MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 28 JANUARY 2010 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs P Barker (District Councillor), M Harrison, S Hood, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: County Councillor Mrs C Chugg and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 121. Apologies. Councillors S Maskell and E Short, District Councillor M Wilkinson, PC T Greening, PCSO D Kingdon, Mr J Thomas. 122. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 17 December 2009. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 123. Representations from the Public. There were no members of the public present. 124. Declarations of Interest. District Councillor Mrs Barker made the following statement: I shall consider the Applications under Minute No. 126.2 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 Symonds advised that he had completed a questionnaire sent from North Devon Council with regard to the Standards Committee and Code of Conduct. 125. Reports: 125.1 Police. When sending his apologies, PCSO Kingdon advised there were no crimes to report. Should there be any issues, he encouraged Councillors to contact him. 125.2 County Councillor Mrs C Chugg. £1,000 from her Ward Funding had been awarded to assist with the replacement equipment for Croyde Play Park. She had not been able to visit Back Lane. Councillor Symonds advised that DCC Official Bob Watkins had arranged for plainings to be spread onto the laneÕs surface and the work was now completed. She was thanked for all her efforts in these respects. She and Councillor Tucker had visited the Primary School to view the proposals for two new projects in respect of a replacement Reception Classroom for which she required the plans in order to be able to progress a grant. Councillor Mrs Hood to speak to Mr J Thomas, Head Teacher, in this connection. Councillor Mrs Chugg was hopeful to be able to assist substantially in a financial way from the School budget and in addition, she also had surplus grant funding. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that she and District Councillor Wilkinson also had surplus grant funding and possibly another £1,000 could be given between them. Councillor Symonds suggested that when the County and District Councillor funding has been agreed, the Parish Council would then be in a position to consider a donation. Councillor Tucker advised that following his visit, he had offered to level the School House garden so that a disabled access could be made into the School. He also advised that the Vicar was not unreceptive for funds from Georgeham Relief in Need Charity making a donation. Councillor Tucker further advised that half of the donations from his late FatherÕs funeral was to be given to the School House project. District Councillor Mrs Barker asked if the capital expenditure had been agreed and Councillor Mrs Chugg advised that this was to be checked. County Councillor Mrs Chugg left the Meeting. 125.3 District Councillors Mrs P Barker advised that the Appeal by the Boundary Committee had been allowed. Representations had been accepted in respect of the Unitary decision up until 19 January. The Minister Page 2 Ð 28.01.10 had been lobbied by North Devon Council and Torridge District Council representatives, including District Councillor Des Brailey, Leader of North Devon Council. Councillor Symonds enquired the situation with a forthcoming General Election in May. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that the Exeter election would be won and the Unitary decision could still go through. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that she sat on various Committees and Organisations and would provide a list. She invited anyone with an interest in a particular subject to contact her so that she could go through this with them, particularly items which had been discussed. North Devon Council has been reorganised with the Planning Department benefitting from this and Environmental Health to be dealt with next. The Council was trying to get better standards of housing. 126. Planning. 126.1 Matters Arising. 126.1.1. Unauthorised Summer House at Baggy Lodge. The situation appeared the same. To be on the March Agenda. 126.1.2. Heather Down, Down End. Enforcement had carried out a visit, although Retrospective Applications have not been submitted. It was noted that enforcement had been discussed in October 2009 and District Councillor Mrs Barker was sof the opinion that an update would be provided in the near future. 126.1.3 Councillor Tucker advised that he had received a telephone call from Mr R Windsor on behalf of Croyde Surf Life Saving Club with regard to support for the facility. Councillor Mrs Barker to draft a letter which the Clerk will send. . 126.2 Planning Applications: 49530 - Construction of hard surfaced tennis court together with erection of fencing at Cock Rock, Croyde. Councillor Symonds proposed refusal on the grounds that it was visually intrusive. There was no seconded and the proposal fell. District Councillor Mrs Barker proposed recommend approval. Seconded by Councillor Harrison. Vote: 6 in favour. 1 abstention. Carried. 495525 - Extension of time limit for implementation of Planning Permission 43336 (extension to dwelling) at Middleborough House, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 49588 - Demolition of existing and erection of new dwelling at 11 Cott Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 49618/19 - Listed Building Application for formation of new vehicular & pedestrian access & closure of existing access at Perrymans, Netherhams Hill, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 126.3 Planning Correspsondence: The following North Devon District Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 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. 49159 - Demolition of existing & erection of new unit of holiday accommodation at Kildarna, 12 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. 49271 - Demolition of existing & erection of new unit of holiday accommodation at The Ranch, Orastone, Withywell Lane, Croyde. 49282 - Change of use of part of dwelling to form Tea Room together with insertion of patio doors, window & new pedestrian access to North elevation at Sandleigh, Moor Lane, Croyde. 49396 - Creation of private/domestic outdoor swimming pool at 1 Ora Close, Croyde. Page 3 Ð 28.01.10 49385 - Continued siting/use of summer bungalow (renewal of temporary Planning Permission 38662) at 22 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 49482 - Reserved matters application for erection of 1 dwelling (Outline Planning Permission 48375) at 10 Cloutmans Lane, Croyde. 49414 - Extension to dwelling & provision of cladding to side & front elevations at Bramley, 6 Cloutmans Lane, Croyde. 49412 - Application to remove Condition 1 (occupancy restriction) attached to Planning Permission 44219 to enable occupation as permanent dwelling, The Stables, Georgeham, together with letter from the Planning Officer explaining the reason for approval. Councillor Symonds was of the opinion that as it was off a track, there was a limit on the number of properties which the track could serve. 49126 - Erection of replacement dwelling at Valley House (previously The Bungalow), Spreacombe, Braunton. Councillor Symonds advised that this Council needed to look carefully where it was going in the coming months and how it should frame any Core Strategy statements that this Parish will stand behind. He felt this was something the Council should be proactive on and suggested a Sub Committee was formed to bring back to the table where the objectives lie with the District andCcounty authorities. The Sub Committee would comprise Councillor Mrs Barker, Councillor Symonds, Councillor Mrs Meek, Councillor Mrs Hood and it was also hoped that Councillor Maskell would agree to being part of it. Findings could be brought back to the table for approval. The first Meeting would be on 8 February at Councillor Mrs BarkerÕs home and the group would visit the Core Strategy Consultation on 20 February in Green Lanes. A member of the public arrived. REFUSALS 49261 - Retrospective application for erection of decking & associated earth bank at The Folly, Broadway Lane, Croyde. 49381 - Erection of 1 dwelling at garden of Homelands, 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. 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 - Bayview Farm Caravan & Camping Park, Croyde, together with a letter from the Planning Officer explaining the reason for refusal. 126.4 North Devon Council. A letter was noted in respect Application 49304 - Approval of details in respect of discharge of Conditions 4 (Landscaping) and 6 (Drainage) attached to Planning Permission 47590 at Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. 127. Matters Arising. 127.1 Lighting and Parking Charge Time in Croyde Car Park. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that parking charges were increasing and being held for 2 years. As regards times of parking, she had asked for it not to be late in the Winter and a positive result was ensured. She had discussed lighting with Martin Williams who felt that there was sufficient lighting for 20 car park places and extra lighting was not felt necessary, due to the cost. It was noted that the side of the Village Hall can be illuminated manually. 127.2 Additional Dog Bins. It was noted that these had been received and installed together with the Invoice. Councillor Symonds suggested that two dog bins are replaced each year and to be budgeted for. 127.3 Memorial Bench. It was noted that this has been fixed and an email received from Mr Shaw recording his gratefulness and thanks for all that has been done to carry out his request. 127.4 Georgeham Play Area. It was noted that it had not been possible to pressure wash the matting due to the freezing weather conditions. To be an item on the March Agenda. 127.5 Sign for New Path. Councillor Tucker reported that Blue Orange Signs were seeing him next week. To be an item on the March Agenda. 127.6 Tap in the Playing Field. Councillor Tucker reported that his workman would be attending to this shortly. To be an item on the March Agenda. Page 4 Ð 28.01.10 127.6a Frog Street. The footpath would have additional plainings put down shortly, as those used last year had worn into the path. 127.7 Dangerous Tree in Chapel Street. The tree remained in position. A reminder to be sent to Highways. 127.8 Northern Devon Coast & Countryside Service/North Devon's Biosphere Reserve. Councillor Harrison advised there was nothing to report. 127.9 Erosion of Sand Dunes at Croyde. Councillor Mrs Barker was to have a Meeting with Andy Bell and the AONB which would also be attended by Councillor Harrison. 127.10 North Devon & Somerset Shoreline Management. Councillor Harrison advised that it was not considered a response was required. 127.11 Croyde Play Park. It was noted that Ward Funding from Devon County Council and North Devon Council had been authorised and the replacement play equipment items ordered. The Clerk to remind the manufacturers of the urgency for the work to be done. Councillor Symonds felt outside funding should be applicable to the Parish Council from the Tourist Board as it was a tourist facility. 127.12 Use of Bridleways by the Trail Riders Fellowship. It was noted that Councillor Mrs Meek had drafted a letter which had been sent to the Organisation by the Clerk. 127.13 Newberry Road Garage Toilet Facilities. It was noted that the matter had been reported to the Health and Safety Executive, Bristol Office and was being investigated by the Plymouth Office. The matter was considered closed by this Council. 127.14 Back Lane, Georgeham. As reported under Minute No. 125.2, this would had been done. 127.15 P3 Funding - Adwell Lane. A letter sent by Councillor Harrison was noted. He reminded the Meeting that some time ago we offered to help fund the work but it was hoped that DCC would fund all the cost. Councillor Symonds advised that he had noticed that some work had begun. Councillor Harrison would be submitting the P3 Survey forms shortly. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that Sandy Lane was still a problem. Councillor Harrison to contact DCC Public Rights of Way Warden, Simon Houghton regarding this. 127.16 Georgeham Church of England Primary School. This had been covered under Minute No. 125.2. 128. Accounts & Payments 128.1 Balances. Current Account As at 9/12/09 659.58 OD Deposit 660.00 Transfer 3,000.00 Payments previously authorised 1,366.99 BALANCE AS AT 30/12/09 1,633.43 The overdrawn amount was as a result of a cheque being presented late. The Clerk immediately rang the Bank when it was confirmed that no charges would apply. Business Instant Access A/ct As at 30/11/09 51,591.94 Interest 2.12 Transferred out 3,660.00 BALANCE AS AT 10/12/09 46,794.06 Budgetary figures for November were be tabled at the Meeting. Page 5 Ð 28.01.10 128.2 The following payments were approved and authorised: Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 10.77 Postage £ 51.20 £ 64.97 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 14.19 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for Dec 2009 £ 179.59 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for Dec 2009 £ 484.34 TOTAL £ 663.93 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for December 2009 £ 114.04 North Devon Council Recharge of Salaries November-December 2009 £1,503.60 Glasdon UK Limited Supply of 2 Dog Bins £ 732.15 Jewson 2 Invoices - Post Fix £51.82 & Teak Oil £19.67 £ 71.49 Jewson Additional Invoice £ 47.45 Cllr J Symonds Christmas Items £109.36 Assisting with installation of memorial bench/journey to Barnstaple x 2 for equipment £ 60.00 Installation of 2 dog bins £ 50.00 Procuring new plaque for damage grave £ 15.00 £ 234.36 Direct Debit South West Water. Water supply to the Cemetery £ 8.02 To be taken on 01/02/10 South West Water. Water supply to public toilets £ 88.25 To be taken on 01/02/10 128.3 Parish Council Expenditure 2010/11. It was noted that the Parish Precept had been agreed at £35,363. Grant related expenditure disallowed for 2010/2011 amounted to £14,058 which has not been added to the Precept as agreed. It was further noted that the Clerk had returned the form instruction the disallowed amount not to be added to the Precept. 128.4 National Savings and Investments. It was noted that the Pass Book had been sent for interest to be made up which amounted to £44.83. 128.5 EDF Energy. The fixed price tariff had come to an end and the Clerk had arranged for a similar deal to apply until 31/03/11 under the Energy Discount Plan Version 2 resulting in energy prices remaining 2.5% cheaper than the standard prices. 129. Correspondence & Reports. 129.1 North Devon Council. Correspondence regarding the Draft Core Strategy including the document, which Councillors have also been sent online via a link. A meeting to consider this was fixed. 129.2 DCC. Consultation on admission arrangements for Devon schools for 2011/12; consultation on In-Year admission arrangements for Devon schools for 2010/11; consultation on education transport policy 2010/11. Taken by Councillor Mrs Hood. 129.3 The Boundary Committee for England. Structural Review of Devon: Advice to the Secretary of State. Noted. 129.4 North Devon Council. Letter from Mr J Bate regarding the recent consultation and Conservation Area Review. Noted. 129.5 North Devon Council. Devon Home Choice: A new way of letting Council and Housing Association Page 6 Ð 28.01.10 Homes in Devon. It was stressed that people who wished to participate must firstly be on the housing register. 129.6 National Association of Local Councils. Nominations invited to attend the Royal Garden Party on 22 June. Councillors Mrs L Slade, Mrs S Hood, Mrs P Barker and the Clerk were nominated. 129.7 ROSPA. Confirmation received that the inspection would be taking place in March. 129.8 DCC. Mobile Library Service Survey. Responses required by 19/3/10. Taken by Councillor Mrs Meek to complete. 130. Publications Received. _ North Devon Council Newsletters and Bulletins _ Senior Council for Devon. January 2010 _ North Devon AONB. Annual Report 2008/09 _ Clerks and Councils Direct. January 2009 _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. January/February 2010 Newsletter _ Junk Mail. Issue 3 131. Meetings attended by Councillors/Clerk. 131.1 Site Meeting at Jones's Hill. This had been attended by Councillors Symonds, Short and Harrison who had met Denice Daniels of DCC Highways. She understood what was being suggested and people using the hill at the time of the meeting backed this up. She took photographs to create better on road signage. She would also address the situation with regard to the junction of JonesÕs Hill with Hobbs Hill and St MaryÕs Road where the priority was not clear. Local people were aware but this caused problems for holidaymakers. Councillor Short asked if the ground between the Bridge and the Village Hall could be used to create a pavement to go to and from the Village Hall from the Blue Groove. It was advised that budgetary constraints prohibited any major works. 132. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. No matters were raised. 134. Higher Ham Cemetery. Councillor Mrs Meek reported that she and Councillors Symonds and Maskell had met and went through issues raised at a previous Meeting, in that the charges had not been reviewed for a number of years. The Clerk had confirmed that North Devon Council did not need to be contacted in reviewing the charges. Some of the land to be used in the future is unconsecrated and the Bishop of Exeter was to be contacted so that this could be consecrated. Part of the land was to be left unconsecrated for people to use if they did not wish to have a Christian burial. The revised details were circulated to Councillors. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds that the review was accepted. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Hood and unanimously agreed. The prices would be with effect from 1 April 2010. 135. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. 135.1 Councillor Tucker enquired if the root of the felled tree should be taken. Councillor Symonds explained that it had been treated and would die. Councillor Tucker was of the opinion that the Cemetery was in excellent condition. He asked about the collapsed kerb edges and it was advised that Councillor Symonds and Mr D Jones would re-set them and ask the contractors who cut the Cemetery grass to use the flush kerbs to cross the paths with their machines. 135.2 It was noted that the Clerk had been booked onto a Finance Course - Preparing for Audit being organised by the Devon Association of Parish Councils on 15 March at Tedburn St Mary Village Hall. 135.2 Clerk's Holiday. The Clerk gave the dates she would be away. 135.3 Data Protection ÐThe Clerk had investigated various Policies held by other Councils after seeking advice from the Devon Association of Parish Councils. A selection of Policies had been printed for Councillors to consider. Page 7 Ð 28.01.10 It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Tucker and unanimously agreed to adopt the wording of the Lakeland Council Policy. The Data Protection Application could then be progressed which should assist when trying to obtain vehicle ownerÕs details of cars left in the car park. 135.4 Councillor Mrs Meek raised the recent cold weather and impact of the Snow. She spoke aboutt emergency planning, grit bins and roads. She explained that ice was a problem. The bus route to the terminus at Davids Hill was not gritted and as a consequence, the bus did not run as there was nowhere for it to turn. Newberry Road was not gritted and this caused problems for people being able to get out. There was no pavement and with an icy road, people were slipping. She asked that we approach DCC to advise that if they are not going to grit and leave the village to its own devices, that gritting boxes are reinstated. Councillor Symonds advised that not gritting to the bus terminus was a mistake and that an official was of the opinion that the bus route had been gritted. If similar conditions return, instructions were in place to ensure the gritter goes around the bus turning head. JS said terminal was a mistake. B Watkins thought the bus route had been done. If conditions returns, make sure gritter driver goes around the bus turning head. Councillor Mrs Slade advised that people had requested grit boxes. Councillor Symonds spoke about bins provided with sand for sand bags. A grit bin was required to be able to grit to the bus stop. Mr N Mapp spoke about the situation at Davids Hill. It is claimed that the road sweeper visits Davids Hill and that salting is done, but this was not the case. A letter to be sent to DCC Highways requesting 6 grit bins, with a map of locations to be provided at a later date. County Councillor Mrs Chugg to be also asked to request the bins in her official capacity. Mr Mapp advised that DCC have plenty of spare grit bins according to Braunton Parish Council. He further felt that feedback should be given of the implications. If it had, 100 people could have got about, the bus would have run and the School could have opened. It was advised that the road was on a B or lower category and therefore did not have priority. Councillor Mrs Meek spoke about snow ploughs used by farmers in the past and now no longer in a position to clear snow drifts partly due to red diesel vehicles not being allowed on the road and other health and safety issues. Mr Mapp was of the opinion that the grit bins should be locked to prevent people from other areas taking the grit. If DCC would not fill the bins, this Council would buy it. District Councillor Mrs Barker advised that North Devon Council were reviewing their new emergency plan and asked for ideas to include. Councillor Mrs Hood suggested a designated person to help those in trouble but was advised that this happens already. 136. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 25 February 2010. The Meeting ended at 10.07pm.