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

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Village Hall on Thursday 8th September 2011 at 7.00pm
Present: Cllr P White in the Chair, Cllrs Mrs C Drayson, P Loudoun, H Tizard, M Turner, M Kirby,
W Knight, J Bradford, M Lovell (from 7.45pm)
There were sixteen members of the public present.

1.	Apologies. None
2.	Declarations of interest.  Cllr Kirby declared a personal interest as his wife has an allotment. Cllrs Mrs Drayson, Tizard and Turner each declared a personal interest as allotment tenants.
3.	Public Discussion. David Hodd and Ian Kershaw from the National Trust gave a short presentation about improving public access to the Trust’s lands in Langton. Mr Hodd informed the meeting that the plans for a bike trail through Langton West Wood had been shelved, and that the Trust was now looking at ways to involve the community more in consultations about future plans. During the discussion period he asked members of the public and councillors for suggestions about how dialogue between the Trust and the village could be improved, so that the demands of the various users can best be met. Suggestions included an NT liaison councillor and contact details in the Dubber. There was discussion on the Trust’s overall policy and priorities, and the necessity for further development of access.
4.	Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. Cllr Mrs Drayson thanked Mr.Hodd and Mr Kershaw for coming to share their ideas with the meeting. There was further discussion of Trust policies, and Mr Hodd informed councillors that the key intention was to ensure maximum enjoyment without compromising the natural environment. It was agreed that to help the dialogue and consultation process NT representatives should have an ongoing invitation to Council meetings. Details of the next meeting will be sent to David Hodd. The Chairman thanked Mr Hodd and Mr Kershaw for their presentation and for answering questions.
5.	Planning Matters. 
The Chairman suspended the meeting to allow the review of Plans received and circulated at the Meeting. The meeting resumed.
To make comments concerning the following plans:-
a)	6/2011/0557 Full Planning Permission. Submitted by Drs Kelly and J and T Hatch. Partial demolition of single storey extension. Erect single storey extension to rear of dwelling. Remove chimney stack. Insert roof lights and replace existing door and window on south elevation with door and side lights. Old Malthouse Lane (Windward) Langton Matravers.
Observation – the Parish Council has no objection to the plans.
b)	6/2011/0558 Listed Building Consent. Submitted by Drs Kelly and J and T Hatch. Plan details as above.  Observation – the Parish Council has no objection to the plans.
Other Planning matters: Cllr Kirby reported that he had contacted Sylvia Leonard, Planning Officer at PDC regarding the progress of the proposed Raglan Housing development at Steppes (Planning Application 6/2011/0192); It was reported that the revised layout will necessitate a tree officer report.
6.	Minutes of Meeting held 11th August, 2011. The minutes, having been circulated previously, were agreed as a correct record and signed.
7.	Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a) Item 4.2. Garfield Lane. The Clerk reported receipt of a letter from the Garfield Lane Residents’ Association explaining ownership and access. Cllr Bradford reported that someone had been prevented from cycling down the lane, and it was agreed to discuss this at the next meeting. 
b) Item 9.9. A letter had been received from SSE Contracting expressing their intention to re-paint the heritage street lights within the next year.
c) Item 10.1. The Clerk reported that National Trust is in discussion with the owner of the lane beyond Durnford Drove with regard to paying a share of the cost of the upkeep.
d) Item 11.4.ii. The Clerk reported that a new application is being submitted for the new Lloyd’sTSB Bank account.
e) Item 7.2. Cllr Drayson reported that Steve Dring (PDC) has agreed to include the Langton Matravers comments in the Core Strategy. (see Item 14b below)
f) Item 12.1.The Clerk reported that Minster Macadam had failed to respond to a letter requesting a visit to look at paths in the Crack Lane cemetery. ACTION: Clerk to send further letter.
8.	The Clerk’s Report for the period 12.8.2011 to 6.9.2011: Report received.
9.	Matters arising from the Clerk’s report.
The Clerk was advised that the circulation of general correspondence by both paper and e-mail was working well.
a) Item 23. Cllr Bradford proposed the school field be nominated for protection as part of the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge. RESOLVED: That the Clerk write to Mr Dave Franks, County Sports and Physical Activity Officer (DCC) to inform him that the Council wishes to nominate St.George’s School Playing Field for the Queen Elizabeth II Fields Challenge.
b) Item 31. Cllr Drayson drew the Council’s attention to the PEAT meeting to discuss Dorset’s renewable energy strategy on Thursday 15th September at 19.30.
c) Item 34. Village SOS competition (PDC) to support the development of local businesses. The Clerk was asked to include this in the Dubber report to encourage uptake.
10.	Chairman’s Announcements: The Chairman reported a positive and interesting meeting with 
Mr Neil Brooks, the Headmaster of the Old Malthouse on 19.8.2011. He thanked Mr Brooks, who was in the public gallery, for the invitation. 
He commended the organisers and exhibitors of the ‘Red Orb’ sculpture exhibition which had been held at Leeson House the previous week for the success of the event.  
11.	Financial Matters.
(1) Note the following additions to Council funds since the last meeting:
£ 80.00 Memorial fee for the late Mr. Frank Selman, Plot D5.
£5,500.00 Precept – 2nd Instalment.
(2) Note the following payments by cheque since the last meeting
£12.00 Langton Matravers Village Hall Committee for September Council Chamber.
£206.54 Alan Leeson’s Clerk’s Salary – August.
£355.54 Mary Sparks’s Clerk’s Salary – August
£15.00 Savills  (Scott Estate) – Rent of parish Office Site.
(3) Payments by Direct Debit:
£35.27 to XLN Telecom for phone and broadband.
(4) Other Financial Matters. Cllr Kirby asked if the VAT for the year had yet been reclaimed. He also asked for a breakdown figures for the ‘Cemetery’ and ‘Play Area’ funds for the last financial year. 
ACTION: Alan Leeson will follow this up.
12. Cemetery Matters:
(1) Council’s Cemetery. a) The Clerk reported an enquiry from a plot holder about the possibility of re-selling her plot to the Council, owing to a change of plan. This was agreed. RESOLVED: That Burial Plot P16 be re-purchased by the Council. 
Cllr. Lovell declared a personal interest and did not vote.
b) Purchase of National Trust land at Crack Lane to extend the cemetery. The Council discussed who should be employed to do the conveyancing. 
ACTION: Clerk to write to Humphries Kirk and two other quotes for the cost of conveyancing. The plan relating to the previous purchase of extension land to be brought to the next meeting.
(2)  Closed Cemetery. The Clerk had received quotations from Mr Colin Lander for re-instating a broken headstone. Members discussed the options and funding necessary. 
Cllr Turner said that a fund had been set up in the past; maybe this could be used?
RESOLVED: That the Clerk find out whether there us still money in the Old Cemetery Memorials Fund and that the matter be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.
13.Allotments. a) Cllr Kirby reported that nobody had taken the vacant plot. A heavy-duty plastic cover lasting 5 years would cost £120.00 including delivery. The idea of using weedkiller was discussed, but was dismissed on Health and Safety grounds. RESOLVED That Cllr Kirby purchase a cover for the plot as per quotation. 
b) Cllr Tizard asked if the Council had any objections in principle to the proposal for an Allotment Association pond. Cllr White observed that this might increase the Council’s insurance premium, and Cllr Lovell said that it might need Planning Permission. Cllr Tizard will discuss this further with the Association.
14.Parish Plan Update. a) The Parish Plan Working Party had met and produced a set of recommendations for updating the plan which had been circulated before the meeting. The Chairman thanked them for their hard work. The need for a car park was discussed, and the possibility of increased congestion in the High Street when the school expands. Cllr Bradford proposed that a car park was necessary and should be left in the Parish Plan, but the motion was defeated with 2 for and 7 against. It was suggested that the village be invited to comment on the Working Party’s recommendations. RESOLVED: That the Clerk/Cllr Kirby post the recommendations on noticeboards and the website, plus a notification in the Dubber, and invite comments.  
b) Core Strategy Document: Cllr Kirby asked for the Council’s approval for a re-worded paragraph to go in the Revised Core Strategy Document. RESOLVED: New paragraph to be sent to Steve Dring (PDC) for inclusion in the RCS. Cllr Drayson asked if we could include the Council’s support for local businesses. ACTION: To discuss support for local businesses at next meeting.
15.Bus Shelter: The new shelter is installed. ACTION: the Clerk to contact Wilts and Dorset to get Bus Stop sign moved to new shelter. 
Cllr Bradford noted overgrown trees in Putlake orchard which need attention. ACTION: the Clerk to contact Savills to check ownership of site.
16.Caretaker Contract: Mr Ole Wiste has been appointed Caretaker of the Council’s Lands. He has made his first cut of the cemetery.
17.Acton Sign. Cllr Turner reported that the sign was due to be installed by 14th September 2011.
18.Public Toilets. The Clerk read to members a letter from Jill Jackson, Environmental Services Officer at PDC, stating that the provision of public conveniences is being reviewed. She asked: ‘On what grounds would the Parish Council be prepared to take on responsibility for the provision of the facility?’. RESOLVED: That the Clerk ask PDC for further information on maintenance costs before any comments are made.
19.Redundant Office Equipment. The Clerk asked permission to dispose of redundant ICT equipment in the Parish Office. Cllr Knight noted that the asset value of all such equipment must be ascertained and written off. Cllr Lovell advised that redundant ICT equipment could be recycled via PDC for use in developing countries. ACTION: the Clerk to find asset values and recycle redundant equipment with PDC.
20.Grit Bins. The siting of the three grit bins was discussed. The Putlake bin is to go by the bus shelter at Steppes, the bin opposite the Post Office will be put out on the corner of the Old Cemetery by Cemetery Lane and the Crack Lane bin will go in the layby half way up the slope. RESOLVED:That the bins be moved to these positions and DCC be contacted by the Clerk to supply grit. It was further resolved to ask DCC for 10 Dumpy bags of salt for Parish use to be delivered to Wilkswood Farm, and 1 for Acton.
The Clerk drew members’ attention to a DCC meeting on Winter Maintenance on 4th October, and asked if anyone was interested in attending.
21.The date of the next meeting was confirmed as 7pm on Thursday 13th October 2011. The November monthly meeting will be at 7pm. on Thursday 10th November 2011.
22.Additional items for the Agenda of the next Council meeting:  Cllr Lovell reported that overgrown branches at Yard Brake Woods were to be cleared. It was suggested that DCC’s attention needed to be drawn to several overgrown verges on footways in the parish.

Closed 9.45pm.

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