On Wednesday 18th March 2009 commencing 7-00 p.m.
Present Councillors W Batty-Smith, J Cowley, J Cox, K Garland, D Grimes,
J Smith, J Wardell and G Carr-Jones, Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)
In attendance 4 Electors and PC Sugrue
To receive apologies P Ashcroft, B Alexandre and R Penfold
Declarations of Interest W Batty-Smith attended in an advisory capacity only
Confirm minutes of last meeting and decisions of NDDC Planning Cttee
The minutes of the Planning Cttee meeting held on 4th March were approved and signed by the Chairman.
Decisions of NDDC Planning Committee None to hand
Before the next item on the Agenda, the Chairman invited PC Sugrue to address the meeting as his time was limited. He explained that his main reason for attending was to bring to Councillors’ attention the fact that problems are arising at the Stalbridge Hall when private parties are being held, especially if they are 18/21 birthday parties.
Drunkeness, fighting and some damage is occurring. The Police were in attendance the previous Saturday and were keeping things under control until they were called away on an emergency. When they returned, fighting had broken out, some troublemakers from Sherborne were involved. The Chairman said he would be attending the next Hall meeting, as is PC Sugrue and they will be suggesting increased security for such parties.
W Batty-Smith pointed out that it could be made a condition of hire for such parties that special approved Security Officers must be employed. All agreed that this problem must be dealt with urgently so that the Town does not get a reputation for such behaviour.
Planning Applications
No. 0141 3 Meadow Close, erect Conservatory. The neighbours have been having some problems with a tree in the garden of No3 and had written a letter regarding this. J Cowley proposed and J Cox seconded that there be no objections to the application but wished to draw attention to the attached letter. All agreed.
No. 0149 Erect pair of semi-detached houses on land to the rear of Downend, Thornhill Road. It was proposed by J Cowley and seconded by J Cox that there be objections to this application on the following grounds and also if Officers were minded to approve the application, it be placed before the full Development Control Committee.
a. The site is outside the Settlement Boundary
b. The size of the development is over-powering in relation to neighbouring properties.
c. The additional traffic using the driveway would cause problems for existing properties.
d. The number of new dwellings allocated for Stalbridge in the Local Plan 1994/2011 has already been exceeded taking into account dwellings already approved.
All agreed. Copies of two letters of objection received.
W Batty-Smith advised that as far as Stalbridge is concerned the present Development Boundary is likely to remain for the foreseeable future.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 7-40 p.m.