Tuesday, May 26 2009
Minutes May 2009
WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES of the ANNUAL Meeting of the Parish Council, Held on Thursday, 7th May 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. S. Colwell, Mr T. Tupper, Mr. K. Martin, Mr. W Buckland, and 17 members of the Public.
44. LOW COST HOUSING OPEN EVENT
The Chairman invited Mr Sam Irving and Mr Austin Wade to update the meeting on the event held in the afternoon of 7th May. It was reported that 70 people had visited the open event and 75% of those were in favour or the scheme. Members noted that a further presentation would be made at the Annual Parish Assembly on 22nd May in the Memorial Hall.
45. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN
On a proposal by Mr Shrubb, seconded by Mr Martin, it was agreed that Mr R Hutton be elected Chairman.
46. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN
On a proposal by Mr Hutton, seconded by Mr. Martin, it was agreed that Mr. R Shrubb be elected Vice Chairman.
47. WORKING PARTIES AND REPRESENTATION ON OUTSIDE BODIES
- Footpaths and Open Spaces Mr Shrubb, Mr Martin, Mr Buckland
- Allotments Mr. Tupper, Mr Hutton, 1 co-opted
- Sportsfield Management and Millennium Meadow Mr. Tupper, Mr Wright, Mr Robertson
- Footway Lighting Mr. Martin, Mr. Tupper
- Emergency Planning Mr. Buckland
- Transport Mr. Buckland, Mr Tupper,
- Poor Sevens Trustee Mr. Colwell
- Tree Warden Mr. Buckland
- Snowhill Mr. Shrubb, Mr Wright, Mr. Colwell, Mr. Buckland
- Finance Mr. Hutton, Mr Martin, Mr Shrubb
- Twinning Mr. Wright
- Coastal Defence Mr. Robertson, Mr. Martin
- Communication Mr Wright, Mr Martin
Other Bodies
- CDALC/SALC Mr. Tupper, Mr Martin
- Memorial Hall Mr. Wright
- Peninsular Forum Mr. Tupper, Mr Martin
48. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None
49. DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Mr Shrubb declared a personal interest in the planning application for Holmes Cottage and Mr Wright declared a personal interest in the planning application for Briar Cottage.
50. MINUTES
On a proposal by Mr Colwell, seconded by Mr Buckland, members approved the minutes including the wording of minute reference 43.
51. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(a) Members considered the following planning applications and the meeting was opened to allow the public to address the Council.
List No.14/09
WW/09/01152/FUL 33 The Crescent West Wittering Demolition of existing bungalow and garage and provision of new chalet bungalow and garage. NO OBJECTION
WW/09/00886/COU Holmes Cottage Chapel Lane West Wittering Retrospective change of use of land to domestic garden. OBJECTION
WW/09/00892/DOM Pipers Wait Royce Way West Wittering Double garage and monopitch roof and extension to porch. OBJECTION contrary to VDS, uneighbourly and adverse impact on street scene.
List No. 15/09 None
List No.16/09 None
List No.17/09
WW/09/01332/DOM Flint Cottage Chapel Lane West Wittering Ground and first floor (west) rear extension; enlargement of window to (east) front 1st floor elevation. NO OBJECTION
WW/09/01297/DOM Moongate West Strand West Wittering Part demolition, extension, alterations and minor widening of entrance. NO OBJECTION
WW/09/01097/FUL Shore Inn Shore Road East Wittering Timber constructed shower area with flat roof and stainless steel flue for log fire. COMMENT design of flue should be visually less intrusive.
List No.18/09
WW/09/01378/TCA Village Green Pound Road West Wittering Notification of intention to remove 1 no. limb in upper crown on the south side on 1 no. Weeping Willow tree. SUPPORT
52. CLERKS REPORT
(a) Allotments Mr Tupper reported that NTQ’s would be issued where no rents paid and no cultivation carried out. The 3 empty plots were being cleared and would be ready to let. It was noted that Mr. Tupper was dealing with all allotment issues on his own and that additional assistance was needed.
(b) Footpaths and Open Spaces. Mr Shrubb reported that the maintenance visit was due in June from WSCC. Mr Martin raised the issue of maintenance of footpath signs and the correspondence from WSCC. It was agreed to ask WSCC for the sum that had been budgeted for in the past so that the Parish Council could decide whether to make provision. It was also agreed to ask WSCC if the Council could purchase signs for use on footpaths in future. Mr. Tupper agreed to make one more contact regarding the seat on Marine Drive bank. Mr. Shrubb reported that a meeting had been arranged for 1st June 2009 regarding the design for the cycle/footway on Cakeham Rd.
(c) Sportsfield and Pavilion Management Mr. Tupper was asked to arrange for the gas boiler and heating system to be serviced.
(d) Snowhill Mr Shrubb reported that he had still not been able to find a company to quote for the work to the track. Mr Wright reported that a dinghy had been left on the Parish Chain. It was agreed to write to the Harbour Conservancy to see if they had details of the owners.
(e) Memorial Hall No items to report.
(f) Finance Working Party No items to report.
(g) Village Green No items to report.
(h) Twinning. No items to report.
(i) Web Site and Communication Mr. Martin reported that the domain names had been transferred and that the web site was now live albeit with some issues that would be resolved going forwards. He encouraged people to visit the site.
(j) Footway Lighting No items.
(k) Pag/Head Coastal Strategy Members noted that the next meeting would be in June. The Residents Association’s response to the North Solent Management Plan was noted.
53. CORRESPONDENCE
Members noted that items as listed in the Clerks report had been circulated.
(a) Letter re land on Cakeham Estate Members noted this letter which asked the Parish Council about possible land annexation on properties on Cakeham Estates.
(b) Party on the Pitch The Chairman opened the meeting to allow Mrs Robertson to give details of the planned event. Members were supportive of the event but not if it breached planning conditions. It was agreed to offer the use of the Rookwood Rd field.
(f) Land off Millennium Meadow The Clerk reported that the prospective purchaser would organise the appropriate transfer of title but that costs to her would increase. Following debate, on a proposal by Mr Wright, seconded by Mr. Martin it was agreed to reduce the sum to £600.
(g) West Wittering School Safety Zone The Clerk reported that a site meeting had been held regarding the signs for the SSZ. Mr Martin reported that officers had agreed that alternative signing could be considered but that this may delay the implementation of the scheme. Members noted the Schools plan to create and entrance onto the Beach Rd. Mr. Tupper proposed that the SSZ be implemented which was seconded by Mr Wright. On a vote of 2 for, 3 against and 3 abstentions this was not agreed. Mr Robertson proposed that flashing lights on a smaller triangular sign with no “advisory 20mph” would be acceptable. This was seconded by Mr Shrubb and on a vote of 6 for and 1 against with 1 abstention, members agreed.
(h) Memorial Seat – Marine Drive Members agreed in principle to the placing of a memorial seat on Marine Drive.
(i) Signs – The Beach House Members noted a consultation document from WSCC regarding a request for tourist signs for The Beach House. It was agreed that the proposed signs were too large and intrusive.
54. FINANCE
(a) Balances at 01/05/2009 £87467.33
(b) Accounts as listed in the Clerks report plus additional payments approved at the meeting listed as follows;
(i) S Dobbin Fees 485.00
(ii) Mrs J Brown Petty cash and postages 08/09 35.00
(iii) S. Ruff Mowing 335.00
(iv) AiRS Subscription 40.00
(v) J. Hamper Potts Litter (March) 91.00
(vi) SEC Lighting 239.35
(vii) BT Fax line (2xquarters) 90.70
(viii) AA Taylor (WWSC) Shingle 601.82
(ix) English Gardens Pavilion 80.00
(x) G. Muffett Noticeboards 120.00
(xi) J. Kenward Cleaning and bus shelters 744.00
(xii) Wicks farm Mowing 370.94
Total 3227.81
(c) On a proposal by Mr. Tupper, and seconded by Mr. Buckland, payment of the above accounts were authorised by the Parish Council.
(d) Clerks Salary On a proposal by Mr Hutton, seconded by Mr. Martin it was agreed to exclude the press and the public in order to discuss the Clerks Salary.
55. PLANNING
(a) Village Design Statement Mr Robertson reported that the appeal decision relating to 55 marine Drive was awaited. As the Council had made its point in relation to the treatment of the VDS it was agreed to await the outcome, and also continue to investigate the further adoption of the VDS and to strengthen its content.
(b) 32 Howard Ave Noted appeal decision was awaited.
( c) Letter re land off Summerfield Rd Members noted a detailed letter regarding the use of the land off Summerfield Rd which was the subject of the presentation at the beginning of the meeting. The contents of the letter were noted by the Council.
(d) Briar Cottage The Clerk reported a letter from the applicant and neighbour regarding the Council’s objection. On a vote of 3 for, 2 against and 1 abstention, the Council agreed not to withdraw its objection.
56. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
(a) Gate, Sailing Club Car Park Members noted the need to formalise by agreement the issue relating to the gate at the Car Park.
(b) Gates, Pound Road Members noted the response from Mr Downy at WSCC. It was agreed that the Parish Council would still like the gates removed as it had received many complaints from residents.
57. OPEN FORUM
Mr Morton asked when the TRO for Cakeham Road was likely to be implemented.
58. CLERKS SALARY
Members discussed the current arrangements for the Clerks salary. In recognition of the requirement to increase the hours worked to 15 per week, on a proposal by Mr Wright, seconded by Mr Tupper, it was agreed to increase the salary to £10273 from 1st April 2009. It was further agreed to form a working party consisting of Mr. Shrubb, Mr Hutton and Mr. Martin to review arrangements for a further package and employment contract.
There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 10.05pm
Signed…………………….…Chairman Date……………………
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 1st June 2009 in the new West Wittering Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Rd.