MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss M Brian, M Harrison, Mrs V Meek, E Short, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillor Mrs P Barker, PCSO H Mawby, two members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 80. Apologies. Councillors W Foster, S Maskell, District Councillor M Wilkinson. 81. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 25 September 2008. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 82. Reports: Police. PCSO Hannah Mawby reported there had been 7 crimes in Croyde and gave the details. She also gave the details of 4 crimes in Georgeham and Darracott. The Council extended congratulations to her on her forthcoming wedding. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present. District Councillors Mrs P Barker. Mr J Sunderland had retired the previous week. A replacement would not be considered until the outcome of the Local Government Review was known. In the meantime, Mr S Pitcher and Mr M Mansell were deputising. As regards Licensing Ð a taxi drivers scheme has been approved and from the end of November new drivers will be subject to a more stringent test, which it was hoped would improve standards. Forums were being held to bring people together when talking about planning issues; anti social behaviour would be discussed in a similar way with taxi drivers. The term Ôaffordable housingÕ was in the process of being defined and to date, she had sat on 3 groups in this connection. She welcomed Councillors to speak with her regarding any issues. District Councillor M Wilkinson. Not present. 83. Representations from the Public. Mr D Lang, Cherry Tree Farm spoke about the Public Footpath which runs through his property. He was under the impression that the surface of the lane was going to be improved and had been advised that a meeting would take place but this had not happened. Footpath Warden Councillor Harrison advised that it had been left to the North Devon Footpath Warden to make contact and further conversation appeared that a complete misunderstanding had occurred. Councillor Tucker supported Mr Lang with regard to the hedges around his farm which were always in good condition. It was to be minuted that the hedges had been cut. It was acknowledged that the surface of the lane was poor. It is an agricultural access lane which he had kept up for many years. Councillor Harrison explained the walk which he and others had done through the lane recently. FOR THE LENGTHSMEN LIST. Clear sumps and gullies at Broadway Lane, Croyde, Footpath 26. 84. Declarations of Interest. No Declarations of Interest were announced. 85. PLANNING. 85.1 Matters Arising. The up to date position from the Enforcement Officer on land at Orchardon, Darracott was noted. He advised that at the time of his visit he enquired of the owners of the land if a septic tank had been installed on the land. The owners confirmed that this had not been the case. During a second visit it was noted that the waste pipes from the back of the building were disconnected and did not appear to travel underground. He was keeping an open mind as to if a septic tank had been installed and noted that the Local Planning Authority would have to consider if it was expedient to enforce against the installation of a septic tank if evidence was ascertained that a tank had been installed but was not disconnected and out of use. The file was being kept for monitoring purposes in the forthcoming season to ensure that the building/land was not used for any unauthorised purposes. A reply to be sent advising that this Council would also be monitoring the situation. 85.2 The following Planning Applications: 47447 Ð Installation of 1 2m antenna to existing tower together with addition of 1 cabinet at Arqiva Transmitting Station, Ora Hill, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds to recommend refusal on the grounds that the letter from Arqiva does not quote the same details as the preamble from North Devon Council. There was no seconder to this proposal. It was proposed by Councillor Short to recommend approval. Seconded by Councillor Harrison. Vote: 4 for, 1 against, 1 abstention. The additional comment to be made: It is noted that the letter from the applicant does not carry the same detail as stated in the ndc planning application details. 47445 Ð Extension to dwelling together with conversion of loft to form additional living accommodation at 16 Sandy Way, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47402 Ð Continued siting of bungalow (renewal of limited period planning permission 36229) at 8 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval with the caveat that we expect to see no changes on the limited occupation conditions which stand. 47488 Ð Erection of first floor balcony at Apartment 2, Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds to recommend refusal on the grounds that the building does not warrant alterations. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker to recommend approval. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. Vote: In favour of Councillor TuckerÕs proposal to approve Ð 4. In favour of Councillor SymondsÕ proposal to refuse Ð 2. 1 abstention. 86.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following North Devon Council Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 47195 Ð Extension to dwelling at 20 Sandyway, Croyde. 47139 - Installation of 2 dormer windows together with creation and formation of new vehicular access and parking spaces at 11 Orchard Grove, Croyde. 47136 Ð Siting of enclosed multi-use games area at Georgeham Playing Field, Georgeham. 47263 Ð Retrospective application for conversion of barn to form 1 unit of holiday accommodation (amendment to planning permission 41816) at outbuilding at Darracott House, Darracott, Georgeham. 47303 Ð Retrospective application for change of use of land to form skateboard area together with erection of skateboard equipment at land to the rear of Village Hall, 1 JonesÕs Hill, Croyde. It was further noted that a letter of congratulations had been sent to Mr C Burrows on behalf of the Parish Council. 47305 Ð Extension to dwelling at Montanna, 11 Cott Lane, Croyde. An accompanying letter from the Planning Department advising that the Parish CouncilÕs comments were carefully considered and amendments sought to the Application and the letter was read to the Meeting. 47286 Ð Installation of 1 x trough antenna & 1 x 0.75m dish antenna on existing tower together with erection of 1 x replacement equipment cabin, 1 x meter cabinet & 1 x feeder gantry at Arqiva Transmitting Station, Ora Hill, Croyde. REFUSAL 47194 Ð Insertion of window in north elevation (amendment to planning consent 44547) at 2 Bonnicott Lane, Croyde. 86.3 (2) Application for a Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use as 1 dwelling Ð Middlesborough House Croyde. The Legal Services Department had made enquiries if the Council had any information in respect of this Application which it was felt may assist in the Local AuthorityÕs determination. The applicant was claiming that the property has been used as a single dwelling house for at least 20 years. Councillors agreed to reply that we are aware that Middlesborough House used to trade as a seaside hotel. We are also aware that it has been a private residence for at least 20 years. 87. MATTERS ARISING. 87.1 Parking at Millers Brook, Croyde. Councillor Symonds reported that he, Councillors Tucker and Maskell and District Councillor Mrs Barker had attended a meeting with Mr J Anstee of DCC Highways during which the following was agreed: Limited yellow lines are approved for the crown of the bend at Millersbrook and they will be operational in line with the rest of the yellow lines in Croyde Ð between Easter to September. The issue of the Clearway for Down End road has now been superseded by an agreement from highways to put double yellow lines along Down End road commencing at Bay View Farm ending at the beginning of the existing Clearway. These lines will be enforceable 12 months of the year. It was also agreed that the Parish could proceed with the limited footpath works along Frog Street in the fullness of time. 87.2 Unauthorised vehicles in Georgeham Car Park. This item to be carried forward to the December Meeting. Councillor Tucker advised of a chance meeting with a person who has recently come to live in Georgeham and is a Member of the British Car Parking Association. The initial enquiry was in respect of Councillor TuckerÕs car park. Further details were being obtained. Councillor Symonds felt that if a decision was taken to install a pay machine at Georgeham, this should be done at the Annual Parish Assembly. If it did proceed, the revenue could be ploughed back into the Parish for the benefit of residents. It had been ascertained that it is legal for the Parish Council to have cars crushed which have been there for a long time. 87.3 Plans for Village Gateways. This item to be carried forward to the December Agena. 88. Accounts & Payments 88.1 Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 31/8/08 9,957.0098 36,095.07 Receipts ND Council 17,662.50 Bank Interest 76.63 Payments As previously authorised 2,855.61 BALANCE AT 30/9/08 24,764.87 36,171.70 See Minute No. 88.4. 88.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for September 08 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for September 08 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 Additional Invoices for October 08 had been received, as follows: Invoice No. 74 Ð Grounds maintenance for the area on the opposite side of the road to car park Ð 3 areas of grass. £123.38 Invoice No. 75 Ð Grounds maintenance at Cemetery £ 80.74 Invoice No. 76 Ð Grounds maintenance for all village sites £465.97 £670.09 £1,216.80 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for September 08 £169.00 An Invoice for October 08 had been received on the morning of the Meeting and this was approved for payment £ 84.50 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 4.23 R Tucker Reimbursement Ð Window Cleaner at Georgeham Toilets £ 20.00 Erection of signage including materials £ 55.00 VAT £ 13.12 £88.12 Mr G Court Redecoration of Georgeham Public Toilets £1,202.41 Mr T Squire Maintenance of Website for 9 months to October 08 £ 63.00 88.3 It was noted that the 2nd instalment of the Precept and Grant from North Devon Council amounting to £16,430.50 and £1,232.00 respectively has been received and banked. 88.4 It was noted that the sum of £20,000 had been transferred from the Current Account to the Business Instant Access Account. 88.5 It was noted that Mr J Humphries hours had been amended to the Winter rate of 10 per week. North Devon Council Payroll Department had been advised of the change. 88.6 It was noted that Mr J Humphries salary rate had been increased to £5.73 to conform with an increase in the National Minimum Wage with effect from 1/10/08. North Devon Council Payroll Department had amended the details for future salary cheques. 88.7 An email from Georgeham and Croyde CASC was noted regarding quotations for the installation of the MUGA at Georgeham Playing Field. Councillors were of the opinion that the MUGA was to be paid for by the District Council. The Parish Council had set aside £5,000 for this project but was under the understanding that the money was coming from the Community Development Department (Mr B Holmes) at North Devon Council. The Parish Council would be paying for the installation of new play equipment and setting aside some money for the Pavilion in due course. The entire cost of MUGA was being met by District Council. 88.8 Wording for 2009/10 Tenders. It was noted that the 3 year contract with Mr S M Wightman expired on 31/3/09. These to be the same with the addition of the sweeping of steps from car park on a monthly basis. Send to S M Wightman, M Symonds, Bruce Harris, Russell Gibbons. 88.9 Budget Meeting. A date and time was agreed to fix the budget with a view to this being presented for approval at the November Meeting. It would be held on 18 November and Councillors Symonds and Mrs Slade would travel to the ClerkÕs home to do this. 88.10 A funding request from Mrs S Lawton had been received in respect of her son, Zak who has been selected by the English Surfing Federation to represent England in the European Junior Surfing Championship in Morocco later this year. Councillor Symonds advised that he had taken legal advice and had been advised that the Parish Council cannot donate funds for an individual. In addition, it was not identified in the Parish Plan. There were Organisations which he could approach together with local businesses. Councillor Tucker would reply to the letter on behalf of the Council. 88.11 South West Water. It was noted that the sums of £150.80 and £9.51 will be deducted by direct debit in respect of water charges at the Public Toilets, Georgeham and Higher Ham Cemetery respectively. 89. Correspondence & Reports. 89.1 Devon County Council. Commons Act 2006. This is in connection with Common Land and Town or Village Greens. No further action to be taken. 89.2 Ilfracombe & district Community Transport Partnership. Access to Services Survey. Questionnaire for completion. 89.3 First Bus/Stagecoach. Bus Timetables from 26 October. The Editor of The Crydda to be asked to include the details of the Georgeham/Croyde Service. 89.4 Devon County Council. Temporary Road Closures were noted as follows: From 11/12/08 to 13/12/08 from Longland Lane to the Farm House, Georgeham to enable a new connection to utility works to be undertaken. On 29/10/08 in respect of B3349, Braunton, from Buckland Cross to Georgeham Cross to enable Tree Trimming to take place. 89.5 South West Highways. A Road Closure for resurfacing works was noted from 15/12/08 to 19/12/08 involving the road from North Morte Road to the Esplanade, Woolacombe. A local diversion route will be signed and maintained from both ends via Mortehoe Station Road, Turnpike Cross, Woolacocmbe Station Road B3343, Station Road and Beach Road. 89.6 North Devon Council. The formal response to the Boundary Committee in connection with the future of Local Government in Devon was noted. It would appear that there has been much resistance to this across the country and it may stay the same. 89.7 North Devon Council. Letter from Councillor Mrs A Davis, Portfolio Holder for Housing referring to the last Seminar on Affordable Housing in January and inviting Parish Councils to advise on any specific issues they would like to discuss at the next seminar. Additional notes in answer to the questions raised during the presentations also enclosed. Councillor Symonds advised that he and Councillor Maskell attended the last seminar and the Parish had been flagged as one which did not have an affordable housing problem. 89.8 North Devon Council. Copy of a letter the Chief Executive has sent on behalf of NDC to the Boundary Committee. Noted. 90. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ Community Council of Devon. Food Growing Project. Details have been circulated to Councillors by email. 91. Meetings attended by Councillors The Meeting by Councillor Symonds, other Councillors and District Councillor Mrs Barker had been reported on under Minute No. 87.1. Councillor Symonds liaises with Councillor Mrs Barker on a monthly basis to get a wider view of District Council activities. Councillors Symonds and Harrison had been to a site at North Buckland with member of the public. It was noted that a lot of soil had been put on roads. The Clerk would report the matter to the relevant Departments and Agencies. It was noted that it was a County highway and any action would have to come from DCC. Councillor Mrs Meek had visited the School and was pleased to report that good progress was being made. Councillor Miss Brian had attended the inaugural meeting regarding Fullabrook Wind Farm. This had been a good meeting with no hostility. There would be a £1million down payment paid 28 days after first electricity had been supplied. This Parish was eligible to tap into the Parish fund, the payments for which included sports facilities. The first stage was to elect Directors to take over from the present Directors who did not wish to be involved when the scheme was underway. New Directors would be voted for at a Public Meeting planned for the end of March 2009. She had applied to be a Director. The money would be available in 2010. Councillor Harrison advised that he had also attended the inaugural meeting of the Fullabrook Wind Farm. He had also attended a Croyde Village Hall Meeting. The Committee had requested that Parish Council Meetings were split between Georgeham and Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker that the Meetings continue to be held in Georgeham Village Hall. It was noted that the Parish Council had supported Croyde Village Hall when possible and the general feeling was that there was more continuity if the Meetings were held in the same Hall so that members of the public would always know the venue of the Meetings. Seconded by Councillor Short. An amendment was proposed by Councillor Harrison to alternate the Meetings. There was no seconder and the amendment fell. The first proposal was carried. Councillor Mrs Meek had attended a CARA Meeting, but not on behalf of the Parish Council. 92. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. No matters were raised. 93. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Mrs Slade advised of a tree across the road on County Council property and she would advise accordingly. Councillor Mrs Meek suggested that all Councillors should be given the contact number for the Environment Agency. 93.1 The dates of the 2009 Meetings were agreed as follows: 22 January 26 February 26 March 28 April Ð Annual Parish Assembly 30 April 28 May 25 June 30 July 27 August 24 September 29 October 26 November 17 December 94. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. Councillor Tucker gave his apologies in advance.