MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 26 FEBRUARY 2009 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors M Harrison, Mrs V Meek, E Short. Also in attendance: District Councillors Mrs P Barker and M Wilkinson, PC Greening, 6 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 143. Apologies. Councillors S Maskell, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker, PC Russ Fisher. 144. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 22 and 26 January 2009. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 145. Reports: Police. PC Greening gave apologies from PC Russ Fisher. He advised that there had been one incident in the last 26 days since the last Meeting which was a report of an assault at Hobbs Hill on 13 February. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present. District Councillors Mrs P Barker. _ She commended the presentation on a new food waste collection by District Councillor Cann and other officials. _ With regard to sanitary fixtures dumped outside the house opposite Georgeham Village Hall, this was being investigated. There was concern that it was on the highway and if so, action could be taken to have it removed and the householder charged. _ There had been a meeting with Mr Chris Burrows, the Press Officer and the Democratic Services Manager to identify what could be done to help smaller children and show them how democracy works. A number of positive issues were discussed to be taken forward. It was possible that the Press Officer may be able to publicise some of the work he undertakes. _ Car Parking. A meeting with Martin Williams had resulted in a disappointing outcome. However, it had been confirmed that Croyde Car Park could have the time reduced back to 6pm but it was too late to bring the arrangements into force for this Summer. A study was being undertaken of all car parks throughout North Devon and a report would be submitted to North Devon Council Executive. _ Parking Issues. Double yellow lines were awaited a Down End. _ There were only 6 Parking Enforcement Officers to cover all of North Devon and DCC were not replying to enquiries in this regard. _ Croyde Car Park. A section had been allowed for 2 coaches to park. A discussion ensued on whether coaches used this facility. Various options were discussed in connection with a local parking scheme. Councillor Short enquired if a residents parking scheme would be brought into effect in the St MaryÕs Road area and this was clarified. District Councillor M Wilkinson. _ The Boundary Review decision had been delayed until 15/7/09. _ A Road Closure was planned from 27/4/09 to 12/6/09 from Easterclose to Berry Down Cross for road improvements. There were concerns that the closure period involved two Bank Holidays and would result in traffic congestion in Combe Martin. _ He spoke about the new food waste collection scheme. _ War time defences at Woolacombe. As previously mentioned in one of his reports, Mortehoe Parish CouncilÕs Insurers had imposed a £5,000 excess on the Policy. This issue of old defences was a problem around the country and was being left for Parish and District Councils to deal with but was of the opinion that the Ministry of Defence should take responsibility. Councillor Symonds recalled that in the past, the Christie Estate who owns Saunton Sands were paid by the US Defence Budget and suggested there could be merit in approaching them to ascertain more details. Councillor Wilkinson would raise the matter with the Ministry of Defence and coastal issues groups will also lobby the Ministry of Defence. 146. Representations from the Public. Karla Stocks handed a letter of thanks to the Chairman in connection with the support for the idea of and the construction of the new footpath along Frog Street. She registered her interest in the vacancy on the Parish Council and was given a set of nomination papers by the Clerk. Nominations had to be submitted to North Devon Council by 12 noon the following day. 147. Declarations of Interest. There were no Declarations of Interest announced. 148. PLANNING. 148.1 Matters Arising. A letter was noted from the Enforcement Officer regarding an unauthorised development Ð erection of decking & extensions to Chalets/Lodges at Heather Down, Down End, Croyde. The matter was being investigated and a report would follow when this had been completed. 148.2 The following Planning Applications were cosidered: 48018 Ð Formation of dormer window and Juliet balcony at 11 Cott Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47889 Ð Insertion of window in North Gable (amendment to Planning Permission 44547) at 2 Buttercombe, Bonnicott Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47986 Ð Listed Building Application for the replacement of 16 UPVC windows with double glazed hardwood windows at Gibbs, North Buckland. It was resolved to recommend approval. 148.2 Planning Correspondence: The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 47804 Ð Extensions and alterations to dwelling (amendment to Approved Application 44669) (amended description), Baggy Lodge, Croyde Bay together with accompanying letter from the Planning Officer. 47653- Retrospective Application for creation of new vehicular entrance to field & access track to farmyard together with excavation works to create additional level farmyard adjacent to existing agricultural shed (amended description & plans) at Broadgate Farm, North Buckland. 47791 Ð Extension & alterations to dwelling (Retrospective Application to amend the design approved by Planning Permission 40039 in relation to windows/doors & addition of a balcony) at 3 West Croyde, Croyde. 47670 Ð Application for consent for works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order in respect of crown lift 2 x fig trees at Fig Tree Farm, 47 St MaryÕs Road, Croyde. 47790 Ð Alterations to main amenity buildings at Unison Croyde Bay Holiday Village, Croyde. 47787 Ð Listed Building Application for internal & external works including siting of 2 solar panels, insertion of 2 sun pipes & insertion of 2 velux windows at Rose Cottage, 31 St MaryÕs Road, Croyde. 149. MATTERS ARISING. 149.1 Consideration of creating a Footpath to Higher Ham Cemetery. Councillors Tucker and Maskell were not present and the item to be included on the March Agenda. 149.2 Frog Street Project. The Chairman advised that the work had been completed and it was known that the project had been well received by parishioners. The Chairman advised that a retrospective Planning Application may have to be submitted and a Health and Safety assessment carried out. It was noted that traffic was crushing the end of the path and to discourage this, 5 additional reflective bollards were suggested, in addition to the one which had been fixed. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek agreed by all that the additional bollards should be purchased and fixed. 149.3 Sign to discourage motorists. North Area Highways had replied to the Parish CouncilÕs request for the installation of two "Unsuitable for vehicles" signs for Combas Lane. They advised that DCC can provide an ÔUnsuitable for motor vehiclesÕ sign at the top of Millers Brook/Combas Lane to alleviate the problem, but pointed out that the appropriate signage was already in place at the North/Eastern entrance. There was already ÔNo Through RoadÕ and ÔAccess to Combas FarmÕ signs sited at the Putsborough Road approach to Combas Lane. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Short and agreed by all to request the signs which were to be sent to Councillor Symonds. 149.4 Village Gateways. The group had met but the outcome was not known. The 20mph committee had met and design work was being done with the School. Final proposals for pricing would follow. The Council was in discussion with the Road Safety Officer, Mike Newcombe to agree the location for these to be constructed. A ROCKets grant application form to be submitted when this is received to assist with the funding. 149.5 Unauthorised cars in Georgeham Car Park. Councillor Mrs Meek advised there were currently 2 vehicles parked in the car park with no tax discs and 2 vehicles with out of date tax discs. There was to be a presentation at the March Meeting regarding the possibility of managing a pay and display scheme for the car park. It was felt that the car park was currently being used as a dumping ground and this could not be allowed to continue, for the benefit of parishioners and visitors who have every right to park there. A discussion followed regarding the removal and destruction of cars. 149.6 P3 Funding and creation of decking to cover a boggy area on Footpath. Councillor Harrison, as P3 Footpath Officer, advised that he was in a position to submit the relevant forms to DCC following a survey of the Footpaths being carried out, all of which appeared in good order but would contact DCC as the P3 Survey Forms had not been received. He specifically mentioned Footpath 26, which had been walked with the areaÕs Footpath Officer Simon Houghton and DCC Public Rights of Way official Richard Spurway. This was found to be in order even after heavy rain. He was waiting for a reply regarding the boggy area a Adwell Lane. A member of the public asked the position regarding Adwell Lane and this was clarified by Councillor Harrison. 149.7 Georgeham Village Hall. To further consider a request for assistance in connection with the new heating system. Councillor Symonds outlined the historic details and advised that the Village Hall Committee were happy to fund the system themselves. However, the Hall Committee were now proposing to replace the old metal windows with hardwood windows. Councillors were in agreement to support this venture and debated that they would not be in agreement with similar style metal windows having to be fixed should this be a planning condition. 149.8 Stagecoach Service 308 to Georgeham. Councillor Harrison updated the Meeting following the discussion at the January Meeting. He advised that parishioners he had spoken to were happy with the situation. He had contacted Ms Williams and no more had been heard. 149.9 Parish Council Vacancies. It was noted that requests for an Election had been received by the North Devon Council Returning Officer. It was further noted that Notices of Election were displayed in the Parish, with the close of Nominations being 12 noon on Friday, 27 February 2009. A By-Election would be held if more than two nominations were received. Should this be the case, the Election would be held on Thursday, 27 March which was the scheduled dated of the March Parish Council Meeting. No arrangements could be made until the situation was known about the Election. If this did go ahead, the Parish Council Meeting would have to be amended, due to both Village Halls being in use as a Polling Station, to Monday, 23 March at 7pm. 150. Accounts & Payments 150.1 Balances. Current Business Instant Access A/ct A/ct As at 31/12/08 1,618.29 50,388.01 Receipts Bank Interest 4.38 Cemetery Fee 273.00 Cemetery Fee 273.00 Transfer from Business Instant Access A/ct 1,000.00 Payments As previously authorised 1,611.81 Balance as at 31/01/09 1,552.48 49,392.39 150.2 The following payments were approved: J & J Bins Dog bin emptying for January 2009 £ 84.50 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 8.48 £ 11.48 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 17.73 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for January 200 £ 79.03 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for £ 456.06 January 2009 £ 535.09 Jewson Verge Marking Post £ 32.20 J & J Property Services Invoice for work on Footpath at Frog Street £ 170.00 Playsafety Ltd. Inspection of Croyde and Georgeham Play Area carried out last year. Due to the mix up by the Company, no charge had been made for inspecting Croyde Skatepark. It had been confirmed that all three sites would be inspected at the same time in March 2009. £ 148.05 EDF Energy Electricity Supply at Car Park £ 86.33 Mr M Symonds Work on new Footpath at Frog Street £ 275.00 Councillor J Symonds ChairmanÕs Expenses in connection with meeting to discuss boundary review of Conservation Area. £ 40.00 Councillor Mrs Meek offered congratulations to all those who had worked on the footpath, willingly giving their time especially in the inclement weather. Councillor Symonds advised that the floor of the Public Toilets at Georgeham would shortly require attention. 150.3 The following Direct Debit Payments were noted: EDF Energy Electricity supply to Toilet Block & Bus Shelter £ 25.22 To be taken on 9/3/09. South West Water Water supply to public toilets at Georgeham £ 95.14 To be taken on 2/3/09. South West Water. Water supply to Cemetery £ 7.45 To be taken on 2/3/09. 151. Correspondence & Reports. 151.1 DCC. Definitive Map Review Ð Parish of Braunton. It was noted that a report from this process would be made to the Public Rights of Way Committee Meeting on 2/3/09. _ This affected the Parish as it refered to Hole Lane and beyond. Councillor Mrs Meek was attending the Meeting and would speak on behalf of the Parish Council. She had contacted Mr Shapland to advise what she would be doing. 151.2 PPS. Fullabrook Wind Farm Community Fund. Invitation to a Public Meeting to elect local directors at 7pm on 25/3/09 at Braunton Village Hall. Those wishing to attend the meeting were required to register as the venue has a limited capacity of 175 and those present were encouraged to register as soon as possible. _ The Chairman highlighted the fact that those who wished to attend had to register in order to be able to attend. He hoped that support would be given to the two people who had put themselves forward from this Parish, especially bearing in mind the benefits which the Parish could enjoy. 151.3 North Devon Council & Others. Consultation on Draft Methodology for Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment for Northern Peninsula Housing Market Area. Comments to be received by 11/3/09. _ It was noted that this Council had already submitted details of possible sites and it was not felt that a reply was required. 151.4 ROSPA. As advised in Minute No. 150.2, it was noted that inspections of the play areas and Skateboard Park would take place during March. 151.5 DCC. DCC (Croyde Road and Millers Brook, Croyde) (No Waiting at Any Time) Amendment Order. It was noted that this Order was advertised in the North Devon Gazette and Advertiser on 4/2/09. Observations to be received by 25/2/09. _ The Parish Council had received 2 letters and an anonymous letter. The latter communication was filed as the Parish CouncilÕs policy was not to deal with anonymous letters. _ Councillors debated the issue. A member of the public was allowed to speak who gave his opinions on the subject. Councillor Symonds felt that if this Council amended the Order, it would take many years to get back to the present position but agreed that appropriate signage would be helpful. Councillor Symonds proposed that the matter should be left and revisited again when the Order had been made and a decision could then be made regarding the relevant signage which would be funded by the Parish Council. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek and agreed by all. To be on the April Agenda. 151.6 North Devon Council. Affordable Housing & The Local Development Framework (LDF) Ð The Way Forward. Invitation to a Seminar on Saturday, 7/3/09 at Goodleigh Village Hall. There were two identical sessions to choose from: 10am-1pm or 2-5pm. _ Councillor Symonds advised that this Parish was still flagged as a Parish with no immediate housing concerns. _ There was no interest in attending the Seminar but working papers to be requested. 151.7 SMP Playgrounds. Leaflet regarding selected packages. Councillor Symonds spoke about the MUGA and the lack of funding from North Devon Council. District Councillor Mrs Parker advised that Mr Brian Holme was continuing efforts to try and obtain funding. It was suggested by Councillor Symonds that due to the Frog Street footpath project being carried out and funded by the Parish Council, this would have the effect of reducing North Devon CouncilÕs funding programme and the money which had been set aside could be used towards a contribution for the MUGA. 151.8 North Devon Council. Offer of new food waste collection presentation. This had been highlighted by District Councillors Mrs Barker and M Wilkinson. Councillors were in agreement to ask that District Councillor R Cann give a presentation at the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday, 28/4/09. 151.9 North Devon Council. Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) Ð Call for Potential Housing Sites (18 February to 1 April). A request to help identify and provide details of any sites, land or buildings that the Council thinks may be appropriate for delivering new housing in the future, including any suitable sties owned by the Parish Council. Councillor Symonds proposed that this Council did not respond. Agreed by all. 151.10 North Devon Council/Torridge District Council. Help requested to undertake a Settlement Assessment of the two Districts. Councillor Symonds proposed that this Council did not respond. Agreed by all. 151.11 DCC. It was noted that the Boundary Committee has been given a further extended deadline to present a Unitary Government proposal from 13/2/09 to 15/7/09. 151.12 South West Highways had advised that the Road Closure due on 16/2/09 at North Buckland did not go ahead due to lack of funding. 151.13 DCC. Notice of Road Closure. From 13/5/09 to 15/5/09 from Putsborough Ford to Putsborough Road, Georgeham to enable utility works to be carried out. It was noted that the alternative route was at Combas Lane, already discussed earlier in the Meeting. Respond saying the route via Combas Lane was totally unacceptable as it was completely impassable to vehicles except for four wheel drive. The diversion should be routed via Stentaway and JonesÕs Hill through Croyde village. 152. Publications Received. _ NDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ North Devon Council. Summary of Accounts 2007/08 _ Devon Playing Fields Association Newsletter The Playing Field. Winter 2008/09 _ Junk Mail. Spring 2009 153. Meetings attended by Councillors 153.1 It was reported that a Meeting was held on 29 January 2009 between Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Harrison, District Councillor Mrs P Barker and Mr J Bate of North Devon Council to discuss the issues of the Conservation Area, not the develop envelope of Croyde and Georgeham. They visited Putsborough and Pickwell which does not have a demarcation and Mr Bate was to look into this. The issue was examined in depth and the proposal was to call a Public Meeting around the end of April/early May. Mr Bate would be present and he would outline the issues to Councillors and members of the public, when there would then be the opportunity for questions to be asked. It was hoped that this could be taken forward working with Mr Bate to produce a Design Mission Statement to develop the conservation area. 153.2 Councillor Mrs Meek had attended a Footpath Meeting with regard to the Definitive Map. It had been arranged for her to attend the review meeting at County Hall. This item had been covered under Minute No. 151.1. 154. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman Baggy Lodge. Councillor Symonds explained that the Enforcement Officer was investigating the datum level of land before any enforcement proceedings could continue. Councillor Mrs Meek had a geological map of area which could prove helpful. There was a discussion regarding the containers which had been sited underground. The earth from the garden was also discussed. Enquiries were being made to locate maps and photographs to show more details. 155. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. 155.1 Items requested by Councillor Mrs L Slade: _ Request for a No Through Road or a Cul de Sac sign at the beginning of Davids Hill. Motorists are driving through wit the assumption that it is a through road. An appropriate sign to be requested from Highways to be sited at the junction of Davids Hill and Newberry Road. To be on the March Agenda. _ Rubbish outside The Forge, Georgeham. This had been dealt with and under Minute No. 145. _ Concern by a parishioner regarding the removal of stones on a grave at Higher Ham Cemetery. It was noted that the regulations were contained on the Parish CouncilÕs website. It was known that there were a number of stones on a grave and it was considered that they were removed by the contractor for ease of grass cutting. Councillor Mrs Meek would advise Councillor Mrs Slade. Councillor Symonds advised that he was willing to meet the relative at the grave to clarify the position. 156. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 26 March 2009 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. This could be subject to change if a by election is held as both Georgeham and Croyde Village Halls will be required. The Meeting ended at 9.07pm.