MINUTES OF THE LOWER WINTERBORNE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 15th OCTOBER 2024, COMMENCING 7PM, AT WINTERBORNE KINGSTON VILLAGE HALL
Present: Cllrs R Allcock, H Andrews, S Hart, and D Knapp
Chair: Cllr R Jessopp
Clerk: Mrs Alison Clothier
Also present: 9 members of public, Dorset Cllr Emma Parker
Public Participation
It was noted that the gate from the Recreation Ground was found in the cemetery hedge and has been left behind the sand store.
A comment was made on the planning application P/FUL/2024/05358. The applicants have reformed the gateway to make it a safer access.
1 Declaration of Interest and requests for dispensations
24.177 No interests were declared, and no dispensations had been requested.
2 Apologies
24.178 Cllrs M Meaden, L Luxford and K Langdown,
3 Minutes of the Meetings held on 17th September
24.179 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 Hart and agreed unanimously. The Chair signed the minutes in the presence of the meeting.
5 Matters arising from those minutes for report only
24.180 The Clerk’s Report was circulated in advance of the meeting. There were no questions.
6 Dorset Councillors’ Reports
24.181 There will be a temporary road closure on Sackville Street from the 31st October. Another road closure is scheduled for 18th November, for Duck Street and Marsh Lane.
Cllr Parker reported receiving several complaints regarding the road closure near Thorpe Farm. A trench had been dug across Marsh Lane, which caused concerns. Dorset Council has addressed this issue with the site manager. Any claims for damages must be directed to the developer. Whilst the road has been repaired, Dorset Highways is currently reviewing the situation.
7. Finance
24.182 To confirm payment of accounts
The following payments had been requested:
The total amount requested from the Precept for the month of October is £19,459.40. One late invoices was received from Can I Cut It and was added to the payments list above.
It was highlighted that Winterborne Zelston final payment has been adjusted to £15,113,39 – this was due to an error in the previously reported figure.
Cllr Andrews proposed the payments are made. This was seconded by Cllr Allcock and agreed unanimously.
24. 183To confirm the reconciliation of accounts, income and position against budget
A copy the reports had been issued to members prior to the start of the meeting. No comments were made, or queries raised.
24. 184 To approve the insurance quote for 2025
The insurance quote is in year two of a three year agreement. The quote is for £1,652.71 Cllr Knapp proposed that the quote was accepted and this was seconded by Cllr Andrews and agreed unanimously.
To arrange a meeting date for the Finance Working Group
The meeting will be held on Tuesday 26th November at 7pm. Cllrs were asked to send any ideas for projects for 2025/26 to the Chair or Clerk.
8. To receive the following reports
24.185 Speed Watch –The numbers of volunteers are reducing but the group are managing to go out once a week. The percentage of speeding cars on West Street is higher. Without more volunteers the Speedwatch group will have to fold.
24.186 Hub – it was reported that £553.53 will be received in an electricity rebate from EON
• Appeal against non-domestic rates bill – ongoing
• To discuss footpath at the Recreation Ground – ongoing
• Signs to Hub – it was suggested that the signs would be located either end of Noah Henville Corner. The residents of Sackville Street have been asked if they would be happy with a sign outside their properties and they have agreed. On this basis it was agreed that the initial form would be submitted.
Action: Clerk to submit Community Signs form
24.187 Flood Watch –The groundwater at Delcombe Wood is rising steadily. Empty sandbags will be requested.
24.188 Play Area and Recreation Ground – There is a mole problem on the Recreation Ground which is being dealt with.
9. Planning Applications
24.189 P/FUL/2024/05358 Land At E 388470 N 97110, A31 Main Road, Winterborne Zelston
Retain agricultural access from Marsh Lane
No Objection
10 Items for Action and Resolution
24.190 To consider progress on the Neighbourhood Plan – household survey
The drop in feedback session took place on Saturday 21st September from 11am-3pm. This was a well attended session with over 60 people attending. The Call for Sites is currently open for submissions.
24.191 To discuss the installation of horse riding signs and child crossing sign
A meeting with Dorset Council Highways is arranged for Thursday 17th October
24.192 To receive an update on 20mph zone consultation
The consultation run by Dorset Council starts on 24th October 2024. It is the responsibility of Parish Council to advertise the consultation and to get as many people as possible to respond. This will be advertised widely on social media.
24.193 To discuss proposals to relocate bus stop
The Parish Council has received an email from Dorset Council and the bus company to establish whether the bus stop could be moved from the current position on West Street to North Street. The shelter was discussed and it was concluded that the Parish Council would need to ask for permission from the village hall committee to cut back the hedge. The hardstanding would need to extend across the grass verge. It was concluded that the Parish Council would support the plans providing that the hardstanding extended onto the grass verge.
Action: Cllr Jessopp to send village hall committee plans of the new bus shelter.
Action: Clerk to write to Dorset Council to support moving the bus stop
24. 194 To approve licence for the Tractor Shed
It was outlined that the Parish Council had been approached to rent out the tractor shed for storage. It was proposed that this would be an annual licence at a cost of £15 per week or £780 per year. Cllr Knapp proposed to agree the licence and this was seconded by Cllr Allcock with all in agreement.
Action: Clerk to issue licence to tenant.
11. Parish Councillors’ reports not covered by item 8
24.195 Cllr Andrews – there is a large pothole as you come into the Village Hall car park. It was questioned who this land belongs to.
Action: Clerk to clarify whether the entrance to the Village Hall forms part of the Highway.
12. Correspondence receive since the agenda was set
24.196 There was none.
13. Items for the November agenda
• Items for budget setting
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 19.37