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

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council, including the Annual Meeting of the Council, held in the Village Hall on Thursday 5th June 2014 at 7 pm.
Present: Cllr P White in the Chair (see 4 below), Cllrs M Turner, P Loudoun, P Christie, R Lucas, C Drayson, R Sheppard, M Lovell.  
There were 27 members of the public present.
1.	Welcome to New Council and signing of Acceptance of Office. Cllr White welcomed new Cllrs Christie, Lucas and Sheppard, and all Cllrs signed their Acceptance of Office documents.
2.	Apologies for absence.  Cllr Knight.
3.	Election of Chairman. Cllr Turner took the Chair, and before nominating Cllr White as Chair for the next year, thanked him for all the work he has done for the Council in the last year. Cllr White was unanimously re-elected as Chairman.
4.	Election of Vice-Chairman. Cllr Turner was unanimously re-elected as Vice-Chairman. At this point Cllr White asked Cllr Turner to take the Chair for the duration of the meeting, which he did.
5.	Declarations of Interest / Grant of Dispensations. No Cllrs wished to change their Declarations of Interest. New Cllrs will submit theirs shortly. All will need to ask for new dispensations at the next meeting.
6.	RoWLO Report. Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle reported that the St Mary’s School re-enactment of the opening ceremony for the Priest’s Way project had been successful, and he thanked the NT and the Chairman and his wife for their support. The final meeting for the project will be held on 10th June: Mr V-A does not anticipate there being any residual problems.  DCC’s Tom Bennett will be adding further waymarkers and will be contacting the Scott estate asking them to remind wildfowlers that the Windmill Lane path is a public right of way. Mr Bennett is also working on a diversion round the cattle-feeder. Mr V-A asked if Council would like him to organise a Parish Walk as part of National Countryside Week (July 14-20th), which would involve support and a small Council donation to the Prince’s Countryside fund. Cllrs were enthusiastic about the idea. ACTION: Mr V-A The Chairman thanked Mr V-A for his report.
7.	National Trust Report. The Trust have finished their survey of access infrastructure and installed and repaired some stiles and gates. The total cost for repairs in the area is c. £24,000 and they are looking at ways to raise this sum. The NT are submitting a planning application for proposed overflow for Spyway car park, and are also looking at alternative parking options for activity providers, such as ’Coasteering’ groups, including alternative egress and a new parking site.  The NT is considering  licensing activity providers for access to facilities including parking on NT land, though they will not be licensing the activity itself. 
8.	Public Discussion Period. 
a) Mr David Senior spoke on behalf of residents of Durnford Drove and Gypshayes about parking problems caused by ‘Coasteering’ and other leisure groups there. He had previously written to the Council expressing serious concerns, as had other residents. At weekends and holiday periods there is serious congestion caused by legal and illegal parking in both streets, meaning that emergency vehicles cannot get through and the situation is dangerous. He noted that the National Trust advertise Spyway car park, though this is adequate for only c.20 cars. People, including allotment holders, parking in the turning circle makes the problem worse. There are often several activity groups using the Spyway car park, and the Drove and Gypshayes become ‘overspill’ parking. He made several suggestions to improve the situation, including immediate expansion of Spyway car park, ‘Car Park Full’ signs, double yellow lines and getting Police to enforce restrictions. He asked that the NT take some responsibility, such as changes to its website to reflect the fact that the Spyway car park is too small.  He noted that we all have a duty of care to residents and visitors to the area. Mrs Georgina Wright also expressed her concerns about lack of access for emergency vehicles and anti-social behaviour by visitors when challenged about parking. Mrs Marion Page noted that open-air changing by activity groups at the car-park was anti-social, and informed Mr Kershaw of the NT that overnight camping was commonplace at the car park, leading to litter and worse. Mr Dave Mutton, Operations Manager of ‘Land and Wave’, a ‘Coasteering’ group, stressed that his group were keen to engage with the local community: he had been co-operating with Mr Senior in trying to find a way to resolve the situation. They had been using the Scout Hut to try to get over changing issues. Cllr Drayson asked if clients could get ready elsewhere and be bussed in; apparently this happens with students, but weekend clients usually make their way independently. Mr Kershaw said that the Trust was working on solutions (see report above) and explained that they are looking at possible restriction zones for activities on the cliffs which affect bird populations.
b) Mrs. Daryle Pearson, Chair of the LMAA reported complaints by allotment holders about weeds and unmown paths. Following St George’s School having given up its plot, the Pre-School had asked if they could have a raised bed on another plot.
9. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. Regarding 8a) above, it was noted that no Police were available to enforce parking laws and maintain public order. Cllr Drayson said that the present parking situation was unsustainable, and Cllr Sheppard suggested that the NT have a manned car park; Cllr Christie suggested Capston Field as a possible site for a visitor car park. It was RESOLVED: To write a strong letter to the National Trust, Land and Wave and other activity organizations, expressing concern and asking for solutions to the problems outlined by residents during the Public Discussion period. To write also to DCC Highways, DCC’s Countryside Dept. and Dorset Police.     
10.  Planning Matters. 
1)  6/2014/0261 Mr. and Mrs. Taylor, Gypshayes (Spyway - formally Homeway), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HQ. Erect rear single-storey flat-roofed extension with roof lantern. Erect timber outbuilding in rear garden (retrospective). 
There were no comments from members of the public.
2) To make comments concerning the following plans:-
 As 1. No Objection.
3) Planning decisions since the last Parish Council Meeting.
a) TWA/2014/0060 Mr. David Duncan, High Street (85 - West Drove), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HA. T1) Horse chestnut - fell - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. Approved.
b) 6/2014/0138 P.A.and P.M.Earley, Durnford Drove (Spyway Farm), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HG. Erect agricultural building over existing cattle handling area. Approved.
c) 6/2013/0667 Leeson House Field Studies Centre, Langton Matravers, Swanage, BH19 3EU. Construction of ground floor extension to provide accessible dormitories with adult bedroom, accessible shower room, store. Approved (DCC).
d) 6/2014/0176 Mr. and Mrs. P Lightowler, Toms Field Road (Herpstone), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HN. Raise roof height to front extension, erect side extension, insert dormer window and rooflights and alterations to windows and doors. Erect detached garage. Approved.
4). a) RESOLVED: To pay£50 fee to PDC for Planning training for Councillors for the year. 
      b) Council’s formal response to Navitus Bay Wind Park Application.  Councillors offered individual views on the project, and after discussion it was RESOLVED: To object to the application on the grounds of potential effects on tourism and the World Heritage Site, negative effects on wildlife (birds and marine), and on economic and technical grounds. ACTION: Clerk to respond to the Planning Inspectorate via the Council’s ‘Registration and Relevant Representation Form’.
11. Appoint or Confirm Council Officers, Representatives and Part-Time Employee.
      Rights of Way Liaison Officer: Ian Vaughan-Arbuckle.
      Tree and Hedgerow Officer: Cllr Drayson.
      Emergency Liaison Officer: Cllr Christie.
      Representative on St George’s School Governing Body: Mrs. V.Winch.
      Representative on the Village Hall Management Committee: Cllr Knight.
      Representatives on Purbeck Association of Parish and Town Councils: Cllr Drayson, Clerk.
      Contact for PACT: Cllr Sheppard.
      Allotment Liaison Officers: Cllrs White and Christie.
      Representatives on the Timson Trust: Cllrs Loudoun, Turner and White.
      Youth Liaison Officer: Cllr Lucas.
      Dr M Sparks was confirmed as Clerk to the Council, Responsible Financial Officer and Clerk to the Burial Board. Mr. J Kennedy was confirmed as the internal auditor, and it was agreed to retain the services of Santander as the Council’s bank.       
12. Minutes of the Meeting held 5th May 2014. The Minutes were agreed as a correct record and signed.
13.  Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a) Item 5a). Wall on N side of road by Steppes Hill House. It was confirmed that the owner of the wall was Mr. David Styles. Action: Clerk to write as agreed in May.
b) Item 5c)  Cllr Drayson noted that there were still ‘Coasteering’ banners at Spyway. ACTION: Clerk to ask NT to remove.
c) Item 9b). Minerals meeting Hall hire. DCC had apologised for asking LMPC to pay; this was an error, and the Council has now been refunded.
d) Item 11c)  The road markings outside St George’s School  have still not been done. The Clerk is liaising with DCC and the school to get this done as soon as possible, and ensure that they have a TRO.
e) Item 13. Putlake Footway. There will be a site meeting with DCC and David Hill of the Scott Estate on 16th July to discuss the land needed for the new veraion of the footway widening scheme.
f) Item 18:4. The new version of the Council’s Asset Register has been approved by the Council’s insurance company, Came and Co., and will be sent to the External Auditor in due course.
14.  The Clerk’s Report for the period  3.5.2014- 4.6.2014.  Report received.
15.  Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report. 
a) Item 1. Dorset Waste Partnership. Cllr Lovell noted that DWP may be planning to remove dog waste collections. ACTION: Clerk to contact DWP in writing to clarify the situation.
b) Item 14. Play Area Report. The toddler swings need heightening. ACTION: Cllr Christie.
c) Item 17. A Dog Chipping event will be held at the Parish Office on 20th June. 
d) Item 18. Request for Speed indicator. The Council deceided that this would be useful at the top of the village. ACTION: Clerk to make formal request to DCC.
e) Item 21. Acton Bus Shelter and road markings. The Council does not wish to remove the graffiti in the shelter. ACTION: Clerk to inform DCC Highways about unclear road markings at Worth gate.
16.  Chairman’s Announcements.  There were none. 
17.  County and District Councillor’s Report. Cllr Lovell noted the ‘Ask Dorset’ consultation presently in progress; DCC are finding out what the public’s priorities are for their communities.
18. Cyclists Notice.Following a request made at the Parish Assembly it was RESOLVED: To ask DCC Highways for 2 notices saying ‘Cyclists- Please Slow Down’, to be placed at the W entrance to the village and at Steppes. ACTION: Clerk to contact DCC Highways.
19. Financial Matters.
(1)   Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting: 
        £ 15.00    DCC reimbursement for Hall hire for Minerals Meeting.       
 (2)   Note the following Payments by cheque to be made since last Meeting:
£ 165.00   Ian Bugler, Grounds Maintenance (May).
£ 513.51   Clerk’s salary (May). 
£ 479.14   Elliott’s Cleaning Co. Public Toilets. (May).
£ 78.00     Playsafety Limited – ROSPA Annual Play Area Inspection.
£ 1,150.94 SSE Contracting – Disconnection/reconnection expenses for 8 footway lights (Acton and Langton).
£ 309.70  SSE Contracting – Disconnection cost for footway light at Castle View.
£ 61.94    Euroffice – Printer cartridges – CASH payment to Clerk.
£ 276.17  DAPTC Annual Subscription.
£ 15.00    Hire of Memorial room for Housing meeting, 7th April 2014.
£ 10.19    Printer Paper – CASH payment to M.Lovell.
       
 (3) 	Payments by Direct Debit:
         £ 40.37     XLN Telecom for phone and broadband. 
 (4) Other Financial Matters.  Office Computer Quotation.  RESOLVED: To accept Peter Andrews’ quotation dated May 2014 for a new desktop computer with i3 processor with associated equipment and works as necessary.
20.  Cemetery Matters: (1) Council’s Cemetery. Cllr Turner proposed that the Council’s Caretaker be supplied with a waste incinerator for use at the cemetery. Cllr Loudoun expressed concern about plastic and metal material in wreaths etc. It was agreed that Mr. Bugler could dispose of compostable material within the unused area of the cemetery as long as this was done discreetly. 
(2) Closed Cemetery. No points for discussion.
21. Allotments.  a) RESOLVED: To allow the Allotment Association to hold the following events on Allotment grounds: 1) Annual Barbeque during June/ July (date to be confirmed). 2) Annual Open Event on Sunday August 10th.2014.
b) There was general discussion about problems with untended plots, unpaid fees, responsibilities for mowing and covering of vacant plots. These will be addressed at the next meeting. Cllr Christie also suggested that tenants support each other when there are difficulties with individual plots. ACTION: Cllr Christie. 
22. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday 10th July, 2014 at 7pm
23.Additional items for the Agenda of the next Council meeting: Parking in Durnford Drove and Gypshayes and for Activity groups.

Closed c. 9.30.pm.

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