MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 22 FEBRUARY 2007 IN THE COMMITTEE ROOM OF GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL AT 7PM. THE HALL ITSELF WAS UNUSABLE DUE TO THE KITCHEN REFURBISHMENT. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillor Mrs J Barnes, M Harrison, N Mapp, R Tucker. Also present: District Councillor D Spear, District Councillor M Wilkinson, Sgt Jeff Pearce, PCSO R Peacock, 3 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 144. APOLOGIES. Councillor Mrs L Slade; Councillor Mrs V Meek; Councillor Miss R Brian; Councillor S Maskell, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. 145. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 18 JANUARY 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 146. REPORTS. Police. The following incidents were reported: telephone pole snapped in half, neighbour dispute, Croyde Bay Holiday Village hit by identity fraud, civil dispute, rucksack found and returned to owner, road traffic accidents, speeding vehicles, dog hit by a car and was alright, family arguement, theft from a motor vehicle and a lady shot in the arm by air rifle pellet damaging coat and bruising her arm. The area had been checked and no evidence found and it had been concluded that this was an accident. The Chairman reported that manhole cover in the Playing Field had been removed and the drain blocked with stones. All manhole covers had now been screwed down to prevent further occurrences. Councillor Tucker mentioned a person who had been seen walking around the Parish and foraging in bins and it was confirmed there was nothing to be concerned about. Councillor Mapp raised the new instructions of reporting of fraud through the Banks as opposed to the Police. Sgt Pearce to the correct procedure and assured the Meeting that internet fishing and similar crimes were rare. Devon and Cornwall Police can only deal with crimes commited in this area and if fraud had taken place elsewhere it is that region which has to deal with the problem. . Councillor Symonds voiced his concerns about the 3 large touring vehicles parked in the lay by opposite this Village Hall, fearing that more would be parked there in the Summer. He suggeted a Clearway which would also create a safer environment which the Parish hoped to create for children walking the school and asked the Police to support it. He believes the Police would. Sgt Pearce advised he was hoping to set up a Community Coordination Group in his area involving members of Parish Councils and the community to be responsible for identifying community concerns prioritising the top 3 and when they are identified, the police become involved in partnerships, working with them and supporting the group. It would be known as Partnership And Community Together - PACT. Councillor Tucker felt that the Parish Council were the PACT and that the community did not need another Committee. Sgt Pearce wanted a meeting with the whole neighbourhood when it would be hoped to identify a special constable to be allocated to a patch. Ideally the Parish Council would send one or more representatives bringing issues relevant to the Parish which would be linked with issues of other Parishes. Councillors were interested in this concept and were open to suggestions. PSCO R Peacock asked about the ownership of Croyde car parks and was advised. He advised he was in the process of contacting Warren Lathem regarding the 2007 Oceanfest, a meeting Page 2 Ð 22.02.07 about which would take place on 28 or March. He confirmed that policing was being increased from last year and all other items will be in place. District Councillor D Spear He advised that the Council Tax increase for the District would be 2.5%, possibly one of the lowest increases in the South West. A robust capital programme was planned, including affordable homes, help for people with physical disabilities, Croyde Village Hall had been awarded £50,000 for the coming financial year, with an additional £100,000 allocated for street cleaning. Much effort had gone into the budget to ensure they are not running above inflation to make sure senior citizens and others can be helped. He also mentioned the Prohibition Order for drinking in public places which was an Agenda item. Braunton Parish Council were debating possible car park charges and looking at traffic management in the village following concerns on the impact of the downstream bridge. There were concerns about a new system to be introduced in 2008 controlled by DCC regarding the decriminalisation by the Government of Traffic Wardens with priorities given to PCSOs. Braunton Parish Council would like to liaise and work together with Georgeham and Morethoe. Councillor Tucker, on behalf of the Parish Council, thanked District Councillor Spear for all his work in the Parish both as County and District Councillor ahead of his forthcoming retirement, which was endorsed by Councillor Symonds. District Councillor M Wilkinson Following on from 2.5% increase in Council Tax by the District Council, he pointed out that residents would need to be realistic as regards other services such as the Police and Fire Service, the latter organisation who would be amalgamating. A meeting with Brian Holme regarding the Playing Field was to be arranged and after Councillor Tucker had spoken to Roger Holmes and Trevor Richards while the meeting was in progress, Tuesday, 27/2/07 at 1.30pm was agreed. He spoke about a meeting of the Coastal Issues Group regarding the beaching of MV Napoli and the issues which could be learnt following this, particularly with regard to looting. Unless there was a Public Inquiry, nothing would be learnt and in this connection, NDDC was writing to the Governemtn to back up Devon County CouncilÕs call for an Inquiry. When the new Council forms in May following the Elections, there would be a slight change in Councillors allowances where they will have their own individual budget to hand out limited donations to organisations/projects in their Ward, similar to that which has been the case with Councillors since the life of the new Devon County Council. 147. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. The surface water gullies appeared to be blocked at Withywell Lane traversing Ora Stone casuing standing water problems. This to be reported to Highways. 148. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None. 149. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. Report from the Enforcement Officer regarding Speedwell. Following his initial visit, the owner of the property had written to him in response to his earlier letter, stating that only part of the annexe is let and that he still has exclusive use of the ground floor. After consulting with the Planning Officer, it continues to be considered that the owner is in breach of the planning consent due to various aspects. A letter is in the process of being drafted to that effect giving the owner a final opportunity to make a retrospective application within 21 days, cease the unauthorised use of the annexe or face more formal enforcement action. (2) The following Planning Applications were considered: Page 3 Ð 22.02.07 a) 43613/14 Ð Listed Building Application - Erection of double garage (amendment to approved permission 40409/10) Ð Higher Ham Farmhouse, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. b) 43512 Ð Erection of dwelling Ð land adjacent 1 West Croyde, Croyde. A site visit was arranged for Friday, 23/2/07 at 12.30pm. c) 43819 Ð Reduction in height of existing pole barn Ð Myrtle Meadow, Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. d) 43593 Ð Extension to managers dwelling (amended plans) Ð Croyde Bay Holiday Village, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. e) 43760 Ð Continued siting of holiday hut & extensions (renewal of Planning Permission 32326) Ð Wendy House, 25 Leadengate Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend with the condition to maintain the present occupancy conditions. f) 43557 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new garage/store together with alterations to access Ð 10 Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. g) 43541 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð 6 Seabirds Park, Withywell Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. h) 43849 Ð Notification of intent to carry out work to trees within a Conservation area in respect of the felling 7 sycamore trees Ð Hill Park, Church Road, Georgeham. The following response to be sent: "The Parish Council think it would be a shame to lose them in their entirety, especially as these long serving trees are in a Conservation Area. As a compromise perhaps pollarding of said would be the answer. We are aware that the Tree Warden is seeking a Tree Preservation Order on these 7 sycamores and therefore, are happy to go along with his/her expert decision. i) Application 43806 Ð Retrospective application for erection of porch linking main house with garage Ð Tythe Barn, 4 Cott Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. j) Application 43875 Ð Demolition of existing and erection of new dwelling Ð Woody End, Bottoms Lane, Darracott, Georgeham. It was resolved to respond as follows: "We would refer you to the response made on 27/11/06 as follows: Councillors were in unanimous agreement to reply as follows: "Georgeham Parish Council move to refuse. It was felt that the proposal is too big for the site and certainly too high. The height of the proposed building would be detrimental to the visual status of this part of the Darracott hamlet. Council is aware that when "Woody End" was first built it was allowed under an agricultural tie (has this tie been lifted?). It is now split off from the land and outbuildings it had the tie to. Finally, should this development be allowed it would see the loss of a potential "first time buyer" property which this community can ill afford". Furthermore would you please investigate the status of the agricultural tie that was imposed on "Woody End" when it was very first developed in about 1970. This to be copied to the District Councillors requesting their support. (3) Planning Correspondence: Page 4 Ð 22.02.07 (a) The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted. APPROVALS 42992 Ð Extension to flat at Saltrock, Hobbs Hill, Croyde. 43005 Ð Extension to shop at Saltrock, Hobbs Hill, Croyde. 43479 Ð Variation of Condition 5 (occupancy restriction) attached to Planning Permission 36895 to allow temporary use for a further 12 months of 1 unit of holiday accommodation as permanent dwelling at Heddon Mill Farm Cottage (adjacent to Jack Smales Cottage), Heddon Mill, Braunton. 43440 Ð Extension to dwelling (amended plans) at 20 Davids Hill, Georgeham. 43378 Ð Erection of conservatory at Withywell House, Withywell Lane, Croyde. 43336 Ð Extension to dwelling at Middleborough House, Baggy Point, Croyde. 43372 Ð Extension & alterations to dwelling at Sea Birds, Withywell Lane, Croyde. 43276 Ð Change of use of tea rooms to form additional living accommodation at May Cottage Tea Rooms, 7 St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde. 43507 Ð Extension & alterations to form improved WC facilities including disabled persons WC Ð Thatched Barn, Hobbs Hill, Croyde together with letter from Planning Department. 43034 Ð Demolition of existing dwelling & erection of new dwelling at The Mead, Withywell Lane, Croyde together with letter from Planning Department. 43477 Ð Retrospective application for demolition of existing & erection of new garden shed at 2 St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde. 43616 Ð Continued siting of holiday chalet (renewal of Planning Permission 28376) at Briarfield, 23 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 43498 Ð Installation of 2 velux windows together with installation of solar panels at Ash-Dene, 6 Sandyway, Croyde. 43419 Ð erection of 1 agricultural building to store machinery and apples at 9 Home Farm Close, Croyde. 43597 Ð continued siting of summer bungalow (renewal of limited period Planning Permission 28465) at 5 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. (b) It was noted that Planning Application 43616 Ð continued siting of holiday chalet (renewal of Planning Permission 28376) Ð Briarfield, 23 Leadengate Close, Croyde had been recommended for approval under the existing conditions by the Parish Council, following the deadline date being before the February Meeting and all Councillors being consulted. The NDDC Approval Notice for this Application has since been received. (c) It was noted that Application 34204 Ð Variation of Condition 3 (painted timber window & door frames) & Condition 2 (approved plans) attached to Planning Permission 41384 to allow UPVC window & door frames & amended plans at land between Sandbourne & Baggy View, Down End, Croyde was going to appeal. Further observations or amendments to the original response to be received by the Planning Inspectorate by 14 March 2007. (d) NDDC Planning Department had advised that in respect of Application 43802 Ð Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 Schedule 2, Part 6 and Part 7 agricultural and forestry buildings and operations. Proposal: Agricultural building works prior notification for storage shed for equipment and feed at Field OS 6940 Withywell, Croyde, that planning permission is required because the storage shed is already Ôin situÕ and thus cannot be a Prior Notification. Planning Permission is required to retain the storage shed. A reply to be sent thanking the Planning Department for the information and commenting that the full Planning Application was awaited. (e) NDDC. Letter regarding Planning Permission granted for a limited period regarding retrospective temporary sting of metal containers for use as changing rooms at Georgeham Playing Field. The application forms sent for completion to be passed to the Parish CouncilÕs agent Mr T Richards for the relevant attention. Planning permission and funding is in situ. Page 5 Ð 22.02.07 150. MATTERS ARISING. (i) Safety Along the Georgeham/Croyde Road. Follow up letter from Road Safety Officer, Mr M Newcombe. A site meeting had been held on 31 January with Mr Newcombe and Mr Ray Pattenden, the Schools Travel Plan Co-ordinator and Councillors. As a result, funding had been allocated for a feasibility survey etc. A reply to be sent thanking him for his time at the meeting resulting in a positive and encouraging stance. The Parish Council look forward to a further update. To be on the March Agenda. The possibility of a Clearway from the Village Hall to Streamways was again mentioned at this point. (ii) Chapel Street Hedge. Copy correspondence had been received addressed to residents from North Area Highways Management. They have been requested to advise how they were going to return the land to DCC. DCC had offered the sum of £30p.a. to the Parish Council for cutting the hedge. This sum was felt to be inadequate. A letter in reply to be drafted by Councillor Symonds. 151. ACCOUNTS AND PAYMENTS. (i) Balances as at 31.12.07 19,602.22 Receipts Cemetery Fees 273.00 Payments As previously authorised 2,785.86 BALANCE AS AT 31.1.07 17,089.36 (ii) The following payments were approved and authorised: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for January 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for January 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for January 07 £ 84.50 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in the public toilets £ 14.01 NDDC Salaries Recharges Oct 06 Ð Jan 07 £2593.92 South West Water Water supply at the Cemetery £ 6.12 South West Water Water supply at the public toilets £112.33 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 6.00 Mileage expenses Ð Dec 06- Feb 07 £56.88 Contribution towards CiLCA Course £60.00 £122.88 The latter item was proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Mapp and agreed. RSS Playmakers Partial payment of invoice for work to Croyde and Georgeham Play Parks £4287.50 (iii) A request from the Clerk was considered regarding the cost of an intensive weekend course regarding the Certificate in Local Council Administration on 3 & 4 March at The Tiverton Hotel. The fee had been subsidised by DEFRA and was £160. This was agreed at a sum of £60 as noted above. Page 6 Ð 22.02.07 152. CORRESPONDENCE. (i) NDDC. Prohibition of Drinking in Public Places Ð Croyde. Councillor Symonds had studied the document and confirmed it was unaltered from the old Order. Members agreed to reply endorsing this adding that we look forward to the introduction of the new Control Order and fully expect the police to enforce it rigorously. (ii) Community Council of Devon. Invitation to enter the Calor Village of the Year. To be passed to Anna Cox, the local Community News Correspondent of the North Devon Journal for inclusion in the Georgeham Column. (iii) ROSPA. Notification that the annual inspection will be carried out during March 2007. (iv) DCC. Details of Highway Management Restructuring. (v) National Association of Local Councils. Review of the Quality Town & Parish Council Scheme which was noted. (vi) Barnstaple & District Civic Society. Conservation Awards 2007. CARA to be nominated for clearance work of the Crydda. Councillor Symonds to deal. (vii) DCC. Services offered by the Devon Adult and Community Learning. Noted. (viii) Communities and Local Government. Consultation on amendments to the Model Code of Conduct for Local Authority Members. Noted. (ix) Miss I Jones. Request for donation for Georgeham Village Hall in connection with the Gents Toilets and building works for a disabled toilet. To reply advising that the Council were sympathetic to the request and were willing to set aside a sum of money, but to comply with Audit Commission regulations, a copy of the latest accounts to be submitted together with the Minutes of the last Annual General Meeting so that this can be minuted. (x) Mrs A Benham-Clarke had advised that the proposed date for the Georgeham and Croyde Summer School in the Playing Field was Sunday, 19 August and requested approval of this. She also enquired if the Parish Council would consider paying for the insurance of the fete. Councillors were in agreement with the date. A reply to be sent with the same comments contained in Miss JonesÕ letter and asking for a copy of the final accounts for last yearÕs events. (xi) NDDC Ð Review of the Role of Post Offices. Report received from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee who had requested that lobbying continue. The Government are presently consulting on the future of the post office network and responses were required by 8/3/07. Councillor Symonds to draft a response. (xii) Devon Association of Parish Councils. Transforming Public Services in Devon. Noted. (xiii) North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Details/posters of the Croyde Coastal Scrapbook Project. Councillor Harrison will post in Croyde. 153. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ Devon in Touch. February 2007. _ Standards Board for England. February 2007 Issue. Page 7 Ð 22.02.07 154. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Mapp advised that difficulty had been experienced contacting the Community Development Unit following the Parish Plan but contact had been re-established and any reports were to be copied to them. There was a possibility of setting up a fund raising workshop for one evening for all projects in the Parish. He had spoken to Chris Burrows regarding the title of the Skateboard Board and it had been agreed to amend the title to Croyde and Georgeham Skateboard Club. Letterheads had been altered. 155. URGENT MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN. Councillor Symonds: (i) Boundary of Playing Field. A report had been made regarding the construction of a bridge connecting two properties in Longland Lane and Rock Hill which traversed the Playing Field owned by the Parish Council. Permission had not been sought by the residents and the Parish Council were opposed to this structure being there. Councillor Symonds had drafted an appropriate letter to be sent to the residents requesting the removal. (ii) Location of a Memorial Bench. Mr Christian Bailey had requested permission to place a seat in memory of his grandparents. The CouncilÕs preference was the Waveform seat one of which was presently situated at Down End. This location was not thought appropriate for another such seat, and a location at Putsborough to be investigated. Councillor Tucker advised that Mr BaileyÕs Grandmother had spent many hours raising money for RNLI here which had given her much pleasure. (iii) Councillor Maskell: Style at bottom of Leadengate. He had enquired on behalf of a resident if this could be amended for pushchairs and wheelchairs. As this was not a definitive right of way, no action could be taken. (iv) Councillor Mapp. Regarding the proposed car park charges at Braunton, he felt this would have an effect on people in this Parish. In addition, the low rate should be for 2 hours allowing people sufficient time for doctorÕs appointments, shopping and a meal. Following Councillor Mrs Barnes proposal, it was agreed to send a letter of support recognising their needs but suggesting the low rate should be for 2 hours. 156. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Thursday, 29 March 2007 at 7 p.m. in Georgeham Village Hall. The meeting ended at 10.20pm.