Thursday, December 31 2009

Minutes December 2009

WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on Thursday, 3rd December 2009 in the Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Road, West Wittering

PRESENT: Mr. R. Hutton, (Chairman) Mr. R Shrubb, (Vice Chairman) Mr. D Wright, Mr K Smith, Mr. K. Martin, Mr. W Buckland, Mr T Tupper, and 10 members of the Public. Cllr Pieter Montyn was also in attendance.

118. PRESENTATION BY MR S HANSFORD, COMMUNITY WARDEN SCHEME

The Chairman opened the meeting to allow Mr Hansford from Chichester District Council to address the meeting about the Community Warden Scheme. He explained about the funding and partnership arrangements and also the work of the Wardens in community safety. Members noted the new contract would start in April 2010 and the Council agreed to consider whether to enter into partnership when it agreed its budget for 2010/11.

119. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Mr. S Colwell, Mr J Robertson

120. DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Mr. Wright declared a personal interest in the planning application for Briar Cottage, Thessaly and The Managers House, West Wittering Estates. Mr Shrubb declared an interest in the application for Field 3, Elms Lane, The Managers House, and Rowan House. Mr. Hutton declared an interest in the application for 2 Owers Way. Mr Smith declared a personal interest in Item 7 regarding Mr Hopsons web site.

121. MINUTES

On a proposal by Mr Tupper, seconded by Mr Smith, the minutes were agreed and signed by the Chairman.

122. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Members considered the following planning applications and the meeting was opened to allow the public to address the Council. The decisions of the Council are set out below.

The Chairman allowed Ms S Organ to speak regarding the application for Thessaly. She outlined her client’s objections and answered questions regarding the new application. Members discussed the proposals and agreed that the Parish Council would object on grounds of size, bulk and density, and referring to the statement in the VDS regarding Roman Landing.

List No.45/09 NONE

List No.46/09 NONE

List No.47/09 NONE

List No.48/09 WW/09/03697/DOM Conway, 16 The Crescent, West Wittering – Alterations and extension to convert a 2 bed bungalow into a 4 bed chalet bungalow. NO OBJECTION

WW/09/04626/DOM 2 Owers Way West Wittering – Loft conversion with flat roof dormers and roof lights to each side of existing roof. NO OBJECTION

WW/09/04630/FUL Field Number 3 Elms Lane West Wittering. Sand school. CONDITION REGARDING HEDGING

WW/09/04615/DOM Briar Cottage Roman Landing West Wittering – Change of use and reconstruction of roof space to create new bedroom and en-suite bathroom. CONDITION RE GLASS AND PLANTING

WW/09/04638/FUL Managers House West Wittering Estate West Wittering – Minor amendments to planning approval ref: WW/09/00145/FUL: amending condition 2: slight realignment of the proposed house (approx 3.5 degrees) to align it with the existing office building. Slight reduction of the balcony at its eastern end. NO OBJECTION

WW/09/04770/TCA Rowan House Cakeham Road West Wittering – Notification of intention to reduce by up to 3m the north, east and west sectors and remove 2 no. lowest branches on north sector on 1 no. Monterey Cypress tree. NO OBJECTION

123. CLERKS REPORT

(a) Allotments

Members noted that all plots were either let or in the process of being let and nearly all rents collected.

(b) Footpaths and Open Spaces.

Members noted that there was no further information to hand regarding the closure of the conveniences in Pound Road. It was agreed to keep up pressure to prevent closure.

Members also considered the proposals for waiting restrictions in Pound Road and Rookwood Rd. it was agreed that the restrictions in Rookwood/Cakeham Rd should extend as far as Levens Cottage, however members did not agree with the proposals outside the School and Church. It was agreed that it was unacceptable to consider all the proposals as one order as the restrictions for Rookwood Rd (to be implemented with the SSZ measures planned for 2010) were of a higher priority and should not be further delayed.

Members also considered the comments from the Church, which also did not agree with the restrictions which would prevent access for worshippers and those attending weddings and funerals.

The Church did not support the restrictions for Pound Rd which may then hold up the process for the implementation in Rookwood Rd.

Following further discussion it was agreed that the Parish Council would communicate its view to WSCC and also offer to facilitate a meeting of all parties concerned to move matters forward.

The Clerk further reported that the East/West cycle and footpath was still programmed for construction in March 2010.

Members considered quotations for the repair and maintenance of the track on Snowhill.

Details of two options had been obtained and the Council was asked whether it wished to only fill existing potholes, or fill existing potholes and resurface the track with appropriate material. Following discussion, it was proposed by Mr Wright that the resurfacing option was preferred. This was seconded by Mr Smith and members agreed.

Members then considered the following quotations;
- Contractor A £1990
- Contractor B £ 3102
- Contractor C Not specified
- Contractor D £ 3438
- Contractor E £ 2820
- Contractor F £ 2850

On a proposal by Mr Wright, seconded by Mr Smith, members agreed that Contractor F should be instructed to carry out the work as specified.

Members noted that the same contractors had been asked to quote for the repair of Footpath 14, (Furzefield to Scotts) and then considered the following quotations;
- Contractor A £3892
- Contractor B £7821
- Contractor C £4200 (not to specification)
- Contractor D £4177
- Contractor E £4790
- Contractor F £2574

On a proposal by Mr Wright seconded by Mr Tupper members agreed that Contractor F be instructed to carry out this work as specified.

The Chairman confirmed that routine boiler maintenance had been carried out and that the required Fire and Building Risk Assessments reports had done. It was agreed to ask Mr Robertson to organise the work required to the building.

(d) Snowhill

No items to report.

(e) Memorial Hall

No items to report.

(f) Finance Working Party

Members noted that the Clerks computer required replacing. It was agreed to have the computer looked at to check the memory and organise an appropriate clean if required.

(g) Grant applications 2009/10

Members considered grant applications for the year and on a proposal by Mr Smith, seconded by Mr Martin agreed the following grants;
- Wittering Twinning Association £300
- Chichester CAB £300
- Victim Support £200
- 4Sight £250
- WWPCC £600
- MMVS £500
- Samaritans £200
- Carers Support Service £200

Members discussed the presentation from Mr Hansford and on a proposal by Mr Hutton seconded by Mr Smith, agreed that a figure of £2000 should be included in the budget for 2010/11 and that the Council would undertake further discussion with CDC before agreeing to be included in the scheme regarding any contribution to the Manhood Peninsular partnership.

(h) Village Green

No items to report

(i) Twinning.

No items to report.

(j) Web Site and Communication

Mr Martin reported that he had obtained 2 quotes for the production of the newsletter.

These were as follows;
- Contractor A £188 (B&W) £294 (Colour)
- Contractor B £294 (B&W ) £360 (Colour )

Mr Martin proposed that he consult with the Chair and Vice Chair before recommending either contractor, and members authorised that a sum of up to £350 could be spent without further reference to the Council. This was seconded by Mr Shrubb and agreed by members.

(k) Footway Lighting

Members noted that the PFI arrangements were now in place and it was agreed that the Clerk write to WSCC to report the defects to the existing stock.

(l) Pag/Head Coastal Strategy

No items

(m) Emergency Planning

Mr Smith reported on the meeting held on 30th November. In the absence of other members of the group he agreed to collate the required information and would report back after the next meeting.

124. CORRESPONDENCE

Members noted that items as listed in the Clerks report had been circulated.

(a) Letter re Seat, Marine Drive

Members noted a letter from a resident of Marine Drive regarding the new seat. It was agreed to let the resident know that the bank would be reinstated which would afford some additional privacy.

(b) CDC General Election and use of Pavilion

The clerk reported the request from CDC to provisionally book the pavilion on 6th May 2010 in the event that it may be the used as a Polling Station for a General election. Members agreed to move the date of the Annual meeting of the Parish Council to Wednesday 5th May 2010 instead if the election is called for 6th May.

125. FINANCE

(a) Balances at 26/11/2009 per bank statement £95,413.83

(b) Accounts for payment as listed in the Clerks report plus additional payments approved by the Council at the meeting;

(i) Mr C Tranchant Pavilion garden – £80.00
(ii) PWC Pavilion – £51.81
(iii) IT&S Risk Assessments Pavilion – £275.00
(iv) Channel Safety Smoke Alarm – £327.75
(v) Mrs J Brown Clerks Salary and mileage – £2716.04
(vi) J K Clay Hedge and ditch clearance – £103.50
(vii) eUKhost Domain fee – £109.50
(viii) C Tranchant Pavilion garden (inc tree work) – £210.00
(ix) C Tranchant “ “ – £40.00
(x) J Hamper Potts Litter collection – £70.00
(xi) Mr Ruff Strimming and hedge cuttings – £525.00
(xii) M Rose Service boiler – £179.40
(xiii) SEC Pavilion – £121.35
(ivx) PWC Allotments – £178.39

(i) BT Office and Broadband – £97.37
(ii) BT Fax Line – £56.58

(d) On a proposal by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mr. Buckland, payment of the above accounts was authorised by the Parish Council.

126. MR HOPSONS WEBSITE

On a proposal by Mr Hutton seconded by Mr. Buckland, members agreed to discuss legal advice regarding the potentially defamatory content of Mr Hopsons web site in closed session.

127. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

(a) Twitten, Howard Ave and Marine Drive

Mr Smith reported that this twitten was no longer being maintained by the adjacent land owner, and that it was a path used by residents. The Council agreed to obtain quotes for regular cutting.

(b) Northern Crescent /Windsor Drive

Members agreed to request parking restrictions for this part of Northern Crescent as parked cars were causing obstruction and visibility problems.

The Clerk was asked to report the potholes in Pound Rd, and land drainage issues in Sheepwash Lane

128. OPEN FORUM

Cllr Monteyn reported on the forthcoming consultation with CDC regarding the strategic growth options of the Local Development Framework

129. MR HOPSONS WEBSITE

The Clerk outlined legal advice received from SALC regarding the content of Mr Hopsons website, and the potential cost of any action. Members considered this and on a proposal by Mr Martin and seconded by Mr Shrubb, agreed that no funds should be spent on any legal action. Members further agreed that a letter of complaint be sent to the web site hosts reporting the potentially libelous content and asking for it to be removed.

There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 10.20pm

Signed…………………….…Chairman Date……………………

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 7th January 2010 in the West Wittering Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Rd.

COPIES OF ALL MINUTES AND AGENDA AND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL CAN BE FOUND ON THE PARISH COUNCIL’S WEB SITE; www.westwitteringparishcouncil.gov.uk