MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 27 NOVEMBER 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors M Harrison, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, E Short, Mrs L Slade. Also in attendance: District Councillors Mrs P Barker and M Wilkinson, 1 member of the public, PCSOs Hannah Rogers and Dale Kingdon and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 94. Apologies. Councillors R Tucker, W Foster, Miss R Brian, 95. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 30 October 2008. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 96. Reports: Police. PCSO Dale Kingdom introduced himself and explained that he was taking over from PCSO Hannah Rogers. He lives in Braunton. He reported that there had been 5 crimes in Croyde in the last month involving 2 domestics, 2 assaults and one theft. There had been 2 crimes in Georgeham involving a domestic and criminal damage to motor vehicle at Saunton Sands Hotel. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present. District Councillors Mrs P Barker. _ She reported that she had met with the Chairman on the morning of the Meeting. Much of the discussion which took place will be covered later in the meeting. _ She spoke of a list of items found in toilets in a week which comprised numerous needles and the result was generally bad. Ilfracombe had been the worst affected area. _ North Devon Councillors had voted to keep Prayers at Council Meetings. _ She had completed the Beach Policy review regarding the way the Council looks after beaches for which they are responsible. A study and risk analysis had been carried by the RNLI and recommendations had been given for new signage. The boards were expensive and she had suggested that businesses use them to place adverts as a way of offsetting the cost. _ She had started a study on taxi fare tariff and attended anti social behaviour meetings, North Devon Council official Andrew Millie had commenced a study in pubs. _ She was also involved in another study with regard to value for money across the Council particularly concerning the lease hiring of officials cars at North Devon Council. _ A study had been done on the number of people on benefit. _ The next study would be on planning. District Councillor M Wilkinson. He spoke about the Conservation Area status which he raised a few Meetings ago. He had attended a Meeting of West Down Parish Council with a view to adopting Conservation Area status. He stressed that this venture demanded consultation with parishioners and it should not be just the Parish Council who wish this to go forward. If this was the case, he suggested that Mr James Bate be invited to speak at a Meeting as at present there was a risk of people not knowing what it entails. This parish was already partially in a Conservation Area and the question was raised as to if it needed extending. Councillor Symonds felt a separate Public Meeting should be held. Councillor Harrison pointed out that he had previously made suggestions about extending it. The item to be on the January Agenda. Transfer to Digital TV. It had been ascertained that viewers in some areas would not enjoy the full benefit of the main deal, only those who receive transmission from Huntshaw. MP Nick Harvey was making enquiries by way of a Survey along the coastal strip to find out the position from those who get reception from Challacombe Hill. Councillor Symonds was given a copy who felt this should be supported. Councillor Wilkinson was asked for the Survey to include Croyde and Georgeham. A discussion took place regarding the delivery method to ensure everyone had the opportunity to complete one. This item to be included in The Crydda and the North Devon Journal. He briefly mentioned the closing time of pubs at Woolacombe and customers going on to clubs with drinks. 97. Representations from the Public An email had been received regarding overgrowing vegetation at Croyde Village Hall. The Village Hall Committee had been asked to deal with the situation and this had been done. 98. Declarations of Interest. Councillor J Symonds. Minute No. 101.6 Ð Award of Tenders. Prejudicial interest. 99. PLANNING. 99.1 Matters Arising. An update was noted from the Enforcement Officer on unauthorised works to Listed Building Ð engineering operations Ð creation of farmyard access at Broadgate Farm, North Buckland. Investigations were being carried out and this Council would be advised in due course. 99.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 47590 Ð Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of permission 41926 to allow amended design & finish at Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend refusal on the grounds that the brick quoins are out of keeping. 47653 Ð Retrospective Application for creation of new vehicular entrance to field and access track to farmyard at Broadgate Farm, North Buckcland. It was resolved to recommend approval with a condition that action be taken to restore Cunnicott Lane to its original state and the spoil from the Broadgate Farm excavations removed from Cunnicott Lane. 47656 Ð Insertion of 2 velux windows at 3 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47657 Ð Variation of Condition 4 of Planning Permission 34229 to allow 12 month holiday occupancy at 3 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Slade to recommend refusal. Seconded by Councillor Symonds. A second amendment was tabled by Councillor Harrison who proposed to recommend approval. There was no seconder and the amendment fell. A vote was taken for the first proposal: for 4. 1 against. Councillor Symonds gave his reasons for keeping the 10 month occupancy rule. Councillor Maskell suggested a planning debate take place regarding occupancy conditions at Leadengate Close. This item to be on the January Meeting with a view to arranging a separate Meeting. 47672 Ð Notification of works to trees in a Conservation Area in respect of removal of a Sycamore tree (T1) & reduction of Laurel (T2), Elder (T3) and Alder (T4) at Fig Tree Farm, 47 St Marys Road, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 99.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 47383 Ð Extension to dwelling at 2 Rose Villas, St Marys Road, Croyde. 47303 Ð Retrospective application for change of use of land to form Skateboard area together with erection of skateboard equipment at land to the rear of Village Hall, 1 JonesÕs Hill, Croyde. 47305 Ð Extension to dwelling at Montanna, 11 Cott Lane, Croyde. 47399 Ð Raising roof to create first floor extension to dwelling & annexe at Moorhurst, 2 Moor Park Close, Croyde together with an accompanying letter from the Planning Department. 47447 Ð Installation of 3 x 3g sector antennas on existing tower together with addition of 1 cabinet (amended description) Arqiva Transmitting Station, Ora Hill, Croyde with accompanying letter thanking the Parish Council for pointing out the inaccuracy between the application details as described by the applicant and the details as described by the Council. The Planning Department confirm that this had been noticed and the description of the proposal has been amended to accord with the applicantÕs details and the approved plans. The scheme does not extend the mast in height. On that basis, the application has now been granted. 46476 Ð Erection of agricultural building for storage of implements and crops (amended plans) at land at Oxford Cross, Georgeham. 46825 Ð Listed Building application for siting of Blue Plaque at Skirr Cottae, Georgeham. 47373 Ð Listed Building Application for replacement of cement slates on main house roof with natural slates at Brook House, 3 St Marys Road, Croyde. 47331 Ð Extension to dwelling at 8 Putsborough Close, Georgeham. 47445 Ð Extension to dwelling together with conversion of loft to form additional living accommodation at 16 Sandy Way, Croyde. REFUSAL 47279 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new unit of holiday accommodation at Kildarna, Leadengate Fields, Croyde. 99.3 (2) It was noted that an Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use as 1 dwelling Ð Middlesborough House Croyde had been granted. 100. MATTERS ARISING. 101. Accounts & Payments 101.1 Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 30/09/08 24,764.87 36,171.70 Receipts Transfer 20,000.00 Payments As previously authorised 21,313.40 This takes the transfer into account Balance as at 31/10/08 3,451.47 56,246.03 101.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for October 08 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for October 08 At Cemetery £ 80.74 Grounds Maintenance for village site part 2 £123.38 £670.09 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 6.35 Petrol expenses for 6 months £125.63 £134.98 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 14.50 EDF Energy Electricity supply to public toilets £ 22.80 It was noted that the following sums would be taken by Direct Debit on 1/12/08: South West Water Water supply to the public toilets, Georgeham £150.80 The Invoice was thought to be high and Councillor Symonds to check meter in case of a leak. South West Water Water supply to the Cemetery £ 9.51 101.3 Further correspondence from Georgeham and Croyde CASC was considered regarding funding for the MUGA at Georgeham Playing Field together with consideration of a grant from the Parish Council. In this connection, an email from SMP Playgrounds was noted. Councillor Symonds advised that the Parish Council needed to make a donation in order to get the funding for the MUGA from the District Council. He explained that projects had been allowed for in the budget. Mr Simon Benham-Clark was invited to address the Meeting. Before he did so, Councillor Maskell pointed out that assurances had been received by North Devon Council that they would pay the whole cost of the MUGA. Mr Benham-Clark advised that originally the MUGA was going to cost in the region of £200,000 but that this had been cut back to £77,000 + VAT. Mr B Holmes, the Community Development Officer at North Devon Council had intimated that the Council would donate £40,000, plus there was £20,000 from the 106 Agreement. CASC have £10,000 but there would be a shortfall if the Organisation has to pay VAT. Councillor Symonds advised that the Parish Council could claim back the VAT provided all the items were ordered by and went through the Parish Council and he explained this in further detail. Mr I Huggett who was dealing with the issue on behalf of CASC would be advised. It was considered disappointing that the District Council had misled those who were endeavouring to make this project a reality. The Clerk advised that the Community Council of Devon had recently been given £500,000 for community projects by Devon County Council following the sale of Exeter International Airport. Ann Juby was doing the fund raising and making applications for funding. There was the possibility that she would be applying for funding for the MUGA, Pavilion and Playing Field. Mr Benham-Clark asked the amount which the Parish Council would give to the MUGA, Pavilion and Play Park to which Councillor Symonds replied that the Parish Council would be footing the bill for the Play Equipment for which a ROCKets grant would be applied for. A discussion followed regarding Parish Council funds and the amount which the Precept would raise. District Councillor Mrs Barker asked if the Parish Council had viewed the Pavilion at Woolacombe, suggesting that it was less expensive than what this Council had in mind. In reply, Councillor Maskell advised that the Pavilion for Georgeham Playing Field was being redesigned to save on costs. Councillor Symonds felt that the Parish Council had sufficient Bank balances and there was no justification in increasing the Precept while the balances stood at their present level. Once the MUGA and Play Equipment was in progress, the situation would become clearer. Arrangements would be made for the Play Park equipment currently located at Georgeham to be removed to make way for the new equipment to be installed, and relocated to the Croyde Play Park. Councillor Symonds advised that he would like to see the Parish Council commence reserving funds for the Pavilion in the 2010/11 financial year. Councillor Symonds proposed that the Parish Council ring fence at least £5,000 for the MUGA, which would be completely separate from the Pavilion project. A letter to be written to Brian Holme asking for his assurance of £20,000 funding from the District Council. This was seconded by Councillor Maskell and unanimously agreed. Councillor Symonds further proposed that a Sub-Committee was formed to deal solely with the new Play Equipment to be installed at Georgeham Play Park which was expected to cost in the region of £15,000. Councillors agreed that Councillors Symonds, Maskell and Mrs Slade should form the Sub-Committee who would meet on 3 December to progress the matter and obtain hard estimates. Any grant aid could be applied for while the order was being processed and after the equipment had arrived. It was hoped that local people would move the Play Equipment to Croyde for installation. It would be necessary for ROSPA to inspect it before use and until such time, a barrier would be erected to prevent possible injury. The Parish Council could then be satisfied that all safety steps had been taken and were covered. District Councillor Mrs Barker was asked to give assistance with regard to the funding from Mr Brian Holme and she would see him regarding this. 101.4 It was noted that a VAT reclaim for the amount of £890.60 for the period 1/4/08 to 30/9/08 had been submitted to HM Revenue and Customs. The Clerk was awaiting confirmation that the funds had been credited to the Current Account. 101.5 Setting of Budget and Precept for 2009/10. Councillors Symonds and Mrs Slade and the Clerk had met at her home and figures were calculated. These were circulated to Councillors for consideration. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell, seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek and unanimously agreed to accept the Budget and Precept, the latter figure remaining unaltered from the 2009/09 financial year at £36--- Councillor Symonds declared a prejudicial interest in the next item, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Meek, seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and agreed that Councillor Maskell should be the Chairman for this part of the Meeting only. 101.6 Award of Tenders for 2009/10. It was proposed by Councillor Short that the main Grass Cutting Contract involving Section 1 Ð 5 on the Tender Schedule be awarded to Tenderer 2. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek and unanimously agreed. It was proposed by Councillor Short that the Grass Cutting and General Maintenance Contract involving Section 1 Ð 5 was awarded to Tenderer 3. Seonded by Councillor Mrs Meek and unanimously agreed. The Clerk advised the names of the successful Tenderers, Tenderer 2 being Mr S M Wightman and Tenderer 3 being Mr M Symonds. Mr S M Wightman had indicated that if successful, he could offer a three year contract with prices pegged during that time. It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Meek, seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and unanimously agreed to enter into this contract. Councillor Symonds re-joined the Meeting and took the Chair. 101.7 A request for a donation was considered from Georgeham Village Hall Committee to assist with their Heating Improvement project. The latest set of accounts had not been received and was expected. Subject to receiving a copy of the accounts, it was believed the Parish Council could respond in a positive way. 102. Correspondence & Reports received by the Clerk 102.1 Communities & Local Government. Consultation on Codes of Conduct for Local Authority Members and Employees. Representations to be received by 24/12/08. Noted. 102.2 Digital UK. Information pack with DVD regarding the switchover. Noted. 102.3 South West Highways. A road closure was noted for drainage works from Bye Cross to Heddon Mills on 16/2/09. The work should be completed by 17/2/09. 102.4 Devon County Council. An email was noted from the Transport Co-ordination Service notifying of a new bus service link via Tesco at Braunton. The link takes the form of an enhancement and diversion of existing Stagecoach Service 308, Barnstaple Ð Braunton Ð Croyde Ð Georgeham, which at present runs half-hourly, Barnstaple Ð Braunton (as far as West Meadow Road) and hourly to Croyde and Georgeham. The enhancement makes the service half-hourly from Barnstaple all the way to Croyde Bridge, with alternate hourly buses then going to Croyde, and Georgeham. All buses (except early morning) will call at Tesco. This means that passengers from both Braunton and other settlements along the 308 route will have a link to and from the new store. The extended service will start on 12 January 2009. Councillor Harrison pointed out that an earlier time would affect the concessionary fares. He would write to Devon County Council and also mention about the timetable for the School asking if the bus could be run in accordance with the school day. 102.5 Braunton Police. It had been highlighted that a Parish Council with a website in South Devon has a link to Partners and Community with regard to the Neighbourhood Policing Team. Sgt J Pearce had asked the Parish Council if this could be considered for the Georgeham Parish Council website. Councillors felt that at this stage, they did not wish to progress the matter further. 103. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ The Playing Field. Devon Playing Fields Association Newsletter. Autumn 2008. _ Royal Devon & Exeter Express and a copy of the 2007/08 Annual Report from the RD&E NHS Foundation Trust. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. November/December 2008 Newsletter together with details of ClerkÕs interim salary scales. _ Clerks and Councils direct. November 2008. _ Local Council Review. November 2008. 104. Consideration of adding a Footpath to the Cemetery. (Item requested by Councillor Maskell) He explained that he felt the road to the Cemetery was impassable by foot and the journey could only safely be accessed by car. This also posed a risk with a dangerous turn on a bend. Due to these issues, the Cemetery was cut off from the Parish. Although he had not spoken to any landowners, he suggested that a footpath could be created inside the hedge to give a safe walk to the Cemetery. The area would need to be fenced off. It was thought the landowner was Mr K Cook of Pickwell and there were 2 other fields whose ownership was not known. Councillor Harrison was of the opinion that if permission was obtained by the landowners, this type of community project could be funded by money available from the Fullabrook Wind Farm windfall. Councillor Maskell to approach Councillor Tucker on his return to discuss the matter further. 105. Meetings attended by Councillors Councillor Symonds: _ He had met with District Councillor Mrs Parker on the morning of the Meeting. Baggy Lodge was discussed and the Enforcement Officer was dealing with the current situation. _ A report would follow regarding ÔsharpsÕ found in public toilets. _ Beach Policy Survey. There was a possibility that Lifeguards could be Police Community Support Officers. He mentioned signs sponsored by local businesses as mentioned in Minute 96 above. _ Croyde Car Park. A reduction in the payment time was being considered. _ Unitary proposals. There was pressure for the Secretary of State to retract the proposal. _ Croyde Skateboard Park. Mr C Burrows had asked for the mini ramps presently stored in Georgeham to be returned so that these could be sold to enable other necessary work to take place on the main ramps. It was noted that the Parish Council had donated funds to enable the mini ramps to be purchased and Councillor Maskell suggested they were taken to Georgeham Play Park for the benefit of the children in the local area. Councillor Maskell: He had attended the inaugural meeting of the Fullabrook Wind Farm and explained the set up. He had applied to be a Director and hoped that money available for Parishes within the designated radius, of which Georgeham met the criteria, would benefit from funding to be used for the Pavilion which is to be eco friendly and would be looked upon favourably, it was hoped, when grants were distributed. Councillor Mrs Meek. She had been taking the Minutes at Governing Body Meetings in the Primary School and explained this would be coming to an end shortly as a possible new Clerk had been identified. She was concerned that this would mean there was no Parish Council link. Councillors agreed it was important to keep a channel open. Councillor Harrison. He was attending a Footpath Meeting the following day and would mention the proposed footpath to cemetery and the state of Cunnicott Lane. 106. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman The date of the December Meeting would be Thursday, 18 December 2008 in the Village Hall at 7pm and not 11 December as previously agreed in December 2007 and stated on the November 2008 Agenda. This was because the Primary School had requested use of the Village Hall on 11th and the Parish Council had agreed to relinquish their booking for 11th and move the Meeting forward by one week to December 18th. 107. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. 107.1 Revised Date of December Meeting. This item was covered under Minute No. 106 above. 107.2 New Model Freedom of Information Act. The new Scheme must be adopted for use from 1/1/09. Draft copies were circulated to Councillors. Councillor Mrs Meek would go through the Model and Councillors were asked to bring their thoughts and suggestions to the next Meeting. 108. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, December 18 2008 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. At the conclusion of item 101.6, Councillor Short left meeting. The Meeting ended at 10.04pm.