West Wittering

Thursday, February 23 2012

Minutes February 2012

WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council,held on Thursday 2nd February 2012 in the Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Road, West Wittering.

PRESENT: Mr. R. Shrubb, (Chairman), Mr. K. Martin, (Vice Chairman), Mr. W. Buckland, Mr. C Pine, Mrs. C Megeney, Mrs K Simmons, Mr D Wright, Mr I Parker and 10 members of the public. Cllr Montyn was also in attendance.

12.       APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Mrs S Smith,

13.       DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Mr Wright – East and West House, East Strand

14.       PLANNING APPLICATIONS

1/12 WW/11/05339/DOM Mr J Munnery,1A Marine Drive West Wittering First floor extension over existing flat roof garage, pitched roof to replace remaining existing flat roof, internal and external alterations, cladding and rendering of existing external walls.

NO OBJECTION

WW/11/05342/DOM Mr & Mrs R Payne, 26 Mill Gardens East Wittering, Demolition of existing flat roof garage and porch, new single and two storey side extension comprising new garage with bedroom extension and ensuite, pitched roof porch and infill and internal alterations. Renewal of 08/00853/DOM

NO OBJECTION

2/12 WW/11/04948/FUL Mr Peter Watts, Thalassa 41 The Crescent West Wittering Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of chalet bungalow.

OBJECTION overdevelopment and uneighbourly due to height.

WW/11/05489/DOM Mr Thomas Gatacre, East And West House (New Timbers) East Strand West Wittering, Alteration to the proposed northern fence line at the properties known as west and east house. These alterations are pursuant to the grant of application WW/11/02122/FUL. The proposal includes an enlarged set back from the existing road edge and a minor height increase to allow for the incorporation of 2 no. bin and meter housings.

NO OBJECTION

WW/11/05510/DOM Mr And Mrs Nayler, 61 Marine Drive West Wittering, Demolition of south and north extensions; construction of replacement extensions.  Construction of new garage as approved WW/98/01662/DOM.

OBJECTION to balcony and footprint

3/12 WW/11/05192/ELD Mr Christopher Horne, Loxford 20 Howard Avenue West Wittering ,Removal of existing single storey glass sunroom replaced with single storey dining room.

NO OBJECTION

WW/12/00009/FUL Mr And Mrs G Taplin,5 Marine Close West Wittering, Proposed replacement of residential railway carriage with chalet style dwelling and detached garage.

COMMENT wish to see tamarisk retained

4/12 WW/11/05422/DOM Mr James Hawkins,  9 The Crescent West Wittering

2 no. dormer windows to west elevation and 2 no. velux to east elevation.

NO OBJECTION

15. MINUTES

Subject to Minute 10(b) being amended to read “Peninsular Forum website”, on a proposal by Mr. Buckland, seconded by Mrs Megeney, the minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman.

16.       CORRESPONDENCE

Mr Wright proposed that the item of correspondence regarding the extension to the E/W path should be taken at this point in the meeting. His was seconded by Mr Parker but defeated by a vote of 3 for and 4 against.

17.       COUNTY AND DISTRICT COUNCIL UPDATE

Cllr Montyn reported that the Easton Farm public planning inquiry would commence on 27th February 2012 and also informed members of the temporary road closure in Cakeham Rd associated with the works to the extension on the E/W path.

18.       CLERKS REPORT

(a)        Allotments

Members noted that the hedge clearance had been completed and that the pest control contractor could begin work. Mrs Megeney agreed to produce an up to date map and arrange for plots to be clearly marked. Members noted that one plot holder had failed to pay their rent and on a proposal by Mrs Megeney, seconded by Mr Pine, the Council agreed to issue a Notice to Quit.

(b)       Footpaths and Open Spaces

The Clerk reported that WSCC had written again to the owner of Meadow Farm regarding the obstruction of the footpath but that there had still not been any response. The Clerk reported that WSCC had written to the land owner of Meadow Farm regarding the footpath obstruction and was awaiting a response. Mr Shrubb reported that he had met with representatives from Abbeyfield House regarding the new sign. The Council agreed to the proposal to move it within the property boundary subject to it not contravening planning regulations in the Conservation area. The Clerk also reported that only one quote had been returned for the tree works required as a result of the recent hazard survey, and that one further quote was awaited as there had been a misunderstanding of the specification. Mr Wright proposed that the Chairman and Vice Chairman deal with the two quotes on behalf of the Council, this was seconded by Mr Parker and all agreed.

Mr Martin reported that the bus shelter roof had been repaired and thanked Mr Norris for his work.

(c)        Sportsfield

Members noted that the new litter bins had been delivered and the Sportsfield Working party agreed to arrange installation. It was noted that the verges at the Millennium Meadow had been damaged by contractors installing the new Croquet rink, and the Clerk was asked to write to the Club regarding reinstatement.

(d)       Snowhill

Mr Wright reported that he had arranged for a quote for repairs to the ramp. This was £ 365 and on a proposal by Mr Wright, seconded by Mr Buckland, members agreed to proceed with this quote.

(e)        Memorial Hall

No items to report.

(f)         Village Green

The Clerk reported that the Secretary of the Horticultural Society had contacted the Council regarding donating a tree to commemorate the Queens Diamond Jubilee. The Council welcomed this offer and asked the Society to make a proposal regarding site and species.

(g)        Twinning

Mr Wright reminded members about the exchange trip in November 2012.

(h)        Communications and Web Site

Members agreed to rename this Working Party to Communication and web site.

(i)         Footway Lighting

Members noted that SSE wished to give a presentation at the next meeting on changes to street lighting in the area. It was agreed this would take place before the meeting at 6.45pm.

(j)         EHCIAG/EA Flood Defence

Mr Martin reported that the design of the improved flood bank was completed, contracts were progressing well and that funding approval by DEFRA was expected within two weeks.

(k)        Emergency Planning

No items to report.

(l)         Summerfield Rd Low Cost Housing Project

Members noted that the site name had been agreed and will be known as “Northfield”. The Council also noted an invitation to a site meeting on 20th April and Mr Shrubb, Mr Martin and Mrs Simmons agreed to attend along with Mr Hutton. The sign up event had been arranged for 3rd July 2012, and it was agreed to ask for a brief meeting with CDC officers after the site meeting to discuss the Parish Council involvement.

19.       CORRESPONDENCE

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

(b)        Extension to E/W Shared use path

The Clerk reported correspondence from WSCC Highways and residents of Howard Avenue concerning the extension of the E/W shared use path, which had been circulated to members. The Chairman opened the meeting to allow residents to speak to the Council regarding their concerns over the width of the path and the possible reduction in the current hedgerow between the rear of their properties and the new path. Residents asked the Council to consider reducing the width of the path along this stretch siting other paths in the area which were this width. The Chairman closed the meeting. The Clerk reported a communication from the FG Woodger Trust, the client for this project and members noted that it was their desire to build the path to the specification deemed necessary by the Highway authority in order to comply with current DfT guidelines. It was also noted that the Trust offered to fund a planting scheme to alleviate the concerns of residents regarding the loss of hedgerow. Following further discussion it was agreed that the width of the proposed path was a matter for the Woodger Trust and WSCC Highways, but the Council did agree to forward the correspondence from WSCC Legal Officer and from the Project Manager to the residents concerned.

20.       FINANCE

(a)        Accounts for payment were authorised as follows;

Payee Details £
TAS Payroll 30.00
K Palmer Maintenance of seats 780.00
AbD Hosting charge for web site 144.00
Wicks Farm Mow edge of Sportsfield 21.00
S Dobbin Internal audit service 400.00
CDC Dog bin – emptying 318.24
PWC Supply Sportsfield 54.89
Viking Ink cartridges 80.40
Mrs M Waller Caretaking 200.00
The Sign Shop No parking signs – Snowhill 45.00
R Norris Bus shelter repair 80.00
BT (Direct Debit) Office line and broadband 87.36
BT (Direct Debit) Fax line 47.42
Total 2288.31

(b)        On a proposal by Mrs Megeney, and seconded by Mr. Pine, payment of the above accounts was authorised by the Parish Council, in addition the account for Mr Norris of £80 was agreed.

(c)        Budget and Precept 2012/13

Mr Shrubb introduced the draft budget. Members discussed the spending plans and potential increases to achieve these. Following discussion members approved the budget and on a proposal by Mr Parker, seconded by Mr Buckland, agreed a precept of £81,052 for 2012/13.

(d)        Internal Auditors Report 2011/12

Members noted the previously circulated report and discussed the recommendations. It was agreed that the Finance Working party would look into the risk management items for Parish assets. Members also noted the auditor’s advice regarding the suggested wording of the powers to exclude Press and the public from meetings. Mr Wright asked for further information regarding the internal auditor’s powers and on a proposal by Mr Martin, seconded by Mr Wright, members agreed the report, and thanked Mr Dobbin for providing it.

21.       OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

(a)        Highways

Members noted a leaking pothole outside The Old House at Home and the continuing problem of overhanging hedges outside Emery Cottages and south of Romany, Piggery Hall Lane. The Clerk was instructed to report these to WSCC Highways.

There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 9.00 pm.

Signed…………………….…Chairman…………………..Date………………

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 1st March 2012 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