Minutes of Town Council Meeting held in the Methodist Hall
On Wednesday 29th June 2005 commencing 8-25 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, J Cowley, J O’Hare, J Oliver, R Penfold
D Short and I Semple Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance C Cllr D Fox, D Cllr G Carr-Jones and 2 members of the public
To receive apologies Cllrs J Cox, D Grimes and D Neal
Declarations of Interest None
Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting having previously been circulated to Councillors were approved and signed by the Chairman, subject to the following amendment
To co-opt new Councillor
There were two candidates J Oliver and D Foster-Pegg. A ballot was conducted and J Oliver was duly elected. (Delete reference to only one application)
OPEN FORUM No comments
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by P Ashcroft that the following expenditure be approved
Stalbridge Youth Club Grant £500.00
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by P Ashcroft that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine Salary £239.98 & Post £37.15 £277.13
Youh club 500.00
Direct Office 104.13
BMV Pubs 15.76
Ray Sharp The Ring twice £120.00
NDDC grass 260.00 £380.00
Proposed listing of Park Wall including recording R Boyle lived
After some discussion it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cowley that Mr R DePelet be asked for his comments on both the listing of the Wall and a possible “Blue Plaque” re Robert Boyle before proceeding any further. Agreed.
Clerk to write
Town Property Audit
It was agreed that P Ashcroft, J Cowley, J Cox, J O’Hare and J Oliver would join with the Chairman to look at all the Town’s assets.
Trafalgar Weekend
This will take place on 21st/23rd October to commemorate the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar. This is being supported by NALC. It was agreed to light a beacon.
Clerk to action
Wessex Grain proposed Bioethanol Plant
W Batty-Smith advised that the NDDC had requested that the T C be a Statutory Consultant in respect of this proposed application. Although the plant is in accordance with the Renewable Energy Strategy, grave concern is being expressed with regard to the volume of large tankers (possibly 14 a day, every day of the year) that will need to go via Stalbridge to Poole. The current Structure Plan does stipulate that no development should increase the volume of traffic locally
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
P Ashcroft advised that there is very little progress regarding the possible new school.
R Penfold together with The Chairman and Clerk, attended the Quality Council Roadshow in Dorchester.
Next Agenda
W Batty-Smith advised regarding the PA for land off Station Road Car Park and the provision of 3 affordable units, that there was no over-riding need for elderly persons housing in Stalbridge but the landowner was prepared to pay £120,000 towards the provision of 3 units elsewhere.
C Cllr D Fox. The traffic survey taken recently was for a meeting regarding traffic safety in Stalbridge. There are at present 120 requests for changes to speed limits, of which 40 are top priority but only 15 per year can be done.
Clerk to send D Fox copies of correspondence
Negotiations are still taking place regarding a replacement bus operator. There will be an official “”Opening Day” in respect of the new Works Dept., on Gibbs Marsh Trading Estate
I Semple advised that he had contacted Wells Cathedral Stone regarding the growth on The Cross. This is mainly due to the overhanging trees but can be removed simply by brushing. To be checked during Inventory check.
It was felt that Mr N Brown should be thanked for his work on The Pound and a query raised regarding maintenance of the horse trough in Station Road.
Clerk to action
The Clerk advised that there would be a Parade and Church Service on Sunday July 10th to mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of WWII
Correspondence
Chief Exec. NDDC up-date on the position regarding the District Council being capped.
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Letter from N Brown re plans for the Stalbridge Trailway and requesting permission to put a compacted limestone surface on the bridleway/footpath area. It was agreed this could be done
Clerk to write
Notification of proposed closing of Gold Street for 8 weeks from 4th July and Lower Road from 27th June for 2 weeks, by DCC
Notification of change of date for NDDC Civic Day
Invitation from NDDC to attend a Focus Group meeting regarding the Local Development Framework
Chairman will obtain further information
Letter from I Forward regarding the Shop trading as Wessex Animal Trust
Reply from S Hill of NDDC re. 8 Anglesey Cotts
Letter from Stalbridge Lighting Group re. Floodlighting of The Cross
Clerk to reply regarding the VAT
Copy of letter from DCC to Mrs McManus re. Lighting of footpath Station Road to Duck Lane
Letter from NDDC asking for suggestions for temporary camp sites for gypsies and travellers attending the Steam Fair
Notification from defra of timetable for implementing the provision of the clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005
Notification from NDDC of application for Public Entertainment Licence for Stalbridge Hall and for the Barn at Cooks Farm for one night only on1st July.
Reply from NDDC Enforcement Office regarding our letter of 13th May 2004, querying use of land adjacent Bibberne Row
Notification from DCC that our letter regarding No Cycling has been passed to A Bradley of Traffic Section, County Hall
DAPTC Circular 09-05 re. Clean Neighbourhoods Bill
DAPTC Minutes of meeting May 19th and Agenda for informal meeting on 6th July
SEC quotation for electricity supply to The Cross
Notification that Sth Somerset will not be discussing the planning application for Wind Turbines at Henstridge until August
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-50 p.m.