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

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council, held in the Village Hall on Thursday 8th January  2015 at 7 pm.
Present: Cllr P.White in the Chair, Cllrs P Loudoun, P Christie, C Drayson, R Sheppard, R Lucas, M Turner.
There were 9 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.	Apologies for absence. Cllr Knight.   Cllr Lovell was not present. 
2.	Declarations of Interest / Grant of Dispensations. None.
3.	RoWLO Report. Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle reported that he is awaiting delivery of a supply of ‘livestock grazing’ advisory notices from the National Trust, and will install them when they arrive. The Chair thanked him for his report. 
4.	National Trust Report. The period for consultation for plans for Langton West Wood finishes in the second week in January; Mr Kershaw was asked if this could be extended, but said it could not, as there are plans for Woodland days on 14th January, 10-30-3.30, and the weekend of 24th-25th Jan. He had met representatives of activity centres using Dancing Ledge, and discussed future plans for its use: there will only be a slight bias in numbers towards climbing rather than Coasteering. (see DLWG group report below). During the heavy rain some culverts on the Priests Way blocked, causing overflowing ditches below South Barn. The Trust will ask DCC for support to install larger-gauge drainage pipes at that point. A new member of staff will start for 9 months from February. Mr Kershaw was thanked for his report.
5.	Public Discussion Period. 
a) Mrs Linda Buckley, Scout Group Leader, said how pleased the Scouts and Cubs had been to be invited to take part in the recent Litter Pick. She stressed how important it is for them to develop knowledge and understanding of the environment around them, so that they can learn to be the custodians of the future. She will liaise with Youth Liaison Cllr, Cllr Lucas, about other possible community activities with which the group might be involved. ACTION: Mrs Buckley, Cllr Lucas.
b) Mr Martin Kirby asked if the Parish Council intends to have a representative on the proposed Langton Matravers Community Land Trust, and asked if this was extension of the Affordable Housing Group. He asked how the wider community will get to hear about the activities of the CLT. He said that Parish Council support and representation on the CLT was essential, and suggested that the CLT encourage wide participation from a cross-section of the village.   
6. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. 
a) PC representation on proposed CLT. It was agreed that a Parish Council representative be proposed to the group, and it was RESOLVED: That Cllr Drayson (who is already a member of the group) be the Council’s representative. It was also agreed to suggest to Mrs Priddle, the CLT facilitator, that there should be wider encouragement within the parish to participate in the group. Jon Kershaw, for the NT, pointed out that any request for land which might be leased to provide affordable housing in the future must come from the village (i.e. Parish Council). 
7.  Planning Matters. 
1) There were no comments from members of the public concerning the plans.
2) To make comments concerning the following plans:-
a)	  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. Leave decision to tree officer.
b)	     6/2014/0665 Mrs K Wylie, Coombe Hill (Dalesford), Langton Matravers, BH19 3EU. Erect single-storey side extension. No Objection

c)	TWA/2014/0234 Mrs Karen Firmin, High Street (18 - Leas Wood House), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HB. (T3) Beech - fell and treat in relation to alleged subsidence damage; (T1) Corsican pine - reduce the extended lever arm in the exposed pine back to within the periphery of the canopy for safety reasons as a result of felling T3 - District of Purbeck (Leas Wood House, Langton Matravers) TPO 2014 (Ref.TPO 426) & Langton Matravers Conservation Area. Leave decision to tree officer.
d)	6/2014/0692 Mr H. Sparkes, The Hyde (Darynton), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HE. Extensions and roof alterations to dwelling comprising: new pitched gable roof with dormer windows and Juliet balcony and extension to rear. Remove chimney and introduce new flue pipes. No objection.
e)	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. No objection.
f)	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. No Objection. (This item was not on the agenda, but was included, with the agreement of the Council, owing to time constraints in the Planning system which meant that they would otherwise not have been able to comment.)
3. Receive planning decisions affecting this parish since the last Parish Council Meeting: 
a)	TWA/2014/0200 Mrs M. Brocklebank, Castle View (Stonecroft), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HT. (T1) Beech - remove lowest primary branch with large cavity, reduce remaining crown by up to 2m to rebalance; (T2) Field maple - fell - Acton Conservation Area. No Objection.
b)	TWA/2014/0208 Mrs Hazel Dorrington, St Georges Close (Stoney Yarrows), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HZ. (T1) Willow - reduce entire crown by 2-3m, 15% crown thin, crown lift to 5.2m - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. No Objection.
c)	TWA/2014/0209 Mr Gavin Bibra, Mount Pleasant Lane (opposite entrance gate to Rookhurst), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HY. (T1) Ash - reduce entire crown by 4-5m, crown lift to 5.5m, remove deadwood & crossing & rubbing branches - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. No Objection.
d)	TWA/2014/0207 Mrs Coleman. Coombe Hill (Inglenook Cottage), Coombe, Langton Matravers, BH19 3DP. (T1) Apple - reduce entire crown by up to 2m, 15% crown thin focussing on low vigour branches, & crossing & rubbing branches, remove deadwood & stubs; (T2) Fig - reduce entire crown by up to 1m, 15% crown thin focussing on low vigour branches, & crossing & rubbing branches, remove deadwood & stubs - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. No Objection.
e)	TWA/2014/0205 Mrs Karen Travers (HPB), Durnford Drove (Langton House), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HG. (T7) - Remove hanging branches; (T8) Mixed group of trees - prune back branches of all trees to provide a clearance of 3m to swimming pool - District of Purbeck (Spyway House, Langton Matravers) TPO 1976 (Ref.TPO 44). TPO - Consent.
f)	TWA/2014/0218 Mr McCarthy, Old Malthouse Lane (The Old Malthouse), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HB. (T1) Ash - fell to ground level & poison stump - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. REFUSED – TPO.
g)	6/2014/0631 Beachcote Homes Ltd., The Hyde (Lynford), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HE. Proposed non-material amendment to PP 6/2014/0400 - Demolish existing dwelling and erect new dwelling (to insert rooflight to west-facing roof slope). Approved.
h)	6/2014/0589 Mr Sides, Castle View (Albis Barn) Langton Matravers. Site a portakabin with timber shelter and a water tank  Approved.
i)	   6/2014/0588 Mr and Mrs S Hutchings, Acton (Quarry Cottage), BH19 3JS. Erect single storey extension to existing garden out building. Approved.
j)   6/2014/0508    Turner 2K (Swanage) Ltd, Spyway Orchard, Langton Matravers BH19 3HG. O/A - Rural exception site for a development of 32 dwellings (24 affordable and 8 open market) - All matters reserved. Refused.
4). Other planning matters. None. 
8. Minutes of the Meeting held 11th December 2014.These were agreed to be a correct record and signed by Cllr Loudoun, who had been present, on behalf of Cllr Lovell, who had chaired the meeting.
9.  Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a) Item 9b). Allocation Policy letter. PDC’s Senior Housing manager, Chris McDermott, has accepted LMPC’s invitation to attend the February meeting to explain and take questions about planning for, and allocation of, affordable housing.
b) Item 16) Speed Indicator at West end of village. The matter is now in the hands of Clare Marshall of DCC Traffic Engineering, who is looking into funding and a suitable position for the post.
c) HRC Consultation. Hard copies of the consultation questionnaire are now available at the Parish Office, Post Office and pub. Both businesses were thanked for their support.
d) Item 21) Repairs to cemetery gates. Both gates have been repaired by Mr Richard Simpson, and he was thanked very much for his work on the Council’s behalf.
10  The Clerk’s Report for the period 8.12.2014 – 2.1.2015.  Report received.
11  Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report. 
a) Item 7. The Clerk highlighted the Partial Review Consultation Meetings for Councillors on 10th February 2015 about future strategies for Heathlands and Housing in the PDC Local Plan.  
b) Item 10. Presentation on Local Resilience for Parish Assembly. Cllr Drayson encouraged Cllrs to invite Nick Reed and Nigel Osborne to talk to the Parish about the importance of a village emergency plan in the event of floods etc. RESOLVED: To invite Mr Reed and Mr Osborne to speak on Local Resilience at the Parish Assembly on 22nd April 2015. ACTION: Clerk. 
c) The Clerk asked if Cllrs wishes to attend the RECARE Soil Research meeting on February 11th  at Harman’s Cross Village Hall. Cllr White will go.
12  Chairman’s Announcements. None.
13  County and District Councillor’s Report. None (Cllr Lovell absent).
14. Footway Widening Scheme. Cllr White said that a ‘magnificent job’ had been done at Steppes Hill, improving safety for both pedestrians and vehicular traffic. A vote of thanks was proposed to Mr and Mrs Purver, the owners of Steppes Hill house, for their generosity in dedicating a section of their garden to make the project possible, and for their patience while the work was in progress. ACTION: Clerk to write formal of letter of thanks to Mr and Mrs Purver from the Council. Negotiations continue on the section from Putlake to the Hyde: DCC would like to widen the east side of the splay at the end of the Hyde to improve visibility, and are in discussion with the owners of the relevant houses.
15. Report from Dancing Ledge Working Group.  (meeting 6th January 2015, report by Mr V-A.)
 a) The Commercial Users Working Agreement had received its final amendments, including addition of the principles of ‘Respect, Protect, Enjoy’. To further reduce numbers using Dancing Ledge at peak times, Matt King (Commercial Users) and Jon Kershaw (NT) will explore other suitable sites for activities. The NT’s legal dept. must now approve the CUWA before it can be implemented as part of the NT’s licensing system. The NT hopes to have a fully operational licensing and booking system operating by Easter 2015. A copy of the approved draft of the CUWA will be on the Council’s website. The NT will continue work on i) the new permissive path from Durnford Drove to Spyway car park, ii) resurfacing the existing Spyway car park, iii) costing and submission of a planning application to hard surface the existing Spyway car park overflow, and plans to develop Acton car park for minibuses and coaches, and iv) the provision of toilet facilities at Spyway farm. The Acton car park extension and toilet proposals will need detailed costing and funding, and will take longer to progress: it may be possible to use the existing chemical toilet in the meantime. Following the suggestion of Mr V-A, it was RESOLVED: a) That the Dancing Ledge Working Group, having achieved its aims, be disbanded, with detailed implementation left in the hands of the National Trust and the Commercial Users Group: b)That an annual review of the use of Dancing Ledge and the CUWA be carried out by the Council each February: c)That Cllr Sheppard be appointed as the Council’s ‘Dancing Ledge’ representative, with the brief to oversee activities and collate comments and concerns about the ledge’s use in the future.  Cllr Christie had attended part of the meeting to express concern about the lack of effective maritime exclusion zones to protect nesting sea birds, and it was suggested that these concerns were passed on to the relevant bodies involved with environmental  protection, such as the NT and Wild Purbeck. The Council agreed to write to the Poole group who regularly bring boats visitors too close to the cliffs, encouraging them to keep a suitable distance. ACTION: Cllr Christie, Clerk.
16. State of Synergy/Aster home at Steppes. Cllr Chritie had visited Nos 13 and 6 Steppes, and reported that there were problems with unsatisfactory repair work at the houses: he questioned whether either was of a ‘lettable standard’. After discussion, it was agreed by several Cllrs that the Council had a duty of care to the affected parishioners, and it was RESOLVED: To write to Aster/Synergy and PDC’s Envronmental Health Officer expressing the Council’s concern relating to the health risks of living in the houses, and also write to the tenants suggesting that they contact PDC’s EHO too. ACTION: Clerk
17. See 11b) above.
18. Boundary Stones at ends of village ?.Cllr White suggested that the village should have stones at Coombe and beyond the west end of the village, as at Corfe, carved with ‘Langton Matravers’ and the village coat of arms. Cllr Lucas asked if this was the right way to spend council money. It was agreed to find out how much this would cost and bring the matter back to the next meeting. ACTION: Cllr White. 
19. Financial Matters.
(1) 	Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting:
       £ 80.00     Monument fee – the late Norman Priddle, Plot V 6
       £ 380.25   Allotment rents and water charge 2015.
(2) 	Note the following Payments by cheque or cash to be made since last Meeting:
       £ 60.00     Ian Bugler, Grounds Maintenance (December).
£ 570.83   Clerk’s salary (December).
£ 150.00   Elliott’s Cleaning Co. Public Toilet cleaning (December).
£ 192.77   SSE Enterprise: removal of lamp at junction of Castle View and B3069.
£ 19.99    First Aid kit for Litter picks/office (cheque to B.Graham).
£ 68.94     Southern Electric (SSE) – supply to toilet block Sept-Dec 2014.
3) Payment by Direct Debit:
              £ 38.44 to XLN Telecom for phone and broadband.
  (4) Any other Financial Matters:  a) Budget and Precept 2015. RESOLVED: To set the precept at £15,820.00, as 2014. b) Fields in Trust and Open Spaces subscriptions 2015: as neither group had been called on by the Council for advice recently, it was decided to discontinue these. ACTION: Clerk.
c) The invoice for £ 1,888.68 from PDC for the cost of ballot papers for the May 2014 Parish Council elections needs to include a VAT component: when correctly re-presented the Clerk was authorised to pay it. ACTION: Clerk.
20.  Cemetery Matters: (1) Council’s Cemetery. None.
(2) Closed Cemetery. Loose memorials. Cllr Loudoun reiterated the point made at a previous meeting that the Parish Council has no legal right or obligation to get involved in the matter. Further discussion was deferred until Cllr Lovell next attends. 
21. Allotments.  a) Fence and gatepost repairs. As Mr Hole had not responded to Cllr Christie’s request for a quotation to replace the gateposts, and the matter is now urgent, it was RESOLVED: To accept Mr. Johnson of Corfe’s quote to supply and fit 4 gateposts at the allotments, for the sum of £200.00. It was agreed to ask for further quotations from Mr Hole et al for the next fencing work which will be necessary. 
b) As there are now 4 vacant half plots, and no new applicants, Cllr Loudoun suggested that rather than spend money on plastic sheeting and lose revenue, the Council should widen its catchment area. After discussion it was RESOLVED: Whereas priority will always go to residents of Langton Matravers, Worth and Harman’s Cross, owing to an historic shortfall of allotment holders in Langton, this Council intends to invite applications for allotment tenancies from residents of Swanage. 
22. The date of the next full Council meeting was confirmed as Thursday 12th February, 2015.at 7pm.
24.Additional items for the Agenda of the next Council meeting: .Boundary stones / Loose memorials / Future community use of the Ship Inn ? (letter recd. by Clerk 5.1.2015) / Young people.

Closed c. 8.45.pm.

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