Georgeham Parish Council

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Notice: These Minutes are in draft form only and have yet to be approved and signed at the next Parish Council Meeting. Copies are also available to read at Croyde and Georgeham Post Offices and Georgeham Noticeboard.

MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 24 APRIL 2008 ON THE RISING OF THE ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL.

PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, W Foster, Mrs V Meek, E Short, Mrs L Slade.

Also in attendance: County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, Mark Alexander, District Councillors Mrs P Barker, PCSO R Peacock, PC R Bishop, 8 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk.

Police. PCSO Peacock introduced PC Ricky Bishop who was taking over from PC Russ Fisher.

There had been 7 crimes: theft of golf cubs at Saunton; criminal damage to 2 beach huts at Saunton; the theft of a handbag at Ruda; criminal damage to a shop in Saunton; thefts from an automatic machine at Ruda. Councillor Miss Brian pointed out that Saunton was not within Georgeham Parish.

Councillor Symonds mentioned parking and traffic offences when new procedures are introduced later in the year. The District Council should be contacted in this event but if driveways or pavements are obstructed this would be a police matter. PC Bishop has ordered new signs to replace the present ones which has surf stickers on them.

County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. She spoke about the 20mph speed limit issue for Georgeham and also the public footpath between Croyde and Georgeham. Although she has not been able to attend meetings, she has been in touch with Mr M Newcombe.

She has given support to a 20mph speed limit for Georgeham and although there is evidence in the area where she lives which has a 20mph speed limit that no one adheres to this, she felt it was still worth trying. The results of traffic monitoring are awaited before a final decision is made.

She had also spoken to Mr Newcombe regarding the footpath between Croyde and Georgeham. If the Parish Council were in a position to contribute towards the footpath, it could become a reality. An approved design scheme would need to be submitted and an approved contractor. He had concerns that the footpath could only be constructed for part of the route but did not have any problems with it being constructed for part of the way. He would be writing to the Council on both these points.

A new bus shelter had been agreed for the bus stop outside Unison and this was on the programme of works for this year.

Councillor Symonds informed those present that a meeting had taken place at the Primary School regarding the footpath. The Parish Council were not able to agree to Devon County Council’s suggestion regarding a contractor, but would used an accredited contractor. He pointed out that Jones’ Hill footpath in Croyde only goes part of the route and was a similar situation.

District Councillor Mrs P Barker. She gave an update on the position regarding Atlantic Lodge, where the architect had called for a determination. The Hearing would be at the Civic Centre and would take between 6 & 9 months to conclude.

An Appeal was being held the following Tuesday regarding Greystones. She mentioned affordable housing and Councillor Symonds referred to the Affordable Housing Seminar recently held where the Georgeham Parish Council delegates were advised that this Parish had sufficient affordable housing and there was no need for any more.

She mentioned the meeting regarding the footpath which also covered speed limit restriction and yellow lines and felt positive about the footpath. She was pleased that an extension to the Clearway to Bay View Farm had also been agreed.

She would like to promote the area with photographs and a press release, especially in relation to the footpath.

Household rubbish collections were raised which caused problems when visitors had a variable changeover day and put their rubbish out on the day they left. Ideally a Saturday collection was preferable and Councillor Symonds was of the opinion that rubbish should only be put out on the collection day itself. He warned North Devon District Council of the care which should be taken not to collect business rate rubbish with household rubbish.

A meeting was being held on 30 April regarding the proposed Section 30 Order for Croyde during the Oceanfest.

Councillor Symonds referred to the Parish Council letter to Mr M Williams of NDDC regarding traffic warden cover and read his reply to the Meeting. An update would be given by District Councillor Mrs Barker after the Meeting on Wednesday.

Councillor Mrs Slade declared a personal interest under 189.2, Applications 46487 & 46511.

46476 – Erection of agricultural building for storage of implements & crops at land at Oxford Cross, Georgeham.

It was resolved to recommend approval with the condition that the Parish Council would expect to see the building in sympathetic colours.

46410 – Retrospective application for extension to parking bay at The Nook, Darracott, Georgeham.

46329 – Extension to dwelling (amended scheme) at The Haven, 20 Hobbs Hill, Croyde.

46507 – Erection of raised decking area with glazed railings at The Old Bakery, Chapel Street, Georgeham.

46487/46511 – Listed Building Application for extension to dwelling together with amended siting of garage approved by Planning Permission 40409 & Listed Building Consent 40410 at 3 Higher Ham Farmhouse, Georgeham.

46522 – Notification of various works to 30 trees in a Conservation Area at Burrows Farm West, 9 Watery Lane, Croyde.

46546 – Subdivision of dwelling to form 2 dwellings at West End, Netherhams Hill, Georgeham.

188.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted:

45750 – Replacement of mono pitch corrugated roof with pitched slate roof (amended description) at Wisteria Cottage, St Mary’s Road, Croyde.

DCC County Matter Planning Application. Retaining wall and control kiosk to operate adjacent underground pumping station to form part of the proposed sewerage scheme to serve 3 properties, at land adjoining the south east boundary of Cliff House, Baggy Point, Croyde. (Considered at the December 2007 Parish Council Meeting).

45854 – Erection of 4 dwellings (Plots 6, 7,8 & 9) at Toms Field, Land off Lane Head Close, Moor Lane, Croyde.

46323 – Outline Application for demolition of existing & erection of new bungalow at The Bungalow (OS 5452) Spreacombe, Braunton.

46143 – Extension to dwelling at 20 Sandyway, Croyde together with a letter explaining the reason for refusal from the Planning Officer.

45957 – Installation of solar panels, St Georges House, Georgeham, together with a letter explaining the reason for refusal from the Planning Officer. Copies to be sent to Councillors Mrs Meek, Miss Brian and W Foster. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that renegotiations were to take place to identify other possible places that could be used.

189. (2) It was noted that Planning Application 46156 – erection of replacement garage at The Anchorage, Putsborough had been WITHDRAWN.

189. (3) It was noted that the Planning Appeal in respect of Planning Application 44696 – erection of 2 dwellings, access and footpath at garden of Greystones, Croyde, will be heard on 29/4/08 at 10am at the Council Chamber, Civic Centre, Barnstaple and that it is expected to be concluded on the same day.

190.2 Road safety issues in Georgeham. Councillors Symonds and Foster had attended a meeting at Georgeham School. Despite negative comments from Mr M Newcombe, the matter would be pursued and the Parish Council was prepared to fund the work with assistance from Councillor Maskell. Insurance cover would be increased accordingly.

Data is to be collected from a speed camera to ascertain if a 20mph speed limit for the whole village was viable. A letter from Ann Juby and Sam Hood was read to Meeting.

The idea of hiring a bus to take children to and from school had been discussed and it had been suggested that the school contact Unison and Parkdean enquiring if their staff collection bus could be used. The Parish Council could help financially but this matter would have to be discussed when budget was set for the next fiscal year.

190.3 Parish Plan Grant Funding. It was noted that a cheque for £802.00 had been received from Braunton Parish Council in respect of Parish Plan Expenses, for which a letter of thanks had been sent.

190.4 Redecoration of Georgeham Toilets. This to be carried forward to May Meeting. Arrangements to be made regarding the cleaning due to Mr D Tucker being ill.

190.5 Parking problems at Millers Brook & extension of Clearway at Down End. Clearway has been accepted. District Councillor Mrs Barker would keep the Council up to date. The Clearway was expected to be in force for the summer season of 2009. As regards the parking problems, evidence is required and a survey is being conducted.

190.6 Oceanfest and Section 30 Order. A response had been made and the Police have called meeting on 30 April which Councillor Symonds will attend. Members of the business community and Councillors were also invited. It was known that Ruda and Unison were in favour of having the Section 30 imposed. Councillor Symonds spoke about the quality of life for the people who live in Croyde and that if the event could not proceed without a Section 30 Order, then it would be better not to hold the event. Councillors supported the decision included in the letter.

190.7 Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Risk Management/Assessment & Complaints Procedure. Copies were distributed to Councillors.

190.8 Traffic Wardens Post. A reply was noted from Mr M Williams, Transportation & Procurement Manager in reply to our letter regarding Traffic Warden provision. This to be an item on the May Agenda.

South West Water Water supply to public toilets. A payment of £16.85 will be paid by Direct Debit on 1/5/08.

South West Water Water supply to Cemetery. A payment of £3.31 will be paid by Direct Debit on 1/5/08.

191.3 Croyde Village Hall. It was noted that the cheque approved on 29/11/07 amounting to £1,000.00 in respect of a donation to the Village Hall Extension Project, had been issued with the authorisation of the Chairman, Councillor J Symonds. The cheque was signed at this Meeting.

191.4 Shopmobility Centre, Barnstaple. A letter requesting a donation towards the North Devon Ring and Ride Service was noted Councillor Miss Brian proposed £100 as a one off donation. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and unanimously agreed.

191.5 The Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2007 were approved and adopted. Proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Short an unanimously agreed.

191.6 Audit Commission. The 2008 Annual Return was agreed by Councillors and signed by the Chairman and Clerk in preparation for accounting paperwork to be taken to Messrs Simpkins Edwards to carry out the internal audit. The deadline for the Return to reach the Audit Commission is 23 June. The Clerk read the questions in Section 2 to Councillors and the appropriate answer was inserted into each box.

191.7 VAT Reclaim. It was noted that a reclaim for the amount of £1,212.95 had been made.

191.8 Mr J Humphries. It was noted that NDDC had been advised that Summer hours (20 per week) apply from 1/4/08 and that the monthly salary should reflect this. A discussion about his duties and accountability ensued.

191.9 Review of Clerk’s Salary. An annual review of the Clerk’s salary was carried out. Councillor Symonds proposed a 3% rise, bringing the annual amount to £5,347. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek and unanimously agreed.

191.10 DCC. It was noted that a P3 Scheme Footpath Grant had been made in the sum of £585, which had been received and banked. A letter of thanks had been sent.

191.11 National Savings. It was noted that interest amounting to £586.60 had been added to the Investment Account, giving a total balance of £14,974,15. Councillor Short suggested buying Premium Bonds and this to be on the May Agenda.

193.1 2 Emails regarding a TV programme – Ty’s Street Army who were looking for possible areas which could be used as a TV makeover. Councillors were immediately emailed and the suggestion made to put forward the Sports Pavilion/Playing Field project was authorised by the Chairman. The Clerk advised that unfortunately this project could not proceed as the presenter was not legally contracted to carry out construction work.

193.2 NDC. Review of Local Government in Devon. Letter dated 26/3/08 outlining the Council’s initial views and subsequent letter dated 11/4/08 with copy of the Council’s submission to the Boundary Committee for England setting out the Council’s views with an accompanying press release. The Chief Executive is in the process of arranging meetings with groups of Parishes across the District to explain the Council’s views more fully and to gain the views of towns and Parishes. The document was taken by Councillor Miss Brian to study.

193.3 Playsafety Ltd. Inspection Report for Croyde and Georgeham Play Area. A copy had been sent to the Chairman. It was noted that the Croyde Skateboard had not been inspected at the same time, as requested in October 2007 and the Company has been asked for an explanation. The cheque had not been authorised in 191.2 above and this to be held back pending a reply.

193.4 Chairman of Chittlehamholt, Warkleigh and Satterleigh Parish Council had written asking if this Parish Council had suffered inconsistent planning decisions, variable 106 Agreements and other items with an invitation to share experiences in an informal manner with him. The letter was noted and no reply would be sent as this Council had not experienced any problems.

193.5 DCC and Devon NHS Primary Care Trust. Results of a Joint Strategic Review of health and social are in Devon. Devon Town profiles are available to see on line individually at: http://www.devon.gov.uk/JSNAprofiles. Noted.

193.6 Insurance. The adequacy of cover was checked following Councillors being circulated with details ahead of the Meeting. Councillors agreed that the present cover was in order and the cheque had been approved in 191.2 above.

193.7 NDC. A letter was noted from Mr D Pratt regarding The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, which clarifies Section 76 regarding (1) election of Chairman and Vice Chairman, and (2) appointed Councillors. Noted.

193.9 The National Trust. Undergrounding of cables project – Baggy Point. Noted.

Councillor E Short Croyde Surf Life Saving Club. This had been covered in the Annual Parish Assembly Report.

Councillors Symonds and Foster - Footway and School Safety Transport Meeting covered earlier in the Meeting under 190.2.

Councillor Symonds advised that the Whist Drive Group wanted dispensation for car parking by North Devon Council who had not agreed to the request.

Longland Lane, Glebefield, Orchard Grove Street Signs requiring attention. This was being dealt with by Highways. Exisiting signs had been repaired and refitted.

Planning Policy Portal. Questionnaire for completion which Councillor Symonds would undertake.

CARA had written regarding the Orchard Road sign which had been dealt with by Councillor Symonds.

The organisation had also requested a new dog bin at Pathfields. A reply to be sent advising that there was no evidence that there is a need for this.

Lengthsmens Dates. 10/14 April; 8/9 July; 1 & 2 October; 18 December & 5 January 2009.

Councillors Symonds and Foster would be meeting Mr S Flynn and this had been advised earlier in the Meeting.

Conker Field. The Clerk had emailed Messrs Stags Estate Agents regarding the trees under a Tree Preservation Order and this was followed up by a hard copy. No further information was known.

A letter of apology had been received from some children for damaging the shrubs in the Glebefield. The matter had been dealt with by the school and a fund raising event was planned so that replacement shrubs could be purchased. A reply to be sent thanking them for their offer.

An email from North Devon Council regarding on street parking was read to the Meeting.

197. Matters Raised by Councillors appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting.

Consideration to security patrols for the 2008 Summer season at Croyde Play Park was given. Vanguard 2000 to be asked to carry out this work on the same basis as in 2007, commencing one week before Whitsun. Mention that the Council expect the same as last year’s rate since no details had been received of a price increase.

A BMX track was discussed. The preference was for Georgeham and it was acknowledged that this project was a long way off.

198. Date of Next Meeting. Annual Parish Council Meeting, Thursday, 29 May 2008 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall.

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