MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 25 MARCH 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, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: 4 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 155. Apologies. Councillor E Short, County Councillor Mrs C Chugg, District Councillor M Wilkinson (at another Meeting in London), PCSO D Kingdon. 156. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 25 February 2010 and 26 February 2010. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 157. Representations from the Public. No matters were raised. 158. Declarations of Interest. District Councillor Mrs Pat Barker made the following statement: I shall consider the Applications under Minute No. 156.2 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. 159. Reports: 159. Police. PCSO D Kingdon was on holiday but had asked Phil Powell of Braunton Police Station to telephone the Clerk with the following report: In the Braunton Police Area there had been 46 recorded crimes in the last month, 4 of which referred to the Croyde and Georgeham area involving 3 young males with possession of cannabis who were given a warning/caution and criminal damage to vehicle parked in St Mary's Road, Croyde, involving slashed tyres. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and agreed that the Clerk write to Superintendent Kevin Harris at Barnstaple Police Station commending PCSO Kingdon on his work in the Parish, for his efforts and consciousness. 159.2 County Councillor Mrs C Chugg. Not present. 159.3 District Councillors Mrs P Barker reported that it had been an eventful month. She had attended a Police Meeting in Exeter with the acting Chief Executive of North Devon Council. Also present was a representative from the Home Office. There was concern that people in North Devon did not known how they felt about the Police. It was an interesting event but nothing new emerged. The Police are trying to ensure they are interacting with local Councils and also making every effort to make people feel safe. There was worry that this was presently not the case She had also attended an AONB Meeting in Croyde, accompanied by Councillor Symonds at which concern regarding the erosion of the sand dunes and other issues were spoken about. A Meeting with Andy Bell representing North Devon's Biosphere Reserve had been arranged and his Report would follow. Small grants can be applied for to the SDF to help promote the AONB. The SDF may also be able to assist with a grant for signs. Braunton Parish Council had asked for a grant towards new signs for the entrance to Braunton, Knowle and Saunton. Signs in the AONB area were to be uniform as was the case in other parts of the Country. Councillor Maskell asked why the Council had considered it necessary to fix an illuminated sign at the entrance to Barnstaple. Beach cleans were well organised and attended. Car parking in Croyde. This issue had been discussed at a Meeting of the North Devon Executive and would be free after 6pm. The sign would be changed in due course. It had been asked for the whole area to be uniform in terms of timing at car parks. Woolacombe was experiencing problems with camper vans being parked along the Esplanade. A PACT Meeting was being held the followed Monday to discuss this issue. Councillor Symonds spoke about an incident in Croyde where circumstantially there was a view that 2 identifiable persons had committed an act of vandalism on a taxi. The Police had requested assistance in finding the individuals who were seen and the Police were called. It was not possible for them to attend for 4 hours at which time the individuals could not be traced, there being no cover for the area. It was known however that the Police had spoken to the two people in question. 159.4 District Councillor M Wilkinson. Not present. 160. Planning. 160.1 Matters Arising. 160.1.1. Heather Down, Down End. Correspondence with the Enforcement Officer since the last Meeting was noted. To be an item on the April Agenda. 160.1.2 Councillor Maskell enquired about Baggy Lodge. Councillor Symonds advised that the field was being graded with spoil being dumped at Down End, The Environment Agency had checked the situation and confirmed this was in order. Councillor Symonds proposed that a letter was written to Enforcement regarding the removal of landfill material from Baggy Lodge which was being transported to a field in Down End, enquiring if this was correct, if officials were aware of the work progressing and whether a Licence was in place. The letter to also say that when the developer feels that the landscape is complete, the Parish Council would like to know to ensure that the opportunity is given to ensure that it has been done correctly and in this connection four Parish Councillors would like to attend a Meeting. 160.1.2 Field adjacent to Stentaway Lane, Putsborough. It was advised that Enforcement Officer Sheila O'Brien was dealing with the matter and that a letter from her had been received which was read to the meeting. This said that the track was required for agricultural purposes and Planning Permission was required. The owner occupier was entitled to submit a Retrospective Application and had been requested to submit this within 21 days (by 24/3/10). This Council would be notified on receipt of the Application. If the works continues, the owner had been advised that he would be doing this on his own risk. Councillor Tucker advised that the road had been completed and gave details of the roads which had been constructed. From a visual point of view, they were unobtrusive. To be on the April Agenda. Councillor Symonds spoke about the Appeal in respect of the Caravan at Stentaway Lane, noted under Minute No. 160.3.2. The Camper van parked at Cloutmans Lane was also mentioned where the legality was discussed. 160.2 Planning Applications: 49825 - Erection of 3 x 2.0 - 2.5 MW Wind Turbines along with turbine foundations; switch room; cable routing & trenches; site access & tracks - including vehicular access to/from A3123; hard standing areas; & contractors compound at Great Shelfin Farm, Mullacott Cross, Ilfracombe. This Parish is being consulted as an adjoining Parish. The documentation was substantial and the details were on display half an hour before the Meeting for Councillors and the public to view. In this connection, a letter from Liddell Thomson Consultancy had been received advising that hard copies of the Planning Application can be viewed at The Ilfracombe Centre and North Devon Council. Electronic versions of the Application can be viewed on the Council's website. Councillor Symonds advised that if Councillors wished to discuss this in detail, he would call a separate Meeting. Councillor Tucker spoke about the Fullabrook Application and reminded the Meeting that a decision could not be made at that time due to a multiplicity decision. He was of the opinion that this Parish Council has never had a major view of wind farms. Councillor Mrs Barker considered that of all the Wind Farm Applications she had seen, this was one of the better sites. Councillor Harrison advised the site could not be seen from most areas of Ilfracombe. Councillors spoke about the details with Councillor Mrs Barker speaking about the Lyn Project. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds that this Council broadly supports wind energy and the issues regarding the location and planning, we leave to the District Council Officers to apply the appropriate Deposit Plan Policy. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. Councillor Harrison proposed that a more definitive statement was made, adding that 'we feel that the location for a wind turbine site is very suitable and could bring benefits to the area and we would support the proposal. There was no seconded and the proposal fell. A Vote was taken on Councillor Symonds' proposal: 5 in favour, 1 against, 2 abstentions. Carried. 49875 - Application for consent for works to trees Covered by a Tree Preservation Order in respect of removal of 4 Beech Trees at Mains Down Lane, Oxford Cross, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval with the comment that the Parish Council would like to see these trees be replanted. 49892 - Extension to dwelling at 9 Ora Stone Park, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 49957 - Conversion of Garage to form ancillary living accommodation at 10 Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 49956 - Extension to dwelling to include a dependant relative's annexe at Lower Meadow Cottage, Frog Street, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval with the comment that the matter needs to be seriously considered at District to bring forward a positive decision on this application which will enable a local family to become self determining and care for their own relative. 49976 - Formation of two dormer windows at Michaelmas House, Darracott Rise, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 160.3.1 Planning Correspsondence: The following North Devon District Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 49619 - Listed Building Application for formation of new vehicular access and closure of existing access at Perrymans, Netherhams Hill, Georgeham, 49662 - Retrospective Application for regarding of ground levels to level off existing Caravan Pitches at Putsborough Sands Caravan Park, Putsborough. 160.3.2 Notice of Appeal. It was noted that an Appeal had been made in respect of Application 49261 - Retrospective Application for erection of decking and associated earth bank at The Folly, Broadway Lane, Croyde. The start date was 8/3/10. The Appeal will be determined on the basis of written representations. 160.3.4 It was noted that the District Council had no observations, as a consultee to DCC in respect of Application 40912 - Application under Regulation 3 of the T & C P General Regulations 1992 by DCC in respect of change of use of staff living accommodation to ancillary accommodation at Georgeham County Primary School, Putsborough Road, Georgeham. 161. Matters Arising. 161.1 Parking Charge Time in Croyde Car Park. This item had been covered under Minute No. 159.3. Councillor Symonds wanted clarification as to when the reduction at 6pm was from. Councillor Mrs Barker advised it was immediate. Summer parking times would commence on the coming Sunday. 161.2 Dangerous Tree in Chapel Street. It was noted that the work had been done. 161.3 Erosion of Sand Dunes at Croyde. This item had been covered under Minute No. 159.3. 161.4 Croyde Play Park. It was noted that the work had been completed. It was further noted that ROSPA had been advised that the Inspection could take place. Councillor Symonds advised that the Bench by the swings had been repaired. The Concrete Bench originally in place had been disposed of. 161.5 P3 Funding - Adwell Lane. The work in Adwell Lane had been done. 161.6 Georgeham Church of England Primary School. Ward funding from County Councillor Mrs Chugg had been applied for. The District Councillors Grant Funding had been received. There was to be a Meeting of Georgeham Relief in Need Committee to consider a donation. Councillor Mrs Slade felt it would be wrong to donate money from this Organisation towards the project. 161.7 Data Protection. A reminder to be sent following the Registration Form being submitted. 161.8 Recent Bad Weather. It was noted that, following a reminder, an acknowledgement had been received from North Area Highways with regard to this Council's request for grit bins. District Councillor Mrs Barker to request additional grit bins. To be on the April Agenda. A discussion took place about the advantages and disadvantages of clearing snow. 161.9 Parish Biodiversity Audit. It was noted that arrangements were in hand and that Ecologist Anne Harvey has been asked to contact Councillor Harrison, which she had done and the Survey completed. A Report was expected shortly. Councillor Harrison advised that during the Survey, Japanese Knotweed had been discussed. 162. Accounts & Payments 162.1 Balances. Current A/ct Bus Instant Access A/ct As at 29/1/10 2,929.81 46,796.18 Receipts Transfer from BIA A/ct 6,000.00 Cemetery Fee 53.00 Cemetery Fee 34.00 Refund from Bank for unauthorised o/d fee incorrectly applied as Clerk had effected a transfer (as above) 15.00 Bank interest 1.79 Payments Transfer 6,000.00 Balance as at 22/2/10 5,489.36 Balance as at 09/02/10 40,797.97 Budgetary figures for February were tabled at the Meeting. 162.2 The following payments were approved and authorised: Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 10.77 Contribution towards petrol for Finance Course £ 1.50 £ 15.27 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 18.04 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for Feb 2010. Invoice No. 108 £ 183.49 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for Feb 2010. Invoice No. 109 £ 494.86 Ground Maintenance for the month of February 2010. For the hard cutting back of all shrubs in the beds around the Glebe site and weeding said beds all waste removed from site. Labour 63 hours x 2 persons. Tip charge. £1,338.91 The supplying of mulch has not been charged for as this has not been carried out yet. £2,017.26 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for February 2010 £ 121.33 The Crydda Half page advert for 12 months from April 2010 - March 2011 £ 235.00 Mr M Symonds 1st payment on grass cutting & maintenance contract 2010/11 £ 492.50 North Devon Council 1st instalment - Non Domestic Rates Bill for 2010/11 in respect of Georgeham Cemetery £ 117.04 162.4 DCC Grant. It was noted that the sum of £825.00 has been received in respect of the P3 Grant and a letter of thanks sent. 162.5 National Savings Investments. The Clerk had ascertained that it was not possible for this Council to purchase Post Office Fixed Rate Bonds. 163. Correspondence & Reports. 163.1 Glasdon. Brochure and 10% discount voucher. Noted. 163.2 Mrs P Pinn. Letter regarding the removal of the Elm Plank Bench at Down End. It transpired that the Bench had been placed as a memorial to her Son, but no plaque had been fixed. A letter of explanation had been sent with the offer from Councillor Symonds to transport her to the new location of the Bench which she had accepted. She was satisfied with the explanation and that any upset caused had been unintentional. 164. Publications Received. _ North Devon Council Newsletters and Bulletins _ RD&E Express. March 2010 _ Devon Talk. Spring 2010 _ Neighbourhood Policing Newsletter _ Clerks and Council's Direct. March 2010 _ North Devon Direct. Spring 2010 _ Village Green. March 2010 _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. March/April 2010 165. Meetings attended by Councillors/Clerk 165.1 The Clerk tabled a Report on her attendance at a Parish Council Emergency Planning Session. A discussion took place regarding an emergency plan. Councillor Symonds was confident that common sense would prevail at times of emergency. 165.2 The Clerk would table a Report on her attendance at a Finance Course - Preparing for Audit at the April Meeting. 166. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. 166.1 Councillor Symonds had attended an AONB Meeting with Councillor Mrs Barker. The sand dunes were discussed, as was Baggy Point. Certain areas of the village were looked at. Mr James Bate was present who was progressing the revised Conservation Area details. He had spoken to Dr J Carey-Wood, Head of Leader 4, about the Pavilion in the Playing Field and she had advised that this was the type of project they would support. Councillor Symonds had explained the aspirations of a carbon green building. Dr Carey-Wood's details were passed to Councillor Maskell who would make contact. Open space money was discussed. Councillor Symonds had not agreed with everything Mr S Mulberry of the National Trust and Vice Chairman of the AONB had said. 166.2 Councillor Mrs Barker had arranged for the Down End lay bys to be cleaned. She enquired about the Burger Van located outside Croyde Village hall between 10am & 2pm and was advised that Croyde Village Hall Committee had not granted consent for this. 167. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. 167.1 Councillor Tucker: With regard to the tap in the Playing Field, on inspection by the plumber it was discovered that the weather had damaged it and due to its age, it was obsolete and the parts could not be obtained. A replacement could cost in the region of £500. In addition, drinking fountains were now not considered to be hygienic. The options were to either take away the tap and leave the memorial stone or for a percussion tap to be fixed. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds and unanimously agreed to remove the tap and leave the wall for any plaques. Councillor Tucker to organise. He had placed the boulders on the verge opposite the Village Shop to prevent lorries damaging the grass. He proposed to open dialogue with residents who park opposite the Village Shop on the junction. Councillor Maskell advised that he had spoken to one of the families who use the area to park their car. Hedgecutting had been carried out at the ground owned by Mr P Milton. With regard to the ground on the right hand side at Darracott, the landowners name to be obtained so that he could speak to them about cutting their hedge. Councillor Maskell spoke about the property which the Enforcement Officer had been asked to investigate in 2009 which now had a caravan, hardstanding and stables. He would print a map and send to the Clerk for the details to be forwarded to the Enforcement Officer He wished to attend the Woolacombe PACT Meeting as an observer. Councillor Mrs Barker spoke about the plans for Woolacombe Esplanade where parking metres were to be installed. Civil Parking Officers would check the area on an ad hoc basis. She advised that this was a different problem to that those which are experienced in Croyde. 167.2 Bus 308 Route. This item has been requested by Councillor Maskell who felt that the bus used was too big for the lane. A letter to be written to Stagecoach requesting a smaller bus explaining that the present bus was causing chaos and there had been numerous complaints. A request to be made for consultations to be with the Parish Council. Councillor Maskell felt the Play Area at Georgeham needed to be done in the near future. Councillors discussed the fact whether there was necessity to wait and see where the Pavilion was to be sited, possibly on the Play Area and move the Play Area when necessary, or proceed with the Play Area now. The Play Park Sub Committee to meet, joined by Councillor Mrs S Hood and to report at the next Meeting. 167.3 Councillor Mrs Meek asked about the footpath from Frog Street and if it was to be weed sprayed and resurfaced. She was advised that this would take place in the Autumn. Mr Meek was willing to refurbish the Cemetery notice board and this was welcomed. An up to date plan of the plots to be made available. The Google van had visited the village. 167.4 Councillor Mrs Hood had received representations about dog fouling in the Glebe Field area. It was noted there was a Dog bin at Davids Hill. Councillor Mrs Slade to include an article in The Crydda about the importance and legality of clearing up after dogs. She advised that Georgeham 20 had not been successful in their Grant Application from DCC ROCKets. She had spoken to someone involved in the decision making process who advised that more funding was available and a site visit would be made. It was known that Highways were concerned regarding the proximity of road. She had been asked to enquire what had happened following the site meeting with Denice Daniel of DCC Highways at Jones's Hill and was advised that nothing more had been heard. The Clerk to send a reminder. 167.5 Councillor Mrs Slade advised that the Georgeham sign at Higher Ham had been damaged by a vehicle. Highways to be asked for a replacement. She asked for the grey dog bin near the School to be put on the rota list for replacement when new ones were purchased each year. Councillor Symonds to repaint the present one in the meantime. 167.2 Insurance Review. The Clerk advised that details were being sent to Came and Company who specialise in providing Parish Council Insurance through Aviva. It was known that they offer comparable or increased cover to that already provided at competitive prices. 168. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 22 April 2010 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Annual Parish Meeting will be on Thursday, 29 April 2010 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.28pm.