Present Councillors P Ashcroft, J Cowley, J Cox, D Grimes, J O’Hare, J Wardell
And D Neal Chairman, D J Hine (Clerk)

In attendance D Cllr G Carr-Jones and 2 residents

To receive apologies W Batty-Smith

Declarations of Interest None

Confirm minutes of last meeting and decisions of NDDC Planning Cttee

The minutes of the Planning Cttee meeting held on 11th January were approved and signed by the Chairman with the following addition re. PA 1127 “the revised plan to be acknowledged with the remark that previous comments still stand”

Decisions of NDDC Planning Committee None to hand

OPEN FORUM Planning matters only. No comments

Planning Applications

LB 9003 Pixies Cottage, Grove Lane. Carry out external alterations. It was proposed by P Ashcroft and seconded by J Cox that there be no objections. All agreed.

No. 0020 Gibbs Marsh Farm. Form outdoor horse walker. It was proposed by J Cox and seconded by J Cowley that there be no objections. All agreed.

No. 0016 Land adjoining Cranleigh, Church Hill. Erect 1 dwelling. It was proposed by J Cox and seconded by J Cowley that objections be raised as follows. In consideration of the prominence of the site on the approach to the Town, the Council would prefer to see a single storey dwelling at this location. The T C would also point out that the land forming part of the site, which comprises an important Copse, which the TC would wish to see retained in its entirety, would appear to be outside the Development Boundary. Concern also expressed regarding the adequacy of the visibility splay as shown on the plan. All Agreed.

No. 0012 8 Westminster Cottages. Replacement Garage and Store. It was proposed by P Ashcroft and seconded by J Cox that there be no objection. All agreed.

Mrs J Guest, General Manager, NDDC – Budgetary Problems

The Chairman introduced Mrs Guest who explained to Councillors the position with regard to the District Council’s budget and the “capping” carried out by the Government and the implications this has for the residents of North Dorset. She also asked the Town Council to consider ways in which they could help alleviate the costs of the District Council by taking on some of the services provided by the District. The Chairman thanked Mrs Guest for attending.

There being no further business he meting closed at 9-50 p.m.