MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 29 NOVEMBER 2007 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. Present: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, W Foster, S Maskell, Mrs Meek, E Short. Also in attendance: District Councillor Mrs P Barker, District Councillor M Wilkinson, 3 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 99. Apologies. Councillor R Tucker, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, Police. 100. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 25 October 2007 & 1 November 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 101. Reports: Police a written report had been received advising it had been a quiet policing month with 1 theft and 2 domestic incidents and a minor road accident at Forda. As regards the Police Surgery on 3 November, 16 people attended. He had spoken to the North Devon Journal Correspondent where it was reported that no people had come. The walkabout held on 18 November saw 6 people attend. Most matters which were raised concerned parking/highways/Council matters of which the Chairman had been given a full list. Councillor Symonds advised the Meeting that the ÔminorÕ road accident at Forda resulted in a parishionerÕs car being written off. A letter to be sent to PC Russ Fisher stating that the Council were not entirely at ease that the accident had been classified as minor with a request that the reason for this was given. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present. District Councillor Mrs P Barker. _ She gave an update on the above mentioned road accident, advising that she had contacted the Police and raised a few points. The Police have acknowledged the fact that the incident should be registered and the person who was involved had now made arrangements for this to be done. Another reason for the accident to be registered is to support a 20mph speed limit through the villages otherwise there will be no leverage when we want something done. _ She had noted inconsistency of Planning Applications and gave the example of Sanddyway, and will be keeping track of what goes through. _ She had attended a full Council Meeting where ratification took place regarding the reduction of allowances from 6% to 3% to the Leader following an external investigation and as promised by the Conservatives manifesto. _ The Council is rebranding itself with no cost to tax payer. It is trying to promote itself better and ensure it communicates better with customers, making sure that all complaint procedures are handled correctly of which 200 are received annually, with 2% being upheld by the Ombudsman. _ Enquiries had been made as to when the roadsweeper visits a Parish. It had been ascertained that roadsweeping was done on a need basis and anyone can advise the Council that a particular area requires attention. _ She had attended the opening of the Square event following the revamping works which had taken place. Councillor Mrs Slade arrived. Councillor Symonds explained the situation regarding the second point of her Report that when amended Planning Applications are received, the Council does not receive the original Applications to show the differences. This also applied to Retrospective Applications and makes it difficult for Councillors. She noted this. Regarding the road sweeping issue, where an email had been received from Mr N Mapp, following enquiries Councillor Symonds had been advised that the road sweeper was deployed to Georgeham on a monthly basis in the Winter and fortnightly in the Summer. It was noted that the roads had not received attention for 12 months but had now been swept. District Councillor M Wilkinson. Page 2 Ð 29.11.07 _ He apologised for his non attendance at the last Meeting which was due to a meeting of the Coast Initiatives Group on which he reported. The meeting had been called to obtain the up to date position and those present had been advised that because of the new Government and Prime Minister, the issue is to be revisited and a more positive response had been given. _ Councillors were shown a map where the dark areas shown were considered to be areas of most financial deprivation. The South West was included in this dark area. _ Ilfracombe Harbour has selected the full compliment for its Board the next stage being to write a long term business plan. _ He is a Member of NDDC Standards Committee who deal with issues referred to them by the Standards Board for England and complaints are looked at by them in the first instance. At present there is a vacancy but due to his involvement Councillors on this Council are not eligible to apply. However, due to the volume of work coming before them, a recommendation is being made for the Committee numbers to be increased and issues dealt with by Sub Committees. The legislation regarding the Parish Council rule should a Ward Member sit on the Committee is now being examined. Councillor Foster enquired regarding the location of the Coastal Group Meeting and was advised there was to be a meeting with the Coastal Officer next month. He was 90% sure it will be in North Devon. 102. Representations from the Public. Mrs Rita Evans spoke who had been involved in the road traffic accident at Forda. There had been no roadside injuries but she explained that her car had been written off and she was receiving physiotherapy treatment for whiplash. She highlighted the need for a footpath between Croyde and Georgeham so that children can walk to and from School more safely. She was aware that children have been knocked walking to and from school but such incidents have not been reported. It was important that these types of incidents were reported so that there is evidence of the dangerous state of this road. She explained that part of her job is to encourage healthy activity in schools and went on to mention Ped Pass, a major initiative of the Government to tackle obesity in which Devon County Council is involved. Councillor Symonds explained to her about the length of time things take to get done. He confirmed that the Parish Council was actively pursuing funding for a footway and assured her that all efforts were being made for the project to be completed. Mr Richard Windsor advised that historically, a walking bus or bike was suggested but the road was considered too dangerous by the Governing Body. Councillor Symonds advised that a school bus operated many years ago but due to parents driving their children to school, the need for this diminished and it was withdrawn. Councillor Maskell wished to offer Mrs Evans reassurance and explained that the Parish Council had been working on this issue for many years, and recently had held a meeting with the Road Safety Officer and the route had been walked twice in last 9 months, but it was disappointing to note that because it is a rural footpath and the criteria is not met, funding is prioritised in urban areas. However, pressure will be kept up on those responsible and the Parish Council will work with landowners with the intention of using a small part of their land. At this stage of the Meeting, Item 7.1 on the Agenda was brought forward and Councillor Foster reported on the Meeting with the School Governors held the previous Friday. He has been in regular contact with Mr Mike Newcombe regarding the DCC Design Unit Survey and a written report had been prepared. It had been agreed that a feasibility study will be undertaken to be part of Devon County CouncilÕs involvement in respect of Section 3 from Forda to Foxwell House where there are soft verges. It was felt that any section of footpath was better than none and the estimated cost for works to be undertaken amounted to £25,000. No decision would be taken until February 2008 when the budget would be decided. It was noted that parts of the verge was wide with vegetation growing and the suggestion was that the Parish Council liaise with the land owner with a view to children using it as a safety measure. Councillor Foster advised that the likelihood of using old Public Rights of Way Page 3 Ð 29.11.07 was the least likely of options and a virtual footpath was not feasible. There was insufficient evidence for white lines to be removed from the middle of the road. Should the Parish Council request various options, this then impacts a number of factors such as street lighting for speed restrictions. A Petition had been organised and was going round the school. Councillor Harrison raised the question as to if the issue should be dealt with by just the Road Safety Officer but was advised that Mr Ray Pattenden of DCC was also present at the Meeting and was involved. Mrs E Greenaway sitting in the public area advised that on telephoning DCC was advised that the flora and fauna was the main reason for not establishing a footpath. Councillors Foster and Maskell will take matters forward with the contractor regarding work on the verge with a planning study being carried out by Councillor Foster and Harrison. For the December Agenda Ð possibility of flashing triangular 20mph speed limit flashing sign. 103. Declarations of Interest. Councillor E Short. Prejudicial interest for Planning Application 45448. Councillor Mrs L Slade. Personal interest for Planning Application 45517. 104. PLANNING. 104.1 Matters Arising. Banner at Baggy Lodge, Croyde. The Enforcement Officer had advised that he had written to the owner of the property regarding various issues including the occasional display of the unauthorised banner. He had been warned that it is a criminal offence to display the advertisement without consent and he had been requested to cease displaying the banner. A reply to be sent advising the banner was still on display and requesting that the matter be vigorously pursued. To be an item on the next Agenda. Mrs Ann Juby entered the Hall and delivered a communication regarding the safety of children walking to school which had been covered above. The letter was passed to Councillor Maskell and he will respond. Car Park Area at Cross, Croyde. The Enforcement Officer had advised he had visited the site and confirmed that certain aspects which he listed are not as per the approved plans. He did however note that the parking area was not yet in use. He had written to the owners of the site requesting the parking area return to what has been approved or suggested a retrospective application be submitted for what has been constructed. Councillor Symonds highlighted the fact that this was another case of not supplying original information. The Thatched Barn, Croyde. The Enforcement Officer had advised that there had been a site meeting between him, the owner and a Senior Planning officer concerning the loading bay. Planning permission 43507 had been approved for an extension to the property and part of the extension will be built in part of the loading bay described within the earlier planning permission. As this was the case it would be impossible to enforce the conditions of the earlier planning permission and following discussions at the site visit, the present wall/fence could be moved back and re-aligned to enable a loading bay large enough to create more room for delivery/loading of items. The owner had been invited to submit a scheme for this so that the Planning Department could assess the proposal. 104.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 45498 Ð Erection of agricultural building at Great Middleborough, Middleborough Lane, Croyde. The Chairman gave the history of this Application which had previously been approved by this Council and refused by the District Council. Councillor Symonds proposed recommend approval, seconded by Councillor Harrison and unanimously agreed. Page 4 Ð 29.11.07 45517 Ð Extension to dwelling at Incledon Farm, Georgeham. Councillor Mrs Slade declared a personal interest, the applicant being a neighbour. Councillor Symonds explained the reason for the Application due to the need for elderly family accommodation in a single story to enable them to continue living at home. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell, seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek and unanimously agreed to recommend approval. 45448 Ð Proposed extension to ground floor sun room at Down End House, Down End, Croyde. Councillor Short declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. Councillor Miss Brian proposed refuse on grounds that building has come to the end of its developable state. Councillor Mrs Slade proposed recommend approval, seconded by Councillor Harrison. Vote: In favour to recommend approval: 5, against amendment to approve: 1. Recommend for approval with the comment that we believe that the building has now reached the state where further extension would be strongly discouraged. 45257 Ð Prior approval application for erection of agricultural machinery store at Pickwell Barton, Georgeham. Councillor Mrs Slade made the comment that it was good to encourage appropriate rural industry within a community. It was proposed by Councillor Mrs Mee, seconded by Councillor Miss Brian and unanimously agreed to recommend approval and include Councillor Mrs SladeÕs comments. 45234 Ð Retrospective application for erection of 2 dwellings with double garages (amended plans) at land between Baggy View & Sandbourne, Down End, Croyde. Councillor Maskell proposed that the same reply was sent as per the previous refusal note, replying verbatim. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and unanimously agreed. To recommend refusal with the follow comments: This Council would refer back to the original Parish Council decision on this site which was to refuse the whole application because of the forward siting of the garages. We feel that as this has been approved and built, the issue of an alleged 2.5 metres discrepancy is making a situation that we saw as poor somewhat worse. 45578 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new holiday bungalow at 18 Leadengate Close, Croyde. Councillor Miss Brian proposed recommend refusal on the grounds that it is over development for the size/plot of the site. Seconded by Councillor Harrison. Councillor Short proposed an amendment to recommend approval. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade.. Vote on amendment for approval: 5 Vote on refusal: 3. Carried to approve with the caveat that any existing occupancy restrictions are carried forward to the proposed development. 104.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: Approvals 44683 Ð Extension to dwelling at Copplestones, 14 Cott Lane, Croyde. 44318 Ð Extension to dwelling and formation of garden/tool room under conservatory (retrospective application to amend design approved by planning permission 42486) (amended plans) at 12 Davids Hill, Georgeham. 45246 Ð Extension to dwelling together with conversion of loft space to form additional living accommodation at 16 Myrtle Farm View, Croyde. 45286 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new dwelling Ð Heather Down Cottage, Down End, Croyde, with accompanying letter from NDDC Planning Department. Refusal Page 5 Ð 29.11.07 45226 Ð Retrospective application for retention of 2 underground storage containers at Baggy Lodge, Croyde Bay. Shaun Harrington will be keeping the Parish Council informed. 45357 Ð Variation of Planning Permission 22389 to allow closure of Caravan Site on 16 November 2007 and re-opening on 14 March 2008 (amended description), Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde with letter of explanation for approval from Planning Department. Councillor Symonds advised that having spoken to the Planning Department on this matter, they have said that this would not cause a precedent to be set. It was noted that the Application No. 45338 in respect of insertion of dormer window and formation of balcony at 2 Croyde Sands Bungalows, Croyde has been WITHDRAWN. 105. MATTERS ARISING. 105.1 Footpath between Georgeham and Croyde/School Meeting. This had been covered earlier in the Meeting. 105.2 Bike Rack in Croyde. Councillor Maskell reported that he has the stainless steel hoops which will be fixed shortly. 105.3 Vehicles Parked for excessive time in Georgeham Car Park. The forms had been submitted to DVLA to enable more information about the registered keepers of the cars to be obtained. A cheque to be authorised for the DVLA in respect of the £2.50 fee per car. 105.4 ClerkÕs Contract of Employment. This had been prepared noting the correct holiday entitlement legislation and was signed by the Clerk and Chairman. 105.5 Devon Adult and Community Learning. Councillor Mrs Meek advised she had spoken to Caroline Verney who preferred to do a presentation rather than liaise with local organisations. No further action was considered necessary. 105.5 Revised Standing Orders. The revised documents had been prepared and were passed to Councillors Mrs Meek and Miss Brian for a final review. A copy to be available for each Councillor at the January Meeting. 106. Accounts & Payments 106.1 Balances. Current Business Instant Account Access Account As at 30/09/07 936.17 35609.45 Receipts NDDC Precept/Grant 16,660.00 Transfer 450.00 Interest 94.92 Payments As previously authorised 1924.17 Unauthorised borrowing fee 15.00 Balance as at 31/10/07 16,160.00 35254.37 The transfer of £450.00 was as a result of the Current Account being £382.61 overdrawn on 4 October, due to the NDDC cheque taking longer than anticipated to be credited. There was a dayÕs difference which resulted in the £15 unauthorised borrowing fee. A complaint to be sent to Lloyds TSB. 106.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for Oct 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for Oct 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for Sept 07 £ 84.50 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in the public toilets £ 14.01 EDF Energy Electricity supply in car park £64.44 Electricity supply in toilets £17.06 £ 81.50 Page 6 Ð 29.11.07 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 4.12 Mileage Ð 6 months £ 131.68 £138.80 DAPC advise that ClerkÕs Pay Award (not applicable to this Council as this is set independently) and mileage was increased to 55.8p per mile with effect from 1.4.07. If this is approved the figure would be an additional £4.48 for April and May and £127.20 from June to November inclusive, totalling £131.68. £113.76 if not approved. Councillor Symonds proposed that the increased amount was paid. Seconded by Councillor Miss Brian and unanimously agreed. South West Water Water supply at public toilets £40.74 South West Water Water supply at Cemetery £ 8.61 Mr M Symonds Work at Croyde Play Park and Footpath 22 £377.50 106.3 Bank Mandate. A new Mandate was completed by Councillors Foster, Harrison and Short who were not noted as signatories. Former Councillors Mrs Barnes and Mapp to be deleted. 106.4 2008/09 Budget. The budget had been prepared and was circulated to Councillors. The total Precept/Grant had been slightly increased from £33,320 to £35,325 which would have only a very minimal impact on householders in the Parish. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell, seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek and unanimously agreed to adopt the budget and Precept figure. The NDDC Parish Council Expenditure 2008/09 form received for the latter would be completed and delivered by Councillor Symonds by the deadline date of 14/12/07 after first liaising with the Clerk. 107. Correspondence & Reports 107.1 Croyde Village Hall Management Committee. A letter from Mr D Tebbutt giving an update to the extension plans was read to the Meeting. Mr R Windsor who was present explained that the Village Hall required a sum to be able to tell the Community Council of Devon that the Parish Council will donate. He went on to explain about the current level of funding, the cost of the whole project and the implications of a drainage problem with which the Committee were negotiation with South West Water. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds to donate the sum of £1,000 (equal to the donation to Georgeham Village Hall), seconded by Councillor Foster and unanimously agreed. The funds were not yet required, just a commitment from the Parish Council at this stage. 107.2 NDDC. Affordable Housing Meeting. Councillors had been advised of this meeting on 27 November and Councillors Symonds and Maskell represented the Parish Council. Councillor Symonds reported on meeting which was a preamble to a meeting to be held on January 19 at Tesco Community Hall to make Parish Councillors aware of the mechanisms of the 106 Agreement and affordable housing. Councillors from this Parish were well placed as well placed in this regard due to experience gained in connection with the Glebefield. 107.3 South West Water. Consultation document. Councillors Mrs Meek, Short and Foster liaise and bring response letter to the next meeting. 107.4 DCC. Devon County Minerals & Waste Development Framework. Minerals Core Strategy Ð Consultation on issues & options. Representations to be received by 18/1/08. Councillor Foster had been advised of a Consultation Workshop on 4/12/07. He reported that he had seen the document which had no mention of Spreacombe and in the circumstances, no action was necessary. 107.5 DCC. Temporary Road Closure Notice from 14 Ð 16 January on road from Bye Cross to Heddon Mill Railway Cottage, North Buckland. Taken for notice boards. Councillor Mrs Slade will include an article in The Crydda. 107.6 DCC. Parking Restrictions, Croyde Road, Croyde. The Parish CouncilÕs views were sought. This was linked with an email from Councillor Symonds in connection with the Down End Road Page 7 Ð 29.11.07 Clearway and followed on from the open morning held in September. Councillor Symonds read his email to North Area Highways to the Meeting and a reply to be sent advising that the Parish CouncilÕs views were contained in his email of 12 November. Councillors look forward to a response on the questions raised. 107.7 NDDC. Changes to the rates liability of empty and partly occupied properties to take effect from 1/4/08. This relates to Georgeham Cemetery. Noted. This Council is exempt as we do not pay business rate. 107.8 Community Council of Devon. Information about funding for adult learning. Taken by Councillor Mrs Meek who will report back at the next Meeting. 107.9 North Devon AONB. Village Fact File for Croyde and Georgeham. Taken by Councillor Foster. 107.10 NDDC. Parish Council Representative Vacancy on Standards Committee. This did not apply since District Councillor Wilkinson sat on the Committee as a Ward Member, making Councillors ineligible. This had been discussed earlier in the Meeting. 107.11 DCC. Following an email from this Council regarding signage at Pickwell, a reply was received advising that the missing signs had been ordered. A reminder was sent regarding the School warning sign which had been reordered. 107.12 Mr C Burrows. Letter of thanks on behalf of the Skateboard Club for arranging the ROSPA safety check and continued support. For information, the skateboard area will close on Monday 3 December for a re-arrangement and the delivery of some new 3ft high childrenÕs skateboard ramps. All ramps are wooden, temporary childrenÕs ramps, all under 1 meter high. He further advised that the Club continues to go from strength to strength and is improving week by week. 50 Ð 60 children attend on the Friday night SK8 night and Youth Club and the Skateboard area is used by a great many local youngsters every early evening and all day at the weekends. 107.13 Councillor Bill Foster. Draft letters prepared to Mr S P Flynn and Ros Davies of DCC regarding unauthorised work which has been carried out to hedgerows. Not only would it have a detrimental effect on the foraging habitat of bats, but water run off was also of great concern. It was further advised that Croyde has lost its Blue Flag status, mainly due to the wet summer with water run off from hedges possibly caused by the kind of work which has been carried out on Mr FlynnÕs land and other areas. 108. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ DAPC. November/December Newsletter _ NALC. Local Council Review. November 2007. _ EDP Drug and Alcohol Services. Details of the ÔDetox for DevonÕ initiative on 2/1/08. _ Clerks and Councils Direct. November 2007. _ North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area. Winter 2007 Newsletter. 109. Meetings attended by Councillors 109.1 Councillors Symonds and Maskell Ð Affordable Housing on 27 November. This had been covered earlier in the Meeting. 110. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman _ The Police carried out an environmental visual audit in Croyde on 18 November. _ Following the Police Surgery on 3 November Councillor Symonds had obtained the list of people who had attended and contacted everyone, inviting them to this Meeting to discuss their point of view. _ Roadsweeping covered. Page 8 Ð 29.11.07 _ Councillor Maskell raised Mrs JubyÕs letter delivered earlier in the Meeting in which she was asking for approval for children to prepare posters to be laminated and put around the village and this was given with the proviso that when they become worn they are removed. They also have the backing of the Police and Road Safety Officer Mr Mike Newcombe. The School have taken it on themselves to do petition. 111. Matters Raised by Councillors appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Foster had received representations from residents regarding the Baggy View Appeal who have received letters as neighbours. The Parish Council was sending a representative to the meeting. The Parish CouncilÕs response to be reviewed. 112. Dates of 2008 Meetings. This to be carried forward to the December Meeting. 113. Date of Next Meeting. Due to Christmas, this would be on Thursday, 13 December 2007. Because it was only two weeks after this Meeting, a shorter Meeting was expected and refreshments of a festive nature would follow. The Meeting ended at 10.06pm.