MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY, 28 JUNE 2007 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, M Harrison, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also present: District Councillors Mrs P Barker and M Wilkinson, 2 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 21. APOLOGIES. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. 22. CO-OPTION OF TWO PARISH COUNCILLORS. 3 letters of application had been received from Mr W Foster, Mr A Hale and Mr E Short. The Chairman explained the voting procedure. Mr Short who was present, was invited by the Chairman to address the Meeting and he addressed Councillors as to why he wished to be considered. Councillors then voted for 2 applicants. The successful candidates were Mr E Short and Mr W Foster. Mr Short was invited to join the Councillors around the table and the Chairman explained the procedure of the Meetings. 23. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 31 MAY 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 24. REPORTS. Police. Not present. District Councillor Mrs P Barker. This was her first meeting since being elected. It had been a busy time following her election and within the District Council she now sat on the Planning and Licensing Committees and had already sat on the Sub Committee in the latter connection. She was also a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and was currently looking at the preparation of a Policy for Beach Management and Patient Line Charging. She was also the Vice Chairman of the Ilfracombe and Northern Area Committee, attending the first meeting the previous evening. She represented outside body of the Woolacombe and Mortehoe Tourism Association and was happy to help anyone. She was hoping to set up a drop in surgery in a few months. She commented that it was encouraging to see Parish Councillors at the recent Planning seminar. Her second full Council Meeting had also been the previously evening and she confirmed that she would be attending Parish Council Meetings. District Councillor Wilkinson had attended Oceanfest via the footpath from Woolacombe and thought it was well organised noting that the music stopped exactly on time. As with other District Councillors, he had been awarded a sum of £1,500 in his Ward to causes which meet the criteria. He was trying to arrange a meeting with First Bus at which the Parish Council would want to send representatives particularly with regard to the last bus back to Braunton. Councillor Tucker also praised the organisation of Oceanfest and proposed a congratulatory letter was sent to the Latham Brothers which he would draft and email the Clerk for attention. He had received a request from a Mum whose child attends Playgroup who were in need of resources. District Councillor Mrs Barker agreed that her number could be given to contact in connection with the Ward Fund. 25. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. A member of the public who had a Planning Application noted that private dwellings were trading which was a contravention of planning. There were also traders outside the Village Hall and Councillors took these concerns seriously agreeing that a letter to the Enforcement Officer should be sent. 26. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None. A discussion took place regarding District Councillor Mrs Barker declaring an interest as a member of the Planning Committee. 7. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. The Thatched Barn, Hobbs Hill, Croyde. No reply had been received and a reminder to be sent. The Parish CouncilÕs response to be ascertained. Chalet style structure at Down End. A reply from the Enforcement Officer was read to the Meeting which concluded that there was no breach of planning. (2) The following Planning Applications were considered: (i) 44464 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð 11 Sandyway, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (ii) 44495 Ð Retrospective Application in respect of erection of enclosure Ð Croyde Bay Surfing Ltd (The Little Pink Shop), 7 Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (iii) 44547 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new dwelling & garage Ð 2 Bonnicott Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (3) Planning Correspondence: (i) The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 43891 Ð Installation of underground LPG storage tank at Ash-Dene, 6 Sandy Way, Croyde. 44300 Ð Extension to raised terrace together with erection of car port at 2 Rose Villas, St. Marys Road, Croyde. 43875 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new dwelling (amended plans) at Woody End, Bottoms Lane, Darracott, Georgeham. 44332 Ð Extension to dwelling at Darracott House, Darracott, Georgeham. 44220 - Extension to dwelling at Seascale, 17 Davids Hill, Georgeham. (ii) An Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness had been received for existing use of land to site a mobile home Ð Heddon Mill Farm Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. Councillor Mrs Slade was aware that the applicant was speaking the truth and that a caravan had been on the site for 25 years. A reply to be sent confirming this. (iii) An Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness had been received for existing use of first floor above the garage as a flat Ð Wisteria Cottage/Home Farm, St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde. It was resolved to reply as follows: "We are aware that the structure alluded to has been used residentially for at least the last 10 years. Please refer to it as Home House, not Home Farm". (iv) It was noted that Applications 44217/44218 Ð Listed Building Application for demolition of existing and erection of new extension to dwelling at Fig Tree Farm, 47 St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde had been WITHDRAWN. (v) It was noted that the Appeal under Application 42780 in respect of temporary siting of 2 No portable storage containers for the duration of building works including associated engineering work (retrospective application) had been DISMISSED by the Planning Inspectorate. 27. MATTERS ARISING. (i) Proposed Bus Stop in Georgeham. Stagecoach had still not replied. This would be raised at the Meeting District Councllor Wilkinson was arranging. The matter to continue as an Agenda item. (ii) Prohibition of Drinking in Public Places Order. Andrew Millie had replied to the issue. Councillor Miss Brian informed that the new law would be nationwide and therefore the police would have to enforce it. There was concern that PCSOs are never seen in Croyde and it was felt to be vital that there was a police presence. Due to a lack of this, the yellow lines are not enforced. Sgt Pearce to be requested to give details of the last 8 hours PCSO cover in the Parish excluding Oceanfest. District Councillor Mrs Barker, as a member of the Licensing Committee advised that a meeting had been held with the police which discussed plastic glasses. (iii) Footpath between Georgeham and Croyde. No reply had been received from Mike Newcombe or Joe Deasey. District Councillor Mrs Barker to chase up. (iv) Passing Place Signs at Down End. Rob Watkins had replied. The boulders were in place again. (v) Land at Chapel Street. No reply had been received. The file was passed to Councillor Mrs Meek for attention and the item to be on the July Agenda. 28. ACCOUNTS AND PAYMENTS. (i) Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct. Balance at 30/04/07 5,800.16 25,206.95 Receipts 50% NDDC Precept/Grant 16,660.00 VAT Repayment 2,725.00 Cemetery Fees 272.45 Bank Interest 56.97 Payments As previously authorised 2,795.10 ________ ________ BALANCE AT 31/05/07 22,662.51 25,263.92 (ii) The following payments were approved and authorised: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for May 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for May 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for May 07 £169.00 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in the public toilets £ 14.01 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 6.00 Postage £ 4.38 £10.38 Vanguard 2000 Croyde Play Park Security May 07 £140.00 Jewson Various items £68.32; £5.57; £23.75 & £12.22 = £109.86 Blue Orange Signs No Camping Signs £ 77.66 Mr M Symonds. 2nd payment on grass cutting and maintenance contract 2007/08. £475 and Footpath 22 maintenance £125. 29. CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS RECEIVED BY THE CLERK. (i) NDDC. Opportunity for Funding. ROCKets Scheme. A copy had been forwarded to Councillor Miss Brian for interest. It was resolved to submit an application. Councillor Short will obtain quotations and liaise with Councillor Miss Brian who will apply. (ii) DCC. Improving relationships between Parish Councils and Authorities to make better use of allocated resources. The body of the text was read to the meeting. (iii) NDDC. Parish Council Representative Ð Vacancy on NDDC Standards Committee. Taken by Councillor Miss Brian . (iv) Standards Board for England. Code of Conduct Booklets. A copy was circulated to each Councillor. 30. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ DAPC. Details of County Committee 2007 Ð 2011 North Devon. _ Western Power Distribution. Quality of Supply Report 2006. _ Village Green Magazine. June 2007. 31. REVISED CODE OF CONDUCT. Councillors had been circulated with this document. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Symonds and agreed to adopt the Code. In addition, it was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and agreed to specifically adopt Paragraph 12 (2). 33. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Tucker Ð School Governors. Regarding the issue of formal Parish Council representation a transient period was agreed and in September or October a formal representative may be requested. Councillors were reminded that the meetings are open to members of the public, all were welcome. Councillor Maskell would attend when possible. The next meeting was 3 July and Councillor Mrs Meek would attend on behalf of the Parish Council. Councillor Mrs Meek attended the Barnstaple Civic Society presentation evening when an award was given to CARA comprising a Certificate and a Shield following their nomination in recognition of the excellent work carried out on cleaning the stream. Councillor Mrs Slade. She had been to the Planning School organised by Barnstaple Town Council and found this interesting and enjoyable. 34. URGENT MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN. _ Sustrans 30th birthday celebrations were being held on 4 July at The Tarka Inn and Councillor Harrison would be attending. _ The staff and Governing Body of Georgeham Primary School had invited Parish Councillors to celebrate the Headteacher, Mrs TamlynÕs retirement on 19 July at 10am in St. GeorgeÕs Church when a presentation would be made. Councillor Symonds to respond. _ Councillor Tucker had been asked by Mr D Tucker if he could plant some trees on the bank outside his property. More information on the type of tree to be obtained. He had also asked permission to paint the public toilets, and prices to be obtained. _ Councillor Harrison to make enquiries regarding a bike rack in Croyde as at present, there are no facilities. _ In recent flooding, Back Lane was in a bad state and needs resurfacing. North Area Highways to be advised. 35. STANDING ORDERS. These to be reviewed when all Councillors are present. 36. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Mrs Meek. Gwynant, Chapel street has been re-roofed, changed from tile to slate and two velux windows put in. The Enforcement Officer to be advised as this is in a Conservation Area. Hole Lane was not free for horses to ride and although two gates have been put in for opening while on horses there are 5 other gates which cannot be opened on horseback. Councillor Harrison will raise this at the P3 Meeting. Councillor Mrs Slade. The two shrubberies either side of the layby at Newberry Close are unkempt and wheelie bins are not taken back to the properties to which they are assigned. Councillor Tucker will deal with this. The hedges of the property opposite her holiday home are not being kept trimmed and are in a bad state. A letter to be written requesting that this matter is dealt with and advising that it is the landowners responsible to ensure that vegetation does not encroach over the road. 37. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Thursday, 26 July 2007. The Meeting ended at 9.55pm.