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

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council, held in the Village Hall on Thursday 9th October 2014 at 7 pm.
Present: Cllr P White in the Chair, Cllrs M Turner, P Loudoun, P Christie, C Drayson, R Sheppard, W Knight, M Lovell, R Lucas.
There were 15 members of the public present.
1.	Apologies for absence. None.
2.	Declarations of Interest / Grant of Dispensations. Cllr White declared an interest in Planning Item 7.1.a) (TWA /2014/0162).
3.	RoWLO Report. Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle proposed that the Council install notices at the entrance of fields advising walkers on safe behaviour around grazing cattle. He showed an example and suggested laminated copies could be produced for 50p per copy. The Prince’s Countryside Fund had written to thank for Langton’s £82.00 contribution to the fund. Mr V-A is negotiating with Langton’s HPB to sponsor a reprint of 3000 of the popular Priest’s Way leaflets. They will have the HPB logo on them. The Chairman thanked Mr V-A for his report.
4.	National Trust Report. Jon Kershaw said that the Trust has been carrying out general access work. They have been granted planning permission for the overflow car park at Spyway, and the temporary fence will be removed, to be replaced by stone markers and a stock proof fence. The Trust has been invited to comment on the Spyway Orchard planning application as a neighbour, and the curator and land agents for the NT South West area will be responding. A successful rangers’ conference was held at Brownsea Island on 25th/26th September. Cllr White thanked Mr Kershaw for his report. 
5.	Public Discussion Period. 
a) Mr Barrie Mayes asked for a favourable response from the Council to the Affordable Housing group’s request to put the Council’s formal response to the Settlement Boundary Review document on their website. He said that the document was ‘excellent’ and a very useful aid to understanding the issues. He noted that some villagers were disappointed that the Spyway Orchard application was not on the agenda for discussion at this meeting, and welcomed the Council’s plans for an Open Consultation on Weds. 15th October. 
b) Mr Martin Kirby said that action on the resolution to publish Mr Senior’s letters of complaint against the Council and the Council’s response on the website was still outstanding. He accepted that Mr Senior’s letters could not be published, as he had not given permission, but asked that the Council’s response be posted, as well as information about the recent work done by the Council in the matter of affordable housing which formed part of the response. He asked Cllr Lovell to clarify his position regarding the Spyway Orchard application, given that he is a neighbour. 
c) Mr Barrie Mayes asked that the information from the Council about its recent work on affordable housing referred to in 5b) above be posted on the Affordable Housing website also.
6. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. 
a) Cllr Lovell announced that he would not be taking part in the relevant PDC Planning Committee meeting, though he might speak to Planning Officers. He does not vote on Planning matters at Parish level.
b) RESOLVED: To publish the Council’s response and information about the Council’s recent work on affordable housing on the website, without Mr Senior’s letters. ACTION: Clerk.
c) Affordable Housing group’s request. After discussion it was RESOLVED: To allow the Affordable Housing Group to publish the Council’s document on its website. ACTION: Clerk. Cllr White thanked Mr Mayes for his courteous comments on the Council’s work in the matter.
d) Cattle Advisory Notices. Cllr Drayson expressed concerns about the proposal in relation to cattle movement between fields and too many notices in rural areas. It was suggested that the notices needed to be more robust. Mr V-A was asked to consult with the NT and explore other types of more hard-wearing notice. ACTION: Mr V-A. 
7.  Planning Matters. 
1) Mr and Mrs D/J Priddle had written objecting to TWA/2014/0178 (Mr Steve Tooley). The letter was read to Cllrs.
2) To make comments concerning the following plans:-
Cllr White left the room during discussion of this item.
a)	 TWA/2014/0162 Mr Peter Wright (actually White), Combe (Greensleeves), Langton Matravers, BH19 3DW. (T1 & T2) Lawsons cypress - reduce height by 50% - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. Decision to be left to the Tree Officer.
b)	TWA/2014/0178 Mr Steve Tooley, Mount Pleasant Lane (Tara - trees to south of boundary wall), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HH. (S1) Sycamore - fell; (S2) Sycamore - fell; (E) Elder - fell - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. Decision to be left to the Tree Officer.
3) Planning decisions since the last Parish Council Meeting. a) 6/2014/0456 Mr Graham Mallett, High Street (77), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HA. Replace two front and four rear windows with uPVC sash style windows. WITHDRAWN
b)  6/2014/0421 Mr P Schuster, Mount Pleasant Lane (Hideaway), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HH. Convert existing double garage into bedroom with ensuite and a single garage. Approved.
c) a) 6/2014/0400 Beachcote Homes, The Hyde (Lynford), Langton Matravers, BH19 3HE. Demolish existing dwelling and erect new dwelling. Approved
4). Other planning matters. a) Due to pressure of time, the date for the Open Consultation on the Spyway Orchard Application (6/2014/0508) had already been arranged for Weds. 15th October at Langton Village Hall between 2 and 8pm. It will take the form of a ‘Drop in’ event. RESOLVED: That the Extraordinary Planning Meeting to discuss LMPC’s response to Application 6/2014/0508 be held on 6th November 2014 at 7pm. ACTION: Clerk to book hall. RESOLVED: That the public may attend the meeting. RESOLVED: That there be a Public Discussion Period of no more than 15 minutes, at which each person may speak for no more than three minutes. To avoid repetition, comments may only be made on points IN ADDITION to comments already received by the Council previously, in writing or at the Open Consultation. The Chair may stop anyone repeating previously expressed opinions on the matter.
b) Parish Council’s role in planning applications. Cllr Christie had recently attended PDC Planning training and was told that comments from the parishes did not necessarily influence PDC decisions, even if a stated view was supported by a majority in a village. He feels this to be undemocratic and questioned the role of Parish Councils in the planning system. Cllr Lovell stressed that PCs are consultees, and PDC want to know what parishes think.  It was agreed to put the matter on the next agenda. ACTION: Clerk.
8. Minutes of the Meeting held 11th September 2014.These were agreed to be a correct record and signed.
9.  Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a) Item 6 a). Speeding. Cllr Lovell confirmed that the 20mph signs near the school were still not in place.
b) Item 9b) PDC policy on Notification of Tree Works Applications. The Clerk had received a letter from PDC Tree Officer Jenny Key, explaining the reasons for the policy. She agreed that public notification might be useful in certain circumstances and said that PDC will explore the idea of changes. 
c) Item 11e) Planning Training. RESOLVED: To pay the rest of Cllr Drayson’s fee for DAPTC planning training (a further £25). ACTION: Clerk to send £50.00 payment to DAPTC.
d) Item 11f) Chairman’s Meeting at PDC on 22nd September. Cllrs Drayson and Christie had attended to represent Langton, and found it very useful. They noted that representatives can ask for matters of interest to be put on the agenda, and experts are available to advise.
e) Item 6a) Speed survey. DCC will shortly be undertaking a speed survey at the west end of the village at their own expense.  
f) Item 6b) Pub Noticeboard. Cllr Lucas offered to install a noticeboard in the pub which could be used for LMPC Minutes, Agendas etc. All were in favour of this. ACTION: Cllr Lucas.
g) Item 12 c) 2. Timing of Public Discussion Period. After discussion, it was agreed that this should remain as it is. Cllr Christie suggested that members of the public remember that Cllrs can be approached and the Council Office is open between 9-10.30 3 mornings per week, or by appointment.
h) Item 20. Proposal for joint NT liaison group with other PCs. The first meeting, between Chairmen, will be on 14th October at 4pm in Corfe Town hall. Cllr Loudoun asked why Worth had not been invited. ACTION: Clerk to enquire.
i) Item 15. Affordable Housing and Allocation Policies. There has, as yet, been no response to the Clerk’s letter: Bridget Downton has been away.
j) Item 17.4.b) Knitson fingerpost. The cheque and letter of thanks have been sent.
10.  The Clerk’s Report for the period 6.9.2014 – 3.10.2014.  Report received.
11.  Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report. 
a) Item 23. Encouraging Community Interest List. (DAPTC). It was agreed that it is important to try to engage young people in the work of the Council. ACTION: Cllr Lucas to think about ways to engage young people, and bring ideas to next meeting.
b) Item 11. DCA Sustainability meeting, 29th September. Cllr Drayson reported that as a result of the meeting, some people are going to Bridport to look at ‘Communities Living Sustainably’ projects there. Purbeck might be able to get funding for similar.
12.  Chairman’s Announcements. a) Cllr White thanked Mrs and Mr Kirby most warmly on behalf of the Council for all the work which they do on the floral beds by the Steppes bus shelter. Cllrs showed their appreciation with applause. As people are ignoring the fact that the parish office is now closed from 10.30 am, it was suggested that this fact be repeated in the Dubber.
13.  County and District Councillor’s Report. There is an Electoral Division Boundary Review at County level, which will increase the number of parishes in the Purbeck Hills division. It was agreed to discuss the matter at the next meeting. Cllr White asked Cllr Lovell about the background to, and effect of, the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Cllr Lovell suggested that Cllr Gary Suttle, Chair of PDC, be invited to the next meeting to explain more, with time for questions, and this was agreed. Action: Clerk to invite Cllr Suttle. Cllr Lovell said that the funding he had been promised for parishes must be used for capital projects.
14. Dancing Ledge Working Group report. Mr V-A, chair of the group, reported on the meeting of 8th October, which was attended by all 6 members. Agreement had been reached about many key details of the Code of Conduct for commercial users which will form part of the NT’s licensing structure, including maximum client numbers and days and times for use of the ledge. The group had also discussed sites for a user’s car park, and an extension to the Acton car park seemed a possibility: NT funding and costs are an important aspect of any decision. After discussion it was RESOLVED: That while generally supporting the principles of the Working Group’s recommendations, the Council will look forward to more detailed proposals, especially in relation to the proposal to include coaches at the Acton car park. ACTION: Jon Kershaw (NT) to prepare feasibility plans etc. (details of the recommendations will be posted on the LMPC website).  Mr V-A was thanked for his work.
15. DWP Waste Policy Consultation – LMPC response. The Clerk collected Council views on street cleaning, removal of rural litter bins/dog bins and standards of service, to pass on to DWP. ACTION: Clerk. 
16. Dorset Fire and Rescue Consultation. Cllr Knight expressed concern that the consultation did not offer a meaningful set of options: one obvious solution seems to be being ignored. Others agreed. ACTION: Cllr Knight/Clerk to contact DFR consultation team and ask for an explanation. 
17. Play Area Repairs. The Clerk reported that several pieces of decking on the wooden play area are rotten, and should be repaired under guarantee. She will be sending a map/photos showing damaged areas to the company shortly. ACTION: Clerk. Cllr Loudoun suggested that a company rep. inspect the structure thoroughly before work is put in hand. ACTION: Clerk to ask.
18. Quotations for Toilet Block Path Cllrs had inspected the path, but could not agree about materials to be used. After discussion it was RESOLVED: To go back to the tradespeople, asking for new quotations: to lay the main part of the path on Type 1 crushed limestone, and at the south end by the disabled toilet door where the wall is falling away, with concrete underneath. ACTION: Cllr White.
19. Financial Matters.
(1) 	Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting: 
              £ 7,910.00     PDC 2nd half year precept 2014/15.
(2) 	Note the following Payments by cheque or cash to be made since last Meeting:
£ 135.00   Ian Bugler, Grounds Maintenance (September).
£ 558.56   Clerk’s salary (September). 
£ 466.50   Elliott’s Cleaning Co. Public Toilet cleaning and supplies (September).
£ 276.00   BDO Annual External Audit of Council’s Accounts.
£ 15.00     LM Village Hall hire – Coasteering meeting 31st July 2014.
£ 199.91   Allotment Water supply 12/03/2014 – 10/09/2014
£ 130.86   Water and Sewerage charges for Public Conveniences, 12/03/2014 – 10/09/2014.
£ 9.38       Office Sundries (Cash payment to Clerk).
3) Payment by Direct Debit:
£ 39.12 to XLN Telecom for phone and broadband.
£ 42.55 to TalkTalk Business for e-mail account (annual charge).
  (4) Any other Financial Matters:  a) The Clerk presented the approved External Audit of the Council’s accounts 2013/14. 
b) RESOLVED: To pay Elliots Cleaning Co. 25p per hour more for their work at the Public Conveniences, bringing the hourly rate to £15.00 p.h. 
20.  Cemetery Matters: (1) Council’s Cemetery. a) Thomas monument. The Clerk advised that in line with the council’s policy of not charging fees for the burial of stillborn children, she had not charged for the small monument to Eira Grace Thomas at Plot N13. The Council approved this decision. 
(2) Closed Cemetery. Cllrs Lovell and Sheppard have not heard from PDC’s Jill Jackson re: the loose memorials. 
21. Allotments.  a) Cllr Christie had been in touch with Billy Johnson of Corfe and asked him for a quotation to replace the damaged gatepost, and also one for pedestrian gates which could be used by persons with wheelbarrows. Cllr Lovell suggested that he should ask the cost for replacement with oak posts. ACTION: Cllr Christie.  Mr Johnson had advised that the life of the perimeter fence would be extended if strimming was carried on both sides to keep it grass-free. ACTION: Cllr Christie to discuss with new Chair of LMAA when appointed. 
b) There are still 2 vacant half plots, and Cllr Christie will also discuss with the LMAA widening the catchment area to attract new tenants. 
c) RESOLVED: To retain the 2015 annual rent and water charge for allotments at the same rate as in 2014 (rent of £25.00 + 4.25 per annum water charge for half plot, £50.00 + £8.50 p.a. whole plot.).  
22. The date of the next full Council meeting was confirmed as Thursday 13th November, 2014 at 7pm.
23.Additional items for the Agenda of the next Council meeting: Planning role of Parish Council/ CIL/ Electoral Boundary Review/ Engaging Youth / Allotment fence and gatepost quotations / Toilet path quotations.

Closed c. 9.45.pm.

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