MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY, 18 JANUARY 2007 AT 7 P.M. IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillor Mrs J Barnes, M Harrison, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade. Also present: District Councillor D Spear, PCSO Richard Peacock, 5 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 132. APOLOGIES. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Councillor Miss R Brian. District Councillor M Wilkinson. 133. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 14 DECEMBER 2006. These had previously been circulated to Councillors and were approved and signed as a correct record. 134. REPORTS. PCSO Peacock reported there had been 1 incident in Croyde involving an assault to which no further action has been taken. 2 nuisance Ôphone calls at Saunton; theft of mobile phone on Saunton Beach; traffic collision at Byecross Cross; road traffic collision at Rock Hill; traffic collision at Saunton Sands Hotel. The Chairman highlighted the fact that the traffic lights have not been working and PCSO Peacock will report this. The meeting regarding Oceanfest planned for 6 February had been cancelled as it was felt to be too early in the year and another date was to be arranged in March. The Chairman advised that it was known that a letter had been sent to the Licensing Officer regarding noise at Billy Budds on New YearÕs Day. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. She was unable to be present and the Meeting wished it to be noted that we wish her well. District Councillor Spear spoke on the consultation process for strong and prosperous communities and in this connection, the County is not going to be a unitary authority and this will result in Devon County Council and North Devon District Council trying to co-operate as much as possible and where possible, deliver a good service. The aim was for a one stop shop service for both Authorities and, where possible, all other Agencies. The paper was presented to the District Council this week. He voiced his own personal concerns particularly with regard to Exeter City Council wanting to opt out and go alone. Reorganisation means a big bill and fewer services. The rest of the paper was positive. Councillor Mapp asked if the South West Assembly was still operating as an organisation and the situation was clarified. Councillor Spear further advised that an Internal Audit Committee had been formed. At present the examination has been carried out by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee who make recommendations to the Council. It is felt that the Audit Committee is not robust enough and it should be the Audit Committee who report to the highest level of the District Council. A major incident and continuity plan has been launched. Councillor Mapp asked if the initial contact was the switchboard at NDDC and this was confirmed and is manned 24 hours a day. The County Council had carried out an audit on the Civic Centre and the District Council and community is being consulted. Georgeham Playing Field. No representative present. Page 2 Ð 18.01.07 Croyde Youth Club/Skateboard. No representative present. Volley Ball Club. No representative present. A letter to be written to each organisation advising that a report is expected at the Annual Parish Assembly in April on the activities of the previous year and their aspiration for the future. It was expected that a Member of their Committee would be present. 135. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Jenny Stew spoke about the article in The Crydda which encouraged residents to report drunken incidents to the Police. She explained the trouble she was experiencing advising that she had called the police twice and each time there was a slow response. She was advised to get the incident number. Councillor Tucker responded on behalf of the Parish Council and spoke about the drinking in public by law and her hedge and the Parish CouncilÕs efforts to kerb the extension of drinking at licensed premises in Croyde. This was enlarged upon by the Chairman. It was stressed that all such incidents must be reported to the police. The police will continue to be pressed on these issues. Parking in front of the Post Office was also raised by Mr Stew and he was advised that the Parish Council had highlighted this when the Application was considered by Councillors. Russell Lee, Middleborough House. His Planning Application was being considered under 136 (2) (iv) and he was willing to answer any questions which needed to be clarified. 136. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Councillor Mrs Meek declared a personal interest in connection with the hedge at Chapel Street Ð 137 (ii). Councillor S Maskell declared a prejudicial interest in Application No. 43462 Ð Outline Application for erection of 1 dwelling Ð 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. He left the room, took no part in the discussion or decision thereon. 136. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. A Report from the Enforcement Officer regarding Speedwell had been received. It was considered to be a breach of planning conditions and he will be writing to the owner in this connection. The Enforcement Officer to be requested to keep the Parish Council informed. (2) The following Planning Applications were considered: (i) 43564/43507 Ð Listed Building Application for extensions & alterations to form improved WC facilities including disabled persons WC Ð Thatched Barn, Hobbs Hill, Croyde. The Parish Council to reply as follows: "We would be minded to accept the principle of improvement to the facilities offered within this business premises. However, our concerns are that the current proposals as shown compromise the original licence agreement which should allow delivery vehicles such as dray wagons to be completely clear of the highway when making deliveries to these licensed premises. We are also concerned as to the feasibility of the fire exit principle as shown on drawing 35-2143- A1. Proposed by Councillor Harrison, seconded by Councillor Mapp and unanimously agreed. Page 3 Ð 18.01.07 (ii) 43477 Ð Retrospective application for demolition of existing & erection of new garden shed Ð 2 St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde. Proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Mapp and unanimously recommended for approval, subject to the said summer house/garden shed not being used for ancillary/letting accommodation. (iii) 43503 Ð Demolition of existing and erection of new unit of holiday accommodation together with erection of summerhouse/store Ð 29 Leadengate Close, Croyde. Recommend for approval subject to the 10 month occupancy restriction which exists at Leadengate. (iv) 43336 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð Middleborough House, Baggy point, Croyde. Councillors were circulated with a letter from the applicant pointing out certain aspects with regard to the Application. Councillor Symonds proposed recommend approval, seconded by Councillor Maskell and all agreed. (v) 43034 Ð Demolition of existing dwelling & erection of new dwelling Ð The Mead, Withywell Lane, Croyde. The following reply to be sent: After further consideration we cannot see any substantial change in this Application to the previous one to which we replied at the end of October, and our position remains the same: "The proposed development is perceived as too large a footprint for this site. The proposed development would overpower adjoining properties being too bulky and too high. If this site is to be redeveloped the Parish Council would expect to see a bungalow on this site. Proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek. Vote: 7 for, 1 abstention, agreed. (vi) 43498 Ð Installation of 2 velux windows together with installation of solar panels Ð Ash-Dene, 6 Sandyway, Croyde. Proposed for recommendation of approval by Councillor Maskell, seconded by Councillor Harrison and unanimously agreed. (vii) 43419 Ð Erection of 1 agricultural building to store machinery and apples Ð 9 Home Farm Close, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval subject to the caveat that it is not to be used for letting or ancillary accommodation. (viii) 43462 Ð Outline Application for erection of 1 dwelling (amended information received) Ð 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. This Application had been considered at the December Meeting and a reply to be sent advising that we note the details on the letter. (ix) 43593 Ð Extension to Managers Dwelling Ð Croyde Bay Holiday Village, Croyde. Councillor Tucker recommend refusal on the grounds that the design is aesthetically unacceptable. Georgeham Parish Council cannot support the construction of a flat roofed extension. Seconded by Councillor Maskell. Vote: unanimous. (x) 43597 Ð Continued siting of summer bungalow (renewal of limited period planning permission 28465) Ð 5 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was recommend for approval subject to the 10 months occupancy period remaining the same. Page 4 Ð 18.01.07 A communication to be sent to the Planning Department as follows: We are aware of an application at the top of West Croyde which we believe we should have seen. Why have we not seen it? We do not meet again now until 22 February and unnecessary delays could occur. (3) Planning Correspondence: (a) The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 43158 Ð Demolition of existing garage, erection of garage/studio & demolition of single storey extension & erection of 2 storey extension at Wester David, Georgeham. 43059 Ð Erection of sports pavilion with showers and changing facilities at Georgeham Playing Field, Newberry Road, Georgeham. 43262 Ð Works to various trees in a Conservation Area Ð St. GeorgeÕs House, Georgeham. 43222 Ð Demolition of hotel & erection of 6 units of holiday accommodation together with erection of 1 dwelling at Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. 43202 Ð Erection of new entrance canopy to existing main centre building together with erection of sliding folding glazed screen and formation of raised deck level at Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde. 43175 Ð Extension to dwelling at 4 Home Farm Close, Croyde. 43331 Ð Listed Building Application for replacement window & chimney-pot at Burrows Farm West, Croyde. 43300 Ð Extension to dwelling at 3 Ora Close, Croyde. 43279 Ð Extension to dwelling together with formation of new vehicular access (amended description) at Gardeners Cottage, Pickwell, Georgeham. 43231 Ð Demolition of shed & erection of summer house at Down End House, Down End, Croyde. 43302 Ð Conversion of loft space to form additional living accommodation at 5 Pathfields, Croyde, together with letter from the Planning Department explaining the reason for Approval. 43294 Ð Conversion of garage to form additional living accommodation at 9 Home Farm Close, Croyde, together with letter from the Planning Department explaining the reason for Approval. REFUSALS: 43221 Ð Demolition of hotel & erection of 7 units of holiday accommodation together with erection of1 dwelling at Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. 43204 Ð Variation of Condition 3 (painted timber window and door frames) and Condition 2 (approved plans) attached to Planning Permission 41384 to allow UPVC window and door frames and amended plans at land between Sandbourne and Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. In connection with the above Application, write and ask what is the opinion from Enforcement regarding this matter, as we are fully aware that upvc is being installed and we believe that the elevations showing the openings have been changed. To be on Matters Arising for the February Agenda. (b) It was noted that Application No. 43170 Ð extension to dwelling and conversion of garage to form additional living accommodation Ð The Garden Cottage, Putsborough had been WITHDRAWN. (c) It was noted that Application No. 43232 Ð Erection of two dwellings, access and footpath Ð Garden of Greystones, Croyde had been WITHDRAWN. (d) A letter was noted from Building Control, NDDC regarding erection of sports pavilion with showers and changing facilities Ð Georgeham Playing Field, Newberry Road, Georgeham which advises it is necessary to give notification to the District Council prior to commencement of works. A copy to be sent to Trevor Richards and Roger Holmes. (e) It was noted that Application No. 42765 Ð extensions to dwelling, construction of underground garage/workshop to serve dwelling, construction of underground parking area Page 5 Ð 18.01.07 to serve dwelling and extensions to Tea Rooms at Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Baggy point, Croyde was going to Appeal. Councillors had previously been advised of this and no further comment is to be made by the Parish Council. 137. MATTERS ARISING. (i) Safety Along the Georgeham/Croyde Road. Site Meeting with Mr M Newcombe (Road Safety Officer) and Mr R Pattenden on 31/1/07. (ii) Chapel Street Hedge. DCC had acknowledged our letter. 138. ACCOUNTS AND PAYMENTS. (i) Balances. These were as follows: Current Account As at 1/11/06 45,110.85 Payments Previously authorised 3,935.43 Balance at 30/11/06 41,175.42 As at 1/12/06 41,175.42 Receipts ROCKets Grant 5,000.00 Cemetery Fees 335.00 Payments Previously authorised 26,908.20 This includes £25,000 transferred to a new Savings Account Balance at 31/12/06 19,602.22 (ii) The following payments were approved: Bay Gardens Hedge Cutting, planting of escallonia Hedge and reducing of trees at Georgeham Cemetery £ 1037 J & J Bins Dog Bin emptying for December 2006 £ 84.50 Mr S Wightman 2 Invoices for Maintenance at Georgeham Cemetery £80.74 each and maintenance at village sites £465.97 each, totalling £546.71 each. £1093.42 Cllr R Tucker Thank You Gifts £ 57.13 Buckleigh Laundry Hand drier rental in public toilets £ 16.92 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 6.00 Supanames website renewal £56.38 £ 62.38 Mr T Squire Updating website, printing Cemetery Literature and laminating Plot pages £ 63.71 Page 6 Ð 18.01.07 Audit Commission. Audit Fee for 2006. £293.75 Hale Electrical Services Repairs to toilet lights at Georgeham bus stop £113.39 (iii) It was noted that a new Savings Account has been opened in the name of Georgeham Parish Council. (iv) NDDC. Precept/Grant letter received following submission of our figures and duly returned. (v) It was noted that a cheque for £225.00 has been received from Braunton Parish Council for reimbursement for the Insurance premium for Georgeham Football Club Fete. 139. CORRESPONDENCE. (i) Fullabrook Public Inquiry. Confirmation that the Parish CouncilÕs letter of 13/12/06 was circulated to the rest of the parties. (ii) South west conference of Local Councils Associations. Pack designed to assist Parish and Town Councils coordinate successful local campaigns in the run-up to the Parish and Town Council election in May 2007. Taken by Councillor Mrs Meek. (iii) DCC. Devon County Minerals and Waste Development Framework. Minerals Core Strategy Ð Newsletter and Stakeholder Workshops. The Workshops will be held in Exeter on 14 February and 22 March. Prior booking by 26 January is required. (iv) NDDC. Summary of Accounts 2005/06. (v) NDDC. North Devon Local Plan 1995 Ð 2011. Adopted July 206. (vi) DCC. Folder regarding Community Emergency Planning. Councillor Mapp pointed out that Councillors should note the initial contact is through the NDDC switchboard which is manned 24 hours a day. (vii) DCC. Details of Climate Change Road Show. Details to be sent to Mr R Barnes. 140. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ DAPC January/February 2007 Newsletter. _ Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006-2026. _ DAPC Ð developing a senior Council for Devon. _ DCC Ð Summary of Accounts 2005/06 and Achievements 2005. _ Devon Playing Fields Association. The Playing Field Newsletter Winter 2006/07. _ DCC. In Touch Monthly News Round-Up. January 2007. 141. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Maskell Ð he had spoken to the Chairman of the Governors of the Primary School who was going to propose him at the next Full Governors Meeting as an Associate Governor. He had attended a meeting of Woolacombe Parish Council on a planning matter and would recommend Councillors to attend to see how their meetings are run. Councillor Mrs Meek organised a Parish Plan Meeting for 13/2/07. Councillor Mapp spoke about the Braunton Alliance Meeting which was to advise delegates regarding a fundraising road show which was not now taking place; additionally he had put some queries to Committee Members regarding questionnaires and letters from the Community Council of Devon to which no reply had been received. At the Northern Alliance visit, mention was made of Page 7 Ð 18.01.07 possible money being made available, and again, nothing had been heard. He felt the Community Development Unit were not readily accessible and he had spoken to District Councillor Spear to follow up. The next Meeting was delayed until March. A new representative of this Parish Council was required. 142. URGENT MATTERS RAISED BY CHAIRMAN. Councillor Mrs Meek mentioned Footpath No. 1 which runs across the field where crops are grown. It was noted there was no problem with walkers going around the sides. The Footpath review is due to take place in the Autumn. Councillor Mapp spoke about the fundraising standards board, details of which had been circulated to Councillors by the Clerk. He had further investigated and if a fundraising body registers and goes through various procedures and people who apply for grants will know it is a well founded body. We have 5 projects on the Parish Plan and it is 50 per plan. In the Braunton fund there is about 250 left and he suggested we should write to claim this. He has emailed Roger Holmes, the chairman and clerk with the details. At the Parish Plan Meeting, a letter will be drafted for the Clerk to send. 143. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Thursday, 22 February 2007 at 7 p.m. in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.30 p.m.