MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 30 MARCH 2006 AT 7 P.M. IN CROYDE VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillors Mrs J Barnes, M Harrison, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade. Also in attendance: County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, District Councillors M Wilkinson and D Spear. PC Russ Fischer, 2 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 86. ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN FOR THIS MEETING. Councillor M Harrison proposed Councillor Mrs V Meek. Seconded by Councillor Mapp. Agreed unanimously and Councillor Mrs Meek agreed and took the Chair. 87. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 23 FEBRUARY 2006. These were agreed and signed after it had been noted under Minute 86 Parish Plan that the wording should be "The Steering Group's recommendation was accepted verbatim". 88. APOLOGIES. Councillor J Symonds - away. Councillor R Tucker - on holiday. Councillor Miss R Brian - on holiday. 89. REPORTS. Police. PC Fischer said that since the last Meeting, there had been 3 crimes in the Parish. He brought the Meeting's attention to an internet scam presently operating. Planning for the Oceanfest event was progressing well and he confirmed that there would be more Police presence this year. There had been several planning meetings with a further progressional one on 24 April at 1 pm. (This has subsequently been amended to 4 May at Braunton Police Station). Two Parish Council representatives had been invited and Councillors Tucker and Maskell had subsequently been advised of the amended date. He had hoped that the Licensing Officer would be able to attend this Meeting but due to other commitments this had not been possible. However, he would be coming to the next Meeting, together with Traffic Warden Kate Olds and it was noted that this would be the Annual Parish Meeting. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. She informed the Meeting of a Highways Meeting with details of a proposed programme of work which included a new stone bus shelter at the village centre which would be maintained by the Parish Council thereafter and one at the Unison site. Councillors advised her that following a vote at the October Meeting, it had been agreed that plans for a proposed bus shelter would be cancelled as a result of public opinion contained within the Parish Plan Questionnaire. Thanks were expressed to her for her efforts and apologies that she had not been informed of the decision. She also advised that Moor Lane footpath enhancement was a reserve scheme with no guarantee it would happen although the situation looked promising. The Clearway to Bay View would not be in place by Easter but the section of road would be coned to prevent parking. Page 2 - 30.03.06 District Councillor D Spear. He continued to attend all Licensing Meetings. He spoke about the Government White Paper and two tier system. The Government is advocating making what is in place working more efficiently. District Councillor M Wilkinson. On the subject of recycling, he advised that there is a large bin at West Down in place which can be viewed if required. The subject to be deferred to the next Meeting. He advised that NDDC Planning Authority have adopted a policy that for every domestic dwelling 50% must be affordable housing. He has been in negotiation with Councillor Miss Brian regarding the surface of the playground. The Parish Council had made a grant application for 5,000 following a letter at a previous meeting from NDDC regarding grants. If we were not successful on this occasion, there were other ways of obtaining funding with a possible route through the Parks and Amenities Department. He mentioned the Awards for All Grant which from 1 April, the upper tier is extended to 10,000. 90. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Margaret Stonehouse on behalf of CARA. * She advised of an incident on Footpath 19 near Billy Buds involving a member of the public and the van emptying the dog bins. The member of the public was struck on the arm but is not pursuing a claim. She was very concerned though that had a small child been in the lane, the driver would not have seen it and a serious accident could have happened. The Clerk advised that she had received a 'phone call from the lady who had been involved. The matter to be taken up with JJ Bins. * Croyde Playground was considered to be in a dilapidated and dangerous sate. It was advised to her that ROSPA had inspected both Croyde and Georgeham Play Areas and their Report was awaited. The Parish Council would implement any works required as a result. * She said that Georgeham residents were concerned that camper vans were using the car park as a storage area. It was advised to her that the matter was in hand with height barriers to be put in place which would have the effect of preventing this problem. Mr N Gibbons. He was concerning that the Recycling Pavilion at Georgeham had been removed. The Clerk advised him the situation following the removal of the pavilion at Berrynarbor, of which Parish she was also Clerk. NDDC had taken the decision to remove all Recycling Pavilions across the District due to the fact that they were all becoming old and in need of repair. In addition, now that the kerbside collection was in place it was felt there was no need to provide Recycling Pavilions. Mr Gibbons was very dismayed advising that he generated a large amount of recycling and the kerbside facilities were insufficient, which was why he regularly used the Recycling Pavilion. The District Councillors are to write to the Waste Management Team and as a follow up, after the Parish Plan has been presented, the Parish Council will form a response to enable the District Councillors to respond. District Councillor Wilkinson to arrange a meeting with the relevant officials who would attend a Parish Council Meeting. Page 3 - 30.03.06 Mr P Evans. He spoke about the Parish Plan details and said that parishioners felt they were being misrepresented over affordable housing. The Chairman reminded him of the Parish Plan Meeting to be held in two sessions during the afternoon and evening in Croyde Village Hall on 12 April. 91. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. There were no Matters Arising. (2) Applications, as below: (a) 41717/19 - Listed Building Application for conversion of barn to form 1 dwelling (revision of consent 35121) - Unit 1, Higher Ham Farm, Georgeham. Councillor Mrs Slade declared a personal interest. She remained in the room to answer questions, then left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was unanimously RESOLVED to recommend approval. (b) 41384 - Reserved Matters Application for erection of 2 dwellings with double garages (outline Planning Permission 37564) - land between Sandbourne & Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval but with the proviso that a natural slate roof was preferred. Vote: 4 for, 1 abstention. c) 41932 - Erection of lifeguard facility, the Beach, Beach Road, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. d) 41772 - Notification in respect of work to trees in a Conservation Area in respect of felling 3 Cypress trees and replacing with smaller trees - 39 St Mary's Road, Croyde. To reply 'we understand the work has taken place". e) 41926 - Demolition ofguesthouse with owners accommodation and erection of 5 flats - Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend refusal on the grounds that it is out of keeping with the area; there is no provision on the Application for affordable housing which is required under Local Policy; there is the loss of another guest house in a tourist area and it would be the only 3 storey building in the road. (3) Planning Correspondence: (a) To note the following NDDC Decision Notices: APPROVALS. Page 4 - 30.03.06 41547 - Alterations & extension to dwelling (renewal of unimplemented planning permission 303069) at Villa Sol-Y-Mar, Langsfield, Croyde. 41548 - Erection of wood clad pole shed (renewalof limited period planning permission 30275) at field OS 7000 (4438 NE) land off Milkaway Lane, Croyde. 41538 - Continued siting of holiday chalet (renewal of limited period planning permission 26617) at 1 Leadengate Close, Croyde. REFUSAL 41577 - Insertion of rear dormer window at 26 Sandy Way, Croyde. (b) An Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness was noted in respect of 1 and 2 Davids Cottages, Cloutmans Lane, Croyde for use of the property as 2 separate dwellings. To reply that no information was known. (c) Copy correspondence was noted from Mr S Butler regarding unauthorised building works at 2 Inglenook Cottages, St Mary;s Road, Croyde. The Enforcement Officer had visited the property the previous day but a report was not available due to the fact that the Planning Officer was on leave until the following week. A report was promised in time for the next Parish Council Meeting. 92. MATTERS ARISING. (i) NDDC. Acknowledgement of Representation under the Licensing Act 2003 following our letters in respect of Billy Budds, The Thatched Barn and Croyde Bay Holiday Village. Their licensing consultant, Mr Wright has also been in contact. (ii) Traffic Warden Provision in Croyde. Deferred to the April Meeting. (iii) Parking Restriction at Millersbrook. Devon County Council had advised that the cost to the Parish Council for this to be implemented would be 900. No action was taken because of the cost. To be reconsidered when there was a full Council. 93. FINANCE. a) Balances: These were circulated to Councillors. b) Payments: The following payments were approved and authorised: Buckleigh Laundry Ltd. Rental of hand driers in Toilets £ 13.54 S M Wightman Grass Cutting £678.38 J J Bins. Bin emptying from November to February. £253.50 Mr M Symonds. 4th & final grass cutting payment £335.00 DAPC 2006/07 Membership £253.00 Page 5 - 30.03.06 DPFA 2006/07 Membership £ 15.00 NDDC Non domestic Council Tax for Cemetery £ 99.18 b) It was noted that a P3 Grant from DCC amounting to 515 had been received by BACS payment. A letter of thanks has been sent. 94. CORRESPONDENCE. (a) The Planning Inspectorate. BOATS. Copy of the Inspector's Final Decision. Noted. (b) Mr and Mrs Chinn/Mrs T Eagle. Copy correspondence regarding footballs. A letter of reply had been drafted on behalf of the Parish Council by Councillor Symonds. (c) NALC. What does your Council do for your Community? Noted (d) Devon Playing Fields Association. Funding opportunity for our Village Hall. Copy to be sent to both village halls. (e) Devon Association of Parish Councils. IT Survey. (f) Devon Association of Parish Councils. Annual Report 2005/2006. (g) DCC. Road Traffic Order. (h) Community Council of Devon. Parish Plans. Taken by Councillor Mrs Meek. (i) Wessex Trains. Timetables. (j) DCC. Details of Lengthsmens visit for the coming year. Councillors to be advised at the Meeting before they are due to visit so that areas can be identified and advised. 95. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. * NDDC Newsletters and Bulletins. * NALC. Local Council Review. * Devon Rural Transport Partnership Winter Newsletter 2006. * South West Coast Path News. Spring 2006. * Village Green Magazine * Devon Association of Parish Councils March/April 2006 Newsletter. * Rural Housing Partnership Spring 2006 Newsletter. * AONB. Newsletter. 96. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Maskell. He felt a letter should be sent to County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins apologising for the confusion over the bus shelter, the subsequent decision and neglect to follow up. Page 6 - 30.03.06 The lane where the dog van incident occurred was not a Highways issue as it was on a Footpath. He was concerned about the progress about the development of Croyde Bay House Hotel. Councillor Mrs L Slade. Parishioners were concerned about recent developments at Fairleigh, Darracott where the hedge had been cut revealing an untidy site which had recently been granted a Certificate of Lawfulness. The situation was noted and the area photographed. Meanwhile, a letter to be written to the Enforcement Officer. Willow Lodge at North Buckland was also raised. Again, the Enforcement Officer to be contacted to ensure that the building had been constructed in accordance with the plans. Councillor Harrison. He advised that he was working on a new Parish Map. He wished to apply for a co-operative working grant scheme to fund this project. North West Devon Leader Plus had funds and he was hoping to apply as a joint project with CARA who had met the previous evening but were unable to commit themselves at this time. Councillor Mrs Slade proposed that the Parish Council form a partnershi with CARA in this respect to promote the new map. Seconded by Councillor Mrs J Barnes, all agreed. He was concerned over the bad state of Croyde Play Park and this would be monitored. Councillor Maskell advised that large sums of money paid by developers as part of the 106 Agreement can be clawed back and it appeared that Councillor Symonds was investing this. Councillor Mapp. He advised of a rat infestation at Davids Hill. After investigations he had ascertained that the District Council is not responsible for dealing with this. However, they will examine the situation to find out the cause. It was the householders' responsibility to take measures to get rid of the rats. He had inspected and read the Survey of Outdoor Sport and Play Provision and confirmed that it does not affect this Council. The findings were that the Playing Fields were accurately recorded. There was a low response rate in Devon and more facilities were available in rural areas. However, the biggest problem was transport. No follow up action was required. He talked about the Alliance Meeting and reported progress up to the delivery of flyers. This Council is ahead of all other Parishes and were asked for help. Mr Brian Holme of North Devon District Council had suggested a list of guests for the Parish Plan Meeting on 12 April and a list of addresses to send the completed Plan. He also advised to keep records for 5 years as data may need to be accessed in the future. Mr Holme's responsibility extended to youth and recreation. He also pointed out that because we have come in under budget as will the others, approximately £500 may be available to each Parish to finance and kick start a major project within the Parish Plan. Confirmation on VAT and the reclaim has not been clarified as it is money we have been given. Page 7 - 30.03.06 Councillor Mrs Meek. Parish Plan. The Report and action plan would be ready for the meeting on 12 April at Croyde Village Hall. There would be an open forum, meeting and exhibtion at 2 -5pm and 7-9pm. Councillor Mapp also said there would be additional exhibitions presented by the Village Halls, skateboarders, FootballClub, possibly the Surf Life Saving Club, the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Footpaths. Councillor Mrs Meek brought attention to a book by Ian Balf Spreacombe entitled 'A Well Kept Secret' regarding Lawrence of Arabia. If anyone had any information he would be glad to hear from them. The contact number was 07907 586 574. She proposed to object to Oceanfest's off licence and automatic renewal, seen in the North Devon Gazette. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. There was one abstention. Proposal carried. 97. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS (if not previously reported on earlier in the Meeting). Councillor Maskell. He had attended a Finance Meeting but no details were as yet available. The Meeting closed at 10 p.m. The next Meeting would be the Annual Parish Assembly on Thursday, 27 April 2006 at 7 p.m. in Georgeham Village Hall, followed by the April Parish Council Meeting.