MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2009 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs P Barker, (District Councillor), Mrs S Hood, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, E Short. Also in attendance: District Councillor M Wilkinson, 3 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 93. Apologies. Councillor Mrs L Slade, R Tucker, County Councillor Mrs C Chugg, Police (PCSO D Kingdon). 94. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 29 October 2009. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 95. Representations from the Public. No representations were made. 96. Declarations of Interest. District Councillor Mrs P Barker stated the following: I shall consider the Applications under Minute No. 98.2 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. Councillor S Maskell declared a Prejudicial Interest In Minute No. 98.2.9 Ð Planning Application 49381. Councillor J Symonds declared a Prejudicial Interest in Minute No. 100.4 - Finance - Award of Tender for Grass Cutting and Maintenance Contract. 97. Reports: Police. When giving his apologies, PCSO D Kingdon advised there had been no crime reported since the last Meeting. . County Councillor Mrs C Chugg. Not present. District Councillor Mrs P Barker. She would advise on various issues throughout the Meeting. District Councillor M Wilkinson. He advised that the Character Appraisals for the area started that day and gave details of the consultation dates and times, which appear in Minute No. 99.6. Shoreline Management Plan. As he reported at the October Meeting, the recommendation was to let nature take its course. He stressed the importance of submitting a response. The response from Woolacombe was of concern of the effect on the SSSi at Barricane Beach, the North Devon Biosphere Reserve and the Great Field. They wished to be assured that these areas still have an element of protection. Councillor Symonds spoke about his concern regarding the erosion of the Burrows at Croyde, feeling that a major event would occur in 2 years. Damage had been caused by tourism and it would appear that the current custodians of the beach are not taking appropriate action. He commended Councillors to read Item 7 in the Standards Committee publication regarding Declaring an Interest, which the Clerk advised would be photocopying and sending to all Councillors to read. He handed over a list of Outstanding Enforcement items in the Parish as at 3/11/09. Councillor Symonds asked the definition of Ôlegal notice servedÕ and was advised that legal action would follow. He advised that he and District Councillor Mrs Barker would donate the balance for work at the Play Park (estimated to be £700) as it was known that County Councillor Mrs C Chugg was looking to donate £1,000 from her County Council Ward Fund. This to be progressed with County Councillor Mrs Chugg in order that the instructions to proceed can be given by the Clerk as soon as possible. Councillors concern was raised that at present families in Croyde were not able to use the Play Park due to the area being closed ahead of the work being carried out. Councillor Harrison arrived. 98. PLANNING. 98.1 Matters Arising. 98.1.1. Unauthorised Summer House at Baggy Lodge. The current position was the same as per the Meeting which was reported on at the October Meeting. 98.1.2. Heather Down, Down End. It was noted that a retrospective application had not yet been submitted. The enforcement file had been passed to the Lead Planning Officer in order to advise if formal enforcement action is now expedient to pursue. This Council will be kept informed. 98.1.3. Caravan at Higher Stentaway, Croyde. It was noted that the harvester caravan was still in situ. Councillor Maskell felt the new caravan with a Certificate of Lawfulness was in breach of planning permission as it was not permissible for two Certificates of Lawfulness to apply. A letter to be written to the Enforcement Officer, Mr S Harrington stating this Council was very concerned that the harvester caravan remained on site and that it should be removed. The item to be on the next Agenda. 98.2 Planning Applications: 98.2.1. 49271 - Demolition of existing & erection of new unit of holiday accommodation at The Ranch, Orastone, Withywell Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 98.2.2. 49279 - Application for variation of Condition 11 attached to Planning Permission 86/2116/28/04, Condition 4 attached to Planning Permission 39488 & Condition 4 attached to Planning Permission 40628 (No Winter storage of caravans) to read no Winter storage of caravans on the site other than on the area outlined in red on plan GJH1 at Bay View Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 98.2.3. 49261 - Retrospective Application for erection of decking & associated earth bank at The Folly, Broadway lane, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell, seconded by Councillor Symonds and unanimously agreed to resolve to recommend refusal on the grounds that it is additional urbanisation outside the development envelope boundary with the additional comment that it makes a temporary structure even more permanent. 98.2.4. 49282 - Change of use of part of dwelling to form Tea Room together with insertion of patio doors, window and new pedestrian access to North Elevation at Sandleigh, Moor Lane, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Barker, seconded by Councillor Harrison and unanimously agreed to recommend approval. 98.2.5. 49203 - Extension to decking together with erection of pergola and retractable canopy at Blue Groove, 2 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. Councillor Harrison had received a letter of representation from a tourist pointing out that during a visit over the Remembrance Sunday weekend, a number of rats were observed on the grass near the Village Hall. The Clerk to the acknowledge the letter and send it to North Devon Council Environmental Health Department. It was resolved to recommend approval. 98.2.6. 49355 - Extension of time limit for implementation of Planning Permission 43158 (demolition of existing garage, erection of garage/studio and demolition of single storey extension & erection of two storey extension) at Wester David, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 98.2.7 49385 - Continued siting/use of Summer Bungalow (renewal of temporary Planning Permission 38662) at 22 Leadengate Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 98.2.8 49368 - Demolition of 12 chalet buildings & erection of one building providing 56 x bedroom accommodation at Unison, Croyde Bay Holiday Village, Down End, Croyde. The Application was comprehensively discussed at length. Councillor Symonds regrettably proposed refusal on the grounds that part of the development (car park) is outside the development envelope and on reserved open space land (CR1). Seconded by Councillor Maskell. Vote: 6 for, 1 against. Councillor Short proposed an amendment which did not receive a seconder and the amendment fell. 98.2.9 49381 - Erection of 1 dwelling at Garden of Homelands, 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. Councillor Maskell declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. Following a lengthy discussion, it was proposed by Councillor Harrison to recommend refusal on the grounds that it is excessively large for the site and has an undue impact on neighbouring properties and the area. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Hood. Vote: Unanimously agreed. 98.2.10 49396 - Creation of private/domestic outdoor swimming pool at 1 Ora Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 98.3 Planning Correspondence: 98.3.1. The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted: APPROVAL - 49002 - Erection of conservatory (amended plans) at Hill Park Cottage, Georgeham. REFUSAL - Erection of one unit of holiday accommodation at Land at Moor Lane, Moor Lane, Croyde. 98.3.2. A letter was noted from North Devon Council. Notification of works to trees in a Conservation Area in respect of works to 2 Sweet Chestnut Trees at 10 St Mary's Road, Croyde. The Council does not consider that it is expedient to make a Tree Preservation Order in response to the proposal as long as the work is carried out within two years and that no more work on the tree(s) is done than is set out in the notice. 98.3.3. A letter was noted from North Devon Council - unauthorised development. Creation/alteration of access and formation of track at land opposite Goulds Farm, Nethercott, Braunton. Following a site visit from the Enforcement Officer, it is considered that planning permission is required for the works. A retrospective application has been invited to be submitted. The letter to be redirected to Braunton Parish. 99. MATTERS ARISING. 99.1 Unauthorised vehicle in car park. It was noted that this has been removed. 99.2 Lighting and Parking Charge Time in Croyde Car Park. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that the Report goes to executive briefing in December. 99.3 Water being drained onto road at Ruda. It was noted that a reminder had been sent to ensure that the Lengthsman's work schedule includes this. 99.4.1 Sandy Lane. Councillor Harrison reported that Footpath Warden Simon Houghton had visited the site who would make arrangements for stone to be laid on one side of the path. Attention would also be given to Adwell Lane. In addition, stiles were to be repaired. 99.4.2. The dog bin in Sandy Lane was proving inadequate, even in the Winter months. This is the bin which is emptied weekly year round. Councillor Symonds proposed that a new additional bin was purchased, similar to last the bin ordered, with post and brackets. Agreed by Councillors. 99.4.3. Councillor Mrs Meek advised that the dog bin in Newberry Road no longer had a lid. Councillors were in agreement for a new bin to be ordered with post and brackets. 99.4.4. Footpath 26, Broadway Lane. Councillor Harrison was not of the opinion that this was impassable, as had been reported. Councillor Mrs Barker mentioned funding within the AONB. The landowner of the farm at the end of the lane was given the opportunity to speak and suggested JCB to clean off mud in middle when stone could then be deposited in the lane. Councillor Maskell advised that an individual who has walked the lane for many years was willing to pay for the work to be carried out. The project to be included on the P3 Report as a special project. Councillor Maskell to arrange for the work to be done as per the suggestion by the landowner. 99.5 Litter Bin by Cobbles. Councillor Mrs P Barker reported that a replacement had been ordered. 99.6 Conservation Area. A Meeting with Mr J Bate of North Devon Council on Wednesday, 2 December. 9.30am had been fixed. In addition, Mr Bate had organised a Public Consultation Appraisal in Croyde and Georgeham Village Halls on Wednesday 9/12/09 and Tuesday, 15/12/09 between 3pm & 7pm respectively. 99.7 Memorial Benches. A reply was noted from Braunton Parish Council regarding the possible site for Mr Shaw's Bench in which they advised that the land identified did not belong to the Council. The Bench is to be located on Footpath 17 and the landowners are in agreement for it to be sited next to Alf's Bench. Councillor Symonds to liaise with Mr Shaw. It was noted that the Memorial Bench for the Cemetery had been fixed. 99.8 NHS Leaving Hospital Leaflet. It was noted that Councillor Mrs Hood had drafted a reply which had been submitted to the Chief Executive at Northern Devon Healthcare Trust. Councillors had been circulated with the response. 99.9 Dead trees at Cemetery. Councillor Symonds reported that the work had been carried out. 99.10 Georgeham Play Area. Councillor Symonds to arrange for the matting to be pressure washed in the near future. 99.11 Hedge Trimming. Position regarding South Hole Farm to Forda and from Unison to Down End. The area at Down End at been done. A discussion followed regarding billing landowners. An article to be included in The Crydda advising that householders hedges have been cut by the Parish Council following complaints being received from parishioners. 99.12 Dates of Meetings for 2010. Due to a change in the Clerk's holiday arrangements, the February Meeting could revert back to the normal last Thursday in the month - 25th. Miss I Jones, Treasurer of Georgeham Village Hall had been advised of the dates for the whole of 2010. 99.13 Sign for New Path. This item was deferred to the next Agenda. A request to be made in The Crydda for horse riders not to use the path due to it being churned up and muddy. The surface would be renewed in the new year. 99.14 Tap in the Playing Field. Deferred to the next Agenda. 99.15.1 Dangerous Tree in Chapel Street. It was noted that this had been reported to North Area Highways Management and an email received apologising that it had not yet been possible for the matter to be dealt with. 99.15.2 Councillor Harrison had complained about potholes in Chapel Street which had received attention. 100. Accounts & Payments 100.1 Balances. Current (Treasurers) Business Instant Account Access Account As at 30/9/09 2,402.61 35,588.53 Receipts ND Council 18,437.50 Cemetery Fees 129.00 Transfer from BIA A/ct 2,000.00 Bank interest 1.46 Transfer from Current a/ct 18,000.00 Payments As previously authorised 637.61 Transfer from BIA a/ct 2,000.00 Transfer from Current a/ct 18,000.00 BALANCE AS AT 30/10/09 4,331.50 51,589.99 Budgetary figures for October were circulated to Councillors. 100.2 The following payments were approved and authorised: Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 10.77 Contribution towards petrol - 6 months. 7 journeys £106.66 £120.43 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 17.73 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for October 2009 £179.59 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for October 2009 £484.34 TOTAL £663.93 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for October 2009 £180.26 Mr R Gibbons Felling trees in the Playing Field £224.00 This did not now need to be re-authorised, the original cheque had been received, having taken 3 weeks to be delivered. Jewson Invoice No. 670727 dated 26/10/09 £ 37.38 Angus Basil Cleaning gutters and soffitts at the Public Toilets £ 20.00 Georgeham Village Hall Hire of Hall for 2009 £180.00 North Devon Council Recharge of salaries. August-October 2009 £2,775.13 Information Commissioners Office Registration Charge - Data Protection £ 74.00 Mr M Symonds Removal of Macrocarpa tree at Georgeham Cemetery including all waste removal. £629.00 Jewson 2 Invoices. £6.23 & £21.93 £28.16 100.3 Direct Debit Payments. EDF Energy. Electricity supply to toilet block £ 20.09 Will be taken on 3/12/09 South West Water. Water supply to the Cemetery £ 6.33 Will be taken on 04/01/10 100.4 Tendering. Award of Tender for the Grass Cutting & Maintenance Contract. Councillor Symonds declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. Councillor Mrs Meek proposed that Councillor Maskell should be the Chairman for this item. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Barker and agreed by all. One tender had been received. It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Meek, seconded by Councillor Maskell and agreed by all to accept the figures quoted and the Tender was awarded to Mr M Symonds of Bay Gardens. Councillor Symonds took the Chair again. 100.5 Budget 2010/11. Approval of Budget as recommended by the Finance Sub Committee. Councillors had been circulated with the figures and Councillor Symonds went through each item. The first item was the Clerk's salary which had seen an increase due to the Council agreeing under Minute No. 71.6 at the Meeting on 24 September 2009 for this to be at National Association of Local Council recommended guidelines which had resulted in an impact on the figures. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds to accept the budget. Seconded by Councillor Maskell and unanimously agreed. 100.6 2010/11 Precept. Approval of the Precept as recommended by the Finance Sub Committee. This to be agreed at the December Meeting following Councillor Symonds' visit to the Financial Department at North Devon Council with the Precept and Grant Request Form. 100.7 Parish Council Expenditure 2010/11. Councillor Symonds to visit the Financial Department with the form where North Devon Council officials will give guidance on the completion. The Precept will be as is and announced at the next Meeting. 100.8 Higher Ham Cemetery. The Finance Sub Committee had proposed a review of the charges. Councillors had been circulated with the current details ahead of the Meeting to study. A Sub Committee comprising Councillors Mrs Meek, J Symonds and S Maskell was formed to review the wording and charges in the New Year and report back at the January Meeting. 101. Correspondence & Reports. 101.1 Mr J Thomas, Headteacher, Georgeham Primary School. Email regarding the proposed projects in which it stated that the Section 106 money given by a local builder could not be accessed to benefit the School has the proposals did not fit the criteria. Councillor Mrs Barker to investigate this. Councillor Mrs Hood spoke about the Parish Council assisting with funding. Councillor Symonds was of the opinion that the taxpayer should not fund education and the project could not be funded by the Parish Council. County Councillor Mrs Chugg was to visit the School on 9 December. She had hoped that Councillor Symonds would accompany her but he was unable to do so due to prior commitments. 101.2 Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service/North Devon's Biosphere Reserve. Letter and other documents regarding the care of this area. The Parish is asked how it can raise awareness of the Biosphere. Presentations are available. The Parish is asked to nominate a member of the Council as a representative. The Parish is asked to endorse the vision and strategy of the Biosphere Reserve, preferably by letter. The Parish is asked to consider how it can advance the aims of the Biosphere. Taken by Councillor Harrison who would report back. 101.3 Information Commissioner's Office. Forms received to pursue the registration of this Council under the Data Protection Act. 101.4 North Devon & Somerset Shoreline Management. Letter, response form and information leaflet. Councillors had been circulated with these details ahead of the Meeting. Councillor Harrison to formulate a response for the next Meeting on behalf of the Parish Council. 101.5 DCC. Copy correspondence to Mr Learmonth regarding Chapel Farm Tourist Signing was noted. 101.6 Department of Energy and Climate Change. Consultation on draft National Policy Statements for Energy Infrastructure. The web link for consultations is www.energynpsconsultation.decc.gov.uk Taken by Councillor Harrison. 101.7 Sgt J Pearce. Email regarding a Street Champion Initiative. JS had spoken to the Police about motor cycles breaking the law on footpaths and bridleways. Taken by Councillor Mrs V Meek. 101.8 South West Highways. It was noted that a letter had been written enquiring if this Council would be eligible to be reimbursed for hedge cutting. 108.9 North Devon Council. Parish Council Workshop. How to Make Representations on the Core Strategy on Thursday 10/12/09 at the Council Chamber, any time between 2pm - 8pm. A copy of this letter had been sent to all Councillors. This is a drop-in session which has to be booked by 4/12/09. Councillor Mrs Hood had not received a letter and the Clerk to make arrangements for her to receive a copy. 108.10 North Devon Council. Georgeham/Putsborough/Croyde Conservation Area Character Appraisal will be available to view and comment between the following dates: 26/11/09 - 14/01/10. The following website links are relevant: http://northdevon- consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/conservation_area_character_appraisals/georgeham_conservation_area/georgeha mconservation_area_character_appraisal http://northdevon- consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/conservation_area_character_appraisals/putsborough_conservation_area/draft_pu tsborough_conservation_area_character_appraisal http://northdevon- consult.limehouse.co.uk/portal/conservation_area_character_appraisals/croyde_conservation_area/croyde_conse rvation_area_character_appraisal The Public Consultation dates, venues and times had already been mentioned earlier in the Meeting under Minute No. 99.6. 102. Publications Received. _ North Devon Council Newsletters and Bulletins _ Clerks & Councils Direct. November 2009 _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. November/December 2009 Newsletter. _ The Playing Field. Devon Playing Fields Association Newsletter. Autumn 2009 _ South Western Ambulance Service. Aspirant Foundation Trust Consultation _ Glasdon. Products for Local Councils _ RD&Express. November 2009 _ Devon Talk. Winter 2009 103. Meetings attended by Councillors/Clerk 103.1 A written Report was received from the Clerk following her attendance at a Planning School organised by Barnstaple Town Council on 31/10/09. 103.2 The Clerk drew Councillors' attention to a product - Floodbloxs. An alternative to the traditional sandbag, filled with gel which expands on contact with water. Taken by Councillor Mrs Meek to include in The Crydda. 103.3 Review of Standing Orders. Advices had been received from the DAPC regarding Notices of Meeting sent by email. It was recommended that these details were incorporated into the Standing Orders should the issue be challenged. The article on the DAPC Newsletter was sent to Councillors ahead of the Meeting to study. Councillors were in unanimous agreement for the Standing Orders to be revised to include the wording 'by post and email'. 104. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. 104.1 Sand Dunes. Councillor Mrs Barker to follow this up. 104.1 Surface water ditch running from Footpath 22. This item had been covered earlier in the Meeting. 104.2 Croyde Play Park. Councillor Symonds reported that a quotation had been obtained for the repairs which amounted to £1,745.46. In this connection, District Councillor Mrs Barker had arranged for a Ward Funding Application Form to be sent to the Clerk for completion and return ahead of the repairs being authorised and carried out. The Clerk was also completing a DCC Ward Funding Application Form to enable a grant to be made from County Councillor Mrs C Chugg's Ward Fund. She had offered the sum of £1,000 for which Councillors expressed their thanks. 104.3 Footpath 26 - Broadway Lane. This item had been covered earlier in the Meeting. 105. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. 105.1 Councillor Maskell advised that Mum's had made representations for toddler play equipment to be provided at Croyde Play Park. He pointed out that while an older child was using the equipment, a younger child was not able to. It was noted that the present equipment was used not only by residents but tourists and this Council was looking to Tourist Board for support. If this could be obtained, a project to provide such equipment could go forward. Councillor Symonds explained the theme of the present equipment, and the hope was to get more than one piece of toddler equipment for variation. 105.2 Councillor Mrs Meek advised that motor bikes were using Bridleways. This had been brought to PC Lees attention who was in the area at the time and he felt this was in order. One of the riders was a member of the Trail Riders Fellowship. Councillors were in agreement for Councillor Mrs Meek to draft a letter to be sent to the Trail Riders Fellowship, which she would do and forward to the Clerk for sending. 105.3 Councillor Mrs Barker advised that dog stickers for dog bins were available. 105.4 Councillor Mrs Hood advised that she had been approached by a resident of Rock Hill regarding the number of cars parked causing difficulty for vehicles to exit and access their driveways. It was felt this was a Highways issue rather than something which could be dealt with by the Parish Council. She was advised that if the road is obstructed, the Police should be contacted. 106. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 17 December 2009 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 10.39pm.