Minutes 19th October 2021

MINUTES OF THE LOWER WINTERBORNE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY
19th OCTOBER 2021, COMMENCING 7PM, AT WINTERBORNE ZELSTON VILLAGE HALL

Present: Cllrs H Andrews, K Langdown, R Sorrell, R Allcock, R Brock, D Knapp

Chair: Cllr R Jessopp

Clerk: Mrs Amanda Crocker

Also present: 4 members of public and James Allen

Public Participation
Joan Nash reported that, following the meeting last week, the village has been declared as hedgehog friendly. 25 to 30 residents have expressed an interest in helping with the initiative.

The WI are happy to go ahead and enhance areas of the village with some bulb planting – along the bank of the river and around the village signs. Crocus may be used by the river and daffodils around the village signs.

1. Declaration of Interest and requests for dispensations
22.057 No interests were declared, and no dispensations had been requested.

2. Apologies
22.058 Apologies had been received from Cllrs Bill Newman and County Cllr Emma Parker.

3. Minutes of the Meeting held on 15th September 2021
22.059 Cllr Brock raised the point that the sale of the mower for a cost of £1,300 was not noted in the minutes.

A copy of the minutes had been issued to all members prior to the start of the meeting. Cllr Brock proposed them to be a true and accurate representation of the meeting. This was seconded by Cllr Andrews and agreed unanimously. The Chair signed the minutes in the presence of the meeting.

4. Matters arising from those minutes for report only
22.060 Abbots Court Farm – the enforcement request has been acknowledged and we await the Officer’s report.

5. Dorset Councillors’ Reports
22.061 Cllr Parker was unable to attend the meeting but had informed the Clerk that the deadline for the housing register had been extended to the 1st December. There has, this week, been a Cabinet reshuffle. As soon as the new roles are known, Cllr Parker will issue her report.

6. Finance
22.062 To confirm payment of accounts
The following payments had been requested:
Rejuvenate – Software support – October 2021 – BACS056 – 13.56
Gallagher – Insurance renewal Ye 08.11.22 – BACS057 – 1094.21
DWP – Waste collection – September 2021 – BACS058 – 13.20
BT – Hub alarm – October 2021 – BACS059 – 37.20
A Crocker – Wages + expenses – BACS060 – 506.25
DC Pension Fund – Pension contributions – October 2021 – BACS061 – 124.33
Can I Cut It – Grass cutting – BACS062 – 1166.66
Can I Cut It – Goal posts installation – BACS063 – 275.00
HMRC – PAYE – BACS064 – .20
WK Village Hall – Hall hire July 21 to March 22 – BACS065 – 40.00

The total amount requested from the Precept for the month is – £3,270.61.

Cllr Knapp proposed the payments are made. This was seconded by Cllr Luxford and agreed unanimously.

22.063 To agree the reconciliation of accounts and position against budget
A copy of both reports had been issued to all members prior to the start of the meeting.

22.064 To set a date for the Finance Working Party to draft a budget
The Working Party consists of Cllr Allcock, Sorrell, Jessopp and the Clerk. The date will be agreed by email and a draft budget brought back to the November meeting.

7. To receive reports
22.065 Reports had been received from:
(a) Community Speed Watch – Appendix A. It was suggested that the MP be contacted with regard to the White Post junction and asked if he would support any initiative. There are still no green cats’ eyes on the junction. The Clerk will contact Kia again to see if this can be rectified. Cllr Langdown reported that the SID has been sent back as it was considered to be faulty. Morelock responded saying that the unit has been tested and they are unable to find any issue with it. The settings may be incorrectly set and need to be reconfigured. They will be asked to carry this out and then return it to the Parish Council.

ACTION CLERK/CLLR LANGDOWN

(b) Community Hub – Appendix B

(c) Flood Watch – Appendix C. James Allen reported that he has picked up all the signs from the ex-flood warden and he now has them, and the sandbags stored at his house. The sand store is still fine. The river has not changed its level for the last three months and, despite the amount of rain, it is unlikely to change this side of Christmas. The EA have removed the tree that had fallen across the river by the Greyhound, and they have undertaken their annual cut of the banks. The Morden Estate have also cleared their section of the river.

(d) Play Area Report – Appendix D. The fencing for both the hub and the play area has fallen down. The existing fence uprights have rotted, and some crossbeams need to be replaced. To undertake emergency repairs would cost £735 for materials and £430 labour. A further £90 is requested for surface repairs. Cllr Allcock proposed that the work is undertaken as a matter of urgency. This was seconded by Cllr Brock and agreed unanimously.

(e) WK – No report – this will be removed from future agendas as it is covered by Parish Councillors’ reports.

(f) WZ- No report – this will be removed from future agendas as it is covered by Parish Councillors’ Reports.

Copies of the reports were included with the agenda and are attached as appendices to these minutes.

8. To consider Planning Applications
22.066 P/OUT/2021/01935 Thorpe Farm, Marsh Lane, Winterborne Kingston
Demolish existing buildings and develop land by the erection of up to 15 dwellings – outline

Cllr Brock informed the meeting that this outline application proposes redevelopment of that part of Thorpe Farm where there are agricultural buildings by up to 15 dwellings, including some affordable homes. The justification provided refers to the shortfall in housing land in the district and the fact that conversion of some of the agricultural building to provide 4 housing units has been approved under Class Q which is a from of permitted development, together with business uses.

The site lies outside the development boundary of Winterborne Kingston in an area which is denoted on the current Local Plan as open countryside. The existing agricultural buildings are limited in terms of impact visually and, as such, the construction of up to 15 dwellings will have a potentially greater visual impact compared with the conversion as approved. Whilst there may be a shortfall in housing land in the district as a whole, Winterborne Kingston has had significant development over the Local Plan period and, whilst the village does have some facilities, it can hardly be described as an especially sustainable location given lack of employment land, retail facilities or good transport links. Marsh Lane is narrow with no footways so pedestrian access to the village centre could be hazardous. Cllr Brock proposed an objection is submitted, based upon a development outside the settlement boundary in open countryside with poor access and resulting in development which would have a harmful impact. Unjustified in terms of sustainability.

Cllr Allcock felt that the proposal would give better visual impact than the agricultural buildings that are currently there. The village does need affordable housing and additional housing would assist the businesses that are currently in the village. Cllr Knapp echoed this view and agreed that access onto Marsh Lane could be hazardous.

Cllr Langdown requested that, whatever happens on the site, we should insist that all the trees are left.

Cllr Andrews agreed with both suggestions but felt that, should this one be permitted, it could open other surrounding fields to development. However, it was pointed out that there are buildings on this site already.

It was noted that permission has already been granted to convert the existing buildings that are on the site.

Cllr Sorrell highlighted that, as the number of dwellings increases in the village, so the pressure on the White Post Junction will increase. However, we respond this needs to be brought out in the response. Not only in this but in every planning application that we view.

Cllr Luxford expressed concern regarding the traffic situation.

Cllr Brock proposed that members object to this proposal.

Cllr Allcock proposed we support the application because of affordable housing but highlight the issues of screening and the White Post junction. Cllr Knapp seconded this: 3 in favour, 2 against, 1 abstentions.ns.

P/HOU/2021/02941 15 Plumbley Meadows, Winterborne Kingston
Convert garage to living accommodation (retrospective)

Cllr Brock proposed this is supported. This was seconded by Cllr Allcock and unanimously agreed.

P/HOU/2021/01650 Farm Cottage, West Street, Winterborne Kingston
Erection of first floor extension and 2 storey rear extension

These are amended plans reducing the height of both extensions and the width of the property but the proposal does not fundamentally change the application. It is still too close to the neighbouring property. Cllr Brock proposed that we object. This was seconded by Cllr Allcock and agreed unanimously. We will maintain the original objection and say the amendments have not gone far enough.

9. Items for action and resolution
22.067 To agree a response to the Dorset Council Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2022-2023

Cllr Jessopp had reviewed the proposal and raised various comments – a copy of which was attached with the agenda and can been seen at Appendix E of these minutes.

Cllr Jessopp proposed that he submit the comments as set out in the Appendix, together with the request for a footpath to be installed from Stag Gate to Bere Regis. This would take into account the proposal for the new shop that is due to open at Red Post. The A31 acts as a barrier for most residents rather than a transport link. This would get over this is situation.

Alternatively, the cycleway could go from Stags Gate to Red Post and then along Marsh Lane.

The existing rights of way do need more care and attention, especially repairs to the stiles.

Cllr Sorrell proposed that Cllr Jessopp’s draft is submitted. This was seconded by Cllr Allcock and unanimously agreed.

22.068 To consider quotations received in respect of the Allotment Field
This will be brought back to the November meeting.

10, Parish Councillors’ Reports on matters not covered by Item 7.
22.069 Moles at the recreation ground.

11. Update on Remembrance Sunday arrangements
22.070 All those who assisted last time are happy to help again. Cllr Jessopp will liaise with the Church regarding timings, etc on the day.

12. To consider possible events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations
22.071 Zelston will be holding a meeting in January to organise something.

Kingston – the WI would be happy to be involved with anything. There is a nucleus of a committee forming. The plan is something similar to the Queens Diamond Jubiliee.

13. Correspondence received since the agenda was set
22.072 A request has been received for 30mph roundels to be painted on the road at both ends of the existing zone at the east end of Marsh Lane – Winterborne Muston/Tomson. The Clerk has subsequently been in touch with Highways who have agreed to check the terminal signs, repeaters and other signs for vegetation and visibility. However, they are loathe to keep adding paint to the roads in rural locations without evidence of problems – they have 1 injury collision reported by Dorset Police in 2018. Cllr Andrews reported that it may be possible for the Police Camera team to cover Duck Street, or they would need permission from Anderson Manor to locate a vehicle in their entrance.

The main issue is the fact that the 30mph signs are obscured by the hedges.

Cllr Sorrell felt that a traffic survey should be carried out. This was seconded by Cllr Knapp and agreed unanimously. The Clerk will ask Highways to put this in place.

14. Items for the November agenda
22.073 Traffic survey in West Street
Quotes on allotment field
Budget
Signs for Sackville Street

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 16th November 2021 Winterborne Kingston Village Hall, commencing 7pm.

Appendix A
Community Speedwatch
The Speedwatch team has carried out only 2 sessions since the last Parish Council meeting due to having to cancel through bad weather. We recorded 6 speeding and one driver using his mobile phone.

I attended a Community Speedwatch conference 23rd September in Wimborne which I found most informative and a lovely lunch was included. There were presentations from Chief Constable Scott Chilton, Police & Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, Superintendent Adrian Leisk from Alliance Roads Policing, Brian Austin, Operations Manager Road Safe and a few others. It was interesting to learn that dashcam footage of bad driver behaviour etc. can be sent to the police & prosecutions will follow.

I spoke to Brian Austin regarding the issues at the White Post junction and he suggested contacting our local MP for help and giving an invitation to attend a PC meeting. Might be worth a try!

I’ve managed to get the relevant app to enable me to download all the information recorded on the S.I.D which can then be forwarded to the police. Unfortunately, the device is now out of action as not working properly and has been returned to the supplier.

Appendix B
Community Hub, Winterborne Kingston
September 2021 Report
The Hub continued to be used over the summer holidays. Mothers and Toddlers met weekly as in term time. Scouts will be returning beginning October and are now up to date with their payments. We have most weekends booked for functions in September and bookings are starting to come in for October and November now.

We updated the poster with the increase in fees and posted it on social media sites. We are looking at adding details of the village Pub to the poster as Emma and her team would like to work with us to offer extra services to help us utilise the potential of the hub.

We still only have 2 quotes for window replacement and are awaiting a 3rd. Hopefully, by October, I will be able to bring this to the Councillors for consideration.

Thank you to Keith for fixing the Gents toilets for us.

Still on the lookout for a second-hand replacement fridge and awaiting old ones being taken away.

Lynn Luxford

Appendix C
Flood Wardens Report – Winterborne Kingston
Groundwater is still dropping and unless we get some significant rain over the next 6 weeks, I am pretty sure that the Winterborne will stay dry into November/December this year.

Winterborne Zelston will be removing some weed from the river this Saturday 18th September with previous guidance from the Environment Agency – Henry Quinney and myself after a site visit with Bill and Alan. If I am around I will pop down for advice and might even jump in myself and give them a hand.

Winterborne Kingston – The Environment Agency will do their Annual strimming from the Greyhound Pub up to Brookley Cottage probably in early October as part of the village flood defence maintenance before the flows start again.

James Allan

Appendix D
Winterborne Kingston Play Area
There is wear in the rubber surface under the swing seats which will need repairing and the cost for a repair kit would be £90.00 including delivery

The new equipment will be delivered at the end of the month and kept in store until we find the budget.

Fencing
I have received a quotation from Colin Pitman for the urgent post and rail fencing repairs which are required around the play area and hub.
Materials £735.00 and labour charge of £430.00

Recreation field
The goal posts have been installed and judging by the wear on the grass, are proving popular.
The small kick about goal has also been installed.

Roy Allcock

Appendix E
Dorset Council Rights of Way Review
Having looked at the Rights of Way consultation, its main thrust is how are things managed at the moment and what (if any) new routes would we like to see.

Subject to agreement at the meeting I would make the following points on behalf of the PC:

The main barriers to using rights of way in our area are excessive vegetation, mud, poor surfacing and maintenance of styles. The response from Dorset Council to problems reported is generally poor.

With regards to new routes, I would suggest that they put in a bridleway/footpath along the route of the A31 from Stag Gate to Bere Regis to enable people to leave the villages and access the local facilities in Bere or Sturminster Marshall without having to use cars. This would be particularly useful if a decent shop opens at the Red Post services. I can’t imagine that there is much chance of this but there is a gap in the national cycle route from Sturminster Marshall to Dorchester and some sort of link would make sense from a strategic planning sense. Making provision along that stretch would bring most of the cycle routes in the county together, making it possible to cycle between the major population centres in Dorset without using a major road as well as removing cyclists from the traffic flow. So it won’t hurt to point that out.

I would also suggest that some TLC is shown to the bridleway that passes through Little Coll wood to the north of Kingston, it is a good sized gravel track all the way from Kingston/Tomson up to Little Coll wood and then from Little Coll wood all the way down to the trailway at Spetisbury/Blandford. However, there is a section in the middle that is pretty much impassable after even slight rain as the surface has been thoroughly messed up.

Though slightly out of Parish I also intend to highlight the problems with crossing both the A31 and A35 at the points where various rights of ways cross or join them.

If anyone else has any ideas for new routes or suggestion of places that are particularly badly maintained, then let me know – preferably before the 10th and I can add to this report. I will also put something on the village Facebook group to let people know about the consultation.

Ross Jessopp

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