MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON WEDNESDAY, 28 FEBRUARY 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillors J Symonds (Chairman),W Foster, M Harrison, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillor M Wilkinson, 2 members of the public, Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk and Mr T Squire for Minute taking purposes due to the Clerk having had an operation. 154. Apologies. Councillor Miss R Brian, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, PC Russ Fisher and PCSP R Peacock. 155. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 16, 17 and 31 January 2008. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 156. Reports: Police. When sending their apologies, the Police advised that it had been a quiet month with only one reported crime of criminal damage where a vehicle drove across a recently reseeded fields at Ruda on 11 February causing damage. The driver has been interviewed by PC Fisher and reported for the offence. The other item which was raised is the problem of cars parking at Millers Brook making it impossible for a resident to gain access to his driveway. As there are no signs on the road it is very difficult for this to be policed to enforce an offence of obstruction and he enquired if there were plans for yellow lines. The subject of the Clearway at Down End was raised and efforts to once again be made for these two issues to be dealt with. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. When sending her apologies, she advised that she hoped to be present at the March Meeting. Councillor Mrs P Barker. She advised: _ Replies were still awaited regarding Atlantic Lodge. _ District Council elections Ð no change this time. _ The new site for North Devon College was not on flood plain from the river and was subject to allevial flooding. _ Following advice from Council, a decision had been taken by full Council to appeal against the wind turbine application decision. District Councillor M Wilkinson. He advised: _ Woolacombe and Mortehoe were using recycling bags for life. _ 2 street recycling bins had been put into position. A similar type could be available for Georgeham and was to be an item on the March Agenda. _ Budgets: District Council was 3.9%; County Council 3.9%; Police authority 7.9%. _ NDDC Standards Committee was to be enlarged as many cases were being delegated by the Standards Board for England. The local Committee could now comprise Parish Councillors where the Ward Member was a Committee Member which had not been permissible in the past. 157. Representations from the Public. There were no items raised. 158. Declarations of Interest. Planning Application 46156. Councillor R Tucker. Prejudical interest. Planning Application 45986. Councillor S Maskell. Personal interest. Planning Application 45750. Councillor Mrs L Slade. Personal interest. 159. PLANNING. 159.1 Matters Arising. Page 2 Ð 28.02.08 Putsborough Manor. Following an enquiry from Councillor Mrs Meek as to whether Planning Permission was required in respect of the works being carried out, the Enforcement Officer had been advised who had visited the site. As a result, the owner had been invited to submit an Application. Car Park Area, Berry Cottage, Cross, Croyde. It was noted that the Enforcement Officer had advised that following negotiations with the owner of the property, the visibilty splays, and hedge bank have now been created to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority and the file is to be closed. The Thatched Barn. The wall was to be removed to comply with the original Planning Permission granted. 159.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 45750 Ð Two storey side extension following demolition of existing shed and replacement of mono pitch corrugated roof with pitched slate roof (amended description) at Wisteria Cottage, St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde. Councillor Mrs L Slade declared a personal interest. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Maskell to recommend refusal with the following comments: " the Parish Council would advise that work is already well underway and there has been no Application for a change of use to the garage in which the applicants are now living. There is concern that the development lies outside the development envelope. In addition, there are highway issues which will result. As you will see, a copy of the Parish Council's response has been sent to Mr S Harrington, Enforcement Officer and the Parish Council would request him to visit the site as soon as possible to investigate the current situation". Vote: 5 in favour of refusal, 2 abstentions. 45986 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð Homelands, 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. Councillor S Maskell declared a personal interest. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade to reply as follows: "Georgeham Parish Council are minded to approve but are concerned that the proposal will extend property to the boundary and thereby filling the site". Vote: 6 in favour of the above reply. I abstention. 46143 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð 20 Sandyway, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell and seconded by Councillor Tucker to reply as follows: "Georgeham Parish Council wish to recomend approval but there are concerns that the proposal will extend the property to the boundary, filling the site. Councillors are also concerned about the loss of garage". Unanimously agreed. 45829 Ð Outline application for demolition of hotel and redevelopment of site with hotel, restaurant and bar (additional information) at Atlantis Lodge, Moor Lane, Croyde. It was unanimously agreed that no change be made to our original response, which was: "Georgeham Parish Council recommend refusal on the grounds of over development of site, instrusive for the size of the hotel and lack of adequate parking for hotel clientelle and staff". 46156 Ð Erection of replacement garage at The Anchorage, Putsborough. Councillor Tucker declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was proposed by Councillor Harrison, seconded by Councillor Maskell and unanimously agreed to recommend approval. 159.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: Approvals Page 3 Ð 28.02.08 45615/45618 Ð Listed Building Application for conversion of domestic storage area (2nd floor) to form 1 holiday apartment (Unit 8) & replacement windows to West Wing (Unit 5) at Pickwell Manor, Georgeham. 45827 Ð Extension to dwelling at 1 Home Farm Close, Croyde. 45694 Ð Erection of conservatory at 5 Bonnicott Lane, Croyde. 45691 Ð Erection of agricultural building for storage of slurry & dry straw at North Hole Farm, Georgeham. 45692 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of agricultural building at North Hole Farm, Georgeham. 45757 Ð Installation of 1 satellite dish to serve all 7 units of accommodation at Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. 45881 Ð Continued siting of summer bungalow (renewal of limited period planning permission 32183) at Sea Breeze, 15 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 45721 Ð Installation of solar panels at Bamboo, 12 West Croyde, Croyde. 45731 - Extensions to dwelling at 6 Cott Lane, Croyde. 45815 Ð Insertion of larger dormer window to that approved by planning permission 43512 at new dwelling on land adjacent to 1 West Croyde, Croyde. 45790 Ð Relocation of vehicular access at West End, Netherams Hill, Georgeham. 45848 Ð Extension to dwelling at 32 Moor Lane, Croyde. Refusals 45784 Ð Erection of 1 dwelling at front garden of 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. 44670 Ð Erection of summerhouse at Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Croyde Bay. 44667 Ð Erection of garage at Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Croyde Bay. 159.3 (2) NDDC. It was noted that a Certificate of Lawfulness of existing use or development had been issued in respect of use of land for the stationing of a caravan used for holiday purposes at land at Higher Stentaway, Croyde. Councillors could not recall having been consulted on this matter and a letter to be sent to Legal Services Department at NDDC regarding this and enquiring if this invalidates the Certificate of Lawfulness. 160. MATTERS ARISING. 160.1 Vehicles Parked for excessive time in Georgeham Car Park. Additional details had been received from the DVLA. It was noted that the cars which had been causing the problems had been removed. Councillor Mrs Slade to include a suitable article in The Crydda. It was noted that 4 cars were parked in a field on Footpath 13 and NDDC had been informed. 160.2 Mr S Flynn. Councillor Foster would make contact to arrange a meeting at which it was hoped NDDC Official Mr A Jones would also be present. 160.3 DCC. Road safety issues in Georgeham. District Councillor Mrs Barker would lobby for support of this issue. Meanwhile, Councillors Foster and Harrison to liaise to draft a letter to Joe Deasey and Simon Hill of DCC. 161. Accounts & Payments 161.1 Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 31/12/07 9825.88 35,446.10 Receipts Bank Interest 95.89 Cemetery Fees 273.00 Refund of unauthorised fee 15.00 Cemetery Fees 34.00 VAT Reclaim 773.43 Page 4 Ð 28.02.08 1095.43 Payments Previously authorised 1753.70 Balance as at 31/01/08 9167.61 35,541.99 161.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for Jan 08 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for Jan 08 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for Dec 07 £ 84.50 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 3.25 Reimbursement of SWW Invoices £ 60.16 £53.45 for public toilets & £6.71 for Cemetery NDDC Recharge of Salaries. October-December 2007. £ 2017.59 EDF Energy Electricity Supply to Car Park £ 97.69 EDF Energy Electricity Supply to Public Toilets £ 21.93 Tree Services Works to trees in Croyde £1,320.00 161.3 It was noted that the unauthorised overdraft fee of £15.00 had been refunded and credited to the Parish Council Current Account. 161.4 It was noted that following receipt of the Bank Mandate, Lloyds TSB BankÕs system had been updated with the correct details of Councillors who were all noted as signatories, as was the Clerk. 161.5 It was noted that a 6 monthly VAT reclaim had been made with an amount of £773.43 being credited to the Current Account. 161.6 Quotation from Record RSS, Play Equipment Suppliers. A copy had been sent to the Chairman ahead of this Meeting and this was noted for the time being. 162. Correspondence & Reports. 162.1 Croyde Life Saving Club. It was noted that a further letter had been sent to the National Trust following a meeting between Mr R Windsor and the Parish Council in connection with the new Club House facilities. 162.2 Marine and Fisheries Agency. The Environmental Impact Assessment & Natural Habitats. Area 472 Culver Sand. Taken by Councillor Foster. 162.3 NDDC. Devon Communities in Action. Information following the publication of the Parish Plan was requested. Councillor Mrs Meek would complete and return the form. 162.4 Braunton Parish Council. Parish Plan Grant Funding. A surplus amount of £802 was available due to other Parishes in the Braunton Alliance not completing a Parish Plan. The funds were to be divided between those Parishes who had carried out a Parish Plan. An Invoice to be sent for this money earmarking is for equipment in connection with the development of the Playing Field. Page 5 Ð 28.02.08 162.5 Community Council of Devon. Community Planning Case Studies. Noted. 162.6 Department for Communities & Local Government. Consultation on orders and regulations relating to the conduct of Local Authority Members in England. The document was noted, the consultation deadline having passed. 162.7 Audit Commission. To note the appointment of external auditor. Noted. 162.8 Mr J Green-Price. Letter regarding parking concerns. The letter to be acknowledged and included on the March Agenda. 162.9 Croyde Village Hall Management Committee. Invitation to consider resuming Parish Council Meetings on a bi-monthly basis. The letter to be acknowledged, advising that the Parish Council were committed to the present arrangement which would be reviewed at the end of the year. 162.10 ROSPA. It was noted that the Play Parks inspection will be carried out in March. 162.11 Community Council of Devon. Devon Association of Community Buildings (DACB): Access Project. This was passed to the Village Hall Committee for attention. 162.12 DCC. Consultation on new procedures for the validation of Planning Applications. The document was noted, the deadline date having passed. 162.13 University of Plymouth. Questionnaire for each Councillor with the invitation to complete and return. It focused on the individual Councillor and training needs; the understanding of the nature of the community and the individualÕs place within it; interpretation of environmental issues and sustainable development; solutions and responsibilities to todayÕs current issues; basic background information on the Councillor. 162.14 Mr C Burrows. Email received regarding Sustrans and funding received by them with the possibility of assistance in connection with the Croyde to Georgeham Footpath. 162.15 DCC. Details of Listening Events in connection with the future governance of Devon. Views are sought and the nearest meeting is at Fremington Church Hall on Wednesday 26 March between 10am and 12 noon. 162.16 NDDC. Letter from the Chief Executive regarding the future structure of Local Government in Devon. 163. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ Local Council Review 164. Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Risk Assessment, Risk Management and Complaints Procedure. Councillor Mrs Meek had prepared an amendment sheet to accompany the details previously prepared by the Clerk. The documents to be distributed to Councillors at the March Meeting. 165. Meetings attended by Councillors Councillors Symonds and Maskell had attended the Affordable Housing Seminar. They reported that Georgeham is better off than most Parishes, having a good number of affordable homes. Councillor Symonds reported that a meeting had been held on 21/2/08 with Cowling Commercial, Mr G Ingleby and Charlotte Luckett regarding land use of Myrtle Meadow. Other Councillors present were Councillor Mrs Meek, S Maskell, Miss R Brian and Mrs L Slade. The introduction had been Page 6 Ð 28.02.08 carried out by Charlotte Luckett for Guy Ingleby and it covered a general talk about a mix of, say, 50/50 private/affordable dwellings. A debate followed regarding the CRY1 land of the North Devon Plan in connection with housing/development at Myrtle Meadow. No promises or decisions were made at any time. 166. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman Councillor Tucker advised that the toilets required decorating and he was given permission to obtain quotations. 167. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Harrison. Lack of road sweeping in Croyde. Councillor Symonds to deal with this. Councillor Mrs Slade. A bollard had been knocked over and DCC had been informed. A shed had been advertised as a holiday let. Further information was to be obtained and then forwarded to Councillor Symonds. Councillor Mrs Meek. Drainage problems in Chapel Street. She would liaise with Councillor Maskell. Clerk. Permission was sought for utility bills (water and electric) to be paid by Direct Debit. Councillors were in agreement with this as long as the figure taken was the actual amount of the bill and not a set amount each month. The Clerk would make the relevant arrangements. 168. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, March 27 2008 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting closed at 9.25pm.