MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 26 MARCH 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, R Tucker. Also in attendance: PCSO D Kingdon, 10 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 157. Welcome to new Parish Councillors. The Chairman welcomed newly co-opted Parish Councillors Mrs Pat Barker and Mrs Sam Hood. They were handed the following documentation for completion or safe keeping: _ Declaration of Co-Option for signing _ Notice of Financial and Other Interests form for signing _ Standing Orders and updates _ Financial Regulations, Annexe A, Section 1 _ Financial Regulations, Annexe A, Section 2 _ Financial Regulations, Annexe A, Section 3 _ Financial Regulations, Annexe A, Section 4 _ Risk Management Policy, Annexe B _ Complaints Procedure _ Freedom of Information Act, Model Publication Scheme adopted by the Council from 1/1/09 _ Model Code of Conduct 158. Presentation regarding management of Georgeham Car Park. Councillor Tucker advised that Mr Millard had advised he was unlikely to attend this Meeting due to an emergency. He would like to attend another Meeting. Councillor Tucker advised that he and Councillor Symonds had met Mr Martin Williams of North Devon Council. There was another option available to the Parish Council, as North Devon Council run Braunton Car Park on behalf of Braunton Parish Council. Councillor Symonds spoke about the problems of cars being left in the car park, some of which were untaxed, for lengthy periods. 159. Apologies. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins District Councillor M Wilkinson 160. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 26 February 2009. These were approved and signed as a correct record. Councillor Mrs Meek advised that the Minutes were not displayed as they had not been received in the post. To avoid the possibility of documents becoming lost in the postal system, Councillor Mrs Slade offered to print and display the Minutes in future and this was gratefully accepted. 161. Reports: Police. PCSO Dale Kingdon advised that Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Russ Fisher had left Braunton Police Station for a new role in Ilfracombe. Councillors were aware of this as he had sent an email to the Clerk who had forwarded the details to Councillors. PCSO Kingdon advised that PC Greening will be taking charge until a new person has been appointed. He will check the position if this Parish will not have the full time service of a full time Beat Manager. He reported that there had been one incident of fraud involving a person who was making telephone calls purporting to be from BT claiming the telephone bill had not been paid. The telephone number to report these calls will be given to circulated. Councillor Short asked if he was involved in dealing with complaints regarding the pyramid scam. He advised that although it had been happening locally, he had not been involved. Councillor Tucker enquired if a date had been set for the Oceanfest Meeting. The Clerk had these details to be advised later in the Meeting, but he confirmed that the Meeting had been planned for 16 April at 11a. The venue was Braunton Police Station. Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Maskell would attend representing Georgeham Parish Council with Councillor Mrs P Barker attending as a District Councillor. PCSO Kingdon had requested copies of the No Drinking Order in Moor Lane from the Clerk and was advised these would be lodged with the Licensing Department. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present. District Councillors Mrs P Barker. Present but no report given. District Councillor M Wilkinson. Not present. 162. Representations from the Public. Ms R Williams asked to speak about Planning Application 48129 immediately prior to the Application being discussed. Councillor M Harrison arrived. Mr J Hakin was the applicant in respect of Application Numbers 48118 and 48129 and wished to speak prior to these Applications being considered. Mr J Panter spoke about traffic, speed and an accident. In the last 3 weeks, a single decker bus had gone into a wall at Croyde. The Police were not interested and while he was speaking to them 3 were travelling at speed in Cott Lane, resulting in 3 wing mirrors being damaged. He noted that when speed strips had been put across the road in the Summer, there was a lot of traffic which was going slowly and this did not reflect the true picutre. He had lived at his property for 41 years and frequently, pedestrians have to go into his porch to avoid traffic. This would shortly cease as he was having a porch built. In addition, to protect his wall, he plans to have a metal crash rail at the height of mirrors. Councillor Symonds assured the parishioner that this issue would be taken up on his behalf when Councillors attend the Oceanfest Meeting. The parishioner further mentioned a possible breach of Planning agreement regarding Dove Cottage and Honeycott Cottage. He explained that when planning was given after appeals, there were conditions applied that vehicles had to be parked back to the wall due to the visibility splay. Dove Cottage had since been sold and the wall taken down. Vehicles are now parked there which reverse into the road. The parking area was considered to be a fire hazard in respect of the 4 person house next door. In addition, the house opposite sleeps 12 people, involving 4 cars being used and brought to the area. Councillor Tucker suggested this Council would write to Highways and Planning Enforcement with the Parish CouncilÕs concerns. 163. Declarations of Interest. Councillor J Symonds declared a prejudicial interest in Minute No. 162.2 Planning Applications, No. 48171. 164. PLANNING. 164.1 Matters Arising. A letter from the Enforcement Officer was noted regarding investigations regarding an unauthorised development Ð creation of access & formation of track at land opposite Goulds Farm, Nethercott. Councillor Harrison advised that the property ÔNethercottÕ was in the Parish of Braunton. Councillor Tucker stated that in view of the works which had occurred at North Buckland, it was felt expedient to advise the Enforcement Officer of this, and accepted that Nethercott was in Braunton Parish. The Enforcement Officer to be advised with copy correspondence to Braunton Parish Council with a request that all future correspondence be directed to Braunton Parish Council. It was noted that the investigations regarding Heatherdown, Down End, Croyde was ongoing. Councillor Mrs P Barker made the following Statement: I shall consider these Applications 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. 164.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 48062 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new unit of holiday accommodation a Kildarna, 12 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval with the caveat that it retains its holiday status. Councillor Short also proposed that a further comment is made to say that the Parish Council was disappointed with the design. Seconded by Councillor Maskell and agreed. 48129 Ð Erection of 2 polytunnels at Pathdown Lane, Cross, Croyde. 48118 Ð Erection of general purpose/agricultural building & erection of lean to off existing agricultural building at Pathdown Lane, Cross, Croyde. These two Applications were considered at the same time. Miss I Williams spoke of her concern regarding the pollution, landscape and access. She opposed the Application on a number of grounds and enlarged on this. Mr Hakin, the Applicant was given the opportunity to address the Meeting and he explained the reason for the Application was his wish to diversify, to provide undercover machinery storage and to make his farming activities efficient. He spoke about the upkeep of the communal lane. Councillor Mrs Barker asked if he had environmental plans to alleviate the run off of surface water and he explained this with the help of the submitted plans. Councillor Mrs Hood asked about the access and usage and he advised that it would increase but an alternative route could be used. Councillors debated the Application at length. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell to recommend approval as he was 100% in favour of local initiatives. The additional comment to be made that this Council expect the Environment Agency to be rigorous in their assessing of the site for its suitability and the Council also expects the applicant to comply with all conditions as imposed back to the Application in 1999. Seconded by Councillor Short and carried. Furthermore, Councillor Mrs Barker felt that conditions should be made with regard to tidying up the site. Mr Hakin advised that some of the rubbish lying around would be used as rubble, and some would be tidied up and out of sight. There had been no request made to the Parish Council that conditions of a previous Planning Application had been breached. 48124 Ð Extension to dwelling (amended design to that approved by Planning Permission 47195) at 20 Sandyway, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48115 Ð Retrospective Application for erection of roof over parking bay (amendment to Planning Approval 46410) at The Nook, Darracott, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48171 Ð Use of land for temporary siting of a four position "Skymaxx" bungee trampoline for public use during school holiday periods at Part of Field OS 4468 (SS 4339 NW), Moor Lane, Croyde. Councillor J Symonds declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. The Chair was taken by the Vice Chairman, Councillor R Tucker for this part of the Meeting only. Mr G Ingleby was given the opportunity to address the Meeting who felt the structure was inappropriate for the area and would be noisy. He was concerned it would have a detrimental effect on his own camp site. It was noted that Mr IngelbyÕs camp site was open for 28 day. Councillor Tucker reminded the Meeting that personal issues should be kept out of debates. It was proposed by Councillor Short to recommend approval with the condition that the time of operation should be from 10am to 9pm. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and unanimously approved. Councillor Symonds returned to the room and took the Chair. 165.3 Planning Correspondence: The following North Devon Council Decision Notice were noted: APPROVALS 47770 Ð Siting of 2 solar panels, insertion of 2 sun pipes & insertion of 2 velux windows at Rose Cottage, 31 St Marys Road, Croyde. 47889 Ð Insertion of window in North Gable (amendment to Planning Permission 44547) (amended drawings) at 2 Buttercombe, Bonnicott Lane, Croyde. 166. MATTERS ARISING. 166.1 Consideration of creating a Footpath to Higher Ham Cemetery. Councillor Tucker advised that the matter was outstanding and it was hoped that a report would be available for the next Meeting. 166.2 Frog Street Project. Letter from Mr M Newcombe, Devon County Council received regarding design statements and health and safety assessments. A copy of the letter to be forwarded to District Councillor Mrs P Barker. It was noted that Devon Highways own the verge, It was proposed by Councillor Symonds that the Parish Council purchase the verge and adopt it as a Parish Footpath. District Councillor Mrs P Barker to liaise over the whole issue. Councillor Tucker noted that there had been universal praise for the project. Councillor Maskell recalled that this Council had gone through all the process, walked the area with Mr M Newcombe, DCCÕs Road Safety Officer and he had given his consent for the work to be carried out. Mr NewcombeÕs letter to be acknowledged. 166.3 Sign to discourage motorists. It was noted that this has been requested. 166.4 Village Gateways. The final designs were awaited. There were concerns from parishioners who do not like the idea. The project will need to go through Devon County CouncilÕs Road Safety Officer, Mr M Newcombe. The School has also become involved with the project. Councillor Mrs Hood said gateways are a proven traffic measure and added that the whole 20mph campaign was not just to have the signs and bring speed down. Gateways were a good opportunity to attract the notice of drivers. Councillor Maskell suggested the gateway could be located by the Georgeham sign. He asked why Croyde was not included and was advised by Councillor Symonds this was due to the 20mph initiative in Georgeham. Traffic calming measures were discussed. The final design of the gateways would have to be approved by County Highways. Georgeham Road Safety Action Group would liaise with and through the Parish Council. 166.5 P3 Survey Forms. Councillor Harrison had submitted the forms by email to Devon County Council Public Rights of Way Department. 166.6 Definitive Map Review. A letter from Devon County Council was noted regarding the decision made by the Public Rights of Way Committee. The issue of Hannaborough Lane had remained as this Council had wished and remains a Bridleway. Councillor Mrs Meek advised that trial riders were expected to appeal following the decision with the outcome not known until 8/4/09. 166.7 New Foot Waste Collection Presentation. It was noted that District Councillor R Cann had agreed to present this at the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday, 28 April 2009. 166.8 Mr R Windsor, Croyde Surf Life Saving Club reported on a positive meeting with the National Trust who have changed the agenda slightly by asking if the Club would like to include their application with their application to remove the car park from Baggy Point to the beach front. This did complicate matters from the Surf Life Saving ClubÕs point of view and it was hoped that separate applications would be submitted. There were talks regarding a joint outline application. Emergency access is a problem for the National Trust as it comes out in their field. The Surf Life Saving Club is in partnership with the RNLI and the Ambulance Service. He has a letter with their feelings about beach casualties where the situation is not ideal at present. Helicopter removal of casualties is not always possible and there was the worry if a life threatening case should occur. 166.9 Dog Bins. Following a request that the Clerk advise J & J Bins about the state of the bin and surrounding area in Footpath 13, Mr J Mayhew had telephoned to advise that it had been noticed for some time that this Bin was always full and this was the reason he left a black plastic dustbin bag beside the Bin for use when the Dog Bin became full. Useage of the Bin was particularly noticed during fine weather. He suggested that this Bin has a twice weekly empty all year round, which would be an extra £1.50 per week at current prices, which may have to rise in the near future. Another option would be for two Dog Bins side-by-side with a once a week collection during October to April, reverting to the twice weekly collection during the Summer months. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Tucker and agreed by all to have a twice weekly collection for this bin all year round. 167. Accounts & Payments 167.1 Balances. Current Business Instant Account Access Accocunt As at 31/1/09 1,552.48 49,392.39 Receipts Cemetery Fee 366.00 LTSB Interest 4.23 Payments NIL Balance as at 28/2/09 1,918.48 49,396.62 167.2 The following payments were approved: J & J Bins Dog bin emptying for February 2009 £ 84.50 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 8.48 Postage £ 43.80 £ 55.28 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 14.19 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for February 2009 £ 79.03 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for February 2009 £ 456.06 TOTAL £ 535.09 Jewson 2 Invoices. £17.83 and £193.59 £211.42 North Devon Council Non-Domestic Rates 1st instalment £ 111.10 Longclose Ltd Works to Footpath & Bike Racks £ 231.17 It was noted that the labour aspect had been provided free of charge. Taw Valley Contractors Ltd Hedge Trimming £ 138.15 Councillor Tucker advised that there was now a Flail trimmer in village, obviating the need to pay transport costs in the future. Mr D H Jones Work on the Frog Street Footpath £260.00 Devon Playing Fields Association 2009/10 Subscription £15.00 Mr J Symonds Reimbursement for filing cabinet and suspension files for Parish documents which had been stored at the Putsborough Car Park hut since 2002. £149.02 He had negotiated for the cabinet and paperwork to be stored in the Village Hall for an annual fee of £120.00 and Councillors were in agreement with this. Mr M Symonds 1st Payment on grass cutting & maintenance Contract 2009/10 £505.00 JonesÕs Hill Footpath Maintenance £ 30.00 Erection of Sign £ 30.00 £565.00 Councillor Tucker advised that he had requested Mr M Symonds to carry out additional work at the Cemetery and Putsborough Close. 167.3 The following payments were noted which had been authorised by the Chairman since the last Meeting: Longclose Ltd Works to Footpath £2,655.76 Works to Footpath £564.65 £3,220.41 The latter cheque was made up of 3 Invoices: £215.02, £57.28 and £292.35. 167.4 It was noted that the cheque for £86.33 in favour of EDF Energy authorised at the last Meeting was not sent as the Company advised that the amount would be taken by Direct Debit on or around 5/3/09. 167.5 It was noted that a cheque for £535.00 has been received from DCC and banked in respect of the P3 Footpath Grant. 167.6 It was noted that the Annual Return for the year ended 31/3/09 had been received from the Audit Commission. The deadline for return was 22/6/09. 167.7 A donation was considered following a request from Mr C Burrows towards "CroydeÕs Massive Youth Beach Clean" to take place at the end of April/beginning of May. This project would not be supporting Haven Leisure, owners of the beach. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds to make a donation of £100.00. Seconded by Councillor Tucker and agreed by all. The cheque to be authorised at the April Meeting after it was known to whom the cheque should be made out Ð the Clerk to ask Mr Burrows on this point. Councillor Tucker asked Mrs Burrows in the public seating, to thank Mr Burrows for his work with the community. 168. Correspondence & Reports received by the Clerk 168.1 North Devon Council. Clarification had been received from North Devon Council Planning Department regarding the removal of Payphone at JonesÕs Hill, Croyde. One Payphone had been removed due to a road traffic collision and the other was to remain. 168.2 North Devon Council. It was noted that a review has been carried out of Polling Districts and Polling Places. The paperwork could be viewed at the Council Offices during normal opening hours. 168.3 DCC. A Road Closure from 4/5/09 to 8/5/09 at Chapel Street, Georgeham for utility works to be carried out was noted. The Notices had been copied for display in the Parish. 168.4 North Devon Council/Torridge District Council. A follow up letter regarding the Settlement Assessment Survey Forms which Parishes had been requested to complete. Assistance could be given to fill in the Survey Forms if necessary. 168.5 The Boundary Committee for England. Structural Review of Devon: Further Draft Proposals. 168.6 Mrs G Hartnoll. Request for grass to be cut beside her property in Glebefield. Councillor Symonds explained the historical details as far as the adopted road was concerned. Councillor Tucker would deal with this issue. 168.7 Sgt J Pearce. Details of an Oceanfest Meeting on 16/4/09 already advised under Minute No. 161. 169. Publications Received. _ NDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ North Devon Council. North Devon Direct. Spring 2009. _ DCC. Devontalk. Spring 2009. _ Senior Council for Devon. Issue No. 2. March 2009. _ Digital UK. Pack for information sharing which also includes details of the Switchover Help Scheme. _ Royal Devon & Exeter NHS Foundation Trust. RD&Express. February 2009. _ Clerks & Councils Direct. March 2009. _ Village Green. March 2009. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. March/April 2009 Newsletter and Devon Link. _ The Standards Board for England. Town & Parish Standard. February 2009. _ Local Council Review. March 2009. 170. Meetings attended by Councillors 170.1 Meeting of Fullabrook wind Farm Community Interest Company on 25/3/09. Councillors Symonds, Tucker, Harrison, Mrs Slade and Mrs Meek had attended, accompanied by the Clerk. Two residents of the Parish had been appointed on to the Board as Directors to oversee allocation of funding. These were Mr P Ginnings at Pickwell and Mr S Corner at Rock Hill. Councillor Maskell and Miss R Brian were unsuccessful in the election. Councillor Tucker to draft a letter of congratulations for the Clerk to send on behalf of this Council. 170.2 Car Parking. Further to Minute No. 158, Councillor Tucker advised that he and Councillor Symonds had a meeting with Mr M Williams of North Devon Council regarding parking at Croyde, in addition to Georgeham. They were told that yellow lines were enforceable, and cited Moor Lane in particular as affecting this Parish. Enforcement officers will periodically visit and issue tickets. As advised earlier in the Meeting, a discussion took place regarding North Devon Council running Georgeham Car Park and the charges involved. It was anticipated that this would be of help this Summer. 170.3 CASC. Councillor Maskell advised that the plans were floundering due to funds being withdrawn by North Devon Council. He had met with a representative for renewable energy with a design for a carbon neutral Pavilion which may fulfil the criteria for funding from the Fullabrook project. He had also met Mr I Huggett of Simpkins Edwards regarding reclaim of VAT. He is generously providing his services free of charge. 170.4 Yellow Lines at Millers Brook. Councillors Symonds, Tucker and District Councillor Mrs P Barker had met Mr James Anstee of Devon County Council 4 months ago to discuss the provision of yellow lines in Croyde. There were no objections in respect of Down End and Bay View. After much consultation, it had been agreed with Mr Anstee for yellow lines to be on the apex of the corner at Millers Brook. As a result of this, a letter had been received from DCC Highway Technician advising that following the proposal, 9 letters of objection had been received in connection with Millers Brook, and none for Down End. The letter was read to the Meeting. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker to put yellow lines as had been originally requested on both sides of the bend. Seconded by Councillor Symonds and agreed that a reply was sent requesting that the original proposal was pursued which was to recommend the second option in her letter by implementing the traffic order for Croyde Road and Millers Brook. District Councillor Mrs Barker had received representations from two worried people. 171. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman Councillor Symonds spoke about the swing in Croyde Play Park which required replacing. Both District Councillors Mrs Barker and M Wilkinson had funding to cover the cost. The Sub Committee to reconvene on 31 March with a view to identifying a suitable swing and place an order for a similar item to that provided at present. 172. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Tucker. A Licensing Application had been submitted at Pickwell Manor, the closing date for representations was 9 April. Councillor Mrs Barker to make more enquires. It was noted that one complainant can have licence revoked. Councillor Mrs Barker. There would be a Conservation Area Meeting on 6 April to look at expanding options on the Mullacott Industrial Estate. There were also potentially local important buildings in Croyde. Councillor Mrs Meek had read the Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Policy and returned it to the Clerk for safe keeping. Parish Clerk. Mrs Squire explained that she intended purchasing a fire retardant safe in which to store computer data relating to her Parishes. The safe would be bolted to the floor of a separate locked outbuilding. The price was £150 + VAT and she was asking her Parishes to consider a contribution of £10 towards the purchase. Councillors were in agreement to make the contribution after the safe had been purchased. 173. Date of Next Meeting. Tuesday, 28 April 2009 Ð Annual Parish Meeting at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. District Councillor Cann will give a Presentation on New Food Waste Collection. The scheduled Parish Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, 30 April 2008 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.48pm.