MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 27 SEPTEMBER 2007 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. Present: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, W Foster, M Harrison, S Maskell, E Short, Councillor Mrs L Slade. Also in attendance: District Councillors Mrs P Barker and M Wilkinson, PCSO R Peacock, 4 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 68. APOLOGIES. Councillor R Tucker, Councillor Mrs V Meek, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. 69. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS held on 30 August 2007 & 31 August 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 70. REPORTS: Police. PCSO Peacock advised that PC Fisher had intended to be present but was unable to due to family commitments. He had circulated Councillors with a PACT (Partners and Communities Together) letter. A meeting had been fixed for 3 November in Croyde Village Hall between 10am and 12 noon to discuss issues raised. In addition, an Environmental Visual Audit would be held on 18 November. There had been 11 crimes in the area in the last month, as follows: 7 in Croyde comprising 3 thefts, 3 criminal damage, 1 assault. In Georgeham 1 public order section 5 abusive and aggressive behaviour offence; In Saunton there had been one incident involving an accident at which the driver failed to stop, 1 burglary but this was not a crime as the property had been found by the person, and 1 theft from a motor vehicle. Councillor Symonds asked about parking tickets issued in Moor Lane tickets and was advised that these had totalled approximately 12. Many of the vehicles parked there had disabled badges. Other vehicles parked there belonged to local people who had been contacted with a request to move the vehicles. He was thanked for his report and presence and Councillors looked forward to the meeting. District Councillor Mrs P Barker. _ Following feed back from the Village Hall Meeting regarding raising funds on 10 September, this had been very favourable and the discussion will be finalised on 9 October. _ A request had been received from Mr C Burrows on behalf of the Skateboard Club who had lobbied for funding in respect of new equipment. She had been to see the existing equipment and permission has been obtained to leave it in situ. The Club is well attended and the intention is that both she and District Councillor Wilkinson will be able to assist. _ She was disappointed that senior citizens groups were not coming forward for Ward funding. The only groups which had Attended meeting cttee for muga her advice they should go for planning. _ As a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, executive members with responsibility are being interviewed. Her members were Faye Webber with a special interest in reducing the carbon footprint and Des Brailey connected with spatial planning. _ She had attended a meeting of Woolacombe and Mortehoe Tourism Association where new brochure pictures were taken. She noticed that no business from this area were included in the guide and had spoken to owners about promoting Croyde and Georgeham in this way. 2007 had been a successful year with figures up on 2006. _ Planning continued to be a time consuming issue. _ In licensing work was currently being done on a 3 year update on brochure which was a requirement by law. Councillor Maskell highlighted his concerns about the carbon footprint and ways to lower it considering that street lighting and lit road signs could be targeted. Page 2 Ð 27.09.07 The Clerk advised that County Councillor Mrs A Davis had talked about street lights being dimmed at another Parish Council Meeting to reduce energy. District Councillor M Wilkinson. At last Mortehoe and Woolacombe Parish Council Meeting, a large number of the public made representations regarding the lack of policing, particularly over the Bank Holiday Weekend. As a result, the local policeman has arranged for a Public Meeting with leaflets delivered to everyone asking for their concerns. The no smoking ban was presenting problems with people going on streets to smoke, taking their drinks causing noise and disturbance. The Licencing Committee would be giving attention to this. He suggested that moves should be made to register our concerns over this. Councillor Symonds followed this up by highlighting the amount of revenue which is gained from this area, the Parish were not enjoying a good deal. He is attending a meeting in London on Coastal Issues Special Interest Groups which meet 4 times a year, one of which looks at coastal issues in specific areas. In 2008 the June meeting coming to North Devon and he will be helping to put the programme together which would not just look at erosion but coastal town issues and coastal regeneration. This would be particularly beneficial for an Ilfracombe Ferry Service and the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. 71. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Two issues to be raised immediately prior to the relevant Planning Applications being discussed. 72. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Councillor Maskell, prejudicial interest in Planning Application 45164. 73. PLANNING. 73.1 Matters Arising. Land between Sandbourne & Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. This was covered under Planning Application 45234. The Thatched Barn, Croyde Storage Area. An update had been received from the Enforcement Officer although no action had been taken. To be an item on the October Agenda. 73.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 45082 Ð Erection of agricultural building at Great Middleborough, Middleborough Lane, Croyde. The applicant was present and was given the opportunity to address the Council. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45164 Ð Removal of Condition 8 (glazing details) attached to outline consent 43462 at land to the rear 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. Councillor S Maskell declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45091 Ð Installation of 3 solar panels at Manor Farm, Putsborough. It was resolved to recommend approval. 45234 Ð Retrospective application for erection of 2 dwellings with double garages at land between Baggy View and Sandbourne, Down End, Croyde. The applicant was present and was given the opportunity to address the Council. Councillor Symonds proposed that the following response was sent: This Council would refer back to the original Parish Council decision on this site which was to refuse the whole application because of the forward siting of the garages. We feel that as this has been approved and built, the issue of an alleged 2.5 metres discrepancy is making a situation that we saw as poor somewhat worse. Seconded by Councillor Harrison. Vote: unanimous. Page 3 Ð 27.09.07 45246 Ð Extension to dwelling together with conversion of loft space to form additional living accommodation at 16 Myrtle Farm View, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44669 Ð Extension and alterations to dwelling at Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Croyde Bay. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell to have a site meeting. Seconded by Councillor Miss Brian. All agreed and this was fixed for Monday,1 October at 9am. 45286 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new dwelling at Heather Down Cottage, Down End, Croyde. Councillor Maskell proposed approval, seconded by Councillor Short with the additional comment: we would put the caveat that we recommend the subsequent new building would remain in perpetuity as part of the property known as Heather Down. 44670 Ð Erection of summerhouse at Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Croyde Bay. Councillor Symonds proposed recommend refusal, seconded by Councillor Maskell and unanimously agreed. 44667 Ð Erection of garage at Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Croyde Bay. Councillor Maskell recommended refusal with the comment that this was yet more excavation of land in a sensitive area outside the development boundary. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. Vote: unanimous. 45226 Ð Retrospective application for retention of 2 underground storage containers at Baggy Lodge, Croyde Bay. Councillor Symonds proposed recommend refusal on the grounds that it has already been refused and lost on appeal and is subject to enforcement. Seconded by Councillor Short. Vote: unanimous. 73.3 Planning Correspondence: 73.3.1 45044 Ð Application for consent for works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order in respect of sectional felling of 1 sycamore and works to other sycamores at Bay House, 5 Williamson Close, Georgeham. 44837 Ð Extension to dwelling at 7 Sandyway, Croyde. 44839 Ð Insertion of solar panels (amendment to planning permission 43249) at land off Lane Head Close, Moor Lane, Croyde. 41932 Ð Erection of lifeguard facility (amended plans) at the beach, beach road, Croyde. 44897 Ð Extension to dwelling at Barn Cottage, North Buckland. 73.3.2 NDDC Ð Application No. 45090 Listed Building Application for installation of 3 solar panels at Manor Farm, Putsborough. To note that this Application has been WITHDRAWN. (Not to be confused with 45091 above). 73.3.3 There had been a report that the person who had the metal containers by the road at Baggy has a large banner notice displayed on land behind his property, above the National Trust Car Park and a request received that a check is made as to whether it violates planning law. The Enforcement Officer to be advised. 74. MATTERS ARISING. 74.1 Proposed Bus Stop in Georgeham. Letter received from DCC advising that no commencement date could be given but the works have been ordered. An update to be obtained in time for reporting at the next meeting. 74.2 Footpath between Georgeham and Croyde. Councillor Foster gave an update report advising that after speaking to the Road Safety Officer, Mr M Newcombe progress was being made. A Survey was being undertaken by Highways the next day. He had also spoken Page 4 Ð 27.09.07 regarding Moor Lane and JonesÕs Hill and when he telephones to discuss the Highways Survey, a meeting or site meeting will be discussed. Negotiations are ongoing with landowners in Moor Lane. Simon Houghton, the Rights of Way Officer was investigating the possibility of revisiting old Rights of Way between Forda to Croyde which would involve negotiations with landowners for permissive rights of way for strips of lands as a means of allowing people to walk off the highway. DCC preferred acquired rights rather than permissive paths. He will pursue this and make regular reports. Councillors were keen to make sure the community was involved and encouraged feed back and in this connection, Councillor Slade to subit an article in The Crydda. A Walking Bus in included in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty strategy and in this connection, he has contacted Dave Edgcombe to support this. Communication will be made to the parishioner who originally raised the issue with regard to obtaining support from the School and a petition showing villagers support. 74.3 Prohibition of Drinking in Public Places. No reply had been received from the Police connected with this issue. PCSO Peacock had requested a copy of the correspondence and this was available for him. Paul Daw of the Police Licencing Team to be contacted and the matter to remain on the Agenda. 74.4 Bus Service between Georgeham & Braunton. Councillor Symonds reported on the meetingheld with Stagecoach and DCC officials on 13 September. The outcome was that Stagecoach will conduct a viability study with a view to a bus leaving the village at 10pm commencing with the Summer timetable. Timetables were discussed which could not be altered although there was a suggestion to change the time of the school day to tie in with the bus timetable. The route would have to be subsidised and Devon County Council would consider funding. Councillors had indicated that should the scheme look likely to proceed and bearing in mind the comments resulting from the Parish Plan, the Parish Council would commit funding in a small way for 1 year with the initial cost being in the region of £1,000. Should the service commence and prove successful, the Parish Council would not be expected to continue funding which DCC would then take on. Unsatisfactory behaviour would see the service ceasing immediately. The situation to be reviewed at the end of October or early November. 74.5 Bike Rack in Croyde. Councillors Harrison and Maskell attended a meeting of Croyde Village Hall when it was agreed to have a bike rack opposite the Village Hall with a dropped kerb. The land would be given free of charge by the Village Hall, their insurance had been checked and they were covered. Councillor Harrison had contacted Highways and had ascertained that before any plans could proceed, a site meeting would be required, a proper design agreed, funding from the Parish Council would be necessary and the scheme would not proceed until the next financial year. To short cut this, Councillor Maskell proposed and agreed to provide the materials and workforce who would lay the concrete base and fix the galvanised hoops. The Parish Council would purchase the hoops and 5 were agreed upon. Seconded by Councillor Miss Brian and unanimously agreed. 74.6 Memorial for Ashes in Higher Ham Cemetery. This matter had been resolved, with a small tablet headstone being agreed similar in design to those already in place. 74.7 CARA. Copy correspondence received to NDDC, Highways and the Womens Institute regarding their concern about new layout in front of Brook Stores and the Post Office at Croyde. It was noted that the Enforcement Officer and Highways had inspected and had no objections to the bollards being placed as they were within the curtilage of the boundary of the property and a Planning Application was not required. Councillors agreed to write to NDDC fully supporting CARAÕs letter with a copy to them. 74.8 New entrance and hardstanding at Cross. It was believed that this was contrary to the planning consent issued and the Enforcement Officer to be advised. 74.9 PCSO Cover. A reply had been received from Sgt J Pearce. The issue to be raised by Councillor Symonds at the PACT Meeting. 74.10 Consultation strategy on the North Devon Biosphere Reserve. Councillor Foster reported on his response made on behalf of the Parish Council. He felt it was vague and even though the Page 5 Ð 27.09.07 Biosphere is being called one of the best areas in the world, there could be confusion between locals and visitors as to what the Biosphere is. He felt the important issue on behalf of the Parish Council as a busy a busy coastal village was the need to get better support from statutory authorities especially during busy weeks the summer. If it is called one of the best areas in the world, the lack of policing and poor parking would conflict with this opinion. 75. ACCOUNTS AND PAYMENTS. 75.1 Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 31/07/07 6770.48 35419.00 Receipts Bank Interest 92.43 Cemetery Fees 50.00 Withdrawn As authorised 4344.98 BALANCE AS AT 31/08/07 2475.50 35511.43 75.2 Payments: The following were approved and authorised: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for Aug 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for Aug 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 When sending the cheque, a request to be made that strimming is not carried out so close to the trees as this has been too vigorous in respect of 2 horse chestnuts which have died. Councillor Foster to obtain replacements. Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 5.25 Postage £10.80 £19.05 Vanguard 2000 Croyde Play Park Security August 07 £200.00 Buckleigh Laundry Hand drier rental in public toilets £ 28.02 EDF Energy Electricity supply to the car park £ 80.59 NDDC Recovery of uncontested election administration costs £235.68 Mr M Symonds 3rd payment on grass cutting & maintenance contract 07/08 £475.00 Footpath 22 maintenance £105.00 Jones Hill, Croyde footpath maintenance £145.00 £725.00 75.3 Tenders. The wording was agreed for the smaller grass cutting tender. Documents to be sent to Mr M Symonds of Bay Gardens, Mr B Harris of Country Gardens and Mr R Gibbons of West end, Netherhams Hill. A budget meeting was fixed for Wednesday 7 November at the ClerkÕs home to be attended by Councillors Symonds and Mrs Slade. The Parish CouncilÕs assets to be considered at the same time to ensure the sum insured is adequate 76. CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS RECEIVED BY THE CLERK. 76.1 It was noted that the 2007 Annual Charity Commission Return had been submitted on line. 76.2 Marine & Fisheries Agency. The Environmental Impact Assessment and Natural Habitats (Extraction of Minerals by Marine Dredging) (England and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2007: Area 472 Culver Sand. Comments required by 30/10/07. Taken by Councillor Foster. Page 6 Ð 27.09.07 76.3 Mr S Mulberry of the National Trust had requested to attend the October Parish Council Meeting and update the Council on what the Trust are doing at the current time. This was approved with a presentation time of 10 minutes. 76.4 Mr C Burrows of the Youth Club & Skateboard Club. Details received of fund raising events planned for a new commercial strength skateboard ramp estimated at £5,000 and email from Councillor S Maskell suggesting that the Parish Council should make a donation. Councillor Maskell explained that the skateboard park is well used and Croyde Village Hall Committee have advised that the Club can use it on a permanent basis. He commended this outdoor activity where there was never any trouble and proposed that the Parish Council should support the club by making a donation of £1,000 to be equal to the Football Club donation, and pay for the ROSPA inspection. The ramp would be for the younger element. Councillors debated the issue and the maintenance of the Play Park and if this was needed. The Clerk to ask ROSPA to quote for 3 inspections, comprising the Skateboard area, Croyde Play Park and Georgeham Play Park. Councillor Maskell will be a link with the Club and suggest a formal request is made. 76.5 Mr R Cross, Chairman of the Governing Body of the Primary School. Email received regarding concerns over the increase in traffic in and around the villages particularly at school times. Councillor Symonds to reply advising the Parish Council is dealing with many of the issues raised. 76.6 Peter Fletcher Associates. Details/flyers regarding a Senior Council for Devon Ð background information and notice of public meeting on Thursday, 4 October between 7 & 8.30pm at the Vivian Moon Community Centre, Braunton. Noted. 76.7 Devon County Council. Bus timetables from 30/09/07 for display in the Post Offices. Councillor Mrs Slade will liaise with Tony Simmonds at Stagecoach with a view to including the timetable in The Crydda. 77. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. Details of AGM on 29/9/07; 2008/09 Subscription Rate and Annual Report 2006/07. _ Devon Rural Transport Partnership. Summer Newsletter 2007. _ National Association of Local Councils. Local Council Review. September 2007. _ Clerks and Councils Direct. _ Devontalk. Autumn 2007. _ DCC. Devon Minerals. Update No. 5. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. Sept/Oct 07 Newsletter. 78. TO CONSIDER FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS WITH REGARD TO CAR PARKING AND CHARGES. Councillor Symonds reported that there were 5 vehicles permanently in the car park, one of which had not moved for 27 months. The DVLA to be contacted with a view to ascertaining name and address of the owners. Councillor Symonds proposed that this Council ask Braunton Parish Council for the outline structure of the agreement they have entered into with NDDC for managing their car park. He went on to explain how the revenue is distributed and fines applied. Seconded by Councillor Maskell and unanimously agreed. This to be an item on the October Agenda. Page 7 Ð 27.09.07 79. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Maskell as a CASC representative had met with District Councillor Mrs Pat Barker and Mr Brian Holme from NDDC regarding building the MUGA. A planning application was being submitted and he had obtained tenders for the work which was £150,000 for just the MGA including lighting, fencing, surface and equipment. The District Council have agreed to use Longclose Ltd £20,000 open space money and with the £40,000 from the District Council, the Football Foundation will match this £60,000 providing the business plan stacks up. If lights and fence are not done all at once there is sufficient money for this to be completed later. Regarding the VAT, this will be charged by contractors but the Sports Association have set up a charity to reclaim this and to ensure that the correct procedure is being followed, Mr Ian Huggett of Messrs Simpkins Edwards will attend the next CASC meeting to verify it is 100% correct. Local contractors, but not Councillor MaskellÕs business would be used with the exception of the MUGA surface costing £35,000 where a contractor further afield would be used. Regarding the play equipment at the site, quotes have been obtained and there was the possibility that a skate ramp would be incorporated together with slides and swings. Councillor Maskell talked about various figures to change the play equipment which would involve expense to the Parish Council, possibly £8,000. A grant may be available to move the equipment and if there is any available paperwork regarding equipment which has been condemned, this to be forwarded to Mr B Holme. Councillor Symonds to obtain copies of previous ROSPA Reports. Councillors Harrison and Foster met Mr Simon Houghton, the new Public Rights of Way Warden and visited various locations. He is going to look into certain aspects and report back. They were hopeful that there will be some action in few months. 80. ANY URGENT MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN. None. 1. CLERKÕS CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT. With effect from 1 October 2007, new laws regarding statutory holiday for employees will come into force. The ClerkÕs Contract of Employment would require updating accordingly and she will prepare this with a view to signing at the October Meeting. 82. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS APPROPRIATE TO THE PARISH NOT PREVIOUSLY COVERED. Councillor Mrs Slade advised that the road sweeper was required and was suggested to contact Councillor Rodney Cann who was connected to the Greensweep programme. 83. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Thursday, 25 October 2007. The meeting ended at 10.39.