Friday, July 07 2006

Minutes July 2006

07/06
WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES of the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council,
Held on Thursday, 7th July 2006 in the Sports Pavilion,
Rookwood Road, West Wittering
PRESENT: Mr. R. Shrubb, (Vice Chairman), Mr. R. Holmes, Mrs. J. Harper, Mr. J. Robertson, Mr. T. Tupper, Mr. W. Buckland, Mr. D. Wright, and 10 members of the Public. Cllrs Jones and Dawes Chew were also in attendance.
52. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr. R. Hutton
53. CODE OF CONDUCT
Mr. R. Shrubb declared his interest in the item concerning Scotts Farm caravan site, and Mr Robinson declared an interest in the grasscutting arrangements for the Millennium Meadow.
54. MINUTES
On a proposal by Mr Buckland, seconded by Mr Robertson, the minutes were signed by the Chairman.
55. CLERKS REPORT AND ACTION LIST PROGRESS
(a) Allotments
No specific items to report.
(b) Footpaths and Open Spaces
Mr. Shrubb reported that all footpaths had been cut, and it was agreed to send a letter of thanks to the maintenance team.
(c) Sportsfield Management
There were no specific items concerning the Sportsfield.
Regarding the Millennium Meadow, the Clerk reported a letter from The Cricket Club with details fo grasscutting costs. Mr Robertson left the meeting during this item. The annual costs are in the region of £1800 and on a proposal by Mr. Shrubb, seconded by Mr Holmes, it was agreed to make a contribution of £900 to the Cricket Club. Members also discussed the area of “no mans land” behind Meadow Lane. It was agreed that prior to this land being sold, the area would be cleared of weeds and undergrowth.
(d) Snowhill
The Clerk reported that costings for the notice boards would be collated and presented to the Parish Council in September.
(e) Memorial Hall
No items to report.
(f) F&GP
Next meeting Monday 4th September 2006
(g) Village Green
No items to report.
(h) Twinning.
No items to report.
(j) VDS
Mr. Robertson reported that the VDS would be adopted by Chichester District Council on 11th July, following 18months of work by volunteers. The Parish Council agreed to formally adopt the document and on a proposal by Mr Robertson, seconded by Mr. Holmes, members agreed to adopt the West Wittering Village Design statement. Mr Shrubb proposed a formal vote of thanks to Mr. Robertson and the team, this was seconded by Mr Tupper, and all agreed. Members noted that the VDS could be used as supplementary planning guidance only and that a Parish Plan would be the next step forward.
56. CORRESPONDENCE
Members noted that items as listed in the Clerks report had been circulated.
(a) Letter re Marine Drive
The Clerk reported correspondence from a resident of Marine Drive concerning parking, however it was noted that the matter was now closed.

(b) Letter re Redlands Meadow
The Clerk reported a letter concerning ongoing conservation of the land in Redlands Lane.
(c) Letter re Sheepwash Lane
Members noted a letter concerning the classification of this right of way. Members agreed that they would support a reclassification of the lane to bridleway providing this did not detract from its quiet nature.
(d) Letter re East Wittering village
Members noted a letter from Mrs. Smith to the prospective District Councillors concerning a lack of interest in the eastern part of the Parish. Members noted the comments and also the outcome of the questionnaires included in the VDS consultation.
57. FINANCE
(a) Balances at 30th June 2006 were £34,608.92
(b) Additional accounts were passed for payment as follows; £
(i) Wicks Farm Clearing hedge 94.00
(ii) Wicks Farm Grasscutting 158.63
(iii) Wicks Farm Materials 15.98
(iv) J. Hamper Potts Litter picking 147.00
(v) S. Ruff Village Green/hedge 260.00
(vi) CDC Dog bin 116.09
(vii) SEC Lighting 176.47
968.17
(c) On a proposal by Mr. Tupper, and seconded by Mr. Holmes, payment was authorised as follows;
(i) Clerks Report 496.56
(ii) Items above 968.17
(iii) Total 1464.73
(d) Financial Regulations
Members discussed the draft financial regulations that had been circulated at the recent F&GP meeting, based on the NALC model regulations. Subject to amendments previously agreed, on a proposal by Mr. Holmes, seconded by Mr. Wright, the financial regulations were agreed.
58. PLANNING
(a) Members noted that planning decision lists had been circulated.
(b) Scotts Farm – Update
Mr. Shrubb left the meeting. Mr. Wright reported that he had information that the district Council was in negotiation with the owners regarding the siting of mobile homes in the disputed area. The matter was reaching a sensitive stage and the District Council had not issued the breach of licence notice regarding permanent residents. Following discussion the Parish Council agreed that it would allow the District Council until September to conclude negotiations otherwise it would apply to have the original decision reviewed, and request that all 6 units plus sheds decking etc be moved.
(c) Members noted the decision of the Planning Working party at its meeting on 7th July 2006 was as follows;

List No. 22/06 WW/06/01879/DOM Hope House, West Strand, New extension to provide
garage and utility.
NO OBJECTION
WW/06/01877/DOM Elmhurst Lodge, Elms Ride
Single storey extension.
NO OBJECTION

WW/06/02037/DOM 28 Howard Ave, new garage
and single storey rear
extension.
NO OBJECTION
List No. 23/06 NONE
List No. 24/06 WW/06/02362/DOM 27 Joliffe Rd, conservatory
to rear.
NO OBJECTION
WW/06/02367/DOM The Sidings, Elms Lane,
Conversion of attic, bedroom
and additional family room.
NO OBJECTION
List No. 25/06 WW/06/02221/ELD Flint Cottage, Chapel Lane
Use as dwelling.
NO OBJECTION
WW/06/02417/FUL Taurus, Nunnington Farm
Occupation of caravan for
Warden for 12month period.
NO OBJECTION

59. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
(a) St. Richards Hospital
Members noted the appeal against possible closure of St. Richards as part of the review “Fit for the Future being undertaken by the Strategic Health Authority.
It was agreed to send a letter to the Authority and a copy to the MP Mr. A. Tyrie, pointing out that the Parish was geographically situated a considerable way away from services and that the additional visitors in the summer also required these services particularly A&E.
(b) Parking in East Wittering.
Members noted the parking strategy and the involvement of the Wittering Business
Partnership, and agreed to wait until this was launched before commenting formally.
(c ) Tree Warden Day
On a proposal by Mr. Shrubb, seconded my Mr Tupper, members agreed that Mrs. Harper
should attend a Tree Warden Day.
(d) Highways
A number of matters were raised concerning routine highway maintenance, including overgrown hedges etc
51. OPEN FORUM

Mr Cate requested that consideration be given to extending the parking restrictions in Summerfield Rd.
Mrs Lloyd asked for support for the parking strategy on behalf of all businesses in the East Wittering area.
There being no further business for discussion, the meeting closed at 8.50pm.