Friday, February 25 2011
Minutes February 2011
WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on Thursday 3rd February 2011 in the Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Road, West Wittering
PRESENT: Mr. R. Shrubb, (Vice Chairman) Mr. T. Tupper, Mr. K. Smith, Mr. K. Martin from item (17 (j) onwards), Mr. D Wright, Mr. W. Buckland, Mr. J Robertson, and 5 members of the public. Cllr Montyn was also in attendance,
11. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr. R Hutton, Mr. S. Colwell.
12. PCSO REPORT
PCSO Ann Bromley gave a verbal report regarding current crime levels and also informed Members that a new Neighbourhood Sergeant had been appointed.
13. DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Mr. Wright declared an interest in the item regarding the planning application for Brook House.
14. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
a) Brook House Pound Rd WW/10/05458/DOM
The Chairman referred to a statement that Mr. Martin had circulated prior to the meeting. Members agreed that they did not wish for this to be read out.
Members considered the following planning applications;
List no Reference Application details
1/11 NONE
2/11 NONE
3/11 NONE
4/11 WW/11/00079/DOM – Nasib Shipton Green Itchenor Chichester – Proposed single storey side extension, with cladding to dwelling, annex and garage. – NO OBJECTION
15. MINUTES
On a proposal by Mr. Robertson seconded by Mr. Buckland the minutes were agreed by the Council and signed by the Chairman.
16. DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS
Cllr Montyn reported that it had been agreed that the dog bin in Joliffe Road would not be moved. The Chairman thanked him for his assistance.
17. CLERKS REPORT
(a) Allotments
Mr. Tupper reported that there was a waiting list for the few vacant plots. He reported that the inside of the hedge needed cutting and that quotes had been sought. Only one price had been received which was £260, and he proposed that this should be accepted. This was seconded by Mr. Buckland and all agreed.
(b) Footpaths and Open Spaces
Mr. Shrubb reported that WSCC had carried out its maintenance inspection but work was yet to start. He reported on 3 quotes that had been sought for the repair to the surface of Footpaths 16 and 17 as follows;
- Contractor A £3936
- Contractor B £2766
- Contractor C £4375
On a proposal by Mr. Smith, seconded by Mr. Tupper, all agreed that Contractor B should be awarded the contract.
Mr. Shrubb further reported that other paths could be resurfaced, particularly Acre St, Snowhill to Roman Landing and the end of Marine Drive West, and may be grant funded. He agreed to look at the work required and report back to the Council.
Mr. Wright reported that there had been problems with the shared use path where the new footway had been constructed prior to the beginning of the path. It was not clear that this was footway, and not part of the cycle path. It was agreed to seek clarification from WSCC.
(c) Sportsfield
Mr. Tupper reported that there were still some problems with the heating. Following the break in before Christmas there were concerns regarding security and the number of keys in circulation. He suggested the Council consider changing the front door lock and it was agreed to obtain quotes for this. He also reported problems with mole hills on the Millennium Meadow and the Sportsfield. It was agreed to obtain quotes to remove them. Regarding the possibility of appointing a regular Caretaker for the premises, he indicated that he would be able to report on the proposed arrangements at the next meeting.
(d) Snowhill
No items to report
(e) Memorial Hall
No items to report
(f) Finance
Members noted that the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Clerk had reviewed the current level of insurance and that the Clerk had requested quotes for the forthcoming year from 3 separate companies. It was anticipated that all the quotes would be available by the March meeting.
(g) Village Green
No items to report.
(h) Twinning
No items to report.
(i) Web Site and Communications
Members noted that the web site had been updated and now included the “trigger points for action” regarding flood defence.
(j) Footway Lighting
The Clerk reported on the recent meeting with WSCC Street Lighting. It was noted that the anticipated date for the Councils changes were much later in the contract than had been previously advised. The officers had been asked to cost the required work to allow the Parish to consider whether it would fund the work and when this was to hand the Council could consider paying for the work before the replacement works were due.
(k) EHCAIG/EA Flood defences
Mr. Robertson reported that the EHCIAG had met in January. The Shoreline Management Plan had been issued and the East Head triggers for action points refined and agreed, with further research and discussion necessary on the need for the sill.
He reported that the flood defence draft programme had also been issued. The funding was secure for 2011/12 but as the project would carry into 2012/13 it had to be started in 2011/12 to secure the following years funding. The Flood Defence Action Group planned to use monies committed in advance to secure legal expertise, as already reported, and it was hoped that the project would begin after winter birds had left Chichester Harbour. The next meeting would be in April.
Mr. Robertson further reported that there would be a meeting of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Group on 8th February and asked if any member could attend on behalf of the Parish Council.
Members also considered the appointment of Mr. Martin to the Manhood Peninsular Steering Group. On a proposal by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Robertson, members all agreed.
(l) Emergency Planning
No items.
(m) Summerfield Rd Project Liaison
Mr. Smith reported that some surveying had been carried out on the proposed lay by and access in Summerfield Rd.
18. CORRESPONDENCE
Members noted that items as listed in the Clerks report had been circulated.
(a) Letter re East/West path
Members noted a letter of thanks from Webb’s Land Ltd regarding this project. Mr. Shrubb reported that a further meeting had been held with Mr. Hutton and WSCC regarding the possible extension of the path towards East Wittering.
(b) Wells Farm Property Owners
The Clerk reported a letter from the above informing the Parish Council of its intention to place signs on the road restricting vehicle access.
19. FINANCE
(a) Accounts for payment were authorised as follows;
Payee Details
Memorial Hall Hire of hall May 2010 – £12.00
Mr. Hamper Potts Litter Picking – £91.00
South Down Electrical PAC testing Pavilion – £353.72
CDC Dog Bin – £298.53
J. Clay Hedge trimming – £82.25
Neptune Furniture Plaque – £105.60
TAS Payroll service – £29.38
Channel Safety Systems Service alarm – £152.63
Neptune Furniture Seat – £526.80
MPP S137 grant agreed 2010 – £200.00
Viking Direct Ink cartridges – £54.11
PWC Pavilion – £56.64
Total – £1,962.66
(b) On a proposal by Mr. Tupper, and seconded by Mr. .Martin, payment of the above accounts was authorised by the Parish Council.
(c) Budget and Precept 2011/12
Mr. Shrubb presented the proposed budget to Members. On a proposal by Mr. Shrubb seconded by Mr. Martin members agreed a precept of £73684 for 2011/12. Mr. Martin commented on the opportunity that this would give the Parish Council to reduce the effects of cuts in provision at District and County level for its residents.
(d) Community Wardens
Members discussed the contribution for this service for the forthcoming year and noted the sum agreed by East Wittering and Bracklesham Parish Council. It was agreed to circulate further information and discuss at the meeting in March.
20. PLANNING
(a) Brook House, Pound Rd WW/10/05458/DOM
Members noted the decision to permit this application with a condition regarding domestic use, ancillary to the existing dwelling. Mr. Wright felt that the Parish Council had been let down by the CDC regarding its wish to have this application dealt with at Committee level.
The Chairman and Clerk explained as the outcome was in effect what the Council had desired then no further action could be taken.
(b) Planning Appeal WW/10/04200/DOM 26, Summerfield Rd.
No further comment.
21. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
(a) Highways
Members reported a number of highway defects including potholes in Chichester Road and again, the surface of Pound Road. The Clerk reported the latest response from WSCC Highways regarding the surface and the Chairman opened the meeting to allow Councillor Montyn to speak. Mr. Buckland queried the criteria for salting Piggery Hall Lane and also reported a lot of litter around the bus stop at the corner by the Briar Estate.
22. OPEN FORUM
No items from the public.
There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 8.45pm.
Signed…………………….…Chairman…………………..Date………………
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 3rd March 2011 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