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MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 17 DECEMBER 2009 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL.

PRESENT:  Councillor J Symonds (Chairman),  Councillors Mrs S Hood, Mrs V Meek, E Short, R Tucker.

Also in attendance:  District Councillor M Wilkinson, 4 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk.

107.                  Apologies.  County Councillor Mrs C Chugg, (District) Councillor Mrs P Barker, Councillor S Maskell, Councillor Mrs L Slade, PCSO D Kingdon.

108.          Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 26 November 2009.   

These were approved and signed as a correct record.  

109.                  Representations from the Public.   No issues were raised.

110.                  Declarations of Interest.  None.

111.          Reports:

Police.  When giving apologies, the Police advised that there had been 3 incidents since the last Meeting: -

1 criminal damage to Georgeham Village Hall involving a broken window.

Flower pots thrown around in Georgeham.

Minor theft at the Manor Inn, Croyde.

County Councillor Mrs C Chugg.  Not present.

District Councillor M Wilkinson. He spoke about the Core Strategy and considered that in principle, there was merit in working with Torridge District Council. .

The Boundary Committee were proceeding with their proposals, the Suffolk Judicial Inquiry ruling that they had acted correctly.    For Devon, their proposals for a Single Unitary County comprising the whole of the existing two tier arrangement as set out in their original Report had been submitted to the Secretary of State.   Representations could be made to the Secretary of State regarding the proposal for the period 8/12/09 to 19/01/10.

Councillor Symonds enquired that should the single unitary Council go ahead, the timescale as to when it was likely to be implemented and if, following the General Election next year, a change of Government would approve it.  District Councillor Wilkinson was of the opinion that the Conservatives were not in favour of Unitary Authorities.  District Councils have their life until May 2011.

All the paperwork with regard to the Ward Funding Application in respect of the swings at Croyde Play Park had been processed.  Councillor Symonds stressed the need for the repairs to be carried out as soon as possible but that the order for the work could not be given until this Council was sure the funding from both the District Council and Devon County Council was in place.  The Clerk to make enquiries as to the present position and as soon as it was known that the funding had been agreed, the order to be placed.  

112.          Planning.

112.1       Matters Arising.

112.1.1.                  Unauthorised Summer House at Baggy Lodge.  It was noted that the Clerk had attempted to ascertain the current position from the Enforcement Officer, who was away from the office.

112.1.2.   Heather Down, Down End.  The same comments applied as in 112.1.1 above.

112.1.3.   Caravan at Higher Stentaway, Croyde.  The Enforcement Officer had advised that a Planning Contravention Notice had been served on the owners of the site on 14 December 2009.  This was in relation to the continued siting of a 'harvesters van' following the siting of a second mobile home.  The Enforcement Officer further advised that this was the first step towards formal enforcement action and allows the Local Planning Authority to obtain certain relevant information in order that formal enforcement action can be considered.

It was noted that a Certificate of Lawfulness could not be issued if an individual did not object for a period of 10 years.  This was now not the case in this regard.  It was felt the matter could be removed from the Agenda as Councillors felt satisfied that what was required had been carried out to prevent further plans being made for the structure.

112.2       Planning Applications:

112.2.1    49414 - Extension to dwelling & provision of cladding to side and front elevations at Bramley, 6                   Cloutmans Lane, Croyde. 

It was resolved to recommend approval.

Councillor Harrison arrived.

112.2.2    49412 - Application to remove Condition 1 (occupancy restriction) attached to Planning Permission 44219 to enable occupation as permanent dwelling at The Stables, Georgeham.

It was resolved to recommend refusal on the grounds that this Council believes that the reasons for approval given in Application 44219 should be upheld and the status of the building should not change.  Vote:  5 for, 1 abstention.  Carried.

112.2.3    49325 - Demolition of existing & erection of one new dwelling at 2 Leadengate Fields, Croyde.

It was resolved to recommend approval with the caveat that any occupancy conditions on the plot are carried forward with this new development.

112.2.4    49482 - Reserved Matters Application for erection of 1 dwelling (Outline Planning Permission  48375) at 10 Cloutmans Lane, Croyde.

It was resolved to recommend approval.

112.3       Planning Correspondence:

112.3.1.   The following North Devon Council Decision Notice was noted:

 APPROVAL - 49203 - Extension to decking together with erection of pergola & retractable canopy at Blue Groove, 2 Hobbs Hill, Croyde.

112.3.2    Planning Application Lists for the week ending 4/12/09 were noted. 

113.          Matters Arising.

113.1       Lighting and  Parking Charge Time in Croyde Car Park. Deferred to the January Meeting.

Councillor Symonds advised that the owner of Hobbs Restaurant would like another street light. Councillors were not in agreement due to the fact that it was felt there were sufficient lighting and they did not want to pursue the argument.  A letter to be written to the Restaurant proprietor.

113.2       Additional Dog Bins.  It was noted that 2 bins hade been ordered and delivery was expected within 3 weeks.

113.3       Footpath 26, Broadway Lane.  Councillor Maskell to report.  To be deferred to the January Meeting.  Councillor Symonds considered the matter should be left until the Spring as the lane was very muddy at present.

113.2       Memorial Bench in Memory of the late Mr I Shaw.  Councillor Symonds advised that he had contacted Mr John Shaw to advise that the Bench would be installed the following week.   The Invoice from Woodcraft UK had been received.

113.3       NHS Leaving Hospital Leaflet.  A reply from Northern Devon Healthcare was noted. An acknowledgment had been received but no action was to be taken following representations from this Council.

113.4       Georgeham Play Area.  It was noted that the matting would be pressure washed shortly.  To be an item on the January Agenda.

113.5       Sign for New Path.  To be an item on the January Agenda.

113.6       Tap in the Playing Field.  To be an item on the January Agenda.

113.7       Dangerous Tree in Chapel Street.  It was noted that North Area Highways had advised that the trees opposite 'San Remo' were to be inspected by one of their tree surgeons and appropriate works would be carried out if necessary.

113.8       Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service/North Devon's Biosphere Reserve.  Councillor Harrison would report on the correspondence taken at the last Meeting in January.

113.9       Information Commissioner's Office.  It was noted that before progressing, this Council needed to adopt an Information Security Policy.  The ICO had supplied guidelines on this. The Clerk to draft a model Policy, email it to Councillors with a view to adopting at the January Meeting.

It was further noted that the registration fee was £34 and the cheque originally authorised for £74.00 on 26/11/09 to be replaced.

113.10     Erosion of Sand Dunes at Croyde. Deferred to January Meeting.

113.10     North Devon & Somerset Shoreline Management.  Deferred to the January Meeting.

113.11     North Area Highways/South West Highways.  A reply was noted from North Area Highways regarding the issue of reimbursement for hedge cutting.  A table was provided showing what was currently defined as Urban Grass in Georgeham Parish.  7 sites were listed which came to a total of £3,857.  The specification was 6 cuts a year between April and October, the grass to be cut to a residual height of 40mm.  For the current rate, 6 cuts was in the region of 12p per square metre with the area in question equating to £460.

It was pointed out that hedge cutting falls on the landowner.  The only sections Mr T Edwards of Highways was aware of being owned by DCC was in Chapel Street which is some 120 metres in length and Jones's Hill, Croyde, 65 metres.  The sum for cutting those section of hedge, twice a year, would be in the region of £23.00.

He went on to say that any person undertaking works on the highway would need to have £5 million Public Liability insurance and at least one person would need to be Chapter 8 accredited as anybody working on or near the highway must be aware of the signing and guarding requirements.  In this connection the Clerk had requested more information which had been received, involving a qualification regarding signing and guarding requirements.  Courses were available locally.  Mr Edwards advised that if this Council could be more specific in what it was looking for the County Council to contribute, he would be in a position to see if any further funding could be made available.

                  Councillors were in agreement not to proceed.

113.12     Croyde Play Park.  It was noted that Ward Funding applications had been submitted to DCC via County Councillor Mrs C Chugg for £1,000 and ND Council for £745 from District Councillor Mrs Barker and M Wilkinson's Ward Funding allowance.

113.13     Use of Bridleways by the Trail Riders Fellowship.  It was noted that Councillor Mrs Meek had drafted a letter which had been sent to the Organisation by the Clerk. Diary note to be made on 8/1/10 to send reminder for a reply.

113.14                  Newberry Road Garage Toilet Facilities.  A letter to be sent to North Devon Council Environmental Health Department raising this Council’s concerns that Newberry Road Garage was operating as a business but not providing for its staff any sanitary facilities, any washing facilities and any drying facilities for employees. 

114.                  Accounts & Payments

114.1                  Balances.                                                     Current A/ct                            Business Instant

                                                                                                                                                Access A/ct

As at 30/10/09                                                               4,331.50                                     51,589.99

Receipts

LTSB Interest                                                                                                                             1.95

Cemetery Fee                                                                       429.00

Payments

As previously authorised                                                    1,808.34

Balance as at 27/11/09                                     2,952.16                                     51,591.94

Budgetary figures for November were circulated at the Meeting.

114.2       The following payments were approved and authorised:

            Mrs S Squire                        Broadband                                                                                     £       3.00

Photocopying                                                      £     10.77

Buckleigh Laundry               Rental of hand driers in public toilets                                                      £     14.19

Mr S M Wightman                                  Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for Nov 2009        £   179.59

                                                      Grounds Maintenance for village sites for Nov 2009                  £   484.34

 TOTAL                  £   663.93

J & J Bins                           Dog Bin Emptying for November 2009                                          £    91.57

Mr M Symonds (Bay Gardens)  4th and final payment on grass cutting &

                                                        maintenance contract 2009/10                                        £  410.00

Mr D Jones                        Fixing seat in the Cemetery                                                                        £  120.00

Cllr J Symonds                                    Cemetery Work & 2 journeys to Civic Centre                           £    49.00                                                                                          

114.7       Parish Council Expenditure 2010/11.   Councillor Symonds reported that had submitted the form to

                  North Devon Council Financial Department following which an email had been received advising that the Grant would be slightly increased due to a higher population.  This would have the effect of reducing the Precept by £32.00.  The final figure was £35,395 was advised by Councillor Symonds and approved by Councillors.

115.                  Correspondence & Reports.

115.1       Mr J Thomas, Head Teacher, Georgeham Church of England Primary School.  Email received regarding the future of the School House and plans for the School to which Councillor Symonds had responded.

Before this matter was further discussed, Councillor Mrs Barker’s advices to be received regarding her investigations in connection with the 106 funding. 

115.2       Letter from Amanda Bennett regarding parking in and around the Georgeham Village Hall Area.

                  A full discussion ensued.  A reply to be sent acknowledging receipt.

115.3       ROSPA Playsafety Ltd.  Inspection of Play Areas request form for completion by the Clerk.

115.4       North Devon Council.  Register of Electors 2009/10.  Posters sent for display advising the public that                   the List can be viewed at the Civic Centre and giving procedural advice to add a name if it is not        included.

115.5       Jones's Hill, Croyde. DCC Traffic Technician Denice Daniel is available for a Site Meeting on                   14/1/10 at 10.30pm. Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Harrison would attend. 

155.6                  Boundary Committee.  Correspondence received which had been covered in District Councillor Wilkinson’s Report.

116.                  Publications Received.

·       North Devon Council Newsletters and Bulletins

·       Safer North Devon.  Letter and Newsletter

·       Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  Leaflet celebrating 50 Golden Years.

·       Village Green.  December 2009

·       North Devon Direct.  Winter 2009

117.                  Meetings attended by Councillors/Clerk

117.1       Mr J Bate - Conservation Area Meeting. Two Meetings had been held, at Croyde and Georgeham Village Halls which had been relatively well attended by the public.  Questions raised were satisfactorily answered.

117.2                  Councillor R Tucker - visit to Georgeham Church of England Primary School.  He accompanied County Councillor Mrs Caroline Chugg.  The Head Teacher Mr Julian Thomas explained there were two schemes which the School was interested in doing:  the refurbishment of the prefabricated building for the Reception Class at a cost of £95,000 of which £75,000 was available.  The Parish was not being asked to be involved with this.

The School House scheme was what help from the Parish was required for its refurbishment.  The building had been legally transferred to the School from the Church. The upstairs rooms were being used for storage, downstairs was a good area for special needs.  The building had been redecorated, free carpet was being obtained and the School was looking for £10,000 to complete the refurbishment so that it could be used as the Head’s study, storage and extra facilities for school.  It was this particular project where funding was required.  An amount of £1,000 had been budgeted for to excavate the front garden to the wall to enable a disabled access to be installed through the garden.  This would be a huge asset to school. 

The School House could possibly be used by villagers with no computer facilities after school.  It would have internet access points and would not be in conflict with other buildings.   Of the £10,000 required, FROGS had raised £3,000.  County Councillor Mrs Chugg suggested that because of involvement with community adult learning, it may be possible to access funding.  Councillor Tucker felt this Council could assist in some way.  

Councillor Symonds thought those who wanted computers would have them and was concerned it would be seen as competition to the Village Hall.

Councillor Mrs Hood was of the opinion that the building did not lend itself to the projected and felt that the time restriction for use after School hours would be a disadvantage. She felt it should be supported for what it was.  It was known that Mr Thomas was applying to a number of organisations for grants.  Councillor Symonds was interested to know the amount which the Diocese of Exeter would be committing.  

Councillor Symonds suggested that this Council match fund an amount given in conjunction with the Georgeham Relief in Need Charity.  Councillor Tucker, a Representative on the Charity, was not certain that this type of funding would fit the criteria.  He felt that the matter should be held until further details were known from County Councillor Mrs Chugg after which he would then speak to the Revd. Brian Strange, a member of Georgeham Relief in Need.  The item to be on the next Agenda.

Councillor Short suggested the School House could be used for children’s after school activities.  

117.3       Core Strategy.  It was noted that Councillor Symonds, Mrs Hood and the Clerk had attended training in respect of submitting comments online.  The consultation document was expected to be received by the third week in January.  An additional Meeting in February to be arranged so that this item could be discussed and dealt with specifically.

117.4       Adwell Lane.  Councillor Harrison had spoken to Simon Houghton (DCC Public Rights of Way Warden) he wished to work on this project.   Devon County Council had funding and if this Council applied for a £500 P3 Grant, it was more than likely it would be granted.  Councillors were in agreement for Councillor Harrison to proceed in this way.  

Attention would also be given to Sandy Lane.

117.5       Back  Lane.  Councillor Symonds advised that due to the volume of rain this had been washed out.  He    was working with Highways who would make arrangements for it to be surfaced, treated and rolled in.

118.          Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman.

118.1                  Cemetery – a meeting would be held in the new year.

118.2       Cast Iron Sign at Croyde Village was being dealt with by Councillor Symonds.

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

119.1                  Councillor Short enquired about planning permission for large windows.  It was confirmed that planning permission would be required if it was an amendment.

119.2                  Councillor Tucker advised that on his visit to the School, he had learned that Mrs Elaine Trute, a Teaching Assistant, had won a Cream of Devon Award.  A letter of congratulations to be sent to her.   Councillor Mrs Hood to draft this as she was aware of the details. 

120.          Date of Next Meeting.  Thursday, 28 January 2010 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall.

The Meeting ended at 9.14pm.  The Chairman wished all a happy Christmas and new year.  He thanked all Councillors for their dedication and hard work, and for helping people in the Parish.