MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 30 JULY 2009 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors M Harrison, Mrs S Hood, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: County Councillor Mrs C Chugg, 8 members of the public, PCSO D Kingdon and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 33. Apologies. District Councillor M Wilkinson. It was noted that Councillors Mrs P Barker and E Short would be late. 34. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 25 June 2009. These were signed and approved as a correct record. 35. Representations from the Public. Mrs Prentice wished to speak before Planning Application 48646 was considered. Mr Kingdon (the applicant) wished to speak before Planning Application 48646 was considered. 36. Declarations of Interest. Councillor Mrs P Barker made the following Statement: I shall consider the Applications under Minute No. 38.2 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. Councillor M Harrison declared a prejudicial interest in Planning Application 48546 - Listed Building Application for one replacement casement window at barn opposite Rose Cottage, 31 St Marys Road, Croyde. 37. Reports: Police. PCSO Kingdon reported the following: _ PC Greening had sent his apologies. _ 1 drink driver in Croyde _ Surfboard stolen in Leadengate Close following a party being crashed. A photograph had been taken which had been circulated. _ Incidents at Ruda - theft from vehicle involving surfboard, wetsuits, body boards. _ Today at Cascades a coat was stolen which had a wallet and camera in it. _ Theft of 2 bikes in Georgeham _ Regarding the young person, he has been dealt with and has left the area. Regarding other criminal damage of which he is suspected, he has been cautioned for misdemeanours last year, and this year there has been vandalism to phone box and toilets. He could be the likely culprit. If he comes back he will be sent home again. Councillors thanked PCSO Kingdon for what he has done particularly his concern for the area. BT is to repair Ôphone box. The Parish Council will have to meet the bill for repair to the toilets and in this connection, thanks were expressed to Mr D Tucker for carrying out the repair so expeditiously. County Councillor Mrs C Chugg. She was making every effort to get a Brown Tourism Sign for Chapel Farm Gallery. She had received representations that it was dark in Croyde Car Park due to lack of lighting. This was a District Council matter and she had told them that it was a health and safety matter. The Clerk to contact Mr Martin Williams advising we are receiving issues regarding a lack of lighting which could be construed as dangerous for elderly people. Councillor Tucker advised that it was the Parish Council's view that the Car Park which was given to the District Council should be given back to the Parish Council for them to administer it. It was the Parish Council's wish to have it back in Parish Council control and by dealing with the charging system, it would then be possible to reduce the Precept. In addition, the Parish Council has issues with the timing of the charge rate which is not compatible with Braunton, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple. County Councillor Mrs Chugg will also make representations on this issue. A copy of the email to County Councillor Mrs Chugg. At this point, Councillor Symonds spoke about the passing away of former County Councillor Mrs Jenny Jenkins. District Councillors Mrs P Barker. There was nothing to report. 38. PLANNING. 38.1 Matters Arising. Unauthorised Development Ð Erection of decking & extensions to chalets/lodges at Heather Down, Down End, Croyde. The Enforcement Officer had advised the current position which was that none of the sheds were occupied or capable of occupied. The larger shed (adjacent to the drive) was used for storage. the owner had confirmed it was moved to this location approximately 8 years ago. The smaller shed in the rear garden houses a tractor and can be considered 'permitted development' under Schedule 2, Part 1, Class E of the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. A skateboard ramp has been sited on agricultural land and is in a dilapidated condition which is not used. Removal was requested within 21 days. Regarding the domestic curtilage, aside from the skateboard ramp, the owner had stated that he had not extended this since he purchased the property. Aerial photographs held by the Council taken in 1999/2000 would lend weight to this view. A track had been cut into the side of the hill to enable access to the agricultural land by a tractor. the creation of the track required planning permission and the owner had been invited to submit a retrospective Planning Application. The Enforcement Officer had advised that the visual impact the track has on the countryside and designated landscape would need to be carefully considered in the determination of any Application. As the decking presently stands, it required Planning Permission due to the topography of the land creating a volume greater than 10m3 under the decking. the owner had been given three options in this regard. Finally Planning Permission 45286 was granted on 7/11/07 for the demolition of existing and erection of new dwelling to the rear of Heather Down. The existing structure had been removed but work was yet to commence on the new structure. Stationing of a caravan on land to North of Higher Stentaway, Broadway Lane, Croyde. The Enforcement Officer had advised the current position which was whilst the actual timber lodge accords with the legal definition of a mobile home and is therefore lawful in that location, there was concern with regard to decking that has been erected around the timber cabin, and also the earth movement to level the area of ground that the cabin/decking sits on. Accordingly, a letter has been sent to the owner inviting a retrospective Planning Application for these two items. The Enforcement Officer to be asked what action was being taken to secure the removal from the site of the original caravan that the Certificate of Lawfulness was granted for because the Parish Council did not see it as right, there being two caravans on the site. To also enquire what action he proposes to take in the event of no retrospective applications are forthcoming. Councillor Short arrived. Unauthorised Summer House at Baggy Lodge. The Enforcement Officer had advised the current position which was that the owner of the property still believed that the summerhouse at the top of the garden should be considered 'permitted development' under the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 1995. The Enforcement Officer maintains the view that this cannot be the case, as the property was not a single dwelling house but was being used for a mixed use of residential/commercial. The owner has been informed of this and confirmed that as and when an Enforcement Notice is served seeking removal of the summerhouse, there will be 28 days in which to appeal if he still disagrees with the Local Planning Authority's viewpoint. The Enforcement Officer to be requested to advise this Council as and when an enforcement is served. Councillor Symonds advised that a file was being composed regarding the grading of the land and the Enforcement Officer was taking this forward, reacting to the data information provided. The position was noted regarding Planning Application 48375 - Garden of 10 Cloutmans Lane, Croyde which was that a third Planning Application (amended) had been received and the Planning Officer could not give an extension to the deadline date, given the fact regarding the two other Applications. The Chairman had been advised and authorised the Clerk to reply that the Parish Council would stand by its original response. 38.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 48546 - Listed Building Application for one replacement casement window at barn opposite Rose Cottage, 31 St Marys Road, Croyde. Councillor Harrison declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval. Councillor Mrs P Barker (District Councillor) arrived. She made the statement as noted in Minute No. 36. 48695 - Installation of former windows (amendment to Planning Permission 47139 to allow amended design) at 11 Orchard Grove, Croyde. There had been intervention of this by the Planning Officer. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48706 - Construction of raised platform & external escape stairway at Briar House, 37 St Marys Road, Croyde. Councillor Mrs Barker declared a personal interest, due to the applicant being a personal friend, remained in the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48646 - Erection of one agricultural barn (80% storage 20% chick brooding) together with erection of feed silo & formation of access track (amended description) at land at Incledon Farm, Georgeham. Mrs E Prentice, a neighbour of the project was given the opportunity to speak. She wanted to know how many huts would be involved, was the project only for chicken and raised concern about excess water, bearing in mind that the road in the area floods and that the stream goes through her garden. She was also concerned about the smell associated with chickens. Councillor Symonds had inspected the site. Councillor Maskell pointed out that the Parish Council is in favour of supporting agricultural projects. Mr Kingdon, the applicant addressed the meeting. He advised that the arks were mobile and Planning Permission was not required. There were 4 mobile arks on site at present, and the proposal was for one additional with 3 sections and one more with 4 sections for turkeys. There would be 2000 day old chickens kept until they were 12 weeks old. He understood the concern regarding the smell but pointed out that there would be 2,000 chicken spread over several acres which was a low stock intensity. Fresh bedding would be provided every day, with the only potential for smell possibly from the brooding units if sawdust gets wet which makes the temperature rise resulting in the smell. He ensures that the litter is kept dry, the barn temperature will be controlled and any smell would be eliminated. He advised that he has been in the business for 4 1/2 years. He also provides holiday accommodation and suggested that visitors would not return if it smelled. He addressed the concern regarding the water advising that as much as possible would be caught. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that in her experience battery farms smelt but not free range chickens. Councillor Tucker asked position of barn which was on the upslope, visible from Pickwell but there was no visual intrusion from the village of Georgeham. Councillor Mrs Meek enquired how the waste would be disposed of and was advised that there was a contract in place with a Waste Disposal Company in Exeter who deals with this. Councillor Mrs Slade asked questions as she owned the properties at the entrance to the lane. She was concerned about noise but was advised there would not be any due to minimal traffic and deliveries. The lane was owned by Mr Thorne and if any damage occured, the applicant would dealt with this. Mr Thorne was asked if he would like to comment and he declined. Councillor Maskell supported the project in the knowledge that the Environment Agency would deal with any problems. It was resolved to recommend approval with the condition that we accept near neighbours concerns regarding issues of aroma and run off and would expect that the Environment Agency would monitor the situation and deal with it as necessary. 48641 - Demolition of existing & erection of new garage with first floor store/games room at Woody End, Bottoms Lane, Darracott, Georgeham. Councillor Tucker said this property was large and if approval was recommended, he would wish to see that a caveat was applied that the property was not let for accommodation. Councillor Tucker proposed approval as long as the Parish CouncilÕs concerns can be allayed that this development for a Ôgames room Ô will not become either extra living or holiday accommodation. If this concern cannot be assuaged by North Devon Council Planning authority then this Parish Council would recommend refusal. Seconded by Councillor Maskell. Vote: 7 for. Councillor Symonds proposed refusal on the grounds that the site has been fully developed and that the perceived games room would fall as ancillary accommodation in the long term. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. Vote taken on 2nd proposal: 2 for. Proposal lost. Councillor Tucker's proposal was carried. 48728 - Change of use application for part of dwelling to allow a tea room facility at Sandleigh, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48731 - Extension & alterations to domestic garage/store area at Forda Hill Cottage, Frog Street, Forda, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48714 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new extension together with conversion of loft to form additional living accommodation at 10 Broad Park Close, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 48485 Ð Conversion of garage/store to form ancillary ownerÕs accommodation at South View, 10 Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 38.3 Planning Correspondence: The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 48442 - Application for consent for works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order in respect of felling 1 x Ash at 6 Williamson Close, Georgeham. 48476 - Alterations to include masonry walls & slate roof to sun-room, re-roofing & internal works at Dunedin, Croyde. 48445 - Retrospective application for continued temporary siting of metal containers for use as changing rooms at Georgeham Playing Field, Newberry Road, Georgeham. A copy to be sent to Councillor Tucker. 38.4 The following was noted: Application 48404 - Telecommunications prior approval for erection of one wooden 8 metre pole (6.5 metres above ground) for overhead line connection at The Folly (land adjacent to Higher Stentaway), Croyde. 38.4 It was noted that the Applications had been WITHDRAWN: 48142 - Retrospective Application for the sub-division of one dwelling to form two dwellings at Roylands (& The Old Coach House), Moor Lane, Croyde. 48129 - Erection of 2 polytunnels at Pathdown Lane, Cross, Croyde. 48118 - Erection of general purpose/agricultural building & erection of lean to off existing agricultural building at Pathdown Lane, Cross, Croyde. 39. MATTERS ARISING. 39.1 Tourist Signing - Chapel Farm Craft Gallery, Croyde. Councillor Symonds advised that this Parish Council had put the points to support the business, but that DCC had taken a different view. It was further put to DCC that devolved decision should come into play. DCC had advised that said local policy applies and local interpretation is not appropriate. Notwithstanding DCC's view, a sign had been ordered. It was felt that this Parish Council should support local businesses. Councillor Maskell mentioned signs erected by Choice Cottage advertising holiday lets. Councillor Barker advised that DCC are carrying out an audit but this seemed pointless. A letter to be written to Choice Cottages regarding the proliferation of signage and the concern that they are unsightly. Councillor Symonds mentioned an audit for signage when the Conservation Area is reviewed. 39.2 Village Gateways/RockETS Grant Application. Councillor Mrs S Hood advised that the application had been submitted. 39.3 Traffic Order - Croyde Road. Copy correspondence was noted which had been sent to Councillors at the request of the author of the letter, the original of which had been sent to DCC. Councillor Symonds felt the issue was concluded. A reply to be sent advising the concern had been noted but that it was felt the matter was at a close. 39.4 Memorial Bench - Georgeham Cemetery. It was noted that the order had been placed with Woodcraft UK. 39.5 Flower Beds in the Car Park. Councillor Mrs Slade advised that parking was taking place too close to the steps making it difficult for people to access the car park from this location. Yellow hatching was requested and Councillors Symonds and Tucker to get this done in September. Councillor Mrs Slade also raised the grassed area at the Glebe Field. A Site Meeting to be held in September for a low maintenance plan to be put in place. Councillor Mrs Meek will mention the flower beds at the end of the Glebe Field to Mr Kerr. It was also noted that trees in the area were dead due to over strimming. This issue would be dealt with in the Autumn. Councillor Maskell to make arrangements to purchase a Horse Chestnut with a 4 Ð 5 " trunk. 39.6 Car Park Barrier. Councillor Maskell advised that the quotation to redesign the structure which could be done immediately was £200. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds to proceed, seconded by Councillor Tucker and agreed by all. In addition, the other areas of the barrier to be tidied up. 39.7 Swings, Georgeham play park. A report had been received that there was a problem with the bucket seat which was also rusty. The area had been cordoned off and the swing removed. Two replacement swings to be ordered at £269 + VAT each. A Ward Funding Application to be made in respect of District Councillor Mrs Barker's North Devon Council money to assist with the purchase. The grant application to be completed by the Clerk ahead of the swings being ordered. Councillor Maskell left the Meeting due to illness. 39.8 DVLA/Abandoned Cars in the Car Park. The Clerk advised that the DVLA had still not provided the information which had been requested regarding the Izusu Trooper. 39.9 Internal Audit. A reply had been received from Simpkins Edwards advising that it would not be possible to reduce the amount of the charge to carry out the internal audit. It was more likely that the fee would be increased. Councillors did not wish to move the business from this firm. 39.10 Councillor Grant for new Swing in Croyde Play Park. This item had been partially covered in Minute No. 39.7. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that grants could not be claimed retrospectively and that an application form had to be submitted before the swings were ordered. 39.1 Footpath 1. Councillor Harrison reported with regard to overgrown vegetation, advising that he inspected the Footpath after the last Meeting and found it in order. However, after rain it did require attention which he had attended to. Councillor Tucker advised that any land owned by his family would be attended to if there was a problem, with a metre allowed from the base of the hedge. Councillor Mrs Meek pointed out that the footpaths would be reviewed shortly and that this footpath needed to be changed from going diagonally across the field. There was a discussion about the legal footpath around the edge of the field and she felt it should be regularised. Councillor Symonds requested Councillor Mrs Meek to investigate the regularising of the path for it to go around the periphery of the field. The item to be discussed when next review comes. 40. Accounts & Payments 40.1 Balances. Budgetary figures for June were circulated to Councillors. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 31/5/09 12,364.83 43,906.22 Transfers 6,100.00 Receipts Interest 1.87 Payments Previously authorised 12,692.61 Balance at 30/6/09 227.78OD 49,808.09 Immediate action was taken to correct the overdrawn balance, which occurred due to additional cheques being presented at the Meeting, following the transfer for the cheques which were known to be authorised. The Bank's charge of £15 for the unauthorised overdraft fee has been refunded on explanation of the above and in the light of the fact that this was the first time this has happened and also that a large balance is held in the Business Instant Access Account. 40.2 The following payments were approved and authorised: Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 13.77 Sympathy Card £ 1.50 £ 18.27 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 14.19 Mr S M Wightman Grounds Maintenance at Cemetery for June 2009 £179.59 Grounds Maintenance for village sites for June 2009 £ 484.34 TOTAL £ 663.93 Jewson Plate Compactor Lightweight £ 17.25 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for June 2009 £ 180.26 Mr R Tucker Supply of materials for cleaning Public Toilets £ 67.22 Hedgecutting in the Parish £ 195.00 VAT on above £ 301.55 Blue Orange Signs Sign 'Strictly No Dogs' £ 79.81 Mr J Symonds Footpath repairs/labour/travelling expenses £ 40.00 Adams Plant Ltd Clearance of debris at Georgeham Cemetery £ 296.13 It was noted that an Invoice would be received for replacement toilet seats. Councillor Symonds spoke about the budget process. 40.3 Direct Debits. It was noted that the amount of £10.59 and £10.50 would be deducted from the Parish Council's Current Account on 1/9/09 in respect of water supply to the Cemetery and Public Toilets respectively. 41. Correspondence & Reports. 41.1 Go North Devon. Transport & Travel Guide 2009/10. Taken for Post Office. 41.2 SEC Lighting Services. Following advices that some of the footway bollards at Glebefield Car Park were loose, this information was forwarded to the Chairman. The Firm had advised that they had firmed up lights numbers 5 & 10. They are contractors for DCC and there was the offer for the provision of an estimate which the Chairman authorised the Clerk to obtain for the remaining work to be carried out, for safety purposes. A quotation had been received to reinstate and install a concrete plinth around the bollards at a cost of £60 + VAT each. If the decision was taken to re-position the bollards further away from the cars, a distance not exceeding 2 metres, the cost would be £180 + VAT each. Councillors Symonds and Tucker would view the situation in September. 41.3 NDC/District Council. It was noted that following a reminder, Councillor Mrs Meek had completed the Sustainable Settlement Assessment for the Parish. Following an enquiry by Councillor Mrs Slade, Councillor Mrs Barker to find out the person who had been allocated the vacant property in Glebe Field. When reallocated it should be borne in mind that the terms of the 106 Agreement are adhered to. There was concern about the criteria of people living there which it was noted was a matter for the Housing Enabling Officer. The question was asked if the list was checked to ensure the criteria continued to be met and this situation to be clarified. The Parish Council has a duty to give an even keel. 41.4 North Devon Council. Form received to report incidents of graffiti. Noted. 41.5 North Devon Council. Update on the position regarding the Local Government Review. Noted. 41.6 DCC. Letter regarding 20mph Zones & Limits. This Council preferred to complete the Village Gateways in the first instance and then possibly investigate a 20mph spped limit for Croyde. the letter was taken by Councillor Harrison. 41.7 DCC. A road closure was noted from 16/9/09 to 18/9/09 to enable utility works to be carried out. Taken by Councillor Mrs Slade for the Post Office. 41.8 Letter of thanks for new swings in Croyde Play Park, new gate latch and sign to prevent dogs. 41.9 Mrs Casbah. Letter regarding parking charges in the car park behind the Village Hall. To reply that Councillor Mrs Barker was in dialogue with the Head of Car Parking and Traffic at North Devon Council. The issue had been discussed under Minute No. 37 and it was an ongoing matter that the Parish Council intend to vigorously pursue over the coming months. 41.10 Safer North Devon. Poster taken by Councillor Harrison. 42. Publications Received. _ NDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ Devon Playing Fields Association Newsletter. The Playing Field. Summer 2009. _ Clerks & Councils Direct. July 2009. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. July/August 2009 Newsletter. _ Devontalk. Summer 2009. 43. Meetings attended by Councillors/Clerk 43.2 Councillor Harrison reported on his attendance at a P3 Workshop attended on 15/7/09. He advised that most of the grant comes as maintenance, followed by special projects and the pot would be the same size but the suggestion was that the balance shifts, with less on maintenance/mileage rate and more on special projects. Councillor Symonds advised the strimmer was broken and was undergoing repair. 43.3 The Clerk reported on a meeting she attended in Exeter in connection with the Certificate in Local Council Administration qualification she is working towards. Minute No. 46 refers. 44. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. _ The lengthsman to be asked to attend to the surface water gulley and ditch at the end of Moor Lane from the bottom of Footpath 22 back to the bus stop. _ Highways to be made aware that Ruda have cut through the hedge and were piping surface water onto main road. Photographic evidence to be sent. _ The approval had been received for the temporary consent in respect of the changing room units. It was known that funding for the Pavilion had been withdrawn. Councillor Symonds felt a Public Meeting should be called in October/November to make people aware of what is planned. If no support, the matter would be concluded. It would mean a lot of help from the Parish. To be on the October Agenda. 45. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. _ Councillor Tucker requested a site meeting with Mr Bob Watkins of Highways to discuss Byecross Pool. _ Hedgecutting. Mr Bob Watkins to be asked what was being done about the hedges cut between Georgeham and Braunton as they were almost impassable. _ Councillor Mrs Meek advised that Mr D Meek had offered to repair the Cemetery Notice Board. Grateful thanks were expressed for this kind gesture. _ Councillor Mrs Hood spoke about the difficulty of parking near the School during the School Run. Vehicles parked outside the Village Hall obscure the road making driving difficult. Councillor Symonds suggested a car sharing scheme. _ The skateboard ramp in Georgeham Playing Field had split. Councillor Tucker to inspect and make a decision as to whether it should be removed. This to be an item in The Crydda enquiring if parents were prepared to help repair it. _ Councillor Short had been asked by a landowner to describe a problem regarding a landslip at Down End caused by water coming off the highway and insufficient drainage. Councillor Tucker suggested that if the landowner considers it is run off from the highway, he should contact DCC. The path was receeding and it was known that the area had suffered in the past. Councillor Tucker suggested the water was piped out onto the rocks to prevent further damage. The landowner was of the opinion that there should be a sign indicating it is impassable. The Coast and Countryside Service had inspected but nothing was said. _ Councillor Harrison advised that the Coast & Countryside Service have strimmed a serviceable path and erected a small 'keep away from cliff edge' signs. The path could still be used. 46. Grant Award Policy. The Clerk suggested that the above was adopted, following her attendance at the course in Exeter. A Model had been prepared tailored especially for Georgeham Parish Council and had been circulated to Councillors. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Symonds and agreed by all to adopt the Policy after it had been amended by deleting the deadline date of 30 September, include a request for receipts and the statement that any Organisation who receives money are expected to attend the Annual Parish Assembly with the receipt and a report. 47. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 27 August 2009 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 10.06pm.