Wednesday, November 28 2012
Minutes November 2012
WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council, held on Thursday 1st November 2012 in the Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Road, West Wittering, PO20 8LT
PRESENT:, Mr. K Martin (Chairman), Mr Shrubb ( Vice Chairman) , Mr W Buckland, Mr C Pine, , Mrs C Megeney, Mr I Parker, Mr D Wright, and 9 members of the public. Cllr Montyn, Cllr Barratt and Cllr Marshall were in attendance.
111. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None
112. DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT
Mr Martin declared a personal interest in the planning application for 15, Southcote Ave.
113. PARISH COUNCIL VACANCY
Members noted that there had been two applicants for the current vacancy from Mr Jennings and Mrs Goodall. On a proposal by Mr Wright, seconded by Mr Pine it was agreed to co opt Mr Simon Jennings to the Council. The Clerk reported a further vacancy following the resignation of Mrs Wildsmith. The Chairman requested a vote of thanks be recorded in the minutes and a letter sent to Mrs Wildsmith.
Members noted that this further vacancy would be advertised in the usual way.
114. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
(a) The Council discussed the following planning applications;
| List No | Reference | Application details |
| 40/12 | WW/12/03615/DOM | Ms Olivia Taylor 15 Southcote Avenue West Wittering 2 no dormers, 4 no roof lights, first floor rear extension and porch. NO OBJECTION |
| WW/12/03673/DOM | Mr J Lude, Kayell Shipton Green Lane Itchenor Timber garden shed.NO OBJECTION | |
| 41/12 | WW/12/03762/TCA | Mr Stephen Manks Atherstone Lodge Elms Lane West Wittering Notification of intention to fell 4 no. Monterey Cypress trees (Macrocarpa trees).NO OBJECTION |
| 42/12 | None | |
| 43/12 | WW/12/03864/FUL | Mr Tony Bradbury 23 Marine Drive West, West Wittering Demolition of an existing dwelling and store with replacement dwelling and store plus conversion of existing garage to ancillary accommodation. COMMENT RE GARAGE BEING USED AS SEPERATE UNIT OF ACCOMMODATION |
| WW/12/03998/TCA | Ms Georgina Pitt The Rectory Pound Road West Wittering Notification of intention to crown clear (deadwood), remove epicormic shoots from base of bole and crown raise up to 2-3m over footpath (to allow pedestrian access) on 1no. Yew tree.NO OBJECTION |
(b) Neighbourhood Development Plan
The Chairman reported that the Council would be setting up a steering group to identify tasks and create a forum for the development of a Neighbourhood Plan .He asked Mrs Megeney to consider taking on the administrative role and Mr Pine to assist on technical matters. It was agreed that the initial steering group to consist of the Chair and Vice Chair plus Mr Pine and Mrs Megeney and to meet before the next meeting to identify the initial tasks.
The Chairman also reminded members of the Parish on line mapping training arranged on 13th November 2012 at the Pavilion.
(c) Chichester District Council – Development Control Management
Members noted the consultation from CDC regarding proposed changes to how Parishes comment on planning applications. Members were concerned at the proposal to end the distribution of paper plans. Following discussion, it was proposed by Mrs Megeney, and seconded by Mr Shrubb to write to CDC with a copy to Councillor Marshall pointing out the difficulty in downloading and reading plans online.
115. MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING
On a proposal by Mr Shrubb and seconded by Mr Pine, the minutes were agreed and signed by the Chairman.
116. DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLOR UPDATE
Cllr Marshall referred to the WSCC seminar on Gypsies and Travellers and the obligations to provide transit sites. Cllr Montyn referred to problems with parking in Pound Rd and the requirement for a TRO to prevent parking in this narrow road which prevented residents from accessing their driveways. He stated that the CLC could only deliver a finite number per year but suggested that the matter could be expedited if a survey of all properties was carried out as soon as possible. This was agreed by the Council. .
He also reported that a section of the main sewer in East Wittering was due to be replaced in 2013.
Mr Shrubb raised a couple of queries relating to cutting back overhanging trees in Piggery Hall Lane and dumped spoil on the corner of Briar Ave.
117. CLERKS REPORT
(a) Allotments
Mrs Megeney reported that there were currently 3 vacant plots. She wished to record the Councils thanks to Mr Richard Morey who was standing down as Chairman of the Allotment Association and welcomed Mr Nigel Melton the new Chairman. Members discussed the number of plot holders from neighbouring Parishes and it was agreed to approach East Wittering and Bracklesham Parish Council for grant for this year.
(b) Footpaths and Open Spaces
Mr Shrubb reported that WSCC had now carried out the maintenance identified. It was agreed that Mr Pine would look into a specification for a replacement bus shelter at Malthouse Cottages.
(c) Sportsfield and Millennium Meadow
Members noted the quote to repair the play equipment at the Sportsfield. On a proposal by Mr Shrubb, seconded by Mr Buckland it was agreed to proceed with the option for £915.
Mr Wright reported on the plans for a tennis court on the Sportsfield. Mr Buckland reported that he had discussed the project with the County LTA Development Officer. It was agreed further consultation was necessary which Mr Buckland agreed to undertake including speaking with local Schools and groups and that the Working Party would make proposals to the Council regarding administration and maintenance of the Courts.
Members discussed an application for a Memorial bench on the Sportsfield. Because of some anti social behaviour it was suggested that the Village Green would be a better option subject to a site being agreed by both parties.
The Chairman asked Mr Parker to make sure that the H&S checks were being carried out at the Pavilion and to liaise with the Caretaker.
(d) Snowhill
Mr Shrubb reported that he had prepared a specification for quotes for work to the slipway and the pedestrian access from the Sailing Club car park. It was also noted that the Parish chain needed renewing.
(e) Memorial Hall
There were no items to report.
(f) Finance
Members noted the external auditors report for 2011/12 and were asked to identify spending plans and suggestions to the Chair and Vice Chair for inclusion in the budget for 2013/14.
(g) Village Green
The Chairman referred to the application by the owner of The Landing to place an advertising board on the Village Green. Mr Wright suggested the Council support the proposal and Mr Shrubb suggested that there should be a review and that the board be removed at night. The Chairman did not agree with the suggestion and on a proposal by Mr Martin and seconded by Mr Buckland members did not approve permission by a vote of 5 for 2 against and 1 abstention.
Regarding the possibility of a flagpole on the Village Green, Mr Parker stated that it would be funded by donation. Following discussion it was agreed to hold this matter until further opinion could be sought.
(h) Twinning
No items to report
(i) Communication
The Chairman circulated the latest proof of the newsletter now ready for printing. On a proposal by Mr Shrubb, seconded by Mr Wright, it was agreed to authorise the Chair and Vice Chair to spend up to £800 on printing and distribution. It was also agreed that Mr Jennings should join the communications working party.
(j) Footway Lighting
The Chairman asked Mrs Megeney to check and record the new footway lights replaced under the new programme.
Regarding the request from a resident of Elmstead Park Gardens for additional footway lighting, Members agreed to visit the location night before the next meeting. The Chairman acknowledged that the pavement was uneven at this site.
East Head/CIAG/Wittering Flood Defences
The Chairman reported that CDC had identified urgent repairs to the breastwork this winter. The work to the flood defence bank had been suspended until Spring 2013, owing to bad weather and the onset of winter migration in the Harbour.
(k) Emergency Planning
No items to report
(l) Northfield – Low Cost Housing project
The Clerk reported that Members of the Council had been invited to the official opening of the site on 19th December 2012
118. CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Members noted items listed in the Clerks report had been circulated
(b) CDC – Meeting with Parishes 26th November 2012 – Mr Jennings, Mr Pine and Mr Martin agreed to attend
(c) Request for additional footway lighting – Elmstead Park Gardens – Members noted this request and agreed to undertake a further survey to assess support for low level lighting for safety reasons.
119. FINANCE
(a) Accounts for payment were authorised as follows;
| Payee | Details | £ |
| Mr S Ruff | Hedgecutting and grasscutting | 1030.00 |
| Southern Electric | Street Lighting | 229.48 |
| Knight Fencing | Security fencing Millenium Meadow car park | 2802.89 |
| CDC | Dog bins | 997.18 |
| SJ Cobden | Millenium Meadow gate | 462.00 |
| TAS | Payroll | 30.00 |
| TP | Padlock and keys cut | 12.22 |
| Mrs J Brown | Allotment postage | 45.69 |
| Getmapping PLC | Parish on line mapping subscription | 60.00 |
| Mr C Tranchant | Pavilion garden | 40.00 |
| Wicks Farm | Mow sportsfield | 190.80 |
| Mrs M Waller | Caretaking | 200.00 |
| Mazars | Audit fee | 480.00 |
| CDC | Paladin hire | 141.05 |
| Total | 6721.31 |
(b) On a proposal by Mr Parker, and seconded by Mr Buckland payment of the above accounts was authorised by the Parish Council.
120. TRAINING AND ACTION PLANS
The Clerk was asked to consider arranging group training in the New Year when new Councillors were in place.
121. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
(a) None
122. OPEN FORUM
Mr Bird asked for details of the email distribution lists, which were still being collated.
There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 9.25 pm.
Signed:……………………………………………………………………………………….. Date: …………………………………………………………………..
Chairman
The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 6th December 2012in 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