MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 16 JANUARY 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillors J Symonds (Chairman), M Harrison, E Short, Mrs L Slade. Also in attendance: District Councillor M Wilkinson, PC Russ Fisher, Miss Chloe Hubbard (North Devon Journal), 4 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 129. Apologies. Councillors Miss R Brian, W Foster, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek (at the School in connection with Parish Council link), R Tucker, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, District Councillor Mrs P Barker. 130. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 13 December 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 131. Reports: Police. PC Fisher stated that since the last Meeting there had been 5 reported crimes: 3 in Georgeham Ð a drink/drive, theft of trailer from Pickwell and theft of horse box from North Buckland. There had been 2 reported crimes in Croyde Ð theft of surf board in Moor Lane and an incident being treated as attempted murder due to a lady falling from the balcony of her home. There had also been a road traffic collision classed as a hit and run with wing mirrors hitting and being damaged. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins Ð apologies given. District Councillor Mrs P Barker Ð apologies given. District Councillor M Wilkinson. He apologised for not attending the last Meeting. District Councillor Mrs Barker was at present at an Overview and Scrutiny Meeting discussing the issue of NDDC and South Molton Recycle. He had attended a meeting regarding recycling with Simon Green and Rex Bassett the co-ordinator of Greensweep. The tourist trade at Woolacombe were seeking ways to deal with and dispose of waste from the holiday season which was getting longer throughout the year. Larger litter bins were investigated which may be of use in Croyde. There was confirmation that additional collections would be made at half term and Easter. There was concern over the loss of recycling pavilions which had been partly used by the self catering trade and investigations would be pursued to agree a location which could be emptied on a daily basis. He encouraged the possibility of a joint initiative business scheme for the disposal of trade waste. Camp sites in Woolacombe have agreed to have recycling units on site. Woolacombe were starting a bag for life scheme which would be good for public relations and tourism for the area. A grant for the Skateboard Club amounting to £500 given between him and District Councillor Mrs P Barker had been made. Skateboard leader Mr C Burrows had suggested a skateboard competiton. He had written a letter of support to Mr S Mulberry of the National Trust in connection with the work of the Croyde Life Saving Club. Councillor Symonds felt that the extra litter bins and recycling scheme could be something on which Woolacombe and this Parish could work together. Councillor Harrison supported him on the plastic bag initiative. Councillor Symonds advised that an email had been received from Mr C Burrows who had thanked the Council for their support and was pleased to advise that the Club was proving to be very successful. Councillor Symonds read District Councillor Mrs BarkerÕs Report issued at the December Meeting regarding Recycling to the Meeting, which had been circulated to Councillors. 132. Representations from the Public. None. 133. Declarations of Interest. There were no declarations of interest declared. Page 2 Ð 16.01.2008 134. PLANNING. 134.1 Matters Arising. Report from Enforcement Officer regarding Mai Tai, Croyde who confirmed that the property has planning permission for residential use. Member of the public arrived. 134.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 45757 Ð Installation of 1 satellite dish to serve all 7 units of accommodation at Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45790 Ð Relocation of vehicular access at West End, Netherhams Hill, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45694 Ð Erection of conservatory at 5 Bonnicott Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45784 Ð Erection of 1 dwelling at front garden of 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. Mr D Field, a neighbour, was given the opportunity to address the Meeting and he spoke of his concerns regarding this Application. It was unanimously resolved to recommend refusal on the grounds of over development and the intrusiveness of a building on that garden plot. 45721 Ð Installation of solar panels at Bamboo, 12 West Croyde, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45827 Ð Extension to dwelling at 1 Home Farm Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45815 Ð Insertion of larger dormer window to that approved by Planning Permission 43512 at new dwelling on land adjacent to 1 West Croyde, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45848 Ð Extension to dwelling at 32 Moor Lane, Croyde. Mr D Field, the applicant was given the opportunity to address the Meeting. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45731 Ð Extensions to dwelling at 6 Cott Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45881 - Continued siting of Summer bungalow (renewal of limited period planning permission 32183) at Sea Breeze, 15 Leadengate Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval for the continuation of the siting of the bungalow but only for 10 months of the year as it is now. 45829 - Outline application for demolition of hotel and redevelopment of site with hotel, restaurant and bar at Atlantis Lodge, Moor Lane, Croyde. Councillor Symonds advised this was a complex Application with a large number of documents to study. He proposed that this Application was discussed at a reconvened Meeting on Thursday, 17 January 2008 at 7pm. It was expected that the consideration would take a minimum of 1 _ hours. Councillors were in agreement. Councillor Harrison expressed disapproval that the Application had arrived to be considered at the last minute before the Meeting. Mr Tebbutt explained that a number of residents were concerned regarding this Application and wished to be present. He felt giving one dayÕs notice was not sufficient. The Chairman explained that the Parish Council had to respond within the timescale of NDDC Planning Department and it was imperative that this was dealt with expediently. Page 3 Ð 16.01.2008 45854- Erection of 4 dwellings (Plots 6, 7, 8 & 9) at Toms Field, land off Lane Head Close, Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 134.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: Approvals 45257 Ð Prior approval application for erection of agricultural machinery store at Pickwell Barton, Georgeham. 45448 Ð Extension to ground floor sun room at Down End House, Down End, Croyde. 45498 Ð Erection of agricultural building at Great Middleborough, Middleborough Lane, Croyde. 45517 Ð Extension to dwelling at Incledon Farm, Georgeham. 45406 Ð Extension to dwelling at 11 Sandyway, Croyde. 45459 Ð Retrospective planning application for the erection of decking at Endless Summer, 26 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 45333 Ð Extension to Village Hall at Croyde Village Hall, 1 Jones Hill, Croyde. 45112 Ð Extension to dwelling at Happy Days, 15 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. 45234 Ð Retrospective application for erection of 2 dwellings with double garages (amended plans) at land between Baggy View and Sandbourne, Down End, Croyde. Refusal 45465 Ð Erection of 1 eco house dwelling on footprint of former garage/store (amended description) at rear of 10 Moor Lane, Croyde. It was noted that the Appeal Decision under Planning Application 41926 Ð proposed demolition of house and erection of 5 flats at Croyde Road, Down End, Croyde had been allowed. Councillor Symonds advised that Mr B Holme and his assistant in the Community Development Department at NDDC had agreed that when the project goes forward, the open space money will come to this Parish for new play equipment at both Croyde and Georgeham. It would also assist the Surf Life Saving Club. The open space community enhancement grant in connection with Atlantis Lodge, if approved, would also come to the Parish. It was noted that Application No. 45578 Ð demolition of existing and erection of new holiday bungalow at 18 Leadengate Close, Croyde has been WITHDRAWN. 135. MATTERS ARISING. 135.1 Vehicles Parked for excessive time in Georgeham Car Park. Partial details had been received from DVLC. Some information was still outstanding and was expected from the DVLCÕs Clerical Office in due course. Councillor Symonds would check the position in the car park with regard to the vehicles still remaining and would deal with this himself by contacting the keeper of the vehicles. Councillor Symonds advised that with the car park being treated as it is, this was making the issue of parking charges more of a reality. 135.2 Mr S Flynn. It was noted in his reply that he had taken our comments seriously. Councillors agreed to hold this issue in abeyance pending the return of Councillor Foster. The item to be on the February Agenda. 135.3 Mr M Inglis. Councillor Symonds reported on a site visit undertaken by him and Councillor Tucker following a letter from the parishioner regarding trees near his property. There was a certain amount of litter at the base of the trees which is to be cleared. A Tree surgeon has been engaged to deal with the work and it was recommended that he also look at the trees at beginning of Davids Hill with a view to pollarding these. Mr Inglis had been advised and was satisfied. 135.4 DCC. Road safety issues in Georgeham. The letter and a further email received was read to the Meeting. Road Safety Officer Mr M Newcombe advised that based on safety audit recommendations and funding restraints, the project would not proceed with the first stage as it was known that the second and third stages would not proceed. In the Parish CouncilÕs original letter there had been the offer to trim the vegetation and make the footings. However, as the land as owned by Devon County Council, this would be unable to be done. Page 4 Ð 16.01.2008 Councillor Harrison raised the issue of speed limits and felt a questionnaire following on from the Parish Plan would be useful. A discussion ensued. A response to Mr NewcombeÕs letter to be sent expressing disappointment. Councillor Harrison to meet with Councillor Foster when he returns with a view to further discussing at the February Meeting. 135.5 Surf Life Saving Club. The Parish Council letter of support to Mr S Mulberry of the National Trust was read to the Meeting. A discussion ensued with regard to funding and the management structure of the National Trust. Councillor Short to contact Mr R Windsor for an update to be given at the February Meeting. 136. Accounts & Payments 136.1 Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct Balance as at 30/11/07 11,656.95 35,254.37 Receipts Bank Interest 97.31 Payments Previously authorised 1,831.07 Balance as at 31/12/07 9,825.88 35,446.10 136.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for Dec 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for Dec 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for Nov 07 £ 84.50 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 3.25 Stamps £ 25.00 £31.25 Mr J Lewis Grass Cutting £ 120.00 Councillor Symonds advised that Mr Lewis was reducing his workload and this cut was the final one. Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Maskell had asked, as a temporary measure pending the work going out to Tender later in the year, Bay Gardens to carry out the work at the same rates as Mr Lewis and confirmation had been given of this. Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 31.52 Mr T Squire Maintenance of website for 6 months £ 42.00 136.3 Unauthorised Overdraft Fee. Despite a second reminder being sent, no reply had been received. The Clerk had spoken with the Bank that day and further efforts were being made to obtain a reply. 136.4 Bank Mandate. This had been submitted to Lloyds TSB with a request that the Parish Council be advised when the system had been updated with the new signatory. No such confirmation had yet been received. 136.5 Letter from EDF Energy regarding the improving of accuracy of estimated bills. It was agreed that the Clerk remind the Chairman to read the meters on a quarterly basis so that the figures can be submitted on line. 136.6 NDDC. Parish Precept 2008/2009. The Precept would stand at £32,861 and the grant shortfall figure disallowed by NDDC would not be added to the figure. The Clerk would complete and return the form by the deadline date of 25 January. 137. Correspondence & Reports. 137.1 Marine and Fisheries Agency. Reply to the Parish CouncilÕs representations regarding marine dredging of Area 472 Culver Sand, Bristol Channel. Noted and a copy to be sent to Councillor Foster. Page 5 Ð 16.01.2008 138.2 Mr C Burrows. Report that new childrenÕs skateboard ramps have been delivered. Noted. 138.3 DCC. Notification of Forda to Lobbthorne Style road to be closed for patching work to be undertaken on 28 and 29 January. Noted. 138.4 CPRE. Invitation for the Parish Council to become a member of this organisation. This would not be pursued and a letter declining this to be sent. 138.5 Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service. North Devon Biosphere and AONB Discovery Day Ð Sunday 16/3/08. Councillor Harrison to liaise with Councillor Foster with a view to putting on a presentation. 139. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. January/February 2008 Newsletter together with survey for completion regarding rural retail facilities and details of a workshop on 28 February at South Brent Village Hall on sustainable funding. _ Clerks and Councils Direct. _ Local Council Review. January 2008. _ Junk Mail. 140. Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Risk Assessment, Risk Management and Complaints Procedure. As Councillor Mrs Meek was not present, this to be an item on the February Agenda. 141. Meetings attended by Councillors Councillor Short Ð Croyde Village Hall/South West Water. Quotation awaited for the drainage work referred to at a previous Parish Council Meeting, when a letter would then be written to South West Water by the Village Hall Committee expressing their dissatisfaction at the way this matter had been dealt with. At that time, Councillor Symonds would assist by referring back to the Croyde Sewerage Treatment file. Councillor Symonds reported that trees and vegetation on the Fruit and Nut Trail had been cut by a near neighbour who was not aware that more care should have been taken. A site meeting to be held with Councillors Foster and Symonds and Mr K Howes to identify ways to limit the damage caused. 142. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman Councillor Mrs Slade had received a letter which was read to the Meeting regarding the poor state of the Footpaths. It was acknowledged that Footpath 12 had not been cut due to breeding birds. Councillor Harrison, the Footpath Warden, to speak to Simon Houghton, DCC Paths Officer with regard to the clearance. Councillor Harrison advised that he and Mr Houghton had walked some of the paths the previous week but the plainings intended to be laid at Combas Lane had not materialised due to these being available earlier than expected and the opportunity had been lost. Councillor Harrison was in the process of completing the annual P3 Survey forms and would send these to DCC, Exeter by the deadline date with a sum for the revival of Footpath 12 to be included. Two prices for the clearance would be obtained. As regards the stiles mentioned in the letter to Councillor Mrs Slade, it was noted that they were of standard design. The letter would be acknowledged by Councillor Harrison. 143. Matters Raised by Councillors appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. No matters were raised. 144. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 16 January 2008 at 7pm to consider the Planning Application for Atlantis Lodge. The February Meeting would be on 28th, 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting closed at 9.26pm.