MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 20 JANUARY 2005 IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL AT 7 P.M. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman, Councillors Mrs J Barnes, Miss R Brian, W Foster, N Mapp, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker, J Yeo. Also in attendance: District Councillor M Wilkinson, 5 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. A period of silence was held in memory of the Tsunami Disaster victims. 116. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 16 DECEMBER 2004. These were approved and signed as a correct record, after it the following amendments had been noted: Minute 112, sub paragraph 7. Regarding the email from Councillor Mapp formally resigning as emergency officer, he requested that the actual wording of the email to be included: The Council decided three months ago that it did not wish to adopt the Parish Emergencies Plan which I had proposed as the Parish Emergencies Officer and I assumed that the latter post was not required from that date. To resolve any misunderstanding, I formally resign from the post with effect from the date that the Plan was not adopted. Minute 114, Councillor Mapp felt that the wording should be rephrased to: he 'reported that the group;' and, five sentences from the end -Councillor Mapp's name to be removed and 'sub committee' inserted. 117. APOLOGIES. County Councillor D Spear District Councillor P Evans 118. REPORTS: Police - not present. Councillor Tucker advised that Sgt Andy Brock had now been appointed and felt a letter inviting him to the next meeting allowing us to introduce ourselves would be appropriate. This was approved by Councillors. A member of the public, an off-duty policeman reported, in the absence of PC Lees, that the crime rate was low in this area. County Councillor Spear was unable to attend and enquiries to be made from him with regard to the progress of parking restriction proposals in Millers Brook and the plans to withdraw the safety work outside the village shop, especially when Councillors were given to understand that funding was available. District Councillor M Wilkinson. He shared the Parish Council's sentiments with regard to the Tsunami disaster. He advised that the full Council of North Devon District would be leading an initiative to fund a new school in Sri Lanka. He endorsed the Parish Council's Parish Plan proposals and also Councillor W Foster's feelings through a letter in the North Devon Journal. The Meeting to discuss the application for wind turbines scheduled for 27 January had been postponed at the request of the Department for Trade and Industry who required more details on three points. A new date had not been scheduled. Councillor J Symonds referred him to two Planning Applications, a refusal and an approval, the latter of which had been given within the conservation envelope and this was discussed. The Chairman handed him a copy of a letter the Parish Council had written to Councillor M Prowse regarding properties rendered in bright colours, an issue which would be raised later in the Meeting. A second Planning Application in respect of the Playing Field was being submitted and his support was requested. Page 2 - 20.01.05 District Councillor P Evans. Although he was not able to be present, Councillor Mapp raised items on his behalf. (1) there would be a full audit regarding the wind power application; (2) Miss Teasdale of Longland Lane was experiencing problems with footballs being kicked into her garden. This would be discussed later in the meeting as the Parish Council had also received a letter from her; (3) regarding the Playing Field application, if necessary, he would call this in; (4) contained within the DAPC Newsletter were details of a new planning system and Councillor Mapp had ordered a copy. 119. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. As reported above, Miss Teasdale is experiencing problems with footballs going into her garden and a separate letter from her had been received. Councillor Tucker advised that in an effort to combat this, the 5 a Side goal posts were being moved 90 degrees and it was hoped this would solve the problem. It was not thought feasible to erect netting along one part of the hedge along her garden boundary with the field. The actual boundary to be checked and a sign regarding retrieval of balls are not allowed to be erected. Councillor Tucker to organise this. Meanwhile, a letter to the Football Club and St. George's House to be written regarding the problem. John Parker, Millers Brook. He spoke about the parking restriction issue and circulated maps of the area in question, requesting that some form of restriction be implemented. He experiences difficulties accessing his driveway due to large vehicles being parked and overflow parking from the local Public House when they were busy. He asked for the corner section to be yellow lined which would have the effect of prevent heavy goods vehicles from parking which would, in turn, ease the situation of accessing his drive. He felt that yellow lines on the opposite side of Millers Brook would also help especially where there is heavy parking in the Summer. As the situation stands at present, an emergency vehicle could not access the road. He dismissed the word 'unenforceable' and went on to explain how the Police react to this. Councillor Tucker advised him that the Parish Council support this scheme and explained County Councillor Spear's involvement with a similar situation in Lane Head Close. He suggested that he, as a member of the public, contact County Councillor Spear direct on the matter, as this appeared to have a positive effect at Lane Head Close. As noted under Reports, County Councillor Spear to be asked for an update on the proposals suggesting a site meeting with him and a Devon County Council official. Andrew Tag, Berry Cottage. He was present in connection with his Planning Application which had been refused by NDDC. He explained the circumstances as to why the Application had been submitted. He advised that the plans were to be amended and his architect was liaising with Highways. He was advised that when his Application was resubmitted to be considered by this Council, he would have the opportunity to speak at the Parish Council Meeting. Mrs Cox spoke in favour of Mr Tag's Application. 120. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. Baptist Church Car Park. The Enforcement Officer to be requested to inspect the site. Playing Field Application. A report was given by Councillor Tucker. The Enforcement Officer had visited the site. All other items had previously been mentioned earlier in the meeting. A retrospective Planning Application to be submitted in due course for the changing room unit to be approved as it stands in its current location. (2) Applications, as below: 39167 - Extension to dwelling together with conversion of loft to form additional living accommodation - 1 Orchard Grove, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to refuse on the grounds that it is inappropriate and aesthetically displeasing to the eye and in stark contrast to the surrounding properties adjacent to a conservation area. Page 3 - 20.01.05 39174 - Replacement of flat roofs with pitched roofs on existing dormer windows - The Anchorage (formerly Orchard House), Putsborough. Councillor R Tucker declared an interest, withdrew and took no part in the discussion or decision of this Application. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. 39176 - Siting of 3 freestanding signs - Croyde Bay Holiday Centre, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend refusal because it is inappropriate within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Parish Council would refer the planners to the refusal of application 38975. These are the type of signs more in keeping with a holiday resort and not a traditional holiday village. 39175 - Continued siting of holiday chalet (renewal of limited period planning permission 24624) - Pipedream, 6 Leadengate Close, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval subject to maintaining 10 months occupancy condition. 39202 - Continued siting of holiday bungalow (renewal of limited period planning permission 28203) - 2 Leadengate Close, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval subject to maintaining 10 months occupancy condition. 39236 - Ground floor extension to dwelling together with replacement of flat roofs with pitched roofs (amendment to planning permission 38631) - Glebe Cottage, Georgeham. It was RESOLVED to recommend refusal on the grounds that approval 38631 is the absolute maximum to which we would like to see this property developed and this new proposal goes beyond that. 39249 - Listed Building Application for replacement of upvc windows and upvc cladding with softwood casement windows and softgwood cladding - Stable Close, Georgeham. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. 39280 - Extension and alterations to dwelling - 8 Millers Brook, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend refusal on the grounds that it contravenes PPG15 section 414 which states a material consideration in the planning authority's handling of development proposals which are outside the conservation area but would affect is setting, or views into or out of the area. Furthermore, by its proposed size and style is completely at odds with the environment it would sit in. 39244 - Removal of condition 3 (personal condition) attached to planning permission 23070 - Land PT OS 3006 Northfield Road, Byecross, Braunton. It was RESOLVED to recommend refusal and add: However we would be minded to approve a subsequent application that sought to transfer the condition 3 (personal condition) attached to planning permission 23070 to the new owner of OS 3006. Thus ensuring its use as stabling only into the foreseeable future in this sensitive area. 39246 - Removal of condition attached to planning permission 32183 to extend occupancy period to 12 months - Sea Breeze, 15 Leadengate Close, Croyde. Page 4 - 20.01.05 It was RESOLVED to recommend refusal and add: however we would be minded to approve an application which extended the limited occupancy period to 10 months maximum thus bringing it in line with the majority of properties in Leadengate Close. (3) Planning Correspondence: (a) The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS. 38994 - Continued siting of holiday bungalow (renewal of planning permission 28217) - 27 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 39004/38991 - Listed Building Application in respect of conversion of part of ground floor of barn to form self contained holiday accommodation at Stable Close, Georgeham. 38972 - Extension to restaurant at Blue Groove, 2 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. 38889 - Continued siting of holiday bungalow (renewal of planning permission 18524) at The Swallow, 21 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. 38998 - continued siting of holiday chalet (renewal of limited period planning permission 24563) at 26 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 38871 - Reserved matters application for erection of 4 dwellings at Penny Hill, Pathfields, Moor Lane, Croyde. 38967 - Erection of double garage at Lan-Y-Mor, 32 Moor Lane, Croyde. 39074 - Erection of conservatory at 7 Glebe Field, Georgeham. 39085 - Continued siting of holiday chalet (renewal of limited period planning permission 24555) at Kenmaran, Sandy Lane, Croyde. 39048 - Demolition of 20 existing chalets & erection of 18 units of holiday accommodation (design to match cottages approved by planning permission 31892) at Croyde Bay Holiday Village, Down End, Croyde. 39127 - Extension to dwelling at May Cottage, Darracott, Georgeham. 39026 - Replacement of velux window with dormer window at Down End House, Down End, Croyde. 38974 - continued siting of holiday bungalow (renewal of limited period planning permission 28286) at Little Brendon, 13 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 39018 - Extension to dwelling to form porch at Coppice, Rock Hill, Georgeham. 39092 - Continued siting of holiday bungalow (renewalof limited period planning permission 28222) at 12 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 38917 - Continued siting of holiday chalet (renewal of temporary planning permission 24610), variation of condition 3 to allow 10 months holiday occupancy and extension to side at 32 Leadengate Close, Croyde. The following REFUSAL Notices were noted. 37419 - Demolition of existing and erection of new dwelling at Woodlands End, Spreacombe, Braunton. 38923/38925 - Listed Building Application Conversion of outbuilding to form self contained residential annexe at Speedwell, Georgeham. 38801 - Erection of 1 dwelling at land adj. The Whiteleaf Hotel, Sandy lane, Croyde. 38975 - Siting of blackboard secured on posts to advertise 'specials' written in liquid chalk at St. Helens Priory, Hobbs Hill, Croyde. 39037 - Erection of detached garage together with creation of turning head and access onto Georgeham Road at Berry Cottage, Cross, Croyde. (b) A reply from NDDC Planning Department regarding theapproval of retrospective application for erection of chalet for use as annexe accommodation at Kittiwell House Hotel, Croyde was noted. Page 5 - 20.01.05 It was the understanding of the Council that the applicants were in breach of condition 1 and the enforcement officer to be advised. (c) Copy correspondence from NDDC Planning Department regarding Town & Country Planning (general permitted development) order 1995 Schedule 2, Part 6 and Part 7 - agricultural and forestry buildings and operation - agricultural building works prior notification for erection of timber storage building - OS 6940 Field, Withywell, Croyde was noted. A reply was drafted by Councillor Foster. (d) Copy correspondence from Devon County Council. County Matter Planning Application: North Devon District. Composting of shredded biodegradable waste at Spreacombe Quarry for use by Barton Close Farm, Georgeham was noted. Conditional planning permission was issued on 23/12/04. (e) A letter from NDDC regarding an Appeal in respect of refusal of planning permission at land rear of Down View Cottage, The Cross, Croyde was noted. 121. MATTERS ARISING. (i) NTL Transmitting Station, Croyde. Reply to our query on frequencies and emission types. Taken by Councillor Mapp to analyse. (ii) Officials Indemnity Cover. Documentation received. (iii) Parking Restriction - Millers Brook. Covered earlier in the meeting. (iv) Towards a Rights of Way - Consultation. Councillor Mapp had read this and noted a number of comments and went into further details. Reply by 15 February required. The Ramblers had also seen the document. There was a question of funding and it was felt that we should await the outcome of the Inquiry in May. (v) Playing Field tarmac and fountain. Councillor Tucker advised the tarmac had been done and the fountain was fitted and will be completed within a month. Letter to be written to the Football Club advising that it is the Parish Council's intention that they are liable in respect of the water and electric consumption in respect of the changing facilities. (vi) Hedge trimming. Councillor Mapp advised that DCC were obtaining quotes. This was taking much longer than anticipated. Western Tree Surgeons have assessed the work to be carried out. To be an Agenda item for October. (vii) Implementation of Clerk's salary - report given by Councillor Mrs Meek. Profile 1 matches the Clerk's activities. The present salary is in line. However, if 50 hours per month is not sufficient, it should be monitored over 3 months. It was felt the Clerk's Contract of Employment was suitable. (viii) Road surface at Forda. Copy correspondence from DCC to Mrs E J Oldham and Mrs S Oldham noted. This matter had been resolved satisfactorily. Page 6 - 20.01.05 (xi) Copy of a letter for all Councillors sent to Mr M Prowse regarding colour schemes within the Conservation Area which had been drafted by Councillors Symonds and Foster. 122. FINANCE. Balances: Were circulated to Councillors. Payments: (i) Buckleigh Laundry - Rental of hand dryer for December. £12.60 Jewson - hydraulic petrol breaker unit £40.33 Mr D Jones. Fitting Waveform Seat at Down End. £310.00 Mr M Symonds - 2nd payment on grass cutting and Maintenance contract 2004/05. £200.00 Mrs S Squire - 3 months Petrol expenses £53.89 Mr A Squire - Construction of Parish Council website, Including a number of specific visits to the Parish for Photography purposes, maintenance fee for one quarter and fee for 2 years web registration Name from Supanames. £243.00 NDDC - Recharge of salaries £4043.06 G Hayward Electrical works in Georgeham Toilets £ 98.00 B J Scoblin Laying hedge at Georgeham £474.00 Blue Orange Signs Plaque for trees in memory of the late Councillor T Barnes £137.47 Georgeham Electrical Ltd Electrical work in sub-station - Georgeham Playing Field £1,175.00 Whites Contractors Tarmacing at Playing Field £111.62 (ii) NDDC - Parish Precept 2005/06 figures were approved and form completed. 123. CORRESPONDENCE. a) South West Water. Croyde Sewerage Improvements signing off letter. b) DCC. Footpath outside Georgeham Post Office. In brief, the safety audit has recommended on safety grounds that DCC does not proceed any further. As reported earlier in these Minutes, the Parish Council will press strongly the view that Councillorsc do not accept the situation. c) Mr M Symonds. New Year Wishes. This item was dealt with by the Vice Chairman, while the Chairman was absent. The letter was read to the meeting. A reply to be sent advising that the Council look forward to working with him and are pleased he is on top of his work. Page 7 - 20.01.05 d) Countryside Watch. Contact name required to send to Community Messaging Officer at Devon and Cornwall Police. No names were put forward. e) Letter from Mr D Tebbutt. Flooding in Georgeham on 18/12/04 and copy correspondence to DCC and Environment Department. To be asked to contact Councillor Symonds with a view to meeting him and Councillor Foster. Mr Tebbutt has had a reply from Environment Department confirming the matter is the District Council's responsibility. f) Miss M E Teasdale. Playing Field, Georgeham. Dealt with earlier in the meeting. g) Playing Field & Cemetery Grass Cutting Tender. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Mapp that the contract on the same basis as last year be accepted. Councillor Symonds proposed an amendment for other quotations to be obtained. Seconded by Councillor Miss Brian. Vote: To accept the quotation already received: 5. To obtain other quotations: 3. The first proposal was carried. For the 2006/07 season, Tenders must be sought in September 2005. In respect of other grass cutting in the Parish, Tenders to be sought for the 2005/06 season. 124. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. * NDDC Newsletters and Bulletins. * NALC. Local Council Review. January 2005. * Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Freedom of Information Act 2000 - Authorisation of the Qualified Person and amendment to Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. * CPRE. Best Kept Village Competition 2005. 125. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor N Mapp. Georgeham Play Area was not so slippery and the remedial work would be done shortly. The Land Rover was still parked in the Car Park. Environmental Health to be requested to activate the process of removal. Arrangements to be made to paint the yellow grid lines above the steps to prevent parking. The Parish Noticeboard on the wall facing the Post Office was rotting. Enquiries to be made for its repair. A parishioner had reported oil and water coming from Newberry Garage. Upon investigation, no evidence was found and the complainant had been told that no further action would be taken. As previously reported in these Minutes, a copy of the new planning system had been requested and he will go through it and make notes to report back. Councillor Miss R Brian. It had been noticed that Minutes and Agendas were not being displayed in the Post Offices. The Clerk to write to the Postmaster/Mistress and to particularly mention in the letter that this would have been covered in the Royal Mail training before assuming responsibility of a Post Office. Councillor Miss Brian requested a copy of the current Electors List and the Clerk to obtain this for her. Councillor Mrs L Slade. Following a report of unpleasant odour from a septic tank, it was suggested she contact Environmental Health direct. The road closure at Darracott was mentioned, due to a broken main. Parish Plan - the map for the two meetings must show what is in parish already. Clarification was needed in the area near Hidden Valley, Spreacombe. The Clerk to obtain maps showing the precise boundary. Councillor Mrs V Meek. The drains in Chapel Street were blocked solid and hi tech machinery would be required to clear them. The Clerk to request Highways to deal with this requesting a response and work timetable in 10 days. With regard to the Moving Parishes Forward event, two Parish Council representatives wished to attend - Councillors Mrs V Meek and Mrs J Barnes. This was approved, as was the fee of £30. They were advised to keep a record of all their expenses. Page 8 - 20.01.05 Councillor Mrs J Barnes. She thanked the Parish Council for the provision and fixing of the plaque in respect of the trees to the memory of her late husband, Councillor T Barnes. 126. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillors Symonds, Foster, Mapp and Mrs Meek had met with the Ramblers Association. The BOATS Inquiry date had provisionally been set for 10 May. Councillor Mrs Meek had agreed to be the Parish Council's spokesperson. An Open Meeting for the Parish Plan had been fixed for 17 March at Croyde Village Hall and 7 April at Georgeham Village Hall. A preparation meeting would take place beforehand so that Councillors would be fully conversant with the content of the meetings. The meeting ended at 10.45 p.m. THE NEXT MEETING WAS TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, 27TH JANUARY 2005 IN CROYDE VILLAGE HALL AT 7 P.M. WHEN LINDA BLANCHARD AND HER AONB TEAM WOULD BE GIVING A PRESENTATION.