Thursday, July 02 2009
Minutes July 2009
WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on Thursday, 2nd July 2009 in the Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Road, West Wittering
PRESENT: Mr. R. Hutton, (Chairman) Mr R. Shrubb (Vice Chairman) Mr. D. Wright, Mr. J Robertson, Mr T. Tupper, Mr. K. Martin, Mr. W Buckland, Mr S. Colwell and 13 members of the Public. Cllr Barrett and Cllr Montyn were in attendance.
69. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None
70. DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Mr. Wright declared an interest in the planning application for Paddock Cottage, Mr Shrubb declared an interest in the planning application for 7, Southcote Ave and Mr Colwell declared an interest in the application for Delta, East Strand.
71. MINUTES
Subject to the minutes being correctly numbered in sequence (minute 64 (d) and (e) and 65 (vii) on a proposal by Mr Martin, seconded by Mr. Wright, the minutes were signed by the Chairman.
72. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(a) Members considered the following planning applications and the meeting was opened to allow the public to address the Council. The decisions of the Council are set out below.
List No 24/09
WW/09/02240/DOM 7 Southcote Avenue, West Wittering – Demolish existing sunroom and replace with single storey sunroom with a flat roof.
NO OBJECTION
List No.25/09
WW/09/02287/FUL Lismore East Strand West Wittering – Erection of new dwelling house.
NO OBJECTION
WW/09/02030/FUL Merrow East Strand West Wittering – Demolition of existing single family dwelling and erection of a single family dwelling.
NO OBJECTION
List No 26/09 NONE
List No. 27/09 NONE
(b) Regnum Court, Rookwood
Mr Wright reported that the new slipway at this site had been constructed higher than the previous slipway, and did not constitute a like for like development and was therefore a breach of planning. Mr. Martin agreed that the new slip way was substantially larger and questioned the purpose of the construction. The Chairman opened the meeting to allow the public to address the Council. Mr Goldsmith stated that this structure was the first significant development on the harbour to be built between Itchenor and Wittering for many years.
On a proposal by Mr Wright, seconded by Mr Martin, it was agreed by a vote of 4 for, and 2 against that the matter be reported to the Enforcement Officer at CDC.
74. RESIGNATION OF MR HOPSON
The Chairman reported to the meeting the process leading up to the legal opinion received from NALC regarding Mr Hopson’s resignation. . Members had all received a copy of the opinion. Mr. Wright stated that the Council should follow the legal advice that it had received. On a proposal by Mr Tupper, seconded by Mr. Buckland the Council declared that a vacancy existed arising from this resignation, on a vote of 6 for with 1 abstention.
Mr Wright asked that Mr Hopson remove himself from the Council table to the public gallery. Mr Hopson did not leave the table and Mr Wright proposed that he should leave the Council table. This was seconded by Mr Tupper and agreed by members.
Mr. Martin stated that Mr Hopson was obstructing the meeting by not moving to the Public Gallery.
Mr. Robertson expressed his strong concerns that this matter had frustrated the Council and held up the business of the Council for a very long period.
The Chairman decided to carry on with the business of the meeting whilst ignoring Mr Hopsons presence at the Council table.
75. CLERKS REPORT
(a) Allotments
Mr Tupper reported that once the plots have been strimmed they will be allocated.
He reported that the gate post is broken, and asked for approval to replace it. On a proposal by Mr Shrubb, seconded by Mr Martin, it was agreed to authorise the Chairman and Vice Chairman to approve expenditure up to a maximum of £200.
(b) Footpaths and Open Spaces.
Members also noted that the seat was still on Parish land at Marine Drive and that Mr Tupper had a meeting with the owner on 9th July.
(c) Sportsfield and Pavilion Management
Mr. Tupper reported a number of broken tiles on the Sportsfield roof; he agreed to obtain a quote for repairs at the end of the school holidays.
(d) Snowhill
No items to report.
(e) Memorial Hall
No items to report.
(f) Finance Working Party
Mr. Martin requested that the date be inserted on all monthly monitoring information.
(g) Village Green
No items to report.
(h) Twinning.
Mr. Wright reported that a visit from France was planned for May 2010.
(i) Web Site and Communication
Members noted that a web site with a very similar domain name to the Prish Council’s had been set up by Mr Hopson. The Clerk was requested to ask Mr Hopson to either amend the name of the web site or close it as it could cause confusion with the official Parish Council web site.
(j) Footway Lighting
No items.
(k) Pag/Head Coastal Strategy
Members noted that the next meeting would be on 9th July, and Mr Robertson would report back in due course.
76 CORRESPONDENCE
Members noted that items as listed in the Clerks report had been circulated.
(a) Emergency Planning
The Clerk reported that Cllr Barrett had written to the Council with a suggestion that the west Manhood Parish Councils should produce a joint Emergency Plan so as to maximize joint facilities and arrangements. It was agreed to ask Lloyd Harris, At CDC if he would support such an initiative and also contact other Parishes in the area.
(b) WW School Safety Zone – Consultation
The Clerk referred to the letter from WSCC detailing alternative signs which could be used for the SSZ, which would be less intrusive. On a proposal by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mr Shrubb, it was agreed that the yellow backed “school” sign, with flashing lights below were acceptable.
(c) Proposed Low cost Housing – Summerfield Rd
Members noted the letter from CDC requesting Parish support for the outline scheme. Mr. Wright and Mr. Martin expressed concern that the Parish was being asked for support before the planning process had begun, and also wished to see the results of the consultation that CDC had undertaken.
Following discussion, on a proposal by Mr. Robertson, seconded by Mr Shrubb, it was agreed that a letter be sent to CDC stating that a majority of the Parish Council recognised the need for local affordable housing and required specific feedback from the consultation. The Council wished to be involved in future consultation and be kept informed as the project develops. Specifically the Council wished to be kept informed as to how difficulties with access would be overcome. This was agreed on a vote of 6 for and 2 against.
(d) Holmwood Management Ltd
Members noted the correspondence from Holmwood to WSCC Highways regarding the poor condition of the footway between Elms lane and the village. It was agreed to write to WSCC in support.
(e) WWRA – Letter of Support
Members noted the letter from WWRA supporting the Council in its procedures for engaging with its electorate, and also noted the suggestions made by the Committee regarding publicity. The setting up of an e mailing list was also discussed.
(f) Gates, Pound Road
Councillor Montyn updated members on the situation regarding the gates in Pound Rd. he stated that the situation was not straightforward as a ROW was involved, and that a satisfactory outcome was envisaged.
77. FINANCE
(a) Balances at 26/06/09 £82,102.90
(b) Accounts as listed in the Clerks report plus additional payments approved at the meeting were approved as follows;
(i) Mrs J Brown ICSA Subscription 245.00
(ii) British Gas Pavilion 186.72
(iii)Zen Internet Final account –hosting fee 9.33
(iv) J Hamper Potts Litter 112.00
(v) Chanel Safety Systems Alarm service 142.42
(vi) SWR Garden Services Groundsman 340.00
1035.47
(c) On a proposal by Mr. Tupper, and seconded by Mr. Martin, payment of the above accounts were authorised by the Parish Council.
(d) Freedom of Information – Model Publication Scheme
The Clerk reported that members had yet to consider their charging policy for disbursements under the scheme adopted in December 2008. The Clerk agreed to prepare a charging policy for consideration, with the hourly rate for providing information over the £450 threshold, at £20 per hour.
78. OTHER PLANNING
(a) Scotts Farm
The Clerk was asked to check with the Enforcement Officer regarding the hedge planting at this site.
79. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
(a) South Chichester CLC
Mr Tupper agreed to attend this meeting, and reminded members that the TRO for Rookwood Rd would be considered.
(b) Highways
Members noted potholes in Cunliffe Close and Howard Ave. also overgrown hedges and the Clerk was instructed to report these to WSCC.
80. OPEN FORUM
Mr Smith asked the Council whether its insurers required additional signing on its boundary fence.
Mrs Harper queried the parking in Summerfield Rd and the impact of additional housing if the site was developed. Mr Swayne asked for an update regarding the E/W footway.
There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 10.10pm
Signed…………………….…Chairman Date……………………
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 6th August 2009
in the new West Wittering Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Rd.