Wednesday, October 27 2010

Minutes October 2010

WEST WITTERING PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES of the Meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 7th October 2010 in the Sports Pavilion, Rookwood Road, West Wittering

PRESENT: Mr. R Hutton, (Chairman) Mr. R. Shrubb, (Vice Chairman) Mr. T. Tupper, Mr. K. Smith, Mr. K. Martin, Mr. D Wright, Mr. J. Robertson, Mr. W. Buckland and Mr. S. Colwell and 28 members of the public. Cllr Montyn and Cllr Jones were also in attendance.

93. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

None

94. DECLARATIONS UNDER THE CODE OF CONDUCT

Mr. Colwell declared an interest in the application for 25 Howard Avenue and Mr. Wright declared an interest in the application for Hope House.

95. PLANNING APPLICATIONS

Members considered the following planning applications. The Chairman opened the meeting to allow members of the public to address the Council regarding the application for Blue Gates (WW/10/03943/FUL) Mr. T Roose spoke for the application. He outlined the proposals regarding the site and the need for improved boat storage.

Councilor Wright asked Mr. Roose about the provisions of planning policy RE4, and how it applies in this case, and Mr. Roose referred to policy C7 relating to boat building. Other members questioned Mr. Roose regarding the possibility of developing other sites, and the potential for screening this building.

The Chairman allowed members of the public to address the Council. A number of residents expressed concern over the application because of its size and design in a sensitive part of the AONB. The Chairman then closed the meeting to the public and on a vote of 7 for with 1 abstention, the Council resolved to object to the application on the grounds that it was overdevelopment of a site within the AONB and was uneighbourly by way of design and mass.

Members also considered a request from a West Wittering resident whose property backed on to the planning application WI/10/03940/FUL, that the Parish Council consider that application as well. This was agreed as it was adjacent to the Parish boundary. On a proposal by Mr. Shrubb, seconded by Mr. Wright, members objected to the application by a vote of 7 for and 1 against, with 1 abstention.

The Council raised no objections to the applications set out below.

List no Reference Application details

35/10 WW/10/03924/PLD

Camelot Shipton Green Lane Itchenor Chichester – Replace existing grey concrete roof tiles including porch and canopy roof slopes with selected plan clay roof tiles, clad first floor facades with colour weather boarding. Cover various miss match brick faces with colour render finish. Replace plastic windows with painted timber windows, replace GRP columns to canopy and porch with timber sections and new porch roof, new casement doors to breakfast room to replace window.

36/10 WW/10/04051/DOM

25 Howard Avenue West Wittering Chichester West Sussex – Rear conservatory extension.

37/10 WW/10/04200/DOM

26 Summerfield Road West Wittering Chichester West Sussex – Dormer to east elevation.

WW/10/03943/FUL

Blue Gates Shipton Green Lane Itchenor Chichester – Erection of a boat storage and maintenance building.

38/10 WW/10/04172/DOM

Westringes Roman Landing West Wittering Chichester – Two storey extension comprising new entrance hall, cloakroom and bedroom over: new bay window and enlarged dormer over: internal and external alterations.

39/10 WW/10/04002/DOM

Hope House West Strand West Wittering Chichester – Single storey infill extension (8.34m) on east side. Replacement boundary wall. New east and west side boundary walls with trellis (front part of boundary wall only). Retention of existing blocked up Velux window on the east facing slope.

96. MINUTES

Subject to Minute 90(a) being amended to read £7656.89 and Minute 88(k) being amended to read” Members noted the advice from the Environment Agency that private funding contribution would be required for the preferred flood defence option in order to meet the selection criteria. On a proposal by Mr. Martin, seconded by Mr. Buckland, members unanimously approved the minutes and the Chairman duly signed them.

97. CLERKS REPORT

(a) Allotments

Mr. Tupper reported that all accounts had been sent out, and that several vacancies had arisen. It was agreed to draft an advertisement for the vacant plots to put on notice boards and the web site. Members discussed the issues regarding the boundary fencing and hedge. It was agreed to ask Mr. Clay to cut the hedge, and Mr. Colwell agreed to provide the budget figure for replacement fencing. He also agreed to arrange for removal of the tree stumps. It was agreed that the Clerk would start a grant application from the LEADER project subject to details regarding the fencing proposals being agreed.

(b) Footpaths and Open Spaces

Mr. Shrubb agreed to produce the required specification for winter maintenance work on footpaths following his meeting with the WSCC Access Ranger.

Mr. Hutton reported that the work required to the play surface would be carried out by the company who installed it and that he would arrange for the other work to be undertaken by local contractor.

The Clerk agreed to obtain a waste paper bin for the office and to obtain a quote to change the lock on the office door.

Members noted a request from the Football Club to put a shed on the Sportsfield, and the Clerk was asked to obtain more details. Members agreed to have the brambles behind the goal cut back.

(d) Snowhill

No items to report.

(e) Memorial Hall

Mr. Wright reported that the new parking spaces and bicycle storage was nearly complete.

(f) Finance

Members noted that the Working Party had discussed the Clerks contract and that it was anticipated that this would be ready for approval at the next meeting.

Regarding the funding for the new cycle path, it was recommended that the Woodger Trust would cover the anticipated cost of £300k with the Parish Council commitment agreed at up to £50k depending on the final cost, plus the balance of the design costs. This was agreed by the Council.

(g) Village Green

Members discussed the possibility of residents parking in the vicinity of Pound Road following a request at the last meeting. It was agreed that it was not feasible to use any part of the village green or the allotments.

(h) Twinning

Mr. Wright reported that a visit to France had been arranged for October 2010 for the 10th anniversary of the Twinning and that 22 people would be making the trip.

(i) Web Site and Communications

No items to report.

(j) Footway Lighting

No items to report

(k) EHCAIG/EA Flood defences

Mr. Robertson reported on the meeting of the EHGAIG which, owing to the prolonged absence of David Lowesley and the death of the Harbour Master had not been able to move on several matters. However, the monitoring of East Head showed that it is stable at present, but the group was monitoring certain triggers.

Regarding flood defence, he reported that funding for preferred Option 3 was not approved and that the community may need to react to meet the shortfall. The cost had been reduced by some £200k but major community funding was still required.

Mr. Robertson reported that he had met with residents of The Wad, and had hoped they would attend the Parish Council meeting and the meeting on 8th October. It was agreed that the Clerk would forward details of the MPP coastal change grants to The Wad in order that they may consider applying to fund possible community engagement. Finally he reported that there would be a meeting of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management group on 1st November 2010.

(l) Emergency Planning

No items to report.

(m) Summerfield Rd Project Liaison

No items to report.

98. CORRESPONDENCE

Members noted that items as listed in the Clerks report had been circulated.

(a) West Wittering Cricket Club – Bonfire Night and Car Boot Sale

Members noted a request for permission to hold a Bonfire party on the Millennium Meadow on 6th November 2010, which was agreed subject to confirmation that all statutory licences etc had been complied with and that neighbours and horse owners had also been informed.

Regarding the possibility of a summer car boot sale, the Council preferred the Sports Field site and the Clerk was instructed to write to the Club.

(b) Community Warden Scheme

Members noted that the contribution for the Scheme had been paid and asked the Clerk to ask CDC if the Community Warden could come to a meeting to update Councillors on the activity in West Wittering.

Mr. Robertson reported on the grants available for communities to engage in the coastal change process, and the Clerk was asked to send a copy of the information about grants to Mr. Lines of The Wad Residents Association.

(d) Wells Farm Property Owners

Members noted a letter from Wells Farm Property Owners concerning the private status of the roads.

(e) Annual Meeting with Parishes

Members noted that this meeting was to be held on 17th November 2010 and Mr. Hutton and Mr. Martin agreed to attend.

(f) WSCC Winter Management Plan

Mr. Buckland agreed to coordinate the Parish response.

99. FINANCE

(a) Accounts for payment were authorised as follows;

Payee Details £

C Tranchant Pavilion Garden - £40.00
Neptune 2 seats - £1031.65
Southern Electric Footway Lighting supply - £224.68
J. Kenward Cleaning and Bus shelters - £806.00
Viking Printer cartridge (office) – £72.41
Neptune Seat plaque - £103.40
Willard New sensor light, Pavilion - £158.93
Mazars Audit Fee - £470.00
British Gas Pavilion – £41.29
Mrs J Brown Allotment Postage – £25.92
Mr. S. Ruff Play area strim etc - £210.00
J. Hamper Potts Litter picker – £56.00
Wicks Farm Mowing - £357.20
CDC Paladin Hire - £149.70
WSCC Cycle path design costs - £1,588.31

Total - £5,400.79

(b) On a proposal by Mr. Martin, and seconded by Mr. Tupper, payment of the above accounts was authorised by the Parish Council.

100. OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

(a) SID

Mr. Smith requested that the Speed Indicator Device be deployed in Cakeham Road, and the Clerk was requested to arrange this with Chris Bayley.

(b) Pound Road

Mr. Wright reported that the road surface in Pound Road was again in need of repair as the recent temporary patching had not lasted. He requested that the Council write to WSCC and ask that the road be prioritised for resurfacing as it was in a dangerous condition.

Mr. Martin reported on the recent meetings of the above Groups. The Chichester District SALC response focused on the LDF however it was subsequently agreed not to pursue as the process in on hold. He reported initial information from CDC regarding its Service Review and the need to cut 25% from revenue over the next 2 years and the South Chichester CLC report on the coastal defence work at Selsey. He also confirmed that East Wittering Fire Station was not included in the current service review.

(d) Malthouse Corner

Mr. Colwell reported that there were traffic issues at the junction of Sheepwash Lane, Rookwood Lane and Malthouse corner. It was agreed that he would meet on site with a representative from WSCC and the Clerk agreed to arrange this.

(e) WSCC Bus Subsidies

Mr. Tupper raised the issue of the bus services currently subsidized by WSCC and the possible impact if this service was withdrawn. The Chairman opened the meeting to allow Cllr Montyn to address the Council regarding the service reviews being carried out by WSCC.

101. OPEN FORUM

Mr. Tayler queried the minutes of the recent EHCAIG with regard to the policy for defence of East Head. Mr. Gray reminded the Council that the footbridge at the end of Summerfield Rd had not been repaired and that the ditch was flooded.

There being no further business for discussion the meeting closed at 9.50pm

Signed…………………….…Chairman…………………..Date………………

The next meeting of the Parish Council will be held on Thursday 4th November 2010 in 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