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

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Village Hall on Thursday 10th October 2013 at 6.30 pm.
Present: Cllr P White in the Chair, Cllrs M Turner, P Loudoun, W Knight (arrd.c.8 pm), C Drayson, H Tizard,  M Kirby.  
There were15 members of the public present at the start of the meeting.

1.	Presentation on Settlement Boundary Review. Cari Wooldridge from PDC Planning Policy Dept. had brought plans to be viewed, and explained that this review was part of the Partial Review of the Local Plan. The intention is to make the settlement Boundary statutory. The village has until the end of December to make comments on the proposals, including suggestions for additional growth and future sustainable development. An open question session was held; questions were asked about the use of Rural Exception sites to provide affordable housing, and Ms Wooldridge explained about self-build projects.
The Chairman thanked Ms Wooldridge for her presentation.
2.	Apologies for absence.  Mr Ian Vaughan-Arbuckle, RoWLO. 
3.	Declarations of interest / Grant of Dispensations.  There were none.
4.   Reports. a) Footpaths. The Clerk read Mr V-A’s report. DCC Highways have begun work on the Priest’s Way repair project, and the path is now closed to the public: see notices and the local press for updates on when it can be used again.  Additional plans for the Priest’s Way include new signage, a website, leaflet and opening ceremony. DCC have removed the lock and chain on the gate across the Windmill Lane footpath, and a notice now states that it is a public right of way. The DCC Rights of Way Dept. is about to be reorganised, with greater emphasis on income generation and the use of volunteers. Langton Matravers will form part of the newly-designated ‘Coastal Strip’. Steve Kourik is retiring and Jenny Penney will be responsible for the Langton area. It was agreed to write to thank Steve Kourik for all his help and support in the past, and to invite Jenny Penney to come to a Council meeting to give a short presentation about the changes and her new role. ACTION: Clerk.
b) Jonathan Kershaw of the National Trust reported on the fire at South Barn, and as it appears to be arson, asked everyone to be vigilant. The wooded area west of the Acton car park: he has requested information from the Trust records, and is also currently checking with the Forestry Commission as this woodland was created as a millennium project. ACTION: Jonathan Kershaw to report back to next meeting. The Trust are working on the changes at the Spyway car park, including planning permission for re-surfacing of the existing area. Clearance work has been carried out around the Priest’s Way and West Wood. The Dinosaur footprints adjacent to Keates’ quarry have been uncovered, and the Trust is looking at establishing a permissive footpath, maybe going from the Priest’s Way, to provide access to the footprints. Mr Kershaw was asked to provide a map showing the proposed route which could be discussed by Cllrs at the next meeting. ACTION: Jon Kershaw. The Chairman thanked Mr Kershaw for his report.
5.Public Discussion Period. 
a) Dr Chris Spilling asked about the new surfacing for the Priest’s Way. Jon Kershaw said that gabion stone which is presently being laid will be covered by a grade which is ‘20mm to dust’, and this will be rolled to compact the surface and allow flexibility.
b) Mr Robbie Turner asked what sort of surface was planned for the Spyway car park, and expressed concern that a new surface would cause more water run-off and flooding in Durnford Drove in wet weather. Mr Kershaw explained that it would be similar to that used for the Priest’s Way, and rejected the assertion that it would necessarily exacerbate the flooding problems in the area. Cllr Drayson expressed concern about the fact that the downflow of water in the ditch above Durnford Drove is wearing away the side of the tarmac surface of the lane. Cllr Loudoun noted that water coming off the Spyway Car park represented a very small part of total water runoff in that area. 
c) Mrs Cassie Feltham presented a petition from local residents and road users asking the Council to approach DCC to improve the signage around the school. Petitioners would like the Council to take advice from County and Road Safety professionals about how best to improve safety in the High Street. Mr Pete Christie added that there was still a problem with cyclists exceeding the speed limit in the village street. Cllr White noted that Mr Greenleaves, Chair of Governors at St George’s School, had suggested that a priority system might help. Cllr Loudoun advised that it would be good to see what effect the proposed ‘yellow line passing bays’ (presently delayed by DCC admin) might have, and mentioned that some type of ‘rumble strip’ or similar might be useful. He also asked how it is that cycle races through the village can be planned without asking the permission of the community ? 
6. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. 
a) It was agreed that a meeting should be set up with DCC to discuss ways to improve safety (including signage around the school and in relation to cyclists) in the High Street. A representative from the school and PACT officer Iain Leslie will also be invited. ACTION: Clerk.
7.  Planning Matters. 
   1) There were no comments by members of the public.
   2) To make comments concerning the following plans:-
a)   6/2013/0540  Mr & Mrs Saunders, Arundel Terrace (Land Adj. to 8), Langton Matravers BH19 3HW. Erect detached Single Storey Dwelling. 
The Planning Officer concerned, Anthony Bird, had advised the Clerk that PDC had decided to ‘decline to determine’ the application, on the grounds that it had been re-submitted within 2 years of being rejected on appeal.
3) Receive planning decisions affecting this parish since the last parish Council meeting;-
a) 6/2013/0428  Mrs. And Mrs. S. Hutchings, Acton (Quarry Cottage), BH19 3JS, Revised scheme to PP 6/2012/0320 (Erect part single and part two storey rear extension. Alter and extend existing front extension) to erect single storey rear extension, replace existing single storey side extension with two storey side extension. Alter and extend existing front extension. Approved.
4) Other planning matters: 
a) Navitus Bay Proposals  Following a proposal from Cllr White, it was RESOLVED:That the Council does not support the development of the Navitus Bay Wind Park and that a letter of opposition should be sent by the Council to Navitus Bay. Cllr White cited environmental, technical and visual reasons why the development should not go ahead. Second: Cllr Turner. In favour: 1 Abstentions: 4.  ACTION: Clerk.
b) Partial Review of Local Plan/ PDC Design Supplementary Planning Document. It was agreed to defer this to the next meeting and add it to comments on the proposed revisions to the settlement boundary. ACTION: Clerk.
8. Minutes of the Meeting held 12th September 2013. The Minutes were agreed as a correct record and signed.
9.  Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a) Item 8f) Crack Lane Traffic: HGVs. DCC Traffic Engineering had written to say that they are working on a total ban on HGVs in Crack Lane, and will get back to us shortly
b) Item 20). Toilet Contract. The contract has been awarded to Elliott Cleaning Co. The committee has decided to shut the main toilets between October 1st - March 31st on the grounds of cost: the Disabled toilet will remain open over the winter. The new cleaners have already made a marked difference to facilities. The Council will be billed monthly for hours worked. Cllr Turner asked when the Council will receive its first transitional payment from PDC towards the cleaning and maintenance costs. ACTION: Clerk to enquire.
c)  Item 18) DCC Bus Service cuts. Cllr Kirby asked if there had been any response to the Council’s letter to DCC Chief Executive deploring the cuts. The Clerk apologised for not yet having written the letter. ACTION: Clerk.
b) Item 3b) Parking Sign at the N end of Durnford Drove. Cllr Loudoun suggested that any sign indicating available parking should be put at the South end of Durnford Drove, in the turning circle.
10.  The Clerk’s Report for the period 3.8.2013 – 6.9.2013.  Report received.
10.  Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report. 
a) Item 8 & 9.Invitations. Cllrs had received invitations to attend the opening of the Purbeck Film Festival and the Harvest Service at Putlake.
b) Item 13. Village Litter Pick.  Mrs Mayes has planned the Autumn Litter Pick, in conjunction with the National Trust, for 21/22/23rd November. It is hoped that the Scouts will be involved. The Council agreed to lend its support with insurance, risk assessment and litter pickers. 
c) Item 24. Footpath at Putlake.  Mrs Jan Marsh had identified a problem with threatening livestock on a footpath at Putlake. It was agreed to ask Jenny Penney (DCC) to take action to resolve the matter. ACTION: Clerk to contact Ms Penney.
d) Safe Cycle Route. RESOLVED: That the Council support in principle the Swanage School’s plans for a safe cycle route for children from the village going to the Swanage School. ACTION: Clerk. 
11.  Chairman’s Announcements.  In the light of a proposed planning application for a wind turbine, the Chairman asked about the National Trust’s policy on wind power.
12.  Financial Matters.
(1)   Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting: 
          £ 340.00 Interment fee, the late Richard Lang, Plot L18.
          £ 7,260.00 2nd half-year Precept 2013/14.
(2)   Note the following Payments by cheque to be made since last Meeting:
£ 75.00   Mr I. Bugler – Grounds Maintenance (September). 
£ 513.51   Clerk’s salary (September). 
£ 204.28   Wessex Water. Allotment water supply 20.03.2013-06.09.2013.
£ 107.41   Wessex Water. Toilet block water supply. 07.03.2013 – 05.09.2013.
£ 35.00     DAPTC Clerk’s Seminar fee, 18.9.2013.
£ 59.25     Southern Electric. Supply to Toilet block 2.7.2013 to 18.9.2013.
£ 660.00   St George’s School Jubilee Project (grant).
£ 1,474.64 Roy Brooks Decorating Ltd. Toilet block refurbishment.
£ 240.00   BDO Annual audit fee.
£ 18.00     Scott Estate, rent for toilet block land.
 (3) 	Payments by Direct Debit:
         £ 38.39     XLN Telecom for phone and broadband. 
 (4) Other Financial Matters. a) The Clerk reported that the annual VAT return has been sent.
13.  Cemetery Matters: (1) Council’s Cemetery. Row P. Owners of the relevant plots have been contacted, and plans are in hand to allocate new plots in the near future. 
(2) Closed Cemetery. No points for discussion.
14. Allotments.  a) Plot 1A. Mrs Jasmine Cattle will be taking over Plot 1A from Pippa Roberts.
b) Plot 21b. Mr and Mrs Arnold will be giving up the plot at the end of October. Mrs Bridget Mayes, presently on the waiting List, will be offered the plot.
c) The Council has no objection to the request by the LMAA to erect a notice board outside the community shed.
LMAA would like to put up a noticeboard outside the Community Shed.
d) Water. The new annual figures for the water bill are now available. It was RESOLVED: That the water rates for 2014 be £8.50 per full plot and £4.25 per half plot.
15. Future of Council’s Land. Fiona Astin of Aster Homes/Synergy had visited the site and confirmed that it might be suitable for affordable housing if a need was shown. She will send outline proposals for consideration in due course.
16. Housing Needs Survey  The survey will go out to all homes in the parish on 21st October, to be returned by 11th November. The Clerk had not established whether the survey could be advertised in the Advertiser and Gazette. After discussion about the need to reach younger people, it was RESOLVED: To open a Parish Council ‘Facebook’ account to communicate with younger people,  initially to publicise the Langton Matravers Housing Needs Survey.  ACTION: Cllr Kirby to set up account. Clerk to find out about advertisng the survey in the Gazette, Advertiser, if PDC cannot do this.
17. Lights at ‘Weathertop’ and in Acton. The light at ‘Weathertop’ was working intermittently. RESOLVED: As there is minimal community benefit, and to save energy, no action will be taken to repair the ‘Weathertop’ light.  The light at Acton was considered to be of community benefit, and it was RESOLVED: That the Acton light be repaired. ACTION: Clerk to contact SSE. 
18. Re-filling of Grit Bins. Cllr White had been round and checked all the bins: most have hardly been used. Cllr Loudoun confirmed that the Council still has a full dumpy bag of grit in reserve if necessary. DCC will do an initial top-up. The Clerk was asked to find out which were ‘community’ bins (which would not be filled free). ACTION: Clerk. 
19. Dorset Homechoice Allocations Policy Consultation. Cllr Kirby advised that the survey could be filled in online. The Clerk will circulate hard copies to Cllrs who do not receive e-mail. ACTION: Clerk.
20. ‘School’ Signs on Street. See Minutes 5c) and 6a) above.
21. Review of Standing Orders.  As Standing orders are due for review, the Clerk had circulated the NALC/DAPTC version for the Council’s consideration alongside the LMPC’s (2007) Orders presently in force. RESOLVED: To hold a separate meeting at the parish office to discuss alterations to LMPC Standing orders. ACTION: Clerk to set up meeting and invite Cllrs to attend.
21. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday 14th November, 2013 at 7pm. 
23.Additional items for the Agenda of the next Council meeting: Review of PDC Local Plan/ Review of Standing orders.

Closed c.8.47pm. 

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