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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY, 27 MAY 2010 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL.

PRESENT:  Councillor M Harrison, Mrs S Hood,, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, E Short, J Symonds, R Tucker.

Also in attendance:  County Councillor Mrs C Chugg, Sgt Taff Greening and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk.

1.                  Members handed their completed Notice of Financial & Other Interests Forms to the Clerk, sent to them by post ahead of the Meeting.

2.               Election of Chairman.

The Clerk asked for nominations.  Councillor Short proposed Councillor Symonds.  Seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek.  There were no other nominations and Councillor Symonds was willing to stand.  Unanimously agreed.

3.                  Chairman to read and sign Declaration of Acceptance.

Councillor Symonds read aloud and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office form, signed and witnessed by Councillor Tucker.

4.                  Apologies.  (District) Councillor Mrs P Barker, Councillor S Maskell, PCSO D Kingdon.

5.               Election of Vice Chairman.

Councillor Mrs Meek proposed Councillor Tucker.  Seconded  by Councillor Symonds.  There were no other nominations and Councillor Tucker was willing to stand.  Unanimously agreed.

6.               Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 22 April 2010.

These were approved and signed as a correct record after it was noted that County Councillor Mrs C Chugg was not present.

7.                  Representations from the Public.   

7.1            Mrs Pinn, South Molton.  Councillor Symonds advised that this was the lady who had placed an unmarked bench at Down End which had been removed to Croyde Downs to accommodate the bench donated by Mr J Shaw in memory of his Son.  Mrs Pinn had advised that she was very happy with the location of the bench she had placed in memory of her Son.

7.2            Mrs L Howard had written with representations regarding the memorial bench donated by her and her family in memory of her daughter.  The family were disappointed with the location and the fact that there was a tree stump behind the seat.  The family were expecting the bench to be located at the end of the Cemetery in view of Mrs Howard's daughter's grave.  the Clerk advised that when speaking to Mrs Howard's son-in-law, she recalled him saying that the suggested location 'up the path under the tree' was in order, but it would appear that there were cross-purposes here as the family meant up the path of the main Cemetery and under a tree by the boundary wall.

It was advised that permission could not have been given for the bench to be placed there as this was the area where the gravedigger stores earth when digging graves.

Although Councillors were very sympathetic about the situation, because the back legs of the bench had been fixed in concrete, it could not be moved without causing damage to it and additionally, it would not be able to go in the place which the family would like.  A letter to be written to Mrs Howard explaining this.

8.                  Declarations of Interest.  There were no Declarations of Interest announced.

9.               Reports:

9.1            Police.  Sgt Greening gave PCSO D Kingdon's apologies.

He advised that in the 31 days since the last Report the following crimes had occurred:

·       Theft of surf equipment from Ruda

·       Theft of mobile 'phone from The Thatch

·       Theft of political party posters at the Lower House,

·       Criminal damage to a car in the Glebe Field, currently undetected

·       One instance of public order at The Rock Inn which was an internal issue with one person being arrested,

A Meeting with the organisers of the Goldcoast event would take place on 7 June at Ruda.  The Police will be in contact with Stagecoach Bus Company regarding car parking at the junction of the site with a request that the vehicles are not parked there.  The Police are able to deal with vehicles causing an obstruction.  He advised that yellow lines parking enforcement is the remit of the Civil Parking Enforcement Officers.  An alternative would have to be found if there was no improvement.

Councillor Symonds spoke about using cones to prevent parking. 

The car vandalised in the Glebe Field was spoken about.

Councillor Tucker had heard that there was to be a possible Rave in the area.  Sgt Greening advised that this would not be taking place and went on to explain that if it is a paying event, this would be something the Police would want to know about.  If a private party was held for a family, a wedding for example, the issue they would be concerned about was noise.  Where advertising and priced tickets are on sale, this would be something that the Police would need to be involved.

Sgt Greening advised that all advertising had been taken from the internet.  There was concerned that Croyde Surf Club, not to be confused with Croyde Surf Life Saving Club, would not be seen in a good light.

Councillors Mrs Meek and R Tucker both spoke about speeding vehicles which Sgt Greening would investigate. 

9.2            County Councillor Mrs C Chugg advised that plans for a new Unitary Council of Exeter had been scrapped.  

She had £3,000 grant money allocated for improvements to the School House which would be made available when other funding materialises.   Councillor Mrs Hook would advise the School about this amount.

As regards the replacement classroom for which the School was £16,000 short, there was no money in DCC's budget for help with this.

Councillor Mrs Chugg advised that she has grant funding money to give to Parish Council projects.  The football dug outs were mentioned.

Councillor M Harrison arrived.

9.3            District Councillor M Wilkinson.  Not present.

9.4            District Councillor Mrs P Barker.  Not present.

10.                  PLANNING.

10.1          Matters Arising.

10.1.1.     Heather Down, Down End.  An email from the Enforcement Officer was noted which advised that he had received confirmation that the skateboard ramp had been disassembled.  The owner had also supplied a photograph dating from 2004 that showed the completed track to the rear of the property. In relation to the decking, the owner had suggested that a small amount of the decking could be removed if it was believed the volume of the decking exceeded 10m3. This was something which was to be discussed with the Lead Planning Office on his return from leave as a slight reduction in the size of the decking may not improve the visual impact of the structure.

On the day of the Meeting, the Clerk had telephoned the Enforcement Officer who had not received a reply from the Lead Planning Officer and a reminder had been sent to him while talking.  A reply was expected to be reported at the June Meeting.

A reply to be sent advising that the track has been in contention since it was built and the fact that it has been there since 2004 is irrelevant.  Building Control should be aware that construction work commenced at the site on 26/5/10 and this Council requested that it was ensured all works were carried out in accordance with relevant approved plans.

10.1.2      Baggy Lodge.  An email from the Enforcement Officer was noted who advised that he had visited the property on 20 April to view a new structure which had been erected to the rear of the property, view the 'garden' area to the rear and monitor compliance of the extension with the planning permission.

With regard to the structure, the owner claimed that this was a caravan and therefore cannot be considered development. The structure is constructed on a steel chassis and twin axles.  The Enforcement Officer's report was with the Senior Planning Officer awaiting a determination on the matter.

No works had yet been undertaken to return the land to the rear to it's original contours as confirmed would happen by the owner who had been reminded by the Enforcement Officer of the requirement for this to be completed.

In relation to the extension, the Enforcement Officer had noted numerous variations that had been made that differed from the approved plans.  Due to the amount of variations, whilst some minor, the owner has been invited to attempt to regularise these by the submission of a revised Planning Application which would be considered on its own merits.

A discussion ensued. Through District Councillor Barker, this Council would seek to arrange a meeting with the Planning Offers dealing with Baggy Lodge, Croyde as it was Councillors strong opinion that the whole matter has got out of control and it was felt that the District Council must see that a date must be set at which time legal proceedings must be issued against the developer of Baggy Lodge.

10.1.3      Caravan at Darracott, Georgeham.  An email from the Enforcement Officer was noted who advised that following correspondence with the owner of caravan 'B' on the plan submitted by this Council, it was confirmed that the caravan has been sold and removed from the site.

The Enforcement Officer had visited the site of caravan 'A' and noted that this caravan had also been removed. The Stables however appeared to be recent and he requested any feedback from the Parish Council regarding the length of time that these had been at the location.  It was advised that The Stables had been in situ for 3 - 4 months and as far as Councillors were aware no planning consent had been granted.

10.1.4      The Folly, land adjacent Higher Stentaway, Croyde.  An email from the Enforcement Officer was noted who advised on the position of the continued siting of a Harvesters Van and the erection of decking/earth bank to the front of the mobile home.

A Certificate of Lawfulness Application in relation to the continued siting of the Harvesters Van had been refused.  Whilst there was a right of appeal to the decision, the Enforcement  Officer had asked for its removal within 42 days.

The owners appeal against the refusal to grant retrospective planning permission for the decking and earth bank has now been dismissed by the Planning Inspectorate.  The Enforcement Officer had requested it's removal in the light of this decision within 42 days.  If it is not removed in this time, the Local Planning Authority will consider commencing formal enforcement action.

Diary notes had been made in respect of both dates to check the position at the expiry of the 42 days.

10.2          Planning Applications:

NW/DCC/3037/2010 - Demolition of existing temporary classroom and erection of new at Georgeham Primary School, Putsborough Road, Georgeham.

It was resolved to recommend approval.

50336 - Demolition of existing & erection of 12 new chalets & A 51 bedroom accommodation block together with formation of additional car parking at Unison Croyde Bay Holiday Village, Down End, Croyde.

It was resolved to recommend approval.

50174 - Extension to holiday bungalow at 8 Leadengate Close, Croyde.

It was resolved to recommend approval with the condition that the current occupancy conditions on this building are retained.

50158 - First floor extension to form additional living accommodation at 1 Rose Villas, St Marys Road, Croyde.

It was resolved to recommend approval.

50200 - Erection of balcony at Tythe Barn, 4 Cott Lane, Croyde.

It was resolved to recommend approval.

10.3          Planning Correspondence

10.3.1      The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted:

APPROVAL FOR

49892 - Extension to dwelling at 9 Ora Stone Park, Croyde

49976 - Formation of two dormer windows at Michaelmas House, Darracott Rise, Georgeham.

50010 - Extension to dwelling at Cowrie House, Moor Lane, Croyde.

49957 - Conversion of garage to form ancillary living accommodation (amended drawings) at 10 Moor Lane, Croyde.

50040 -  Variation of Condition 1 (Occupancy period) of Planning Permission 49385 to allow occupancy between 15 January and 15 November at 22 Leadengate Close, Croyde.

 10.3.2                  Application 50078 - Application for a non-material amendment to Planning Permission 46281 for  removal of covered area at 20 Moor Lane, Croyde.  It was noted that the Planning Authority have determined that the details are acceptable as a non-material amendment to Application 46281.

10.3.3      Planning Appeal.  It was noted that an Appeal had been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate in respect of erection of 1 dwelling at Garden of Homelands, 30 Moor Lane, Croyde.  Councillors had been advised of the deadline date for any further observations or amendments, which is 25 May.  There was agreement that no further observations or comments were made.

10.3.4                  Replacement Windows - The Rock Inn.  Following an enquiry from a member of the public, clarification on this situation was advised when the Clerk was speaking to the Enforcement Officer.  It would appear that the downstairs windows were in order but investigations were ongoing with regard to the upstairs windows.  There was the question of whether they had been in situ for 4 years and in this connection, Permitted Development Rights would apply.

10.3.5      Lower Meadow Cottage, Georgeham.  Following enquiries of the Planning Officer, it has been advised that the Application was still awaiting determination. although Councillor Symonds understood that the Application had been approved.

10.3.6      Myrtle Meadow, Jones's Hill, Croyde.  An email from the Enforcement Officer was noted who advised that the Countryside and Landscape Officer had investigated this matter with regard to the removal of an earth bank and erection of a fence.  The works that had been carried out could be considered permitted and therefore did not require planning permission.

DCC Highways had replied stating that in underrating the works the 'developer' had not encroached onto the highways so there was no objection to the works from that Department of the County Council.

A reply to be sent pointing out that the site in within Policy CRY1 of the Local Plan and it was considered that the ongoing works exceed what should be allowed on such a site.  Reference to be made regarding the recent proposal at Unison where it had been necessary to modify the plans as the Application encroached into CRY1 designated land.

An explanation was also requested how land that is used for 28 day camping has any permissible rights for development?

10.3.7      North Devon Council.  Letter from the Legal Services Unit regarding an Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use as a single dwelling house at Seashell Cottage (part of 2 Inglenook Cottages), St Marys Road, Croyde.  A reply was requested in 7 days and the Clerk had asked for an extension which could not be given.  The Assistant Solicitor had suggested a group email was sent to try and obtain any information.  Following this, Councillor Symonds had provided much information with regard to the property which had been passed to the Legal Department.

10.3.8      North Devon Council.  Consultee Responses.  As from Planning Application No. 50,000, responses to application consultations are available for all to view on the Planning tracker element of North Devon Council's website.  Parish Councils were advised to bear this in mind and if, in certain cases, they wish to make comments that should not be in the public domain, in the first instance, this should be make clear in the replies/emails.

11.            Matters Arising.

11.1                  Georgeham Church of England Primary School.  This had been discussed under Minute No. 9.2.

11.2          Data Protection.  The Clerk advised that the Information Commissioner's Office had requested Part 1 Form to be returned and this had been done.  There was a backlog of dealing with Applications but the matter should be completed in time to be able to report at the June Meeting that the Registration had taken place.

11.3          Erosion of Sand Dunes at Croyde.  This item was deferred to the June Meeting when it was hoped there would be further news to report.

11.4          Tap in Playing Field.  Councillor Tucker advised the plumber would be dealing with this the following week.  Councillor Tucker further advised that the Sycamore Tree in right hand corner of the Playing Field was to be pollarded and the old goal posts removed.   There were manholes within boundary of The Vicarage and Glebe Field which had been considered dangerous due to raised covers.  In the interests of safety, the necessary block work had been done and an Invoice would follow.

11.5          Parking on Junction of Newberry Road/Chapel Street.  Sgt Greening had agreed to write to Stagecoach for their comments with regard to the difficulty in manoeuvring the buses.

11.6          Play Area, Georgeham.  This item was deferred to the June Meeting.

11.7                  Cemetery Site Plan.  It was noted that the Clerk and her husband had visited the Cemetery to ensure the plan was up to date and a revised Plan is to be passed to Councillor Mrs Meek.

11.8          Site Meeting at Jones's Hill, Croyde in January.  It was noted that the Clerk had sent a reminder for a follow up report.   A further reminder to be sent.

11.9          Dog Bin at Putsborough Road.  Councillor Symonds intended to paint the bin in the near future. 

11.10       North Devon Homes/Rural Housing Enabler.  A reply was noted from North Devon Council following this Council's letter of representation.  The details had been previously circulated to Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Mrs Barker.

11.11       Grafitti on metal containers in Playing Field.  Councillor Symonds reported there was no problem.

12.                  Accounts & Payments

12.1                  Balances.                                   Current A/ct                            Business Instant

                                                                                                                              Access A/ct

As at 31/03/10                                             3,103.72                                     40,799.53

Receipts

Cemetery Fee                                                 395.00

District Cllr Ward Funding                    1,145.00

Cemetery Fee                                                 600.00

Transfer from BIA A/ct                          10,000.00

Bank Interest                                                                                                               1.73

Payments

As previously authorised                                3,863.72

Transfer from BIA A/ct                                                                                    10,000.00

Balances as at 29/04/10                   11,380.00                                  30,801.26

Budgetary figures for April were circulated.

12.2                  Insurance.  The Clerk provided a comparison quotation from Local Parish Council Insurers Aviva        through Came and Company, Brokers of Hampshire.

It was proposed by Councillor Tucker that the insurance was not renewed with Aon at a premium of £2,209.23 and that the insurance should be taken out through Aviva through Broker Network Limited (Messrs Came and Company) at a premium of £1,779.91.  This price took into account a 5% discount for a 3 year Binding Agreement.

The level of cover was significantly improved and Councillors were satisfied that adequate cover at a lower price had been obtained.

12.3          The following payments were approved and authorised:

            Mrs S Squire                        Broadband                                                                                     £       3.00

Photocopying                                                      £     10.77

Petrol expenses (8 journeys)                                                      £   121.60

Buckleigh Laundry               Rental of hand driers in public toilets                                                      £     14.11

Mr S M Wightman                                 

Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for April 2010.  Invoice No. 115                                               £   183.49

Grounds Maintenance for village sites for April 2010.  Invoice No. 114                     £   494.86

J & J Bins                           Dog Bin Emptying for March 2010                                            £   121.33

Vanguard Security                  Security Patrols in Croyde Play Park                                                       £  160.00

Playsafety Ltd                         RoSPA Inspection of 3 sites                                                                £  222.08

Hale Electrical Services Work on Georgeham Toilets                                                                        £    39.60

Simpkins Edwards Internal Audit Fee                                                                                          £ 587.50

Insurance Company                  First premium as per 12.2 above                                                   £1,779.91

DIRECT DEBITS:                  South West Water             Water supply to public toilets                  being taken on 1/6/10                  £    63.24

                                  South West Water  Water supply to Cemetery being taken on 1/6/10                         £    10.15

12.4          It was noted that the sum of £18,912.50 had been credited to the Current Account in respect of                   50% of the Precept (£17,681.50) and Grant (£1,231).

12.5          Simpkins Edwards.  It was noted that the internal audit has been carried out with no issues being       raised.

12.6          Football Club Dug Outs.  This item was ongoing and no quotations had yet been received.

13.                  Correspondence & Reports.

13.1          Jenny Barnett, University of Exeter.  She is conducting PhD research to examine the role and impact of second home ownership on both house prices and communities within the context of the sustainable communities agenda and would be grateful for Councillors thoughts.   Councillors to reply as individuals if they wish.

13.2                  Fullabrook Wind Farm.  Enquiry as to whether Councillors wish to receive an update newsletter on the construction of the Wind Farm.  A positive reaction was given and the Clerk to forward the paperwork by email when it is received.

13.3          North Devon Council.  Affordable Housing Seminar on 12/6/10 at Goodleigh Village Hall.  Two sessions, one in the morning, one in the afternoon.  Noted.

13.4                  Infrastructure Planning Committee.  Opinions sought on the proposed Atlantic Array wind energy development in the Bristol Channel.  Responses had to be made by 19/5/10 and an enquiry made if this Council's response could be sent after the Meeting has not received an acknowledgement or reply.

13.5          DCC.  Details of a Highways Maintenance Surgery on 8/6/10 at The Ilfracombe Centre, 10am-12 noon.Noted.

13.6          North Devon Council.  Letter from the Revenues Manager enquiring the position regarding the erection of the Sports Pavilion.  It was noted that the Clerk had replied advising that the position was the same advised following the initial enquiry.

13.7          Mrs L Howard.  Letter regarding the position of the Waveform Bench in the Cemetery.  This item had been dealt with under Minute No. 7.2.

13.8          DCC.  Leaflets - Parish Lengthsman.

14.                  Publications Received.

·       North Devon Council Newsletters and Bulletins

·       Devon Association of Local Councils.  May/June 2010 Newsletter

·       DCC.  Leaflets 'How to make work pay'

·       Clerks & Councils Direct.  May 2010

·       Twentyfourseven.  South Western Ambulance Service Spring 2010 Newsletter

·       Devon Playing Fields Association Newsletter 'The Playing Field' Spring 2010

15.                  Meetings attended by Councillors/Clerk.  None.

16.            Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman.  None.

17.            Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk  appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting.

17.1                  Councillor Mrs Hood.  She had been approached regarding dog fouling on the Glebe Field.  It was pointed out that there was a dog bin on the corner of David's Hill which member of the public could and should use.

17.2                  Councillor Mrs Meek.  The Parish Plan was due for it's 5 year renewal.  A Meeting to be held in September and any ideas should be passed to Councillors.

17.3                  Councillor Mrs Slade.  Contrary to Housing Enabling Officer's letter, Georgeham Post Office does not receive the weekly Newsletter and arrangements to be made for this to be sent.

She enquired regarding the Election of Committees and was advised that these were staying as they were.

She spoke about the problems of people attending Oceanfest last year staying at Roadway Farm and the long walk back to their accommodation, recalling people lying in the hedges and road unable to walk any further, and enquired if there was sufficient camping in Croyde or whether additional buses should be laid on.

It was felt this should be raised  by her at the Oceanfest Meeting and the details to be emailed.  Councillor Symons advised that a line of sight Police will be formed from Croyde to Georgeham Road as well as to Down End. 

18.            Date of Next Meeting.                   The next Parish Council Meeting will be on Thursday, 24 June 2010 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall.

The Meeting ended at 9.47pm.