Friday, January 30 2015

Minutes January 2015

MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on Thursday 8^th January 2015 in the Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Road, West Wittering, PO20 8LT

PRESENT: Mr K Martin, (Chairman) Mr R Shrubb, (Vice Chairman), Mrs H Codrai, Mrs J Barrett Mr D Sadler, Mr I Parker until item 8(h), Mr W Buckland, and 13 members of the public. Cllr Barrett was in attendance.

1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

2. Mr C Pine

3. DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT

None

4. BARRATT HOMES – PRESENTATION

The Chairman introduced Mr James Dunne Technical Director of Barratt Homes, attending the meeting to discuss issues regarding the Sandpiper Walk development. He explained that he had attended a meeting with CDC officers regarding certain tensions surrounding the access to the development and drainage issues.

He confirmed that works to the pumping station were complete and that SW had deemed this satisfactory, however Graeme Barratt referred to his meeting with senior managers at SW and the fact that there is insufficient gradient in the system which has not been addressed. Mr Dunne explained that it was not the developer’s responsibility to upgrade the whole drainage system. Mr Shrubb added that WWPC had supported the planning application but wanted assurance that the conditions regarding the upgrade of the system before occupation would be met. Mr Dunne confirmed that homes would not be occupied until this was signed off and only show homes had been constructed so far. He went on to say that he had worked very closely with SW and that he had confirmation that the conditions could be discharged. It was agreed to forward a copy of this confirmation to the Clerk.

Mr Shrubb asked about the safety of the junction with Church Rd and the non compliance with the conditions relating to traffic management, in particular the problems with visibility. Mr Dunne accepted that this was not ideal and that although onsite parking was available in reality contractors were not using it. Mr Martin asked Mr Dunne to reconsider the size and illumination of the signs at the entrance of the development as it was felt that these were far too obtrusive. Mr Dunne explained that this was the developers shop window and it was in everyone’s interest to get the properties sold, but agreed to pass on the views of the Parish Council to his marketing team.

4. URGENT ITEMS

The Chairman sought confirmation from Members that the planning application WW/14/03175/ADV/ for the signs and flagpoles at this site whilst not on the Agenda, should be determined as a matter of urgency. This was agreed. On a proposal by Mr Sadler and seconded by Mr Parker the Council agreed to object to this application on the grounds that the signs were too large and obtrusive in the rural setting and therefore out of character. Cllr Barratt agreed to ask if this application could be red carded.

5. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

(a) The Council discussed the following planning applications;

List No		Reference			Application details
	49/14		WW/14/04014/DOM	Mr Mark Harris Chenestone West Strand West Wittering Single storey extension to dining area, first floor extension to study, roof over existing swimming pool and new access gates.NO OBJECTION
			WW/14/03966/FUL	Mr Abbas Bahrami, 2 Cakeham Cottages Cakeham Road West Wittering Chichester Conversion of existing dwelling into 2 self-contained flats. NO OBJECTION
	50/14		WW/14/04050/FUL	West Wittering Estate PLC Car Park West Strand West Wittering Retrospective siting of a temporary storage container. NO OBJECTION but comment restrict to 6 months
	51/14		WW/14/04191/DOM	Mrs Jo Dowler 5 Owers Way West Wittering Loft Conversion with Dormer and rooflights, introduction of cladding to facades. NO OBJECTION
52/14		NONE

6. MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING

Subject to the minutes having the amended proposal for delegated power for planning applications appended on a proposal by Mr Shrubb, seconded by Mr Buckland the minutes were approved and signed.

7. DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLOR UPDATE

Councillor Barratt reported on the Local Plan extension and the proposed increase of 80 homes in EW&B PC. Mr Martin proposed that the 80 homes allocation should be spread over the 15 year period of the Local Plan and this was seconded by Mr Sadler and all agreed.

He also reported on further flooding including raw sewage in Pound Rd and Church Road.

Regarding the new Youth Centre, he updated the meeting regarding the ongoing negotiations with WSCC.

8. CLERKS REPORT

(b) Allotments

No items to report.

(c) Footpaths and Open Spaces

Operation Watershed – noted flooding in Elms Lane and the update from the Project Manager regarding the legal agreements required for properties in Elms Lane.

Regarding the consultation for the proposed TRO in Piggery Hall Lane, ona proposal by Mr Shrubb and seconded by Mr Sadler this was approved. Mr Shrubb asked for additional works to be included in the IWP – these were identified as follows; footway repair, Elms Lane, carriageway repairs, Redlands Lane, Chichester Road, carriageway repairs.

(d) Sportsfield

Mr Parker reported on the meeting with Mr Campbell of the football club. The revised layout including a proposal for a training pitch was discussed however because of the proximity to the existing Pavilion and the need for temporary barriers or netting this was not deemed practical. Mr Shrubb expressed concern over the need for such a large training pitch and Mr Martin expressed concern over the potential reduction in facilities for the Football Club however Mr Shrubb stated that this field was for all sport and recreation, not just football. Mr Martin went on to ask whether any additional lighting would be required, Mr Buckland confirmed that the football club had consent for temporary lighting already and that no lighting was included in the tennis court application.

Following discussion Mr Sadler proposed that the original scheme dated April 2013 be resubmitted, this was seconded by Mr Parker and agreed by a majority of the Council.

Members discussed the proposals to replace the wooden benches in the play area with a plastic version. Mr Martin proposed that the seats only needed repair, not replacement so it was agreed to obtain quotes to repair the benches only.

Regarding the storage and shelving required for the caretaker, Mr Buckland reported that a lockable cabinet would best serve this purpose and Mrs Barratt agreed to look for a suitable one.

(e) Parish Assets

No items

(f) Memorial Hall

No items

(g) Finance

Mr Shrubb reported on the budget setting proposals and information regarding the tax base for 2015/16 received from CDC. Members discussed the merits of an inflation budget, and agreed that the detailed spending plans could be agreed in March 2015 as full year figures would be more accurate by then.

Mr Sadler proposed a 4% increase in precept making a total of £94239.00. This was seconded by Mr Parker and all agreed.

(h) Communication and Web site

Members noted the various quotations for the printing and delivery of the newsletter. Members discussed the varying options but felt that posting was the best option to ensure delivery. On a proposal by Mr Shrubb seconded by Mr Sadler it was agreed to accept the quote for £1126.31 from Pro Active Business Information.

Members also discussed web site updates. Mr Parker and Mr Sadler agreed to look into alternative provision and check the version of Word Press currently in use.

(i) Snowhill

Mr Buckland reported that he had recently inspected the beach and that there were a couple of very old and damaged items left which he agreed to dispose of.

(j) Footway Lighting

Mr Sadler queried the position of the new light. The Clerk explained that because of a tree on the other side of the road, SEC had recommended that this was the only feasible site for 1 light.

(k) Twinning

No items.

(l) East Head/CIAG/Wittering Flood Defences

The Chairman reported that the meeting on 16^th December had focussed on raising the shingle bank behind the hard defences at the corner of The Hinge. Members also noted the £100k for additional work at the Joliffe Road end of the beach.

(m) Peninsula Forum

Noted the MPP terms of reference.

(n) Parish Church

No items.

9. CORRESPONDENCE

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

(b) Letter re parking on street in Foxwarren Close – agreed to forward this to CDC Car Parks, adding that this could be a result of charging at Northern Crescent

(c) Recycling bins on street – agreed to forward this complaint to CDC and write to the home owner.

10. FINANCE

(a) Accounts for payment were authorised as follows;

Payee		Details		£
	Southern Water		Public conveniences		1664.53
	Mrs J Brown		Salary and mileage		997.57
	HMRC		Liabilities		169.75
	JK Clay British Gas		Hedgecutting Pavilion		90.00 181.17
	Mr S Ruff		Cycle path hedge and grasscutting		630.00
	RCA		Op Watershed Project management		11901.00
	Rudi Design		Planning application fee		675.00
	C Tranchant		Pavilion garden		42.00
	Access by design		Additional styling		270.00
	SEC		Footway lighting		234.42
	Allotment Association		Subscriptions collected		285.00
	Mr D Waller		Litter picking		100.00
	Earnley PC		Traffic report		1815.69
	Mrs M Waller		Caretaker		200.00
	TOTAL				16153.11

(b) On a proposal by Mr Shrubb, and seconded by Mr. Buckland, payment of the above accounts was authorised by the Parish Council. It was agreed to hold the cheque for AbB until it could be confirmed that the work required had been carried out.

11. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

(c) Inglenook, Pound Rd

Noted that the garage had been demolished and agreed that the Clerk should ascertain whether planning consent required.

(d) Neighbourhood Development Plan

Members noted that Mrs Barratt had stepped down from the steering group. Mr Martin informed the meeting that comments from CDC planning officers favoured a delay in the submission of plans until the Local Plan was adopted. It was agreed to discuss this at the next meeting of the Council. Mr Shrubb felt that clarification was needed from CDC as to whether the process would add value. Cllr Barratt agreed to look into this.

(e) Twitten, Seagate Court/Marine Drive

Mr Shrubb reported that this area was flooding, and needed attention. It was agreed to obtain quotes.

12. OPEN FORUM

Members of the public reported a number of items; in particular the corner of the pavement at Cunliffe Close.

The question of the Four Seasons store was also discussed and the Chairman reiterated the need for evidence that the owner was not interested in a commercial venture for the property.

There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 9.30 pm.

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

Chairman

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 5th February 2015 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