MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 26 JUNE 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, M Harrison, S Maskell, E Short, Mrs L Slade. Also in attendance: District Councillor M Wilkinson, no members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 21. Apologies. Councillors W Foster, Mrs V Meek, R Tucker, District Councillor Mrs P Barker, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, 22. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 29 May & 3 June 2008. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 23. Reports: Police. Not present and no report received. Councillor Symonds advised that there had been vandalism at toilets. Councillor Maskell spoke about an Oceanfest de brief and it was advised that Sgt J Pearce had emailed regarding this which would be discussed later in the Meeting. District Councillor M Wilkinson. _ He had attended Oceanfest on the Friday which had been enjoyable. He had noted a large Police presence. Children were well behaved and the organisation was good. He confirmed that the de brief would be on 9 July, 12 noon at Braunton Police Station. _ The Fullabrook Wind Farm Inquiry had been dismissed on the first day. The official reasons would be known the following day. _ Post Offices. West Down had been down-graded to a 3 day a week travelling Post Office. The Council would like to know how it would be administered. He reported the many points raised by the Secretary of the West Down Womens Institute as representations to the Post Office Network. _ An email had been received from Councillor Foster who was in Australia opening a biosphere. UNESCO was granting funding in July and the representatives were visiting North Devon to look at the area here. Councillors were invited to attend. Councillor Foster was organising an exchange system of biospheres. Councillor Miss R Brian arrived. The next item was brought forward from 30.1 below for the benefit of discussion with District Councillor Wilkinson. Croyde Skate Park. Councillor Symonds outlined the position which was that neighbours of the Skate Board Park had ascertained that Planning Permission had possibly been required before the Skate Park commenced its activities. Councillor Symonds felt that the Parish Council should submit a Planning Application with a note that the Council should not be consulted as consultees. The Council would look for support from District Councillors although District Councillor Wilkinson would have to seek advice in this regard as to whether both he and District Councillor Mrs Barker would have to declare a prejudicial interest, having both given money for the project from their Ward Fund. The neighbours, Croyde Motors were objecting due to the noise which is created when the Skate Park is being used. It was noted that the wooden ramps make the noise and this could be almost eliminated by fixing them down and filling with foam. The historic details of the Skateboard was advised. Councillor Miss Brian felt that as the Skate Park was on Croyde Village Hall property, it should be that organisation and not the Parish Council that should become involved. Councillor Short did not agree as a great many young people were involved and in those circumstances, the Parish Council should support the organisation, noting that £1,000 as a donation was given to help set up the Park. Councillors Mrs Slade and S Maskell agreed that the Parish Council should offer support. The Parish Plan was mentioned where residents had been in agreement that there should be a Skate Park. Councillor Symonds proposed that the Parish Council submit a Planning Application in respect of the siting of the Skate Park behind Croyde Village Hall. Seconded by Councillor Short. It was thought that Mr Paul Coles, a member of the Croyde Village Hall Committee could draw up the plans. Councillor Miss Brian proposed an amendment that Croyde Village Hall Committee should submit the Application. There was no seconder and the amendment fell. Councillor Harrison arrived. District Councillor Wilkinson suggested that Mr M Millichope of North Devon Council Environment Department view the site in connection with the noise, before the Planning Application was submitted. The organisation had offered to build a wall between the Park and Croyde Motors to deaden the noise but this had not been acceptable. A vote was taken for Councillor SymondsÕ proposal that the Parish Council submit the Planning Application: 5 for, 1 against. Carried. Councillors agreed that Councillor Symonds make arrangements for the plans to be drawn up and submit the Application. 24. Representations from the Public. There were no members of the public present. 25. Declarations of Interest. Councillor Short. Prejudicial interest in respect of Planning Application 46716 Ð Change of use from Guest House to dwelling at Atlantis Lodge, Croyde. Minute Number 26.2. 26. PLANNING. 26.1 Matters Arising. There were no Matters Arising under Planning. 26.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 46716 Ð Change of use from Guest House to dwelling at Atlantis Lodge, Croyde. A member of the public arrived. Councillor Maskell proposed refusal on the grounds we would be loosing an amenity, bed spaces and employment which that brings. Seconded by Councillor Harrison. Councillor Miss Brian proposed approval. There was no seconder and the amendment fell. Vote on refusal, 4 for, 1 against. 46666 Ð Listed Building Application for internal alterations to main house, demolition of extension & conversion of ancillary storage building to form 1 holiday unit at Pickwell Manor, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46728 Ð Extension to dwelling at 8 Lane Head Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46751 Ð First floor extension to dwelling at Outer Bias, Down End, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 26.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: Approval 46507 Ð Erection of raised decking area with glazed railing at The Old Bakery, Chapel Street, Georgeham. 46546 Ð Sub-division of dwelling to form 2 dwellings at West End, Netherhams Hill, Georgeham, Braunton. 26.3 (2) Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 schedule 2, Part 6 & Part 7 Ð Agricultural & Forestry Buildings & Operations. Forestry Development prior notification for creation of track & turning area together with erection of replacement gates at Pentiknowl Wood, Spreacombe, Braunton. It was noted that the Planning Department had decided that prior approval of details for this development would NOT be required in this instance. This development is permitted provided it is carried out within five years from 25 April 2008 and is in accordance with the information and details submitted to the Planning Department. 26.3 (3) Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended). Loading Bay at Thatched Barn, 14 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. It was noted that the Enforcement OfficerÕs file will be closed as no scheme for the re-alignment of the loading bay has been submitted and as no application has been forthcoming, it is no longer expedient for the Local Planning Authority to continue with the investigation. The contents of the letter could not be understood and the Council did not accept the explanation. A letter to be sent to the Enforcement Officer asking that the explanation was clarified. 26.3 (4) Notification of works to trees in a Conservation Area in respect of felling 1 x common oak at St GeorgeÕs Churchyard, Georgeham. This was not a Planning Application, but details of a Notice of Intention to undertake works to tree(s) within a Conservation Area in the Parish. The trees had suffered a lot of damage in the recent gales. The Parish Council could make representations to NDCÕs Tree Officer Mr A Jones by 10 July. Councillor Miss Brian proposed that the Parish Council agree with the recommendations of the Tree Officer of North Devon Council with the caveat that it should be replaced by up to 3 oaks. Seconded by Councillor Maskell and unanimously agreed. 26.3 (5) Notification of various works to 30 trees in a Conservation Area at Burrows Farm West, 9 Watery Lane, Croyde. It was noted that the District Council had no objection to proposed works being carried out. 26.3 (6) It was noted that the Appeal in respect of Application 45829 Ð Outline Application for demolition of hotel and redevelopment of site with hotel, restaurant and bar (additional information) at Atlantis Lodge, Moor Lane, Croyde had been WITHDRAWN. 26.3 (7) Councillor Symonds advised that an Application had been submitted by Surfing Croyde Bay Limited of The Old Cream Shop, Hobbs Hill, Croyde to the Licensing Department for an off licence in Croyde. The Parish Council have the opportunity to support or object to it. A reply to be sent with the Parish CouncilÕs representations as follows: There are enough licensed premises in Croyde already, and that an off sales trading in this location would exacerbate the problems already faced by the No Drinking in Public By Llaw that covers the centre of Croyde village. Proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Maskell and unanimously agreed. 27. Village Design Statement. This item was deferred to the July Meeting. 28. MATTERS ARISING. 28.1 Road Safety Issues in Georgeham. Mrs S Hood advised that the 20mph through Georgeham had been granted. Stickers had been designed by a local firm and leaflets had been prepared. The Action Group were now waiting for Devon County Council to provide the funding, the amount of which was still unknown. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins and District Councillor Mrs P Barker were working towards obtaining the funding. Councillor Symonds had been in touch with local architects regarding natural stone faced gateways in two areas. Negotiations to be held with Highways Department as to the actual locations. It was hoped that the work could be carried out locally to incorporate a unique feature in the village. Liability for maintenance would be the CouncilÕs responsibility. It was hoped the structures would be in place so that when the next ROCKets grant application could be submitted, this project could be featured, especially as local stone is to be used. One gateway could be at the entrance to Higher Ham Cemetery as the parish Council own the land and inbound from Croyde, by the bus stop and this would also have the effect of preventing unauthorised parking. Councillor Symonds would prepare some sketches to be ready for the July Meeting. Councillor Symonds explained the criteria for a ROCKets grant. The Clearway in Croyde would also be raised with Highways and it was hoped that the two issues could be completed together in the Summer of 2009. 28.2 Abandoned Vehicles in Georgeham Car Park. Information was still awaited from DVLC who had sent another 3 forms for completion before any information could be provided. It was noted that on one of the cars, the disc does not apply to the car, even though it is current. Councillor Symonds to advise Sgt R Bishop. 28.3 No Smoking Signs. 4 had been obtained for fixing in the Bus Shelters. 29. Accounts & Payments 29.1 Balances. Details were circulated to Councillors as follows: Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 30/4/08 18,395.04 35,794.05 Receipts Cemetery Fees 395.00 VAT reclaim 1,212.95 LTSB Interest 74.53 Payments Previously authorised 2,668.96 _________ Balance as at 31/5/08 17,334.03 35,868.58 29.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for May 08 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for May 08 At Cemetery £80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for May 08 £ 84.50 This cheque was authorised at the last Meeting but was inadvertently not issued. Dog Bin Emptying for June 08 £169.00 £253.50 Dog Bins are being emptied twice a week as from May to September. Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 3.25 Reimbursement for No Smoking Signs £ 7.05 Reimbursement for punched pockets £ 1.49 Reimbursement for 2 A4 ring binders £ 4.67 Society of Local Council Clerks 1/6th Membership Subscription £ 21.50 £40.96 Page 5 Ð 26.06.08 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 32.62 Simpkins Edwards Internal Audit Fee for 2008 Accounts £ 587.50 Vanguard Security Security Patrols at Croyde Adventure Park For June 08 and two patrols at the end of May not previously invoiced £ 180.00 Mr A P Rook Repairs to toilets following vandalism £ 88.01 Mr D Tucker Reimbursement for toilet materials following vandalism £ 79.38 Mr M Symonds 2nd payment on grass cutting & maintenance contract £475; Footpath 22 maintenance £330; additional grass cutting £105.00 £ 910.00 30. Correspondence. 30.1 Mr C D Burrows. Email received regarding Croyde Skateboard Park and reply sent by Councillor S Maskell. This had been covered earlier in Minute No. 23. 30.2 North Devon Council. Re-tendering of the Dog Warden Service Contract. Responses to be received by 14/7/08. Noted. No action to be taken. 30.3 Department of Transport. Town and Country Planning Act 1990: S.247 Proposed Stopping Up of Highway at Croyde Road, Croyde, North Devon. The area is the northern part width of Croyde Road, comprising highway verge to the west of The Whiteleaf Hotel, at its junction with Sandy Lane, Croyde. It was noted that the work had been completed. 30.4 Devon Association of Parish Councils. Details of a Long Life Learning Network Conference Ð throwing Light on the Role of the Town & Parish Council in Devon, on Tuesday, 15/7/08 at the Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford, Exeter. No Councillors wished to attend. 30.5 Western Power Distribution. Proposed Business Plan for 2010-2015. Comments invited by 25/7/08. Taken by Councillor Harrison. 30.6 Charity Commission. It was noted that the 2008 Annual Update for Georgeham Playing Field was submitted online by the Clerk. 30.7 North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Letter regarding Distinctive Communities Project. To be sent to Councillor Mrs V Meek. The concept of a Village Design Statement was briefly discussed. 30.8 Councillor Miss R Brian. Email sent regarding RAF jet fighter aerial flying displays during Oceanfest. At Councillor BrianÕs request, the whole email was read to the Meeting. Councillor Symonds pointed out that that similar aerialbatics had featured at previous Oceanfest events. The Euro fighter attended Oceanfest this year. Councillor Short stated that the entire display was over the headland and out to sea and he recalled training jets flying over with no warning at unspecified times and days. Councillor Maskell agreed that the Oceanfest had become morphed from its beginnings. He was also concerned about the fuel consumption and other impacts from this flying display. It was noted that very few locals attended over the weekend, however 30 schools attended the education day on the Friday. Councillor Brian felt it had nothing to do with the origins of Oceanfest. A discussion ensured as to find the event was wanted. Councillor Symonds to take Councillor Miss BrianÕs comments to de brief meeting. The attitude of the Parish Council will be further considered after the de brief. To be on the September Agenda. Councillor Brian felt an older person should be on the sub-committee and Councillor Maskell offered his place for the future. 30.9 Sgt J Pearce. Email advising that the Oceanfest de brief will be held on Wednesday, 9 July at 12 noon in Braunton Police Station. This had been covered under Minute No.23. 30.10 Councillor R Cann. An email regarding the Boundary Committee Review Update and publication timetable was noted. In connection with the DCC unitary review, letter received from DCC putting forward their proposals. As this Council has already responded the communications was noted. 31. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ Village Green. June 2008. _ DAPC, Defra, CCD. Rural Community Buildings Research 2007/08. _ Devon Playing Fields Association. Development Action Plan 2008-2013 Summary _ Senior Council for Devon. Newsletter and leaflets encouraging new members to join _ Devontalk. Summer 2008 _ Local Council Review. July 2008. 32. Meetings attended by Councillors. Councillor Short had attended a meeting of Croyde Surf Life Saving Club. The National Trust have asked the Club to ascertain if any tanks have been buried by South West Water where the Club want the facilities but South West Water had refused to give any information. It was suggested he ask North Devon MuseumÕs Geophysicial Survey Team. Councillor Miss Brian went to the judicial review in connection with North Devon CouncilÕs Appeal in connection with the Fullabrook Wind Turbine Farm Application which had been dismissed on the first day. 33. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman Civil Parking Enforcement. It was noted that many traffic wardens were in the village during Oceanfest. Councillor Symonds would continue to press for their presence at weekends. 34. Matters Raised by Councillors appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. 35. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, July 31 2008 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.17pm.