MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 30TH JUNE 2005 AT 7 P.M. IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. 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: County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, District Councillor M Wilkinson, Sgt A Brock, PC G Lees, 2 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. The Chairman welcomed County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, this being her first meeting in this role. 17. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 26 MAY 2005 AND 23 JUNE 2005. These were approved and confirmed as a correct record after it was noted in Section 11, Playing Field Pavilion paragraph, Councillor Mapp stated (not suggested) that the project must be thoroughly looked at. 18. APOLOGIES. None. 20. REPORTS: Police. PC Lees reported that the majority of crime at the Goldcoast Oceanfest occurred on the Saturday evening after the event had finished. A number of incidents involving violence and theft were being investigated by the CID in Barnstaple. It was noted that the parking situation had been a problem over the weekend although it was acknowledged that car parking signage had been adequate. Lack of police cover on the Sunday was due to the Saturday evening situation. The Police Officers that should have been in Croyde on the Sunday were in Barnstaple Police Station processing those people arrested on the Saturday night. A meeting was being planned by September between the organiser, police, NDDC and Parish Council with regard to the organisation of an event if this was held next year. PC Lees reported that the Ocean Festival site itself produced no crime or criminal activity within its perimeter and that the site was well run from a Police point of view. The Council then spoke to Sgt A Brock regarding the licensing regulations of premises in the village of Croyde itself and he confirmed the present situation. He stressed that it was important to report any misdemeanours. Councillor Tucker raised a drinking and public nuisance by law in the parish and it was felt that it would be beneficial for a partnership between Police, Councillors and Publicans to be formed. An informal walk around the centre of Croyde to take place on Thursday, 7th July. Councillor Mapp enquired the situation regarding Public Entertainment Licence applications and it was confirmed that these go through the Licensing Department of the Environmental Health Department at NDDC. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. She advised that due to a mix up over the promised bus shelters, none would be available and fixed this year. She would ensure that a reminder would be made for inclusion in the next financial year. District Councillor M Wilkinson. He advised that NDDC were in a position to negotiate lifeguard cover on beaches in North Devon with the RNLI where owners contribute towards funding which at present was Woolacombe and Croyde. This was a positive move which would see better equipment and a professional service. He had accompanied Mrs M Pool on a site meeting for two Planning Applications and spoke to applicants and objectors. He confirmed that he was fully aware that the Code of Conduct was in force at site meetings, otherwise he would prejudice his position at the planning committee meeting. With regard to the by-election on 14th July to elect a new District Councillor, turnout was traditionally poor following a General Election and encourage people to cast their vote. Page 2 - 30.06.05 He felt in the Minutes that it read that Greensweep was a County Council initiative but wished to confirm that this was North Devon District Council. A scrunity report would be sent out in due time. 21. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Mr Tebbutt. He spoke in his capacity as National trust Membership Recruiter regarding the Oceanfest weekend and suggested the Council must not under-estimate the strength of local feeling about this event. The Chairman assured him that he has insisted on 4 seats for the Parish Council at the forthcoming meeting to be held by September. Mr Butler. It felt the Councillors and Police walk around the village would be beneficial and to make it more so, suggested that the licence details of the premises were known when a call is made and this point was noted. 22. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. Councillor Symonds - contact with Mr M Easton, Planning Manager. This matter had now been concluded although not to the Council's complete satisfaction. It was hoped to task the new District Councillor to take this up on behalf of the Parish Council. (2) Applications, as below: a) 40366 - Change of use of land to form site for siting & operation of catering trailer - Garden/Drive of Cross Cottage, Cross, Croyde. The Meeting was informed that due to Councillor Brian's letter of objection, she can legally take part in the discussion but could not vote. Councillors understand and approved this. Councillor Tucker proposed refusal, seconded by Councillor Mapp on the grounds that it is unacceptable for the site. Vote: in favour - 8; abstention - 1. Carried. b) 40409/10 - Listed building application for the erection of 2 garages (amendment to planning refusal 38525) - Higher Ham Farmhouse, Georgeham. Councillor Mrs L Slade declared a personal interest. She remained in the room to answer questions but took no part in the decision. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. c) 40416 - Extension to dwelling and erection of detached garage - 5 Bonnicott Lane, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval but concerns were raised regarding the proximity of the new garage to Number 6. d) 40425 -Extensions and alterations to dwelling - 3 Lane Head Close, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. e) 40066 - works at Putsborough Sands Car Park. Councillor Tucker declared a personal interest, remained in the room to answer questions but took no part in the decision. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. (3) Planning Correspondence: (a) The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: Page 3 - 30.06.05 APPROVALS. 40039 - Extension & alterations to dwelling at 3 West Croyde, Croyde. 40012 - Demolition of existing & erection of new extension, creation of new window opening to south elevation & alterations to window position on west elevation together with relocation & upgrading of oil tank & installation of solar panels at Robbers Hill, Cross, Croyde. 39772 - Erection of 1 dwelling at Plot 3 Penny Hill, Pathfields, Moor Lane, Croyde. 39277 - Installation of 2 dormer windows to rear elevation (amendment to planning permission 36046) at Moor Park, Moor Lane, Croyde. 39771 - Erection of 2 dwellings at Plot 4 & 5 Penny Hill, Pathfields, Moor Lane, Croyde. 39893 - Conversion of garden to form childrens play area at St. Georges House Christian Outdoor Activity Centre, Georgeham.39762 - Conversion of 2 barns to form 2 units of holiday accommodation at North Buckland Farm, North Buckland. 39898/39812 - Listed building application for construction of partially underground swimming pool complex at Croyde Manor, St Marys Road, Croyde. 40029 - Change of use from hotel to dwelling at Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. REFUSAL. 39936 - Outline application for erection of 1 dwelling at garden of Rose Cottage, North Buckland, Braunton. (b) Mr J Symonds - letter regarding planning permission for temporary/occasional car parking, Croyde Bay Open Market Site. Withdrawn. (c) An application for the renewal of a Public Entertainment Licence - Ruda Holiday Park was considered. No objections. (d) It was noted that the Appeal under Application No. 38191 in respect of land to the rear of Down View Cottage, Cross, Croyde has been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate. 23. MATTERS ARISING. (i) It was noted that a by-election will take place on Thursday, 14th July to elect one District Councillor. (ii) Clearway to Bay View Farm. DCC Official, Mr D Netherway had replied advising it is hoped to make progress in a few months. To send a reminder in September. (iii) North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Planning Policy Statement draft reply. Councillor Foster will ensure that a reply is sent by the deadline. (iv) NDDC Statement of Community Involvement draft reply - to be in by 1/7/05. Councillor Mapp would respond on behalf of the Parish Council. (v) Parish Plan Questionnaire. The draft had been compiled. The chairman thanked those who were involved for their time and efforts. (vi) Repainting in Play Area. Councillor Tucker had met representative from Play Quest and read the subsequent report of which the total amounted to £16,000. He would contact other firms for other quotations. Mr M Symonds had completed the work on Croyde Play Park. (vii) Slee Blackwell. Copy correspondence to NDDC regarding the public toilets. Noted. Page 4 - 30.06.05 24. FINANCE. a) Payments: Buckleigh Laundry Ltd. 2 Hand drier rental £ 13.08 Mr M Symonds 1st payment on grass cutting and Maintenance contract 2005/06 £375.00 Mr S M Wightman Grass Cutting £458.25 Jewson Invoices 83.46 163.33 7.14 £253.93 JJ Bins Bin emptying for May 2005 £169.00 (Now increased to twice a week during the Summer) Slee Blackwell Professional charges in connection with Agreement for public toilets £ 78.73 Mr N Saunders Footpath Work £120.00 Mr W Foster Footpath Work £166.00 Post Office Limited 1500 x 21p stamps for Parish Questionnaire £315.00 Devon Playing Fields Association. Fee for Councillor Brian to attend AGM And Presentation. £ 5.50 Mr M Symonds Maintenance Work on Croyde Play Park £430.00 Mr J Symonds Reimbursement for hedgetrimmer repair £110.76 Devon Playing Fields Association. Membership Fee 2005/06 £ 15.00 (b) The Annual Return was approved following completion by the Internal Auditors. Councillors confirmed answers in the relevant boxes in the Statement of Assurance Section. The Return to be sent to the District Audit in good time before the deadline on 17 July. (c) Balances. The figures for May were presented as follows: Opening Balance as at 4/5/05 15,880.10 Payments as previously authorised 3,263.64 Receipts: VAT Refund 1,167.79 50% NDDC Precept/Grant 18,040.00 BALANCE AT 25/05/05 31,824.25 As per Bank Statement No. 69. The accounts had only just been received back from the Internal Auditor following the completion of the Annual Return for the District Audit. Figures for April, May and June would be presented at the July Meeting. Page 5 - 30.06.05 25. CORRESPONDENCE. (i) Devon County Council. Programme of proposed highway works. The details were advised to the meeting. (ii) Northern Devon coast and countryside Service. Art in the Landscape booklet. (iii) The Countryside Agency. Registered Common Land in the Parish. Noted there was none in the Parish. (iv) North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. ND AONB Community Profiling Project: Details of Volunteer Co-ordinator appointed. (v) Revd. B Strange - regarding the GoldCoast Oceanfest recently held. This had been acknowledged and the letter was read to the Meeting. The various issues were discussed and Councillor Tucker to draft a reply. The points raised in this letter will be taken forward to the forthcoming meeting with NDDC and other bodies concerned with the Ocean Fest. The Parish Council will be represented at this meeting and it will take place by September. (vi) Devon Playing Fields Association. Annual General Meeting 28/7/05 at Dolton Village Hall. The Annual Report was also noted. Councillor Brian would be the Parish Council's Representative. A presentation was being given on Provision and Improvement of Public Open Spaces & Children's Play Areas with Section 106 Funding. 26. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. * NDDC Newsletters and Bulletins. * Village Green and various other leaflets. * Devon Rural Transport Partnership Newsletter. Spring 2005. * Marine Conservation Society. Details of Beachwatch 2005. To be held on 17/18 September, plus a leaflet on adopt-a-beach and summary report on Basking Shark Watch 1987-2004. 27. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Mrs Slade. With regard to the boundary of the Playing Field, after inspecting the Deeds, it was confirmed that it is owned by the Parish Council. Councillor Tucker to remove the tree in the parishioners garden. He would also deal with vegetation following hedge trimming at Newberry Cottages. Councillor Mrs Meek. She had inspected the Cemetery Plot Plans and found it looked difference to the way the plots have been arranged. She would correct the paper Plan. As regards Footpaths, the BOATS Inquiry this was ongoing. She would be grateful to know how the lanes are classified. Councillor Tucker. Although not a Council issue, he reported on the visit of the Melanisian Brothers to St. George's Church which was very enjoyable. He commented on a spur of the moment visitor and felt this reflected true village life. 28. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. None. The next Meeting would be on Thursday, 28th July 2005 at 7 p.m. in Croyde Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.54 p.m.