MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 25 JUNE 2009 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs P Barker, M Harrison, Mrs S Hood, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, E Short, Mrs L Slade. Also in attendance: 10 members of the public, PCSO D Kingdon, Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 20. Apologies. Councillor R Tucker, County Councillor Mrs C Chugg. 21. Approval of the Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held on 28 May 2009. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 22. Representations from the Public. Charlotte Luckett Ð Planning Application 48573. This would be heard prior to the Application being considered. Dominic Rausenbaum - Planning Application 48375. This would be heard prior to the Application being considered. 23. Declarations of Interest. Councillor Mrs P Barker made the following Statement: I shall consider the Applications under Minute No. 25.2 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. 24. Reports: 24.1 Police. There was no crime regarding the recently held Oceanfest. A debrief meeting was yet to be arranged. In the 11 years of the event, crime and incidents were at an all time low. Other issues to report: During the last month, there was criminal damage at Ruda when a fire alarm and fire extinguisher was set off. The culprit had been apprehended. In Georgeham there had been to a vehicle involving the side of a vehicle being scratched with a sharp instrument; theft of mail involving a utility bill. There had also been theft of cash (£100) from an electric meter from a holiday let in Croyde. Councillor Symonds raised the issue in St MaryÕs Road early on the Saturday morning of Oceanfest. PCSO Kingdon intended to carry out a large letter drop regarding this the follow day. 24.2 County Councillor Mrs C Chugg. When sending her apologies, Councillor Mrs Chugg advised that there was nothing to report on County Business at present but if any of the Councillors would like to discuss anything they can contact her on 01271 815820. She would be from 25 June until 5 July. 24.3 District Councillors Mrs P Barker and M Wilkinson. Pat Barker. The proposed increase in Councillors expenses of 4.5% had been frozen and no rise would take place. She had attended an informative meeting Page 2 Ð 25.06.09 regarding new schemes to protect all IT equipment and there had been a tightening up throughout the Council. The reorganisation was progressing, the Executive having 10 members and these had specific responsibility for each part of centrally dedicated services that people expect. There are 4 groups within that which will overlap and exchange ideas with other groups to see how things can be moved forward economically giving better value for money for the Council. She is on the Executive and being introduced to various organisations, including Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the Biosphere. Hydro electric scheme were being investigated. There was a lot of support from DCC and it was hoped that they would assist with funding for these projects. The Local Government Review was ongoing. Malcolm Wilkinson. He advised that Woolacombe were doing a signage audit within the Conservation Area. It had been noted that a number of signs had been put up over the years which do not have regularisation. Various businesses are being visited around the Conservation Area using an aide memoire prepared by The Conservation Society, handing this to all shop owners, not to order the signs to be taken away, but to regularise them. Councillor Symons advised this project would also take place in Croyde due to being in dialogue with James Bate regarding the Conservation Area and negotiations to possibly extend the area. Councillor Wilkinson spoke about Civil Parking Enforcement Officers. Woolacombe was to have a dedicated officer and enquired how effective the monitoring had been in Croyde. Councillor Symons advised that he had seen Officers regularly on duty. The original intention at Woolacombe was that traffic parking meters would fund a Traffic Warden but this has not materialised and he wanted to know the outcome. He had no confidence in the decision to be made by the Boundary Committee. 25. PLANNING. 25.1 Matters Arising. Unauthorised Development Ð Erection of decking & extensions to chalets/lodges at Heather Down, Down End, Croyde. As no reply had been received to the last email before the May 2009 Meeting, a further email was sent. An automatic response email was sent advising that Mr Harrington was out of the office until 29 June. The Clerk telephoned North Devon Customer Services and asked for this to be logged and a diary note had been made to ensure that contact is made and a reply received well ahead of the July Meeting, to prevent a similar situation occuring again. Councillor Short enquired if it would be advantageous for a Retrospective Application to be submitted. Councillor Symonds advised this would not be applicable as the matter had to be clarified via Enforcement. The concern was the extension of the curtilage and other development, the movement of buildings on the site and a track. Councillor Barker advised that quarterly sheets were produced to obviate monthly reports. Councillor Symonds acknowledged this but explained that no replies were being received to emails, in particular an email sent before the last Meeting. Councillors were in agreement that the matter should remain on the Agenda. Stationing of a caravan on land to North of Higher Stentaway, Broadway Lane, Croyde. The Enforcement Officer had replied following leave that he had visited the site on 23/4/09 as part of his monitoring of the site. He advised that whilst the actual Page 3 Ð 25.06.09 timber lodge accords with the legal definition of a mobile home and was therefore lawful in that location, he is concerned with regard to decking that has been erected around the timber cabin, and also the earth movement to level the area of ground that the cabin/decking sits on. In this connection he has written tot he owners of the land inviting a retrospective planning application for these two items. Councillor Symonds advised that the site was finished. Councillor Mrs Slade was of the opinion that if a caravan was there to replace a building, the old romany style caravan should have been removed, otherwise there was the danger of another caravan being sited there in 10 years time. She acknowledged that the lodge style caravan falls within the law, but pointed out that as the situation stood, the old style caravan should be taken off the site. Unauthorised Summer House at Baggy Lodge. The Enforcement Officer had advised that the owner of the property continued to believe that the structure should be considered permitted development, but he did not support this view. The owner had been informed and advised that as and when an Enforcement Notice was served seeking removal of the summerhouse, there was a 28 day appeal period. Councillor Symonds advised the Meeting that there was a photograph in the 2009 Oceanfest Programme which showed the site post the development of the sewage treatment works but prior to the development of Croyde Bay House Hotel and this information had been passed to the Enforcement Planning Department and Planning OfficerMrs Pool. Councillor Harrison arrived. 25.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 48476 - Alterations to include masonry walls & slate room to sun-room, re- roofing & internal works at Dunedin, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48496 - Erection of stables at land at Darracott (PT OS 6619) Darracott, Georgeham. It was considered that the stable block had been built but moved by 25 feet which is the reason for this Application. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48573 - Change of use of land to allow car parking 08.00 - 20.00 for 59 days between Whitsun & August Bank Holiday each year at Field No. 5068 land off Moor Lane, Croyde. Miss Charlotte Luckett, Land Agent, addressed the Meeting to explain the reason for the Application. She advised that this temporary application was for 49 days, not 59 days as stated. She went on to explain that the Applicant already has permission for 28 days and wished to add a further another 21 days, having seen there was a need for parking at the north end of the beach. The applicant conducts safe, well managed parking which creates employment of seasonal staff and no engineering works were planned. From the site there is level access to the beach, a disabled parking area has been provided, the entrance is well policed and the entrance to the farm is never blocked. Whitsun should be identifiable as the late May Bank Holiday. Ms Luckett said the Planning Department had received the change of number of days details so the Parish Council could debate the 49 days. Page 4 Ð 25.06.09 Councillors spoke in favour of this type of parking facility and welcomed that it was not an application for 365 days which would have a massive impact on the area. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48375 - Outline Application for erection of one dwelling (amended plans) at Garden of 10 Cloutmans Lane, Croyde. Dominic Rosenbaum addressed the Meeting. He spoke regarding the amendments which had been made on the recommendation of the planning officer to appease the recommendations of Mr Brooks, the neighbour. Councillor Symonds read the Parish CouncilÕs previous response to the Planning Department following consideration at the May 2009 Meeting and advised Councillors that this Council has to be consistent with the fact that the Parish Council previously recommended agreement for a bungalow. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48555 - Application for removal of Condition 3 (occupancy restriction) attached to Planning Permission 2/81/2191/28/2 to allow Local Needs Occupancy at Lower Meadow Cottage, Georgeham. Councillor Symonds explained the reason for this Application. It was resolved to recommend approval. 25.3 Planning Correspondence: The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 48316 - Extension & alterations to dwelling at Ramil, Rock Hill, Georgeham. 48304 - First floor extension to dwelling at Journeys End, Cross, Croyde. 48279 - Extension to dwelling at 6 Broad Park Close, Croyde. 48124 - Extension to dwelling (amended design to that approved by Planning Permission 47195) at 20 Sandyway, Croyde. 48210 - Erection of conservatory at Meadow Cottage, Hobbs Hill, Croyde. 48298 - Erection of one agricultural building at Broadgate Farm, North Buckland. An Amended Decision Notice from North Devon Council was noted as follows: 48181 - Erection of conservatory at 11 Davids Hill, Georgeham. It was noted that Planning Application 48171 - use of land for temporary siting of a four position "Skymaxx" bungee trampoline for public use during school holiday period at part of field OS 4468, Moor Lane, Croyde, had been WITHDRAWN. 26. MATTERS ARISING. 26.1 Tourist Signing - Chapel Farm Craft Gallery, Croyde. A letter had been received from Devon County Council as a result of this Council's letter, informing that a sign had already been reviewed and refused at this site. It further advised that Brown Tourist Signs were approved when the venue was for tourism interest and not a retail trade. An email had been received acknowledging receipt of the letter via email which had been passed to the DCC official dealing with the matter and his reply was awaited. Page 5 Ð 25.06.09 In reply, a letter had been drafted by the Chairman advising that this Council supported a Brown Tourism Sign and pointed out that although the premises is a retail outlet comprising items from local crafts-people, it was also a venue which was of interest to tourists. The letter had been copied to District Councillor Mrs Barker, County Councillor Mrs Chugg and Mr Learmonth, owner of Chapel Farm Gallery. 26.2 Relocation of Dog Bin - Leadengate Close. Following a site meeting undertaken by Councillors Symonds and Tucker, the Clerk had been instructed to order a new dog bin for fixing to a post on the other side of the lane. The owner of a property in Leadengate Lane had been advised of this, as it was his original request, and a reply had been received thanking the Council for their help and co-operation. The Clerk had ordered the new dog bin and an Invoice received, mentioned in Minute No. 27.2 below. Arrangements to be made for the new bin to be fixed. The old bin will be a spare. . 26.3 Village Gateways/RockETS Grant Application - Councillors Mrs S Hood to report. Councillor Mrs Hood circulated Councillors with the design which had been won by the Taylor family of Croyde. The structure would not be sited on the pathway going down the path to Croyde. The main plinth would be of local stone, the words 'drive safely' in stainless steel lettering on a wooden sleeper and the disc above in brushed steel. Coastal style planting would be around the base. The 20mph speed restriction throughout Georgeham would not be included. With four gateways, each would be on a plinth but there could be different types of art at each entry point. Security was discussed to prevent the otter on the side of the structure from being removed. Councillor Mrs Hood advised that the sculptures would be included within the application for the ROCKets grant. Councillor Symonds advised that Croyde should be included as part of the Parish with the possible renewal of the stone sign at Down End with a larger stone. He feared that 3 extra sculptures would be excessive but Councillor Mrs Hood felt these would add interest and blend into the environment. Councillors were not in favour of the stainless steel element in the design and were of the opinion that cement would be more in keeping. Slate and tin was mentioned. The lettering has to comply with regulations and Councillor Mrs Hood advised that Mr M Newcombe, the Road Safety Officer at DCC had agreed to fund the cost of auditing the gateway. It was hoped this would be carried out within the month. It was felt that it should be progressed and apply for grant and a dedicated meeting could then be held. 26.4 Traffic Order - Croyde Road. This had been approved in time for the Oceanfest event. 26.5 Memorial Bench - Georgeham Cemetery. The person who had made the original enquiry for this had been advised and was very pleased that permission had been granted. The Clerk had contacted the firm who Page 6 Ð 25.06.09 manufactures the Waveform Bench and obtained the price but before advising the person who was to donate the bench, the courier's price was awaited. 27. Accounts & Payments 27.1 Balances. Current Business Instant Account Access Account As at 01/05/09 19,291.46 43,904.18 Receipts Bank Interest 2.04 Right of Burial Fee 110.00 Payments As previously authorised 7,036.63 Balance as at 29/05/09 12,364.83 43,906.22 Budgetary figures for April and May were tabled. The Clerk advised that the sum of £6,000.00 had been transferred from the Current Account to the Business Instant Access Account since the Statements showing the above figures had been received. 27.2 The following payments were approved: Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 13.77 Postage (100 x 39p & 25 x 61p) £ 54.25 £ 71.02 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 17.73 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for May 2009 £179.59 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for May 2009 £ 484.34 TOTAL £ 663.93 Mr S M Wightman Under charged amount £2,300.00 The total amount was included in one cheque. Jewson 4 Invoices: £111.90; £9.74; £10.76 & £2.50 £134.90 R Gibbons Removal of brambles at Glebefield £150.00 Councillor Mrs Meek asked that because of the above item, consideration should be given for the Parish Council taking responsibility for it. After a short discussion, it was the view that the shrubbery should be removed and grassed to the wall to prevent further work being necessary. Page 7 Ð 25.06.09 Councillor Mrs Slade highlighted the fact that the flower beds in the car park did not look attractive. Councillor Symonds explained that Mr M Symons previously worked on these but he had been told not to do so. This to be an item on the July Agenda. Councillor Maskell recommended that the car park barrier should be remade to prevent damage to a vehicle and a possible claim made to the Parish Council. This was discussed. It was felt the onus was on the vehicle as a height restriction was given. Councillor Symonds advised that the design was given by North Devon Council car parking department. Councillors were in agreement for Councillor Maskell to ascertain the price for the gallows to be above the barrier as opposed to beneath. Glasdon U.K. Limited Replacement Dog Bin for Leadengate Close £308.25 Simpkins Edwards Internal Audit fee for 2009 £575.00 Devon Association of Parish Councils Membership Fee £285.05 This includes £28.05 VAT which can be reclaimed. Eibe Play Ltd. VAT on swing £216.31 The Invoice to be sent to District Councillor Mrs Barker who would make enquiries with regard to claiming a Ward Fund grant retrospectively. Cllr J Symonds Work at Play Park £165.00 Vanguard 2000 Security cover at Croyde Play Park £ 80.00 Mr M Symonds Works carried out on the instruction of Cllr M Harrison on Footpaths £587.50 Mr D Jones Erection of swing in Croyde Play Park £250.00 27.3 Devon Association of Parish Councils. Enquiries had been made if this Council require additional copies of the Village Green (£5.50 per annum) and/or the Local Council Review at £13.50 per annum. Councillors did not wish to proceed in each case. 27.4 Review of Clerk's Salary. North Devon Council Payroll Department had been advised of the revised salary, but required a letter signed by the Chairman to authorise the amendment. This was done by the Chairman at the Meeting and was unanimously agreed. 27.5 Bank Mandate. It was agreed to delay the completion of this document adding Councillors Mrs P Barker and Mrs S Hood as cheque signatories until the next Parish Council Election. Seven other Councillors were on the present Mandate as signatories and three were required to sign each cheque together with the Clerk. 27. Correspondence & Reports received by the Clerk 27.1 TRP South West Ltd. Suppliers of plastic and rubber products for children's play, construction and landscaping. Taken by Councillor Symonds. Page 8 Ð 25.06.09 27.2 DVLA. It was noted that details had been requested for two more vehicles left in Georgeham Car Park. Councillor Symonds advised that one of the vehicles had been removed. 27.3 The National Trust. Letter received updating the Council with the future plans for Sandleigh, Croyde. Noted. 27.4 Simpkins Edwards. Following the conclusion of the 2009 Audit, letter received confirming that all was in order, with no expected modifications, no unadjusted misstatements, no comments regarding fixed assets, no comments regarding the Annual Return, no comments concerning the qualitative aspects of the Council's accounting practices and financial reporting and no other matters that they are required by auditing standards to communicate to the Council. The Clerk brought the Council's attention to a 'home audit' service operated by Mr Ken Abraham, former employee of the Audit Commission, whose fees are significantly lower than those this Council have been paying. Councillors felt that a relationship should be continued with Simpkins Edwards and asked if they would do it for a reduced price. 27.5 Rural Community Network The organisation wish to distribute their weekly digest and have asked for Councillors' email addresses so that this can be done direct. Councillors were not in agreement for their email addresses to be given, with the exception of the Chairman. 28. Publications Received. _ NDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ North Devon Direct. Summer 2009 _ Village Green. June 2009 _ Senior Council for Devon. June 2009 Newsletter _ Local Council Review. Summer 2009 _ RD&Express. May 2009 29. Meetings attended by Councillors/Clerk Councillor Short advised that following a survey carried out by a Geologist at his property, there was the possibility at some point that a Tsunami which hit Croyde in 1607 could be repeated. Councillor Symonds advised that there was a fault line to the 5 finger coastline in southern Ireland which caused this. Councillor Harrison had received details of a P3 Workshop which will look at the issue of the way the P3 funding is to be restructured. A report will be given at the next Meeting. 30. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman The new Swing had been put in place in Croyde Play Park. He advised that small gas canisters had been found all over Croyde, particularly in the Play Park and PCSO D Kingdon had been given a specimen for this to be investigated. 31. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Page 9 Ð 25.06.09 Councillor Maskell advised that the replacement mirror had been obtained for the Cemetery but that the original one will be left in place for the time being. He thanked the Parish Council for the provision of the swing in Croyde Play Park. Councillor Mrs Slade reported that Footpath No. 1 was overgrown and this issue would be followed up by Footpath Officer, Councillor Harrison. It was questioned as to whether the field was over seeded, with a metre wide section being left around the field edge. Councillor Harrison advised that the original footpath went diagonally across the field. One person had complained to her about Oceanfest which involved people urinating in the road. Councillor Symonds highlighted about review meeting and this will be addressed. Members of the public in the audience mentioned pot plants being pulled up. Councillor Mrs Slade also advised that there was insufficient accommodation for large single sex groups and she had seen exhausted people on the hill leading from Georgeham to Little Roadway Farm. It was noted that Croyde Village Hall had a gangster rap evening on the Friday evening of Oceanfest which drew more young people into Croyde. Councillors Harrison and Mrs Meek had also received complaints. Road at back of Sandy Lane. This road is the main access to the beach from Bay View Farm, and was badly churned up. The Meeting was advised that previously, Park Dene had put scalpings down but this was no longer the case. An email to be sent to North Area Highways and the Public Rights of Way at DCC explaining that Sandy Lane leading to Croyde Burrows from the Down End Road was badly dilapidated with large potholes and flooded. A request to be made to DCC Public Rights of Way to inspect it and suggest how it could best be repaired for the benefit of walkers. Ruda does not own it, despite the previous owner advising to the contrary, the Deeds clearly stating that it was not in their ownership. The road was unadopted Ð if it was adopted it would have to be brought up to the standard of highways which be of great expense. Councillor Maskell explained the way road was adopted in connection with private bonding. Councillor Mrs Barker asked the feeling of Councillors with regard to residents parking permits in Croyde for people living in St MaryÕs Road. Councillor Symonds advised that this issue had been addressed with Martin Williams and due to the amount of spaces he would not fund or manage it. Councillors would not object to Councillor Mrs Barker speaking to him about it. It was noted that the amount of parking between St MaryÕs Road and Millers Brook is not sufficient for the amount of residents with vehicles. Councillor Symonds advised that any pay and display money would not go locally but to Westminster. A member of the public spoke about the yellow lines at Millersbrook and felt the Parish Council was against the public. The reason for the yellow lines was explained by Councillor Symonds who added that the matter of parking had been given a lot of time. The issue was then again given much discussion. Councillor Mrs Barker stressed that the issue was nothing to do with the Parish Council. Councillor Mrs Hood suggested the people who were objecting to the yellow lines form a group and lobby the County Highways as from experience, if there is strong enough residential representations they would take more notice. Page 10 Ð 25.06.09 Conversely, they should continue to pursue the matter even if they met with opposition. It was suggested that a Planning Application could be submitted in respect of the derelict piece of land nearby. 32. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 30 July 2009 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.28pm.