SOUTH PERROTT PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on Tuesday 6th May 2025 in the Village Hall
Present: Cllr Richard Footitt (Chair), Cllr Tom Scott-Malden, Cllr Martyn Gillingham, Cllr Sue Coutanche, Cllr Robin Ketteridge
In Attendance: Mark Payne (Clerk), and six members of the public
| Item No | Action | |
| 2025/027 | Apologies for Absence None received – all present. | |
| 2025/028 | Notification of items not on the agenda None | |
| 2025/029 | Approval of the minutes of the meeting held on 05.03.2025 These were accepted as a true record. Proposed by Cllr MG, seconded by Cllr SC | |
| 2025/030 | Matters arising from the minutes Progress on maintaining grass verges DCC has confirmed that SPCC were able to take over maintenance of grass verges, however they have not confirmed the financial recompense for doing so.Terrence Wybrew has agreed to maintain verges at Manor Close, including the hedges.Mike Buchan has agreed to maintain Pipplepen Lane.It was agreed that Mike Barker’s offer to maintain the hedging and whiteposts at each end of the village should be accepted. Appraisal of Payroll officerCllr RF had undertaken this appraisal. He recommended that the payroll officer was moved to Pt 12 on the NALC Scale. This would cost an additional £1.32 per year. Proposed by Cllr TSM and seconded by Cllr SC. Approved.Repair of RailingsCompleted. Thanks to Cllr SC and Cllr Monks for their perseverance.Portaloo still needed to be collected – DC has been notified.Could the older columns be powerwashed to match the new ones?Register of InterestsReminder for Councillors to complete Register of Interests. This information needs posting on the PC website. | Cllr TSM |
| 2025/031 | Planning P/FUL/2024/06664 Shepherd huts at Picket Lane Nursery – decision awaited. Application was clearly very complicated with very specific requirements for Natural England. Cllr RF clarified application only related to a small area of the land near the entrance.P/NOTP/2025/00915 – Telephone Box. Application refused by DC on 24th March 2025.P/PAPA/2025/02285 Construction of new farm tracks – planning was not required for this application. Cllr RF would speak to the landowner to try to mitigate impact of lorries moving along Pipplepen Lane and Picket Lane – so at least residents would have warning. | Cllr RF |
| 2025/032 | Reports Dorset Councillor Cllr Monks had sent his apologies, and a short email report:If you do decide to email the appropriate officer regarding the 20mph review, please do cc me and I will be very happy to assist. Chedington residents have contacted me requesting a similar review so it might make sense to look at both villages at the same time. It will save some money for sure.After some work behind the scenes, I am pleased to report the return of a CR6 Saturday bus service (proposed timetable attached). I am working with volunteers of the CB3 to amend the service to provide a more rural service with possible inclusion of Chedington, for example. We are also discussing integrating fares etc so when I have more information to share I shall update you directly.A query was raised by a member of the public who had been told that the CB3 bus service was stopping on 24th May. This was obviously very concerning. Cllr SC stated this was contrary to her understanding but that she would seek clarification from Cllr Monks as a matter of urgency.PCSO – nothing to report River Warden – nothing to report Footpath report, Cllr SC reported: What glorious weather we have been enjoying providing a great opportunity to get out and about, and to enjoy the many footpaths and farm tracks, “yellow brick roads” that the Leggs are allowing us to use. These tracks have opened up farmland which previously would have been unseen. In the last few days Ian Legg has planted the saplings which have been donated to the village by our Dorset Councillor, Craig Monks. These can be seen adjacent to the track which eventually leads to Chedington Lane. The bluebells and blackthorn have been growing in profusion this spring and the scenery is delightful to the eye; however it must be remembered that the purpose for these tracks is to serve a working farm. Roger and Stephen Legg politely request that walkers do not stray onto the fields many of which are now planted with spring wheat. Roger explained that during the deer culling season there will be occasions when the gate/s will have signs to the effect “DANGER KEEP OUT”. These signs MUST be adhered to as when the game keeper is working there is the potential for being injured! Please continue to enjoy the beautiful countryside that we are so fortunate to have on our doorsteps for the benefits to both our physical and mental health. Environment – Plastic Free CommunityThe Council need to formally agree support for the Plastic Free Community project. Motion 1: Council will lead by example and remove single-use plastics from its operations and premises Proposed by Cllr TSM, seconded by Cllr RK. Approved.Motion 2: Council will support all plastic free initiatives in the area Proposed by Cllr TSM, seconded by Cllr RK. Approved Village litter pick has been set for Saturday 26th July at 2pm. Meet in the Pound. Millennium Green, Cllr MG reported: Proposed appointment of South Perrott Parish Council as sole Trustee.The proposal will require the completion of a Deed of Appointment, Consent, Covenant, Undertaking and Release between Natural England, the current Trustees and the Parish Council. In addition, a Deed of Amendment needs to be prepared and signed by the current Trustees. Cllr MG instructed the solicitors acting for Natural England to prepare the necessary legal documentation on 13 September 2023, at the expense of Natural England, and matters have progressed slowly, but regrettably the documentation has not yet been completed.In the meantime, the consent of Natural England and Dorset Council has been obtained to the proposed appointment, but there has been a delay in the Charity Commission granting its consent. It now transpires, at this late stage, that the Charity Commission is insisting that the Parish Council enters into further legal documentation, namely a resolution under Section 280A of the Charities Act 2011, before it will consider granting its consent. This would require the Parish Council instructing its own solicitors, at its expense. Approval will, therefore, need to be given to appoint solicitors to act on behalf of the Parish Council in drafting the necessary resolution. Cllr MG clarified however that since writing the report further advice had been received from the Charity Commission that it was the existing trustees who needed to make the resolution not the Parish Council. Meeting of the Millennium Green Steering Group held on 20 March 2025.(Item for information only) Following the meeting of the Steering Group, Olly Hones has been instructed to arrange two grass cuts on the Millennium Green during the growing season, at a cost of £250 each. This price is more competitive than an alternative quote received. The pond area needs to be re-instated to grass, on health and safety grounds, and Olly Hones has quoted £450 for the work. It is proposed to accept his quote. The total cost for these works, of £950, will be met from existing Millennium Green funds. It is also proposed to purchase two sets of picnic benches, to replace the original picnic tables sited on the Green over 25 years ago, which are now un-useable. Heavy duty 6ft picnic tables from John Bright of Salway Ash cost £395 each, so the total cost of £790 would also be funded from existing Millennium Green Funds. A member of the public suggested a better price for the tables might be obtained – Cllr MG agreed to follow this up | Cllr SC Cllr MG |
| 2025/033 | Finance Income and expenditure since last meeting Cllr TSM reported current balance of £9826.39 Main expenditure since last meeting was £164.40 to Michael Stevenette for painting of the telephone box, £269.78 to Jonathan Baker for Website costs and £84.00 for Village Hall Hire. Cllr MG confirmed there would be a bill for £162 forthcoming for the maintenance of the defibrillator. Approval of Village meeting expensesCllr RF asked councillors to approve the expenses for the Village meeting of £11.62 .Proposed by Cllr SC, seconded by Cllr MG. Approved. VATCouncil was entitled to claim back VAT. The Clerk had sourced the correct forms, and would action applying for VAT for previous year.VAT claims had to be supported with an appropriate receipt containing a VAT number. Re-imbursements to councillors for expenditure, even if original expenditure included VAT would not count. All to be aware.One option to ease payments for VAT would be to have a debit card, though this would presumably remove the need for dual authorisation. Clerk to investigate. | Clerk Clerk |
| 2025/034 | Audit As the Council had income and expenditure below £25,000 there was no need for a Limited Assurance Review. The accounts had been internally audited by Angela Gillingham. The Council had received the Internal Audit Report and noted its contents. AGAR form 2 and the accounts had been circulated to all councillors.The following resolutions were required: Approval of the Certificate of Exemption from a Limited Assurance Review. Proposed by Cllr RK, Seconded by Cllr TSM. Approved.Approval of the Annual Governance Statement. Proposed by Cllr SC, seconded by Cllr TSM. Approved.Approval of Accounting Statement for 2024/2025. Proposed by Cllr SC, seconded by Cllr TSM. Approved. | |
| 2025/035 | Issues raised at the Village meeting 20 mile an hour speed limit through the villageIt appears criteria have eased in recent years. Cllr RF stated the need to justify the speed limit– possible access to data from the SID– need significant community support – which there appeared to be from the Village Meeting.– consider vulnerable road users such as the elderly or school children.Other suggestions included traffic lights, priority signage and visibility mirror opposite Picket Lane. It was agreed the Clerk would approach the Dorset Road Safety team to seek advice on the best approach. Parrett HotelCllr RF flagged that the Parrett Hotel would now be opening to non-residents on Fridays from 30th May 6pm-10.30pm, with meals served from 6pm to 8pm. All welcome. | Clerk |
| 2025/036 | Matters of report and items for the next meeting: Progress on 5G connection – One mast provider had been in touch with owner of Picket Farm. There is ongoing discussion as to potential location.Trees for the Village – all planted alongside one of the agricultural tracks up to Mosterton. Thanks recorded to Cllr Monks for organising and the Legg family for planting.Planters – about to be ordered.Welfare Issues – Somerset GP surgeries have Social Prescribers – aimed at helping the vulnerable/elderly. Does Dorset have anything similar? Clerk was asked to investigate. Items raised by councillors or residents: Concern over very large tractors with heavy loads going at high speed up Pipplepen Lane. Potential damage to manhole cover. Cllr RF agreed to speak to farmer. A member of the public asked to minute thanks to the Council for organising the First Aid Training. Would it be possible to have a list of those trained to support in an emergency? Cllr RF noted that he needed to write to the Clerk to confirm position. | Cllr RK Clerk Cllr RF Cllr RF |
| 2025/037 | Date of Next Meeting Tuesday July 29th 2025 at 7pm in the Village Hall |
Meeting closed at 20:40
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