MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 27 MARCH 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors W Foster, M Harrison, Mrs V Meek, E Short, Mrs L Slade and R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillors Mrs P Barker and M Wilkinson, 18 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 169. Apologies. Councillors Miss R Brian, S Maskell and County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. 170. Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 28 February 2008. These were approved and signed after it was noted that Councillor E Short had sent his apologies through the Chairman. 171. Reports: Police. It had been hoped to speak about problems with parking at Millersbrook and the Clearway at Bay View Farm which it was known was supported by the Police. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present due to ill health. District Councillor Mrs P Barker. _ She had spoken to Mr M Newcombe regarding yellow lines/parking which he supported. _ An email had been received from Mrs A Juby in connection with the safe pathway for use in particular by children going to and from school between Georgeham and Croyde which she would collect the following week. It also included calls for a 20mph speed limit for Croyde as well as Georgeham. _ The Appeal Hearing for Greystones would be heard on 28 April and she would be attending. Councillor Tucker advised that the Parish Council had recommended refusal when the Application was considered and the same view was held. _ Councillor Wilkinson, Sgt Pearce and herself were meeting regarding a Section 30 Order for Oceanfest. _ In reply to Councillor MaskellÕs enquiry at a previous meeting, the cost of the judicial review in respect of Fullabrook would be £25,000 - £26,000. _ Mr Bob Pedlar, the Planning Officer dealing with the Atlantis Lodge Application, was in talks with the Environment Agency and SSSI. _ She had given money from her Ward Fund to assist Georgeham Village Hall in the provision of disabled toilet facilities. District Councillor M Wilkinson. Similar recycling bins in Woolacombe to which he referred at the last Meeting were now in Ilfracombe. Councillors Symonds and Tucker had not yet had the opportunity to inspect them in Woolacombe. He spoke about traffic warden provision, where there would be one warden in the summer to cover Woolacombe, Croyde, Mortehoe and Braunton. Woolacombe has the finance in place to cover the cost of one for the resort. The sum of £22,000 had been raised in previous years from parking meters. There are no provisions in the Report for Bank Holidays and working overtime. The training period was 6 weeks and he suggested that strong representations are sent to Martin Williams asking where the allocated money was going to which Councillors agreed with a copy to him. The Police have been advised of the situation but do not have sufficient time to deal with it. 172. Representations from the Public. Mr A Pearce on behalf of the majority of residents in Darracott would speak regarding Planning Application No. 46146 at Orchardon immediately before it was to be considered later in the Meeting. 173. Declarations of Interest. Councillor Mrs L Slade declared a prejudicial interest in Planning Application Numbers 46370 and 46339 - Listed Building application for conversion of barns to form 2 dwellings (amendment to Listed Building consent 37127 to allow amended design for Unit 2) at Higher Ham Farm, Unit 2, Georgeham. Page 2 Ð 27.03.08 174. PLANNING. 174.1 Matters Arising. Following the issue of a Certificate of Lawfulness at Higher Stentaway, Croyde, a reply to our letter had been received from Mr O Block of the Legal Services Department apologising for omitting to send a consultation letter for the Parish CouncilÕs consideration. The Chairman had dealt with the District Council to ensure this was not repeated in the future. 174.2 To consider the following Planning Applications: 46146 Ð Change of use of part of former agricultural store to form toilets at land at Orchardon (SS472 389), Darracott, Georgeham. Mr A Pearce addressed the Meeting giving his reasons for objecting to the Application where there was a proposed change of use from a stable to camping/toilets. Councillor Tucker advised the procedure of the Parish Council when considering Planning Applications and gave details of the 28 day camping rights. It was resolved to recommend refusal. The grounds would be sent to the Clerk by Councillor Tucker for a full reply to be sent. The following reply was sent to the Planning Department: Georgeham Parish Council wish to recommend refusal with the following comments: The proposed development seeks to change the use of a building with apparent permission for either agricultural or equestrian use to a commercial premises, albeit a shower and toilet block. Although there may be no material change to the facade of this building, the alteration away from its apparent agricultural or equestrian permission is totally contrary to the provision of 28 day limited development rights, often used for camping, and therefore was unanimously refused, because on the 29th day the site has to return to its previous standing. Furthermore, Georgeham Parish Council is concerned that the alleged current use as a builders store is contrary to its apparent original permission as agricultural or equestrian use and would like the NDDC Planning Authority to clarify this position by our next Parish Council meeting on the 24th April 2008. 46281 Ð Extension to dwelling at 20 Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46280 Ð Extension to dwelling at 1 West Croyde, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46243 Ð Conversion of loft to form additional living accommodation together with insertion of dormer windows at 11 Lane Head Close, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker to recommend refusal. Seconded by Councillor Symonds. It was proposed by Councillor Harrison to recommend approval. Seconded by Councillor Short. Vote: Councillors in favour to recommend refusal: 3. Councillors in favour to recommend approval: 4. Carried. Councillor Mrs Meek raised a Village Design Statement and this item is to be included on the next Agenda. 45957 Ð Installation of solar panels at St GeorgeÕs House, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46231 Ð Extension to dwelling at 20 Orchard Grove, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46323 Ð Outline application for demolition of existing & erection of new bungalow at The Bungalow (OS 5452), Spreacombe, Braunton. Page 3 Ð 27.03.08 It was resolved to recommend approval. 46329 Ð Extension to dwelling at The Haven, 20 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46370/46339 Ð Listed Building application for conversion of barns to form 2 dwellings (amendment to Listed Building consent 37127 to allow amended design for Unit 2) at Higher Ham Farm, Unit 2, Georgeham. Councillor Mrs L Slade was requested to briefly address the Meeting as to the reason for the amendment. She then declared a prejudicial interest, left he Meeting and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval. Councillor Mrs L Slade returned to the Meeting. 46289 Ð Siting of 1 holiday bungalow (renewal of temporary planning permission 26726) at Sandyholme, 18 Leadengate Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval subject to retaining any limited occupancy/limitation of use condition. 174.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notice was noted: Approval 44669 Ð Extension & alterations to dwelling at Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Croyde Bay, Braunton. 174.3 (2) It was noted that Application 45914 Ð Extensions to dwelling & annexe at Moorhurst, 2 Moor Park Close, Croyde had been WITHDRAWN. It was noted that Application 45849 Ð Demolition of 1 existing & erection of 1 new unit of holiday accommodation at Kildarna, Leadengate Fields, Croyde had been WITHDRAWN. Following comments regarding an Application which had recently considered in the Meeting, Councillors were advised by the Chairman that it was not appropriate for further comments to be made after a decision had been made, particularly if the applicant had, as was in this case, been present at the Meeting and left immediately after his Application had been considered. 175. MATTERS ARISING. 175.1 Mr S Flynn. Councillor Foster reported that it had not been possible to arrange a site meeting due to Mr Flynn having many commitments at the present time. It was hoped that a meeting could be arranged at the end of April. Neither Councillor Foster or Symonds had been given permission to go onto the land unaccompanied. Councillor Foster would continue to press for a meeting. Mr A Jones of NDDC had not yet replied. 175.2 DCC. Road safety issues in Georgeham. Councillors Foster and Harrison had prepared a draft letter and this to be sent with a copy to Chloe Hubbard at the North Devon Journal. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that Mr M Newcombe was in agreement with the vegetation to be cleared but before this was done, permission must be given in writing. 175.3 Parish Plan Grant Funding. The Clerk had sent an Invoice as requested, advising that the money was earmarked for play and sports equipment. To be kept on the Agenda. 175.4 Letter from Mr Green-Price regarding parking issues in Moor Lane. This would be followed up by District Councillor Mrs P Barker. The Chairman would update Mr Green-Price with the present position. Page 4 Ð 27.03.08 175.5 DCC Listening Events. The date, venue and time had been changed to Chittlehamholt Village Hall on Monday April 7th, 7 Ð 9pm and this was noted. 175.6 Redecoration of Georgeham Toilets. Councillor Tucker reported that agreement had been reached on the material for the walls and that a price for the floor paint was awaited. The Chairman advised that the overgrown area beside the toilets had been cleared and when doing so, it was discovered there was very little earth around the footings and this had been rectified. The Chairman also advised at this point that the top entrance of the Playing Field at Rock Hill was to be reopened. He was given permission to fix a stile. Councillor Symonds had drafted an article for the Community News Section of the North Devon Journal regarding damage to the planted area at the Glebe Field. This was agreed by Councillors. 175.7 Payment of utility bills by direct debit. The Clerk reported that arrangements had been made to pay Water and Electricity bills by quarterly direct debit. The amount would be as per the Invoice and not a set amount. 175.8 DCC. Letter sent to Mr J Deasey regarding parking problems at Millers Brook and extension of the Clearway at Down End. No reply had been received. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that DCC officials would attend a separate Meeting in Georgeham Village Hall at which the Primary School Headteacher would be present. She will liaise and fix a date and time for the Meeting. The discussion would also include the 20mph aspect. 175.9 Croyde Surf Life Saving Club. Councillor Short advised that it was unlikely they could proceed with their plans as the National Trust has made a strong case for moving the National Trust Car Park. A meeting was planned for 7 April at Mr R WindsorÕs home when a representative from the National Trust would be there. 176. Accounts & Payments 176.1 Balances. Current Account Business Instant Access Account As at 31/01/08 9,167.61 35,51.99 Receipts Bank interest 90.56 Cemetery Fees 495.00 Payments Previously authorised 705.00 ________ BALANCE AS AT 29/02/08 8,957.61 35,632.55 176.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for Feb 08 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for Feb 08 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for Feb 07 £ 84.50 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 3.25 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 15.48 Page 5 Ð 27.03.08 Mr M Symonds, Bay Gardens 1st payment on grass cutting and Maintenance contractor 2008/09 £ 475.00 Tree & shrub removal from bus stop area Ð DavidÕs Hill, Georgeham £ 470.00 £945.00 Record RSS Ltd Repairs & maintenance at Croyde Play Park £1,240.80 NDDC Non domestic rates for Cemetery. (50%) £ 106.28 Devon Association of Parish Councils. Renewal of Membership 1/4/08 Ð 31/3/09. £246.00; Local Council Review £13.50; Village Green x 4 per year at £5.50 per issue Ð £22 = £281.50. Devon Association of Playing Fields. Renewal of Membership 1/4/08 Ð 31/3/09 - £15.00. NOT APPROVED: Jewson. Toilet seat for Georgeham public toilets. £52.93 as item not received. Councillor Symonds would investigate this. 176.3 DCC. It was noted that the Current Account had been credited with the amount of £585.00 in respect of the P3 Footpath Grant for 2008. The Footpath Officer, Councillor M Harrison and the Chairman had previously been advised. 176.4 NDDC. It was noted that the uncontested election fee of £235.68 has been waived for all Parishes and as a result, the payment made by this Council has been refunded and banked. 177. Correspondence & Reports. 177.1 Mr J Thomas, Headteacher, Georgeham Church of England Primary School. Letter of congratulations sent on behalf of the Parish Council on an excellent OFSTED Report. 177.2 The Boundary Committee for England. Letter and leaflets regarding the structural review of Devon. 177.3 NDDC Letters regarding Local Government Review. 177.4 Road Sweeping. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that Simon Green had advised that the road sweeper had visited the village, with North Area Highways Management advising there was a monthly clean in the winter, increased to weekly in the summer. Councillors did not agree that this was the case. District Councillor Mrs Barker would follow this up. Road gullies were cleaned once a year. Councillor Symonds would liaise with officers but the exact location and specific problem had to be known. Councillor Symonds also advised that a broken bollard in Glebe Field reported by Councillor Mrs Slade would be replaced in 48 hours. 178. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ The Standards Board for England. Town & Parish Standard. March 2008. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. DAPC Newsletter March/April 2008; Questionnaire on current issues; entry form for Devon Calor Village of the Year. _ DCC/Devon NHS Primary Care Trust. Letter/booklet on Devon Strategic Framework for Health and Social Care. _ Devontalk. Spring 2008. _ Clerks & Councils Direct. March 2008. _ Village Green. March 2008. _ Enjoy England. Celebrate St GeorgeÕs Day on 23 April. 179. Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Risk Assessment, Risk Management and Complaints Procedure. These would be distributed to Councillors at the April Meeting. Page 6 Ð 27.03.08 180. Meetings attended by Councillors Councillor Symonds. Oceanfest and the Tree Surgeon in Croyde. Councillor Tucker. Oceanfest. Councillor Short. Croyde Surf Life Saving. 181. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Maskell had attended two meetings regarding Oceanfest. The Police want a Section 30 Order to be in place for all of Croyde during the event so that they can police it more efficiently. Councillor Symonds was of the opinion that this would create a stigma for Croyde and did not think it was appropriate for Croyde. Councillor Tucker advised that it was the recommendation of the Sub Committee not to have a Section 30 due to the impact this would have on the community. There had been no problems in previous years when the event was held. Councillors unanimously felt that the granting of the Order should be resisted. District Councillor Mrs Barker suggested that representations against the Order should be put in writing as it will be going before the District Council who would be taking a vote on the issue. Councillor Symonds to draft the letter and send to the Clerk. 182. Matters Raised by Councillors appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Mrs Meek. She had replied on behalf of the Parish Council in connection with the Community Council of Devon Planning Case Studies and NDDC Devon Communities in Action letter. She was writing a book about Georgeham and asked permission for an extract of the Parish Council Minutes of 1894 to be included. This was granted. She had noted that the motor caravan had been moved from Croyde to Georgeham. She asked if the Parish Council would support solar panels on affordable housing at the Glebe Field. Councillors were in favour of this and a letter to be sent to North Devon Homes. Councillor Foster. It was noted that the Conker Field had been sold where there were Tree Preservation Orders on the trees. An urgent letter to be sent to the Estate Agents, Stags at South Molton who negotiated the sale pointing out this fact for the new owner to be advised. Councillor Symonds. It had been advised at a Meeting some time ago that a relative of the person named on an engraved tablet on the bridge wished to have this refurbished. Mr J Pearce had confirmed that he is to instruct a monumental mason to carry out the work at his own expense. Councillor Symonds had suggested that a copy of the Invoice was sent to the Parish Council so that consideration could be given to make a donation towards the cost. 183. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, April 24 2008 at 6.30pm in Georgeham Village Hall, commencing with the Annual Parish Assembly and followed by the Parish Council Meeting. The Meeting ended at 9.35pm.