On Wednesday 14th December 2005 commencing 7-30 p.m.
Present Councillors P Ashcroft, W Batty-Smith, J Cowley, J Cox, D Grimes, J O’Hare
and D Neal chairman,
D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance C Cllr D Fox, D Cllr G Carr-Jones and 2 electors
To receive apologies R Penfold and D Short
No Planning Meeting had been called because the only Planning Application to hand No. 1127 to erect a dwelling on land to the rear of 8 Ring Street directly affects the Town Council property and it was felt inappropriate for the T C to make a recommendation. However, as a neighbour the TC are able to comment and it was agreed to write as follows
It is felt that this proposal is overdevelopment in a Conservation Area. There is no definitive curtelage shown on the plan and therefore the right of access held by the T C and others is not clearly shown. Also, additional traffic using the driveway would be prejudicial sofaras road safety is concerned. It was also agreed to request the matter goes before the full Planning Committee if Planning Officers do not agree with the TC comments
Clerk to write
Declarations of Interest None
Minutes of last meeting
The minutes of the last T C meeting and the Planning Meeting of 30th November having previously been circulated to Councillors were approved and signed by the Chairman.
The Chairman closed the meeting for
OPEN FORUM
C Cllr D Fox reported that he could not be told how many times the Traffic Wardens visited Stalbridge and therefore suggested that the TC request them to visit more often.
Mrs Wardell a member of the Ramblers’ Association asked if any further action had been taken regarding the Health Walks proposed by Ben Heath of NDDC. She was advised that the TC had heard nothing. She will write and ask what is happening
D Cllr G Carr-Jones advised that an application for a grant towards the cost of preparing the Town Plan has been made.
The Chairman re-convened the meeting
Proposed Expenditure
In accordance with S O No. 40 it was proposed by J Cox and seconded by W Batty-Smith that the following expenditure be approved
NORDCAT Grant agreed 500.00
North Dorset CAB 250.00
Sign Cheques
In accordance with S O No.40 it was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by J Cox that the following cheques be signed
D J Hine Salary £479.98
Soc. L C Clerks Subscription 84.00
R Sharp NDDC Grass £260.00
Footpath 50.00
Clear Ring 40.00 350.00
Direct Office 15.43
Comm. Office repaid VAT 55.80
Playing Fields. Play area grass 430.75
B Telecom 150.75
NDDC RoSPA inspections 178.60
NORDCAT 500.00
CAB 250.00
Risk Assessment
The Risk Assessment prepared after a visit by PC Sean Cannon, the Crime reduction Officer was studied (copy attached) and various actions agreed as follows:-
Check availability and cost of film for windows to prevent shattering
Ditto regarding box for inside of letterbox
Check regarding servicing of alarm system and also cost, if available, of “add on” automatic dialling of key holder together with cost of internal alarm sounding and also of combining smoke alarms to system. Also smoke alarm in flat
Get computers visibly marked
Make Precept
The Clerk presented suggested budget figures for 2006/7 amounting to a Precept of £50,000 It was proposed by W Batty-Smith and seconded by D Grimes that the figures be accepted and a precept made for this amount. All Agreed
Pedestrian Crossing
J Cowley presented a report of the meeting held on 30th November with Mr S Howard of DCC including D Neal, D Short and himself of T C, Mr J Else and Mr D Foster-Pegg for the Traders (see attached) After some discussion and advice from C Cllr D Fox, it was agreed to write to Miles Butler DCC formally requesting a pedestrian crossing approximately 40 m north from Post Office junction. All agreed.
Clerk to write
It was also agreed to write to Parking Dept. and request additional visits by the Traffic Warden
Clerk to write
Damage to The Ring
With regard to the damage caused to The Ring, an estimate of £275 from Mr R Sharp for replacing the oak posts and repairing damage to the turf was accepted. The Clerk advised that Mr E Williams is in the process of re-designing all the beds on The Ring and therefore no further work to be done on the damaged bed. DCC to be asked about replacing the signpost.
Clerk to action
Councillors’ Reports/Questions
W Batty-Smith advised that ownership of the Woodmills Bund has now been finalised with the Developer and a letter will be coming from NDDC with some proposals
It was agreed to advertise the need for two more Councillors in the New Year
It was suggested that a letter go to NDDC commenting on the excellent way the public toilets are looked after
Clerk to write
Correspondence
Mrs J Fagg Acknowledgement of letter of sympathy on loss of her husband
NDDC List of possible budget reductions for 2006/7
E mail from S Hill NDDC Allotments – District is not the statutory provider
DAPTC C. Exec. circular 16-05
List of Training Courses for 2006
Local Council Review Survey
NDDC Notification of tree works The Thatch, Gold Street
NDDC Proposed changes at Leisure Centres
NDDC reply to letter re Dog Bin in Park Grove.
Note of conversation Clerk with K Wilson NDDC re. Toilet opening times
Notification that PA 0952 Erect 2 Dewllings, Downend, withdrawn
DCC reply re. S I D application
NDDC letter re. Disabled Parking Spaces – Proposed layout consultations
Copy of letter from J Rabbetts to DCC re. Bus Service
Dorset Police re. Police re-structuring
Sth. Som. Re. Henstridge Airfield Master Plan. Notes of meeting on 16th Nov.and acknowledgement of our comments
NDDC Copy of objections to erection of Wind Turbines Henstridge Airfield
Notification of Licence Application Royal British Legion Club
NDDC Notification of Sth Som. Re-submission of previous application for Aircraft Hanger.
Letter from Mrs Peak Gold Street objecting to sign to S Weston. (been removed)
Letter from N Brown, FP Officer advising that the ditch in Drews Lane has been cleared but the silt has been left in the lane.
Community Office advised the T C that Mrs V Mowlem has received the Volunteer of the Year award.
Clerk to write
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-30 p.m.