talk to LMPC once the new structure and responsibilities have bedded in. The Chair thanked him for his report. ACTION: Clerk to write letter of thanks to Brenscombe.
5. National Trust Report. There is a delay with the permissive footpath at the end of Durnford Drove, owing to underground services, necessitating another bridge. Mr Kershaw noted that there has been much hedge-trimming, including along the Priests’ Way, and work done on trees opposite the entrance to Langton House. He outlined the background to proposals for an extension to the car park at Acton, and noted that no decision has yet been made. The NT Buildings Dept will create a design brief for discussion, and there will be consultation about long-term solutions. Restoration of quarries at Acton to farmland will include dry-stone wall boundaries. The extension to Spyway car park is in progress. Community woodland days continue on 18th, 21st and 22nd Feb, and he encouraged the village to get involved. Mr Kershaw was thanked for his report.
6. Public Discussion Period. 
a) Mrs Maggie Sutton, a resident of Acton, said that following an informal meeting at the Parish Office, she wished to object strongly to any plans for changing the Acton car park. Mr Kershaw responded that there would be a maximum of 3 coaches, and that there were as yet no firm plans. He pointed out that the Trust are trying to find long-term solutions to problems of demands for parking by Commercial User groups in high season. The Chair asked Mr V-A to explain more of the background to the Dancing Ledge Working Group, and their work, and he gave a brief outline, suggesting that worries are ‘premature’. Mr Kershaw said that he would be happy to meet with Acton residents to discuss the matter Mrs Sutton and Mrs Lorna Russ both advised that notes of relevant meetings were not available currently on the website..
b) Mrs Lorna Russ expressed concern about the proposal for Academy status for St George’s School. She said that there appears to have been little consultation, with plans going out on 2nd February, a decision to be taken by March 9th, and the move to the new status by 1st June. She feels that there are many reasons why Academy status could be problematic for the school, including loss of local control, which are not being discussed, and feels that the community is being rushed into a decision with important implications for the schools’ future. 
c) Mrs Judith Priddle responded to Mr Martin Kirby’s question from the January meeting re: CLT. They have applied for start-up funding, and should hear about this shortly. When this is in place, it is her intention to take the project to the village and ask for CLT membership from a cross-section of parishioners.
d) Mr John Russ, resident of Acton, said that he disagreed with proposals to change the Acton car park. He also disagrees with NT proposals to extend ‘Coasteering’ etc. to other areas along the coast: the needs of quiet people must be considered too. He urged the Council to limit the activity to Dancing Ledge, leaving other sites in peace. Mr Kershaw (NT) said that it was intended to enforce number restrictions as per the Commercial Users Working Agreement; Seacombe will not be used, though as Headbury is already used for climbing, this may continue. Users will be licensed.
e) Mr David Senior, speaking as an individual, said that it was important that the consultation on Academy status goes forward, as it is in the best interests of the school. The decision will be made in the third week of March.
7. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. None not already covered above.
8.  Planning Matters. 
1) There were no comments from members of the public concerning the plans (1 a-h).
2) To make comments concerning the following plans:- 
a) TWA/2015/0008 Mr Philip Staniland, High Street (72 - Harvard), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HB. (A3) Apple tree - reduce 2 lower branches by 4ft & reduce crown (1 branch) by 6ft; (A4) Old apple tree - fell; (B) Purple beech - crown lift by reducing lower limbs by 3ft to give clearance to neighbour's garage roof; (F1 - F9) Conifers - crown reduce by 6ft - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. Leave decision to Tree Officers. 
b) 6/2015/0040 Mr D.Hitchcock, High Street (47), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HA. Repair to eastern wall of dining room. No Objection. 
c) 6/2015/0025 Mr and Mrs Charron, Knitson (Barn adjacent Farmhouse), Corfe Castle, BH20 5JB. Alterations and additions to convert existing barn to dwelling. Refurbish existing garage. No objection. 
d) 6/2015/0008 H F Bonfield and Son, Priests Way (Blacklands Quarry), Langton Matravers, BH19 3LD. Application under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act to modify Condition 1 of permission 6/2009/0235: to extend the life of extraction until 1 January 2020. No objection. 
e) 6/2015/0007 H F Bonfield and Son, Priests Way (Blacklands Quarry), Langton Matravers, BH19 3LD. Application under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act to modify Condition 5 of permission 6/2009/0234: to extend the life of the service area until 1 January 2020. No objection. 
f) 6/2015/0053 CTIL & Vodafone Ltd, Knitson Farm, Corfe Castle, BH20 5JB. Proposal: Replacement of 17.5m existing pole, (3no. antennas and 1no. 300mm dish antenna) with a new 20m pole; installation of 3no. replacement antennas and 3no. new antennas; installation of 2no. new 300mm dish antennas; plus ancillary works. Objection on the grounds that extension to pole represents a significant change which is obtrusive in the landscape. 
g) 6/2015/0052 Dorset County Council, Leeson House Field Studies Centre, Langton Matravers, BH19 3EU. Retention of double temporary classroom Previous ref 6/2011/0605, 14 November 2011. No objection. 
h) 6/2015/0073 Mr Peter Curtis, Serrells Mead Cottages (1), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HU. Removal, repair and relaying of existing ground floor extension roof and replace defective lead flashings. No objection. 
  3. Receive planning decisions affecting this parish since the last Parish Council Meeting: 
a)  6/2014/0665 Mrs K Wylie, Coombe Hill (Dalesford), Langton Matravers, BH19 3EU. Erect single-storey side extension. Approved. 
 b)   6/2014/0619 Mr Donald Stoneman, Acton (Demelza), Langton Matravers, BH19 3JS. Demolish existing detached garage and erect single-storey rear extension. Approved. 
c)    TWA/2014/0224 Mr Steve Tooley, Mount Pleasant Lane (Malthouse Kitchen Garden), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HH. (S1 & S2) Sycamores - fell - District of Purbeck (Malthouse Kitchen Garden, Langton Matravers) TPO 2014 (Ref.TPO 437) & Langton Matravers Conservation Area .Approved, subject to re-planting 3m from wall. 
d)    6/2014/0687 Mrs C Buchanan, Castle View (Wood Close), Langton Matravers BH19 3HT. Amended scheme to PP 6/2014/0337 - Demolish existing dwelling and erect two storey detached dwelling. Refused. 
e)    6/2014/0704 EE Ltd. Nine Barrow Down, Knitson Farm, Corfe Castle. Upgrade of existing telecommunications installation to introduce 4G services. Install three DMHAs (mast head amplifiers) and replace one equipment cabinet. Approved. 
4). Other planning matters. PDC’s proposals ‘to recommend changes to the Planning Committee’s procedure for public speaking on specific planning applications’. Cllr Christie explained the background to the recommendation by Bridget Downton that agents have more time to speak: he is against the proposed change. It was RESOLVED: To accept Cllr Christie’s comments on the proposal as the views of LMPC. ACTION: Clerk to respond to PDC as above.
9. Minutes of the Meeting held 8th January 2015.These were agreed to be a correct record and signed.
10. Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a) Item 11b). Presentation on Local Resilience for Parish Assembly. The Clerk had written to Messrs Reed and Osborne, but had no confirmation that they could attend. ACTION: Cllr Drayson to follow up. 
b) Item 11c) RECARE Soil Research meeting. Cllr Drayson reported on the successful stakeholder meeting at Harman’s Cross on 11th Feb, attended by Cllrs Drayson, Loudoun, White and the Clerk.
c) Item 15) Letter to Poole RIB operators. There had been no response.
d) Item 16) State of Synergy/Aster homes at Steppes. Following a question from Cllr Turner, the Clerk said that there had been no response to her letters to Aster or PDC’s EHO on the matter. Cllr Lovell suggested writing to Aster’s Chief Executive, with a copy to him.
e) Item 20) (2) Closed Cemetery. Loose memorials. Cllr Lovell reported that the relevant memorials were being mended at private expense.
11. The Clerk’s Report for the period 5.1.2015- 2.2.2015.  Report received.
12.  Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report. 
a) Item 9. DAPTC Annual Conference, 25th February. It was agreed that the Clerk may attend.
b) Item 23. Blocked Play Equipment. The Clerk explained that Hand Made Places, who should be repairing the play equipment under guarantee, have been failing to answer e-mails etc., and now say that the repairs will be done at the beginning of March. It was RESOLVED: To get an alternative quotation to do the work, and accept it if the total was less than £500. ACTION: Clerk to contact local supplier for a quotation. 
c) Item 42. DAPTC Training Programme 2015.  Cllr Christie expressed an interest in attending new Councillor training. Cllr Drayson advised that all Cllrs should attend relevant training.
13.  Chairman’s Announcements. None.
14.  County and District Councillor’s Report. Cllr Lovell reported that at County level the key issue is budget, with £60 million already shed, and another £40 million to go within 2 years. Council tax is likely to increase, with an extra 50p per week on a Band D house. The biggest increase in costs is in taking elderly people into care. At District level the Govt will be removing the rate support grant within 3 years.
15. Response to PLPPRAG (PDC) Consultation. Cllr Lovell emphasized how important it that everyone responds to the questionnaire. Cllr Christie noted factual inaccuracy (accepted as such by PDC) in the ‘Issues and Options’ document relating to the erroneous inclusion of Home Farm Wood in plans for up to 200 new houses in Langton. After discussion it was RESOLVED: To hold a public meeting to get parishioners’ views on the proposals. It was further RESOLVED: To invite members of the Planning Policy team at PDC to come to this meeting and explain proposals.  ACTION: Clerk to invite relevant people to address the meeting.  Thursday 26th February at 7pm at LMVH was suggested.     
16. Engaging Young People. The Clerk had met groups of Scouts at the Parish Office, answering questions about Council’s role in village life. The Scouts had also questioned Cllr Lucas, who was unable to present his report on this occasion.
17. Future of the Ship Inn: suggestions for Community use. Mr Ray Beck had written to Cllrs asking if they had suggestions. Cllr Turner proposed that the Local History and Preservation Society be informed, as it could make a suitable site for a new museum. The Chair of that group was at the meeting, and will take the suggestion back to members for their consideration. 
18. Academy status for St George’s school LMPC had been invited to comment on the proposal that St George’s join Corfe Castle, Wareham St Mary’s and St Mark’s to form a Multi-Academy Trust. Cllr. Knight explained some of the issues. As he sees it, there has been a lack of information and time to make a considered decision. He said that though there was evidence that low-performing schools might benefit from such a Trust, there was no evidence that it would help schools such as St George’s. He expressed concern about the financial implications, especially if not all schools joined, and felt that St George’s needs to look at other options before making a decision. Cllr Christie asked about effects on teachers’ pay and pension rights; they will be employed by the Trust on the same terms. Concerns were expressed about lack of public accountability in the Trust system. Cllr Drayson asked who would own the school field if this goes ahead: it will belong to the Trust. RESOLVED: That LMPC does not support St George’s School converting to an Academy and establishing the Saturn Educational Trust. 
19. Financial Matters.
(1) 	Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting:
       £ 1,053.00   Allotment rents and water charge 2015.
(2) 	Note the following Payments by cheque or cash to be made since last Meeting:
       £ 598.46   Clerk’s salary (January + 2 hrs overtime).
£ 135.00   Elliott’s Cleaning Co. Public Toilet cleaning (January).
£ 106.22   A.R.Harris. New light censor and lamp at toilet block.
£ 3.99       Office supplies – cash payment to Langton PO.
3) Payment by Direct Debit:
              £ 39.66 to XLN Telecom for phone and broadband.
  (4) Any other Financial Matters: It was agreed to defer the discussion of Section 137 donations to the next meeting. Cllr Turner left the meeting at his point.
20.  Cemetery Matters: (1) Council’s Cemetery. (2) Closed Cemetery. Deferred to next meeting.
21. Allotments.  It was RESOLVED: To approve the new Tenancy Agreement (Version 10) and Allotment Garden Policy. The Clerk will be sending out copies of the new documents for signing, with s.a.e.s. The matter of empty plots was deferred to the next meeting.
22. The date of the next full Council meeting was confirmed as Thursday 12th March, 2015.at 7pm.
24.Additional items for the Agenda of the next Council meeting: Redesign of website ? / Making audio recordings of meetings available to the public on the website / Proposal to put Boundary stones at ends of village: quotations / Proposals for extended car park at Acton / Revisit Community Assets list. 

Closed c. 10.15.pm.

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