PRESENT: Cllrs P. Lathey (Chairman), M.A. Wrighton, D. Hitt, K. Hitt, I. Gay, T. Gruitt, Cllr. A. Alford, Don McAlister (Cherry Tree Play Area Supervisor), Paul Bowditch (Woodland Trust Play Area Supervisor), 1 members of the public. Miss A Hull recorded the minutes.
1. APOLOGIES: Apologies were received from Don McAlister (Cherry Tree Play Area Supervisor).
2. TO RECEIVE DECLARATIONS OF MEMBERS INTERESTS: Cllr. P. Lathey in item 6d.
3. MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: The Chairman asked if everyone had both received and read the minutes of the last meeting, if so, were they a true record. ALL AGREED. The minutes were duly signed and dated.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THOSE MINUTES:
We have received a reply letter from Magna regarding the footpath between no. 2 and no. 8 Cherry Tree. A job has been raised to inspect this uneven pathway.
We have also received a reply letter from Highways regarding outstanding items e.g. blocked drain, the verge, and uneven footpath. These matters are being investigated and we have been given a reference number to track their progress.
Valerie Staley from the Woodland Trust has emailed us to say that they don't have any plans to do any more large scale planting on Allington Hill. Nor do they have plans to remove the gorse.
5. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
a) The trees at the entrance to the first gate on Allington Hill need cutting back. Clerk to contact the Woodland Trust.
b) Keith Alner and Paul Bowditch met with Valerie Staley from the Woodland Trust and walked around Allington Hill with her pointing out various problems. See Item 9 for more information.
c) It was reported that there are a couple of tree issues with a house that is not technically within Allington Parish. At No. 7 Allington Gardens there is a tree which is nect to the footpath and is starting to lean dangerously. There is also a tree in the front garden which needs cutting back as dust lorries etc keep hitting it. Again there is the risk of potential danger. Clerk to contact WDDC Tree Officer.
d) It was reported that on a number of occasions a motorbike has been seen driving dangerously around the parish without lights on. Also the boy/boys seen on it are not wearing crash helmets. Clerk to inform Community Support Officers.
6. FINANCE REPORT:The account balance was read out to Councillors and as usual all books were on the table for any member of the public to read.
a) The balance of the ordinary account now stands at £8,891.31. The savings at £4,030.39.
Money paid out since the last meeting is:
Mr R Akhurst for half of his allotment fee (£6) - this was done by cheque and signed by Cllr. Lathey and Cllr. D. Hitt.
Also £60 to Communicord for subscription to Local Councils Update - this was done by cheque and signed by Cllr. Lathey and Cllr. Wrighton. Retrospective agreement is now being sought for these. This was proposed by Cllr. Lathey and seconded by Cllr. Gray.
All cheques signed tonight will come out of the money left in the account. Money paid into the accounts are £6.39 in Interest on savings account and £2.57 in Interest on current account.
Also the VAT refund of £188.11 which was paid by BACS into our current account.
b) The following cheques were authorised by the council:
Clerk's wages (for past month) £188, Petty Cash £50, TMH Fencing (for repair to fence at Cherry Tree Play Area) £35.25.
c) The Precept for 2007/2008 was discussed. The budget of £12,099.90 for 2007/2008 was agreed at a previous meeting meeting. Last year we asked for a Precept of £14,000 and all Councillors agreed that the same amount should be asked for again.
d) Copies of the Internal Audit were given to all. The Internal Audit had revealed that everything was as it should be. The Internal Audit was proposed by Cllr. D. Hitt and seconded by Cllr. Wrighton. 7. PLANNING APPLICATIONS:
Ref: TP/06/00289 - 2 Lodge Lane, Bridport. To prune one horse chestnut back from building so it is at least 2m clear; reduce by approx. 15% and shape crown to improve balance; and to prune out infected bark and treat with fungicide.
A decision was made on this application before the meeting so Cllr. Lathey and Cllr. Wrighton met and discussed this. It was felt that the tree was considered important and was there before the houses were built. WDDC had also promised to protect this tree. Planning were contacted by the Clerk to let know of our concerns.
Ref: 1/W/06/001936 - Car Park to rear of Nos 202 - 250 Orchard Avenue, Bridport.
Erect 5 dwellings and carry out alterations to exisiting car park. This was sent to us for Adjoining Parish Council Consultation. Councillors were in general agreement that they were happy to see more low cost housing for young people in the area. Concerns were raised that this application would not affect the much needed garages nearby. Clerk to contact Planning with our comments.
Ref: 1/W/06/002026 - 3 Foundry Close, West Road, Bridport
Raising of roofline of double garage for installation of front and rear dormer windows and minor alterations to front elevation. Councillors felt that as this house did not overlook anybody or intrude on anybody then the planning application should be granted. The only comment was that materials used should be in keeping with the present building.
8. CHERRY TREE PLAY AREA REPORT: Mr McAlister had reported to Clerk when he gave his apologies that everything seemed to be fine. Cllr. Wrighton added that she had removed a fairly big piece of wood from the play area a few days ago.
9. WOODLAND TRUST PLAY AREA: Mr Bowditch reported that during his discussions with Valerie Staley form the Woodland Trust, she had mentioned that they were planning to do 'thinning programme' of the trees in the next few months. They will also be doing some levelling of pathways. Where there are gaps in the hedges, these will be planted up. The land that has been used by skateboarders and cyclists to make ramps on was revealled, after investigation, to belong to the Colfox Estate. Paul has spoken to a member of the Estate and they will be looking into the matter with a view to contacting Valerie Staley about it. It was noted that a couple of BBQs have been had on the hill as the remains of disposable BBQs have been found.
10. CORRESPONDENCE: Cllr. Lathey informed all that he had attended a meeting of the A35 Communities Initiative. Highways and Planning were represented but Connect did not attend! A 50mph speed limit sign will be going up at Miles Cross for about 500m either way. It was revealed that Connect had agreed many things which did not seem to be being implemented. WDDC Planning Dept will be following this up urgently. Another survey of the road will be done in time which may then release more funds to imporove the road, although this is not definite! Also a 'Master Plan' and a wish list os applications to fix sections of the road will be implemented.
Various items of general correspondence were read out and available to view including:
A section of the Government White Paper.
Dorset POPP WDC - Presentation on the new planning system & consultation workshop.
Dorset Healthcare NHS Trust - becoming a member of your new Foundation Trust (this was handed out to all Councillors and a poster will be put up on the noticeboard at Bridport Hospital).
11. DATE OF NEXT MEETING: The date of the next meeting will be 12 December 2006. The Chairman thanked everyone for attending the meeting. Meeting closed at 8.50pm.
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