MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 29 JUNE 2006 AT 7 P.M. IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillor Mrs J Barnes, Miss R Brian, M Harrison, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, District Councillor D Spear, PC Russ Fisher, 8 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 16. APOLOGIES: District Councillor Wilkinson 17. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 25 MAY 2006. The following was clarified: Page 2 - item 7 - Mrs Stonehouse was representing Croyde Village Hall and not CARA. Page 6 - paragraph 13 (ii) bottom. Councillor Mapp said the Parish Plan expenses had all been reimbursed to the Parish. In addition, following the meeting a further cheque had been received after the total amount of £4003 had been received, and all expenses had now been reimbursed. He handed a statement of the Parish Plan account, originated by the Braunton Parish Clerk to our Parish Clerk. The Minutes were then agreed and signed. 18. REPORTS. Police. PC Fisher reported there had been 1 crime in Georgeham and 6 in Croyde and gave the details. As regards the recent Oceanfest event, the only crime attributable was possession of cannabis. There had been 2 arrests and dangerous cycling during the event, 11 parking tickets issued, seized drink from people going onto the beach, a road traffic accident and a dog in distress. Apart from the noise aspect, no negative reports had been received. Councillor Tucker, on behalf of the Parish Council, thanked the Police for their assistance during Oceanfest and named people who had also helped within the Police Service and asked that these thanks be passed on to his colleagues who were involved. It was anticipated that a similar procedure would be in place for future events. It was acknowledged that First Bus had failed to provide a satisfactory service. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. She said there was nothing major to report at this Meeting. DCC was undergoing an inspection review; there is to be a new Customer Service Centre in Tiverton based on care direct, an excellent service for the elderly. In time, more Agencies will also be based there including services for the disabled, children, libraries and transport. This would be a one stop shop for information. A new energy saving campaign is to be launched with a focus on practical help, with the publication of a practical guide for householders to help make a difference and thereby help the greenhouse effect. District Councillor D Spear. He also thanked the Police for their presence at Oceanfest on behalf of the District Council. He went on to talk about European funding; he confirmed that the plans to exclude coaches in Croyde Car Park are to be dropped; a renewable energy action plan for North Devon was passed to the Parish Council. He raised the subject of licensing mentioning a document from the Government on riotous behaviour in public houses. The Local Authority can empower fines on the spot. The County Emergency Plan had not been completed. Page 2 - 29.06.06 The Chairman thanked him for his efforts regarding Oceanfest; he also raised the issue of the lay bys between Saunton and Croyde pointing out that this Parish Council had offered cleaning in the past but it was refused. Copy correspondence from Braunton Parish Council was noted and no further information was available. Councillor Symonds proposed that a letter be written to Environmental Health regarding the litter problem which has become extreme. Despite this being brought to Braunton Parish Council's attention, no response has been made. A request to be made that this be taken up with Braunton Parish Council and the Christie Estate. Seconded by Councillor Tucker and unanimously agreed. Councillor Miss Brian enquired if the renewable energy action plan for North Devon was accepted in entirety and this was confirmed. 19. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Nothing was raised. 20. PLANNING. (1) Matters Arising. The Thatched Barn Inn and Billy Budds (Mudlark Limited) Appeal Hearing. This was on 6 & 7 September. Councillor Tucker would be speaking to represent the Parish Council who wished to discuss this with the Licensing Sub-Committee together with Councillors Harrison and Maskell to ensure that he speaks with the full support of the Council and that the response will be correct. The licencees are appealing against the hour for last sale of alcohol and closure of the beer gardens although nearby residents welcome the stipulated hours. (2) Applications, as below: (a) 42248 - Extension to dwelling & conversion of loft space to form additional living accommodation - The Nook, Darracott, Georgeham. Mr Charles, the applicant, addressed the Council in respect of his application. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval subject to traditional materials in keeping with the present. (b) 42284 - Erection of 1 agricultural workers dwelling - North Hole Farm, Georgeham. The applicant was present and advised Councillors the reason for the application, considering a previous application had been considered and recommended for approval by this Parish Council. Councillor Symonds proposed that the following reply is sent: " we would be minded to approve subject to the agricultural dwelling as applied for being supported by current policies in the current local Structure Plan for agricultural dwellings outside the development envelope". Seconded by Councillor Tucker and unanimously agreed. (c) 42224 - Extension to shop with holiday accommodation above - Salt Rock, Hobbs Hill, Croyde. Page 3 - 29.06.06 Councillor Maskell declared a personal interest, left the room and took no part in the discussion or decision thereon. The applicant was present and clarified the position with regard to the application. Councillor Symonds proposed to recommend approval. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. Vote: 7 for. 1 abstention. (d) 42271 - Erection of conservatory - Bethany, 25 Longland Lane, Georgeham. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. (e) 42368 - Erection of stables, tack room & hay store together with change of use of part of field from agricultural to equestrian use - Coppice, Buckland Road, Georgeham. It was proposed to recommend approval. (f) 42415 - Installation of 1 x 0.3m dish antenna on existing tower, 1 x gas bottle enclosure and 1 x exhaust cover - Arqiva Transmitting Station, Ora Hill, Croyde. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. (g) 42398 - Demolition of existing & erection of new agricultural building to house livestock - South Hole Farm, Georgeham. It was RESOLVED to recommend approval. (3) Planning Correspondence: (a) The following NDDC Approval Notices were noted: APPROVALS 41584 - Retrospective application for erection of timber decking to Western side of cottage at cottage adjacent Jack Smales Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. 41583 - Retrospective application for dormer extension & installation of 2 doors to West elevation together with erection of garden wall to East elevation (amendments to Planning Permission 36895) at cottage adjacent Jack Smales Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. 41912 - Extension to balcony together with replacement of railings & installation of spiral stair case at 9 Myrtle Farm View, Croyde. 41384 - Reserved matters application for erection of 2 dwellings with double garages (Outline Planning Permission 37564) (amended plans) at land between Sandbourne & Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. 42161 - Retrospective application for siting of 1 portacabin for use as Sunday School room at Croyde Baptist Church, St. Mary's Road, Cross, Croyde. 42135 - Alterations to Northern access & closure of Southern access to Down End House together with demolition of existing garage & store & erection of new garage/car port for Oyster Falls at Down End House & Oyster Falls, Down End, Croyde. A letter has also been received from the Planning Officer explaining the reason for approving this Application when the Parish Council had recommended refusal. Page 4 - 29.06.06 42136 - Listed Building Application in respect of installation of roof lights, internal alterations & demolition of garage & associated works at Brook House, 3 St. Mary's Road, Croyde. (b) It was noted that a Certificate of Lawful Use or Development has been granted respect of Woody End, Darracott, Georgeham. (c) A Notice of Appeal has been received in respect of Planning Application 41101 - Outline Application for erection of 1 dwelling together with formation of access at land adjacent to Fairleigh, Georgeham. The Parish Council could make further observations or amend the original response in any way which was to be required by the Planning Inspectorate by 5 July 2006. The notice advertising Industrial units and builders yard was discussed. Members agreed that the Parish Council's original response was sent to the Planning Inspectorate adding the following: " we wish it to be noted that this site is outside the current planning development boundary of the village of Georgeham". (d) Letter from Mr N Humphries regarding the A board advertising Chapel Farm Antiques which obstructs his visibility when looking right on exiting Cott Lane. It was noted that the board is on private property and no action could be taken. An acknowledgement letter to be sent to him and his original letter sent to the Planning Department for their comments. (e) NDDC. A letter regarding Public Open Space Contributions was read to the Meeting. Now that the Parish Plan has been published and projects identified, Members have been invited to a Meeting at the District Council Offices. Mr B Maskell, in the audience, advised the Meeting that he had been assured the money will be spent in this Parish, as will a contribution he is to make. Councillors approved Councillor Symonds contact Mr A Austin to arrange the meeting with himself, Councillors Miss Brian, Mrs Meek and Maskell. Councillor Maskell raised the educational aspect of this issue. (f) Planning Department. It was noted that at the request of the Chairman, the Clerk had sent an email with regard to a Summer chalet style building at Down End. He went on to explain the situation. The Chalet at Putsborough was also mentioned and the Summer House at Putscombe. (g) Oceanfest 2006. Review/discussion. This had been covered under the Police report. Councillor Symonds to draft a letter to North Devon Festival organisers requesting that Members of this Parish Council are invited when Meetings are held to plan next year's event. A copy to the Latham Brothers at Urban Safari and the Police. The perceived proliferation of cannabis to be carried forward to these meetings. 21. MATTERS ARISING. (i) Car Park Barrier. It had been hoped that this would have been installed today but due to illness, this had now been postponed for approximately one week. (ii) Clearway - Down End to Bay View Farm. No response had been received to our letter and a reminder to be sent. Camper vans parked in Frog Street, Georgeham were Page 5 - 29.06.06 also discussed. Councillor Mrs Meek explained that parking was an issue raised in the Parish Plan. An article to go in The Crydda. (iii) Croyde Car Park. Letter from NDDC. This had been covered by District Councillor Spear and the letter had confirmed that the car park arrangements would be left unchanged. 22. PLAYING FIELD REPORT. It was confirmed by the Clerk that the Trustees of Georgeham Playing Field Account stood at £1,089.15 which had been verified by Lloyds TSB the previous day. To comply with Trustee Regulations, Statements were to be issued on an annual basis. Mr R Holmes on behalf of Georgeham Football Club explained the situation regarding a water leak which at this stage, could not be found. A firm of contractors at Bideford to be asked to locate the leak and a Leak Allowance Claim Form to be completed. South West Water had issued a red reminder bill which the Parish Council agreed to pay. Mr Holmes advised the Meeting of fund raising progress noting that the new name was the Georgeham and Croyde Community Amateur Sports Club. He had met with NDDC Sports and Recreation official Mr Crabb regarding the proposals which he had been advised was best presented and led by the Parish Council. As there was a Parish Councillor on the Committee, this could then be Parish Council driven. Mr Crabb had commended the Business Plan which had been prepared. Councillor Mapp mentioned the earlier Parish Appraisal's requirement to have a Parish Councillor on each Committee although after checking with Mr B Holme of the Community Development Unit, this was no longer a requirement. It would appear that Mr R Holmes had been misled with information and Councillor Mapp further advised that both he and Councillor Mrs Meek will be recommending in the future that a Councillor does serve on each Committee. Councillor Mrs Meek pointed out that the intention had always been to monitor projects with a linked representative to report back, although there could be different Councillors attending the Meeting. The Insurance situation was clarified regarding the Village Fete. The premium to cover the Football Club for Public Liability Insurance was £400 and Councillor Mapp proposed that as approximately £497 was outstanding from the Parish Plan, the sum of £400 be granted to cover this. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek. An amendment by Councillor Tucker was made to make a donation towards the cost up to £400. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. Councillor Mapp withdrew his proposal. Members agreed unanimously to support Councillor Tucker's proposal. Councillor Maskell proposed that he became involved immediately and became a member of the committee. Councillor Symonds suggested that the Parish Council's insurers extend the Policy for 2007. 23. CORRESPONDENCE. (i) NDDC. Notice of intention to adopt the North Devon Local Plan 1995 to 2011 after 6/7/06. This was noted. Page 6 - 29.06.06 (ii) RCS. This firm is a highway maintenance provider preparing a Tender for DCC for the maintenance of roads throughout the County. They had arranged a meeting for views and opinions to include in the bid and Councillors Symonds, Harrison, Mapp, Maskell and Tucker had been circulated with the details and no one wished to attend. (iv) Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. Details of changes to Neighbourhood Policing Teams. 2 Police Community Support Officers would be based at Braunton. (v) South West Regional Assembly. Consultation on the draft Regional Spatial Strategy for the South West 2006-2026. Responses to be received by 30/8/06. Taken by Councillor Mrs Slade. (vi) District Councillor D Spear. Email regarding Lay-bys overlooking Saunton Beach which had been covered under Minute 18 of this Meeting. Councillor Mapp mentioned a Probus Meeting with investigations to attempt to trace people who littered the area. (vii) DCC. Local Government White Paper and the establishment of the new Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG). (viii) CARA - Footpath Maps. The letter was read to the Meeting and would be discussed at the July Meeting. (ix) NDDC - letter regarding the possibility of a taxi rank in Georgeham/Croyde. Councillors approved and welcomed this. The preferred site was the first space on Hobbs Hill on the left going towards Braunton, opposite Hobbs Restaurant. (x) DCC - letter of acknowledgement regarding Bridleway Sign. Enquiries to be made as to when this matter would be dealt with. (x) Braunton Parish Council. Copy correspondence to Mr J Mann, Head of Environmental Health and Housing Services regarding litter clearing at Saunton Road Lay-bys, together with follow up copy correspondence from Mr D Rodgers to District Councillor D Spear. Noted. (xi) Mr G Woodward - Architect had requested a meeting with the Chairman and Vice Chairman regarding further proposals to submit a revised Planning Application in respect of Croyde Bay House Hotel. Councillors Symonds and Tucker to attend. Councillor Miss Brian left the Meeting. (xii) Mr D Tucker. He wished to purchase the small piece of land adjoining the toilet block in Georgeham for £1200. It was noted that this is one of the open areas of Davids Hill in the open plan design. Councillor Tucker explained the situation. A letter to be sent to the Planning Department requesting copies of Planning Approvals for that site which was developed in the mid 1970's. 24. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. * NDDC Newsletters and Bulletins. * Village Green and enclosures. * Details of Beachwatch 2006 to be held on 16 and 17 September. * DCC. Devon Local Transport Plan 2006-2011. * Woodfair South West. Details of events at Roadford Lake. Page 7 - 29.06.06 * Devon Rural Transport Partnership. Spring Newsletter 2006. * Braunton Coast and Countryside Alliance Steering Group Meeting - notes. 25. FINANCE. (i) The following payments were approved and authorised: NDDC Recharge of Salaries £326.57 This is outstanding following the payment last month, due to a misunderstanding with the figures. Mr S M Wightman Invoice No. 21 £546.71 SWEB Energy Electricity Supply at the Car Park £97.38 Jewson Items in respect of Parish benches & Croyde Play Park Gate £18.29 (ii) It was noted that a BACS payment has been received for £1,571.11 from HM Revenue and Customs in respect of the VAT reclaim for the year 1/4/05 - 31/3/06. (iii) The Clerk reported on the progress regarding the Internal Audit which had almost been completed. (iv) Lloyds TSB Bank had confirmed that their records have been updated with regard to cheque signatories. 26. MATTERS RAISED BY COUNCILLOERS/CLERK. * Clerk - Following an enquiry from Richard Grant Memorials regarding Cremated Remains Plaques this had highlighted the fact that these details were not included in the Higher Ham Cemetery Terms and Conditions. The Plaques must be of uniform size and Councillor Symonds has the template and would carry out any fixings required. Current details to be requested from Columbaria. * Councillor Mrs V Meek - Local authority Bye Laws in England - Report following document being taken at the last Meeting. No action needed. * Councillor Mrs V Meek - Next Steps of the Parish Plan. Councillors need to look at the action plan and the follow up. This to be dealt with by the Parish Plan Steering Committee and report back with a timetable. An article to be included in The Crydda to assure parishioners that action is being taken. The Trustees Meeting Minutes had been completed. * Councillor Mrs V Meek - Parking. Dealt with earlier in the Meeting under Minute No. 21 (ii). * Councillor M Harrison - Rubbish Collection from Public Access Areas. He was concerned about the collection of litter carried out by the Tidy Person and had devised a Schedule for him to follow to ensure that all areas were dealt with on a regular basis. Page 8 - 29.06.06 He would approach Mr Humphreys about this although it was noted that employees of the Parish Council cannot become involved with the removal of waste in litter bins. * Councillor M Harrison - Parish Play Parks. There was the possibility of a skateboard area and the Village Hall were investigating the feasibility of this being situation behind the hall. He would make further enquiries on this point. He would also make enquiries about displaying Footpath Maps with rights of Way in the noticeboard and Councillors welcomed this. 26. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Mrs Slade attended a Planning School organised by Barnstaple Town council on Saturday 17 June 2006. A follow up questionnaire had been sent by the Town Council for completion and she took this. She reported that it was a very informative and interesting day which had included an overview of the role of Parish Councils, appeals, enforcement, 106 Agreements, PPGs and Listed Buildings. It had been noted that there was no procedure in place for Parish Councils or neighbours to appeal. Unfortunately it had not been possible for Councillor Maskell to attend. Councillor Mapp reported on a Braunton Alliance Meeting. NDDC Planning Policy documents concerning house building allocation to various towns in North Devon up to 2020, had previously been sent to be discussed and opinions for the preferred 3 options to be given Prior to this, Members had been asked to examine the spatial factors governing local communities. He felt that Parishes could not be asked to have input regarding a document which had only been received just days before in order for opinions to be given. The fourth option for a new town had been missed. He gave figures of new house builds in various local places. He had pointed out that this Parish Council did not have officers and more time should be allowed for consideration of issues such as this. He and Councillor Mrs Meek had been asked by the Community Development Unit to give a presentation to Ilfracombe Alliance regarding Georgeham's Parish Plan and the way it was organised. Councillor Mrs Meek will willing to do this, although Councillor Mapp felt they were being used to do another officer's job. Miss Lucy Tomlinson (01271 388433) has been recruited to the Community Development Unit and is responsible for grants and helping people make a start with their application. Councillor Mapp also asked the question what is the minimum number of houses that should be in a development beyond which a proportion should be social housing and was advised by Councillor Maskell that there was no trigger. Finance Sub-Committee. No meeting had been held. The Meeting ended at 11 pm.