MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 30 AUGUST 2007 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. Present: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, W Foster, M Harrison, Mrs V Meek, S Maskell, E Short, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillors Mrs P Barker and M Wilkinson, PCSO R Peacock, 7 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 51. Apologies. Councillor Mrs L Slade. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. 52. Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 July 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 53. Reports: Police. PCSO Peacock reported that PC Russ Fisher would be back on duty from Tuesday. It had been identified that emails sent last month had been sent to an incorrect account due to a misunderstanding. He advised the following incidents which had been reported: July 27, complaint regarding state of recreation ground following damage to an individualÕs fingers; during August there had been a minor injury road traffic collision in Georgeham, a 2 vehicle road traffic collision in Croyde; rowdy behaviour in Croyde with an arrest; criminal damage to a bike; theft of power tools from a van; anti social behaviour and assault against security staff in Croyde; a domestic incident; criminal damage to a shop window in Putsborough; 2 separate incidents of surf board thefts in Croyde Councillor Tucker asked him the number of Police Officers who were allocated to the area on August Bank Holiday. It had been one. The Parish CouncilÕs concern was drinking, anti-social behaviour and bad parking. PCSO Peacock was asked to ascertain why only one Officer had been assigned and whether this would be repeated in 2008 bearing in mind this was the busiest weekend of the year. For the September Meeting he was asked to provide the number of parking fines issued by the Police in Moor Lane during August. Councillors appreciated seeing him around the Parish but were not satisfied with the amount of Police cover provided and stressed to him that more policing was required. District Councillor Mrs P Barker. _ She intended to attend the meeting regarding Croyde Village Hall which would decide the amount of funding it would receive. _ She was asked about possible Tree Preservation Revocation Orders which was an item to be discussed later in the Meeting following an enquiry from Tree Officer Andrew Jones. It was considered this was a matter for the District as well as the Parish. Councillor Symonds felt Tree Preservation Orders prevent the loss of trees and would be sorry to see any go, with Councillors in total agreement and thoughts were expressed. _ She had attended meetings but generally it had been a quiet month. A free collection of one bulky item per household had been introduced to prevent fly tipping and this was being well supported. At a meeting of the Ilfracombe and Rural Northern Area Committee, Members were asked to introduce two items of concern regarding the area and she would be raising the Somerset and Devon Fire Service with 32 front line fire fighters which would be looked into by the Committee, and the proliferation of illegal signs which would affect the whole area. Councillor Maskell raised irrelevant signs on the highway which was the responsibility of Devon County Council, together with street lighting. It was considered that a speed limit of 60mph in lanes was inappropriate. _ Her next meeting was in connection with the preparation of a Policy for Beach Management in respect of those owned by NDDC. _ She advised on an Overview and Scrutiny Meeting to discuss equality. _ Collection of rubbish was discussed. The Council is looking at different ways of collecting perishable food and composting material. Councillors raised the issue of holiday home bins being left out for long periods between the visitors leaving and collection day and there are a number of businesses in Croyde who put their refuse out for a domestic collection when clearly bed and breakfast facilities are being offered. District Councillor Wilkinson advised that businesses registered under the Tourist Association will be receiving a letter regarding Page 2 Ð 30.08.07 the opportunity to register for recycling collection. This would be operated by independent companies, not the District Council. Further thoughts were given on holiday home waste. Councillor Harrison had reported that the Croyde Car Park bin had not been emptied and had been told this was dealt with by a different Department which did not seem to make any sense. _ She confirmed that the Parish CouncilÕs remarks had been taken into account in respect of planning approval given for Croyde Bay Hotel. District Councillor M Wilkinson. _ A constructive meeting had been held with the MUGA Group in Georgeham Village Hall with positive feelings regarding funding. _ He had admiration for the village fete despite the weather. _ He raised policing, traffic warden cover, litter collecting and road cleaning over the Bank Holiday weekend. There had been one traffic warden to cover Woolacombe, Combe Martin and Ilfracombe. He agreed with Councillor SymondsÕ comments on how much goes to policing in this area. _ He spoke about an increase in public disorder and vandalism due to an extension on drinking laws. Devon and Cornwall Police are making a point of this. People are not logging this as complaints to the Police and unless they have incidents they have no incidents to back it up. There seemed to be a general feeling that it was not worth reporting due to little or no action and this also applied to monitoring of parking meters in Woolacombe and parking on double yellow lines. Parishes can employ their own Traffic Warden but monies collected through fines cannot go to the Parish Council as it does not have the power to collect the money, which goes to DCC. He would provide details of the revenue from parking meters. _ Councillor Mrs Meek advised that Saunton Sands Bar had applied for a drink only licence. They had an eating and drinking licence at present. 54. Presentation by Mr D Tebbutt Ð Croyde Village Hall Extension Plan Ð Update. This item was heard immediately before the Planning Application was discussed. 55. Representations from the Public. No matters were raised. 56. Declarations of Interest. Councillor S Maskell. Prejudicial interest in respect of Planning Application 44839. 57. Planning. 57.1 Matters Arising. Land between Sandbourne & Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. An update from the Enforcement Officer was read to the Meeting which advised that he had visited the site twice to measure the exact location and ridge height. From his calculations, the ridge height is as per the approved plans of planning permission 41384 but it appeared that the dwellings had been built approximately 2.5m further forward on the plot. The owner had been contacted who had given an explanation. However it would not appear that the original planning permission has been implemented and the owner has been given 28 days to submit a retrospective application. To be further discussed when this is received. The Thatched Barn, Croyde Storage Area. An update from the Enforcement Officer was read to the Meeting. Investigations had taken place and the owner of the property has received a letter with a copy of the relevant decision notices informing that the wall which has been erected is unauthorised. He has been advised that whilst an application can be submitted, the informal opinion was that consent would not be granted due to the highway implications of delivery trucks parking on the road. The Enforcement Officer has asked for removal within 28 days or for the owner to be in discussion with the Local Planning Authority. This to be an item on the September Agenda. Page 3 Ð 30.08.07 Presentation by Mr D Tebbutt. He gave an update on the proposals for the village hall. A list was given and is attached to the Minutes. He spoke about the applications for funding made and the ambitiousness of the plan which has been down graded since it received planning permission due to the cost. The present plans would cost £80,000 and this was achievable with funding from NDDC, the Community Council of Devon and their own funds. A Site meeting to which District Councillor Mrs P Barker referred in her report was being held on 10 September to which Parish Councillors were invited and give support. He explained that part of the Application (No. 44817) for which original funding was sought which was submitted was for the disabled ramp but the small store previously included will be superceeded by an amended plan covering one aspect, as opposed to two on the previous Application. Councillor Maskell made enquiries about the main sewer for Croyde and this was clarified. However Councillors were of the opinion that they would not be in a position to ignore the Planning Application before them and the response comments would reflect this. 57.2 To consider the following Planning Applications: 44817 Ð Extension to Hall to form store & erection of access ramp Ð Croyde Village Hall, 1 JonesÕs Hill, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Maskell and unanimously agreed to recommend approval with the additional comment as follows: "Council is aware from the applicants that there are amendments to follow and that we would support the argument they were treated as amendments and not a new application". 44837 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð 7 Sandyway, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44839 Ð Insertion of solar panels (amendment to Planning Permission 43249) Ð land off Lane Head Close, Moor Lane, Croyde. Councillor Maskell declared an interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44897 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð Barn Cottage, North Buckland, Braunton. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44773 Ð Extension to dwelling at West End, Netherhams Hill, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44952 Ð Enlargement of 1 dormer window at Koppatan, Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44657 Ð Agricultural building works prior notice application for erection of hay store/implement shed Ð land at Oxford Cross, Georgeham. A site visit was proposed by Councillor and seconded by Councillor Miss Brian. Councillor Maskell tabled an amendment to recommend approval. Seconded by Councillor Short. Vote for the amendment: 2. Vote for the original proposal: 5. Carried. The site meeting was fixed for Friday, 31/08/07 at 8am. 45044 Ð Application for consent for works to trees covered by a Tree Preservation Order in respect of sectional felling of 1 sycamore and works to other sycamores Ð Bay House, 5 Williamson Close, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 44996 Listed Building Application for extension to dwelling at Fig Tree Farmhouse, 47 St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Maskell to recommend approval. Vote: 7 for, 1 abstention. Page 4 Ð 30.08.07 45037 Ð Extension and alterations to dwelling Ð Mill Farm, 41 St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 57.3 Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 44495 Ð Retrospective application in respect of erection of enclosure at Croyde Bay Surfing Ltd (The Little Pink Shop), 7 Moor Lane, Croyde. 44296 Ð Retrospective application for erection of woodstore at Byecross House, Buckland Road, Georgeham. 44547 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new dwelling & garage at 2 Bonnicott Lane, Croyde. 44684 Ð Demolition of hotel & erection of 6 units of holiday accommodation together with erection of 1 dwelling (amended design to planning consent 43222) at Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. 44606 Ð Renewal of limited planning permission 32328 for continued siting of holiday chalet at Windswept, Withywell Lane, Croyde. 44520 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new dwelling (amendment to planning permission 43034 to allow insertion of dormer window) at The Mead, Withywell Lane, Croyde. 44698 Ð Demolition of existing barn & erection of new barn for storage of caravans at Manor Farm, Putsborough. REFUSALS 43309 Ð Retrospective application for formation of raised mound & formation of access track in field at field adjacent to The Hideout, Forda, Braunton. 44696 Ð Erection of 2 dwellings, access and footpath at garden of Greystones, Croyde. 57.3a NDDC. Questionnaire received regarding Planning Department service to applicants, consultees and others involved in the delivery of the planning service. Taken by Councillor Tucker to complete and return. 58. Matters Arising. 58.1 Proposed Bus Stop in Georgeham. DCC had written with plans which met with unanimous approval from the Parish Council. An enquiry now to be made of DCC when the work would commence. 58.2 Footpath between Georgeham and Croyde. Councillor Foster reported on his follow up enquiries. Ray Pattenden had advised that the proposal was with the engineering design group to draw up a work to calculate the costing and whether the scheme was feasible and assuming it was, it would be part of the budget for the next financial year, or it may be this year if possible. Mike Newcombe was back from leave next week. Councillor Foster had spoken about using the old footpaths and was advised that the Highway Engineers looking into options. By using these this would keep people off the road nearly the whole way. Councillor Maskell generally raised footpaths, particularly at Jones Hill and the problems caused by people not using it resulting in problems with traffic and pedestrians using hill. He mentioned a zebra crossing. He was advised of the historic details which proposed an upgrade from a footway from Croyde to the beach without going on highway. Councillor Foster would request Mike Newcombe to include this with the footpath between Georgeham and Croyde. Councillor Maskell also mentioned the middle of the village where motorists do not seem to know the priority. This to be raised with Road Safety Officer who would be invited to a site meeting by Councillor Foster. 58.3 Prohibition of Drinking in Public Places and PCSO Cover. No reply had been received from Paul Daw despite a reminder from the Licensing Department who regarded this as very Page 5 Ð 30.08.07 disappointing. As a result of our enquiry about PCSO cover, it had been suggested that the Council ask Sgt Pearce to clarify. A letter to be sent to the Police outlining the CouncilÕs concerns that the public drinking order is not being upheld in Croyde, and enquire about PCSO cover at the same time. 58.4 Bus Service between Georgeham & Braunton. A meeting had been arranged for Thursday, 13 September at 10am in Georgeham Village Hall between Councillors, Mr J Beardsley of DCC, Mr Tony Simmons, local manager of Stagecoach and Mr Richard Stevens of Stagecoach, Exeter, to further discuss the matter. 58.5 Bike Rack in Croyde. Councillor Maskell reported that land opposite the Village Hall by the bench had been identified as a suitable area and Mr Tebbutt did not foresee any problems with this. An initial quote for a 4 hoop rack was £300 but was not fully galvanised. Stainless steel was preferred. Councillor Symonds to attend the next Village Hall Meeting to raise this. 58.6 Directional Sign to Croyde/Braunton, top of Netherhams Hill, Georgeham. This had been done. 58.7 Mrs McBainÕs letter. The Clerk had been in written and telephone correspondence with this lady who wished to inter her late husbandÕs ashes in Higher Ham Cemetery. Following a meeting with her, the Clerk explained that it had been left she would advise the wording for a memorial plaque to be fixed to the memorial wall. However, she had subsequently decided to have a tablet on the ground above the interred urn. This was not acceptable to the Parish Council and the Funeral Directors to be advised that before anything is done, it must be approved by the Parish Council. 58.8 Dog bins/chips. The bins had come off the post of Footpath 1. Councillor Symonds to request Mr D Jones to re-fix. There had been problems with chip wrappers around the area at the height of the holiday season. 58.9 Waveform Seat. This had been manufactured, delivered and fixed. The ClerkÕs Son had photographed it for the gentleman donating it in memory of his Grandparents. 60. Accounts and Balances. 60.1 BALANCES Current Account As at 31/05/07 22,662.51 Transferred to Business Instant Access Account 10,000.00 Paid In 539.00 Withdrawn 14,964.70 BALANCE AT 30/06/07 8,236.81 Paid In 419.63 Withdrawn 1,885.96 BALANCE AT 31/07/07 6,770.48 Business Instant Access A/ct Balance at 30/06/07 25,263.92 Transferred from Current Account 10,000.00 June Interest 67.96 July Interest 87.12 BALANCE AT 31/07/07 35,419.00 60.2 The following payments were approved and authorised: Page 6 Ð 30.08.07 Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for July 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for July 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for July 07 £169.00 x 2 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in the public toilets £ 14.01 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Vanguard 2000 Croyde Play Park Security June 07 £160.00 Allianz Cornhill Additional Premium £270.37 This is in respect of additional items being covered. NDDC 2nd instalment of Council Tax in respect of non domestic rates at the Cemetery Ð £102.24 EDF Energy Electricity Supply to Toilet Block and Bus Shelter £16.97 Mr M Symonds Hedge Cutting adjacent to stream on St MaryÕs Road £140.00 60.3 It was noted that a quarterly VAT return had been sent to HM Revenue & Customs and that the sum of £419.63 had been reclaimed, sent by BACS payment to the Current Account. 61. Correspondence & Reports Received by the Clerk. 61.1 DCC. Bus Information Strategy 2006-2011. The full strategy document can be found on the DCC website at www.devon.gov.uk/bus-infostrategy. Taken by Councillor Symonds. 61.2 Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Service. UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Strategy Consultation. The closing date for comments is 13 September and the document has been sent to Councillor Bill Foster ahead of the Meeting. The reference website is www.northdevonbiosphere.org.uk. 61.3 South West Regional Assembly. Public Consultation Ð review of additional pitch requirements for Gypsies and Travellers in the South West. Comments to be received by 31/10/07. Taken by Councillor Symonds. 61.4 DCC. Adopted Devon County Waste Local Plan. The Adopted Plan can be viewed and downloaded from the County CouncilÕs website http://www.devon.gov.uk/index/environment/planning/planningsystem/planning_minerals_and _waste/waste_planning?waste_local_plan-2.htm. 61.5 Mr A Jones, NDDC. Potential Revocation of The Georgeham Tree Preservation Order 1974. Taken by Councillors Foster and Harrison to reply on behalf of the Parish Council and advise the outcome at the next meeting. 61.6 Lesley Smith, DAPC. Post Office Closure Programme. The Devon Consultation will take place in April 2008. Further relevant information can be found on Post Office LtdÕs website at the following link: www.postoffice.co.uk/networkchange. Taken by Councillor Miss Brian. 62. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area. Summer/Autumn 2007 Newsletter. _ Junk Mail. Summer 2007. Page 7 Ð 30.08.07 _ DCC. Devon In Touch. Special Bulletin regarding the Unitary Update. _ County Emergency Planning Service. Helping You to Help Yourselves. August 2007 with British Red Cross leaflet about Learning First Aid. _ North Devon Direct. Issue 6. Autumn 2007. _ National Association of Local Councils. Details of the NALC Conference & Exhibition at Bournemouth International Centre between 5 & 7 October 2007. 63. Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, Risk Management, Risk Assessment & Complaints Procedure. This was deferred to the October Meeting. 64. Meetings Attended/Matters Raised by Councillors. Councillor Maskell Ð CASC. Funding for the MUGA from NDDC was looking very positive and both District Councillors will give it their full support. It was the intention for the MUGA to be built first, move the play equipment and the Pavilion then being built. NDDC has a Finance Meeting in October after which a planning application would be submitted. It was doubtful that any NDDC funding would be available for the play equipment. Initial quotes for a multi play piece including an installed floor was £13,000. In the short term, it would appear that approximately £9,000 from CASC would be required for the plans to proceed to move the play equipment, or renew it, with the Parish Council contributing £5,000 or £6,000. The Parish Council would commence obtaining costings following a site meeting after the Planning Site Meeting the next morning. The exact spot as to where it would be sited had to be identified. A plan was required showing the site as it is and the site as it will be and where the play equipment would be going in conjunction with the plans. It was doubtful that any NDDC funding would be available for the play equipment. It was also unlikely that funding for the Pavilion would be forthcoming if this went ahead in the next two years. After that, a new application could be submitted for funding. Councillor Harrison advised that as a result of the ROCKets grant, before and after photographs were required to include in a publication. Costs for everything have spiralled with the MUGA now priced at between £100,000 and £150,000; the Pavilion £200,000 to £250,000 with the whole project costing in the region of £400,000. However, it must be borne in mind that most, if not all, of the MUGA will be funded by NDDC and the money for the play equipment is in hand, leaving approximately £200,000 which would have to be raised by fund raising and people giving of their time. When the work starts, implications would then be given of what will be happening. He has had a site meeting with Loosemores and is to meet Pearces the following week in respect of the MUGA only. It had to be noted that planning permission had yet to be granted. Letters have been delivered to the residents whose properties back on to the field and some replies have been received. Councillor Brian commented that the Pavilion was the original idea which now seems to be the last item. However, Councillors accepted the fact that the MUGA must come first which is the way the District Council prefer. Councillor Maskell was thanked for all his efforts and hard work. He will pass on congratulations to the Committee for raising £1,500 at the Village Fete in less than perfect weather conditions. Councillor Miss Brian. The Braunton Alliance has not met and are waiting for a Parish Plan to be completed before doing so. Councillor Harrison had attended a beach litter meeting. Beach head litter bins were needed but it was not known who would collect the rubbish. The meeting discussed mechanical beach clearance. Councillor Tucker explained that as from 1 October new restrictions would come into operation and he outlined this. At Putsborough, everything possible from the caravan site is recycled but this was not possible in the car park. He may be able to provide bins for cans in 2008. Page 8 Ð 30.08.07 Councillor Mrs Meek. Former Councillor Mapp had received a note of thanks for the Parish CouncilÕs donation from the Skateboard Club, with a picture of the young people, for the skateboard ramps. She highlighted a problem with weeds on the Glebefield site. A resident was pleased with the gate on the footpath at the back of Leadengate. 65. Matters Brought Forward by the Chairman. 14.1 The Clerk to be emailed if work for the Lengthsmens visit is required. 14.2 Draft Minutes to be sent to the North Devon Journal Community News local correspondent. 66. ClerkÕs Business. 66.1 Meeting Dates. The December Meeting would be on Thursday 13th; the January Meeting on Wednesday, 16th, the usual Parish Council Meeting in April on Thursday 24th and the Annual Parish Meeting on Wednesday, 30th. 66.2 Photocopier. The CouncilÕs photocopier was no longer working after much hard work. The Clerk had personally bought an office machine for use with her Councils and would make a monthly charge for photocopying in the future. 67. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, 27 September 2007. Councillor Mrs Meek gave her apologies in advance of the Meeting. The Meeting ended at 10.12 p.m.