Thursday, November 02 2006

Minutes November 2006

11/06
WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council,
Held on Thursday, 2nd November 2006 in the Sports Pavilion,
Rookwood Road, West Wittering
PRESENT: Mr. R Hutton, (Chairman), Mr. R. Shrubb, (Vice Chairman), Mr. R. Holmes, Mr. T Tupper, Mr. D. Wright, Mr. D. Hopson, and 11 members of the Public. Cllrs Jones, Daws Chew, Smith and Monteyn were also in attendance.

79. Father Bruce Holben
The Chairman opened the meeting to allow Father Bruce to address the meeting regarding a special
Church charity to fund the building of a school in Sierra Leone, and invite Parishioners to a special
Songs of Praise service on 19th November.
80. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr. Buckland, Mrs. J. Harper
81. CODE OF CONDUCT
Mr. R. Shrubb declared his interest in the item concerning Scotts Farm caravan site.
82. MINUTES
On a proposal by Mr. Tupper, seconded by Mr. Shrubb, the minutes were signed by the Chairman.
83. CLERKS REPORT AND ACTION LIST PROGRESS
(a) Allotments
The Working Party was asked to consider the high water usage recorded and also investigate maintenance and leveling of the eastern boundary.
(b) Footpaths and Open Spaces
Mr. Shrubb reported that the F/P from Piggery Hall Lane needed clearing and it was agreed to instruct Mr Ruff to do the work.
(c) Sportsfield Management
The Clerk reported that Willards had attended on site and would quote for repair of the light casings and a new light for the car park. It was noted that the external light to the car park was required urgently.
Regarding the fencing quotation, the Chairman referred members to the quote from specialist contractor Corrie’s who had supplied fencing to the store at the Pavilion. The recommended option was for Corrie Play, 2.3m high anti climb and anti vandal fencing, at a cost of £11,756. On a proposal by Mr Hopson, seconded by Mr Holmes, it was agreed to proceed subject to planning consent being obtained.
(d) Snowhill
The repairs to the footpath have commenced, and Mr. Shrubb reported that a resident of Snowhill had approached the Council concerning tree surgery required for trees on Snowhill. Following discussion on a proposal by Mr. Wright seconded by Mr Robertson, it was agreed that the Council would contribute 50% of the cost of the work. It was noted that the Chichester Harbour Conservancy did not object to the work.
(e) Memorial Hall
Mr Wright attended the recent Committee meeting. It was noted that the Sports Pavilion was not suitable for commercial hiring as its prime function was community use. It was agreed that it would not be a suitable alternative venue for some commercial groups which use the Memorial Hall.
(f) F&GP
Next meeting 20th November 2006
(g) Village Green
Members noted the No Parking sign had been removed.
(h) Twinning.
There were no items to report.

(j) Parish Plan
Mr Hopson reported that the Working Party had been formed and had some useful input from Action in Rural Sussex.
84. CORRESPONDENCE
Members noted that items as listed in the Clerks report had been circulated.
(a) District Elections – May 2007
Members noted that the District Council had agreed to provide a polling station in the eastern part of the Village; however some concern was expressed over the suitability of St Peters Church Hall because of the road.
85. FINANCE
(a) Balances at 28th October 2006 were £51,854.19
(b) Additional accounts were passed for payment as follows; £
(i) British Telecom Rental – office 38.23
(ii) J. Kenward Cleaning 595.00
(iii) J. Hamper Litter Picking 84.00
(iv) J.Brown Postages 14.44
(v) PWC Allotments 179.36
(vi) PWC “ 137.70
(vii) PWC Pavilion 74.19
(viii) S. Ruff Hedges etc 475.00
(ix) Wicks Farm Mowing/Supplies 171.19
1769.11
(c) On a proposal by Mr. Tupper, and seconded by Mr Holmes, payment was authorised as follows;
(i) Clerks Report 99.79
(ii) Items above 1769.11
(iii) Total 1868.90
86. PLANNING
(a) Members noted that planning decision lists had been circulated.
(b) Scotts Farm – Update
Mr. Shrubb left the meeting. Mr. Wright reported on the recent Development Control Committee meeting. It was noted that issues relating to the current planning application were deferred for further investigation. Following discussion, on a proposal by Mr Wright, seconded by Mr Robertson, it was resolved that the Parish Council should enter into tripartite negotiations with the owners of Scotts Farm and the District Council to resolve the outstanding differences as a matter of urgency with a view to securing a settlement which is fair to both the Parish and to Scotts Farm. It was agreed that this resolution be communicated to the District Council as soon as possible so that negotiations could begin.
Mr. Shrubb returned to the meeting.
(c) Millennium Meadow
Members noted that the Change of Use application had been refused. Members noted that the applicant was considering an appeal. It was agreed to support this appeal, however it was also agreed that the land would be cleared 3 times per year and sprayed at appropriate times.
(d) LDF Progress
Mr Robertson reported that the consultation regarding sites would take place in January. It was agreed to link this with a meeting of the Parish Plan Working Party.
(e) Members noted the decisions of the Planning Working party at its meeting on 2nd November 2006 were as follows;
List No.40/06 WW/06/03923/DOM Change of materials from cladding to tiles, 60 Howard Ave, WW
NO OBJECTION
List No. 41/06 WW/06/04550/TCA Fell 1 Pear tree, reduce
Monterey Cypress, Duck Flight Cakeham Rd,
NO OBJECTION
WW/06/04586/TCA Reduce by 25% and thin Monterey Cypress Cranbury, Cakeham Rd
NO OBJECTION
WW/06/04645/DOM Roof conversion, rear extension, 35 Howard Avenue
NO OBJECTION
List No. 42/06 NONE
List No.43/06 WW/06/04535/DOM Side and rear extension,
front and rear dormers,
Leda, Roman Landing
NO OBJECTION
WW/06/04764/DOM Ground and first floor
extension, Flint Cottage,
Chapel Lane.
NO OBJECTION
WW/06/04831/TCA Reduce 1 willow, fell 1
pear tree, Hattons, Elms
Lane.
NO OBJECTION
87. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

(a) Traffic Congestion
Mr. Hopson reported that he had received many further representations from residents
concerning traffic congestion, as well as concerns from the wider communities of Itchenor
and Birdham. Following discussion Mr. Hopson proposed the way forward was to set up a small
working group the details and terms of reference to be agreed at the next F&GP meeting.
It was agreed that all concerned stakeholders should be invited to participate from local
businesses to neighbouring Parish Councils. The commissioning of an independent traffic
management survey was also discussed. This was seconded by Mr. Robertson and agreed by the
Council.
(b) Kelsey Housing Association – Harrow Drive
Mr. Tupper reported that a resident of harrow Drive had contacted him regarding Kelsey
Housing Associations plans to create a bin store adjacent to her property. It was agreed to write
to Kelsey on her behalf, as this site was not considered suitable.
(c) Wittering Health Centre
The Chairman opened the meeting to allow Mr Abbot to address the meeting regarding the new telephone number and system at the Health Centre. Members noted parishioners concerns over the new system and the difficulties this presented. It was agreed to write to the Health Centre to ask for their comments on this matter.
(d) Planning Meetings
Members noted that the system of holding Planning Working party meetings before monthly meetings had worked well, however it was agreed that from January 2007 that meetings would commence at 6.45pm.

88. OPEN FORUM
It was noted that the damaged culvert in Acre St had still not been repaired. Cllr Jones agreed
to make representation to ensure proper consultation with the NHS Primary Care Trust
within the Witterings area.
Mr. Andrews reminded the meeting of his position regarding Scott’s farm and the planning
position.

There being no further items for discussion, the meeting closed at 8.50pm.