West Wittering

Friday, January 03 2014

Minutes December 2013

MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council,held on Thursday 5th December 2013 in the Sports Pavilion,Rookwood Road, West Wittering, PO20 8LT

PRESENT: Mr K Martin, (Chairman) Mr. Shrubb (Vice Chairman), Mr W Buckland, Mr Wright (until Item 266), Mrs J Barrett, Mr D Sadler, Mr C Pine, Mr I Parker and 8 members of the public.

259.        APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Mr D Sadler

260.         DECLARATION OF VACANCY

The Chairman announced that he had accepted Mr Jennings resignation and that there was a vacancy on the Parish Council.

261.        DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Mr. Parker and Mr Pine declared an interest in the item regarding   Abbeyfield. During the discussion Mr Pine left the meeting.

262.        PLANNING APPLICATIONS

The Council discussed the following planning applications;

List No Reference Application details
45/13 WW/13/03591/DOM - Mr & Mrs J Holmes 38 Marine Drive West Wittering Demolition of existing conservatory and replacing with a two storey rear extension with internal alterations. COMMENT Condition required to prevent separate unit of accommodation
WW/13/03592/DOM - Mr Les Higgins Waters Edge 5 Marine Drive West West Wittering Replacement of existing conservatory with extended balcony over. NO OBJECTION
WW/13/03611/DOM - Keeble Grant Ltd Walnut Tree Cottage  Rookwood Road West Wittering Extension and alterations to existing dwelling, demolition of existing garage and erection of new car port.NO OBJECTION
46/13 WW/13/03212/DOM - Mr Richard Dollamore 51 Summerfield Road West Wittering Upgrade of conservatory. NO OBJECTION
WW/13/03659/DOM - Mrs Janine Clarke The Dormy House West Strand West Wittering Alterations to existing garden room.

NO OBJECTION

47/13 WW/13/03693/PLD - Mr & Mrs Sheppard 14 The Wad West Wittering Construction of 1 no. rear roof dormer and single storey side extension.NO OBJECTION
48/13 None

(a)      Neighbourhood Development Plan

Mrs Barrett reported that the launch event was well attended and that the NDP team were analysing the results from the questionnaire. The team had met again on 2nd December and discussed the Terms of Reference. The Chairman opened the meeting to allow Mr Hammett to enlarge on the issues arising from the questionnaires.

The Council discussed the Terms of Reference and the amendment proposed by the Chairman, and on a proposal by Mrs Barrett, seconded by Mr Shrubb approved the NDP Terms of Reference

(b)     Development at Northfield

Members noted that there was no further update from Southern Water regarding the enforcement of Condition 19.

On a proposal by Mrs Barrett, seconded by Mr Parker it was agreed to ask CDC to continue to enforce the conditions of the original planning application

(c)      Electronic Planning applications – Test.

The Chairman suggested that some testing of the new equipment and procedure was needed before switching to electronic planning applications. It was agreed to meet on 23rd January at 7.30pm in the Pavilion.

(d)     Royal Oak, East Wittering

Members discussed the planning application by the Cooperative Society to replace the Royal Oak with a store.

Mr Wright stated that he would like to see the Public House retained and suggested that WWPC send a representative to the Planning Committee meeting. Mr Parker did not agree and suggested that the new store and free car parking would attract shoppers and be good for businesses.

The Chairman opened the meeting to allow the public to address the Council. Representatives of the Save our Village Group asked the Council to object to the application. Mr Wright proposed that the Council object, this was seconded by Mrs Barrett, but not carried on a vote of 2 for and 3 against the proposal.

(e)      Local Plan – Consultation

The Chairman reminded the meeting that responses were due by 6th January 2013.

(f)      Abbeyfield – Community Right to Bid

Members considered an application under the Localism Act to register Abbeyfield as a Community asset, and nominate the asset for a community right to bid. On a proposal by Mr Martin, seconded by Mr Wright, it was agreed that an application be pursued.

263.        MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING

Subject to the total for Finance being amended to read £16297.46, on a proposal by Mr Martin, and seconded by Mr Pine, the minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.

264.        DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLOR UPDATE

No report

265.        CLERKS REPORT

(a)      Allotments

Vandalism and damage noted. Damage to fence and hedge requires attention. Mr Melton and Mr Pine agreed to meet to look at what is needed and report back. It was also agreed to let the Community Warden and Chairman have a key.

(b)     Footpaths and Open Spaces

The Chairman reported that the agreement regarding the lease of the Public Conveniences was in the process of being finalised.

Mr Shrubb reported that the Operation Watershed application had been amended and submitted.

Members also discussed the blocked culvert adjacent to the Sportsfield. Mr Shrubb agreed to provide a specification and it was agreed to consider getting this done when and if the Watershed grant was known.

The Clerk was asked to obtain further details of the improvements to the E/W cycle path at Wellsfield and members noted the drainage and surfacing work at Sheepwash Lane/Salterns Way was completed and would reopen on 6th January 2013.

(c)      Sportsfield and Millennium Meadow

Members noted that the planning application was still being worked up.

Mrs Barrett reported that she was still pursuing the Cricket Club for its H&S reporting forms. Mr Parker agreed to complete the Fire Safety Log book, once the Clerk had provided a suitable template.

An area TPO to cover trees on the southern boundary was discussed. Mr Buckland had surveyed the trees and would meet with the CDC Tree Officer Mr Whitby. Mr Wright agreed to arrange minor repairs to the Trim trail equipment.

Members also discussed the repair and maintenance of the Pavilion shutters. Mr Wright provided a quote for repair to 1 shutter and a maintenance contract. It was agreed that the Clerk would compare this quote with that supplied by the original contractor, and that the Chair and Vice chair would make the final decision once all details were circulated.

Mr Shrubb also reported that the gas boiler had been serviced.

(d)     Snowhill

The Vice Chairman reported cost of chain required plus stakes was £478. He proposed that this be ordered, this was seconded by Mr Pine and members agreed. Members also approved the quote of £50 to remove the seat ends to be relocated on the green.

(e)      Memorial Hall

No items

(f)      Finance

Monthly monitoring report noted. The Chairman reported that the Budget was being worked up. He anticipated an inflation increase at least as more District services were being cut. It was agreed to forward the tax band and council tax setting details to all members.

Members also approved S137 Grants for 2013/14. On a proposal by Mr. Parker, seconded by Mr. Buckland the Council agreed the following grants in 2013/14 using its powers under S137 of the Local Government Act 1972 on the basis that any organisation awarded a grant provided either services to a significant proportion of the electorate or a project benefiting a significant proportion of the Parish as follows;

MMVS – £400

Friday Tea and Chat Club – £300

WWPCC – £700

In addition a grant of £300 was made to Chichester and District CAB

(g)      Village Green

Mr Shrubb reported that the cost of having the grass cut and collected on the Village Green, as opposed to just cut would be in the region of £1200 next year. It was agreed to include this in the budget.

(h)     Twinning

No items.

(i)       Communication and Web site

The Clerk reported that the domain name had been renewed. It was agreed to arrange further Parish on Line training.

(j)       Footway Lighting

No items

(k)     Memorial Hall

No items

(l)       East Head/CIAG/Wittering Flood Defences

No items

(m)    Emergency Planning

No items

(n)     Peninsula Forum meeting

Noted that CDC website now had community statistics available.

266.        CORRESPONDENCE

(a)      Members noted items listed in the Clerks report had been circulated

(b)     Marine Drive Car Park

Members noted a complaint regarding the state of the car park and litter. The matter was reported to CDC and the Community Warden. Mr Pine and Mr Parker agreed to look into the possibility of the Parish Council taking over responsibility for the car park.

(c)      Memorial Seat – Cakeham Rd

Members approved the siting of a memorial seat near Peters Pond.

(d)     Community Warden Memorandum of Understanding

Agreed and signed by the Chairman.

267.        FINANCE

(a)      Accounts for payment were authorised as follows;

Payee Details £
Mrs J Brown Salary and expenses 886.17
Viking Pens, badges 32.22
Castle Printers NDP flyers 121.00
M Waller Cleaning and caretaking 200.00
D Waller Litter picking 100.00
Southern Electric Pavilion 603.05
PWC Allotment 109.08
PWC Allotment 184.25
Playsafe Play area repairs 874.80
SSALC Conference 24.00
Chubb Fire Pavilion extinguishers 322.44
Queensbury shelters Bal from 7/11/13 2812.50
Mr D Beveridge NDP printing 46.20
Mr M Kemp NDP printing 116.24
TOTAL 6431.95

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

268.        OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

(a)      WSCC Pound Rd TRO

Members discussed the TRO and whether a contribution from the Parish Council should be made. The Chairman agreed to speak to the property owners.

269.         CLERKS SALARY

On a proposal by Mr Shrubb, seconded by Mr Pine it was agreed to exclude the press and the public in order to discuss this item

270.        OPEN FORUM

Mr Beveridge asked about the Community Right to bid and if the property could be registered now that it was for sale.

Mr Hammett asked whether a litter bin could be placed near the sluice.

Mr Goldsmith asked why the Northfield development was allowed to be built without proper supervision.

Mr Parker reported overhanging branches at Locksash Close.

271.        CLERKS SALARY

On a proposal by Mr Parker, seconded by Mr Shrubb, the Clerks salary was increased by 1% wef 1st April 2013.

There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 9.40 pm.

Signed:     ……………………………………………………………………………. ………………….. Date: ………………………………………

Chairman

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 9th January 2014 in the West Wittering Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Rd.

THESE MINUTES ARE IN DRAFT FORM UNTIL APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL AT THE NEXT MEETING, AND MAY BE AMENDED BY RESOLUTION. COPIES OF ALL UNAPPROVED 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