MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 29 MARCH 2007 IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL AT 7PM. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), M Harrison, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also present: District Councillor M Wilkinson, 4 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 159. APOLOGIES. Councillor Mrs J Barnes, Councillor Miss R Brian, District Councillor D Spear, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. 160. APPROVAL OF MINUTES. The Minutes of the Meetings held on 22 February 2007 and 23 February 2007, previously circulated to Councillors, were approved and signed as a correct record. 161. REPORTS. Police. Taff Greening attended and brought compliments from Sgt. Pearce. He advised that a meeting regarding Oceanfest had been held that day and confirmed the assurance that security measures put in place last year will be the same this year. In addition, 4 extra officers would be in attendance at peak times. Issues that were raised last year have been addressed. PC Langworthy had spoken to him regarding the concerns of a parishioner with regard to noise and litter near Broad Park Close. Councillor Symonds advised that this piece of land is adjacent to Parish Council land and the play park which is clearly signed no overnight camping and parking. He asked the Police if it was their remit to enforce this and was advised that it was not, both on a technical and legal aspect. It was pointed out that the play park is regularly used as an itinerant camp site and the Police advised that they can only move people on if there is a public safety issue or anti social behaviour. There was little to report over the past month - 2 of criminal damage, 1 theft from a motor vehicle. There had been a public safety and anti social behaviour issue. Councillor Tucker apologised on behalf of himself and Councillor Symonds that it had not been possible for either of them to attend the Oceanfest Meeting. This would be passed on. The date of a follow up meeting was not yet known. Councillor Mapp raised the problem of camper vans parked in the layby outside Georgeham Village Hall and asked if this could be prevented. He was told that a parking order would prevent this and enquiries about a bus stop also concluded that if a specific bus halt was created on this side of the road as well as opposite as already in situ, then the Police would be in a position to enforce the law. At present if the vehicles are parked with its wheels on the road, no parking order is violated. District Councillor Wilkinson. He had attended a meeting at the Queen's Theatre regarding the North Devon Festival. The Latham Brothers were not present regarding Oceanfest. The shipwreck of the Napoli would be discussed by a Public Inquiry set up by Devon County Council. The Government had not agreed to a Public Inquiry. The Planning Application for the renewal of two portacabins used as changing rooms on Georgeham Playing Field had been lodged. There was now to be a lot of effort for the new facilities which has been reinforced by the excellent Parish Plan. Councillor Tucker felt that a letter of thanks should be sent to District Councillor Spear who was retiring, acknowledging his work and efforts. This was agreed. Roger Holmes. Georgeham Sports Association. He explained that the Committee was hard working and thorough. They had met Brian Holme the Community and Leisure Officer for this area. There was good news regarding the MUGGA on the playing field with most if not all the finance being in place. The Planning Application had been submitted for this and it was hoped to be the size of 2 tennis courts and eventually floodlit for use in the darker evenings. The Committee were planning a website which would be up and running shortly. There would be an opening ceremony for the project to raise money for the pavilion, certain funds of which are already available. A professional person was completing the Big Lottery Grant application to be submitted shortly. The Application is to be sent to various bodies where funds are available, en mass, and they had several high profile sponsors. The Committee are putting a large article in the Crydda and meetings will be held at Georgeham and Croyde with the plans laid out so that everyone will be aware of what is going on. In addition, residents who live immediately around the sports field are to be canvassed personally by Georgeham Sports Association to advise them about the plans. Mr Holme at NDDC is so impressed with our Parish Plan that he wishes to use this as a template for others. It is because of the quality of the Plan that support has been given. Councillor Tucker asked if Councillors would be required to attend the open meetings and was advised that all Councillors were welcome, and it would be particularly helpful if Councillor Maskell, the Parish Council's representative on the Committee could be in attendance. He reminded the Council that at the outset of thee plans, a sum of money had been set aside which would now be helpful in connection with expenses, satisfactorily explaining the need for it at this time rather than later on. Councillor Symonds requested that to comply with audit regulations, a request in writing should be submitted. Councillors agreed that when this was received, a cheque could be issued between meetings after Councillor Symonds had consulted a minimum of four Councillors. JS spoke about the quality of the execution and interpretation of parish plan and the success enjoying now and thanks and gratitude expressed to those involved. 162. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. None. 163. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Councillor R Tucker. Planning 164 (3) Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness, Manor Farm, Putsborough. Councillor Maskell. Planning Application 43249 (j) below, prejudicial. Councillor Mrs L Slade. Planning Application 43920 (b) below, prejudicial and Application 43946 (d), below, the latter being a neighbour. She would take part in the discussion but not vote. 164. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. (a) A report from the Enforcement Officer regarding Speedwell was read to the Meeting and noted. The house owner had been invited to submit a Planning Application and in his letter of reply to the Enforcement Officer it was noted that he had not said the letting would cease. Councillors were reminded that any Planning Application received has to be considered on its own merits. To be reviewed at the June Meeting. (b) A report from Road Safety Officer, Mr M Newcombe regarding Road Safety between Georgeham and Croyde had been received and is detailed in Minute No. 165 below. The situation to be reviewed at the May Meeting. Councillors to informally advise the parishioner who originally raised this. (c) The Enforcement Officer to be reminded regarding the Saunton Downs building which was 75m to the rear of Down End car park. A reply had never been received to our original email. (d) A Static caravan was on site at The Mead, Withywell Lane. The building is in the process of being renovated and it was thought this was the reason for it being there. The situation to be monitored. (2) The following Planning Applications were considered: (a) 43847 - Extension to dwelling with installation of dormer window - 5 Broad Park Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (b) 43920 - Conversion of games room to form additional living accommodation for adjoining unit of holiday accommodation - cottage adjacent to Jack Smales Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. Councillor Mrs Slade declared an interest, left the meeting and took no part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval. (c) 43919 - Erection of conservatory - 1 Ora Close, Stentaway Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (d) 43946 - Extension to dwelling - Field Cottage, Georgeham. Councillor Mrs Slade declared a personal interest due to the Application being in respect of a neighbour and did not vote on the decision. It was resolved to recommend approval. (e) 43947 - Alterations to rear of shop (amended to Planning Permission 43121) - The Old Cream Shop, 8 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (f) 41932 - Erection of lifeguard facility (amended plans) - The Beach, Beach Road, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (g) 44000 - Extension to dwelling - Copplestones, Cott Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (h) 44005 - Extension to dwelling - 11 Sandyway, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend refusal on the grounds that we can see no improvement in this Application and we site the same reasons that we refused Application 43449 in December 2006 as follows: "refused on the grounds that due to over development of the site, we are not at all at ease to see the ridgeline increased in height and even more displeased to see again garage space being taken into accommodation forcing more on street parking". (j) 43249 - Erection of 5 houses (amended plans) - land off Lane Head Close, Croyde. Councillor Maskell declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to approve on the understanding that there is no material change on previously approved drawings for this site and that this is a matter of engineering levels being established. (3) Planning Correspondence: Page 4 - 29.03.07 An Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use in relation to use of land as a caravan site for the period commencing at Easter and ending 31 October each year - land at Manor Farm, Putsborough was considered. Councillor R Tucker declared an interest, left the room and took no part in the discussion or decision. A reply to be sent as follows: "Two Councillors have recollections of limited number of touring caravans during the Summer months at Manor Farm certainly since the early 1960s". It was noted that under Application No. 41926 - demolition of guest house with owners accommodation and erection of 5 flats at Baggy View, Down End, Croyde was going to appeal. The Parish Council could make further observations or amend the original response. The deadline for this to be received by the Planning Inspectorate was 2 April 2007. To reply that we stand firmly behind our original submission against 41926 and we are still strongly of the opinion that our decision at that time was correct. A letter from the Planning Department in respect of Application No. 43875 - Demolition of existing and erection of new dwelling, Woody End, Georgeham was read and noted giving the reason for planning approval. A reply to be sent advising there are now three static caravans on the site and confirmation was required as to whether this was a planning issue or further investigation required. A reply within two weeks was requested. The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted. APPROVALS 43462 - Outline Application for erection of 1 dwelling (amended information received) at 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. 43593 - Extension to managers dwelling (amended plans) at Croyde Bay Holiday Village, Croyde. 43613/14 - Erection of double garage (amendment to approved permission 40409) at Higher Ham Farmhouse, Georgeham. 43503 - Demolition of existing & erection of new unit of holiday accommodation together with erection of summerhouse/store at 29 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 43557 - Demolition of existing & erection of new garage/store together with alterations to access at 10 Moor Lane, Croyde. 165. MATTERS ARISING. Road Safety on the Croyde/Georgeham Road. An update report was read from Mr M Newcombe, Road Safety Officer. He indicated that the Safety Officer has looked at the route and it was not considered for leaving out centre lines following resurfacing, except where they are presently omitted. This was based on a speed limit of 60 mph, no street lighting and no record of accidents involving speeding. There has been no progress on the feasibility study to date but we will be kept up to date with progress. Proposed Bus Stop opposite existing near Georgeham Village Hall. A letter to be drafted and sent to Bob Watson with copies to Mr M Newcombe, DCC Highways, Braunton Police, Stagecoach Bus Company, District and County Councillors and the Primary School. Memorial Bench. This had been ordered. Chapel Street Hedge. Councillor Mrs Meek advised that since the vegetation has been removed, the property she owns is now overlooked by unpermitted garden constructions and accordingly she has written to Devon County Council. A reminder to be sent to North Area for the up to date position following their letter to property owners. P3 Footpath Scheme. Councillor Harrison had completed and returned the survey forms and was waiting for the amount spent during the year which the Clerk had supplied to him at the beginning of the Meeting. 166. ACCOUNTS AND PAYMENTS. (i) Balances. Bank and budgetary balances were circulated to Councillors. The Bank details were: Current A/ct. Business Instant Access A/ct Balance as at 31/01/07 17,089.36 25,000.00 Receipts Bank Interest 95.29 Payments Previously authorised 2,007.39 ________ BALANCE AS AT 28/02/07 15,081.97 25,095.29 (ii) The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for February 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for February 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for February 07 £ 84.50 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in the public toilets £ 14.01 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 6.00 Stamps £50.00 £ 56.00 Jewson Door Springs £ 6.02 Teak Oil £11.80 £ 17.82 EDF Energy Electricity supply at toilets & bus shelter £ 20.45 Devon Playing Fields Association. Membership Fee 2007/08 £ 15.00 Devon Association of Parish Councils. Membership Fee 2007/08 £238.00 NDDC Non Domestic Rates for Cemetery 1st instalment £102.24 Mr M Symonds 1st payment on grass cutting & maintenance contract 07/08 £475.00 Georgeham Village Hall Donation towards refurbishment/improvements £1,000.00 Mrs Benham-Clarke, on behalf of the Georgeham Summer Show, had forwarded details of Income and Expenses to comply with Audit Commission regulations for a donation to pay the Insurance to a maximum of £250. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Symonds and agreed that the premium would be paid by the Parish Council with the recommendation to the organisers that for 2008 they withhold funds from this year's event to cover insurance in 2008 and that the Parish Council will not be able to cover the insurance for future years as we have supported it for the first three years. Cheque to be issued when advised. Miss I Jones, Treasurer of Georgeham Village Hall, had forwarded details of accounts and Annual General Meeting 2006 Minutes to comply with Audit Commission regulations for a donation to be considered. It was proposed by Councillor Mapp, seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade that £1,000 be given. Councillor Symonds proposed an amount of £750, seconded by Councillor Tucker. Vote on second proposal: 3 for 4 against. The first proposal was carried. A sum of £1,000 to be donated. 167. CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS. (a) A Report from the Clerk on her attendance at the intensive training weekend in respect of the Certificate in Local Council Administration was noted. It was suggested that matters contained in this be brought to the May Meeting. (b) NDDC. Training and Development Programme 2007. This to be circulated to Councillors at the May Meeting. (c) Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. North & East Devon Newsletter. Noted. (d) CPRE. Entry form for the Best Kept Village in Devon Competition 2007. Noted. (e) DCC. Devon County Council Budget for 2007/08. Local Government White Paper. Noted. (f) Croyde & Georgeham Skateboard Club & Youth Club. Letter of thanks for financial support and details of events they have planned. Noted. (g) EDF Energy. Letter regarding Small Business Charities. The Clerk to follow up. (h) R Cross. Email received in his capacity as Chairman of the Governing Body of the Primary School advising that after consideration, the Governors felt at this time that a Parish Council Link Governor was not appropriate but were willing for the situation to be reviewed in the Spring Term, after the new headteacher due to commence duties in September had settled in. Councillor Mrs Slade to follow this up. (h) Clerk to Totnes Town Council. Proposal to form its own benchmarking/discussion group for Cemeteries and wishes to gauge the interest. Councillors did not wish to participate. (h) Western Power Distribution. Letter to advise that a section of Middleborough Lane between Moor Lane and Middlehill Lane will be closed on 23 April to 4 May to enable their customer to excavate and lay new electricity cables to farm outbuildings adjacent to Middleborough Lane. Noted. 168. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. * NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. * DCC. Devon Minerals Update No. 3. * North Devon Direct. Issue 4. Spring 2007. * Devon Rural Transport Partnership. Winter Newsletter 2007. * Junk Mail. Spring 2007. * Community Council of Devon. Village Green Magazine March 2007 and other papers. * Local Council Review. March 2007. * Devon Association of Parish Councils. March/April 2007 Newsletter. 169. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Maskell. Georgeham Sports Association. 170. URGENT MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN. Councillor Symonds: Highways Department to be advised that the 30 mph signs at Down end had both been damaged with repair or renewal to be requested. Croyde Village Hall was planning an event involving six Bands on Good Friday. The situation would be monitored with particular regard to noise and drinking outside the premises. Councillor Mrs Meek. Recreation Field, Georgeham. A resident of Longland Lane had suffered broken windows and had requested a notice regarding golf balls, cricket balls, hard balls similar to one which had been there in the past. Councillors could not recall such a sign. The situation to be monitored and the resident advised that consideration was being given to his request. Councillor Maskell advised that the large boulders on the verge at Down End had been removed by the developer of properties along that section of road and Highways Department to be advised requesting that they are either returned or replaced. Councillor Harrison enquired the possibility of having allotments in Georgeham. He was advised that this had been a facility in 1965 but the Parish Council did not have any land as a site for them now. The issue was not raised in the Parish Plan. Councillor Mrs Slade reported on a piece of land outside Newberry Close which had become untidy with wheelie bins out all the time and general rubbish in the layby. This was the responsibility of residents. Councillor Mapp had passed the amendments to the Standing Orders to the Clerk as the original set had been misplaced. A set of new Orders to be given to Councillors at the start of the new life of the Council in May. 171. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Thursday, 26 April 2007. The Annual Parish Meeting will commence at 6.30 p.m. to be followed by the April Parish Council Meeting in Georgeham Village Hall. Before closing the Meeting, the Chairman thanked Councillor Mapp, who was not standing again, for all his work and efforts while he had been a Councillor. He particularly commended him for his work in connection with the outstanding and highly acclaimed Parish Plan. Councillors were in unanimous agreement with these sentiments. The Meeting ended at 10.26 p.m.