MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 26 JULY 2007 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, W Foster, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, E Short, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillor Mrs P Barker, PCSO R Peacock, 2 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. The Chairman welcomed Councillor Bill Foster to the Meeting as a newly co-opted Councillor. 38. APOLOGIES. Councillor M Harrison, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, District Councillor M Wilkinson. 39. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 28 JUNE 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 40. REPORTS: Police. PCSO Peacock advised the following crimes: 29 June speeding vehicle, Saunton Road; 1 July anti social behaviour; 6 July Croyde, EBay fraud; 6 July anti social behaviour and anti social behaviour at Georgeham. The Chairman informed that no police response had been received to emails sent by the Clerk to Sgt J Pearce at Braunton Police Station regarding a Site Meeting that morning with DCC regarding an additional bus stop. PCSO Peacock requested a copy of the emails and would investigate. Councillor Tucker reiterated the need for extra Police cover at this particular time of year and their presence must be seen. District Councillor Mrs P Barker. NDDC had allocated her with an email address which was up and running as follows: pat.barker@northdevon.gov.uk. Following the lead from the last Meeting, funds from her Ward Fund to help Croyde Playgroup was progressing. She had that evening seen a representative from Georgeham Playgroup who also required a small grant which would also be applied for and assessed in respect of aprons and painting equipment. Unitary status had been partially granted for Exeter. She had attended her first Planning Committee Meeting the previous evening and her first Northern Area Rural Meeting would be on the following Monday. Councillor Tucker raised the Approval of Planning Application 44219 at Speedwell and spoke of the historical details. The Council was surprised that an approval had been granted in the way that it had been. She offered to do research on any items brought to her attention. 41. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Bus Parking. An email from Councillor Mrs Meek regarding the bus stop at Davids Hill was discussed. Recently the mini bus was being left overnight making it difficult for the large bus to manoeuvre the loop. Councillor Mrs Slade explained the position regarding the numbers of Year 11 children towards the end of term. Now that the schools had broken up there Page 2 Ð 26.07.07 would not be a problem and it was not expected to be a problem in the new school term when this commences in September. However, the situation can be monitored at that time. A letter to be sent to Streets Coachways requesting the arrangements to be adopted next term. If the problem does persist, a new location would have to be found. 42. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Councillor Tucker, Minute No. 43 (1), Application No.44698. Prejudicial interest. 43. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. The Thatched Barn, Hobbs Hill, Croyde. No reply had been received and a reminder to be sent. The terms of the original approval for this layby were quite clear. Gwynant, Chapel Street, Georgeham. Roofing material and velux windows. Councillor Mrs Meek reported that the Enforcement Officer had been in contact to confirm that roofing material is not subject to Planning Permission. Rooflines are however, subject to this. (2) The following Planning Applications were considered: 44698 Ð Demolition of existing barn & erection of new barn for storage of caravans Ð Manor Farm, Putsborough. Councillor Tucker declared an interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44520 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new dwelling (amendment to Planning Permission 43034 to allow insertion of dormer window) Ð The Mead, Withywell Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44683 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð Copplestones, 14 Cott Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44684 Ð Demolition of hotel & erection of 6 units of holiday accommodation together with erection of 1 dwelling (amended design to Planning Consent 43222) Ð Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend refusal on the grounds that the Parish Council unanimously and strongly preferred the original approved southerly elevation, in particular the brown windows not white and the stepped back footprint design of unit 4. 44606 Ð Renewal of limited Planning Permission 32328 for continued siting of holiday chalet Ð Windswept, Withywell Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44696 Ð Erection of 2 dwellings, access & footpath Ð Garden of Greystones, Croyde. Councillor Tucker proposed to recommend refusal on the same basis as Planning Application 43232 considered on 23/11/06 for a similar application on this site, as follows: Georgeham Parish Council wish to recommend refusal on the grounds that it is saturation/over development; the proposals offer little or no garden space at all; we consider that they are detrimental to neighbouring properties and not acceptable in this sensitive area of AONB. The proposals offers no effective vehicle turning area on site, Page 3 Ð 26.07.07 finally this proposal offers no affordable housing provision within its context. Seconded by Councillor Maskell. Unanimously agreed. 44657 Ð It was noted under Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995 Schedule 2, Part 6 & Part 7 Ð agricultural and forestry buildings and operations the proposal for an agricultural building works prior notice application for erection of hay store/implement shed at land at Oxford Cross, Georgeham, the Local Planning authority has determined that prior approval of the additional details will be required for this development. It was resolved to write back to Planning Officer to thank him for keeping us advised of this ongoing proposal and asking to be kept informed as the situation develops. 44318 Ð Extension to dwelling and formation of garden/tool room under conservatory (retrospective application to amend design approved by Planning Permission 42486) (amended plans), 12 Davids Hill, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval as per the retrospective application. To also note that secondly although we are not in possession of a site plan, we believe the boundary of this property may encroach onto other land holdings not relevant to it. (3) Planning Correspondence: (i) The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted. APPROVALS 44373 Ð Extension to dwelling together with insertion of 3 dormer windows at 25 West Croyde, Croyde. 44219 Ð Retrospective application for conversion of outbuilding to form 1 unit of holiday accommodation at Speedwell Cottage, Georgeham. COPY TO RT. AND VM. 44384 Ð Reserved matters application for erection of 1 dwelling (Outline Planning Permission 43462) at garden of 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. 44435 Ð Continued siting of summer bungalow (renewal of Planning Permission 32208) together with amendment to occupancy condition to allow 12 months holiday occupancy at Little Wing, 1 Leadengate Fields, Croyde, together with a letter from the Planning Unit explaining why the decision to approve was made. COPY TO RT. 44464 Ð Extension to dwelling at 11 Sandyway, Croyde. (ii) It was noted that a Certificate of Lawfulness had been granted in respect of existing use of a mobile home at Heddon Mill Farm Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. (iii) It was noted that a Certificate of Lawfulness had been granted in respect of existing use of first floor above the garage as a flat at Wisteria Cottage/Home House, St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde. (iv) Copy correspondence NDDC Planning Unit from a resident regarding Planning Permission 41384 on land between Sandbourne and Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. The letter was read to the Meeting. It was now known that the official to whom the letter had been sent was not correct. The Enforcement Officer had been contacted who had advised that it should be built within the relevance of the plot observations on the plans were given. Impact of the buildings and perceived loss of view and value were discussed. It was noted that the Parish Council had commented about the garages not being built within the building line and that the houses were not in keeping with the rest of the houses nearby. It was further noted that the Council were only consultees who make recommendations but that ultimately the end decision is taken by the Planning Officer. Page 4 Ð 26.07.07 This was a matter for the Enforcement Officer who was to be asked to confirm that the buildings are constructed exactly as per the specifications on the approved plan. Should this not be the case, to enquire the differentials and if they are not what action would be taken. The ridge height was approx 1 metre higher rather than 300mm. All responses to be copied to the residents. 44. MATTERS ARISING. (i) Proposed Bus Stop in Georgeham. This was covered in Minute No. 48. The possible reinstatement of a late bus back to Braunton was discussed. Stagecoach was subsidised by Devon County Council and if any extension in service was provided, Devon County Council would have to agree funding. The extra hours cost would be similar to that of one driver later in the night. There was a suggestion of a bus at 9, 10 and 11pm. A letter to be written to Richard Morris, DCC Transport Office with a view to opening a discussion to see if the Parish CouncilÕs suggestions for a later evening bus and seek a meeting with two or three Parish Councillors at his office in Exeter. (ii) Footpath between Georgeham and Croyde. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that District Councillor would be contacting County Councillor Mrs Jenkins. Meanwhile, the file was passed to Councillor Foster who would report back at the August Meeting. (iii) Land at Chapel Street. Councillor Mrs Meek reported the file has been passed to her. North Area Highways are pressing the Legal Department for a reply. (iv) Prohibition of Drinking in Public Places and PCSO Cover. No reply had been received to either enquiry and a reminder to be sent. (v) Planting Trees and Toilet Maintenance. Councillor Tucker has advised Mr D Tucker (no relation) that a few small trees can be planted on the bank at Davids Hill which will remain Parish Council property. There was no further information on the toilet redecoration. This item to be included within the 2008/09 Precept. Councillor Tucker will arrange for No Smoking signs to be put on the toilet doors to comply with legislation. (vi) Bike Rack in Croyde. Councillor Harrison had looked into this and suggested a location outside the toilets in the centre of Croyde would provide accessibility and visibility. Councillor Maskell had obtained prices for a 6 bike rack, costing £327. He would further investigate any other suitable locations. (vii) Hole Lane. Following his inspection, Councillor Harrison had cut back the vegetation growth with another hard prune to be done in August or September. It is easily passable on foot or bike. He is to discuss gates with the new DCC Footpath Warden and will report back at the August Meeting. (viii) Shrubberies, Newberry Close. Councillor Tucker met Ian Handley, North Devon Homes operative who visit the area regularly as they cut the layby vegetation. 1 Newberry Close has been sold and a condition of that sale is that the footpath easement must be kept in order which has not always been the case. North Devon Homes will be writing to the occupier pointing this out and Councillor Tucker will carry out a follow up call in two weeks. No. 1 also own the bottom part of the shrubbery. (ix) Hedges, Higher Ham. There had been no response to our letter and Councillor Tucker will speak to the occupier. Page 5 Ð 26.07.07 45. ACCOUNTS AND PAYMENTS. (i) Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 31/05/07 22,662.51 25,263.92 Transfer from Current A/ct 10,000.00 Receipts Cemetery Fees 539.00 June Interest 67.96 July Interest 87.12 Payments Previously auth 14,964.70 ________ Balances as at 30/06/07 8,236.81 35,419.00 (as at 10/07/07) (ii) The following payments were approved and authorised: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for June 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for June 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for June 07 £169.00 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in the public toilets £ 17.51 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Postage £32.80 Sympathy Card (Mrs Pool, NDDC) £ 1.60 Contribution towards SLCC Membership £20.00 £57.40 Vanguard 2000 Croyde Play Park Security June 07 £220.00 NDDC Salaries Recharge £2,706.15 Georgeham & Croyde Amateur Sports Club. Event Insce. £250.00 Blue Orange Signs Sign at Toilets £ 405.14 Mr T Squire Website Maintenance Feb-July inclusive £ 42.00 Devon Assoc. Of PCÕs Local Council Review Subscription £ 13.50 South West Water Water supply to Cemetery £ 7.77 45. CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS RECEIVED BY THE CLERK. 45.1 NDDC. It was noted that the property 5 Williamson Close, Georgeham has been officially changed to Bay House, 5 Williamson Close, Georgeham. 45.2 My Devon. The Clerk reported on an Email received from the Customer Service Centre regarding a visitorÕs recent visit to Croyde resulting in a complaint being made to DCC regarding disability discrimination. It had been sent to the Clerk who had communicated with the visitor, referring her to the Disability Discrimination Commission and Page 6 Ð 26.07.07 had also emailed My Devon conveying disappointment that they did not satisfactorily deal with this themselves, passing it on to an organisation who has no powers to enforce the law. An apology with explanation had been received. Councillors Symonds and Tucker had been kept informed throughout. 46. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ Clerks and Councils Direct. July 2007. _ Devon Countryside Access Forum. Annual Report 2006/07. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. July/August 2007 Newsletter. _ National Association of Local Councils. Local Council Review. July 2007. _ NHS. Public Consultation on how we plan to run as an NHS Foundation Trust. July 2007. _ Standards Board for England. The Bulletin No. 34. _ Devon Playing Fields Association. Summer 2007 Newsletter. _ Devon Playing Fields Association. Annual Report 1/4/06 Ð 31/3/07. _ DCC. Annual Report 2006/07 with accompanying leaflet Devon NHS Primary Care Trust. 47. STANDING ORDERS, FINANCIAL REGULATIONS, RISK MANAGEMENT, RISK ASSESSMENT AND COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE. Councillors were circulated with copies to read ahead of the August Meeting with a view to adopting at that time. 48. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Short had, that morning, met DCC official John Beardsley regarding an additional bus stop at the lay by opposite the Village Hall which was full of itinerant parking at present. Mr Tony Simmonds from Stagecoach was also present. Both DCC and Stagecoach were in agreement with the proposal which would take in 25 metres of the lay by going towards Croyde as a bus stop to enable the bus to pull in and so prevent excessive parking. Preliminary drawings would be prepared to consider at the August Meeting. The work would not involve removing trees. A dotted line will continue where the bus stop finishes and a no parking sign would be pertinent. Councillor Brian asked if a bus shelter could be sited, which could be considered when the work has been done. Councillors Symonds and Tucker had attended the farewell presentation to Mrs June Tamlyn who had retired as Headteacher of the Primary School. They signed the Departure Book on behalf of the Parish Council. Councillor Harrison had sent a report advising he had attended the Sustrans birthday celebrations at the Tarka Inn; he had also attended a P3 meeting at Bratton Fleming where he had requested help from Richard Spurway, the North Devon Footpaths Officer for DCC Growth was rampant in all footpaths and a discussion followed regarding footpaths and landowners responsibility to keep them in order. Councillor Short had spent some time with Richard Windsor of the Croyde Surf Lifesaving Club. He was happy to liaise with the Club as a representative of the Parish Council and this was welcome as it would tie in with other projects in connection with the Parish Plan. Page 7 Ð 26.07.07 Councillor Mrs Meek attended a Governors Meeting at the Primary School. A copy of the Minutes was passed to the Clerk. A new headteacher, Mr Julian Thomas, would be starting in September. Governors had asked her about obtaining money from a 106 Agreement. 49. ANY URGENT MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN. Councillor Miss Brian had submitted an application form from ROCKets but no reply had been received. It was considered that our application on this occasion had not been successful. There had been no meeting of the Braunton Alliance for some time and she would make enquiries and report back at the August Meeting. Councillor Mrs Meek brought up the Village Design Statement and this was discussed. It would be brought to the next Meeting to consider devolving out some of the consultation Councillor Symonds spoke about the village car park at Georgeham which was always full, and he considered it was either not big enough or was being used as a holding area as some cars had not moved for a lengthy period of time and 6 from the nearby Garage were also being stored there. He asked Councillors to give some thought to a charging structure, the revenue from which could be used for play equipment or a similar project. To be on the on September agenda. 50. CLERKÕS BUSINESS. She requested that the date of the January 2008 Meeting was amended and enquiries to be made if the Village Hall was available. Councillors were also keen to hold the Annual Parish Meeting on a separate evening to that of the April Parish Council Meeting, and a suitable date to be obtained. This to be finalised at the August Meeting. The Meeting ended at 10.20pm.