MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 27 JULY 2006 AT 7 P.M. IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs J Barnes, Miss R Brian, M Harrison, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillors D Spear and M Wilkinson, PC Russ Fisher, 10 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 27. APOLOGIES. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins - at another Meeting. 28. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE LAST MEETING HELD ON 29 JUNE 2006. These were approved and signed as a correct record. Councillor Mapp commented that the Clerk's new system of sending draft Minutes to Councillors to check ahead of the Meeting was working very well and this saved valuable time at Meetings. 29. REPORTS. Police. PC Fisher gave details of 21 crimes in Croyde and 1 in Georgeham. These comprised thefts from cars, mobiles, handbags, assault, criminal damage, arson, burglary. Firearms had been recovered following a break in at a house in Georgeham. Two people had been arrested in connection of one of the crimes and there was a strong suspicion in connection with the Georgeham break in. A debrief was being held on Tuesday, 12 September at Braunton Police Station regarding Oceanfest. Councillor Tucker advised there had been no complaints, a letter of thanks had been sent and verbally thanked the Police at this Meeting. District Councillor Spear. He raised the Oceanfest event and had also thanked the Police. He commented on the possibility of a taxi rank at Croyde about which the Parish Council had been acquainted and a positive response given. The Noise Act 1966 is to be extended to licensed premises including temporary events. As regards the Licensing Act in respect of Village Halls, he had emailed Nick Harvey for greater clarity concerning a full Licence. Councillor Tucker raised the Magistrates Session on 6 September regarding The Thatched Barn and Billy Budds. He reiterated the Parish Council's unanimous view that this Council will continue to press for a terminal hour of midnight. We had not asked for the Beer Garden's terminal hour to be 11 pm but it was felt there was merit in supporting that and the Licensing Sub-Committee had approved this at a recent meeting. It was hoped that Councillor Spear would be present to support the Parish Council at the Meeting. District Councillor Wilkinson. David Rogers of NDDC Waste Management Department would be dealing with the Saunton lay bys litter problem which had been delayed until September or October. There could be a review of the Summer season. He had attended a Standards Committee Meeting where two Parish Councillors had failed to declare an interest in a Planning Application. This was something which could have and should have been avoided and he promoted the Code of Conduct Training Meeting on 5 September. He stressed that Councillors should be aware of the Code of Conduct. Hearing cases like the one he mentioned caused unnecessary procedures to be implemented and expense. Councillor Mapp pointed out that this Council has Standing Orders with Appendices with rules and regulations on lobbying shortly to be adopted. 30. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Three members of the public were present and wished to speak regarding three Planning Applications. The Chairman advised that they would be given the opportunity to speak immediately before the Application was considered. Page 2 - 27.07.06 Mr R Holmes on behalf of Georgeham Football Club gave an update on the current situation. A Meeting was planned for the following week. Meanwhile, visits had been made to recent developments and the new facilities at Burrington was favoured. Revised plans were being submitted to NDDC. Councillor Symonds advised that County Councillor Mrs Jenkins had funding to use on sports and leisure facilities. This would be best applied if she was advised of a particular project. 31. PLANNING. 1. Matters Arising. a) Mrs Rosenbaum. Letter of objection received in respect of Planning Application No. 42461 - Home House. b) Mr N Humphries. He was not satisfied with the response to his communications regarding signage at Chapel Farm Antiques. Members approved that Councillor Symonds would visit him to explain the situation. c) Councillor Tucker reported on a meeting he and the Chairman had had with the Architect working on the Croyde Bay Hotel Application. The original Application had been refused and since then, the reasons for refusal had been carefully looked at. Another scheme has been produced and the Meeting was to gauge the opinion on behalf of the Parish Council. Councillor Tucker stressed that no promises whatsoever had been made and a further Application will be submitted in due course, thought to be smaller and less obtrusive. d) Councillor R Tucker - Copy correspondence to Mr T Blatchford, Legal Department of NDDC regarding the Appeal by Mudlark Limited regarding the Licence. 2. Applications: a) 42461/42451 - Listed Building Application for extension to & conversion of restaurant/guest house/staff accommodation to form 3 dwellings - Home House (including Barn and Wisteria Cottage), 25 St. Mary's Road, Croyde. Copy correspondence had been received from Ms Rosenbaum, a neighbour. Ms Rosenbaum addressed the Meeting and gave her reasons for objecting. A Site Meeting was arranged for Monday 31 July at 8 a.m. b) 42486 - Extension to dwelling - 12 Davids Hill, Georgeham. Mrs Clay addressed the Meeting and gave her and her husband's reasons for objections. Councillor Tucker explained the reason for the Parish Council's decision and they understood this. Councillor Tucker recommended approval. Unanimously agreed. c) 42014 - Conversion of loft to form additional living accommodation including installation of 2 velux windows to front elevation and 1 dormer window to rear elevation - 6 West Croyde, Croyde. The Applicant, Mrs Ford, was given the opportunity to address the Meeting. Recommended for approval. d) 42313 - Conversion of Chapel to form 1 dwelling - The Chapel, Watery Lane, Croyde. Councillor Maskell proposed refusal on the grounds that there is already problems with the amount of vehicles using Watery Lane and this building has no parking provision. Agreed by Members. e) 42554 - Insertion of rear dormer window - 26 Sandyway, Croyde. Recommended for approval. Page 3 - 27.07.06 f) 42611 - Conversion of car port to garage with office over (amendments to Planning Permission 40709) - Jack Smales Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. Councillor Mrs Slade declared a personal interest and did not take part in the vote or decision. Recommended for approval. g) 42612 - Conversion of loft space over garage to form games room - Cottage adjacent to Jack Smales Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. Councillor Mrs Slade declared a personal interest and did not take part in the vote or decision. Recommended for approval. h) 42618 - Demolition of existing and erection of new garage with self-contained annexe over - White House, Baggy Point, Croyde. Councillor Symonds proposed the following reply is sent: "Recommend refusal on the grounds that it is an environmentally sensitive area. We accept there should be no development West of Ruda and this constitutes new residential development outside the development envelope and the proposed windows on the North elevation overlook the adjoining property. The Application states use of existing main drainage, we do not believe there is mains drainage to this property therefore it would be burdening the existing septic tank system. Given that this would create extra accommodation there is no provision either for parking which we cannot accept". This was agreed by Members. i) 42368 - Erection of stables, tack room & hay store together with change of use of field from agricultural to equestrian use - Coppice, Buckland Road, Georgeham. Recommended for approval. 3. The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted from NDDC: APPROVALS 41816 - Conversion of barn to form 1 unit of holiday accommodation at Darracott House, Darracott, Georgeham. 42079 - Erection of conservatory at 3 Glebefield, Georgeham. 42149 - Extension to dwelling at Hartnolls, Heddon Mill, Knowle, Braunton. 42271 - Erection of conservatory at Bethany, 25 Longland Lane, Georgeham. REFUSAL 41858 - Demolition of hotel and erection of 1 flat and 9 units of holiday accommodation at Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. 4. Copy correspondence was noted from NDDC to Mr D Johnson regarding the removal of 3 Elm trees to the rear of 7 Williamson Close. It had been confirmed that this is exempt from a Tree Preservation Order. 5. Following a letter from NDDC, it was noted that Application 42224 - Extension to shop with holiday accommodation above - Salt Rock, Hobbs Hill, Croyde had been withdrawn. 32. MATTERS ARISING. (i) Car Park Barrier. This had been fixed. Lineage was discussed and would be monitored. Page 4 - 27.07.06 (ii) Clearway. DCC had replied advising the only letter received was from this Council. Councillors continued to feel aggrieved that arrangements had not been made for it to be extended to Bay View Farm as previously requested. (iii) Taxi. As noted in previous Minutes, this was welcomed and there was no objection to one parking space being used for this at Hobbs Hill. (iv) Bridleway Sign. This had been replaced. (v) Lay Bys. The litter problem was being dealt with. 33. GEORGEHAM PLAYING FIELD. (i) The Clerk had downloaded a lengthy email regarding Governance Hub and had forwarded it to the Chairman ahead of the Meeting. This to be filed for future use. (ii) The Annual Return from the Charity Commissioners had been received. Mr J Yeo to be deleted as he was no longer a Parish Council and therefore not a Trustee, and Councillors Harrison and Maskell to be added, both of whom completed their details on the form. (iii) Insurance Cover. Councillor Tucker had been in touch with Messrs Slee Blackwell. A draft proposal/contract was handed to Councillor Mapp to study. (iv) The drains were giving off a foul odour and Councillors Maskell and Tucker to deal. 34. CORRESPONDENCE. (i) CARA. Letter was read to the Meeting. Councillor Harrison updated the Meeting on the situation. (ii) The Thatched Barn and Billy Budds Licencing. Copy correspondence received from Councillor Mrs Meek. Councillor Tucker had prepared a summation in preparation for the Magistrates Session. Councillor Mrs Meek had copies of all the Licences for licensed properties. Councillor Tucker advised that following a meeting of the Licensing Sub Committee, the unanimous decision was to support the conditions imposed regarding the Beer Gardens restriction to 11 pm. The argument for the terminal hour of midnight will be pressed. The chairman asked the meeting for a show of hands to support that this was the position of the full Parish Council and unanimous support then followed. (iii) BAGO. Booklet on litter picking equipment. (iv) NDDC. Letter informing that the North Devon Local Plan 1995 to 2011 has been formally adopted. (iv) (a) Dog Waste. The Clerk appraised the Meeting on telephone calls between Ruda and Environmental Health regarding excessive rubbish on the path to the beach which was attracting vermin. This was being dealt with urgently. (b) Councillor Harrison gave a report of the litter problem. He was thanked for his efforts and liaising with Mr J Humphries, the Tidy Person. An improvement had been noted. He made several proposals regarding the ambiguity relating to the dog bins. Councillor Tucker to speak to Brook Stores and an additional dog bin was ordered from Glasdon Products to be delivered to the Chairman who would fix it. The matter to be reviewed during the Winter for the 2007 Season. (c) Councillor Miss Brian reported that for the second time, the telephone box glass had been broken. She was advised that BT was aware of this and arrangements were being made for it to be replaced. A discussion followed regarding the provision of a public 'phone box with many people have mobiles. (v) NDDC. Consultation regarding Ilfracombe Bus Station. This was felt to have no consequence and was time consuming. Page 5 - 27.07.06 (vi) Croyde Sewage Treatment Works. An email from Mr B Beaman had been received and was read to the Meeting and he then addressed the Meeting. It transpired that the two storage tanks installed underground at the Lime Kiln Field several years ago were now insufficient and an additional tank was to be installed. One of the main concerns was that the Lime Kiln Field was used for Oceanfest, owned by the National Trust and when the work would be undertaken by South West Water dictated by the National Trust so as not to affect Oceanfest, as opposed to the safety of bathers and the Blue Flag status of the beach. Councillor Symonds to draft a suitable letter and invite representatives of South West Water to a meeting. Mr Beaman further addressed the Meeting pointing out the promises that South West Water had made which has never materialized. Mr Beaman is to be kept informed of the situation. (vii) DCC. Devon County Minerals and Waste Development Framework. Consultation on draft statement of community involvement. Representations can be made until 31 August. Taken by Councillor Harrison to study and report back at the next Meeting. 9viii) Councillor Miss R Brian. To be linked with the item on Standing Orders. 35. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. * NDDC Bulletins and Newsletters. * DAPC. Newsletter for July/August 2006 and other leaflets. * Devon Playing Fields Association Annual Report. * National Association of Local Councils. July 2006 Newsletter. 36. STANDING ORDERS. Councillor Mapp explained that the Sub-Committee had reviewed the Standing Orders. The areas most affected was the format of the Agenda, generally to bring forward important matters to ensure these are dealt with; the relationship to Councils to Sub-Committees was looked at; business of the Trustees of the Playing Field to be included; the NDDC proposal on lobbying to be adopted and appended within the Orders a copy of which he circulated. He asked Councillors to respond in the next few weeks after studying them. The whole exercise was meant to help speed up the way items were dealt with during the Meeting and reiterated that the Clerk had already ready started to implement this speed up procedure by sending the draft Minutes to Councillors before they were made public. Councillors generally were in agreement with the new style Agenda although the Chairman pointed out that items are received after the Agenda has been sent which require attention at the Meeting and because of this, it would be necessary for a supplementary agenda to continue to be prepared. 37. PARISH PLAN. Councillor Mrs Meek updated Councillors on the position and a recent meeting held. A representative was required on each Group to report back to the Parish Council. This is the route to obtain funding. Councillor Symonds felt that Groups who are looking for funding should ensure that a representative attends Parish Council Meetings and pointed out that we have links with two Village Halls. It was known from Councillor Meek's list that there were organizations where high priority was reflected. Page 6 - 27.07.06 38. REPORT BY COUNCILLOR MISS BRIAN. The grant she had applied for under the ROCKets scheme had been successful and the sum of 5,000 had been awarded for resurfacing the Play Area at Georgeham Play Park. Subsequently, this area had been earmarked as a possible site for the proposed Sports Pavilion. The terms and conditions of the grant being awarded was that it was spent on an amenity with a ten year life. The funding must be spent this year otherwise it has to be returned and Councillor Brian sought an assurance that the money is used for the purpose. Councillor Symonds reported that in the meantime, the firm RSS Playmakers had met him at the Croyde Adventure Playground and assessed what was required following the ROSPA Report to bring it up to standard. The quotation received was for 3500. The Georgeham Play Park was also assessed with the main requirement here being attention to the surface, the quotation for which came to 1100. The funding will be release when the invoice was submitted. Councillor Brian was congratulated for her efforts in obtaining the grant. The proposed work on both areas was to be put in hand. 39. FINANCE. (i) Broadband. It was proposed by Councillor Mapp, seconded by Councillor Tucker and approved by Members that the Clerk make enquiries to be on Broadband. The Parish Council was willing to pay for a proportion of the monthly fee. (ii) Balances. The figures for April, May and June together with the budgetary figures for these months were circulated to Councillors. (iii) Payments. The following payments were approved and authorized. Proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek. J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for June £ 169.00 Mr S M Wightman Grass Cutting £ 546.71 Mr M Symonds 1st payment on grass cutting & maintenance contract 2006/07£820.00 South West Water Water supply at Higher Ham Cemetery £ 7.82 South West Water Water supply at Georgeham toilets £ 141.88 NDDC Staff Salary Recharges. April - June. £2,524.58 Mrs S Squire 4 months mileage. 152 miles at 49.9p £75.84 Internet charges £20.00 £ 95.84 Jewson Maintenance Items £ 36.88 Jewson Maintenance Items £ 63.40 Simpkins Edwards. Audit fee for 2005/06. £ 587.50 (iv) Internal Auditor's Report. A letter had been received from Messrs Simpkins Edwards following the audit of the 2005/06 accounts. There were a few items requiring attention which were to be dealt with by the Finance Sub Committee. Page 7 - 27.07.06 40. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS. a) Land at Davids Hill. Following the request from a parishioner to purchase this, Councillor Mapp and the Clerk had investigated the situation through the Devon Association of Parish Councils and Legal Services. Councillor Symonds proposed that the Parish Council did not sell the land. Seconded by Councillor Mapp. A vote was taken as to whether this Council wished to proceed with the sale - 8 for, 1 abstention. Councillor Symonds would advise the person concerned. b) Leaking Tap at Playing Field Changing Rooms. Councillor Tucker advised this had been fixed. c) Camping in Croyde behind Play Area. This was reported by Councillor Mrs Meek. Councillor Symonds to request the security from Mr Ingleby's site to extend their patrols to include the area. d) Councillor Mrs Slade advised of a telephone call from Mr P Milton following signs on his land indicating it was available to rent. e) Higher Ham Cemetery. The Clerk pointed out that no provision had been made for Memorial Plaques within the Terms and Conditions Booklet prepared in 2003. The wording was agreed and replacement booklets to be obtained. Details of the plaques had been obtained from the Columbaria Company with whom this Council has dealt in the past. 41. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. a) Councillor Mrs Meek. She had met with Mr N Steenman-Clark, Public Rights of Way Officer at DCC along with members of the 'old' Footpaths Group. The Parish Maps Review consultation will begin in August and a new round of consultation would begin in late 2006 early 2007. Notes of the Meeting were circulated. b) Councillor Mapp. He had attended North Devon Homes AGM and had been told some interesting facts. c) Councillor Harrison. A P3 Meeting had been held in Georgeham Village Hall. This included information on record keeping. The Meeting ended at 10.33 p.m. The next Meeting would be held on 31/8/06 in Georgeham Village Hall at 7 p.m.