MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 31 JULY 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, W Foster, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillor Mrs P Barker, PCSO H Mawby, 1 member of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 36. Apologies. Councillor E Short, District Councillor M Wilkinson, 37. Approval of the Minutes of the Meetings held on 26 June 2008. These were approved and signed as a correct record. 38. Reports: Police. PCSO Mawby reported the following crimes: Bicycle thefts in Braunton; 2 x domestic related incidents, 2 x thefts, 1 x drug related incident. For the same period last year there were 11 crimes. The driver of a Surridge Dawson van was attacked between Georgeham and Croyde, and required hospitalisation. A person threw a brick or rock through the windscreen. She would inform of any news. B Division were dealing with this incident. Councillor Tucker asked for increased police presence for the next month. He advised that historically, PC Graham Lees made a point of speaking to camp operators and if was felt that this approach helped and prevented alcohol being drunk outside in public places. She advised that signs advising of the restrictions were being made for fixing in relevant places. Councillor Tucker commented on off and on street parking. It was known that there were 8 wardens patrolling in Barnstaple but nothing was being done about parking problems in rural areas. District Councillor Mrs Barker to make representations on this CouncilÕs behalf and she would also try to encourage more frequent warden visits. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present. District Councillors Mrs P Barker. She had attended the Full Council Meeting the previous evening, held to discuss the Boundary Committee proposal which was felt to be wrong for this area. The impression was that North Devon Council had not received full support from all districts and further strong efforts to be made to press for north DevonÕs proposal to be given a higher profile. The Planning Department have experienced a complete reorganisation. Enforcement and communication were other areas within the Department still requiring attention. It was proposed that the Planners would make visits to Parish Councils to hear of the problems experienced. New rules and regulations have had to be adopted and these are being worked through. She updated the Meeting on a presentation from the Environment Agency who were in the process of carrying out a flood management risk following repeated enquiries as to when this would take place. North Devon Council have concerns of where the definition of the flood zone will be and strong representations are being made for particular areas. Councillor Symonds expressed his concern regarding coastal defences and asked the reason for taxes for flood defences in Thames valley? As regards the issues of coastal erosion, although it could not be stopped, measures could be put in place and maintenance would stop foreshore drift. Councillor Barker explained that the District Council were examining the agricultural impact of trees being felled which allows an influx of water to cascade down the hillside and this was looking to be rectified. Other items mentioned were BTEC, NVQ and Driving Standards Agency qualifications which it was hoped will become compulsory for all taxi drivers. Councillor Maskell enquired the cost of the judicial review in respect of Fullabrook Wind Turbine application. This sum given was £27,000 and it was confirmed that a contingency fund in place. Councillor Tucker raised the Enforcement OfficerÕs two emails in reply to an email sent by this Council regarding Orchardon. The first email advised that following investigations into the building, it appeared that it was erected in the early 1990's and did not have consent. Because this was more than ten years ago, it was beyond enforcement action. Evidence of this had come from aerial photography and within letters of Objection from local residents to planning application 46146. As well as this, the letters of objection also indicate that the building has been used as a building store since its construction. This use would be beyond enforcement action. However, any change of use to a shower / toilet block and associated development could be investigated and the Enforcement Officer was to visit the site within the week. The Enforcement Officer visited the site on 15/7/08 but was unable to gain access to the building. An external inspection showed a large amount of work completed on what appeared to be a toilet block. Planning Application 46146 was refused for this change of use. The Legal Department had been instructed to issue a Planning Contravention Notice to request an internal inspection. This document was the first step in formal enforcement action. The owner then had 21 days to return the notice at which point the drawing up of a formal enforcement notice would be considered. Councillor Symonds noted that a number of residents from Darracott attended the Meeting when the Planning Application was considered . District Councillor Mrs Barker was asked to follow this issue up. She advised that Enforcement was one of the items within the Planning Department which was being looked into to give a good service. Councillor Foster asked Councillor Barker about shoreline management. She had received a report which still has to be read, and in the meantime, passed an Environment Agency leaflet to Councillor Foster for information. District Councillor M Wilkinson. Not present. 39. Representations from the Public On behalf of all the under 18s in the area, Chris Burrows thanked the Parish Council for their support and for submitting a Planning Application on their behalf in respect of the Croyde Skate park. 40. Declarations of Interest Councillor Tucker. Prejudicial interest in Planning Application 46974. Councillor Mrs Slade. Prejudicial interest in Planning Application 47099/47060. 41. PLANNING. 41.1 Matters Arising. 41.1.1 A reply from the Enforcement Officer regarding the Loading Bay at The Thatched Barn was noted. This advised that planning permission 43507 had been approved for an extension to the premises, and part of the approved extension would be built in part of the loading bay described the earlier planning permission 2/78/133/28/4. Due to this, the conditions of the earlier planning permission were unenforceable. It was hoped that through negotiation, the premises owner would submit a scheme for the re-alignment of the loading bay which the Local Planning Authority could assess on its own merits. No such Application was submitted and due to the reasons given, it was not expedient for the Local Planning Authority to continue with the investigation and the file was to be closed. 41.1.2 A reply from the Enforcement Officer regarding Land at Orchardon, Darracott, Georgeham was noted earlier. This item to be on the August Agenda. 41.1.3 The present position regarding the Croyde Skateboard Park Planning Application was noted. A cheque for £167.50 in respect of the Planning Application fee would be issued later in the Meeting. This was half the normal fee as the facility was a public asset. Mr P Cole, Architect was preparing the plans and would be submitted the following week. Planning Officer Mrs S-J Mackenzie Shapland had been consulted. All correspondence would be through the Clerk. Councillor Mrs Slade enquired the position regarding Councillors declaring an interest as all Councillors would have an interest but it was but it was not considered that the application would come to the Parish Council. A member of the public arrived. It was noted that the cheque for £87.50 was in respect of the MUGA and not the Skatepark as originally noted. Councillor Symonds showed the Meeting a schematic picture of the proposed MUGA in relation to its location on the playing field. Plans were also shown for the MUGA, play area and pavilion which had been submitted. It was noted that the School would want to use the equipment. It was not thought that the Planning Application would be sent to the Parish Council for consideration as a consultee. Councillor Tucker applauded the excellent facilities for the local and school children which were coming to fruition. Councillor Symonds advised there was no necessity to apply for a Traffic Order for the school children to gain access to the site. 41.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 46894 Ð Insertion of 3 No. Roof lights at Mountain Ash House, St MaryÕs Road, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46974 Ð Replacement slate roof together with alterations to garage at The Anchorage, Putsborough. Councillor R Tucker declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval. 46948 Ð Extension & alterations to dwelling at 2 Davids Cottages, Cloutmans Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47031 Ð Erection of replacement ballistrading at Clifton Court Apartments, Putsborough, Braunton. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47099/47060 - Listed Building Application for erection of conservatory at 3 Higher Ham Farmhouse, Georgeham. Councillor Mrs L Slade declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was resolved to recommend approval. 47104 Ð Erection of replacement garage at 2 Sunnyside, Pickwell, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. 41.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following NDC Decision Notices were noted: Approvals 46661 Ð Removal of Condition 3 (seasonal restrictions) of appeal decision notice 2/82/1219/28/3 to allow 12 month occupancy at 1a Leadengate Close, Croyde. The conditions were read to the Meeting by Councillor Symonds. Various Councillors required a copy of this for their file. District Councillor Barker enlarged on the conditions of a 12 month occupancy. Councillors generally felt that the Parish Council should continue to consider each Planning Application for Leadengate Close on its own merits, although Councillor Maskell had concerns that with this 12 month Application being granted, it would be difficult to refuse others. 46716 Ð Change of use from guest house to dwelling at Atlantis Lodge, Croyde. 46728 Ð Extension to dwelling at 8 Lane Head Close, Croyde. 46751 Ð First floor extension to dwelling at Outer Bias, Down End, Croyde. 46665 - Demolition of extension, installation of roof lantern and glazing of external recesses (amended description) at Pickwell Manor, Georgeham. 46666 Ð Listed Building Application for internal alterations to main house, demolition of extension, installation of roof lantern and glazing of external recesses (amended description) at Pickwell Manor, Georgeham. 46900 Ð Notification of works to trees in a Conservation Area in respect of felling 1 x common oak at St GeorgeÕs Churchyard, Georgeham. 42. Village Design Statement. Councillor Mrs Meek circulated copies of the Village Design Statement (VDS) edited from the CDU Pack and went through the details. It would be more difficult to do a Parish VDS en bloc but easier to do it in sections. She had spoken to Dave Edgcombe of the Northern Devon Coast and Countryside Agency and ascertained no funding would be available. Councillor Tucker felt that most of the items mentioned were in the North Devon Local Plan. Councillor Maskell felt it would not be advantageous to have issues set in stone and that the Parish Council should consider items on their own merit when this arises. The feeling was that just one or two Councillors would be involved in a large amount of work, and a debate followed. It was proposed by Councillor S Maskell that this item should not proceed and that it is not discussed in the foreseeable future. Seconded by Councillor Tucker. A further debate followed. Vote in favour of Councillor MaskellÕs proposal: 5 in favour; 1 against and 1 abstention. Carried. Councillor Mrs Meek was thanked for her time in preparing the document which she would now pass to CARA for consideration. 43. MATTERS ARISING. 43.1 Abandoned Vehicles in Georgeham Car Park. Details of 3 vehicles had been obtained and were being dealt with. One had now been taxed. Councillor Symonds spoke about the Parish CouncilÕs rights regarding this issue. Councillors to give thought to this and the matter to be further discussed at the October Meeting. It was noted that the top of Barrier had been damaged and it was thought that a high vehicle had made contact with it. 43.2 Insurance Claim Ð Vandalism to Toilets. It had been ascertained that a £125 excess applied which exceeded the level of the claim and therefore no claim would be made. 43.3 Licence Ð The Old Cream Shop, 8 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. Following the June Meeting, the Clerk had attempted to submit the Parish CouncilÕs reply online but there had been a problem with their system. It was submitted by letter and due to this, the representation had been late in arriving. The Licensing Department had been advised of the problems encountered trying to submit on line. Following the Licensing CommitteeÕs Meeting, a Licence had been granted, the details of which were felt to be acceptable. 43.4 Village Gateway Design Sketches. Local Architects Mr P Cole and Mr T Richards had been approached. The Chairman advised it was hoped that these structures would be in place by 2010. A member of the Georgeham Road Safety Action Group had approached famous artists to submit a design when a brief from the Parish Council/Highways was available. It was hoped to use local stone. The gateways could be funded by the Parish Council Precept and a grant from ROCKets and an application would be submitted at the appropriate time in 2009. Care had to be taken to ensure any funding and Precept funds was evenly spent on services provided. A welcome and leaving sign was considered courteous. The lady had spoken with Mr M Newcombe with regard to signage and was encouraged to proceed. The Action Group would keep the Parish Council informed. 43.5 Croyde Life Saving Club. Deferred to the August Meeting as Councillor Short was not at the Meeting. 44. Accounts & Payments 44.1 Balances. Current Account Business Instant Access Account Balance as at 31/5/08 17,334.03 35,868.58 Receipts LTSB Interest 76.15 Payments As previously Authorised 1,815.36 ________ Balance as at 30/6/08 15,518.67 35,944.73 Budgetary Figures to 31 July 2008 were circulated to Councillors. 44.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for June 08 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for June 08 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for June 08 £169.00 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 3.25 Reimbursement for 100 x 36p stamps £ 36.00 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 32.62 North Devon Council Recharge of salaries Ð April-June £2,787.09 Vanguard 2000 Croyde Play Park Security £ 160.00 Audit Commission Audit Fee for 2007 £ 334.88 Mr D Tucker Work carried out at DavidÕs Hill, Georgeham £ 98.52 North Devon Council Planning Application Fee in respect of Croyde Skateboard Park £ 167.50 Mr M Symonds Jones Hill Footpath Maintenance £135.00 Waste Removal £40.00 £ 175.00 44.3 Direct Debits to South West Water. It was noted that the sum of £48.99 would be deducted on 1/8/08 in respect of the quarterly invoice for water supply at Georgeham Public Toilets. It was noted that the sum of £7.70 would be deducted on 1/8/08 in respect of the quarterly invoice for water supply at Higher Ham Cemetery. 44.4 Playground Management Limited. The Clerk advised the up to date position regarding the non inspection of the Skateboard Park and, as a result, the with-holding of the Inspection Fee cheque. 44.5 MUGA. It was noted that a cheque for £85.00 was authorised by the Chairman in respect of the Planning Application Fee for this item between Meetings. 45. Correspondence & Reports received by the Clerk 45.1 Land Registry. As a result of a communication from Stones Solicitors regarding the registration with the Land Registry of Village Greens, information has been received if Councillors wish to pursue this matter. Councillors did not wish to proceed. Councillor Symonds advised that the Parish CouncilÕs Deeds were held at the Barnstaple Offices of Messrs Slee Blackwell and could be inspected, subject to prior notification. 45.2 DCC. Details of temporary Road Closure from 9/9/08 to 11/9/08 to enable utility works to be carried out. Noted. Councillor Mrs Meek took the poster for the noticeboard. 45.3 The Boundary Committee. Letter, poster and summary in connection with the draft proposal of the structural review of Devon. Representations are invited by 26/9/08. Noted. The Parish Council had already made representations. 45.4 DCC. Letter regarding a White Paper entitled "Communities in Control Ð Real people, real power" which coincides with the Boundary CommissionÕs publication of its draft proposal for unitary local government. Noted. 45.5 Georgeham & Croyde AFC. Letter regarding replacement goal posts. The Club wishes to be advised of any considerations needed to be made in carrying out the plan. A reply to be sent that the Football Club could proceed. 46. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ Booklet and leaflet obtained by the Clerk for information/interest Ð The Management of Roadside Verges in Devon _ Defra/Westcountry Energy Action/North Devon Council. Healthier Homes. North Devon Grant _ DCC. Annual report 2007/08 _ North Devon Council. Adoption of Development Briefs & Code of Practice _ Devon Countryside Access Forum. Annual Report 2007/08 _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. July/August 2008 Newsletter. _ Clerks & councils Direct. July 2008 _ DCC. A Unitary Council for Devon. Your Questions Answered. _ The Playing Field Ð Devon Playing Fields Association Newsletter. Summer 2008. 47. Meetings attended by Councillors Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Maskell attended the Oceanfest debrief on 9 July. They continued to feel that the Section 30 Order was irrelevant. The Police advised that during the Oceanfest event, there were 2 arrests and 5 occasions where the Police had. attended. Costings would be available at the next meeting. The Police received no complaints direct from the public. One of the issues to be raised was that of litter in the vicinity of the event and since then, Councillor Symonds and District Council Mrs Barker had walked the area. Mr M Coles of Greensweep acknowledged that litter facilities at the junction of Beach Road/Moor Lane were insufficient and the matter would be dealt with at District level. There is a commitment for more bins in that area. The issues of an alcohol free zone was raised and lack of no drinking in public signage. This was refuted as signs are posted and are visible. However, it has been agreed by Mr S Pitcher that these are to be improved and more to be fixed for the future. The bus service provided by Stagecoach proved to be very beneficial and it was noted that buses stayed later than their remit to ensure passengers were returned to Barnstaple. Extra enforcement wardens were in the area for the duration of the event and where people were infringing yellow lines, the vehicles were ticketed. Mr S Pitcher had advised there were insufficient enforcement wardens for the Summer in the area but enough were found to cover the event. CARA had raised parking on the Clearway on Down End Road and had advised that the Police do not enforce this, the responsibility being the enforcement wardens. The next Meeting would take place in the new year. A letter to be written to Superintendent Lander (Barnstaple Police Station) requesting he ensures that the level of police in 2009, should there be an event, is maintained as in 2007 and 2008. Councillor Miss BrianÕs concern regarding the noise, fuel, low flying and cost of the Euro fighter visiting was noted. It was known that the public feedback had been positive. Councillor Maskell had enquired about this attraction and had been advised that it had been booked to appear on the Saturday. The display was more elaborate than expected. The aircraft had visited the day prior for a reconnoitring exercise at which time it did a display and returned on the Sunday uninvited. The issue of fuel and cost was raised with the organisers who said that was irrelevant as the pilot flies every day. Councillor Tucker felt that the tone of the Meeting had been positive and any issues addressed satisfactorily. He did not share Councillor Miss BrianÕs comments regarding the Euro fighter. Councillor Maskell advised that this year for the first time the purchasing of tickets was different which involved a higher cost for the whole of the three day event. As the days elapsed, tickets for two and one day were on sale. This he felt, would discourage people from causing trouble, bearing in mind that they had spent a lot on their ticket, especially if they had planned to attend for the whole duration. Review meetings would continue. An area had been identified to place litter bins by the bus stop. A member of public acknowledged that extra money was brought to the village as a result of the event, but asked if a donation from the organisers had ever been received. It was clarified that the event was part of the North Devon Festival and there is no charge for children. It did not appear the Georgeham Primary School attended. Councillor Maskell observed hundreds of children working in teams on the beach. Overall, the event is felt to be a bonus to the community. 48. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman Councillors were in agreement for Councillor Tucker to make arrangements for a ÔNo Overnight parkingÕ sign to be fixed in the Bus Stop opposite the Village Hall in Georgeham. It had been noted that a camper van had been parked at the site. Once the sign is in position, it would be considered as a highway sign when the Police could then deal with such issues. The Police are not responsible for similar parking at Glebefield. Councillor Tucker to follow up a report of a camper van parking there which was causing a problem and ruining the grass. 49. Matters Raised by Councillors appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. Councillor Mrs Meek raised a Planning Application at Forda where it appeared that a terraced field had not been put back to its original state. It was clarified that the Application had been approved and that a 28 day camping rule was allowed. 50. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, August 28 2008 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. Councillor Miss Brian gave her apologies in advance. The Meeting ended at 9.28pm.