MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 22 JANUARY 2009 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors M Harrison, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillors Mrs P Barker and M Wilkinson, PCSO Dale Kingdon, 5 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 124. Apologies. Councillors W Foster, E Short and Mrs L Slade. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Councillor Miss R Brian had sent a letter of resignation which was to be discussed under Minute No. 136.1. 125. Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 December 2008. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 126. Reports: Police: _ Since last meeting it was advised there had been one crime involving a drink driver 3 times over the legal limit. _ Other incidents involved a female who had been detained under the Mental Health Act and had been sectioned in North Devon District Hospital. This incident was linked to a vehicle at Down End which had now been moved. _ The telephone kiosk situated opposite the Seat Garage at JonesÕs Hill had been damaged. This had been reported to BT. _ There had been a sudden death of an elderly lady. _ A male had tried to stab himself while heavily drunk. No serious injuries were involved. _ A beast on the beach was found to be a seal carcass. Councillor Symonds enquired regarding the mental health case and was advised that the individual had been sectioned. He spoke about the telephone boxes with the one at JonesÕs Hill being left in a dangerous condition to which he and staff from Croyde Motors attended. It was BTs intention to remove the box which was a card paying system only. There would be one pay Ôphone left at the bottom of JonesÕs Hill. The telephone box outside Unison at Down End had been damaged due to vandalism. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins: Not present but when sending her apologies, she wished everyone a happy new year. District Councillor Mrs P Barker: Skateboard Park. She admired what Mr C Burrows had achieved and was preparing a write up. Children in the area have expressed the wish to form a Young Peoples Council and this could be linked with the Safer North Devon project and could involve presentations on anti social behaviour and similar issues. Councillors were encouraged to visit the Park during a session. Budget talks were ongoing and difficult decision would have to be made. She was seeing Mr B Holme of the Community Development Department at the District Council the next day regarding funding for the MUGA and advised that she was not getting a good response from the Executive. Car Parking. The times had changed in Croyde which had upset people. The previous arrangements had meant that residents could park overnight. A study is to be undertaken examining all car parks in the area with a view to putting forward the wishes of residents in villages. She was requested to make representations on behalf of Croyde that the car park should not have a later time than any other car park. Councillor Tucker felt that the Parish Council should run Croyde Car Park and suggested that the revenue realized could mean a lower Precept. He pointed out that the North Devon Council logo was ÔCloser to the CommunityÕ it would be appropriate for the Parish Council to be responsible for the car park within the Parish. District Councillor Mrs Barker felt that this suggestion should be followed through vigorously. Taxi drivers in the area had agreed tariffs. District Councillor M Wilkinson: _ He apologised for missing the last Meeting. _ The decision taken by the Parish Council at the December Meeting not to pursue the idea of extending the Conservation Area was noted. Since the Meeting, District Councillor Mrs Barker had suggested an informal meeting with James Bate and this would take place with one or two Councillors. A public meeting would then be held. _ The result of the Boundary Commission proposal was awaited and a status quo was looking likely for the Local Government Review. _ Enforcement Officers would be working for 35 weeks to cover this area which would include parking enforcement. This was welcomed by Councillors. _ There were problems at the Putsborough end of Woolacombe beach due to war time defences being seen at various times. As a result, Mortehoe Parish CouncilÕs insurance premium had increased by £5,000. The Parish Council is not in a position to pay this and investigations are ongoing to redesignate the foreshore. Councillor Symonds recommended Councillors to log on to East Devon District Council website in respect of the High Court ruling following the judicial review. It was noted that Exeter City Council had lost money in the Icelandic Banks monetary problems. 127. Representations from the Public. Mr N Gibbons spoke about the Fullabrook Wind Farm project and the funds for compensation as a result. He wished the following Statement which he read to the Meeting to be minuted: "The Parish of Georgeham is due to receive compensation money from the Fullabrook Wind Farm. I am asking the Parish Council to support the use of this windfall money to support a Parish Plan and North Devon Local Plan objective. That is Page 44 North Devon Local Plan adopted July 2006, Chapter 5, Paragraph 54, this is conservation areas are defined as areas of special architectural and historic interest, the character of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance. Generally the character of appearance of a conservation area will be preserved and enhanced through encouraging public bodies to improve the street scene through the appropriate design and sensitive siting of street furniture or removal of eyesores and obstructive features such as overhead wires. It seems apt that compensation money for blighting the countryside should be used to remove the blight of overhead electricity and telephone cables in the conservation area of the village of Georgeham". Councillor Maskell responded by advising that he had attended the inaugural Meeting and had put himself forward to be on Committee as a director with 16 other nominees for 10 places. The money was to be spent on sustainable projects within a certain radius of the turbines and he did not feel that there would be funding for the items raised in Mr GibbonsÕ statement. Councillor Harrison advised that he had also attended the inaugural meeting and had understood that it was to the directors discretion as to how the money should be spent. Councillor Maskell was of the opinion that it was more than just guidelines. 128. Declarations of Interest. There were no Declarations of Interest announced. 129. PLANNING. 129.1 Matters Arising. A reply from Enforcement Officer regarding property mentioned in Minute No. 117.3 of the Meeting held on 18.12.08 was noted. A new file had been opened and he was intending to visit the site shortly. 129.2 Copy correspondence to the owners from the Planning Department regarding stationing of a caravan on land to north of Higher Stentaway, Broadway Lane, Croyde, was noted. 129.3 The following Planning Applications were considered: 47804 Ð Extensions & alterations to dwelling (amendment to approved Application 44669) (amended description) at Baggy Lodge, Croyde Bay, Croyde. _ Letters were noted from the Enforcement Officer, R J McCarron and Ms R Littlewood. These were read to the Meeting by Councillor Tucker. _ The applicant advised that the letter from the Enforcement Officer was not in connection with the present Application. _ A copy of the letter from the Applicant to the Planning Officer had also been received explaining the amendment to the Application and this was also read to the Meeting. _ The applicant was asked if the description was as he wished and this was confirmed. Councillor Tucker read the correct description of the Application which Councillors then considered. _ The applicant was invited to inform Councillors of the amendments on the plan and he agreed to do this and the issue was clarified to Councillors. _ The applicant verbally agreed to the Chairman that if anything has been done which has not been approved will be removed. _ The original plans had been drawn by architect Paul Cole and the amendments had been drawn by the applicant. Councillor Tucker proposed a site visit. Seconded by Councillor Symonds. Councillor Harrison proposed recommend approval. Vote for site visit: unanimous. Councillor HarrisonÕs amendment fell. A site visit was arranged for Monday, 26 January at 2pm. 47833 Ð Application for consent for works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order in respect of various works of removal of dead, overhanging & split branches to 6 Monterey Cypress trees at Leadengate House Residential Home, Croyde. An email from the Countryside and Landscape Officer, North Devon Council was noted, advising that the proposed works do not require consent as the trees in question are not protected by the Tree Preservation Order. It was resolved by Councillors to agree with the comments of the Countryside and Landscape Officer. There was a revocation order and no need to consider. 47670 Ð Application for consent for works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order in respect of crown lift 2 x fig trees at Fig Tree Farm, 47 St MaryÕs Road, Croyde. It was resolved by Councillors to agree with the comments of the Countryside and Landscape Officer. 47672 Ð Notification of works to trees in a Conservation Area in respect of removal of a Sycamore tree (T1) & reduction of Laurel (T2), Elder (T3) and Alder (T4) at Fig Tree Farm, 47 St MaryÕs Road, Croyde. It was resolved by Councillors to agree with the comments of the Countryside and Landscape Officer. 47990 Ð Alterations to main amenity buildings at Unison Croyde Bay Holiday Village, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47653 Ð Retrospective Application for creation of new vehicular entrance to field & access track to farmyard together with excavation works to create additional level farmyard adjacent to existing agricultural shed (amended description and plans) at Broadgate Farm, North Buckland. Councillor Symonds advised that when this Parish Council originally approved this Application, it was not in respect of the excavation works. To reply: "We refer to our previous response in November 2008 to recommend approval with the condition that action be taken to restore Cunnicott Lane to its original state and the spoil from the Broadgate Farm excavations removed from Cunnicott Lane." Councillors were in agreement with this. 129.4 Planning Correspondence: The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 47657 Ð Variation of Condition 4 of Planning Permission 34299 to allow 12 month holiday occupancy at 3 Leadengate Fields, Croyde, with accompanying letter from the Planning Officer stating the reasons for the Approval. 45790 Ð Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of Permission 41920 to allow amended design & finished at Baggy View, Down End, Croyde, with accompanying letter from the Planning Officer stating the reasons for the Approval. 47530 Ð Retrospective Application for continued siting of a holiday chalet together with extension of holiday occupancy to all year Ð 36 Leadengate Close, Croyde together with accompanying letter from the Planning Officer stating the reasons for the Approval. 47656 Ð Insertion of 2 velux windows (additional information) at 3 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. 129.5 To make arrangements for a planning debate at the request of Councillor Maskell regarding occupancy conditions at Leadengate Close. Councillor Symonds considered that in the light of recent approvals it is not apparent that applications to change will be upheld at the District Council and condition will be for holiday occupancy only. The situation would be monitored. There will be a liability on the owners to maintain a record of who had stayed there and this would be for a maximum of 28 days. On the basis of the above, it was felt there was no need for the meeting to take place. 130. MATTERS ARISING. 130.1 Consideration of creating a Footpath to Higher Ham Cemetery. Councillor Tucker advised that the land was owned by Mr T Barrable and a meeting was to be arranged. 130.2 Frog Street Project. It had been hoped to discuss this during the Christmas period but it had not been able to do so. Councillors would have a site meeting after the meeting at Baggy Lodge the following Monday. Councillor Symonds had tentatively arranged for Wessex Tree Surgeons to cut the trees back. 130.3 Sign to discourage motorists. Councillor Tucker to draft the letter and pass to the Clerk for sending to Highways to show that the Parish Council supports the issue. 130.4 Village Gateways. No information or sketches had been received. Councillor Tucker, when meeting the architect during the next week, would remind that the issue was still outstanding. Councillor Symonds advised the Meeting that it was important to get this done to obtain a price which could then be put in for grant assistance. This issue would also be discussed when looking at Frog Street. A member of the public advised that a group of ladies were keen to put some designs together and this was encouraged. 130.5 Unauthorised cars in Georgeham Car Park. Councillor Symonds stressed that if the car park continued to be abused by people leaving cars for storage and/or untaxed, the possibility of a charge being made would apply. He went on to explained that it was a lengthy process with the DVLA to obtain owners details of untaxed cars and the Police were unable to assist. He was aware of the process which had to be followed and was reluctant to have vehicles removed following Councillor Maskell advice. Councillor Symonds also advised that the barrier had been altered which had taken him and his son some time to realign. Councillor Tucker to speak to the nearby garage proprietor enquiring the reason why so many of their cars were being left there. Councillor Mrs Meek to regularly inspect vehicles in the future. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that if cars were in a dilapidated state, Environmental Health could be advised and was told that this had been investigated without success due to it being a private car park. Councillor Tucker advised that the person who monitors car parks, mentioned at previous Meetings, would give a 15 minute presentation on how he would foresee charging and running the car park at the March Meeting. The Council would not be looking to acquire substantial revenue from this but the issue must be prevented to allow everyone to enjoy the facilities. Mr Dennis was allowed to speak and enquired about double yellow lines in Davids Hill and outside shop. He was advised by Councillor Symonds that this scheme had been turned down twice because there had never been a perceived problem with parking. Mr Dennis was concerned that the cars removed from the car park would park in the road and he went on to say that he knew the owners of the untaxed cars. Councillor Symonds confirmed that the Clearway at Down End to Bay View Farm and restricted parking at Millersbrook would come into force shortly. 130.6 P3 Funding and creation of decking to cover a boggy area on Footpath. The Clerk had given Councillor Harrison the amount which had been spent on Footpaths during the current financial year and it was noted that £80 remained and this to be noted on the P3 Survey Forms and included in the budget when submitted next month. Councillors agreed for this to be offered to Simon Houghton, the P3 Warden for North Devon. The decking had been obtained for the work to commence. Councillor Harrison advised that Combas Lane had been very wet over the weekend due to a blocked drain and stones had been put down as a counter measure. Broadway Lane had coped well with the rain and was in order. Councillor Mrs Meek offered her congratulations on the condition of Footpath 1. 130.7 Georgeham Village Hall. Assistance to Georgeham Village Hall for heating system renewal. The Meeting was advised that the Parish Council had stated in a letter, as agreed at the last Meeting, about the concerns over the proposed heating system suggesting that the plan required revising. It was advised that the Committee had decided to proceed with the original plans which was in the process of being done. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Tucker and agreed by all to write to Miss Jones requesting the estimate so that Councillors could consider assistance in percentage terms, although no actual figure was suggested. 130.8 Croyde Skateboard Park. The Revenues Manager had enquired the actual date the work had been completed. A Report had been received from Mr C Burrows on behalf of the Skateboard Park and this would be sent to the Revenues Manager. A footnote had been sent by Mr Burrows which was read to the Meeting which expressed his gratitude for the support by the Parish Council and other organisations. Mr Burrows to be thanked for his comments by Councillor Mrs Meek who would draft an article for The Crydda with a copy to Mr Burrows. Councillor Symonds would also speak to him. Councillor Mrs Meek asked if the skate ramps were at Georgeham Playing Field as concern had been raised regarding the safety aspect. Councillors felt there was no problem but they would again be checked following the site meeting on Monday. 130.9. Georgeham Play Park. Costings had been received but due to the issues surrounding the funding for the MUGA it was not felt prudent to proceed with the Play Park project at the present time. The project was to be part of the Parish CouncilÕs ROCKets grant application for 2009/10 which, if successful, would enable funds to be allocated for the Pavilion but until the issue was clearer, it would have to held in abeyance. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that Mr Brian Holme had indicated funding may be possible from another source. Councillors were unanimously of the opinion that the MUGA project should come first and until this had been done the Play Park it was not possible to commit funds to Georgeham Play Park. Councillor Mrs Meek felt the Play Park may need some attention if it was not to be moved in the near future. It was known that County Councillors had been awarded funding following Devon County CouncilÕs sale of Exeter International Airport and there was the possibility that County Councillor Mrs Jenkins could assist. It was noted that the swing unit in Croyde Play Park would have to be addressed shortly and the intention had been to do this when Georgeham Play Park had been renewed. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that she would contribute to a new swing from her Ward Fund at Croyde Play Park. This had to be done quickly as her Ward Fund was getting low and it was not known if District Councillors would receive funding in the new financial year. Councillor Maskell suggested that if the project was put back 1 or 2 years, possibly a unit could be installed in Georgeham Play Park and this would be considered after the Site Meeting on Monday. Councillor Symonds spoke about two villages being in one Parish and that it would need to be realised that both villages could not have identical facilities. 131. Accounts & Payments 131.1 Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 30/11/08 1,960.52 56,359.44 Receipts HMRC 890.60 Transfer 6,000.00 Bank Interest 28.57 Payments As previously Authorised 7,232.83 _________ Balance at 31/12/08 1,618.29 50,388.01 131.2 The following payments were approved: J & J Bins Dog bin emptying for December 2008 £ 84.50 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 8.48 Reimbursement for renewing web hosting package £ 55.18 £ 66.66 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 17.81 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for December 2008 £ 79.03 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for December 2008 £ 456.06 £ 535.09 It was noted that these figures reflected the reduction in VAT to 15%. Butler Welding Repairs to Cemetery Gates following traffic impact damage £580.00 The Clerk to check the possibility of making an insurance claim. Audit Commission 2008 Audit Fee £ 327.75 131.3 It was noted that HM Revenue & Customs repayment of VAT in the sum of £890.60 had been credited to the Current Account. 131.4 North Devon Council. Parish Precept 2009/10. Following a discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Maskell and agreed by all not to add the disallowed grant expenditure to the Precept. And that the Precept should remain as originally agreed. The Parish rate to be debated in September ahead of the Precept forms being received from the District Council for the 20010/11 Precept in October. 132. Correspondence & Reports. 132.1 Communities & Local Government. A Consultation Ð Code of recommended practice on local authority publicity. Responses required by 12/3/09. Taken by Councillor Mrs V Meek. 132.2 DCC. Form sent for completion to update Bus Stop Data, shelter and facilities. Taken by Councillor Harrison to complete and return to DCC. 132.3 Letters from 2 parishioners were noted regarding the 308 Bus Service. This item had also been requested by Councillor M Harrison. Councillor Harrison had been asked to bring various letters to the CouncilÕs attention. The objection was that Tesco was driving the issue forward and the bus timings were not so convenient as the service would take longer. The 9.31 bus from Croyde was now retimed 6 minutes earlier and thus could not be used on the concessionary fare scheme. It was known that Tesco was funding the service for 5 years at a cost of £395,000. He suggested that he agreed with these points but there was no effective alternative and many had welcomed the half hourly service from Croyde. Further, the impact was not great as it only took 3 Ð 4 minutes to add in Tesco. He said he would reply to the parishioner and also write to Mr J Richardson-Dawes at DCC suggesting that his Department monitors the situation. Councillors were in agreement that the Clerk should contact Ms Williams to advise that Councillor Harrison would be contacting her. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that she had become involved regarding the concessionary fare time. 132.4 The response of East Devon District Council to judgement on the Unitary Devon Proposal. This had been covered under Minute No. 132.5 Devon Association of Parish Councils. Vacancies on the County Committee existed and if Councillors were interested, their nomination should be sent by 2/3/09. Noted. 132.6 Devon Association of Parish Councils. Nominations were requested to go into the ballot to attend the Royal Garden Party on 7/7/09. Councillors Maskell and SymondsÕ names to be put forward. 133. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ Clerks & Councils Direct. January 2009. _ Local Council Review. January 2009. _ DCC. Helping you to help yourselves. Newsletter 5. _ Village Green. December 2008. 134. Freedom of Information Act. The final adopted copy was distributed to Councillors. Copies were taken by Councillor Mrs Meek to be displayed in Post Offices. 135. Meetings attended by Councillors 135.1 Councillor Symonds reported that a Meeting had been held on 13/1/09 between Tony Hare (Killard-Levy Estate) and Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Short. There is a Minute of the Meeting which is filed with these Minutes. The Meeting was in respect of planning issues and Mr Hare was advised that a Planning Application would have to be submitted. 136. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. 136.1 Councillor Miss R Brian had written to tender her resignation. Councillor Symonds had spoken with Rosemary who advised that she was finding that Parish Council work was becoming too much and she wished to devote her energies elsewhere. A letter of thanks to be sent thanking her for all her efforts, interest and input during the time she was a Councillor. 136.2 Councillor Bill Foster had emailed his apologies and advised that due to work commitments in New Zealand, he would not be in the country to attend Meetings until the Summer. The Clerk advised that by not attending this Meeting, he had missed 6 Meetings in a row and this automatically disqualified him as a Councillor. The Clerk to write a letter of thanks, advising him of the position and advising Mr D Pratt at the District Council of the vacancies. 137. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. No matters were raised. 138. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, February 26 2009 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.35pm. GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL. MINUTES OF A SITE MEETING HELD at 2pm ON MONDAY, 26 JANUARY 2009 AT BAGGY LODGE, CROYDE BAY, CROYDE. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors M Harrison, S Maskell, R Tucker. 140. APOLOGIES: None. 141. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: There were no Declarations of Interest announced. 142. PLANNING. The following Application was considered: 47804 Ð Extensions and alterations to dwelling (amendment to approved Application 44669) (amended description) at Baggy Lodge, Croyde Bay, Croyde. It was resolved to reply as follows: The Parish Council move to REFUSE on the grounds that there are works going ahead on site that in our opinion do not have planning consent, and appear to be without building control regulation. As a consequence the Parish Council is not confident that any subsequent approval would be adhered to by the Applicant. Also there are structures eg. wooden summer house at extreme north boundary of this site now in situ. that this Parish Council believes should have obtained planning consent prior to being erected, without any such consent duly coming forward then this Parish Council believes that the due enforcement action should be taken up by District Council to get said structures removed. There are in our opinion cases also of bad practice on this site regarding GROUNDWORKS, LANDSCAPING, TERRACING, AND EVIDENCE OF SUBSIDENCE. The applicant alleges that he will use the soil/subsoil/shillet that he has excavated and spread across the whole north of the site to rear of Baggy Lodge, to infill around the extension at rear of Baggy Lodge, and any remainder will be spread evenly and graded over the whole site. This proposal we find unacceptable as it will substantially raise the datum levels on the site and again its the opinion of this Parish Council that such a method of losing this amount of spoil on this site should be subject to a Planning Application in its own right. The Meeting ended at 2.40pm.