MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 25 OCTOBER 2007 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. Present: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, W Foster, S Maskell, Mrs Meek, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillor Mrs P Barker, Mr S Mulberry of the National Trust, 2 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 83. Apologies. Councillors M Harrison, Mrs L Slade, E Short, District Councillor M Wilkinson, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. 84. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 27 September 2007 and 1 October 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 85. Reports: Police. Sgt J Pearce advised that there were very few crimes to report, with none relating to the community. There had been 150 crimes for the year to date, an increase of 7%. This was due to a high number of vehicles being broken into in April and subsequently 3 offenders had been apprehended and were now in jail. The figure was expected to be level by the end of 2007. He further advised that criminal damage and disorder had all seen a decrease although harassment had increased. A high visibility engagement would be taking place in the community over the weekend of 3/4 November at which he would like the Parish Council to be involved. The Neighbourhood Policing Team and Response Team would be out in force listening and dealing with issues raised by the community. Councillor Tucker mentioned the lay-by bus stop and the fact the camper vans had now been moved on. He asked for Police support for an extension of the Clearway from Bay View Farm onwards in the light of problems experienced there. Councillor Tucker also raised licensing and asked Sgt PearceÕs view about drinking in public. Sgt Pearce advised that the Police does not have an issue with the extended hours and there had been no more disorder or complaints than in the past. New licensing legislation has had an impact on the tourist trade. As regards the planned Oceanfest meeting, Stagecoach Bus Company was also to attend this. They had been particularly helpful during the 2007 event. District Councillor Mrs P Barker. She reported on the following: _ NDDC had confirmed the approval of a £15,000 grant for Croyde Village Hall. _ Following the Public Inquiry on the Fullabrook Wind Farm application where approval had been granted, NDDC were to implements arrangements for a judicial review. _ A presentation of the proposed Atlantic Array wind farm was given at the last full Council Meeting. _ The first approval of a grant had come through for Georgeham Toddler Group. _ The proposed rebuilding of Baggy Lodge is to go to appeal on 11 December. _ She had attended a Planning Committee workshop which clarified 106 Agreements and when to call in Applications. Similar workshops are planned. _ She had been to a political speed dating event at Chulmleigh College. _ There had been a meeting of the Ilfracombe and Northern Area Committee on 1 October with presentations from 2 groups regarding young people involving Devon Youth Service and the role of young advisors. _ The Beach Policy Committee had instructed the RNLI to carry out a risk assessment of our beaches. _ An excellent presentation by County Councillor Mrs A Davis and Councillor M Prowse had taken place at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee earlier in the month. Mr S Mulberry on behalf of The National Trust. He thanked the Council for allowing him to attend. _ He visits Parish Councils around North Devon and circulated a map showing ownership of National Trust land. _ He gave details of proactive interests such as the Croyde Sewage Treatment Works and overflow tanks in Lime Kiln Field. Grazing to the South slope of Baggy Point had been Page 2 Ð 25.10.07 reintroduced using Hebridian sheep. The footpath to Baggy had been upgrated for the less able to use. Hidden counters on the footpath showed that 70,000 visitors per annum visit Baggy Point. _ Georgeham Primary School was the first school in the country to visit the TrustÕs Head Office and the Trust is pleased to have a long standing guardianship with it, with a close working relationship. The new Headteacher was very supportive. _ The organisation is involving in Parish planning processes and have talked to NDDC regarding their approach to the coast. _ There have been a few issues including a letter of complaint from CARA following the Oceanfest event regarding noise and excessive numbers of people during that weekend. _ At Sand Lea, it was considered that the agricultural yard behind the wall was a wasted space and could be put to better use. In this connection, a public consultation event was planned for 24 November in Croyde Village Hall. Development ideas, particularly from young people, would be welcomed. It was hoped to obtain a grant from North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty organisation. Councillor Tucker mentioned the Skateboard Club and the success they had seen at the rear of the Village Hall. _ The National Trust was involved with the Surf Life Saving Club; they were keen to take forward work for undergrounding of cables. _ The Waveform Seat, recently fixed on the Coast Path between Putsborough and Woolacombe as a memorial was in fact on National Trust land whose policy was to only accept such structures should there be a need. The Trust were in agreement for it to remain for its lifetime. Councillor Tucker apologised for the fact that he was responsible for its location. _ A discussion ensued regarding the Oceanfest event where the Parish Council has a good relationship with the organisers and who were in close liaison with the Police. It was acknowledged that organisation of the event had improved over the years and should the event be held in 2008, loudspeakers would be facing out to sea so that residents, particularly those in Moor Lane, would be less audibly affected. The Trust were to be invited to the review meeting attended by the organisers, Parish Council, Police and Stagecoach Bus Company. Councillor Tucker advised that the Parish Council was broadly in favour of the event but a close watch was being kept for potential problems. Alcohol advertising was mentioned. Councillor Maskell advised that in the past stalls had not been allowed but four charity stalls would be given permission to trade in 2008. _ Councillor Maskell enquired about the area at the Lime Kiln Field and the Surf Life Saving Club and was advised that discussions were ongoing. Mr Mulberry was thanked for attending. 86. Representations from the Public. Mr R Carter advised he would like to see a skatepark in Georgeham on the same lines as that which has been established in Croyde. The Chairman encouraged him and like minded people to pursue this, as had been the case in Croyde. Councillor Maskell advised there were plans to revamp the Play Park at Georgeham, with the swings moving to the Croyde Play Area and replacements being fixed in Georgeham. Mr Chris Burrows was present to emphasise that skateboarding was not for older people. The area at Croyde was designed specifically for local children. He said if a similar person in Georgeham wanted to see the same facility there, it could be done. 87. Declarations of Interest. Councillor Foster Ð Prejudicial - Planning Application 45465. Councillor Symonds- Prejudicial - Award of Tender. 88. PLANNING. 88.1 Matters Arising. Banner at Baggy Lodge Croyde. It was reported that the Enforcement Officer had visited the site and had seen the structure. The owner would be contact by the District Council and the Parish Council would be kept informed. Forecourt of Croyde Post Office & Brook Stores. Copy correspondence to CARA had been received advising that upon inspection, it was considered there was no breach of planning. Page 3 Ð 25.10.07 Car Park Area at Cross, Croyde. No reply had been received and a reminder to be sent. Thatched Barn, Croyde. The Clerk to ensure that a reply was received to report at the November Meeting. 88.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 45338 Ð Insertion of dormer window & formation of balcony at 2 Croyde Sands Bungalows, Croyde. Councillor Symonds proposed refusal on the ground that it is out of keeping with rest of plots. Seconded by Miss Brian. Vote: 5, 1 abstention. The proposal was carried. 45406 Ð Extension to dwelling at 11 Sandyway, Croyde. Councillor Tucker proposed refusal on the grounds that it is too big and too high in relation to the properties on the rest of the estate and a loss of garage. Seconded by Councillor Miss Brian. Vote: Unanimous. 45357 Ð Variation of Condition 1 of Planning Permission 22389 to allow closure of Caravan Site on 16/11/07 & re-opening on 14/3/07 at Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde. Councillor Maskell recommended refusal on grounds that there is no valid reason to change the conditions as set out in consent 22389. Furthermore these conditions as shown in 22389 do give Croyde 4 months of relative tranquillity and a return to a village way of life. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek. Vote: Unanimous. 45333 Ð Extension to Village Hall at Croyde Village Hall, 1 JonesÕs Hill, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45465 Ð Erection of 1 eco house dwelling at garden of 10 Moor Lane, Croyde. Councillor Foster declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45112 Ð Extension to dwelling at Happy Days, 15 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45459 Ð Retrospective planning application for the erection of decking at Endless Summer, 26 Leadengate Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 88.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: Approvals 45037 Extension & alterations to dwelling at Mill Farm, 41 St MaryÕs Road, Croyde. 44996/97 Listed Building application for extension to dwelling at Fig Tree Farm, 47 St MaryÕs Road, Croyde. 44773 Extension to dwelling at West End, Netherhams Hill, Georgeham. 44952 Enlargement of 1 dormer window at Koppatan, Moor Lane, Croyde. 44817 Extension to Hall to form store & erection of access ramp at Croyde Village Hall, 1 JonesÕs Hill, Croyde. 45091 Installation of 3 solar panels at Manor Farm, Putsborough. REFUSAL 45082 Ð Erection of agricultural building at Great Middleborough, Middleborough Lane, Croyde. 88.3 (2) Copy correspondence was noted from the Planning Department to ApplicantÕs Agents regarding agricultural prior approval for erection of hay store/implement shed at land at Oxford Cross, Georgeham. Copy correspondence was noted from the Planning Department to ApplicantÕs Agents regarding agricultural building works prior notification for erection of agricultural machinery store at Pickwell Barton, Georgeham. Page 4 Ð 25.10.07 Copy correspondence was noted from Mr M Inglis to NDDC Planning Department regarding condition of trees adjacent to 9 Broad Park Close. These are Parish Council trees and a communication from NDDC Planning was awaited. It was noted that the approved postal address for the new dwelling adjacent to Roylands, Moor Lane, Croyde would be: The Old Coach House, Croyde, Braunton, Devon, EX33 1NU. 89. MATTERS ARISING. 89.1 Proposed Bus Stop in Georgeham. The work had been completed. A note of thanks to be sent to DCC Official Mr J Beardsley. 89.2 Footpath between Georgeham and Croyde. Councillor Foster advised that he had spoken to Road Safety Officer Mr M Newcombe a number of times. He would be attending the November Parish Council Meeting. Mr Simon Hill from DCC Design had carried out a site visit and his report was awaited. The planned Meeting with the School would take place on 15 November when the matter would be further discussed. 89.3 Prohibition of Drinking in Public Places and PCSO Cover. Sgt Pearce had already spoken on this earlier in the meeting. 89.4 Bike Rack in Croyde. Councillor Maskell had obtained a quotation for stainless steel material which was £600. Members were in full agreement for the work to be carried out. 89.5 Georgeham Car Park and vehicles parked for excessive time. No reply had been received from Braunton Parish Council. The DVLA required our request to be on a special form with the relevant cheque for the charge. It was noted that additional cars are now parked, the details of which Councillor Symonds will pass to the Clerk for attention. Meanwhile, Councillor Tucker to speak to the garage owner as it would appear many of the cars are from his premises. 89.6 Georgeham Primary School. This had been covered under 7.2 above. 89.7 ClerkÕs Contract of Employment. This was carried forward to the November Agenda. 89.8 Marine Dredging, Culver Sands. Draft letter prepared by Councillor W Foster in response to the consultation received circulated to Councillors which it was agreed should be sent as the Parish CouncilÕs representation. 90. Accounts & Payments 90.1 Balances were noted as follows: Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 31/08/07 2,475.50 35,511.43 Receipts 35.00 98.02 Withdrawn 1,574.33 Balance at 30/09/07 936.17 35,609.45 90.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for Sept 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for Sept 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 The firm had advised that due to damage caused to trees, they would be replacing these. J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for Sept 07 £169.00 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in the public toilets £ 3.50 Page 5 Ð 25.10.07 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 4.12 Vanguard 2000 Croyde Play Park Security Sept 07 £180.00 NDDC Recharge of salaries July-September £2,704.32 Croyde Village Hall Reimbursement of fee to join Fund-Raising Standards Board £ 30.00 Simpkins Edwards Internal audit Work for the 2006/07 accounts £ 587.50 90.3 It was noted that Mr J HumphreysÕs wage had been increased to £5.52 per hour in line with the National Minimum Wage with effect from 1 October 2007. 90.4 It was noted that the sum of £16,660.00 in respect of the 2nd instalment of NDDC Precept/Grant had been received and banked. 90.5 Completion of new Bank Mandate for all Councillors to be included as signatories. This to be done when all Members were present. 90.6 Award of Tenders for the Smaller Grass Cutting Contract for 2008/09. Councillor Symonds declared a personal interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was noted that one Tender had been received. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell, seconded by Councillor Tucker and unanimously agreed to accept Mr M SymondsÕ Tender. The Clerk left the Meeting due to illness. 91. To note correspondence & Reports received by the Clerk 91.1 Defra. Copy of booklet "Ways to tackle climate change". Taken by Councillor Foster. 91.2 Copy correspondence from Mr J van Montfoort regarding public transport co-ordination. Noted. 91.3 (i) Safe & sound Playgrounds Ltd. Details of new equipment or to refurbish existing. These details were added to literature reference play areas. A discussion took place about a special meeting regarding the play area at Georgeham and what equipment was needed. It was fixed for Thursday, 1 November in Georgeham Villag Hall. 91.3 (ii) It was agreed to pay the additional charge of £60 plus VAT quoted by ROSPA to carry out an inspection of the skatepark at Croyde. 91.4 DCC. Offer by Caroline Verney to address the Parish Council regarding the services that Devon Adult and Community Learning can offer the Parish. Councillor Mrs Meek to find out more information and report at the next Meeting. 92. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ Devon Playing Fields Association Newsletter. Autumn 2007. 93. Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Risk Management, Risk Assessment & Complaints Procedure A new version of Standing Orders to be brought forward and passed to Clerk for minor amendments. 94. Meetings attended by Councillors 94.1 Councillor Symonds had met at Montague Farm, Croyde regarding the road surface which had broken up. Highways to be asked to investigate. Also from Watery Lane there is a pipe issuing into stream. Samples had been passed by Councillor Symonds to the Environment Agency. 95. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. No matters were raised. Page 6 Ð 25.10.07 96. Matters Raised by Councillors appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. No matters were raised. 97. Date of Next Meeting Thursday, 29 November 2007 NOT 22 November 2007.