MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 25 SEPTEMBER 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors M Harrison, Mrs V Meek, R Tucker. Also in attendance: PC R Fisher and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 66. Apologies. Councillors Miss R Brian, W Foster, S Maskell, E Short, Mrs L Slade, District Councillor Mrs P Barker. 67. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 28 August 2008. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 68. Reports: Police. The Chairman welcomed PC Fisher back from a period of sick leave. He advised that there had been 4 crimes since the last Meeting Ð 2 opportunist thefts; money taken from washing machine at Ruda; a drink drive incident and a domestic incident. Logs were as follows: 1 accident at Jones Hill, 6 speed checks had been carried out with warnings given to a number of motorists. He had been working with the Road Safety Action Group in connection with the imminent implementation of the 20mph speed limit. Councillor Tucker commended the action of PCSO Hannah Mawby who had been in the village reinforcing the 20mph speed limit shortly to be implemented and asking drivers to slow down. He went on to say that in PC FisherÕs absence, the Parish Council had erected a No Parking sign at the Georgeham bus stop to stop camper vans being parked there, and this appeared to be successful. He also hoped that the Parish Council would agree to further similar signs outside Bay View Farm and PC Fisher advised that these would not pose a problem as long as they were not obstructing the road. Councillor Harrison asked for clarification of the speeds Police had been recording. PC Fisher had been in a location for approximately an hour and had issued about 9 warnings to drivers who were travelling over 30mph but none were going over 40mph. Councillor Symonds spoke about Minute No. 72.1 Ð Parking at Millers Brook and in addition mentioned the Clearway at Down End Road. As Beat Manager, PC Fisher supported the project to extend the length of the Clearway but the Road Safety Officer who has visited Down End Road considers the road was wide enough for vehicles to be parked at the side and room for travelling vehicles to pass without difficulty. Councillor Symonds spoke about traffic calming at the bottom of Hobbs Hill, considering Mr J Deasey and Mr D Netherway (temporarily out of retirement and assisting with the backlog at Highways) seemed negative in response to the proposals put forward by this Council, whereas the roads in Ilfracombe appear to be given attention. He had received a letter from Devon County Council dated 2 September in reply to our letter of 8 March 2008 which, Councillor Symonds commented was about "as good as a chocolate teapot" and asked for his comments to be minuted. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present. District Councillors Mrs P Barker. Not present. District Councillor M Wilkinson. He spoke about the final date being the next day (26/9) for final submissions to be sent regarding the Local Government Review to the Boundary Committee. He showed a pie chart which gave details that 80% of the responses received from Town and Parish Councils in Devon were against a whole of Devon Unitary Authority. Planning Officers were to carry out a review of all commercial signage in Woolacombe to ascertain which has been given planning permission. This would result in some Retrospective Applications being submitted and some signs would have to be removed. He recalled that some business in Croyde have had problems with signage and he felt that if the Planning Officers carried this out it would take away the personal confrontation between Councillors and residents. Councillors were happy for him to ask for Croyde to be reviewed. Permission for the Multi Use Games Area at Georgeham Playing Field had gone through. He advised that the second round of District Council Community Grants were taking place and welcomed any worthy cause, particularly organisations in the Village to apply. A suitably worded article to be included in The Crydda. There was no deadline date and application forms were available from Lucy Tomlinson, Community Grants Officer at North Devon Council, Civic Centre. Councillor Harrison spoke about the possibility of the Conservation Area in Mortehoe being extended and asked if Croyde would be included. District Councillor Wilkinson advised that the recommendation from the Conservation Officers was to extend the Conservation Area up Chapel Hill, Woolacombe and by Mortehoe Garage. Councillor Wilkinson was requested to ask if Croyde would be included. Councillor Tucker felt that within a Conservation Area buildings stay the same as they were planned and meant to be. The skateboard park at Croyde was briefly mentioned. 69. Representations from the Public. None present. 70. Declarations of Interest. There were no Declarations of Interest announced. 71. Planning. 71.1 Matters Arising. An update from the Enforcement Officer on land at Orchardon, Darracott was noted as follows: he had met the owners of the land and gained access to the building. Small windows had been inserted into the rear elevation of the building but no toilets had been fitted. The pipework that was to the rear of the building was to be removed at the Enforcement OfficerÕs request. He was waiting for confirmation from the Senior Planning Officer as to if it was expedient to continue enforcement action with regard to the small windows to the rear. A reply to be sent thanking him for his efforts and saying that Councillors were concerned that no mention of the septic tank had been made that has already been installed to serve this building and request a response in time for the October Meeting. 71.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 47286 Ð Installation of 1 x trough antenna & 1 x 0.75m dish antenna on existing tower together with erection of 1 x replacement equipment cabin, 1 x meter cabinet and 1 x feeder gantry at Arqiva Transmitting Station, Ora Hill, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47305 Ð Extension to dwelling at Montanna, 11 Cott Lane, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Harrison, seconded by Councillor Tucker and unanimously agreed to recommend refusal on the grounds that it is an over sized proposal and an over development of the site that would have an adverse effect on neighbouring properties and the character of the area. Also we believe that this amount of hard landscaping would exacerbate the flooding problems that Croyde is already experiencing. 47354/47323 Ð Listed Building Application for conversion of domestic ancillary buildings to form 2 units of holiday accommodation (Apartments 9 & 10) at Pickwell Manor, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47279 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new unit of holiday accommodation at Kildarna, Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek and unanimously agreed to recommend refusal on the grounds of an over sized development of the plot and over fills the plot and is not in keeping with the traditional chalet style bungalows of this area. This proposal would virtually double the size of the existing building. 46476 Ð Erection of agricultural building for storage of implements & crops (amended plans) at land at Oxford Cross, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47331 Ð Extension to dwelling at 8 Putsborough Close, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47383 Ð Extension to dwelling at 2 Rose Villas, St Marys Road, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46825 Ð Listed Building Application for siting of blue plaque at Skirr Cottage, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47399 Ð Raising roof to create first floor extension to dwelling and annexe at Moorhurst, 2 Moor Park Close, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Symonds and unanimously agreed to recommend refusal on the grounds of over development of the site turning a bungalow in a bungalow street development into a full 2 storey house/virtual mini hotel. Please refer to our previous comments regarding a previous Application on this site where concerns with parking were also raised. 47373 Ð Listed Building Application for replacement of cement slates on main house roof with natural slates at Brook House, 3 St Marys Road, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 71.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 46974 Ð Replacement slate roof together with alterations to garage at The Anchorage, Putsborough. 47127 Ð Extension to dwelling & installation of former window at 6 Putsborough Close, Georgeham. 47104 Ð Erection of replacement garage at 2 Sunnyside, Pickwell, Georgeham. REFUSAL 47060 Ð Erection of conservatory (amendment to Approval 46487 & 46511) at 3 Higher Ham Farmhouse, Georgeham. 71.3 (2) The Planning Inspectorate. It was noted that the following Appeals had all been dismissed: Appeal A Ð Two storage containers at Baggy Lodge, Croyde Bay. Appeal B Ð Summer House at Baggy Lodge, Croyde Bay. Appeal C Ð Garage at Baggy Lodge, Croyde Bay. 72. Matters Arising. 72.1 Parking at Millers Brook, Croyde. No reply had been received to the email sent as a result of the last Meeting. However, the Chairman had received a letter (mentioned in Minute No. 68 above). Councillor Symonds proposed keeping the letter he received and make contact direct with Mr J Deasey to request a site meeting at Down End. Councillors Harrison and Tucker also wished to be present. It was considered unlikely that yellow lines would be put down at Millers Brook, with residents receiving a parking permit instead. Councillor Tucker spoke about the No Parking sign which had been erected at Georgeham Bus Stop and suggested similar signs be erected outside Bay View Farm, with the permission of the owner. It was felt that the site meeting should take place first before any further arrangements were taken forward. Councillor Tucker advised that there was a Clearway to Putsborough but was unable to ascertain any Organisation responsible for regulating it. He stressed that by obtaining a Clearway, it does not mean vehicles will not park there. A Clearway cannot be enforced. Councillor Symonds spoke about unauthorised cars in Car Park, Georgeham. He had contacted the DVLA direct and subsequent correspondence to and from the DVLA. The Parish Council are able to legally impose removal of the car. Councillor Tucker had spoken to the owners of the commercial garage in Georgeham regarding the ongoing problem of cars which have been or are due to be worked on at their premises being left in the public car park due to insufficient space at their premises. Despite a promise that the vehicles would be removed from the car park, it was noted that the cars are again taking up valuable parking spaces. A sign to be erected at the car park to the effect that abandoned cars would be scrapped if untaxed and that the Parish Council would, via their Solicitors, pursue the owner for costs and fees. The wording to be legally checked beforehand. Councillor Tucker had visited Mr M Larrington of St GeorgeÕs House after the August Parish Council Meeting regarding two graffiti attacks on public buildings. He had also received a letter from the leader of group that were staying at St GeorgeÕs House at the time of the incident to which he had replied. This had resulted in an email being received from the GroupÕs leader and the matter was now considered to be closed. 73. Accounts & Payments 73.1 Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct Balance at 31/7/08 13,770.49 36,018.59 Receipts Cemetery Fees 695.00 Bank Interest 76.48 Payments Previously authorised 4,507.51 Balance at 31/8/08 9,957.98 36,095.07 73.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for August 08 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for August 08 at Cemetery £80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for August 08 £169.00 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 4.23 £ 7.23 South West Highways Signs No Overnight Parking Sign £ 73.44 EDF Energy Electricity supply to public toilets £ 24.56 Mr M J Blanche Internal decoration of walls & floors at Georgeham Football Club Changing Rooms following vandalism £364.25 Mr G Court Removal of graffiti following vandalism £240.00 Vanguard 2000. Final invoice for the season in respect of security patrols at Croyde Play Park. £160.00 Mr M Symonds. 3rd payment on grass cutting & maintenance contract 2008/09 (£475) and 2 x wood chip for Play Park (£70). £545.00 74. Correspondence and Reports. 74.1 SWH Ð Details of Road Closure for drainage works in Croyde from 8/12/08 to 10/12/08. The section of road involved is from the junction of St Marys Road and B3231 to Forda. Details to be sent to the North Devon Journal Community News Correspondent nearer the time for it to be included in the Column. 74.2 Countryside Alliance Awards. Nominations are invited by 27/10/08. The website link is www.countrysideallianceawards.co.uk. Noted. 74.3 Devon County Council. Email from Mr J Richardson-Dawes, Senior Transport Co-ordinating Officer regarding bus service changes in North Devon. None directly affects Georgeham. 74.4 Devon County Council. Letter and latest edition of ÔDevon Minerals UpdateÕ. The letter advises that DCC is carrying out an informal consultation on ÔRefreshing the Vision and ObjectivesÕ, seeking views on a revised vision and objectives for the Minerals Core Strategy and changes to the scope of the Strategy. The Consultation Paper can be viewed on the CouncilÕs website and comments are invited by 31/10/08. To be sent to Councillor Foster. 74.5 Devon County Council. Copy of the public notice in relation to the proposed 20mph speed limit which will appear in the North Devon Gazette and Advertiser on 1/10/2008. The locations were noted which would tie in at the entrance of Georgeham by Williamson Close and at Cemetery Corner for the proposed gateways to be sited. Councillor Symonds hoped to have drawings for the next Meeting. 74.6 North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Management Strategy 2009-14. Copy of the Report in hard form. It can also be accessed on line at www.northdevoncoast.org.uk. The closing date for responses is 6/10/08. Taken by Councillor Harrison and then to pass on to Councillor Foster. 75. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ Clerks and Councils Direct. September 2008. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. September/October 2008 Newsletter. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils Ð draft response to Boundary Committee Draft Proposals for Devon 2008. Taken by Councillor Symonds. _ Village Green. September 2008. _ Local Council Review. September 2008. _ Junk Mail. Summer 2008. _ Standards Board for England. Town & Parish Standard. September 2008. 76. Meetings attended by Councillors Councillor Harrison had a P3 Meeting organised by Devon County Council. There had been a poor attendance and the opportunity was taken by the two DCC Public Rights of Way officials, Mr R Spurway and Mr S Houghton to walk to Broadway Lane which is Footpath 26 and a public right of way. It was noted that despite heavy rain, resulting in field water cascading from the hedge, it was flowing away without any problem. Mr Houghton is to speak with the owners of Cherry Tree Farm regarding maintenance of the hedges being cut back to allow easy access for walkers. It was noted and logged that there were a few missing signs. Councillor Symonds thanked Councillor Harrison for his efforts as Footpath Warden. Councillor Harrison had also attended the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Meeting at Woolacombe and the ÔExplore BrauntonÕ Meeting where he is in the process of trying to get the organisers to include Croyde in this initiative. 77. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman Councillor Symonds reported that there had been a considerable amount of support for the Planning Application in respect of the Skateboard Area in Croyde with letters of support far outweighing those objecting to the facility. 78. Matters Raised by Councillors appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Tucker had received a letter regarding the unsatisfactory state of Croyde Play Area. This had subsequently been attended to by Mr M Symonds of Bay Gardens, for which his Invoice in respect of wood chip was approved under Minute No. 73.2 above. The situation was now in order. Vanguard 2000 who had been patrolling the Play Park during the Summer Season had advised that there had been few incidents this year. 79. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.05pm.