MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 25 FEBRUARY 2010 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs P Barker (District Councillor), M Harrison, Mrs S Hood, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, E Short, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillor M Wilkinson, PCSO D Kingdon, 4 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 137. Apologies. None. 138. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 28 January 2010. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 139. Representations from the Public. John McBride spoke about Stentaway Lane which was currently being developed without planning permission. Councillor Symonds said he expected this item to be raised. He asked Councillors if they were aware of the current situation and they were not. He advised it would appear that extensive road works across the land involving approximately 20 acres were taking place. Some hedgerows of fields had been scrubbed out some time ago and the area now comprised one field. Councillor Symonds further advised that North Devon Council Enforcement Officer, Mrs S OÕBrien was dealing with the matter and had visited the site. Following further contact with site operatives they had ceased all work until the outcome of the situation had been verified following clarification being sought. A Meeting had taken place that day with Mrs OÕBrien, Planning Officer Mr Bob Pedlar and Planning Manager Mr Mike Kelly. There were various options open to them and it would take some time (days), which were (1) to serve a temporary stop notice; (2) to serve a permanent stop notice, the latter of which would take a week for the various procedural arrangements to take place. In addition, the Enforcement Officer had that day been in contact with the selling agents asking for clarification as to how the current owner was proposing to sell the land in lots which may lead to legal technicalities which the owners would have to overcome and would lead to the Enforcement Team possibly recommending an Article 4 Notice involving the parcel of land having limited development rights. This process was being addressed. The outcome would not be known until the following week. The operatives were under the instruction of the owner as if they continued to proceed, they would be liable. Councillor Symonds was of the opinion a Temporary Stop Notice would be served. It was explained that roadways were permitted to be put across agricultural land for agricultural use, but the work going on had already been deemed more than that. Mrs OÕBrien had been advised that it was the ownerÕs intention to extract the stone from the top of the hill which would require planning consent to extract and in all probability, not be granted due to alteration of the skyline. Mr McBride asked if the Council would be asking Mr Down, the site owner, of his intensions and this was confirmed. The matter was being taken very seriously. Mrs OÕBrien would liaise back through the Parish Council via (District) Councillor Mrs P Barker. Councillor Symonds would keep Mr McBride up to date. 140. Declarations of Interest Councillor R Tucker declared a Prejudicial Interest on the following Planning Applications under Minute No. 142.2: 49662 - Retrospective Application for regarding of ground levels to level off existing Caravan Pitches at Putsborough Sands Caravan Park, Putsborough and 49785 - Extension of time limit for implementation of Planning Permission 36886 - erection of Surf School, Life Guarding/Beach Safety Provision & changing facilities at Putsborough Sands Car Park. The Chairman advised that both Councillor TuckerÕs Applications would be taken together rather than as they appeared on the Agenda to save him leaving the room twice. District Councillor Mrs Pat Barker made the following statement: I shall consider the Applications under Minute No. 142.3 at this Meeting as a Parish Councillor and if and when these Applications come before a District Council Planning Committee for determination, I shall then consider them on their planning merits and with all available information before me. 141. Reports: 141.1 Police. PCSO D Kingdon advised that there had been a few criminal damage incidents in the village caused to cars parked on Davids Hill and Newberry Hill which seemed to be on the increase. It involved two parallel scratches on vehicles or breaking off windscreen wipers. He was aware that other similar instances had not been reported and encouraged people to do so. He had carried out house to house enquiries, a letter drop in Davids Hill, details had been included in The Crydda, on the Police website and mentioned at the Street Surgery. He urged anyone who had information to get in touch with him. It was noted that Newberry Road was becoming congested with inconsiderate parking. Councillor Mrs Slade this did not apply to the lay bys, the problem being at the bottom of the road close to the junction with Chapel Street. Councillor Tucker enquired if damage to vehicles was happening in the same area and this was confirmed. Cars had also been damaged while parked in the car park and has taken place on different days. To conclude PCSO KingdonÕs Report, he advised that a Speed Survey had taken place which had been beneficial and would be repeated. 141.2 County Councillor Mrs C Chugg. Not present. 141.3 District Councillor Mrs P Barker. She advised that the items she would be reporting on will be raised during the Meeting. She handed the Clerk a list of Committees in which she is involved. The details to be circulated to Councillors. She advised the Meeting that she was happy to discuss items with anyone who had concerns which she could take back to the Committee. 141.4 District Councillor M Wilkinson. He spoke about the Local Government Review. The recommendations from the Boundary Committee will be Exeter as a Unitary Council and the rest of the area, excluding Plymouth and Torbay, lumped together. It was considered this was a far from satisfactory result, with concerns regarding finances, maintenance of roads and the danger of this area becoming even further out on a limb. There was now greater importance in cross working with Torridge District Council to strengthen Northern Devon. The recommendations were for the proposal to go ahead from 1/4/11. Devon County Council were challenging the decision with a 75% chance of winning. District Councillor Mrs Barker added that the Conservative Party had vowed they will not proceed with a Unitary Council. The Bill was refused on financial reasons a few years ago. North Devon Council had increased Council Tax going up by 2.5% and the Parish Grant at present paid by the District Council will no longer be paid in 12 months time. 2 members of the public arrived. The grant for the Primary School for £1,000 had been submitted. District Councillor Ward Funding grants were to be cut from £1,500 to £1,000 for the next financial year but Councillor Wilkinson stressed that schemes would continue to be able to benefit. A recent Standards Committee Meeting to consider a Member being disrespectful, lasted for 5 hours. A Planning Meeting solely to discuss the Tesco Application at the present Brain FordÕs Store on the Seven Brethren Bank site would take place on 17 March. 142. Planning. 142.1 Matters Arising. 142.1.1. Heather Down, Down End. Correspondence with the Enforcement Officer was noted since the last Meeting. The issue was one of volume and not square metreage. A response regarding the legality of the track was awaited which it had been advised had been in place for 4 years. The decking was classed as a building. Councillor Maskell was of the opinion that the decking encased more than 10 cubic metres. SM thought it does encase more than 10 cu m. Councillor Tucker recalled that planning problems in the past had been referred to the Planning and Enforcement Officers at North Devon Council. Councillor Maskell queried whether situations such as this should be pursued as representatives of the community. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that the Parish Council has to put forward what it thinks and feels, and the District Council has to put forward on the balance of probability. Councillor Symonds spoke about the decking at Broadway of which the Enforcement Officer was aware. He proposed that the Officer was contacted in respect of the track and decking as follows: As an enforcement case the owners have been asked to submit a Planning Application and they should be pressed for this. Councillors are fairly sure the owner could not prove, if necessary, that the track was in place as this Council believes the work took place in the Summer of 2007. 142.2 Planning Applications: Councillor Tucker declared a Prejudicial Interest, left the Meeting and did not take part in the discussion or decisions thereon in respect of the first two Applications considered. 49662 - Retrospective Application for regarding of ground levels to level off existing Caravan Pitches at Putsborough Sands Caravan Park, Putsborough. It was resolved to recommend approval. 49785 - Extension of time limit for implementation of Planning Permission 36886 - erection of Surf School, Life Guarding/Beach Safety Provision & changing facilities at Putsborough Sands Car Park. It was resolved to recommend approval. 49730 - Siting of one underground LPG tank at Sandleigh, Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. DCC Application ACB/DCC/2996/2010 - Change of use of staff living accommodation to ancillary accommodation at Georgeham C of E Primary School, Putsborough Road, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 49668 - Extension to dwelling at Glebe Cottage, Chapel Street, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 49804 - Extension to dwelling & conversion of loft space to form additional living accommodation together with installation of external wall cladding & solar panels at Crowborough Farmhouse, Georgeham. Mr and Mrs Rowley, neighbours, were permitted to speak as they were not present during Public Participation and gave their opinions. They felt the timber cladding was out of keeping with the property and the area. Councillor Mrs Slade proposed to refuse, seconded by Councillor Maskell. Vote for 4. Councillor Tucker proposed a site visit, seconded by Councillor Short. Vote for 5. Carried. This was fixed for 8am, 26 February. Councillor Symonds advised that the site visits would also be open to the public. 142.3.1 Planning Correspsondence: The following North Devon District Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 49325 - Demolition of existing & erection of one new dwelling at 2 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. 49530 - Construction of hard surfaced tennis court together with erection of fencing at Cock Rock, Croyde. 49525 - Extension of time limit for implementation of Planning Permission 43336 (extension to dwelling) at Middleborough House, Croyde. 49588 - Demolition of existing and erection of new dwelling at 11 Cott Lane,Croyde. 142.3.2 WITHDRAWAL OF APPLICATION. It was noted that Application 49368 - demolition of 12 chalet buildings & erection of one building providing 56 x bedroom accommodation at Unison Croyde Bay Holiday Village, Down End, Croyde had been WITHDRAWN. 142.3.3 NOTICE OF APPEAL was noted in respect of Retrospective Application for the change of use of agricultural land to form domestic curtilage & erection of shed at Sunny Ash Corner, Georgeham by Mr I Upright. The Appeal is against the decision of the Local Planning Authority to refuse Planning Permission for the above development. Further observations or amendment to the original response had to reach the Planning Inspectorate by 26/2/10 and could be submitted online. Councillor Symonds advised the Meeting that the normal course of action was that a recommendation had been made and no further action was taken. 142.3.4 O/S 5516 - Field adjacent to Stentaway Lane, Putsborough. This was connected to the matter raised under Public Participation. 143. Matters Arising. 143.1 Lighting and Parking Charge Time in Croyde Car Park. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that as previously reported, the decision had been taken not to have additional lighting in the car park. With regard to the parking times, the issue was still outstanding. She had asked for the times to be in line with the rest of those in the North Devon area during the Winter. The item has to go to the Executive Committee of North Devon Council for a firm decision to be made. 143.2 Dangerous Tree in Chapel Street. It was noted that advices had been received that the tree was to be felled shortly. 143.3 Erosion of Sand Dunes at Croyde. Councillor Mrs Barker reported that it was hoped Mr Andy Bell Ð AONB Officer to attend a site visit so that a Report could be prepared. 143.4 Croyde Play Park. It was noted that the Clerk had been advised that the work was due to commence the week commencing 22 February. This had not been the case and the matter to be pressed, bearing in mind that ROSPA would be carrying out the annual Inspection during March. 143.5 Use of Bridleways by the Trail Riders Fellowship. Further correspondence as noted. Councillor Mrs Meek enlarged on this and further advised that all the Paths which had been won at the Planning Inquiry were back in the melting pot. Unless there was new evidence, DCC recommend that they withdraw them. Councillors were in agreement that she and her team get together to deal with this on the Parish CouncilÕs behalf. 143.6 P3 Funding - Adwell Lane. Councillor Harrison reported that the Survey Forms had been submitted and advise the amount of grant expected would be reduced from £585, received last year, to £385 because the P3 funding system is now arranged on a different basis. He advised that a bid could be submitted for work to be carried out at Adwell Lane where £500 had been allocated. Various other sites were being worked on. A small amount of plainings had been spread in Sandy Lane to help the surface and puddles following heavy rain. Haven Leisure were unwilling to assist despite the surrounding fields being owned by them and whose guests have to access Sandy Lane to get to Surfers Paradise. 143.7 Georgeham Church of England Primary School. Councillor Mrs Hood reported that she had spoken to Mr Julian Thomas, the Head Teacher, who had confirmed that funding applications had been submitted to DCC and other Organisations. Councillor Tucker spoke about the work which he, Adams Plant Hire and Heddon Mill Limited had carried out to the School House garden. The Clerk, in her capacity as Clerk to the Governors, advised that Governors had asked for sincere thanks to be expressed to the three firms for their help and co- operation in connection with the levelling work which had taken place. 143.8 Data Protection. It was noted that the Registration had been submitted. Councillors were circulated with a copy of the Data Protection Policy adopted at the January Meeting. 143.9 Recent Bad Weather. It was noted that grit boxes had been requested and that a letter had been sent to County Councillor Mrs C Chugg with a request that she also requested the bins in her official capacity. The location of the bins could be decided on when they arrive. Councillor Mrs Slade to include an article in The Crydda pointing out parishioners had a duty of care with regard to the salt supply with a request that this was not taken for individual private paths, the supply being for public highways. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that the suggestion had been made for a sticker to this effect be put on grit bins. 144. Accounts & Payments. 144.1 Balances. Current A/ct Bus Instant Access A/ct As at 31/12/09 1,633.43 46,794.06 Receipts Bank Interest 2.12 Cemetery Fee 383.00 Transfer 1,000.00 Payments Transfer 1,000.00 Previously authorised 86.62 Balance as at 29/1/2010 2,929.81 46,796.18 Budgetary figures for January were circulated. 144.2 The following payments were approved and authorised: Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 10.77 Reimbursement for card £ 1.00 £14.77 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 14.19 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for Jan 2010 £ 183.49 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for Jan 2010 £ 494.86 TOTAL £ 678.35 This takes the recent VAT increase into account. J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for January 2010 £ 122.04 EDF Energy Electricity supply to car park. To be taken by D/D £ 60.48 144.4 National Savings and Investments. Correspondence was noted from Lloyds TSB regarding a new Account where it was suggested these funds could be placed. The Clerk gave full details. Councillors were not in favour of money being invested for a given period. Enquiries to be made regarding Post Office fixed rate Bonds. 145. Correspondence & Reports. 145.1 ROSPA. Confirmation had been received that the inspection of the Play Areas (3) would take place in March as is normally the case. A request to be made for the inspection to be as late as possible due to the repaired awaited at Croyde Play Area. . 145.2 Parish Council Emergency Planning Support Sessions. Councillors had been circulated with these details. It was noted that Councillor Mrs Meek, M Harrison and the Clerk would be attending on 8 March. 145.3 Nick Harvey MP. Letter and Snow Survey. Councillors did not wish to complete the Survey. 145.4 Buckleigh Linen Services. The Clerk advised that there was the facility to receive Invoices and Statements via email for which she had opted. 145.5 DCC. Offer of a free parish Biodiversity Audit for Georgeham Parish. Councillors were in favour of this. Councillor Harrison agreed to be the contact. 145.6 Glasdon. As part of their customer loyalty scheme following the recent purchase of two dog bins, a £50 money-off voucher had been received which could be redeemed against future purchases. Councillor Symonds asked Councillor Mrs Barker when North Devon Council would be replacing the litter bin on the cobbles outside the Church. She was of the opinion that this had been done and would again check the position. 145.7 North Devon Council. Letter regarding the Local Government Review. Noted. 145.8 North Devon Council. Devon Home Choice Poster for display and leaflets/user guide. Councillor Maskell felt this was something of which the public should be aware. Taken by Councillor Mrs Slade for Georgeham and Croyde Post Offices. 145.9 North Devon Council. Letter regarding Policy on Street Collection Permits which will allow 'one collection per parish per day with the exception of carnival days, the month of December, and in exceptional circumstances (i.e. national disasters), where multiple collections may take place, providing collections do not take place at the same location and at the same time'. Although not legally obliged, North Devon Council currently operate a policy of notifying Parish Councils of Street Collection Permit Applications in their area. In light of the increased number of collection facilitated by the new policy, there is likely to be a substantial workload increase for those involved in sending notifications to Parish Council and the question was asked as to whether this Council wish to be notified in future of street permit applications. Councillors were in agreement that the Parish Council should be advised. . 146. Publications Received. _ North Devon Council Newsletters and Bulletins _ The Playing Field. Devon Playing Fields' Association Newsletter. Winter 2010 147. Meetings attended by Councillors/Clerk. 147.1 At this point, Councillor Mrs Slade spoke on behalf of Mr D Tucker as it was necessary for her to leave the Meeting. It had been noted that lorries cut the corner and churn up the verge when turning into Newberry Road from Chapel Street. Councillor Tucker advised that he would take some boulders from Putsborough Beach and place at the location the following day to prevent reoccurrences. Councillor Mrs Slade left the Meeting. 147.2 It was advised that four Councillors had met and had produced a draft response to the Core Strategy Consultation which was read to the Meeting. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell, seconded by Councillor Harrison and unanimously agreed that the response form the Parish CouncilÕs representations on the document. 147.3 Councillor Tucker advised that Grounds Maintenance Contractor Mr S Wightman had weeded the entrance to Glebe Field, resulting in areas of bare earth. Mr Wightman had proposed spreading mulch on the area at a cost of £200.00. Councillor Tucker had indicated approval of this action subject to Councillors agreement. Councillors were in agreement for this action to proceed.. 147.4 Councillor Mrs Barker spoke about North Devon Council forming working relationships with neighbouring Councils. Torridge District Council did not wish to become involved and talks were being held with Mid Devon District Council and West Somerset District Council both of whom were keen to work with North Devon Council on various issues, for example, when a Head of Department retires and the services shared. 148. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. None. 149. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Mrs Meek advised that car parking is taking place too close to the Shop on the junction with drivers not using the free car park. As a result of this, the Parish Council is considering recommending a campaign for Yellow lines throughout the heart of Georgeham because certain areas such as the bottom of Newberry Road are being abused. 150. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 25 March 2010 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 10.27pm. MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON FRIDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2010 AT 8AM IN THE ROAD OUTSIDE CROWBOROUGH FARM HOUSE, GOERGEHAM. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs P Barker (District Councillor), M Harrison, Mrs S Hood, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, E Short, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. 151. Apologies. None 152. Representations from the Public. None present. 153. Declarations of Interest. No Declarations of Interest were announced. 154. PLANNING 154.4 49804 - Extension to dwelling & conversion of loft space to form additional living accommodation together with installation of external wall cladding & solar panels at Crowborough Farmhouse, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend refusal on the following grounds: It was felt that the addition of balcony structure to the building of this age was unacceptable also the addition of cladding to an otherwise rendered building would not be the correct way forward. These points of view also take into account the location of Crowborough Farm House in its setting surrounded by a further group of outbuildings/ barns and the relationship of the Farmhouse to other buildings in the immediate vicinity. A vote was taken. In favour - 7. Against - 2. Carried.