MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 26 MAY 2005 AT 7 P.M. IN CROYDE VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillors J Symonds, Mrs J Barnes, Miss R Brian, W Foster, N Mapp, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade and R Tucker. Also in attendance: 9 members of the public, District Councillor M Wilkinson and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. Councillor Symonds welcomed everyone to the Meeting. 1. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN. The Clerk asked for nominations. Councillor Miss Brian proposed Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Foster. There were no other nominations. All members were in agreement and Councillor Symonds accepted the post and took the chair. 2. ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE. The Chairman read and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office which was witnessed by Councillor Tucker. 3. DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS. Councillors' Declarations of Members Interest forms to be completed and brought to the meeting which had been fixed for 2 June 2005 to discuss car park arrangements at Georgeham which would then be passed to the Clerk for onwards transmission to the Monitoring Officer. 4. APOLOGIES. Councillor J Yeo. District Councillor P Evans. 5. ELECTION OF VICE CHAIRMAN. Councillor Symonds proposed Councillor Tucker. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Barnes. There were no other nominations. A vote was taken: 6 for, 1 against. Carried. 6. ELECTION OF PARISH REPRESENTATIVES. The following appointments were approved and agreed en bloc, proposed by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Symonds. Footpath Warden, Tree Warden and Environmental Spokesman - Councillor Foster. Georgeham Relief in Need Trustees - Councillors Tucker and Mrs Slade. Croyde Village Hall - Councillor Symonds. Governing Body of Georgeham Church of England Primary School - Councillor Yeo, whose Term of Office was still in force. Braunton Coastal Alliance - Councillors Mapp and Miss Brian. 7. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 28 APRIL 2005. As not all Councillors had received a copy, it was proposed by Councillor Symonds and seconded by Councillor Mapp that the Clerk recirculate these to Councillors and the Post Offices with a view to being ratified at the Car Park Meeting on 2 June. 8. REPORTS. Page 2 - 26.05.05 Police. PC G Lees who was off duty, advised that some problems had been experienced in connection with a school party held for Year 11 pupils at Braunton School. Disorder broke out when people from Barnstaple infiltrated this event, which is the second time this has occurred. The Police are in close contact with the school and are very concerned about the situation. The previous weekend problems were again experienced in Croyde due to the consumption of alcohol. The Police were dealing with the offenders. He was asked if the owners of Ruda were actively engaged in dealing with this kind of behaviour and advised that patrols had been set up within Ruda but it was acknowledged that the sand dunes were difficult to monitor. Car parking causing obstructions and people in the road was also mentioned and PC Lees confirmed that the local pubs were trying to deal effectively with the situation. Councillor Symonds raised the fact that the population of Croyde rises considerably during the holiday season and felt that there should be a stronger Police presence, especially with the different approach to the licensing laws. PC Lees explained that staffing was sometimes a problem and outlined the policing arrangements. It was requested that Sgt Andy Brock attend the next Meeting, at which it would be emphasised that the need for Police presence was required during busy periods. County Councillor. The newly elected person was Jenny Jenkins who had introduced herself by letter and had been sent a copy of the Minutes and Agenda. Due to other commitments she was unable to attend this meeting. District Councillor Wilkinson. He made reference to the Elections held on 5 May and the revised Wards. It was known that District Councillor Phil Evans had recently resigned due to ill health and thanked him publicly for all his work. The resignation would mean a by-election. The new Chairman of Devon County Council, Councillor Brian Greenslade had resolved to hold a full scrutiny of the problems which had been experienced with the wheelie bins. As regards the new licensing laws, applications were being received slowly and problems could be foreseen due to this as many establishments were required to submit an application and had not. He commented that Woolacombe experienced similar problems with alcohol related incidents. Councillor Mapp made a statement on behalf of Councillor P Evans who had found it necessary to resign due to ill health, as reported by District Councillor Wilkinson. Despite this, he wanted to support the Parish Council as much as he could. All Councillors acknowledged that he had worked tirelessly and it was proposed by Councillor Mapp, seconded by Councillor Tucker and all agreed that a letter of thanks be sent to him for all his hard work and efforts. 9. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Several members of the public spoke in opposition to Planning Application No. 44014 Baggy View. The person who rents the property from the owner also voiced his feelings. Mr Hulme read a statement of objection in respect of Planning Application No. 39862 - Holmlea. Councillors approved that he be allowed to examine the revised plans in the privacy of the kitchen, which he had not had the opportunity to do. Page 3 - 26.05.05 10. MATTERS ARISING - PLANNING. (i) Councillor Symonds had been unable to make contact with the Planning Manager as previously hoped and now intended to deal with the matter in a telephone call. (ii) Planning Applications. 40012 - Demolition of existing and erection of new extension, new window opening to south elevation and upgrading of oil tank and installation of solar panels - Robbers Hall, Cross, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. 40029 - Change of use from Hotel to dwelling - Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds to recommend refusal. Seconded by Councillor Foster. Vote: 5 for, 1 against. Carried. The following comment also to be added: "The Parish Council regret the fact that the accommodation infrastructure would be broken up in this way". 40066 - Retrospective application for reconstruction of retaining wall and sheds - Putsborough Sands Car Park, Putsborough. Councillor Tucker declared a personal interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. 40039 - Extension and alterations to dwelling - 3 West Croyde, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. 40114 - Demolition of existing building and erection of 6 apartments - Baggy View, Downend, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Tucker and unanimously agreed to recommend refusal. The wording to be as follows: Georgeham Parish Council wishes to recommend refusal. The impact on the neighbouring property would be detrimental in the extreme, and a development of this size and magnitude is totally out of keeping with the locality. Were this Application to be approved an extremely dangerous precedent would be set within a coastal village in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and therefore what would prevent all those other properties along that road and elsewhere developing in a similar manner - "Costa Del Croyde" could only be 10 years away. As Planning are aware, Croyde is defined as a village not a resort in the North Devon Structure Plan. This proposed development is totally at odds with that designation. Finally, we understand that the existing property is not a Guest House as stated in the supporting letter, but is in fact a domestic dwelling in good repair". 39862 - Holmlea, Rock Hill, Georgeham. A site meeting was fixed for Thursday, 2 June at 6.30 p.m. Subsequently, Councillors recommended approval. Page 4 - 26.05.05 (iii) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 39690 - Change of use from guest house to dwelling at West Winds, Moor Lane, Croyde. 39724 - Installation of oil tank at Rock Home, Rock Hill, Georgeham. 39744 - Conversion of barn to form 1 unit of holiday accommodation (amendment to planning permission 36895) at barn adjacent to Jack Smales Cottage, Heddon Mill Farm, Heddon Mill, Braunton. REFUSAL 39770 - Erection of dwelling (amended description) at land adjacent to The Whiteleaf Hotel, Sandy Lane, Croyde. Details of this were read to the Meeting and a copy of the Refusal to be circulated to Councillors. 39717 - Extension to dwelling together with erection of double garage & erection of summer house at Myrtle Cottage, Rock Hill, Georgeham. (iv) From the Enforcement Officer Email regarding land adjacent to 1 Moor Lane. The owner of the land had been advised that planning permission is required. Email regarding Kittiwell House. The Enforcement Officer was of the opinion that the chalet is not being used in breach of Condition 1 and the file is now closed. (v) PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT LICENCE APPLICATION Blue Groove, 2 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. Representations were required by 17 May. It was understood that both District Councillors had made representations on the Parish Council's behalf and the Parish Council's concerns were also to be passed to the Environmental Health Licensing Department. (vi) Croyde Baptist Church Car Park. Enquiries had been made as to whether a Planning Application had yet been received, which it had not. 11. CORRESPONDENCE The Chairman reported on correspondence with a parishioner regarding protocol of meetings. Councillors fully supported the Chairman in the circumstances. JJ Bins - the Chairman had spoken to the operator and as a result, the withheld cheque to be released. Page 5 - 26.05.05 DCC - Letter from David Netherway regarding Waiting Restrictions in Croyde. A reply of thanks to be sent also asking about the Clearway to Bay View Farm which was discussed with him previously. North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Planning Policy Statements. Consultation with Parish Councils and Community Partnerships. Deadline for response of 31/7/05. A working party comprising Councillors Foster, Mrs Meek, Miss Brian and Symonds to discuss and draft a response which the Clerk will send. Slee Blackwell. Regarding the Public Toilets at Georgeham. Terms and Conditions of Business and other documents to be signed. Slee Blackwell. Regarding the Public Toilets at Georgeham. Copy correspondence to NDDC Environmental Health. This item and the one above were both reported on by Councillor Tucker. Slee Blackwell had advised the Parish Council against signing the Contract prepared by North Devon District Council which would result in the Parish Council managing the toilets from the budget. NDDC. Statement of Community Involvement. Pre-submission draft. Representations required by 1/7/05. Councillor Brian enlarged on the meeting she had attended which had a bearing on this. The document was taken by Councillor Mrs Meek with a view to receiving her report at the next meeting. CARA. Copy correspondence regarding flooding of Croyde Stream. Passed to Councillor Foster. Croyde Car Park. The District Council had enquired by telephone from the Clerk as to the ownership. Repairs to the road surface was required. The Clerk to reply that since they are taking revenue from the car park, it should be their responsibility to be liable for the cost of repairs. However, the Parish Council wished to formally request to take the car park back into Parish ownership and they would then assume responsibility for maintenance. Vacancy. Notices had been received for display as a result of District Councillor Evans' resignation. To be displayed at Croyde and Georgeham Village Hall noticeboards and Georgeham Parish noticeboard. Playing Field Pavilion. Councillor Symonds encouraged Councillors to start planning for this. Councillor Mapp suggested that the project was thoroughly looked at to determine who would use it following which a business plan would need to be prepared together with funding. A discussion ensued. Devon and Cornwall Constabulary - posters & cards detailing contact numbers. 12. NOTICES AND PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED NDDC. Newsletters and Bulletins. No applications received for the Parish under the Licensing Act 2003. Page 6 - 26.05.05 TREE COUNCIL. Poster encouraging people to cherish trees. DEVON PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATION. Spring 2005 Newsletter. DEVON ASSOCIATION OF PARISH COUNCILS. May/June 2005 Newsletter. DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL. Devontalk Magazine. Summer 2005. 13. FINANCE (i) The following payments were approved and authorised: SWEB Electric at Glebe Field £ 24.62 SWEB Electric at Toilets £ 10.04 Buckleigh Laundry. Hand dryer rental £ 16.34 S M Wightman Invoice No. 8 £458.25 North Devon District Council Recharge of Salaries £1,531.93 (ii) Grass Cutting. Councillor Tucker advised that our main contractor, S M Wightman, had never been asked to strim the car park area from the Church. Councillor approved that Councillor Tucker ask him to take on this additional work. Various maintenance jobs were required in the area and Councillor Tucker offered to undertake this. 14. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Foster. Norman Saunders to be employed to clear the footpaths. Complaints had been received about dogs on the beach. He would take the matter up with Parkdean but it was noted that if they were on a lead at the mean high tide mark, this was in order. Councillor Mapp. He reported that the playing field hedge had been repaired. The Land Rover in the car park was of an age that it did not require tax. The vehicle had now been removed. As part of the criteria to become a Quality Parish Council, a regularly produced Newsletter was required. This could be part of Crydda as an annexe. It was felt the Parish Plan should be completed before this was looked at further. He pointed out that a year had passed since the rules for Parish administration had been adopted and he felt it was time for a review to be undertaken to include consideration of two meetings per month, as he had noted a number of special meetings had been called over the year. Approximately two thirds of the Parish Plan Questionnaire had been completed and it was hoped to have it completed within the week. Page 7 - 26.05.05 15. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. * Councillors Symonds and Tucker had met to discuss the ROSPA Report. As a result, a handyman had been instructed to mow the grass and this was in hand. It was confirmed that all the units had been brought up to standard. Two problems had been highlighted at the Georgeham Play Area and three quotes had been obtained. The one for £665 to repair and repaint all the play equipment as mentioned in the Report was proposed for acceptance by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Mapp and agreed. * Councillor Mrs Meek gave her Report on the recently held BOATS Planning Inquiry. Her final submission on behalf of the Parish Council was written. The outcome was not yet known. The Chairman thanked her for all her hard work, efforts and amount of time she had devoted to this issue. * Councillor Miss Brian had attended the Braunton Alliance with regard to the Planning Consultation as reported earlier in the meeting. * Councillor Foster had met with David Glen of the Engineering Department and surveyed the bridges over the River Crydda through Croyde. It was agreed that there need to be some clearing to prevent flooding during and after heavy rain and this would be carried out after the vegetation had flowered. The Meeting ended at 10.28 p.m.