MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 26 JANUARY 2006 AT 7 P.M. IN CROYDE VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs J Barnes, Miss R Brian, Mrs V Meek, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, District Councillor D Spear, PC R Fisher, PC G Lees, 4 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. The Chairman welcomed Mrs Squire back to her duties following her shoulder operation in October and subsequent convalescence. 64. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 15 DECEMBER 2005. These were approved and signed as a correct record, after the following was noted: Page 2 Minute 56 - Roy Barnes addressed the meeting regarding the Football Club, not Roger Holmes. Page 6 Minute 62 - Councillor Mapp requested that the wording was amended to "we were still interpreting the Parish Plan". The Minutes were then signed. Proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Mapp and agreed. Councillors approved that the Draft Minutes appeared on the Parish Council website a week from the Meeting, with suitable wording pointing this out. This would have the effect of up to date information being available a short time after the Meeting. 65. APOLOGIES. District Councillor M Wilkinson. 66. REPORTS. Police: PC Graham Lees introduced PC Russ Fisher who advised that since the last meeting there had been 5 crimes in the Parish. There had been an 11% decrease overall in crimes in the last year. There were 112 in 2004 with 104 in Croyde and 8 in Georgeham; in 2005 there had been 100 - 80 in Croyde and 20 in Georgeham. He mentioned the Application for a clearway on the Putsborough to Croyde road. Councillor Tucker was in liaison with Highways regarding this and the enforcement should be in force by April. Down End clearway was also mentioned and it was noted that there was an improvement with the parking problems experienced on the Down End verges. Councillor Tucker suggested that he attends the May Meeting to discuss Oceanfest with dialogue concerning issues at weekends during the Summer in Croyde. It was acknowledged that the exercise carried out last year speaking to camp site owners and licensees of public houses had a positive effect. It was hoped that an Oceanfest Meeting would take place during the first week in February and the newly appointed Sgt - Geoff Pearce to be contacted indicating that the Parish Council wished to attend with two delegates. Councillor Maskell wished to be one of the delegates. Page 2 - 26.01.06 County Councillor J Jenkins: Approval had been given for volunteers to work in conjunction with ANOB to strim vegetation and clear litter at Saunton Down. A notice would be put by the parking look outs informing members of the public of the length of time it takes for litter to decompose. Bus Service. First Bus continues to operate a service while Balfour Beatty is working in Croyde and Georgeham and has confirmed that they have a commitment to this. Councillor Symonds will post the Timetable if information is sent to him. District Councillor D Spear: Written report attached. He would be attending the Licensing Application for the Manor Inn the following day in support of the Parish Council and a copy of his letter to the Licensing Unit had been received. District Councillor M Wilkinson: Sent a 3 point report regarding Croyde Manor, the Manor House licence and Standards Committee. 67. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. David Barker. He alleged dangerous working practices by Balfour Beatty in the street. He advised the meeting that there had been no land line telephone for 72 hours due to a severing of the cable, both ends of village had been blocked at the same time and was concerned regarding access for emergency services. The Chairman advised him that while the Parish Council was concerned and sympathetic, the work was necessary and residents were aware that a certain amount of disruption was necessary. Furthermore, the Parish Council was not in a position to levy an argument as to whether Balfour Beatty was in the right or wrong. The matter was a Devon County Council, not one which the Parish Council could deal with. However, the Clerk was to write to the Highways Department with the alleged details. Mr Kirkham. He informed the Meeting of his plans to build. While this was in progress he wished to take the corner of a hedge off to enable delivery vehicles to access the site, which would be replaced when the building work had been completed.The hedge and footpath belonged to his mother. It was suggested that he writes to the Planning Department setting out the position. The Parish Council had no objection. 68. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. Correspondence from English Heritage regarding Croyde Manor House. A copy had been sent to Councillor Mrs Meek ahead of the meeting for information saying they are unable to help and suggested Collette Hall at NDDC. Councillor Maskell informed the Meeting that he had spoken to Ms Hall who was not pleased with the work carried out to the interior of the property. As regards the exterior, the roof slates were black Spanish and not Delabole of which she was not aware but this it seemed was not an issue. There was evidence of some limewash render and it would seem that no further action would be taken. Page 3 - 26.01.06 NDDC. Planning Department had advised that Listed Building Application 41111 - for lime rendering of external walls to dwelling & outbuildings together with renewal of outbuilding roof at Croyde Manor, 17 St. Mary's Road, Croyde was to be considered by the Planning Committee on Wednesday 25 January at 2 p.m. Representatives from the Parish Council were entitled to attend and speak. Copy of correspondence has been forwarded to Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Mrs Meek. It was reported to the meeting that District Councillor Spear had requested that the application be withdrawn from being called in and that it be reverted to a delegated powers decision. (2) Applications, as below: (i) Town & Country Planning General Regulations 1992 - Regulation 3. Proposed single storey wooden classroom at Stepping Stones Playgroup, Georgeham Primary School, Putsborough Road, Georgeham. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. (ii) 41521 - Extension to dwelling (amendments to planning permission 40278) - 1 Moor Lane, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. (iii) 41548 - Erection of wood clad pole shed (renewal of limited period planning permission 30275) - Field OS 7000 (4438 NE) land off Milkaway Lane, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. (iv) 41514 - Notice of an application to discharge 2 Section 52 Agreements and 1 Planning obligation under Section 106A of the T & C P Act 1990 in respect of Planning Permissions 2/82/915/28/4, 86/2116/28/04 & 13206 - Bayview Farm Camping and Caravan Park, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to reply as follows: Proposed by Councillor Mrs Meek, seconded by Councillor Mapp and all agreed. "During the mid 1980s when planning permissions were granted at Bay View Farm, these restrictions were put in place for good reason. The Parish Council feels that these restrictions should remain unless there is compelling argument against and there have been fundamental changes in policy of the structure plan". (v) 41547 - Alterations & extension to dwelling (renewal of unimplemented Planning Permission 30369) - Villa Sol-y-Mar, Langsfield, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. (vi) 41538 - Continued siting of holiday chalet (renewal of limited period Planning Permission 26617) - 1 Leadengate Close, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval with the condition that it remains as a limited period 10 month occupancy condition. (vii) 41577 - Insertion of rear dormer window - 26 Sandyway, Croyde. Page 4 - 26.01.06 It was RESOLVED to recommend refusal on the grounds that it is over development of a bungalow in a residential estate. The proposal calls for the insertion of a "rear dormer window", the drawings presented with this application appear to show considerably more works than the insertion of said window. (3) Planning Correspondence: (a) To note the following NDDC Decision Notices: APPROVALS. 41349 - Demolition of existing garage and extension to dwelling at Jindalee, Darracott, Georgeham. 41281 - Sub-division of hotel/residential home & dwelling to form 3 dwellings at Leadengate House, Croyde. 39455 - AMENDED DECISION NOTICE - Removal of condition 2 (occupancy restriction) attached to Planning Permission 10864 from Higher roylands and imposition of occupancy condition on Roylands (amended plan and information) at Roylands, Higher Roylands & associated land - Moor Lane Croyde. 41298 - Extension to dwelling at Diana Cottage, Darracott, Georgeham. 41248 - Erection of first floor extension at 1 Rose Villas, St. Mary's Road, Croyde. 41123 - Erection of garage at Hills View, Darracott, Georgeham. 41353 - Demolition of existing & erection of new extension to dwelling at Robbers Hall, Cross, Croyde. 41314 - Continued siting of summer bungalow (renewal of limited period planning permission 28725 at Timberley, 10 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 41340 - Continued siting of holiday chalet (renewal of limited period planning permission 28283) at 5 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 41396 - Erection of porch at Meadow Cottage, Pickwell, Georgeham. REFUSALS 41197 - Change of use of agricultural land to form extension to domestic curtilage at land adjacent to Sunny Ash Corner, Georgeham. 40280 - Display of 3 A-Frames at Hobbs Hill, Chapel Farm, Croyde. (4) It was noted that Listed Building Application 41382/81 for extension to dwelling & conversion of loft space to form additional living accommodation together with demolition of garage/utility room at Brook House, 3 St. Mary's Road, Croyde had been WITHDRAWN. (5) North Devon Local Plan. The acknowledgement of the Parish Council's representations on proposed modifications received by the Planning Policy Team was noted. (6) BOATS. The Planning Inspectorate had written regarding a slight modification. The Parish Council did not have any objections and no reply was necessary. Page 5 - 26.01.06 69. MATTERS ARISING. a) Provision of Traffic Wardens for the village of Croyde. No reply had been received from Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and a reminder had been sent requesting that a response is sent by the February Meeting. b) Millersbrook - Parking Restriction. No further response had been received from Highways. A further reminder to be sent, copied to District Councillor Spear. Our correspondence was to highlight the fact that Easter was only 11 weeks ago and the Parish Council required something to be done by that deadline. 70. FINANCE. Balances: Figures were circulated to Councillors, as were the budgetary figures for November and December 2005. The Clerk fully explained the figures and headings to Councillors, should they be asked by a member of the public. With the Balances, the payments were noted as "previously authorised" although this did not include cheques not presented. A vote was taken as to whether the Clerk should include unpresented cheques within the Balances figures with 2 for this to be included and 4 against. a) Payments: Buckleigh Laundry Ltd Rental of hand driers in Georgeham public toilets £ 16.34 Mr S M Wightman Grass Cutting for December 2005. £ 458.25 Jewson Swing Seat £17.82 Padlock £27.21 £ 45.03 NDDC Recharge of Salaries £1,239.00 SWEB Electricity supply at toilet block and Bus shelter £ 13.02 Georgeham Village Hall Hire of Hall for Meetings (2005) £ 150.00 Councillors approved that with effect from May 2006, the start of the new Municipal Year, all meetings would be held in Georgeham Village Hall. Both Georgeham and Croyde Village Halls had been booked up to May 2006. Allianz Cornhill Additional Premium for extra items Insured £ 37.14 South West Water Water supply at Georgeham Cemetery £ 7.04 South West Water Water supply at the public toilets, Georgeham £ 151.68 Page 6 - 26.01.06 Mrs S Squire Postage £9.90 Ink Cartridges £8.35 £ 18.25 b) Parish Precept/Grant. A figure of £27,500 was proposed by Councillor Symonds and seconded by Councillor Mapp. It was explained that part of the grant we had requested (£9,280) had been disallowed due to insufficient electorate, the grant allowable being £2 per head. This amount could be added to the Precept figure, making this a figure of £36,780. Councillor Miss Brian proposed the higher amount was accepted which took into account the disallowed grant of £9,280, seconded by Councillor Tucker. A Vote was taken: For Councillor Miss Brian's amendment - 2, for Councillor Symonds proposal 6. Councillor Symonds' proposal was carried. c) Cheque Signatories. A new Bank Mandate to include current Councillors and deletion of names of previous Councillors was completed. d) National Savings Account. It was noted that the Account Book had been sent for the interest to be made up, which amounted to £470.57 and that the Account balance stands at £13,917.02. 71. CORRESPONDENCE. (i) John Yeo. Letter of resignation. Letter of thanks had been sent to him. Posters displaying the vacancy are in place throughout the Parish. If there are insufficient requests to NDDC to have an Election, it was the Parish Council's intention to Co-opt at next meeting. (ii) CPRE. Does the village wish to be entered in the Best Kept Village in Devon 2006 and Devon Calor village of the Year Competition 2006. Councillors were not in favour of the village being entered this year. However, this item to be included in The Crydda inviting interested parishioners to come forward for the 2007 preparations. (iii) Allianz Cornhill. Proposal form completed and returned in respect of toilet block/bus shelter. Cover for other items requested had been actioned. (iv) DCC. County Environment Directorate. Public Rights of Way Report. This to be passed to the Footpath Officer. (v) NDDC. Croyde Car Park. They were unwilling to sell the car park to the Parish Council. A NDDC Committee Meeting was mentioned within the letter and the Clerk to request that two Councillors attend this to put the Parish Council's case forward. (vi) DCC. Temporary Traffic Order. Downend, Croyde to Newberry Road, Georgeham. Noted. Page 7 - 26.01.06 (vii) NDDC. Grants from the District Council 2005/06. Copies have been sent to the Chairman and Vice Chairman ahead of the Meeting as the deadline date for applications is 31/1/06. Councillors approved that Councillor Miss Brian will complete and submit an application for a play park. (viii) Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. Discussion Paper - Standards of Conduct in English Local Government : The Future. Taken by Councillor Mrs Meek. (ix) Devon Association for Renewable Energy. Letter and questionnaire. Taken by Councillor Miss Brian who would study the questionnaire and if she considered it was in the Parish Council's interest that this should be completed, it would be done on behalf of the Parish Council and their views would be taken into account. (x) North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Leaflet giving details of the North Devon AONB Sustainable Development Fund 2005/06. Taken by Councillor Miss Brian. (xi) Devon Association of Parish Councils. Details of short courses for new Councillors. Noted. (xii) Devon Association of Parish Councils. Details of website for Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Noted. (xiii) Community Council of Devon. Devon 'Community Activist Network' Research. Letter and Questionnaire. No action considered necessary. (xiv) Mr A Bohannan. Copy correspondence regarding proposed Wind Farm at Fullabrook. Original letter sent to the Chairman. A reply in acknowledgement to be sent. 72. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. * NDDC Newsletters and Bulletins. * Devon Association of Parish Councils. January/February 2006 Newsletter. * Environment Agency. Booklet - Creating a Better Place. * North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area. Autumn/Winter 2005 Newsletter. * National Association of Local Councils. Local Council Review. January 2006. * Devon Playing Fields Association. The Playing Field Newsletter. Winter 2005/06. Page 8 - 26.01.06 73. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS/CLERK. Councillor Miss R Brian - Bus Shelters. She advised that the projected costing was £4,000. County Councillor Jenkins had advised that no funding was available from the County Council due to lack of funds, and if we proceeded, the cost would have to be borne by ourselves. A Vote was taken to get details of a design - 1 for, against 4. The matter to be left for the time being. Councillor Tucker. He advised that he would be representing the Parish Council at the Licensing Meeting which would consider the Manor House Inn Application. Clarification was given that the property was within a Conservation Area. Councillor Maskell. He requested the protocol for the co-option process and this would be explained to him by Councillor Tucker. Councillor Mrs Meek. She raised barriers at the Glebefield car park. Councillor Symonds to obtain three quotations in time for the next meeting. Councillor Mrs Slade. The timer in the Glebefield Car Park required attention and one light required a new bulb. This to be dealt with by Councillor Tucker who would instruct an electrician regarding the replacement bulb. Councillor Mapp. Advised that the centre light in the Public Conveniences was on continuously. The same electrician who is attending to the car park lights to be requested to attend. Complaints had been received from people who wanted to go to Church at Christmas but found access to and from the car park difficult due to cars being parked at the top of the steps. It was noted that the yellow lined grid had not yet been put in place and that Councillors Tucker and Symonds would attend to this in the very near future. 74. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS NOT PREVIOUSLY REPORTED ON EARLIER IN THE MEETING. Councillor Mrs Meek updated the meeting on the results of the Parish Plan and all Councillors were given a copy of the numerical version. A meeting would be held on 6 February and the steering-committee would be in a position to make a presentation to the Parish Council. A separate meeting to be held to do this, fixed for Monday 13th at Georgeham Village Hall for Councillors and Steering Committee only. If projects can then be agreed, projects can be started and the report prepared. It was hoped to have a parishioners Open Meeting before Easter and a Flyer to be sent to each household as a result. Councillor Brian reported on her attendance at the Braunton Alliance Meeting. She explained to set up with regard to a Collective brokerage event. It was noted that we need to be there with a good contingent to get our bids in on 28 March. Councillor Mapp attended the same Alliance Meeting. He obtained an assurance that the Parish Council will obtain sufficient money at least to cover all our costs. This equated to 700 man hours at £7.50 a head. It was pleasing to note that there had Page 9 - 26.01.06 been a Return of 44% for Georgeham's questionnaire, more than twice that of Braunton which was just 18%. The Meeting closed at 10.34 p.m. The next meeting would be on Thursday, 23 February 2006 at Georgeham Village Hall.