Parish Council of Langton Matravers
www.langtonmatravers-pc.org

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Village Hall on Thursday 13th June 2013 at 7pm.
Present: Cllr P White in the Chair, Cllrs M Turner, P Loudoun, M Kirby, J Bradford, C Drayson, W Knight, M Lovell, H Tizard.    
There were 9 members of the public present.

1.	Apologies for absence.  Mr. Ian Vaughan-Arbuckle, the Council’s RoWLO.
2.	Declarations of interest / Grant of Dispensations.  Cllrs Bradford and Turner declared an interest in Item 4 of the planning agenda, according to Clause 13 of the Code of Conduct adopted 12.7.2012.
3.   Reports. a) Footpaths. The clerk read out Mr. V-A’s report to the Council. The bid for funding for the Priest’s Way repair project needs to be completed by mid-July, though details of routes for one of the proposed new bridleways is still under negotiation. Mr V-A led a successful walk along Windmill lane on 19th May, and Mr Dicker had unlocked gates to allow this to go ahead without obstruction. DCC will install signage throughout and a footgate at the start of the walk. The Council asked that Mr V-A lead another walk as many had missed the first one. There had been a meeting with Jenny Penny of DCC and Jonathan Kershaw (NT) about the roundels on footpath signs/stiles, at which Ms Penny accepted that serious errors had been made; she made several proposals to amend both the literature and the roundels to relaunch the project. RESOLVED: That the Council is still in favour of the removal of the roundels. Following articles in the national press about the danger of cattle on footpaths, Mr V-A asked Cllr Loudoun if he could clarify potentially-dangerous breeds: Cllr Loudoun noted that it is illegal to keep dairy bulls (Friesians, Jerseys etc.) in fields with footpaths, though beef bulls may be kept in fields with dairy cows. 
b) Jonathan Kershaw of the National Trust reported that there have been several sightings of puffins this year; the NT are involved in a breeding seabird survey in partnership with the MOD, Durlston Country Park and the Lulworth estate. The NT Forestry advisor has been visiting local woodlands: he is supporting the community project in Langton Westwood. Jonathan Kershaw emphasised the importance of community support for the Priest’s Way repair project and that the NT would not proceed without this project being led & supported by the parish, and it was RESOLVED: That the Council supports the NT & Mr. Ian Vaughan-Arbuckle in investigating whether Langton House might pursue the idea of a permissive bridleway as part of the project bid. The Chairman thanked Mr Kershaw for his report.
4.Public Discussion Period. 
a) Mr Pete Christie asked Mr Kershaw what has been done to protect coppicing in the Westwood from deer damage. Mr Kershaw said that a mix of strategies, including culling and erecting barriers, were being used, and results evaluated. 
b) Mr Richard Simpson asked the Council why a foghorn is listed on the Council’s expenditure for June, and was informed by the Chairman that it was intended as a safety measure for the Clerk when working alone in the Parish Office. 
c) Following a letter to the Council, Mr and Mrs Radmore asked that a deflector be added to a street light and bushes be cut back at 70 High Street. The Council agreed that these points be followed up: ACTION: Clerk. The paving at the entrance to Mount Pleasant Lane had been mended by DCC.
5. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. As above. 
6.  Planning Matters. 
   1) There were no comments by members of the public.
   2) To make comments concerning the following plans:-
a) 6/2013/0281 Mr. and Mrs. M Haysom, 1 Serrell’s Mead Cottages, Langton Matravers. Replace existing front elevation windows to match those of adjoining property. No Objection.
b) TWA/2013/0070 Dorset County Council, Leeson House Field Studies Centre, Langton Matravers. (T641) Bull Bay Magnolia - formative & corrective pruning, prune around windows & roof, reduce declining canopy back to inner growth; (T688) Yew - remove epicormic growth from trunk & crown, prune to clear buildings, cut back large limb rubbing on building - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. No Objection.
c) 6/2013/0322 Mr and Mrs Evans, The Nest, the Hyde, Langton Matravers. Install two 1st floor front dormer windows.
No Objection.
3) Receive Planning decisions affecting this parish since the last Council meeting:
a) 6/2013/0200  Mr. M Harris, Steppes Hill (11 - Englefield), Langton Matravers, BH19 3ET, Erect front and rear extensions, insert rooflights into new extensions on south and north elevations. Approved.
b) 6/2013/0198  Mrs. A Cattallo, Old Malthouse Lane (Hill View Cottage), Langton Matravers, BH19 3JA, Demolish existing side extension. erect second storey extension under a new raised roof. Insert two dormer windows in south elevation. Insert window in east gable and erect ground floor entrance porch. Erect detached garage, car port. Withdrawn.
c) 6/2013/0063 Mr. B. Young, Nursery Bridge Farm, Valley Rd. Harman’s Cross. Station agricultural mobile home as temporary accommodation for agricultural worker. Withdrawn.
d) 6/2013/0178  Mr. K and Mr. S Bower, Verney Farm, Langton Matravers, BH19 3EX. Change of use of land to site residential caravan for temporary use by an agricultural worker. Refused.
e) Appeal Ref: APP/B1225/X/12/2179668  Land adjacent to 8 Arundel Terrace, Langton Matravers, Swanage
BH19 3HN  Appeal dismissed.
 4) Other planning matters: Proposed Spyway Orchard development. Cllrs Bradford and Turner left the room during discussion of this item.
The Council had received a letter from the developers’ agent, Wessex Holdings, asking if the Council knew what the need was for affordable housing in Langton Matravers, and whether, in their opinion the site might represent a suitable Rural Exception Site for such housing if it were to be brought forward for a Planning Application in the future. The need for an up-to-date Housing Needs survey was discussed, and it was agreed as a first step to seek a meeting with PDC’s Chris McDermott to establish what form such a survey might take, and whether it would best be carried out in tandem with PDC or independently. ACTION: Clerk. Cllr Lovell noted that there had always been a presumption against building to the south of the settlement boundary. Cllrs emphasised that it was important to accurately identify what sort of housing need there is in the village before further discussion about any site, and that each site should be considered on its individual merits. Cllr Drayson also noted the need for the Council to be clear about what constitutes ‘affordable’ before embarking on any project of this nature. ACTION: Clerk to reply to letter, explaining that an up-to-date Housing Needs Survey is required before responding further.  
7. Minutes of the Meeting held 9th May 2013. The Minutes, having been circulated previously, were agreed as a correct record and signed.
8.  Matters Arising from the Minutes.
a) Item 11a) Raglan Housing development. ‘Nine Barrow View’, a name suggested by a local resident, has been chosen for the new development.
b) Item 11b) Wild Flowers in the Closed Cemetery. The Clerk had spoken to the grass-cutting contractors, and they will attempt to cut round the flowers in the future
c) Item 13c). SSE Contracting – Unmetered supply for footway lights. Having finally received a satisfactory response, the Clerk has prepared the bill for payment. Cllr Lovell asked if we could obtain a refund as three lights had been out of action for considerable periods within the last six months. ACTION: Clerk to enquire. 
d) Item 13d) PDC Planning Training. The Clerk will be attending relevant training sessions, and Cllrs  agreed to pay the flat fee per Council of £50.00 for all sessions.
e) Item 16.1c) Unstable headstones in Crack Lane cemetery. the Clerk now has a full list and will be writing to the relevant people in the near future. ACTION: Clerk.
f) Item 23) Swings. The Clerk reported that Lottery funding for £2,000.00 had just been confirmed as part payment for the replacement project, but the contractors had meanwhile informed her that the cost of the swings had gone up by 30% since the quotation price had last been discussed. RESOLVED: That the Council pay the additional money required by the new quotation, for a replacement set of Wicksteed swings, to be supplied and installed as per the original specification.   
9.  The Clerk’s Report for the period 4.5.2013 - 7.6.2013.  Report received.
10.  Matters arising from the Clerk’s Report. 
a) Item 11. PDC Camping and Caravanning Consultation – Cllr Kirby had sent a response asking that the Council be consulted if PDC intends to close any campsites in the village, as camping is a valuable addition to the local economy.
b) Item 21. Dog Fouling in East Drove. The Council agreed that it understood Mr Wilcox’s concerns on the issue, but was aware that putting dog bins outside private homes was not popular with the property owners. RESOLVED: That Mr Wilcox be invited to canvass local support in East Drove for the positioning of dog bins outside homes: if such support is forthcoming, the Council will consider the matter further. 
c) Item 34. Navitus Bay Wind Park. A new round of consultations is underway: Swanage’s is on 26th June at the Catholic Hall.
d) DCC Highways Drain Jetting is planned for 20th June. ACTION: Clerk to send letters asking residents of the High Street to park elsewhere. 
e) PDC Settlement Boundaries Review. The Council had been asked if they would like to discuss this with officers when they have reviewed Langton Matravers’ settlement boundary. The Clerk was asked to set up an initial meeting to discuss recommendations, and confirm that PDC attend the Council meeting on 12th September to report to the public. ACTION: Clerk.
11.  Chairman’s Announcements. Cllr White commented on the danger of bicycles exceeding the speed limit in the High Street. He had sorted out a problem with the ‘wild dumping’ of rubbish near Leeson, and the Scott Estate were thanked for their help and co operation in clearing the area. He also thanked Mr Dicker from Coombe Farm for cutting back the ivy on the corner to improve visibility at the junction.
12.  Financial Matters.
(1)   Note the following additions to Council funds since the last Council Meeting:
       £ 160.00 Monument fee – the late Robin Lang, Plot M19.
       £ 13.25    Allotment rent and Water charge – Mrs. B.Flunder, Plot 8A.
       £ 500.00  Purchase of Burial plot – Mr. and Mrs. Ormerod, Plot N19.
       £ 35.00    Interment of ashes and monument inscr. fee – the late Mrs.V.Lander, Plot J15.
       £ 50.00    Cremation monument fee – the late Mr. M.Page, Plot CR6.
         £ 500.00  Purchase of cremation plot, interment and mon. fees – the late Mr. F.Ibell, ZCR7
(2)   Note the following Payments by cheque to be made since last Meeting:
£ 150.00   Mr I. Bugler – Grounds Maintenance (May). 
£ 498.57   Clerk’s salary (May). 
£ 84.96     Web hosting (2 years) – cheque to Cllr M.Lovell.  
£ 32.63     Wessex Water – allotment supply 08/09/12 – 19/03/13.
£ 25.00     DAPTC HMRC Training (Clerk).
£ 24.00     Sign and Print Company – allotment dog notices.
£ 65.31     Parish Assembly refreshment expenses (cheque to Cllr Drayson).
£ 11.95     Foghorn for Parish office. (CASH payment to Cllr P.White.)
£ 3.00       Envelopes (CASH payment to Cllr Lovell).
£ 50.00     Purbeck District Council – Planning Training 2013-14.
£ 561.23   Southern Electric – Unmetered electricity supply for LMPC footway lights, 2013-2014.
£ 125.00   Nigel Donald – Auditing of LMPC accounts to 31st March 2013 and end-of-year fee.
 (3) 	Payments by Direct Debit:
         £ 38.12     XLN Telecom for phone and broadband. 
 (4) Other Financial Matters. a) RESOLVED: That the audited accounts for 2012-13 are accepted by the Council. 
b) RESOLVED: That the Annual Governance Statement is approved by the Council. 
13.  Cemetery Matters: (1) Council’s Cemetery. a) Memorial Decorations. After discussion, it was RESOLVED: To leave the Cemetery Regulations as they are.
(2) Closed Cemetery. See 8b) above.
14.  Allotments.  The LMAA will be holding its annual barbecue on 6th July, and the Open Day will be on 11th August. Cllr Kirby reported that all plots were now taken, and expressed his thanks to Pete Christie for preparing the vacant plots before they were rented out, and to Daryle Pearson, Chair of LMAA, for encouraging plot holders to keep their plots tidy.
15. Toilet Contract The Clerk had prepared a contract for the cleaning and maintenance of the toilets: this had been approved by the toilet committee. RESOLVED: That, with the addition of a clause about the cleaning of the Bus Shelter at Steppes, the contract be put out to tender. Refurbishment of the toilets was discussed. RESOLVED: That the Clerk get quotations to re-paint walls and ceilings with graffiti-proof paint, and to clean the floors. ACTION: Clerk. 
16. Dorset Coast and Heaths and East Devon National Park.  Cllr Knight stated that he would not support the initiative as the National Park structure was undemocratic. Although it was suggested that there might be economic benefits, and that expressing support for the request to consider the proposal did not mean support for the proposal itself, it was RESOLVED: That the Council would not be minded to support a request for further information, and will take no action in the matter.   
17. Future of Council’s Land. The Clerk advised Cllrs of suggestions from parishioners so far. Dr Chris Spilling was thanked for his updated ecological survey of the area. Cllr Lovell advised the Council about funding for Neighbourhood Plans, and suggested that any decision be delayed until the Council decides whether to do one. Cllr White stressed the importance of wild play spaces for children. It was proposed that the land be valued, and Cllr Drayson asked that voting be recorded by name. The resolution was carried: For: Cllrs Tizard, Kirby, Turner, White and Loudoun, Against: Cllrs Lovell  and Drayson, Abstentions: Cllrs Bradford and Knight.
18. Speedwatch.  Only two volunteers have so far come forward. Cllr Knight suggested that parents of St George’s school children be approached through a letter in ‘bookbags’. ACTION: Clerk.
19. Community Noticeboard, Putlake.  Cllr Kirby suggested a corkboard in the Steppes Bus shelter, but Cllr White said that there were already three boards in the village: it was decided to go no further with the idea.  
20. Fingerpost replacement at Knitson. Bruno and Rebecca Charron had offered to obtain funding and replace the wooden fingerpost at Knitson. RESOLVED: That the Council approves the Charron’s proposal, and will pay £200.00 towards the cost of having a new metal roundel made for the top of the post.
 21. Grant for Purbeck Film Festival. The social value of the Film Festival in getting parishioners together was noted. RESOLVED: To support the Purbeck Film festival with a grant of £100.00.
22. The date of the next meeting was confirmed as Thursday 11th July, 2013. The meeting will begin at 7pm. 
23..Additional items for the Agenda of the next Council meeting: Speedwatch / Housing Needs Survey / Toilet Refurbishment / Future of Council’s Land.

Closed c.9.20pm. 

Signed………………………………………  (Chairman)    Date…………………………