MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 29 OCTOBER 2009 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Mrs P Barker, (District Councillor), Mrs S Hood, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker, (arrived later). Also in attendance: District Councillor M Wilkinson, PCSO D Kingdon, 1 member of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 78. Apologies. Councillors M Harrison, S Maskell, E Short, County Councillor Mrs C Chugg. 79. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 24 September 2009. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 80. Representations from the Public. 80.1 Mr J Thomas, Headteacher of Georgeham Church of England Primary School gave an update on the School plans. He explained that at present, Class 1 was situated in a portakabin which was in poor condition and the hope was to completely rebuild the Classroom with a timber framed structure which would possibly take place between July and October. Unfortunately there were insufficient funds for this to be done or for work on the School House. He enlarged in the latter point advising that the School House, the former Cook's home, has come back into School use. The plan was for the pupils to use it during the day for School activities, due to lack of space in the School, and to use the upstairs for storage. It was felt that the building could be opened up for community use, such as an internet cafe downstairs for after School use, an item which had been mentioned as a need in the Parish Plan but had not yet been addressed. The property had been redecorated, and planning permission had been granted to furnish and heat it and to improve the garden. Governors invited Councillors' and parishioners suggestions as to the future use. Councillor Symonds suggested that an article was included in The Crydda by Councillor Mrs Slade inviting suggestions, although it was noted that this had been previously done by Mr Thomas. Councillor Mrs Meek advised that residents had noticed that a number of community buildings were available in the village for outside use. The property was previously in the ownership of the Fortescue Estate and the suggestion was made to contact the Lady Arran with regard to the future hopes and plans for the building. Various other suggestions were made. The Co-Ordinator for Extended Schools may be able to assist. Councillor Symonds mentioned the School was hoping to design a new logo and hoped that St George could continue to be included. 81. Declarations of Interest. District Councillor Mrs P Barker stated the following: I shall consider the Applications under Minute No. 83.2 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. 82. Reports: 82.1 Police. PCSO Kingdon advised the following crimes had occurred: Theft of a holidaymaker's coat from a pub in Croyde. 3 crimes in Georgeham Ð criminal damage to the gentleman's public toilets following which he carried out house to house enquiries, but no one had heard or saw anything despite the incident occurring during the day. Criminal damage to a car parked opposite shop, back windscreen wiper bent and twisted. In the same week, the same family had their Bed and Breakfast sign stolen. Councillor R Tucker arrived. Councillor Symonds advised that many signs had disappeared recently in the Moor Lane area of Croyde. Councillor Mrs Slade advised that Mr D Tucker had contacted her that day due to more damage to the toilets. He would be contacting the Police direct. It was advised that workmen at Newberry Garage use the toilets, leaving them in a dirty and oily state, as there were no toilet facilities at the Garage. Councillor Tucker would deal with this issue the next day. He commended the excellent community service shown by Mr D Tucker. PCSO Kingdon was asked about an abandoned vehicle in the car park which the Parish Council had experienced difficulty in identifying the owner from the DVLA. He would arrange for a colleague to deal with this. He was asked the date of the Oceanfest Review Meeting but was unable to give a date and would make further enquiries. 82.2 County Councillor Mrs C Chugg. When giving her apologies, she had emailed regarding the Bus Shelter in the middle of Croyde. Councillor Tucker followed this up by advising that he had inspected the area and did not consider it was feasible for the wall to be taken down. In the circumstances, he had contacted CARA, the organisation who had originally raised this issue, to advise that the Parish Council wished to leave the situation as it is, and suggested they contact the Stagecoach Bus Company. District Councillors Mrs P Barker and M Wilkinson. 82.3 District Councillor Wilkinson advised that he had attended a Shoreline Management Plan Review which extended from Hartland to Minehead, our section being from Saunton Down to Morte Point. It had been decided to allow every section of the coastline to continue through no intervention. A discussion followed regarding coastal erosion. He mentioned the North Devon Marathon being organised by Simon Oliver which would be covered under Minute No. 86.6. 82.4 District Councillor Mrs Parker also spoke about the Environment Agency. She had also attended the AGM of North Devon District Hospital and gave details of this, although some of what had been said was confidential for the time being, but she hoped to be able to advise further shortly. Lighting in Croyde Car Park was still ongoing. Arrangements to replace the bin outside the Church were in hand. Steve Pitcher, would be working at North Devon +. His position at North Devon Council had been filled by Mike Mansell as Acting Chief Executive. She did not consider the Local Government Review would proceed. Torridge District Council has no Chief Executive and both that Council and North Devon Council are trying to work together at lower levels. Des Brailey had met with James Morrish, the Leader of Torridge District Council regarding working together. It was of paramount importance that there is no detriment to North Devon Council. Councillor Symonds asked about the sports facility for South and North Molton and questioned the reason why the funding for the Georgeham MUGA was withdrawn, requesting an answer to this at some stage. Councillor Mrs Barker was of the opinion that it was wrongly assumed the funding was there but Councillor Tucker interjected and pointed out that Brian Holme had said the MUGA money had been ringfenced. Both District Councillors would enquire the position on behalf of Georgeham Parish Council. 83. PLANNING. 83.1 Matters Arising. Unauthorised Development. To note a reply from the Enforcement Officer. It was noted that a reminder email had been sent on 22/10 but no reply received. The issue to be chased by District Councillor Mrs Barker. To be an item on the December agenda. Unauthorised Summer House at Baggy Lodge. A Report was given following a Meeting held with some Georgeham Parish Councillors present together with the Enforcement Officer and Mr A Barnett of the Planning Department. Councillors were assured that the matter was being progressed which had to follow a set procedure in connection with legal issues. Acceptable Materials in a Conservation Area. A reply was noted from the Planning Officer regarding an enquiry in respect of materials to be used under Application 49002 - Hill Park Cottage, Georgeham. It was advised that each site is considered on its own merits, but generally polycarbonate and uPVC materials would not be considered acceptable in a Conservation Area. In this case, the Local Planning Authority did not consider that the proposed materials were acceptable and the agent has been advised. He has since submitted amended plans which propose a slate roof and timber framed windows and there were considered to be more appropriate. 83.2 Planning Applications: 48996 - Notification of works to trees in a Conservation Area in respect of works to 2 Sweet Chestnut Trees at 10 St Mary's Road, Croyde. It was resolved to support the actions of the applicants. 49159 - Demolition of existing & erection of new unit of holiday accommodation at Kildarna, 12 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval with any occupancy conditions must be kept in place. 49126 Ð Erection of replacement dwelling at Valley House (previously The Bungalow), Spreacombe. It was resolved to recommend approval. 83.3 Planning Correspondence: 83.3.1 The following North Devon Council Decision Notice was noted: REFUSAL 48860 - Retrospective Application for the change of use of agricultural land to form domestic curtilage & erection of shed at Sunny Ash Corner, Georgeham. 83.3.2 North Devon Council. A letter was noted from the Planning Manager regarding Planning Improvement Plan - Planning & Parish Councils. Copies had been circulated to Councillors who wished to reply that this Council wished to see copies of objection and other letters. As regards Data Protection, this Council was to be registered shortly. 83.3.3 Councillor Symonds advised that the Planning Application due to be submitted by Unison was on display in their Reception area. 84. MATTERS ARISING. 84.1 Unauthorised vehicles in Georgeham Car Park. Councillor Symonds reported that he had been unable to get further information from the DVLA in time for this Meeting. 84.2 Lighting and Parking Charge Time in Croyde Car Park. Councillor Mrs Barker reported that this issue was expected to be discussed in December. 84.3 Water being drained onto road at Ruda. A reminder to be sent to North Area Highways Management, no reply having been received. 84.4 Sandy Lane. When giving his apologies, Councillor Harrison reported that he was to meet Simon Houghton early in November. 84.5 Litter Bin by Cobbles. This had been covered in Minute No. 82.4. 84.6 Conservation Area. A Meeting was in the process of being arranged with Mr J Bate of North Devon Council on either 2 or 3 December. 84.7 Memorial Benches. It was noted that Mr J Shaw had replied. He wished the Bench to be sited at Down End. There was a dilapidated bench just in the Braunton Parish boundary and a letter to be written to Braunton Parish Council asking for permission to site it in place of the present bench. It was further noted that the Memorial Bench for the Cemetery had been viewed by the donor who was most satisfied with the product. Councillor Symonds advised that benches had been vandalised in the Croyde Play Park and one in Georgeham. 84.8 NHS Leaving Hospital Leaflet. The leaflet had been emailed to Councillors for their response. Councillor Mrs Hood felt that the leaflet in itself was informative, but as regards a discharge policy, there were issued which needed to be raised. The policy was heavily weighted to the patient. Councillors discussed this. Councillor Mrs Hood to draft a response for the Clerk to North Devon District Hospital with a copy to County Councillor Mrs Chugg who had originally raised the issue. 85. Accounts & Payments 85.1 Balances. Treasurers Account Bus Instant Access As at 28/8/09 5,832.09 40,586.92 Receipts Cemetery Fee 110.00 Cemetery Fee 273.00 Transfer 5,000.00 Interest 1.61 Payments Previously authorised 8,812.48 Transfer 5,000.00 BALANCE AS AT 9/9/09 2,402.61 35,588.53 As a result of the 2nd half of the Precept and Grant being paid, I transferred the sum of £18,000 from the Treasurers Account to the Business Instant Access Account last week. The Treasurers Account before the transfer was £20,331.15. The Business Instant Access Account after the transfer was £53,588.53. 85.2 The following payments were approved and authorised: Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 10.77 Contribution towards petrol and car parking for attendance at Finance Course and Planning School £ 3.00 £ 16.77 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 14.19 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for August 2009 £ 179.59 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for August 2009 £ 484.34 TOTAL £ 663.93 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for September 2009 £ 180.26 The Company has advised that with effect from 1/12/09 the charge for emptying each bin will increase from £1.60 to £2.00. Blue Orange Signs. Sign for car park regarding abandoned vehicles £120.75 Mr R Gibbons Felling trees in the Playing Field £224.00 Jewson 2 Invoices. £21.94 and £11.50 £ 33.44 Mr J Symonds Fixing of bollard £ 30.00 Mr M Symonds Maintenance of footpaths £252.50 Mr S King Hedgetrimming £172.50 Direct Debit Invoice. South West Water Water supply to the toilets £79.63 Being taken on 01/12/09 85.3 Councillor Symonds advised that Tree Surgeons would be working at the Cemetery the next day to fell dead trees. 85.4 With the trees being been felled in Georgeham Play Area, the matting to be pressure washed. 85.5 After this Meeting no Invoices will be accepted at the time of the Meeting, as a result of the Clerk's Report following her attendance at the Budgets and Precepts Meeting. 85.6 Steve King was the Parish Council's hedge trimmer. Councillor Tucker spoke about the hedge from South Hole Farm to Forda which required trimming for safety purposes. Also the hedge from Unison to Down End as hedge was impinging out into the road. Mr King to be requested to cut these hedges. 85.7 Councillors Symonds and Mrs Slade would meet at the Clerk's home for a Budget Meeting on 5 November. 85.8 North Devon Council. It was noted that the 2nd instalment of 50% of the Precept (£17,218.50) and Parish Grant (£1,219.00) totalling £18,437.50 had been paid into the Current Account. The sum of £18,000 had been transferred into the Savings Account. 85.9 Vanguard 2000. It was noted that the Company had confirmed the rates for 2010 would remain the same as 2009 - £20 per night in respect of security patrols at Croyde Play Park. 85.10 Tendering. A report was received from Councillors Tucker and Mrs Meek who had revised the Tender document. Councillor Mrs Meek to email the revised details to the Clerk. Tenders to be sent to Mr M Symonds, Mr R Gibbons and Mr B Harris. 86. Correspondence & Reports. 86.1 Record RSS. A letter was noted advising that this Company were now inspecting play areas. It was further noted that the Clerk had requested a quotation to compare with Playsafety Ltd. 86.2 CARA. Letter to Councillor Harrison regarding signage at the pathway on Jones' Hill, Croyde. A letter to be written to Mr M Newcombe asking the present position with regard to the footpath modifications at the junction of Jones Hill/Moor Lane. 86.3 Devon Association of Parish Councils. The main points of the 2009 AGM were noted. 86.4 Devon & Cornwall Constabulary.Check list received from PC Taff Greening following vandalism of Georgeham Public Toilets on 02/10/09. Crime Reference Number: CN/09/474. 86.5 DCC. Letter regarding SW Love Food Hate Waste Campaign with poster. 86.6 North Devon Marathon. Details regarding this event on Sunday, 27/6/10 passing through Croyde. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that a feasibility study was being carried out for surf boards to be allowed on buses. 87. Publications Received. _ NDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ Empowering Communities in Devon _ Senior Council for Devon. September 2009 _ South West Lifelong Learning Network 88. Meetings attended by Councillors/Clerk 88.1 A written Report was received from the Clerk following her attendance at a Finance Course at Tedburn St Mary regarding Budgets and Precepts. 88.2 A written Report was received from the Clerk following her attendance at an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Partnership Meeting at Combe Martin on 7 October. 89. Dates of Meetings for 2010. The following was agreed: Thursday, 28 January Thursday, 11 February (due to Clerk's holiday) Thursday, 25 March Thursday, 22 April Thursday 29 April (Annual Parish Meeting) Thursday, 27 May (Annual Parish Council Meeting) Thursday, 24 June Thursday, 29 July Thursday, 26 August Thursday, 30 September Thursday, 28 October Thursday, 25 November Wednesday, 15 December 90. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman 90.1 Path constructed between Georgeham and Forda. It was noted that horses were damaging the path and causing it to be muddy. Councillor Tucker to obtain a sign 'No Horses'. The path to be resurfaced after Christmas. 90.2 Christmas Gifts. Councillor Symonds would organise this. 91. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Tucker reported that Mrs Una Dunklin, a previous Parish Clerk and a great servant of the Council for many years had passed away. Councillor Tucker proposed that a donation of £100.00 be sent to the North Devon Hospice in her memory, through L Clarke and Son, Funeral Directors. Seconded by Councillor Symonds and unanimously agreed. Councillor Tucker was of the opinion that the memorial tap in Playing Field required attention and asked for Councillors permission to request his plumber to attend to it. Councillors were in agreement. Councillor Mrs Meek had noticed a large slick in the sea from Saunton to Down End. She thought it could be sewage but as there is no sewage outfall, it was thought to be algae bloom. Councillor Symonds spoke about the flow of the Crydda, mentioning the way land is farmed. There was a discussion on reed beds. Councillor Mrs Meek spoke about the drain from the Chapel into her courtyard which could be doing harm to the stream. Councillor Mrs Slade advised of a resident's fear concerned the tree opposite her property, considering it was unsafe. North Area Highways to be advised. Councillor Symonds wished to pursue registering this Council under the Data Protection Act. 91.1 Adoption of Equal Opportunity Policy. The Clerk explained that this is necessary for Councillor Ward Funding Grants to be authorised and Councillors had been circulated with the wording. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Mrs Barker and agreed by all to adopt the Policy. 92. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 26 November 2009 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.48.