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

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council, held in the Village Hall on Thursday 12th March 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, R Lucas.
There were 17 adults and 5 younger members of the public present. Most of the young people were members of Langton Scouts.
During the meeting the Clerk announced that it was being (audio) recorded. There were no objections from members of the public.
1. Apologies for absence. None.
2. Declarations of Interest / Grant of Dispensations. None.
3. National Trust Report. New gates and fencing has been installed around the new part of the Spyway car park, though the necessary hardstanding is not yet in place. When the new section of overflow car park is in use the S gate will be closed. The cutting season is over for the woodland project at Langton West Wood, and work will move to provision of deer fencing. A new member of staff has joined the local team to work with farmers, on conservation, on bird monitoring and with user groups. The draft of the license for activity groups is being finalised and will be shown to the Council at the April meeting. Mr Kershaw was thanked for his report.
4. Public Discussion Period. The meeting was adjourned for this agenda item.
a) Mrs Jasmine Cattle, speaking on behalf of the Langton Matravers Local History and Preservation Society, reported that, following a suggestion under Item 17 of February’s Council meeting, she had discussed the possibility of the change of use of the Ship Inn to a museum with Mr Beck, the owner. He had expressed interest in the proposal. 
b) Mr.Steve Hutchings, a resident of Acton, thanked the Council for work done in trying to sort out issues of over-use of the coast by activity groups. He considers that some options proposed are inappropriate, in particular the proposal for an extension to the car park at Acton to include coaches and pay-and-display, which might lead to ‘urbanisation of the village’. He feels that the new proposed total numbers for each session are still too high, and that LMPC should re-address the issues before the NT make any formal proposals
c) Mrs Maggie Sutton, resident of Acton, also expressed concerns about proposed changes to the Acton car park, arguing that access and wider traffic management issues show that this is not the best solution. She suggested alternatives, such as developing Norden Park and Ride, and asked the Council to look at the wider issue of visitor management in Purbeck in relation to problems of limited infrastructure. She asked the Council to support Acton residents in their opposition to the proposals for an Acton coach park.
d) Mr Martin Kirby asked if there had been advertising in Swanage to tell residents there that they could now apply for Langton allotment tenancies. Cllr Christie reported that a note had been posted on the Swanage Facebook site, and the Clerk had received an enquiry from a Swanage resident which is being followed up. Mr Kirby asked that Swanage Town Council be contacted too. ACTION: Clerk.
e) Mr Martyn Pring, Langton resident, expressed concern about the future of the school field if the proposed transfer of St George’s School to a Trust goes ahead.
f) Mr Adam Field, Langton Matravers Scout, asked the Council to consider installing a pedestrian crossing at Coombe, as it is dangerous for children to walk to and from school at present. 
g) Mr John Russ, resident of Acton, asked that the Council consider expanding Norden Park and Ride before following proposals to expand the Acton car park.
The meeting was reconvened.
5. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. 
a) Coombe crossing. Cllr Knight advised the meeting that this is a matter for DCC, and it was noted that the Council had asked for a crossing 2 years ago, and been turned down on the grounds that statistics did not justify the need. Cllr Drayson asked that PDC be encouraged to include a crossing at Coombe as part of their safe transport routes policy. ACTION: Clerk to include in PDC consultation response. Cllr Lovell will ask at County level. RESOLVED: To ask DCC to install an appropriate pedestrian crossing at the junction of the B3069 and the A351 at Coombe corner, Langton Matravers. ACTION: Clerk.
Cllr Drayson asked Mr Field if he could write a letter in support of the Council’s request. Cllr Sheppard suggested that the Council ask for volunteers to collect traffic statistics.
b) Acton Coach Park. Cllr Christie stated that the real problem is the increase in recreational tourism in Purbeck, and proposed that there should be Purbeck-wide action to resolve this. He suggested that the Chair meet other Chairs to look at solutions. Cllr Drayson noted that the AONB Annual Forum, held at Harman’s Cross on 11th March, had included reports on work on Visitor Management: they have plans to develop a wide-based group to address tourism issues: Parish Councils will be included. Cllr Lovell reported that DCC are also working on the same issue: Joseph Rose is Project manager. Cllr Knight expressed appreciation of the way in which the NT are addressing the problem, particularly in relation to activity group visitor numbers, and Cllr Loudoun suggested that if numbers were further reduced in future years coaches would not be needed anyway. Jon Kershaw (NT) said that numbers for activities will be capped at ALL sites along the coast, and that any car park plans will go to local consultation before being presented to PDC for Planning permission. 
6.  Planning Matters. 
1) There were no comments from members of the public concerning the plans (1 a-d).
2) To make comments concerning the following plans:- 
a)	6/2015/0110 Dorset County Council, Knitson Lane (Knaveswell Farm), Corfe Castle, BH20 5JB. Repair and replacement of windows and doors. No Objection.
b) 6/2015/0102 Mr Patrick Costeloe, Gully (4), Swanage, BH19 3DN. Erect workshop. No Objection.
c) 6/2015/0105 Mr D.Hitchcock, High Street (47), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HA. Repair to eastern wall of dining room. No objection.
d) 6/2015/0138 Mrs Bibra, High Street (66 - Flagstones), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HB. Changes to PP 6/2013/0413 Erect replacement artists studio and remodelling of existing outbuildings (to retain the building as constructed with steel coated raised seam sheet roofing, remove sculpture studio from development scheme and retain west boundary wall at existing height). No Objection.
3). Receive planning decisions affecting this parish since the last Parish Council Meeting: 
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. No Objection. 
b)	 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. Approved.
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. Approved.
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. Approved.
4). Other planning matters. There were none.
7. Minutes of the Meeting held 12th February 2015.These were agreed to be a correct record and signed.
8. Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a) Item 1. Presentation and Q and A with Chris McDermott. Cllr Drayson expressed concern that several aspects of Mrs McDermott’s talk and responses had not clarified matters, despite follow-up information sent to the Clerk. The issue of ‘local homes for local people’ remains unresolved. Cllr Lovell explained that Govt. policy does not permit it. Cllr Knght suggested that Langton needs a Neighbourhood Plan. Cllr Christie said that Tom Munroe of the AONB stated that AONB areas have the same protection as National Parks, which should help with local housing issues. 
b) Item 10 a). The Clerk reported that Messrs. Reed and Osborne will attend the Parish Assembly to give a presentation on Local Resilience. 
c) Item 12 b). The Play Equipment on the School Field has now been mended under guarantee; St George’s School have offered to pay the labour costs. Howard Tizard was thanked for lending the safety fencing while the Council waited for the repair to be carried out.  ACTION: Clerk to write letter of thanks to Mr Tizard. 
d) Item 21. The Clerk had sent out all the new Tenancy Agreements, and over half had already been returned. 
e) Item 18. Academy Status for St George’s School. Cllr Christie reported on a village meeting on the subject on 5th March, at which concerns had been expressed, amongst other points, on the future of the school field if the change does or does not go ahead. After discussion, it was RESOLVED: To take action to transfer ownership of St George’s school field from Dorset County Council to Langton Matravers Parish Council.  Cllr Knight pointed out that although any future academy would notionally ‘own’ the field, any assets would actually be under the control of the Secretary of State: the Trust cannot sell the assets, except with his/her permission. In the Purbeck Local Plan the field is an ‘Open recreational area’. Cllr Knight advised that the school governors would be taking a  decision on 18th March, either to say ‘Yes’, ‘No’ or to continue investigation of the proposals for Trust/Academy status. ACTION: Clerk.
9. The Clerk’s Report for the period 6.2.2015 – 6.3.2015.  Report received.
10.  Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report. 
a) Item 14. RESOLVED: To support the Spring Litter Pick on 19th, 20th, 21st March with the usual equipment and public liability insurance. Cllr Lovell asked that the Clerk write to PDC’s Chief Executive about the bad state of litter on the A351 verges. ACTION: Clerk.
b) Item 26. St George’s School Governors – Funding for Play Area Repair.  ACTION: Clerk to send letter of thanks. 
c) Item 27. RESOLVED: To remove Mr Senior’s complaint from the website.
d) Item 35. Steve Tooley – Mount Pleasant Lane Junction with B3069 - replace pavers with tarmac on safety grounds. After discussion, it was agreed not to follow up Mr. Tooley’s proposal. It was noted that the pavement was in a Conservation Area, and that it should indicate priority for pedestrians. ACTION: Clerk to ask DCC Highways to reinforce bedding for central pavers to improve stability. 
e) Item 38. Travers memorial Tree. RESOLVED: To allow planting of flowering cherry and holly trees at S boundary of Crack Lane cemetery in memory of Les and Rachel Travers. ACTION: Clerk to inform relatives.
f) RESOLVED: To pay for the hire of LMVH for Purbeck DAPTC meeting on 24th June 2015.
g) The Clerk reported that she had attended the Annual DAPTC conference on 25th Feb. The new Council Awards scheme seemed similar to the previous scheme, and Cllrs were happy not to follow this up.
g) Item 15. ‘The Common’. Cllr Drayson reminded Cllrs of this important meeting on 20th March.
11.  Chairman’s Announcements. The Chair reminded Cllrs of the Parish Assembly on Wednesday 22nd April. RESOLVED: To go ahead with plans and invitations as in previous years. To allow up to £100.00 to provide refreshments, including wine. ACTION: Cllrs Drayson, Clerk, all Cllrs.
12.  County and District Councillor’s Report. Cllr Lovell reported that the consultation on the Valley Road speed limit change had brought much opposition and little support. He is to have another £5,000 in April to use for the benefit of constituents as he sees fit. 
13. Response to PLPPRAG (PDC) Consultation. Cllr Knight proposed responses to Qs. 2, 3, 4, 10 and 13 of the questionnaire: these were accepted with amendments. The Council also commented on Qs.9, 14b and 15, and resolved to accept Dr Mary Sparks’s submission in its entirety in section 21. RESOLVED: To circulate response at 21 to all other parishes in Purbeck. ACTION: Clerk to put all responses on website.
14. Engaging Young People. Cllr Lucas had been in touch with Linda Buckley (Scouts) and also written to the school. The Scout and Guide groups will be invited to do a presentation for the Parish Assembly. A new badge scheme to promote Community Involvement may encourage further integration. Main areas of interest/concern for young people are the school field, and safe access areas for group walks etc. which will not affect farmers.  In response to a question form Cllr Loudoun, Cllr Lucas said that many local young people work for commercial activity groups doing Coasteering etc. 
At this point the Chair suggested that, owing to pressure of time, only Items 15 and 20 1) and 2) were addressed.
15. Proposals for extended car park at Acton.  Cllr Loudoun said that the Council shared Acton residents’ concerns, and feels that the NT must be made aware of the consequences of attracting members of the public to beauty spots etc. He asked that the Council wait until firm proposals are in place, and consider these in relation to the needs of Acton residents. 
20.  Financial Matters.
(1) 	Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting:
       £ 25.00     Allotment rent. 2015.
(2) 	Note the following Payments by cheque or cash to be made since last Meeting:
       £ 60.00     Ian Bugler, Grounds Maintenance (February).
       £ 570.83   Clerk’s salary (February).
£ 142.50   Elliott’s Cleaning Co. Public Toilet and Bus shelter cleaning (February).
£ 50.00     DAPTC Annual conference fee.
£ 1.98       Office supplies. – Cash payment to Langton PO.
£ 49.82     2nd Class stamps – Cash payment to Langton PO.
£ 8.15       HMRC – NI payment.
3) Payment by Direct Debit:
£ 38.47 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. 
22. The date of the next full Council meeting was confirmed as Thursday 9th April, 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 / Parish Assembly / Review situation re: stiles and gates. 

Closed c. 9.30pm.

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