MINUTES OF THE LOWER WINTERBORNE PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON TUESDAY 21st FEBRUARY 2023, COMMENCING 7PM, AT WINTERBORNE KINGSTON VILLAGE HALL
Present: Cllrs D Knapp, H Andrews, L Luxford, R Brock, R Allcock, R Sorrell
Chair: Cllr R Jessopp
Clerk: Mrs Alison Clothier
Also present: 2 members of public, Dorset Cllr Emma Parker
Public Participation
• It was noted that the Clerk’s report is a helpful addition to the agenda.
1 Declaration of Interest and requests for dispensations
23.151 No interests were declared, and no dispensations had been requested.
2 Apologies
23.152 Apologies had been received from Cllrs B Newman and M Meaden. Cllr Keith Langdown was not in attendance.
3 Minutes of the Meeting held on 24th January 2023.
23.153 A copy of the minutes had been issued to all members prior to the start of the meeting. Cllr Knapp proposed them to be a true and accurate representation of the meeting. This was seconded by Cllr Brock and agreed unanimously. The Chair signed the minutes in the presence of the meeting.
4 Matters arising from those minutes for report only
23.154 The Clerk’s Report was circulated in advance of the meeting. There were no questions.
5 Dorset Councillors’ Reports
23.155 A copy of the report was circulated before the meeting. There were no comments.
6. Finance
23.156 To confirm payment of accounts
The following payments had been requested:
Date / Payee / Description / Chq No / Amount
01.02.23 / Rejuvenate / Email hosting February 2023 / BACS115 / £13.56
04.02.23 / WK Village Hall / NP Meeting – March 2023 / BACS116 / £14.00
05.02.23 / BT / Hub alarm – February 2023 / BACS117 / £40.67
06.02.23 / DWP / Waste collection January 2023 / BACS118 / £13.68
08.02.23 / Secure Alarms / Six monthly fire alarm maintenance / BACS119 / £104.40
18.02.23 / Can I cut it / Grounds maintenance – February 2023 ? BACS120 / £1,190.00
22.02.23 / A Clothier / February 2023 wages / BACS121 / £467.04
22.02.23 / HMRC / PAYE February 2023 / BACS122 / £107.40
22.02.23 / DC Pension Fund / February 2023 pension contributions / BACS123 / £156.31
The total amount requested from the Precept for the month of February is £2107.06
Cllr Knapp proposed the payments are made. This was seconded by Cllr Allcock and agreed unanimously.
23.157 To confirm the reconciliation of accounts and position against budget
A copy of both reports had been issued to members prior to the start of the meeting. No comments were made, or queries raised.
7. To receive the following reports
23.158 Speed Watch – Cllr Andrews’ report had been issued to all members prior to the start of the meeting. The Police had been contacted regarding the speeding vehicle and they had confirmed that it was not one of their fleet. It could, however, be another emergency group.
23.159 Hub – No report
23.160 Flood Watch – No report
23.161 Play Area and Recreation Ground – moss was reported on the rubber surfacing of the play area and this will be power washed off.
8. Planning Applications
23.162 To consider planning applications received
P/OUT/2023/00473 Thorpe Farm, Marsh Lane, Winterborne Kingston, DT11 9BN
Demolition of existing buildings and the residential development of up to 4no. dwellings, including access (outline application to determine access only with all other matters reserved)
A detailed discussion took place on this application looking first at the potential disadvantages of the scheme being in open countryside and divorced from the settlement boundary. It was noted that no affordable housing or Section 106 contributions would come forward as part of the scheme. The benefits of the scheme were also addressed, and it was noted that the site already had prior approval for 4 dwellings and business units. It was felt that there would be an improvement on the visual impact of the site as it is presently occupied by corrugated iron chicken sheds. The Parish Council previously supported an application for 15 units on the site.
Cllr Brock proposed that an objection was made to the to the proposal and this was seconded by Cllr Luxford but not carried. Cllr Knapp proposed that the Parish Council support the scheme, and this was seconded by Cllr Allcock – this was carried with 4 in agreement and 3 against.
Pre application consultation at Rectory Farm, A31, Winterborne Zelston Mobile Phone Base Station
Cllr Sorrell proposed that no objections were raised to this consultation, and this was seconded by Cllr Brock with all in agreement.
9. Items for action and resolution
23.163 To consider the next step for the Neighbourhood Plan
The Neighbourhood Plan meeting will take place on Thursday, 9th March at 7pm and Dorset Council will be in attendance.
23.164 To consider any actions arising as a result of the January 2023 floods
There is a requirement to find a location for a new sand store as the tractor shed on the Recreation Ground is not accessible in bad weather. A lean-to near to the cricket pavilion was proposed as the most appropriate location.
Action 1: Chair to look at prices of sheds for a sand store.
Grit bins around the village were also suggested however it was felt that sourcing bins of the right size and finding locations for them might be problematic.
Accessing Broad Close was difficult during the floods due to broken down cars and it was suggested that an emergency access be created through removable bollards.
The 2014 Flood Plan was looked at and it was concluded that this needed updating as it states that the Parish Council has a pump. The drains through the village need clearing – particularly along West Street.
Action 2: Clerk and flood warden to update Flood Plan
Action 3: Clerk to report drains on West Street to Dorset Council
Action 4: Clerk to ensure Environment Agency flood warnings are embedded on the Parish Council website.
23.165 To consider an application for a 20mph zone in Winterborne Kingson
The Clerk attended a Dorset Council webinar on 20mph zone applications which set out the constraints and costs. A pot of money has been set aside for funding the zones but this will not cover all of the applications and the minimum cost of a 20mph would be £6,000. Community Speed Watch data is needed as well as traffic surveys. It was suggested that the application is made for Duck Street/West Street/Church Lane/Sackville Street and possibly the main road depending on the restrictions.
Action 5: Clerk to make 20mph zone application.
10. Parish Councillors’ reports not covered by item 7
23.166 Update on Winterborne Kingston Bus Shelter
The Chair has requested two quotes for the replacement bus shelter in line with insurance company’s requirements. The building inspector has examined the damaged bus shelter and the Parish Council have followed the recommendations.
23.167 Update on repairs to Noah Henville Corner
The Chair and Clerk met with the Community Highways Officer, and it was confirmed that the repairs to Noah Henville Corner are scheduled for 2023. The potholes were reported and these will be filled.
23.168 Update on Allotment Field Trees
A plan of the allotment field was circulated at the meeting. The long term vision is for gravelled paths but in the short term these will be mowed to create walkable paths through the trees. The trees will arrive on the 17th March and call for volunteers will be put out to help plant them. The trees will come with canes and protective plastic.
Cllr Knapp proposed that £600 be allocated from the budget for grass cutting and any additional expenses and this was seconded by Cllr Allcock with all in agreement.
23.169 Cllr Andrews reported that a litter pick had taken place in the village and lots of litter had been collected. Cllr Andrews also requested to be removed as the DAPTC representative.
11. To consider possible events for the Coronation of King Charles III on 6th May 2023
23.170 Winterborne Zelston are looking at a low key event. Winterborne Kinsgston have held two public meetings and are arranging a party at the Recreation Ground on Saturday 6th May with a band, bar and food. A street party will be held on Sunday 7th May in Church Street.
Action 6: Clerk to apply for Church Street road closure.
12, Correspondence receive since the agenda was set
23.171 There was none
13. Items for the March agenda
– Neighbourhood Plan
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 20.01.