Parish Council of Langton Matravers
www.langtonmatravers-pc.org
 
Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Village Hall on Thursday 10th March 2016 at 7 pm.
Present: Cllr W Knight in the Chair, Cllrs P Christie, M Turner, R Sheppard, M Lovell, P White, C Drayson. 
There were 18 members of the public present.
Most of the meeting was audio-recorded, though the last part was not recorded as the battery ran out.  
1. Apologies for absence. Cllrs Loudoun and Lucas. 
2. Declarations of Interest / Grant of Dispensations. Cllr Turner declared a pecuniary interest in relation to Planning Item 4a), concerning the new drainage strategy for the Spyway Orchard Application. Cllr Drayson declared an interest as a member of the LMAA in relation to Item 17.
3. National Trust Report. Mr Kershaw thanked helpers for Community Woodland work. There will be another woodland day on 1st April. He has done work on problems with the Priest’s Way, and will be organising a meeting with representatives from Worth and Langton and DCC’s Katie Black to update her on issues and work on solutions. Mr Kershaw was thanked for his report.
4. RoWLO Report. Mr Vaughan-Arbuckle also expressed concern about the ongoing bad state of the Priest’s Way, recently exacerbated by contractor and quarry traffic on the path through Acton and leading to South Barn; he is very concerned about the indiscriminate use of the bridleway by vehicles. Cllr Lovell agreed to attend the proposed meeting on the subject, representing LMPC. ACTION: Cllr Lovell. Mr V-A will hope to complete the report on the parish Footpath Survey in time for the Parish Assembly on 28th April, and will be retiring as RoWLO at that point. The Chair thanked Mr V-A for all the outstanding work he had done as LMPC’s RoWLO in the last four years, leaving the footpaths in good condition, with a strategic plan in place for the future.  
5. Public Discussion Period. The meeting was adjourned for this agenda item. 
a) Dr Chris Spilling noted i) that 4 fingerposts have been removed on the footpath S of the Priest’s Way going past ‘Seaspray’. Mr Kershaw said that a stone now marks the permissive footpath to Dancing Ledge; the official Right of Way is not currently waymarked. There will not any change to the definitive RoW. 
ii) Private cars are still using the Priest’s Way. The meeting was advised by Mr Kershaw that anyone seeing such a vehicle should take the registration number and report this to the National Trust or PC.
b) Mr George Crabb complained about a pile of scrub adjacent to the Tom’s Field footpath, and some redundant sheep fencing. ACTION: JK to follow up.
c) Mrs Maggie Sutton thanked Mr V-A for his work on Langton’s footpaths and the Priest’s Way. She noted that part of the problems with vehicles causing damage at Acton relates to speed. 
d) Cllr Knight left the meeting. Mrs Lorna Russ asked that the Council make time to comment on the revised plans for the proposed development in the garden of ‘Enzeli’. She asked if the fact that the deadline for comments had been extended was irregular procedure on the part of PDC. Cllr Knight rejoined the meeting.
e) Mr Treleven Haysom noted, in relation to Item 7 (Review Coasteering Code of Conduct) that the area of this activity is a very important site for breeding seabirds, particularly puffins and kittiwakes. 
f) Cllr Drayson left the meeting. Mr Richard Simpson reported that an informal poll of LMAA members suggested that 24 of the 36 plots would use the proposed polytunnel.
g) Mr Keith Coombs, Chair if the LMAA, gave details about the proposed composting toilet, giving dimensions, cost and explanation of how it would work. Mr Martin Kirby spoke in favour of this, suggesting the N of the communal shed as a possible site. Cllr Drayson rejoined the meeting.
h) Mr Steve Hutchings alerted the meeting to a scam perpetrated against a lady in Acton, whereby she was being taken to Swanage to withdraw money.
The meeting was reconvened.
7. Matters Arising from the Public Discussion. 
a) It was agreed to put a notices about reporting car numbers on the Priest’s Way and the Acton scam in the Dubber. ACTION: Clerk. A warning about the scam will also go on the Council’s website.
b) Speed at Acton (5c). The council suggested that a speed limit of 10mph should be applied throughout the area. ACTION: Clerk to find out about how this might be done.
7. Review Coasteering Code of Conduct. Jon Kershaw reported on how the licensing system was working at present, and all Cllrs had copies of the Draft Code as it is at present, giving numbers. Recent changes include a total ban on the use of Seacombe for activity groups, capped numbers at Hedbury and East Man, and booking at all sites rather than just Dancing Ledge. Within a year bookings will be online, and costs have risen from 60p to £1.20 per head, which pays for the cost of booking, the licensing system and bird surveys to establish what effect the activity is having on seabird populations and breeding. Research into disturbance from boats, climbers and coasteering groups is ongoing. Cllr Drayson asked if research being done on Tranquillity by Winchester University might be used to reduce numbers. It was agreed by LMPC that reference to coaches parking at Acton be removed from the Code of Conduct, and Council asked the NT to review the 50m exclusion zone for rafting birds, as insufficient. The Chair thanked Mr Kershaw and the NT for the ongoing work on this matter.
8. Planning Matters. There were no plans to discuss under Items 1 and 2.
    3. TWA/2016/0006 Mr Martin Kelly, Old Malthouse Lane (Windward & Hill View Cottage), Langton Matravers, BH19 3JA. (T1) Silver birch - 15% crown thin concentrating on crossing & rubbing branches; (T2) Cherry - reduce crown by 2m, remove crossing & rubbing branches; (T3) Twisted willow - fell to ground level; (T4) Cherry - reduce crown by 2m, 15% crown thin, remove crossing & rubbing branches; (T13) Apple - reduce crown by 1m, 15% crown thin - Langton Matravers Conservation Area. APPROVED.
    4. a) The Clerk had received 3 hard copies and several e-mailed copies of letters relating to Application 6/2015/0687 (Spyway Orchard)’s Version 4 Drainage Strategy and Flood Risk Assessment, which had been received by LMPC.
        b) Cllr Knight left the meeting. Amended plans for application 6/2015/0683 at Land adjacent Enzeli, Acton had just been received. RESOLVED: To hold a Planning Sub-Committee as per Standing Order C3, to discuss the amended plans. Subcommittee to consist of Cllrs Christie (Chair), White, Sheppard and Turner. ACTION: Clerk to arrange and publicise meeting as soon as possible.
9. Minutes of the Meeting held 11th February 2016. Cllr Drayson’s leaving of the meeting at Item 15 and rejoining afterwards to be recorded. That done, these were agreed to be a correct record and signed.
10. Matters Arising from the Minutes. None.
11. The Clerk’s Report for the period 3.2.2016 – 1.3.2016.  Correspondence received and actions taken can be read on p.3 of the agenda. Report received.
a) Item A3). Advance Notification of Cycling Event. RESOLVED: To ask organisers of these events to plan so that cyclists proceed through Langton Matravers in a westerly direction (uphill). ACTION: Clerk.
b) Item A5). Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebrations. Cllr Drayson advised that the Village Hall Committee are organising a ‘Royal Vintage Tea Party’ for the occasion, in June.
c) Item A7) Southern Boundary of School Field. Jacqui Leaton (DCC) says that here is no budget for this at present.
d) Item Bd) Parish Assembly Arrangements. It was agreed to invite Toby Hoad to talk, with Mr Kershaw of the NT, to the Parish Assembly about his work at Langton West Wood. Wine will be bought from Court Hill Wines on sale or return, with glasses on loan. Cllr Knight offered to serve drinks with Cllr Drayson. ACTION: Cllr Drayson, Clerk. 
e) Item Cb). Complaint to Aster Synergy re: No 6 Steppes. Cllr Christie had met the family and a representative of Aster Synergy at the house, where work was finally in progress, but leaving the tenant with minimal facilities. The company have agreed to re-house the family, pay expenses and ‘significant compensation’ for delays and upheaval caused. It was agreed to write to Aster Synergy thanking them for their response in putting the work in hand, and to record the Council’s disappointment at their inability to plan properly for works and communicate effectively with the tenants. ACTION: Clerk.
f) Item Cc) PRAG workshops 21st April. Cllrs Knight, Christie, Drayson and Clerk to attend evening session. ACTION: Clerk to inform PDC.
g) Item Da. Meeting with Richard Drax. ACTION: Clerk to arrange meeting between Chair and Mr Drax. All Cllrs to send e-mails to Cllr Knight suggesting points for discussion. 
h) New Website Proposal. RESOLVED: To ask Mark Gracey to build a new website for LMPC in the terms set out in his email of 27th January 2016, for the sum of £500, plus £120 per year hosting and maintenance. It was agreed to hold a photo competition for new visual content, to be announced in the Dubber. It was suggested that some historic pictures could be used too.
The next final date for inclusion of correspondence-related agenda items received between meetings is 5th April 2016.
12. Chairman’s Announcements. Cllr Knight had attended the DAPTC Annual conference, It seems that if there is a move to Unitary authorities, more services may be devolved to Town and \Parish level.
13. County and District Councillor’s Report. Cllr Lovell reported that Dorset CC is not keen to move to Unitary status. There will be a consultation in the summer, with a decision by January 2017. 
14. Purbeck DAPTC Meeting report. Cllrs Drayson and Christie advised that topics had included future medical provision, lack of Government consultation on major developments, youth services and housing policy. 
15. Second Homes Policy. Cllrs considered Cllr Christie’s written proposal to introduce some sort of levy on the purchase of second homes in the area, It was suggested that making a new ‘Planning Class’ which would involve change of use might be a way to effect this, and Cllrs are keen that this should form part of PDC’s Partial Review of the Local Plan. It was RESOLVED: That this Council is concerned about the increase in the number of second homes in the parish, with the consequent loss of affordable and available housing for permanent residents. 
16. Crack Lane Road sides. Held over until the next meeting.
17a). LMAA Polytunnel Proposal. Cllr Drayson left the meeting. After discussion it was. RESOLVED: This Council does not approve of the LMAA’s proposal for a polytunnel.
b)   LMAA Composting Toilet proposal. After discussion, it was RESOLVED: To approve a composting toilet in principle, subject to further LMPC approval of detailed plans of construction, operation and siting, and guaranteed funding by the LMAA. Cllr Drayson rejoined the meeting.
18. Cemetery Memorials Policy. Though some Cllrs urged a clear policy on type of floral or other decoration on graves, others felt that sensitivity to mourners’ needs was paramount. It was agreed that a Working Party of Cllrs Drayson, Lovell and Knight should review the Cemetery Regulations. ACTION: Clerk to arrange a meeting.
19. Financial Matters:
(1) 	Note the following addition to Council funds since the last Council Meeting: 
       £ 88.50    Allotment rent and water charge.
 (2) 	Note the following Payments by cheque or cash to be made since last Meeting:
       £ 90.00     Ian Bugler. Work at Cemetery and Play Area (Dec/Jan/Feb).
£ 570.83   Clerk’s salary (February). 
£135.00    Elliott’s Cleaning Co. Public Toilets (February).
£ 22.80     National Trust Allotment rent rise (back dated to April 2015).
£ 15.00     Hire of Langton Village Hall for Extraordinary meeting 14th December 2015.
£3.99        Batteries for office equipment (CASH payment to Clerk).
 (3) Payment by Direct Debit:
£ 45.89 to XLN Telecom for phone and broadband.
(4) Any other Financial Matters; a) External Audit arrangements. RESOLVED: To rescind Standing Order B22 relating to Resolution at Item 19c in Minutes 11th Feb. 2016. RESOLVED: To remain ‘opted in’ in relation to the Local Audit (Smaller Authorities) Regulations 2015, as Group 3 (Opted-in authorities with neither income nor expenditure exceeding £25K.
b) Use of CIL money for Play Area enhancement. RESOLVED: That the CIL payment made by PDC in April 2015, for £934.09 be used for the enhancement of the Play Area..
19.  Confirmation of the date of the next Council Meeting – 14th April 2016 at 7 pm.
20. Additional Items for the Agenda of the next Council Meeting: Food for Parish Assembly / Crack Lane road sides and passing places.

Closed 9.30 pm.

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