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

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Village Hall on Thursday 8th May 2014 at 7 pm.
Present: Cllr P White in the Chair, Cllrs M Turner, P Loudoun, W Knight, J Bradford, C Drayson, H Tizard, M Kirby, M Lovell.  
There were 7 members of the public present.
1.	Apologies for absence.  None. Cllr Knight had sent apologies for late arrival: he arrived c. 7.20 pm. 
2.	Declarations of interest / Grant of Dispensations. None. The Clerk reminded remaining Cllrs that they should review their Declarations and inform her if there were any changes before the AGM.
3.	RoWLO Report. Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle reported that as St Mary’s School had missed the opening ceremony for the Priest’s Way project, an alternative event has been arranged for 19th May at 9.30 am: he encouraged Cllrs to attend. Concerns have been raised about state of the Windmill Lane path at the N end in the area of a cattle feeder: DCC’s Tom Bennett will be notified. There are still concerns about the legality of the footpath, and Mr V-A will confirm its status in the Dubber and Gazette. There have been requests for more dog-friendly stiles, and these have been referred to DCC, but lack of funding means that work will not be put in hand in the near future. Cllr Drayson suggested that these requests be prioritised as Purbeck is such a popular area for walkers/visitors. Mr V-A was thanked by the Chairman for his contributions as RoWLO.
4.	National Trust Report. The Trust have been surveying stiles and gates on NT land in Worth, Langton and Harman’s Cross; there are 436, half of which are on footpaths; just under half of these will need repairs within the next 2 years. Mr Kershaw will liaise with Tom Bennett and Ian V-A to decide priorities. Work on the new quarry site at Broadmead has resulted in removal of topsoil recently reinstated next door; this was required as part of the planning permission. Lovell Purbeck will be extracting on the S side of the Priest’s Way. Langton Stone Museum has been given a new capstan arm. The Priest’s Way project has been reported in regional NT publications. Cllr Drayson asked Mr Kershaw about the Trust’s policy for hedge-laying on its land; he replied that tenants are encouraged to lay hedges at least every ten years, and ‘working holiday’ groups and volunteers are also used. Cllr White thanked Mr Kershaw for his report, and noted the value of his presence at Council meetings.
5.	Public Discussion Period. a) Wall on N side of road opposite Steppes Hill House.  Mr Barrie Mayes asked the Council to do something about the poor condition of the wall. Cllr Knight said that it is private property. ACTION: Clerk to write to Andrew Martin, DCC Highways, noting the Council’s concerns about the wall and asking for DCC’s view on the matter; copy to Mr Stiles, the wall’s owner.
b) Mr Pete Christie expressed concern about the effect of increasing levels of ‘Coasteering’ activity on breeding seabirds in the area of Dancing Ledge, and asked the National Trust to look into the matter. Mr Kershaw explained that the Trust have increased bird surveys to provide accurate data with which to assess and possibly challenge such recreational use of the coast and restrict certain areas: until they have sufficient hard evidence it is difficult to do so effectively. He noted that coastal users such as climbers presently operate with voluntary restrictions to protect nesting sites.  
c) Mr George Crabb asked if ‘Coasteering’ groups are allowed to have banners at Spyway Farm, and whether toilet facilities are available for such recreational groups (there are now 8+ commercial groups operating most weekends in the summer months) in the Dancing Ledge area. Mr Kershaw responded that such advertising is not permitted, and there are no toilet facilities: the Trust will look at both matters. Mr V-A added that group minibuses are parking in the Spyway car park and Durnford Drove, making problems for residents and walkers etc.  Cllr Loudoun suggested that there should be a complete ban on climbing and ‘Coasteering’ activity during the breeding season (1st March-31st July). 
d) Felled Monterey Cypress in St George’s Churchyard. Mr Roger Sheppard asked why it had been necessary to fell the tree. Cllr Knight advised that planning permission had been obtained from the PDC tree officer because the tree had been losing branches in the recent gales and was unsafe.
6. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. Actions as above (Item 5).
7.  Planning Matters. 
   1) Comments from members of the public : a) 6/2014/0180 Mrs. A. Cattallo, (Hill View Cottage) – see below. The Clerk had received 3 letters plus 2 e-mail comments from neighbours, all objecting to the scheme.
  2) To make comments concerning the following plans :-
   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.
Cllr Drayson noted that approvals for extensions to small houses such as that under discussion meant that the stock of affordable market housing in Langton was diminishing. Objection on grounds that the height of the proposed building will result in serious overlooking to neighbours.
b) 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.  No Objection.
c) 6/2014/0207  Miss Linsay Farr, New Buildings (4), Coombe, Langton Matravers, BH19 3DL. Erect replacement entrance porch to front elevation. No Objection.
3) Planning decisions since the last Parish Council Meeting:-
a) TWA/2014/0036  Mrs. Anita Cubitt, High Street (The Old Malthouse), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HB. (T1 - T4) Pines - fell; (T5) Pine - remove the lowest 5 limbs; (T6) Pine - remove the lowest limb that hangs over the swings - District of Purbeck (The Old Malthouse School No.1) TPO 2007 (Ref.332) & Langton Matravers Conservation Area
Split decision – T1-3 and T5 REFUSED. T4 Pine to be felled and replanted.
b) 6/2014/0112 Ms A Bell and Mr G Bell, East Drove (Woodbury), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HF. Raise roof height to form habitable accommodation with dormer windows, insert rooflights in north elevation and erect side extension. Modify vehicular access. Approved.
8. Minutes of the Meeting held 10th April 2014. The Minutes were agreed as a correct record and signed.
9.  Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a) Item 15. Housing Needs Meeting, 7.4.2014. The proposed Spyway Orchard Rural Exception Site had been given pre-planning advice by PDC on 2nd May and the developer now has to produce a revised plan and do a Viability Assessment justifying the type and number of market houses relative to affordable housing proposed. The Council will be sent a copy of the new plan for comment. .
b) Item 18 (2). The cost of the hall hire for the Minerals meeting (22.1.2014) has been added to the list of payments (as minuted at 18(4) b)).
c) Item 18a). Footway Lights. The Chairman had read articles about possible problems with LED lighting, and asked the Council’s approval before putting the work in hand. RESOLVED: To go ahead with the proposed scheme for replacement footway lights as already approved.
d) Item 16. Parish Assembly. (23rd April). Several Cllrs had received positive feedback. Cllr Drayson and the Clerk were particularly thanked for their hard work, and it was agreed to thank all those who contributed and attended through the Dubber and letters. ACTION: Clerk.
e) The Internal Auditor had noted the omission on the payment record on p. 652 of the Minutes (Meeting 9th May 2913) (payment present in the accounts); £66.00 to SSE Contracting. It was agreed to record the payment in the minutes of this meeting.
10.  The Clerk’s Report for the period  5.4.2014 - 2.5.2014.  Report received.
11.  Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report. 
a) Item 12. Request from Mrs Rachel Timings for kissing gates between Acton and Langton. Mr V-A said that he would forward the request to DCC/NT: there is policy to replace stiles with swing gates where possible. ACTION: Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle (RoWLO).
b) Item 18. Request from LMAA for support to buy new mower for the allotment. After discussion, and review of the PC’s obligations at the allotments regarding repair and replacement of the boundary fence etc., it was agreed not to contribute to the cost of a new mower. ACTION: Clerk to write to Mrs Pearson.
c) Item 20. Road Markings outside St George’s School. These have been delayed by bad weather, but should be done within the next couple of weeks.
d) The Clerk will take annual leave from 24rd-31st May. It was agreed to post the agenda papers on 23rd   May (early), rather than after her return (late). ACTION: Clerk.
12.  Chairman’s Announcements.  The Chairman expressed his appreciation of the work of all Cllrs in the last four years, and in particular, of retiring Cllrs Bradford, Kirby and Tizard. Cllr Bradford has made a great contribution to village life while serving on the Council for over 42 years. Cllr Kirby’s support in technical and financial areas and Cllr Tizard’s expertise in practical matters were also noted.
13.  County and District Councillor’s Report. The Steppes Hill footway widening project has now been agreed by the relevant people and should be put in hand in September. Plans to include Nrs 15 and 17 High Street in the Putlake footway widening project are in hand, but may stall for lack of extra funding. The Railway Signalling work will be signed off next week.
14. Yellow Line passing Bays in the High Street. Tony Burt (DCC) has informed LMPC that Langton’s request is now third on the list and he will hope to come shortly to a site meeting to discuss it further. Cllr White asked that the S side of the road between the King’s Arms and the Hyde also be included, and Cllr Loudoun asked that a bus cage be painted by the new Steppes bus shelter to deter parking there. ACTION: Clerk to contact DCC Highways (Sue McGregor). Mr Burt had suggested that the markings around St George’s School will not require a TRO, as had been promised by Andrew Brown, Head of Traffic Engineering. ACTION: Clerk to check that they will have a TRO.
15. Review and Update Risk Register and Standing Orders. Having reviewed both documents, Cllrs RESOLVED: To accept the current Risk Register and Standing orders without change. 
16. NALC Consultation on National Planning Policy Framework.  Cllr Drayson expressed concern about the NPPF approach to sustainability and the way that neither Central Govt or Local Authorities will accept responsibility for handing down housing quotas: each said that it was the decision of the other as to what should and could not go into Local Plans. Unfortunately the deadline for response had passed, and so, after discussion it was agreed to make a formal response from the Council at another time. 
17. Footway Widening at Steppes Hill and Putlake. As Item 13 above.
18. Financial Matters.
(1)   Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting: 
       £ 20.00    Monument fee – the late Arthur Hobbs, Plot P 17.
       £ 50.00    Monument fee – the late Terry Dorland, Plot Xa) CR.
       £ 500.00  Burial plot – the late Eira Grace  Thomas, Plot N13.
       £ 8,490.00  PDC- 1st Half Precept and Council Tax Support Grant, 2014-15.
       £ 30.00    Allotment rent and water charge, Plot 21B.
       £ 10.00    Monument fee – the late Richard Lang, Plot L 18.
 (2)   Note the following Payments by cheque to be made since last Meeting:
£ 150.00   Ian Bugler, Grounds Maintenance (April).
£ 513.51   Clerk’s salary (April). 
£ 376.00   Elliott’s Cleaning Co. Public Toilets and Bus Shelter (April).
£ 49.50     Court Hill Wines – Refreshments for Parish Assembly.
£ 510.48   Southern Electric – Unmetered supply for footway lights 2014-15.
£ 747.70    Came and Co. Annual Insurance premium.
£ 53.00     2nd Class Stamps – cash payment.
£ 200.00   John Kennedy, Internal Audit 2013-14. 
(3) 	Payments by Direct Debit:
         £ 40.86     XLN Telecom for phone and broadband. 
 (4) Other Financial Matters. a) Council Insurance.  RESOLVED: To accept Came and Co.’s proposal for 2014-15.
b) Accounts. Following internal audit, it was i) RESOLVED:That the audited accounts for 2013-14 are  accepted by the Council. 
ii) RESOLVED: That all parts of the Annual Governance Statement (Section 2 of External Audit are accepted by the Council.
c) Review and Update Finance Regulations. RESOLVED: To accept the Financial Regulations as agreed January 2014, with the addition of the words ‘quarterly and’ to point 16, (internal audit). 
d) Approve Updated Asset Register. Several suggestions were made by Cllr Bradford and others regarding possible new entries on the register, and it was decided to seek advice from DAPTC as to what should be included before finalising the register for the year. ACTION: Clerk.
e) Office Computer. Cllr White informed the Council that the computer was in need of replacement or repair. Cllr Kirby suggested that old files be removed and stored on hard disk, and the computer ‘cleaned’ to see if this would improve running speed. It was agreed that the Clerk look at options for replacement, probably with a desktop, to bring to the next meeting. ACTION: Clerk.
20.  Cemetery Matters: (1) Council’s Cemetery. Cllr Loudoun reported that spoil from gravedigging needs to be levelled off in the new part of the cemetery: he will do this. ACTION: Cllr Loudoun. It was suggested that future subsoil be tipped along the verge to the E side of the road up from the N gate. Undertakers should be informed of this, and Mr Bugler asked not to make bonfires at the cemetery. ACTION: Clerk.  Cllr Loudoun said that the new area will need to be gradually mowed. 
(2) Closed Cemetery. No points for discussion.
21. Allotments.  a) The Clerk read out a letter from Mrs Cubitt, head at St George’s School, announcing with regret that they have given up their allotment plot (21a). The new tenant of the other half of plot 21 had heard that it was being given up, and asked to swap to plot 21a. As it has separated raised beds, Mrs. Spilling had contacted the Council to see if it might be possible to use the plot for individuals who wanted only a small plot. After discussion, it was RESOLVED: To allow Mr Travers to swap to plot 21a. .ACTION: Cllr Kirby to inform Mr Travers. It was noted that 2 tenants, despite saying that they wished to retain their plots, still had not paid.
22. The date of the next meeting (to include AGM) was confirmed as Thursday 5th June, 2014 at 7pm
23.Additional items for the Agenda of the next Council meeting: ‘Cyclist’ notice (suggestion from Parish Assembly).

Closed 9.37.pm.

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