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

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council, held in the Village Hall on Thursday 10th July 2014 at 7 pm.
Present: Cllr P White in the Chair, Cllrs M Turner, P Loudoun, P Christie, R Lucas, C Drayson, R Sheppard, M Lovell, W Knight.  
There were 27 members of the public present.
1.	Apologies for absence. None.
2.	Declarations of Interest / Grant of Dispensations. Cllr Turner declared an interest in Planning Item 1 c).  The Clerk issued formal dispensations to all Councillors relating to their declared Registrations of Interest, in order that there should be efficient and effective conduct of Council business.
3.	 RoWLO Report. Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle reported that the final meeting of the Priests’ Way working group had raised two issues; the surfacing of the end of the path at Belle Vue Farm, which will be done shortly, and the need for sponsorship to maintain the PW website. Disabled Ramblers had recently used the PW, with positive feedback. DCC’s Tom Bennett has resigned from his post: he was an excellent area ranger, who will be much missed. It was agreed that Mr V-A should write to thank him for his work in the parish. Tom is to be replaced by Jenny Penney. Mr V-A has organised a Parish Walk on 16th July as part of National Countryside Week. The Chairman thanked him for his report.
4.	National Trust Report. Laurie Clark, General Manager for Purbeck, updated the meeting on plans for the Spyway car park. A Planning Application has been submitted to resurface the car park and create an overflow car park. Until this is determined, the NT have opened up an extension under the 28 day rule. It is intended to restrict the use of the present car park using width and height barriers, and to develop a new car park elsewhere, possibly at Queen’s ground, (subject to the agreement of all parties), for the use of commercial leisure operators. Access to this new car park will be restricted, as the numbers using Dancing Ledge at present are not sustainable. It is intended to license access to the new car park, rather than licensing activities at Dancing Ledge. There are also plans to change the wording relating to the Spyway car park on the NT website. Mr V-A noted that vehicular access to Queen’s ground was not possible, as it lies off the Priest’s Way, which is a bridleway. It was suggested that toilet and changing facilities were necessary for the proposed new car park, and Mr Clark said that this could be considered. Spyway Farm was suggested as a possible site, but Mr Clark said this was probably not possible, as it is tenanted. Cllrs emphasised that it was important to find a new car park site which was not accessed via Durnford Drove, and Capston Field was suggested. Cllr Loudoun  asked if there were other similar sites outside the immediate area which might be used instead for ‘Coasteering’, but Mr Clark explained that issues of over-use and parking etc. were now common to many coastal locations. Cllr Drayson asked who would decide when the ‘tipping point’ has been reached, and Mr Clark said that his proposals indicated that the Trust was taking action to monitor and control such activities. Cllr White suggested that the Council hold a separate meeting in the near future to discuss the issues. 
5.	Public Discussion Period. 
a) Mr Phil Robinson of  ‘Green Man’, a group who have been running outdoor activities in the area for 25 years, expressed serious concerns about the way that Dancing Ledge is being used, and felt that the NT’s proposal for a separate car park might help. He said that visitor numbers had grown hugely in recent years, with some groups of 60 + people, and is worried about erosion along the cliffs.
b) Mr David Senior reported that except for two really ‘bad’ days, the parking situation at Durnford Drove and Gypshayes had improved in the last month. He thanked Mr Clark for opening up the extension car park, and also asked that a public meeting be held in the near future to discuss the issues further and to try to find some solutions. 
c) Mrs Carol Osborne, expressed her frustration that, despite reports to the National Trust and Police, people are still staying overnight at Spyway car park. Mr Clark explained that it is very difficult to stop this at present. 
d) Mr Rob Turner spoke in relation to Planning Application TWA/ 2014/0118. He explained that when taking pre-planning advice from PDC while preparing an outline plan for the Spyway orchard site, he had been advised to get a tree survey done, and said that the reason that so many trees are included is that damaged or possibly surplus trees have to be identified and recorded as part of the overall planning application. He noted that only 51 of these have a TPO, and that felling would only occur as necessary if the development goes ahead: there will some re-planting. 
e) Dr Chris Spilling reported in relation to ‘Coasteering’ activity, that some 40-60 children from the ‘Cumulus’ group go down Garfield Lane each day.
f) Mrs Daryle Pearson asked why able young people should have facilities nearer the cliff, when disabled people don’t ? 
6. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. RESOLVED: To hold an open meeting on 31st July in the Village Hall at 6pm to discuss the issues of the impact of recreational tourism in the parish. It was agreed to include a wide range of representatives. ACTION: Clerk to book hall and invite representatives suggested by Cllrs and others. Mr Clark noted that there are other people who may have a legal interest in NT land. Cllr White thanked him for his attendance and he left the meeting. 
7.  Planning Matters. 
1)  Mrs Maureen Brocklebank (neighbour) had sent comments relating to application d) (6/2014/0337), which had been circulated to Cllrs. They relate to overlooking and loss of privacy.
2) To make comments concerning the following plans:-
     a) 6/2014/0276 Mr G Suttle, East Drove (Pinhowe), Langton Matravers, Dorset, BH19 3HF. Erect single storey side extension. No Objection.
b) 6/2014/0316 Mr S Fenech, The Hyde (Hollyhocks), Langton Matravers, BH19 3AG. Rebuild and reroof existing conservatory. Install stove flue. No Objection.
c) TWA/2014/0118 Mr Rob Turner, Durnford Drove (Land to south of Arbutus), Langton Matravers, BH16 3HG. (T1 - T107) Beech, Sycamore, Ash, Sweet Chestnut & fruit trees - fell (as detailed in Tree Survey Schedule received by PDC 30/06/2014) - District of Purbeck (Spyway House, Langton Matravers) TPO 1976 (Ref.TPO 44). Cllr Turner left the chamber during this item. Cllr Drayson asked for an assurance that trees would only be felled if the proposed housing development goes ahead. Cllr Loudoun noted that damaged trees need to be felled. No objection
d) 6/2014/0337 Mrs C Buchanan, Castle View (Wood Close), Langton Matravers BH19 3HT. Demolish existing dwelling and erect two storey detached dwelling. Objection on the grounds that the design of the development is inappropriate and not in keeping with the location.
e) 6/2014/0340 Mr O Hombersley, Castle View (Greenhayes), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HT. External and internal alterations to renovate building. No Objection.
f) APN/2014/0174 The National Trust, Durnford Drove (Spyway Farm), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HG. Erect straw and hay barn. As this is an agricultural application, PDC advised that no comment is required from the Council.
3) Planning decisions since the last Parish Council Meeting.
a) 6/2014/0180 Mrs. A Cattallo, Old Malthouse Lane (Hill View Cottage), Langton Matravers, BH19 3JA. Demolish existing dwelling and erect three-storey three-bedroom dwelling on existing footprint. Erect detached garage and car port.
Refused.
b) ) 6/2014/0207  Miss Linsay Farr, New Buildings (4), Coombe, Langton Matravers, BH19 3DL. Erect replacement entrance porch to front elevation. Approved.
c) 6/2014/0301 Ms A Bell & Mr G Bell, East Drove (Woodbury), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HF. Proposed non-material amendment to PP 6/2014/0112 - Raise roof height to form habitable accommodation with dormer windows, insert rooflights in north elevation and erect side extension. Modify vehicular access (to make alterations to doors and windows and install sun pipe). Approved.
4). There were no other planning matters.      
8. Minutes of the Meeting held 5th May 2014. The Minutes were agreed as a correct record and signed by Cllr Turner, who had chaired that meeting.
9.  Matters Arising from the Minutes.a) Item 10.4.a). Planning Training. Cllrs Drayson and Christie and the Clerk had attended the first PDC training session on developments in Neighbourhood Planning. They do not feel that it would currently be advantageous for Langton Matravers.
b) Item 11) The Council has no Transport Liaison Officer. The Clerk asked if anyone was prepared to undertake the role ? There was no response.
c) Item 13.a). Wall on N side of road by Steppes Hill House. The Clerk read a DCC Highways report on the wall, which they ‘do not consider to be a danger to the highway or highway users at present’. Mr Allen will write a letter outlining responsibility and liability if the wall should fall into the highway.
d) Item 15 a) Dog Bins. DWP have informed the Clerk that they will continue to empty these as normal until their review of street cleansing is complete.  
e) Item 15 d). Speed Indicator. The Clerk has been advised by DCC Road Safety that as there is no data for speeding at the top end of the village and they have no budget for surveys, the Council will need to pay for its own survey. ACTION: Clerk to find out how much a survey would cost. Cllr Turner asked if there is any CIL to pay for such a survey.
10.  The Clerk’s Report for the period  6.6.2014 – 4.7.2014.  Report received.
11.  Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report. 
a) Item 8. Swanworth Quarry Invitation to Liaison meeting. The Clerk reminded the Council of the date, 17.7. 2014. She will attend with Cllr White.
b) Items 11, 21, 30. Requests from charities for Financial support. After discussion it was RESOLVED: To send £100.00 to the Purbeck Film Festival. It was further RESOLVED: That the Council review donations in February each year: To consider at that time all requests already received, plus any other worthy causes. ACTION: Clerk to send cheque to PFF.
12.  Chairman’s Announcements.  Cllr White had replaced the toilet roll holder in the disabled toilet with a strong metal dispenser with a key. 
13.  County and District Councillor’s Report. Cllr Lovell had already left the meeting..
14. Hydraulic Shale gas Fracturing meeting ?  Cllr Drayson proposed that Charles Miller be invited to give a presentation to the Council. After discussion, the proposal was not seconded. Cllr Christie suggested that such a meeting might be held for the interest of the village, rather than just the Parish Council.
15. Issues of Parking in Durnford Drove etc. had already been discussed (see 6 above).
16. LMPC Representation at Area Meetings. As Cllr White did not normally attend Chairman’s meetings arranged by PDC, Cllr Drayson advised that it would be valuable if he could send a representative.
17. Footway widening at Putlake. The Clerk informed Cllrs of a useful meeting on 24th June between Bill Green (DCC), David Hill (Scott Estate), Steve Legg (Putlake Farm), at which firm proposals were made for widening the footway as far as the junction with the Hyde, to take in part of the gardens of Nos. 15 and 17 High Street. Mr Hill gave verbal agreement, and details of replacement walls, fencing etc. were discussed. DCC Property Management have authorised the extra funding for the additional garden plots.
18. Garden Bonfires. Mrs Marion Goater had requested that the Council discuss the issue of daytime bonfires and consider making a by-law to restrict them. The Council took the view that this was a matter for PDC’s Environmental Department. ACTION: Clerk to respond to Mrs Goater accordingly.
19. Dangerous Path outside Office. The Clerk had received a complaint about the uneven state of the path. It was agreed that she seek quotations to have the path re-laid as necessary.
20. Yellow Lines update. Tony Burt, from DCC Traffic Engineering, will meet Cllrs. on 11th July to discuss proposals for ‘passing bays’ in the High Street and lines at some junctions to ensure visibility.
21. Financial Matters.
(1) 	Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting: 
       £ 70.00    Interment and additional inscription fee; the late Eileen Clark, Plot B 12.
(2) 	Note the following Payments by cheque or cash to be made since last Meeting:
       £ 150.00   Ian Bugler, Grounds Maintenance (June).
£ 513.51   Clerk’s salary (June). 
£ 453.29   Elliott’s Cleaning Co. Public Toilets and supplies (June).
£ 732.50   Whizzbits – supply and install of new desktop computer and software plus clean up and upgrade of laptop.
£ 147.54   Southern Electric supply to Toilet block 19 March -25th June 2014
£ 50.00     Purbeck District Council – Fee for Planning Training 2014-15.
£ 197.35   HMRC Repayment. Tax Year 2011-12.
3) Payment by Direct Debit:
£ 41.26 to XLN Telecom for phone and broadband.
  (4) Any other Financial Matters:  Cllrs Christie and Knight agreed to be new signatories for PC cheques. It was agreed that the Clerk could sign cheques for July.  
22.  Cemetery Matters: (1) Council’s Cemetery. Derek Trotter, of James Smith Funeral Director, had noted that most row markers are now gone. RESOLVED: To ask the caretaker to paint discreet letter markings on the path as necessary to indicate rows.
(2) Closed Cemetery. A request had been made that the Council organize the lopping of overhanging branches from trees which are encroaching over the West wall. The Clerk advised that this is not the responsibility of the owners of the trees. As PDC cut the grass, Cllr Turner suggested that they be asked to undertake the work. ACTION: Clerk.
21. Allotments. a) Following a meeting on 4th July between the Chair of the LMAA, Mrs Daryle Pearson, and the two Allotment Liaison Officers, Cllrs White and Christie, the Clerk has re-drafted the Tenancy Agreement to address issues such as uncultivated plots and unpaid tenancy fees. The Allotment Adminstration Officer and Allotment Liaison Officer responsibility documents had also been revised, and copies of all these revisions had been sent to Cllrs. RESOLVED: To accept the revisions to the Tenancy Agreement and AAO and ALO documents. 
b) Cllr Christie advised the meeting that half plots 8B, 13B and 21B are now vacant. He plans to undertake an inspection shortly with the Clerk and Cllr White. He had strimmed 13B, and thanked the LMAA for the use of the strimmer and petrol. Matting to cover an empty half plot would cost c. £50.00: this has a 10-year guarantee. RESOLVED: To buy enough matting to cover 3 half plots. ACTION: Cllr Christie.
c) It was agreed that the Council be actively involved in a community invitation to the Allotment Open Day. ACTION : Clerk.
d) Following concerns about heat in the allotment shed, which contains petrol, Cllr Christie had recorded temperatures during the hot weather: these were all in the 20s, so this was not considered dangerous. He had noted that St George’s School children were playing close to the shed after school, and said that users should lock it securely at all times. Cllr Knight suggested that a letter should be sent to the Headteacher, Mrs Cubitt, to advise her of the Council’s concerns so that she can alert parents. ACTION: Clerk. 
e) RESOLVED: To contribute to the cost of a raised bed for St George’s Pre-School on Plot 15a.
22. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday 14th August, 2014 at 7pm
23.Additional items for the Agenda of the next Council meeting: 

Closed c.8.48.pm.

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