Odstock Parish Council

An Ordinary meeting of Odstock Parish Council was held on 6 February 2008 in The Radnor Hall, Bodenham.

Present: Rod Poynting (Chairman), Colin Berry, Stephen Stapley, David Williamson-Jones, Ray Martin, Richard Parsons (Clerk), Salisbury District Cllr Bryan Rycroft and three members of the public.
Apologies: Cliff Whitley (Vice-Chairman) and Wiltshire County Cllr Julian Johnson.

1/08 Open Public Forum: For the benefit of members of the public who had not previously attended an Odstock PC meeting, the Chairman explained that this was the opportunity where an issue could be brought to the PC's attention. On this occasion, there were no issues that members of the public wished to raise. 

2/08 Candidates for Co-option: The Returning Officer at SDC had advised that there had been no requests for an election from the notice advertising the vacancy for a Parish Councillor and therefore the PC was in the position of being able to co-opt a person who satisfied the eligibility criteria. Nigel T Start of The Rest, Odstock, SP5-4JA, had allowed his name to be put forward and although being currently out of the Country and therefore unable to be present, it was resolved that his application should be accepted.

3/08 Declaration of Interest: In respect of Planning Application no. S/2008/0003, Cllr Martin declared a professional interest and Cllr Williamson-Jones declared a personal interest. Whilst the PC will welcome their objective opinions, neither will take part in any decision which the PC decides to make in this regard.

4/08 Minutes of the OPC meeting held on 5 December 2007 were agreed apart from the reference to signage in the Nunton Field. Dog owners are permitted to exercise their animals in the field, excluding the Children's Play Area, as long as they keep them under control and clear up and remove any deposits. Subject to this amendment at minute no.44/07, the Chairman will sign the minutes of 5 December 2007 as a true record.

5/08 Shepherds Close:
a) Wiltshire County Cllr Julian Johnson had forwarded copies of correspondence from WCC Environmental Services Dept which advised that the Rights of Way team will research the legal status of the road in order to determine a way forward with regard to ongoing maintenance.
b) Still no response from Salisbury District Council about measures to control parking in the lower car park.

6/08 Planning:
b) Ref: Minute no.47/07 - The Consultation by Salisbury District Council regarding the Local Development Framework (LDF) had been delayed and was now likely to commence in March. The Chairman was of the opinion that the PC should be proactive rather than reactive.
c) S/2008/0003 - Change of use from office to residential at Parsonage Barn, Odstock, SP5 4JB - Members were concerned that the application was lacking in clarity. There was no objection in principle to a 'change of use', however, it was believed that a more detailed application should be required.
d) S/2008/0047 - Single storey side extension at Yew Tree Cottage, Odstock, SP5 4JE - No Objections

7/08 Nunton Field Management: 
a) Football Pitch: The Chairman observed that the width of the pitch had been increased to within six feet of the play area. Would this be likely to disadvantage users of the play area?
b) Pavilion Doors: Ref: Minute no.44/07 - The Chairman is in the process of fitting the new doors.
c) Fête Committee Donation: £500 will be made available to the PC to pay for Pavilion improvements.
d) Pavilion Kitchen: Some kitchen units have been offered and been accepted by the refurbishment team. 
e) Signage: Cllr Berry agreed to laminate signs from wording provided by the Clerk which will indicate Odstock PC as being the authority responsible of the Playing Field and the Play Area.
f) Shipping Container: Delivery of this new storage facility is imminent.
g) Fencing behind the Goalposts: In response to a letter from neighbours, it was agreed to proceed with protective fencing behind the eastern goal. Cllr Whitley will be asked to seek quotations from those who had originally tendered for the work.

8/08 Finance:
a) Precept 2008/09: A budget was presented that demonstrated no increase would be required for 2008/09. 
b) Payments: The following were approved:
                 Sodexho Land Technology Ltd - Grass Cutting - 274 - £633.45p 
                 HAC Joynt - Grass Cutting --------------------- 275 - £236.00p
                 C Berry - Pigeon Spikes ------------------------ 276 -- £42.58p 
                 Society of Local Council Clerks - Subscription -- 277 -- £59.00p
                 R Parsons - Clerk's fee on account -------------- 278 - £360.00p

9/08 Transport, Roads and Footpaths:
a) WCC Parish Steward: It is believed that the monthly visits are being well received.
b) Resurfacing of the A338 at Bodenham: Cllr Williamson-Jones, the Clerk and Wiltshire County Cllr Julian Johnson attended a site meeting to learn more about the proposed resurfacing. It was agreed that more catseyes will be introduced and some of the road signs will be relocated. Work is scheduled to begin at the end of March and continue for about 18 weeks.

10/08 Reports and Correspondence:
a) Cranbourne Chase and West Wiltshire Downs AONB: No report available.
b) Wiltshire Association of Local Councils: Monthly updates available from www.wiltshire-alc.org.uk.
c) Police Consultative meeting: The Clerk reported a meeting at City Hall on 5 February where each of the Community Safety Partners delivered a presentation about their particular service. 
d) Salisbury District Council: A budget meeting is imminent where the Council Tax amount will be approved. The Chairman agreed to attend the Parish Liaison meeting on 10 March.
e) Wiltshire County Council: There were no volunteers to attend the WCC liaison meeting on 22 April.

11/08 Annual Parish Council meeting: 
It was agreed not to hold the scheduled Ordinary PC meeting on 19 March and the next PC meeting will therefore be the Annual meeting scheduled for 14 May. If a matter of urgency arises, the Chairman has the power to call an Extraordinary PC meeting at any time, giving three clear days notice. 

The meeting closed at 9:40pm 

Signed without amendment by the PC Chairman, Cllr Rod Poynting, on 14 May 2008.
Download here as a .pdf file.