Thursday, April 06 2006

Minutes April 2006

04/06
WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council,
Held on Thursday, 6th April 2006 in the Sports Pavilion,
Rookwood Road, West Wittering
PRESENT: Mr. R. Hutton, (Chairman) Mr. R. Shrubb, (Vice Chairman), Mr. W. Buckland, Mr. D. Wright, Mr. D. Hopson, Mrs. J. Harper, and 14 members of the Public. Cllr Taff Davies and Cllr Martin Daws Chew were also in attendance.
28. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr. B Holmes, Mr. T. Tupper, Mr Robertson
29. MINUTES
On a proposal by Mr. Shrubb, seconded by Mr. Wright, the minutes were signed as a true and correct record.
30. DECLARATION OF INTEREST (CODE OF CONDUCT)
Mr. Shrubb declared his interest in the item concerning Scotts Farm.
31. CLERKS REPORT AND ACTION LIST PROGRESS
(a) Allotments
It was noted that there were no vacant plots and a waiting list. Mrs. Harper agreed to obtain 2 quotes to cut the eastern boundary.
(b) Footpaths and Open Spaces.
Mr. Shrubb reported that the Harbour Conservancy had started the maintenance of Footpath No.1.
He reported that the greensward fronting properties in West Strand was being reduced as property owners were edging onto the land owned by Cakeham Estates. If the width of the greensward is reduced this would, coupled with erosion, cause a loss of a valuable amenity and Footpath No.1. It was agreed that the Parish Council would write to Cakeham Estates and ask them to note parishioners concerns.
(c) Sportsfield Management
Mr. Hutton reported that the final retention payment had been made, and the new gate installed. The office was now furnished, and Mr. Hopson agreed to provide a specification for office equipment.
(d) Snowhill
Mr. Shrubb reported that 2 quotes had been received for the repair of the track. Contractor A’s price was £ 1085 and Contractor B, £430. On a proposal by Mr. Shrubb, seconded by Mrs. Harper, members agreed the quote of Contractor B.
(e) Memorial Hall
Members noted the AGM to be held on 10th May 2006.
(f) F&GP
Members noted the next meeting would be on June 19th 2006.
(g) Village Green
Mr. Shrubb reported on the quotes for grasscutting the Village Green and Sportsfield. A number of contractors had been invited to apply for all or part of the contract. Mr. Shrubb gave details of the quotes and proposed that Contractor E be awarded the Village Green and Play Area grasscutting and Contractor B for the Sportsfield.
(h) Village Design Statement
Mr. Wright reported that a number of volunteers were producing and coordinating the final draft, including photographs and drawings.
(i) Twinning Committee
Mr. Wright reported that the “Call My Bluff” evening had raised £360, and that a Petanque day was arranged for 13th May 2006 at the Cricket Club. He also reported that the West Wittering School was in touch with the primary school in Moutiers.
23. CORRESPONDENCE
Members noted that items as listed in the Clerks report had been circulated.
(a) Chichester District Council – Policy Development Committee
Members noted the new arrangements for Primary Health Care trusts.
(b) Letter re request for Skate Park
The Clerk reported a letter from a young resident regarding the provision of a skate park. It was agreed that a fairly large area would need to be set aside, and Mr. Buckland agreed to look at the site in East Wittering and see whether a skate park could fit on to the Sportsfield.
(c) Letter re Scotts Farm
Mr. Shrubb declared his interest and left the meeting. The Clerk circulated a copy of a letter from Mr. Andrews, the owner of Scotts Farm. Mr. Wright stated that he felt that the Parish Council was merely representing the views of the 80 residents who attended the open planning meeting, and would not be prevented from representing their views by the threat of libel action. Mr. Hopson stated that the Parish Council had a responsibility to represent these views. It was agreed to acknowledge the letter and note the contents.
Mr. Shrubb returned to the meeting.
32. FINANCE
(a) Balances at 30th March 2006 were £16579.57
(b) Additional accounts were passed for payment as follows; £
(i) Chichester District Council Paladin Hire 116.09
(ii) Southern Electric Footway Lights 153.75
(iii) SALC Subscription 502.59
(iv) C. Trenchant Pavilion garden 40.00
812.43
(c) On a proposal by Mr. Hopson, seconded by Mrs. Harper, payment was authorised as follows;
(i) Clerks Report 2859.81
(ii) Items above 812.43
(iii) Total 3672.24
33. PLANNING
(a) Members noted that planning decision lists had been circulated.
(b) Land at Scotts Farm, Cakeham Road
Mr. Shrubb declared an interest and left the meeting. The Clerk reported that the Parish Council had received the legal opinion regarding the planning consent of March and May 2000. This had been given to the officers of the District Council and a meeting to discuss the opinion was to be arranged later in April. The Chairman opened the meeting to allow Cllr Taff Davies to inform members that the site visit of the Development Control Committee had been arranged for 2nd May 2006 at 9.55am.
Mr. Shrubb returned to the meeting.
(c) Planning Application –2XS, Harvest Home, Rookwood Rd
Members noted correspondence from a resident concerning the above planning application and the Parish Council’s decision to allow the businesses in Rookwood Rd to utilise parking spaces in the Sportsfield car park. Members had not been made aware of the contents of the planning application. As members had agreed that use of the car park was for a trial period, and for staff only, it was agreed to withdraw the facility from the owners of 2XS. It was also agreed to inform Chichester District Council that the use of the parking facility was only temporary.
(d) List No.08/06 None
List No.09/06 WW/06/0735/FUL Land adjacent 32 Locksash Close
Erection of detached house and
garage, 32 Locksash Close,
OBJECTION overdevelopment WW/06/00756/DOM Demolition of existing single
storey extension, new two
Storey extension, 40 Marine Drive West,
NO OBJECTION

List No.10/06 WW/06/00739/FUL Proposed ménage, Field 3
Elms Lane
NO OBJECTION

List No.11/06 WW/06/00906/DOM Demolish existing wall and
replace, 2 Marine Drive West,
OBJECTION
WW/06/00939/DOM Single storey rear extension
43, Marine Drive West
NO OBJECTION
List No.12/06 WW/06/01056/FUL Demolition of existing building,
erection of 2 storey building,
1 retail unit and 4 flats,
2Xs Rookwood Rd,
OBJECTION re parking

34. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
(a) Wittering Traders Association and Witterings Business Partnership
Mr. Wright requested support for this organisation
(b) Highway matters
Members reported a number of problems requiring attention.
35. OPEN FORUM
Cllr Davies reported that Sheepwash lane had been surfaced, to extend the Chichester Harbour cycle and leisure path. Mr. Morton stated that there were still problems with large vehicles using Elms Lane as a short cut, and the Parish Council agreed to investigate installing “advisory” narrow lane signs.
Mr Oppé stated that the Council’s decision to allow the use of the Sportsfield for parking was a breach of the covenant relating to the use of the Sportsfield for recreation. It was agreed to check the covenant restrictions with the Council’s solicitor.
Mr. Andrews informed the Council that his letter was a request to the Council and public to maintain the truth regarding the planning and enforcement issues on his site.

There being no further business for discussion, the meeting closed at 8.40pm.