MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 31 AUGUST 2006 AT 7 P.M. IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, M Harrison, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. Also in attendance: County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins, 7 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 43. APOLOGIES. Councillor Mrs J Barnes District Councillor M Wilkinson 44. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE MEETINGS HELD ON 27 JULY 2006 AND 31 JULY 2006. These were approved and signed as a correct record after the following amendment had been made: Minute 34b Ð Bins and Litter. Several proposals were made regarding the ambiguity of the dog bins and installation of new litter bins which were defeated. 45. REPORTS. Police. PC R Fisher was not present. The Chairman spoke about crime in the village and general poor behaviour saying that extensive damage had been caused to the Memorial bench at Croyde Bridge and for which the Parish Council will be paying for repair. A Crime Reference Number had been issued and it was understood that the Police were close to making an arrest. Councillor Tucker gave a vote of thanks to Mr D Jones who repaired the seat so promptly. Councillor Tucker spoke on the subject of representing the Parish Council at Court the following week regarding the licensing appeal by The Thatched Barn and Billy Budds. It had been noticed that when the Village Hall has band and bar events, it coincides with the village regularly suffering damage and he felt these Hall events ware directly impacting on the life of the centre of the village. Councillor Symonds suggested that dialogue is opened with the Hall Committee on the same lines as that with Oceanfest. No formal complaint to the Licensing Committee would be made at this stage but it was acknowledged that the only other option would then be to complain. It was noted that other licensed premises in the area could be running a satisfactory establishment but could be being blamed for incidents which were not their fault. Members approved this to deal with in the Autumn. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. There had been concerns by residents regarding speeding and a number of accidents at Hobbs Hill which Sgt Pearce and the Local Service Group had inspected and the situation was ongoing with a traffic speed monitor in place. When data had been gathered further advices would follow. It was noted that The Thatched Barn had previously offered to make a contribution towards traffic calming in that area and this had been passed to Mr J Deasey who had not followed this up. A reminder to be sent. Feedback from Georgeham Football Club was expected. District Councillor Spear. He spoke on the following: _ Traffic offences which were being criminalized and newly appointed PCSOÕs will have the same authority as Traffic Wardens. Two more PCSOs will be appointed to Braunton in October. _ Baggy View Planning Application where Planning Officers had recommended approval but was subsequently refused following Councillor Mrs Meek speaking at the Planning Committee on behalf of the Parish Council and residents. The Applicants planned to appeal. Page 2 Ð 31.08.06 _ He thanked Councillor Mapp with regard to the Village Design Statement. _ He spoke on the reorganisation of local government and handed the latest document from the Countryside Agency to Councillor Mapp to study. _ North Devon Biosphere. Mr A Bell had given a talk and the synopsis with follow up questionnaire was given to the Chairman. _ He would be attending the Magistrates Court in connection with the Licensing Appeal. CouncillorTucker reiterated the Parish CouncilÕs stance. _ He suggested the Parish Council obtain Planning Committee agendas. Georgeham Playing Field. The recent Fete had been successful and a letter of thanks on behalf of the Parish to be sent to Mr R Barnes. 47. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. A Saunton Resident advised that litter continued to be a problem. The Chairman pointed out that the lay bys were not the responsibility of this Council and District Councillor Speak confirmed that Braunton Parish Council continued to press the District Council for action on this. A letter to be sent to Braunton Parish Council. County Councillor Mrs Jenkins advised a rave a taken place on the cliff and a broken wall was to be repaired. Mr C Burrows explained that he was trying to achieve a skateboard facility at Croyde or Georgeham for ages 8 Ð 16 similar to the Braunton Bowl. It was noted that this had been raised in the Parish Plan and was earmarked as a feasibility study. It was explained to Mr Burrows that for the Parish Council to be able to assist him, a Committee would have to be formed to take the project forward. Councillor Mapp advised that he had given Mr Burrows information on forming a business plan and obtaining grants. Councillor Slade on behalf of Mr D Tucker raised the condition of the public telephone box in Georgeham and the grass growing around it. The Parish CouncilÕs contractor Bay Gardens to be instructed to deal with this. 48. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. None. 49. PLANNING. (i) Matters Arising. None. (ii) Applications: (a) 42687 Ð Demolition of hotel & erection of 7 units of holiday accommodation & 1 dwelling (amended plans) Ð Croyde Bay House Hotel, Croyde. The Agent was present and was given the opportunity to address the meeting. Councillor Tucker proposed approval. Seconded by Councillor Maskell. Councillor Symonds proposed refuse on the grounds that the southern elevation is wrong. Seconded by Councillor Harrison. Vote 3. Vote: on Councillor TuckerÕs proposal Ð 3. Councillor SymondsÕ amendment: 5. Carried. (b) 42248 Ð Extension to dwelling & conversion of loft space to form additional living accommodation (amended plans) Ð The Nook, Darracott, Georgeham. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell to recommend approval. Seconded by Councillor Mapp and unanimously agreed. Page 3 Ð 31.08.06 (c) 42451 Ð Extension to & conversion of restaurant/guest house/staff accommodation to form 3 dwellings (amended plans) Ð Home House (including barn & Wisteria Cottage), 25 St MaryÕs Road, Croyde. The Architect was present and was given the opportunity to explain the reasons for the amended plans. Councillor Symonds proposed move to approve sub to confirmation from the Planning Dept that the extension on Wisteria Cottage now leaves a clear 800mm void between the new build and the existing Croyde Manor Mews as the plans deliberated on this evening do not show this. Seconded by Councillor Harrison and agreed. Subsequent to this, the amended plans were delivered to the Clerk on 00.00 hours on 6 September by the Parish Clerk at Bratton Fleming who had received them in error two weeks earlier. (d) 42765 Ð Extensions to dwelling, construction of underground garage/workshop to serve dwelling, construction of underground parking area to serve dwelling and extensions to Tea Rooms Ð Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Croyde. A Site Meeting was agreed for 4 September at 8 a.m. (e) 42780 Ð Retrospective application for temporary siting of 2 portable storage containers Ð Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Baggy Point, Croyde. Councillor Maskell proposed refusal, seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. Councillor Miss Brian proposed this Application be incorporated into the Site Visit. Seconded by councillor Harrison. Vote for amendment: 5 carried. To be considered at the same time as (d) above. (f) 42762 Ð Erection of conservatory & internal alterations to dwelling Ð Byecross House, Buckland Road, Georgeham. It was proposed by Councillor Mapp and seconded by Councillor Symonds to recommend approval. Approved by Members. (iii) Planning Correspondence. (i) Appeal in respect of Outline Planning Application No. 41101 Ð land adjacent to Fairleigh, Georgeham. It was noted that a letter had been sent to the Planning Inspectorate with regard to the Parish CouncilÕs original reply. (ii) NDDC. Meeting with Mr A Austen Ð transfer of funds for multi sports facility. Enquiries to be made on the up to date situation if nothing had been heard in a month. This item to be on the September Agenda. (iii) A letter was noted from the Planning Inspectorate regarding an appeal in respect of Planning Application No. 40569 Ð change of use of unused land opposite Berry Cottage to form parking area together with creation of access & alterations to access adjacent to Berry Cottage (amended plan) at Berry Cottage, Cross, Croyde. Members agreed that submission of further comments were not necessary. (iv) NDDC. Code of Practice. Validation Checklist for planning and other applications. All comments to be received by 18/9/06. Taken by Councillor Mrs Meek. The Chairman pointed out that it should be borne in mind that we were consultees and not a determining body. Page 4 Ð 31.08.06 (v) NDDC. Letter regarding the Appeal by The Thatched Barn and Billy Budds. This letter had been forwarded to Councillors Tucker and Mrs Meek ahead of the Meeting. (iv) The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted. (a) APPROVALS 42398 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new agricultural building to house livestock at South Hole Farm, Georgeham. 42415 Ð installation of 1 x 0.3m dish antenna on existing tower, 1 x gas bottle enclosure & 1 exhaust cover at Arqiva Transmitting Station Ora Hill, Croyde. 42486 Ð Extension to dwelling at 12 Davids Hill, Georgeham. 42611 Ð Conversion of car port to garage with office over (amendments to Planning Permission 40709) at Jack Smales Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. 42612 Ð Conversion of loft space over garage to form games room at cottage adjacent to Jack Smales Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. 42014 Ð Conversion of loft to form additional living accommodation including installation of 2 velux windows to front elevation and 1 dormer window to rear elevation at 6 West Croyde, Croyde. 50. MATTERS ARISING. (i) South West Water. The Project Leader had replied advising that the work will have been completed byChristmas 2006. (ii) NDDC. Email from Mr A Cole, Environmental Protection Technician regarding Saunton Laybys. This issue had been covered previously in the Meeting. Councillors Symonds and Miss Brian would attend the next Braunton Parish Council meeting. (iii) Standards Board for England. Newsletter regarding Declaring Interests. A copy of this has been circulated to Councillors together with a note from the Clerk regarding the importance of this. (iv) Mr N Humphries regarding A frames. A reply to be sent advising the matter has been discussed with his comments passed to Highways. This was a Planning and Highways matter and something with which the Parish Council were unable to deal. (v) Georgeham Playing Field Insurance Cover. Councillor Tucker had obtained a draft document prepared by Messrs Slee Blackwell to be issued to individuals or groups wishing to use the field and this appeared in order. Councillor Mapp had examined the draft and believes that it meets our requirement and added that a list of our local rules will still be required within the document. (vi) Standing Orders. Councillor Mapp advised that he had received no feedback from Members following the draft proposed amendments being circulated to Councillors and proposed the amendments were taken as is. This was approved. 12 revised copies to be issued to Councillors. (vii) Devon County Minerals Framework Publication. Councillor Harrison had read this document. There did not appear to be any issue which affected this Parish. (viii) Playing Field Surface. Councillor Miss Brian asked the present position and was advised that the firm had not replied. Councillor Harrison further advised the meeting that damage to one of the posts had been suffered. Further efforts to be made to contact the firm. 51. MOTIONS AND BUSINESS PREVIOUSLY NOTIFIED TO THE CLERK. Page 5 Ð 31.08.06 Councillor Mapp Ð Siting of the new Pavilion on Georgeham Playing Field. He explained that the lead time is lengthy to get documents for any transfer of a lease for the land to the Sports Club and furthermore, Planning Permission for the portacabins expires in 6 months. A further extension to be requested at that time. He encouraged the siting of the new Pavilion to be dealt with urgently and in this connection, there was a Meeting on Thursday with a view to walking the site to look at options. The refurbishment of the Play Park was imminent and the Pavilion would be sited nearby. The lease/rent was discussed and a formal legal agreement to be prepared by lawyers. Our Agent, Mr T Richards to arrange a meeting between the Sports Club and Councillors with Planning Officer Mr B Pedlar. Councillor Mapp Ð The Village Design Statement. Councillors had been encouraged to download these details. This was a lengthy process taking 6 Ð 12 months and Councillor Mapp had obtained further documentation from the Community Councillor Devon on the procedure. Councillors discussed the advantages and disadvantages of this issue and it was acknowledged that a lot of time and expense could be involved. Councillor Mapp felt it would be advantageous to progress this and involve the Planning Manager, Mr M Kelly. It was also pointed out we will always be consultees and not an investigative body. Document taken by Councillor Harrison to read who felt that by having a Village Design Statement it would keep Georgeham special. To be on the next agenda. Councillor Mrs Meek Ð What happens to incoming NDDC documents? She reported on her attendance at the Planning Meeting regarding Baggy View and had been surprised that District Councillors were not fully acquainted with the Applications and relied on officers comments. She felt we should be familiar with planning policies. As previously suggested by District Councillor Spear, the Planning Agenda to be requested. Councillor Maskell Ð Georgeham Parish Skateboarding facility. Covered earlier in the Meeting. 52. ACCOUNTS AND PAYMENTS. (i) Balances. These were circulated to Councillors at the Meeting. A Finance meeting would be held on 5 September at 7 pm. To be attended by Councillors Symonds, Miss Brian, Maskell and the Clerk. (ii) Payments. The following payments were approved and authorised: NDDC. Non domestic rates at Higher Ham Cemetery. £100.00 Simpsons Excavating Contractors. Work at Playing Field £ 86.95 Glasdon UK Ltd. Dog Bin £252.93 Buckleigh Laundry. Hand drier rental at toilets £ 17.00 Mr S M Wightman. Grounds maintenance for July 2006. £546.71 J & J Bins. Dog bin emptying for July 2006 £169.00 Mr R Tucker. Hedgecutting, supply of toilet rolls, RGB A/ct £130.91 EDF Energy. Electricity supply at the Car Park (estimated) £ 75.87 EDF Energy. Electricity Supply at Toilets £ 18.12 53. CORRESPONDENCE AND REPORTS RECEIVED BY THE CLERK. (i) North Devon Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Highway Signage Project Questionnaire. Taken by Councillor Harrison to complete and return direct. (ii) DCC. Definitive Map Review Ð Parish of Braunton. Suggested changes and comments to be submitted by 20/10/06. Taken by Councillor Mrs Meek to receive attention at the forthcoming meeting. Page 6 Ð 31.08.06 (iii) DAPC. Details of AGM on 30/9/06. (iv) Devon & Cornwall Constabulary. To advise that Paul Davies has been promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector. (v) EnCams. Local environmental quality Ð a town and parish council guide. Taken by Councillor Harrison. (vi) Croyde Village Hall Committee. Email received requesting support of their Big Lottery Fund Application. A letter had been sent after consultation with Councillor J Symonds. Councillor Harrison advised that he had been asked to formally thank the Parish Council for their support. 54. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. These were available for Councillors to see and read. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ North Devon Homes. Annual Report 2006. _ North Devon Voluntary Marine Conservation Area. Summer 2006 Newsletter. _ Playground equipment leaflets. _ The Playing Field. Devon Playing Fields Association Newsletter. Summer 2006. 55. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. Councillor Mrs Meek Ð Community Development Unit. This involved a Meeting of the Ilfracombe and Northern Area Rural Committee attended by Councillors Mrs Meek and N Mapp. There had been a presentation as to how our Parish Plan had been carried out. We were one of only 6 Parishes who had such a Plan and there had been much praise for the resulting document. The Community Development Unit had outlined how they work with Parishes and details were obtained on allocation of grants. 3 Parishes had received grants for Clerks to liase with NDDC officers. It was possible that Croyde would be chosen as the venue for the next meeting on 2/10 and Councillor Mrs Meek will organise sandwiches if this is the case. 56. URGENT MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN. Councillor Mrs Slade. The Parish Council Website required updating. The Clerk assured Members that her son would be dealing with this shortly and apologised that this had not been attended to recently. Councillor Symonds. A letter to be written to Croyde Village Hall Committee regarding the levels of vandalism which coincide with their events throughout the Summer and in turn impacts on the community. A representative to be invited to the October Meeting. An invitation had been extended to the North Devon Voluntary Sector Forum at Filliegh Village Hall on 28 September regarding the Changing Culture of Funding. No one wished to attend. North Devon Journal. Minutes of the Meetings would no longer be accepted from the Clerk due to the Village having a correspondent. This was not acceptable to Councillors and it was noted that it was part of the ClerkÕs responsibilities to submit this. The Minutes would continue to be displayed at the Post Offices and Noticeboard. 57. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. This was amended to Thursday, 21 September at 7 p.m. in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 10.03 p.m.