MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 18 DECEMBER 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors M Harrison, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, E Short, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillor Mrs P Barker, PCSO Dale Kingdon and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 109. Apologies. Councillor Miss R Brian. 110. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 27 November 2008. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 111. Reports: Police: It was reported that there had been 1 domestic incident in Croyde compared with 4 incidents this time last year in the area. Councillor Tucker advised that the 20mph speed limit signs and a 20mph round sign in the road were being progressed. The new limit will become law in February after it has been advertised in the press. This also applied to the extension of the Clearway from Down End which would now extend as far as Bay View Farm. Councillor Tucker expressed the hope that PCSO D Kingdon could patrol on foot in the area similar to his precedessor. The Police wished all those present a Happy Christmas. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins: Not present. District Councillors Mrs P Barker: _ She advised that Councillor Symonds had contacted her regarding Baggy Lodge, the matter of which she reported to Enforcement Officer and the acting North Devon Council Chief Executives Steve Pitcher and Mike Mansell. An Enforcement Notice was to be served on the owner of the property and in addition work on the shed with all facilities being used for accommodation is to be halted. _ Councillor Maskell advised that Planning Officer Mrs M Pool had advised him that the caravan at Stentaway could not be a permanent structure on the field. Councillor Symonds advised that a Certificate of Lawfulness had been granted as the caravan had been there for some time and went on to give further details. _ A property owner at North Buckland wished to replace the current windows with double glazed brown windows. North Devon Council Heritage Officer Collette Hall had advised these should be white and single glazed. Councillors thought this stipulation was inappropriate. District Councillor Mrs Barker had advised the applicant to submit an Application which she would call in. Councillors felt it was pointless to consider Applications because of the attitude of Planning Officers. _ Councillor Mrs Barker had spoken to Brian Holme of North Devon Council Community Development Department about the MUGA and an Executive Meeting had been held the previous day. Cut backs were being made due to economic situation and this matter did not look very promising. It was noted there are open space money which could be allocated if necessary. Councillor Maskell felt he had put a lot of time and effort in this issue and felt very demoralised that the situation did not appear so straight forward. Councillor Mrs Barker assured the Council she was doing all ion her power to obtain the funding. District Councillor M Wilkinson: Not present. 112. Representations from the Public. There were no members of the public present. 113. Declarations of Interest. Councillor M Harrison, Planning Application Nos. 47770/47787 Ð prejudicial interest. 114. PLANNING. 114.1 Matters Arising. None. 114.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 47656 Ð Insertion of 2 velux windows (additional information) at 3 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47530 Ð Retrospective application for continued siting of 1 holiday chalet together with extension of holiday occupancy to all year at 36 Leadengate Close, Croyde. Councillor Symonds proposed to recommend refusal on the grounds that the limited occupancy covenant should be maintained. Seconded by Councillor Maskell. Vote: Agreed by all. 4770/47787 Ð Listed Building Application for internal & external works including siting of 2 solar panels, insertion of 2 sun pipes and insertion of 2 velux windows at Rose Cottage, 31 St Marys Road, Croyde. Councillor Harrison declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval on the grounds that it is ecologically good thinking. 47791 Ð Extension & alterations to dwelling (retrospective application to amend the design approved by Planning Permission 40039 in relation to windows/doors & addition of a balcony) at 3 West Croyde, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 114.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted: APPROVAL 47402 Ð Continued siting of bungalow (renewal of limited period planning permission 36229) at 8 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. 47322/47354 Ð Listed Building Application for conversion of domestic ancillary buildings to form 2 units of holiday accommodation (Apartments 9 & 10) at Pickwell Manor, Georgeham. 47488 Ð Erection of first floor balcony at Apartment 2, Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. 115. MATTERS ARISING. 115.1 Consideration of creating a Footpath to Higher Ham Cemetery. This to be further considered in the New Year with Councillors Tucker and Maskell making a tentative enquiry with the landowner for an informal discussion. Councillor Tucker to make the initial enquiry. 115.1 (a) Frog Street. Councillor Symonds felt arrangements should be made to create the footpath in the near future. This to be considered in the new year when a plan is to be drawn up. Councillors Symonds, Harrison, Tucker and Maskell to walk the site. 115.1 (b). Councillor Tucker had been approached by Mr and Mrs Adams who had explained that it had been necessary for them to assist the recovery of a car which had been directed down their lane by satellite navigation. They had spoken to Highways who were amenable for a sign to be placed as long as it came from the public domain. Councillor Harrison advised there was already a sign there but it was noted this was not an ÔofficialÕ one. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds that Councillor Tucker draft a suitable and email to the Clerk for sending to North Devon Highways. Seconded by Councillor Maskell and agreed by all. 115.2 Village Gateways. Councillor Symonds had not received any information and the 2 designs had not been received. This item to be kept on the Agenda. The work would be carried out in tandem with the Frog Street project. 115.3 Unauthorised cars in Georgeham Car Park. Councillor Symonds advised that at present there were no untaxed cars parked. Councillor Tucker gave details of a person who runs a car park charging business. He explained how this worked and felt it would be beneficial to stop people using the car park for their own parking and suggested an informal meeting with the person in the new year. Councillor Symonds felt a decision on the matter of charging should be taken at the Annual Parish Meeting in April. He went on to propose that a meeting be arranged with the person so that the details would be known. Seconded by Councillor Short and agreed by all. Councillor Tucker to fix the meeting following which the whole principle would be discussed formally at the Parish Council Meeting in January. Councillor Mrs Meek was concerned that it would penalise the people living in Chapel Street. Councillor Maskell mentioned the feasibility of a barrier. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that she had raised the car parking charges in Croyde and this is to be rectified in January. It would be hoped that the free car parking would commence at 5pm or 6pm. 115.4 St GeorgeÕs House. This was on the agenda due to the issues in the Summer of 2008. It was felt that there was no further need to pursue this. 116. Accounts & Payments 116.1 Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 31/10/08 3,451.47 56,246.03 Receipts LTSB Interest 113.41 Cemetery Fees 400.00 Payments As previously agreed 1,890.95 Balance as at 30/11/08 1,960.52 56,359.44 116.2 The following payments were approved: J & J Bins Dog bin emptying for November 2008 £ 84.50 North Devon Council Recharge of salaries July to November £4,175.65 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 8.48 £11.48 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 14.50 Georgeham Village Hall Hiring of Room for Meetings £ 210.00 Councillor J Symonds ChairmanÕs Expenses £ 75.00 Mr M Symonds 4th payment for grass cutting & maintenance contract 2008/09 £ 475.00 116.3 Councillor Harrison that there was a surplus of P3 funding as little work had needed to be done and also due to the fact the DCC had spent money in the Parish. Their funding had now been exhausted. He went on to advise that in Adwell Lane, at North Buckland on the Nethercott road there was a boggy area where DCC wanted to create some decking at an estimated cost of £700-£800. It was Councillor Harrison wish to put £300 towards this project and use the surplus P3 money on the Frog Street project. The Clerk to advised Councillor Symonds the amount which has been spent on Footpaths in the current financial year with the remaining funds to be halved between the 2 projects. 116.4 Consideration of a donation for Georgeham Village Hall towards a new heating system. A letter of request had been sent together with a copy of the latest set of accounts to comply with Audit Commission regulations. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised she would be willing to give some Ward Money towards this community project and would also encourage District Councillor Wilkinson to do the same. Councillors felt the proposed system could be improved upon. Councillor Mrs Meek advised the Committee had considered other options. Councillor Maskell to email a draft letter for the Clerk to send. Meanwhile, Councillors Tucker and Symonds to speak to Miss I Jones regarding the matter. 116.5 It was noted that the Audit Commission has signed off the 2008 Annual Return in respect of the accounts for the year ended 31/3/08 as satisfactory with no issues being raised. 116.6 It was noted that HMRC had processed the reclaim of £890.60 which should be credited to the Current Account shortly. 116.7 A letter from HMRC was noted regarding reclaiming VAT on works to Village Halls, leisure facilities, youth clubs, grounds and play areas. It was recommended that before any works were undertaken with the intention of reclaiming the VAT, organisations obtain a ruling from the Written Enquiries Team at HMRC. Specific details have to be shown in accordance with form VAT126. 117. Correspondence & Reports. 117.1 South West Highways. A road closure for drainage works in North Buckland from 16/2/09 to 17/2/09 was noted. 117.2 North Devon Council. Georgeham Croyde & Putsborough Conservation Area Appraisals. This item was mentioned at the November Meeting by District Councillor Wilkinson and was to be an item on the January 2009 Agenda. Councillors did not wish to pursue this issue and it was proposed by Councillor Symonds and seconded by Councillor Tucker to maintain the status quo. Vote: 6 in favour, 1 against. 117.3 North Devon Council. The Revenues Manager had written to enquire if the works to the skateboard area had been completed in connection with business rates change of use and for an inspection to be carried out. A reply to be sent confirming the work had been done. Councillor Maskell pointed out that this Council was made to submit a Planning Application and noted that at another site, there was the same equipment together with 3 chalets with planning permission for one and a large deck. There was also a track, a shed over a hot tub and terracing had been carried out. The Clerk to write to the Enforcement Department and meanwhile, District Councillor Mrs Barker would speak to the Enforcement Officer. 117.4 North Devon Council. Copy of the 2009 Register of Electors. Noted. 117.5 PPS. Letter and copy of the Minutes of the inaugural meeting of the Fullabrook Wind Farm Community Interest Company together with analysis of questionnaire. Noted. 117.6 South West Water. It was noted that a survey had been carried out on the plumbing arrangements in connection with Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 which were found to be satisfactory. 118. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ Devontalk. Winter 2008. _ North Devon Direct. Winter 2008. 119. Adoption of model Freedom of Information Act. Councillors had been sent the details ahead of the Meeting to study and bring their thoughts to ensure that all that is needed to be included is incorporated into the details. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and agreed by all to adopt the document as per the details which had just been gone through. 120. Meetings attended by Councillors Councillors Maskell, Symonds and Mrs Slade had met regarding the Play Park Equipment at Georgeham. The equipment had been decided upon and it was estimated the cost to be approximately £15,000. Final costings had not been received a reply for a quotation was awaited. This item to be on the January Agenda. Councillor Short had attended a meeting called by the National Trust at Arlington Court regarding the Surf Life Saving Club. It was expected that a joint Planning Application would be submitted for the Surf Life Saving facility and a car park. The National Trust was proposing the close their other car park. A discussion took place on the issue. Councillor Mrs Meek advised that the Governing Body of Georgeham Primary School had not appointed a new Clerk and she was continuing to take the Minutes at Meetings. Councillor Maskell advised that in respect of the Fullabrook Wind Farm Company where Parishes in the close vicinity would be eligible for substantial funding, he had put himself forward to be a director. There were 10 places and 17 people had been nominated. Councillor Symonds felt that Councilors should support Councillor Maskell and also Councillor Miss Brian at the Meeting on 25 March 2009 at7 7.30pm in Braunton Parish Hall when the election will take place. Only those present in the Hall will be eligible to vote. 121. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. Councillor Symonds advised that the floor in Georgeham Public Toilets required attention. 122. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Mrs Slade revisited the Village Hall heating matter and spoke about the issue in connection with the Queens Theatre new heating system. 123. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, January 22 2009 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 8.45pm.