MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 21 SEPTEMBER 2006 AT 7 P.M. IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. THE MEETING HAD BEEN BROUGHT FORWARD BY ONE WEEK. PRESENT. Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillor Mrs J Barnes, Miss R Brian, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade. Also in attendance: PC Russ Fisher, 2 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 60. APOLOGIES. Councillor R Tucker Councillor M Harrison County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins District Councillor D Spear 61. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 31 AUGUST 2006 AND SITE MEETING OF 4 SEPTEMBER 2006. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 62. REPORTS. Police. As PC Fisher was not present at the August Meeting, he gave details of that month which numbered 31 in Croyde and 2 in Georgeham which he detailed. September had been much quieter due to less holidaymakers. There had been 4 crimes in Croyde which he detailed, with none reported in Georgeham. Councillor Symonds mentioned Croyde Village Hall, the Committee of which are aware of problems relating to music nights and alcohol related incidents and he asked the Police stance on this which he enlarged on and clarified. The Committee have tightened procedures and the situation is being monitored. The CommitteeÕs agenda was focusing on the issue which covered the Parish CouncilÕs concerns. Councillor Symonds hoped to attend the next Village Hall Meeting. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. A written report was available for Councillors to read. It comprised the following: Update on Hobbs Hill; Change to 308 Bus Service; Update on Customer Service Centre now known as MyDevon; information for possible inclusion in The Crydda. District Councillr D Spear. Councillor Symonds explained that District Councillor Spear had assisted him regarding the position with regard to the Clearway signs at Down End which are now in the correct place. District Councillor M Wilkinson. His absence last month was due to attendance at a Rural Alliance Meeting to prepare a report to include Parish Plans. It is to be the main agenda item at the Braunton Alliance Meeting on 26 September. He mentioned the presentation of our Parish Plan by Councillors Mrs V Meek and N Mapp at the meeting in Barnstaple and the Area Committee will be visiting the parish on 6 November for which a letter had that day been received detailing the Agenda. David Rogers will be attending to give a talk on recycling. Councillor Wilkinson advised that NDDC had exceeded the recycling target since the introduction of the Greensweep project. Councillor Symonds highlighted the timing of Recycle collections which was not always compatible with situations in this holiday area. Page 2 Ð 21.09.06 Georgeham Playing Field. Councillor Symonds advised that a Planning Application in respect of the Sports Pavilion at the Playing Field was to be submitted to NDDC shortly. It would be in the Parish CouncilÕs name and the Parish Council would pay the planning fee, which was half the price as opposed to Applications submitted by other people/organisations. Councillor Mrs Slade advised she had attended a meeting of the organisation but felt attendance would be better suited to a male. Councillor Maskell agreed to attend with Councillor Symonds or Tucker attending if he was unable. District Councillor Wilkinson would also attend when able. 63. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. None. 64. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None. 65. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. Copy correspondence was noted from Mrs M J Hare and Mrs A Webster in respect of Planning Application No. 42451 (amended plans) Ð Home House Barn & Wisteria Cottage, Croyde. ITEMS FOR DECISION. (2) The following Planning Applications were considered: (i) 42875 Ð Conversion of loft with roof extensions & balcony, together with amended ground floor design to approved amenity building Planning Approval 36743- Bay View Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (ii) 42895 Ð Listed Building Application for 2 rooflights Ð Gibbs (formerly Lyncroft), North Buckland. Members resolved to recommend approval. (iii) 42843 Ð Demolition of existing garage & extension to dwelling (amendments to Planning Permission 41349) Ð Jindalee, Darracott, Georgeham. Members resolved to recommend approval. (iv) 42804 Ð Erection of garage & games room Ð Down End House, Down End, Croyde. Councillor Mrs Meek proposed refusal on same grounds as was proposed at The White House, Baggy Point: "that it is in an environmentally sensitive area. This constitutes new development outside the development envelope". Further wording to be: "Given that this could create extra accommodation there is no provision either for parking which we cannot accept, also it would overload the usage of the proposed new entrance to this site". Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and agreed. (3) Planning Correspondence: Page 3 Ð 21.09.06 (4) The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted. APPROVALS 42368 Ð Erection of stables, tack room & hay store together with change of use of field from agricultural to equestrian use (amended description) at Coppice, Buckland Road, Georgeham. 42554 Ð Insertion of rear dormer window at 26 Sandyway, Croyde. 42248 Ð Extension to dwelling & conversion of loft space to form additional living accommodation (amended plans) at The Nook, Darracott, Georgeham. REFUSALS 41926 Ð Demolition of guesthouse with owners accommodation & erection of 5 flats at Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. 42618 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new garage with self-contained annexe over at White House, Baggy Point, Croyde. 66. MATTERS ARISING. Mr N Humphries. He had failed to receive the Parish CouncilÕs reply or one from NDDC Planning Department and DCC Highways Department. Councillor Symonds had called on him and explained the position. It was noted that an acknowledgement of our letter to DCC Environment Department had been received from them that day. The reply was not acceptable and clarification to be sought as to exactly what "as soon as possible" meant. Hobbs Hill. This had been covered within County Councillor Mrs J JenkinsÕ Report. Additionally, copy correspondence from DCC to Mr Panter had been received that day. It had been concluded by the Police that there was no evidence of speeding. 67. MOTIONS AND BUSINESS PREVIOUSLY NOTIFIED. (i) Finance Sub-Committee. Notes of the Meeting held on 5/9/06 were circulated. Councillor Mapp pointed out that it was not a sub-committee but a committee. Councillor Miss Brian went through the figures which had been increased £5,000 since last year and clarified on the amounts for each item. The other change was an increase in the Parish Plan project allocated reserve from £5,000 to £9,000. The year end accounts will be prepared on a profit and loss basis. Members approved to accept the notes. (ii) Bank Account. Councillor Maskell had investigated more suitable facilities for reserve funds. He estimated as much as £500 per annum in interest could be lost by not having the money in an interest paying account and gave details of a Lloyds TSB Account and proposed this was opened. Seconded by Councillor Symonds and unanimously agreed. A letter of authorisation to be written by the Clerk who would have authority as Responsible Finance Officer to move funds between the Current and Savings Accounts when necessary. (ii) Braunton Countryside Alliance. Options for the future structure of the Alliance (to be discussed at a meeting of the Alliance on 26 September). Page 4 Ð 21.09.06 Councillors Miss Brian and N Mapp would attend. Councillor Mapp advised that there was a proposal to either close the Alliance altogether or meet at infrequent intervals and he felt that the latter proposal with at least two meetings was felt to be in order. He advised that proposals coming from this Committee would carry more weight rather than a Parish Council on its own. (iii) Repairs to childrens play parks. This had been completed. RSS Playmakers had visited the site and improved the condition. Bay Gardens are to spread additional bark. Work on Georgeham Play Park remained outstanding. Councillor Symonds will advise the Clerk as to the work to be chased with RSS Playmakers RSS. 68. ACCOUNTS AND PAYMENTS. (i) Balances. Budgetary details were tabled at the Meeting. The Bank and National Savings Account balances were as follows: Current A/c National Savings A/c As at 31/7/06 39277.38 Receipts 462.00 Payments Previously Authorised 6125.69 BALANCE AT 31/8/06 £33613.69 £13917.02 It was noted that the Parish Plan reimbursement figures from Braunton Parish Council had not been included within the receipts on the budgetary balances and this to be checked and included on the September budgetary balance as it was known that this had been received but had been inadvertently not included. Councillors approved a monthly figure of £6.00 (one third) to be paid to the Clerk in respect of the charge for broadband The system had been installed on to her computer. (ii) The following payments were approved and authorised: Spirebourne Ltd. Clearing blocked drains £ 99.88 Buckleigh Laundry Ltd. Rental of hand driers in toilets £ 30.54 Mr S Wightman. Grass Cutting £546.71 J & J Bins. Dog bin emptying in August £169.00 Mrs S Squire Postage £ 50.00 Page 5 Ð 21.09.06 1/3rd Broadband charge £ 6.00 £ 56.00 Mr M Symonds Grass cutting/maintenance/ Page 5 Ð 21.09.06 Footpath maintenance £680.00 Cllr. J Symonds Expenses relating to Mudlark Appeal £ 18.20 Cllr. N Mapp Photocopying expenses 11.52 (iii) EDF Energy. It was noted that we are in credit for the sum of £76.78 at the toilets and bus stop and 164.30 at the car park following the meters being read. Their location often necessitates estimated readings and the current position is now correct. 69. CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS. (i) DCC. Regarding the Bus Service 308 Barnstaple Ð Georgeham route which had been included in County Councillor Mrs JenkinsÕ Report. This will be operated by Stagecoach. The timetable will be the same as that being surrendered by First. Low-floor bus operation will be maintained. (ii) NDDC. May 2007 Elections. Guidance on budgeting for the possible cost of this. (iii) North Devon & Exmoor Regeneration Company. Bridges Project and Parish/Town Plans. Noted. (iv) Northern Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Details of an Open Day entitled (ItÕs Our CoastÕ on Sunday, 8 October between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Watermouth Castle, near Ilfracombe. A supply of leaflets for shops and Post Offices was available and would be distributed. (v) Croyde Village Hall. Copy Minutes of the last Meeting which addressed the problems associated with alcohol at some of their events. Letter was read to the Meeting. (vi) NDDC. Adoption of Statement of Community Involvement. This was noted. Councillor Mapp advised that he had suggested a change of title and to involve the District Councillors at an early stage. In addition, it should be noted that this Parish Council does not have officers who can go through lengthly procedures to advise them. (vii) Voluntary Youth Service. Email on Funding News. Details had previously been circulated Councillors Symonds, Tucker, Maskell, Mapp and Harrison with the Skateboard project in mind. Councillor Maskell advised that since the last meeting, Mr Burrows had formed a committee and fund raising events were planned. It was thought that semi permanent mobile ramps was the preferred option. He would invite Mr Burrows to the visit of the Area Committee on 6 November. (viii) NDDC. lfracombe and Northern Rural Area Committee will visit the Parish on Monday, 6 November. This had been discussed earlier in the Meeting. Councillors Mrs Meek and N Mapp would attend as would other Councillors who were able. Councillor Mapp to book the Village Hall and Councillor Mrs Meek would organise refreshments. Page 6 Ð 21.09.06 70. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ North Devon Direct. Issue 2. Autumn 2006. _ North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Annual Review 2005/06. _ Devontalk. Autumn 2006. _ Community Council of Devon. Village Green Magazine. September 2006. _ Devon Rural Transport Partnership. Summer 2006 Newsletter. _ DAPC. Details of AGM, Annual Report and Newsletter. 71. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS.. (i) Councillor Mrs V Meek. Thatched Barn/Billy Budds Appeal. Copy correspondence received from NDDC to her in this connection. She advised that the complete Licence would be sent when prepared. Councillor Mapp mentioned that there were implication for the Oceanfest. (ii) Oceanfest. A meeting at Braunton Police Station had been attended by Councilors Symonds, Tucker and Maskell with another planning for 6 February. The issues of drugs, buses and the event being a rock concert/sports events was discussed .By the time next yearÕs event takes place, new licensing laws will apply. (iii) Councillor J Symonds reported that he, Councillor Tucker and Mr Ken Cook had met at Higher Ham Cemetery regarding the boundary hedge which is owned by the Parish Council. The fence is in a poor state and requires replacing to prevent cattle straying into the Cemetery. A compromise was reached where the Parish Council will provide the materials for replacement and Mr Cook will pay for the labour to install it. Councillor Symonds further advised that while this is being done the hedge bank will be lowered as the hawthorn has become out of shape. A Tree Surgeon has suggested pollarding with smaller hawthorn planted to fill in the holes. A discussion took place with Mr Cook regarding the sourcing of materials who would obtain several prices and advise the Parish Council. (iv) Councillor N Mapp. Commission for Rural Studies document. This had been passed to him by District Councillor D Spear to study. He had copied the complete document for all Councillors and attached notes on the front. He explained that the document advocated the empowering of Parish Councils where the Commission thought there was significant capacity and untapped potential : this would have far reaching effects on the work load of Parish Councillors. He was concerned that not all Parish Councillors will have had the training necessary to carry out these tasks and felt Parish Councils should have a broad cross section of parishoners on them. Party Politics could be involved and there were training and cost implications but the area of most concern was that it stated that there may be no limit to the Parish Precept . It was noted that from October, the Commission will be a legitimate advisory body and that there was no mention of remuneration for Parish Councillors . In time, either the District Council or Devon County Council would cease to exist . He recommended that a Committee was formed to look further at this document and plan a way forward : it was not an option to do nothing. The White Paper on this subject will be produced in January Page 7 Ð 21.09.06 .A discussion followed and the item is to be on the October Agenda. The same subject will be discussed at a meeting of the Braunton Alliance in January. (v) Card for Mr and Mrs Mountney. They were leaving the Parish and Councillor Mrs Meek had had a special card prepared. Councillors signed this and the wording was agreed for the insert. (vi) Noticeboard. CARA wish to contribute 50% for a replacement. Councillor Symonds will instruct a carpenter to construct a new one. The estimate would be shown to CARA so that the amount of their contribution would be known. (vii) Councillor Mrs Meek would be attending a Planning Meeting at Braunton Parish Council on 25 September to give a talk on Footpaths. She had received a letter from DCC regarding the excellent Parish Plan which had been produced.. (viii) Councillor Mrs L Slade. A complaint had been received regarding garden rubbish behind a property in Davids Hill. It was noted that this was on Parish Council owned land and that an amount had already been removed. (ix) Councillor N Mapp. He and Councillor Mrs Meek had produced a draft list of the schedule of action from the Parish Plan. Not all Councillors had this document which would be copied to them and the item to be on the October Agenda. 72. URGENT MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN. (i) Amendment to the December Meeting Venue. The School required the Village Hall on the date we had booked. Members agreed to hold the Meeting in the School for this Meeting only. In addition, the November Meeting was changed to Thursday 23rd, due to the Clerk being unavailable on 16th who required a small operation to her foot two days before. 73. DATE OF NEXTMEETING. Thursday, 26 October at 7 p.m. in Georgeham Village Hall. Tender wording and inspection of Parish Council assets to be included.