MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 29 MAY 2008 AT 7PM IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors Miss R Brian, M Harrison, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, E Short, R Tucker. Also in attendance: District Councillor Mrs P Barker, Mr M Mansell of North Devon Council, 1 member of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 1. Notice of Financial & Other Interests. Councillors handed their completed forms previously sent to them by post to the Clerk. 2. Election of Chairman. The Clerk asked for nominations. Councillor J Symonds was proposed by Councillor Maskell and seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. There were no other nominations. A vote was taken which was unanimous and Councillor Symonds took the Chair. 3. Chairman to read and sign Declaration of Acceptance of Office. Councillor Symonds signed and read the Declaration of Acceptance of Office aloud which was witnessed by Councillor Tucker. 4. Apologies. Councillor W Foster, District Councillor M Wilkinson, 5. Election of Vice Chairman. Councillor Miss Brian proposed Councillor Tucker. Seconded by Councillor Harrison. There were no other nominations. A vote was taken which was unanimous. 6. Presentation by Councillor Pat Barker & Mike Mansell (Executive Director, NDC) regarding the Local Government Review. Councillor Mrs Barker advised that in connection with the Local Government Review being carried out by the Boundary Commission, the two tier system of government would be abolished. North Devon Council wanted to keep the representation of North Devon people at a local level. Devon County Council propose a whole of the County Unitary Authority which North Devon Council feels would be too far away, bearing in mind that different parts of the County have different needs. She showed graphs to illustrate this. North Devon Council proposes the area of Devon divided into four Unitary Authorities of which North Devon would be one incorporating the present North Devon Council area, Torridge, part of West Down and East Devon. It would effectively draw a line across Devon, with North Devon being acknowledged as a rural farming area with additional tourism. She spoke of her experience as a District Council with approximately 4,000 in the community to serve comprising Woolacombe, West Down, Georgeham and Croyde. A considerable amount of time is needed to truly represent the area. It could not be comprehended how future Councillors could serve the people of North Devon if the Devon County Council proposal was accepted for a Devon Unitary Authority, where the proposal would be 12 Councillors for the whole of North Devon. It would not be a local issue any more. Mr M Mansell spoke, giving various scenarios. It was considered there were two Devons, North and South. The economy was different as was tourism. The population of Devon is 1.1 million. If the population of Plymouth and Torbay were taken away, it would leave 750,000, 500,000 of which were in South Devon. He explained that representation is based on Wards which have a number of people. In a Chamber of 100 Councillors, 75 would be representing South of Dartmoor, 25 for Mid and North Devon and Torridge. It was noted that Northern Devon has developed unique community of its own and the fear was that North DevonÕs voice would not be heard. The Unitary Authority North Devon Council is proposing is based on a population of 250,000, In addition, it is based on four areas with centres in Devon, Plymouth, Torbay, Exeter and Barnstaple. North Devon Council want a Unitary Authority which is accountable and the County proposal is not seen to be to North DevonÕs advantage. A question and answer session followed. The Boundary Commission will study the various proposals and put one or more on the table. A Report has to be submitted to the Secretary of State by the end of December and she will make the final decision thereafter. A brief outline was given of what other Councils are proposing. Councillor Symonds proposed that Councillors meet on 3 June to consider what they had just heard, to take up District Councillor Mrs P BarkerÕs offer to answer more questions, make a decision, draft the letter and submit to the Boundary Commission. 7. Election of Parish Representatives Councillor J Symonds. Representative on Croyde Village Hall. Councillor Miss R Brian. Parish Plan. Councillor M Harrison. Footpath Warden Councillor S Maskell. CASC Councillor Mrs V Meek. Georgeham Village Hall. Parish Plan. Councillor Mrs L Slade. Representative on Georgeham in Need Committee; Parish Council contact for The Crydda; Parish Plan Reviews; Deputy Rep on Georgeham Village Hall should Cllr Mrs Meek be unable to attend. Councillor R Tucker. Representative on Georgeham in Need Committee. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Symonds and agreed to elect the above Councillors were elected en block. The following new appointments were made: Councillor E Short Croyde Surf Life Saving Club Councillor W Foster Environmental Spokesman & Tree Warden Councillor Mrs V Meek & Councillor Maskell Link Member Governing Body of the Primary School The following appointment was deleted: Councillor Miss R Brian Braunton Community Alliance as this Organisation no longer meets. 8. Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 24 April 2008. The Minutes were approved and signed as a correct record. 9. Reports: Police. The Chairman had received Braunton Police StationÕs Community Newsletter which was read to the Meeting. Sgt J Pearce to be commended on this publication and to ask for all Councillors to be included in the group email for future issues. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. Not present. District Councillors Mrs P Barker. She would send details regarding civil parking enforcement. There would be no on street parking officers this Summer including Bank Holidays. 10 individuals had attended interviews for the post of Civil Parking Officer. Three had been offered posts and one had refused the post. There would be a 10 week training course with 4 days in the classroom. An exam would be held and they would then be on the street. JS said people who pay council tax are not getting the service they pay for. JS and PB will speak further. She advised that Atlantis Lodge had gone to appeal. Councillor Maskell enquired about the appeal in respect of Greystones for which there was no news as yet. District Councillor M Wilkinson. Not present. 10. Representations from the Public Sam Hood spoke about campaign for 20mph and the future plans of Georgeham Road Safety Action Group. She advised that Highways had awarded the 20mph through the village, but this is not enforceable so the Group are trying to change the minds of those who drive through the village. The Action Group believes a strong logo is required to support the campaign. A Community Meeting was held on 15 May with a good cross section of village attending and good ideas came out of it. One of the ideas was a leaflet campaign to distribute through villages of Georgeham and Croyde together with businesses, Holiday Camps and stickers with "Georgeham20" together with waistcoats on which the logo is printed. The idea of village gateways would probably be done in conjunction with the Parish Council, because this would be a large project. Councillors were invited to comment. Councillors were very pleased that the 20mph had been given. As regards village gateways, a picket fence was not preferred but something stone faced was thought to be more in keeping. In connection with this, the Council had recently been advised of the annual RockETS grant, the details of which had previously been sent by the Clerk to Councillors Symonds and Miss Brian. It was noted that Councillor Miss Brian had been successful in completing the application form two years ago from which a grant of £5,000 had been awarded for a safety surface for Georgeham Play Area. Councillor Miss Brian would complete the submit the application form by July which was to be accompanied by quotations. Highways supported village gateways and they could provide some funding and this was also a possibility from the District Council. The Footway between Georgeham and Croyde was mentioned. Posters are to be put up. Everywhere there is a 30mph at present, it will be 20mph. There was the option of having a 20mph sign on the road. Signs are to be changed. A Meeting had been held with the Action Group and Mr M Newcombe of Devon County Council and there was a discussion about a walking bus. Mrs Hood thanked the Parish Council for the support given. 11. Declarations of Interest. Councillor E Short Ð prejudicial interest. Planning Application 46716. 12. PLANNING. 12.1 Matters Arising. None. 12.2 The following Planning Applications were considered: 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. Councillor Symonds proposed refusal on the grounds of consistency with previous conditions and to protect other properties whose owners would wish to do the same. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. Vote: For 6, against 1, 1 abstention. Carried. District Councillor Mrs Barker mentioned about Government legislation regarding 12 month occupancy. A discussion ensued regarding 12 month occupancy rules. District Councillor Mrs Barker would arrange for a Planning Officer to give a talk on this subject in the Autumn. 46716 Ð Change of use from Guest House to dwelling at Atlantis Lodge, Croyde. Councillor Short declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. Councillor Tucker proposed that consideration of the Application be deferred for a week and discussed at the Meeting regarding North Devon CouncilÕs Unitary Authority proposal. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek. Unanimously agreed. 12.3 (1) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: Approvals 46370/46339 Ð Listed Building Application for conversion of barns to form 2 dwellings (amended to Listed Building consent 37127/planning permission 37138) to allow amended design for Unit 2 at Higher Ham Farm, Unit 2, Georgeham. 46329 Ð Extension to dwelling (amended scheme) at The Haven, 20 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. 46231 Ð Extension to dwelling at 20 Orchard Grove, Croyde. 46410 Ð Retrospective application for extension to parking bay at The Nook, Darracott, Georgeham. 46511/46487 Ð Listed Building Application for extension to dwelling together with amended siting of garage approved by planning permission 40409 and Listed Building consent 40410 at 3 Higher Ham Farmhouse, Georgeham. 46289 Ð Siting of 1 holiday bungalow (renewal of temporary planning permission 26726) at Sandyholme, 18 Leadengate Close, Croyde. 46243 Ð Conversion of loft to form additional living accommodation together with insertion of dormer windows at 11 Lane Head Close, Croyde. 46280 Ð Extension to dwelling at 1 West Croyde, Croyde. 46281 Ð Extension to dwelling at 20 Moor Lane, Croyde. It was noted that Approval had been given in respect of Dredging Application by the Resource Management Association (RMA) to Extract Marine Aggregates from Area 472 Culver Sand. A copy of this had been sent to Councillor W Foster as the CouncilÕs Environmental Spokesman. Refusal 46146 Ð Change of use of part of former agricultural store to form toilets at land at Orchardon (SS472 389) Darracott, Georgeham, together with a letter from the Planning Officer advising that no planning permission has ever been granted for this building and investigations are being conducted as a separate matter. 12.3 (3) Planning Appeal in respect of Application 45226 Ð Retrospective Application for retention of 2 underground storage containers at Baggy Lodge, Croyde Bay. Planning Appeal in respect of Application 44667 Ð Erection of garage at Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Croyde Bay. Planning Appeal in respect of Application 44670 Ð Erection of Summerhouse at Baggy Lodge (formerly Middleborough Cottage), Croyde Bay. In respect of all of the above three Applications in the name of the same individual, the Parish Council could, if it wished make further observations or amend the original response in any way, and this would have to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate by 19 June. To reply that the Parish CouncilÕs original comments stand. Planning Appeal in respect of 45829 Ð Outline Application for demolition of hotel and redevelopment of site with hotel, restaurant and bar (additional information) at Atlantis Lodge, Moor Lane, Croyde. In respect of the above Application, the Parish Council could, if it wished make further observations or amend the original response in any way, and this would have to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate by 23 June. To reply that the Parish CouncilÕs original comments stand. Councillor Harrison enquired about the classification of hotel/guest house. This appeal is in respect of the failure of the Local Planning Authority to give notice of its decision within the appropriate period. 13. MATTERS ARISING. 13.1 Road Safety Issues in Georgeham. A reply had been received from Mr M Newcombe of Devon County Council which advised that the matter could not be taken further, although the request had been noted. If the matter was to be pursued by the Parish Council, a full design scheme would be required. He confirmed that the speed limit in the village was being reduced to 20mph. A reply to be sent stating that the Parish Council endorsed the comments in this connection and that it was expected that the proposals would become a reality as soon as possible, asking when that might be. 13.2 Traffic Warden Post. This item was ongoing and had been covered under Minute No. 9, paragraph 3. 13.3 Security Patrols in Croyde Play Park. It was noted that these had been resumed. 13.4 Abandoned Vehicles in Georgeham Car Park. No reply had been received from DVLC following our request. Although 2 vehicles had gone, the matter to be pursued through DVLC. 13.5 Meeting with Mr S Flynn. Councillor Symonds advised that he and Councillor Foster had met with Mr Flynn on site and it had been a positive meeting. The issues of fears of works on woodlands to some degree were founded but are maintenance and care work. Councillor Foster is to work in conjunction with Mr Flynn on a cutting and planting scheme to make the area an indigenous woodland. As trees are taken out, Councillor Foster will arrange for free trees to be available and planted. 13.6 Oceanfest/Section 30 Order. It was advised that the Section 30 Order would not be applied. District Councillor Mrs Barker left the Meeting. 14. Accounts & Payments 14.1 Balances. Current A/c Business Instant Access A/ct Balance at 31/3/08 4,653.46 35,710.64 Receipts Cemetery Fees 390.00 NDC Precept 17,662.50 NDC Grant 1,197.00 Bank Interest 83.41 Payments Previously authorised 5,507.92 _________ BALANCE AT 30/4/08 18,395.04 35,794.05 14.2 The following payments were approved: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for April 08 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for April 08 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for April 07 £ 84.50 It should be noted that dog bin emptying will increase to twice a week from May 2008. Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 3.00 Photocopying £ 3.25 Petrol Expenses for 6 months £ 116.50 Cards £ 2.98 £125.73 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 14.50 Jewson Sundry Items £ 22.93 EDF Energy Electricity supply to Car Park £ 75.49 Enquiries are being made as to why this amount has not been taken by Direct Debit as arranged. Vanguard 2000 Security cover for Croyde Play Park £120.00 14.3 Estimate for redecoration of Public Toilets. Three prices from contractors had been submitted. It was proposed by Councillor Slade, seconded by Councillor Miss Brian and unanimously agreed to award the contract to Gary Court at a price of £984.00. 14.4 Precept/Grant. It was noted that 50% of NDC Precept/Grant had been paid into the Current Account by BACS in the sum of £17,662.50, made up of £16,430.50 and £1,232.00 respectively. 14.5 Premium Bonds. The Clerk had made enquiries as to the criteria for purchasing these. It had been ascertained that they could not be bought by organisations, only by individuals. 15. Correspondence & Reports. 15.1 Letter of thanks noted from Mrs S Lynch for donation to Ring and Ride Service. A reply to be sent acknowledging her letter and that the donation will be borne in mind when budget is done in November. 15.2 Simpkins Edwards. New letter of engagement following a review of their internal procedures, to be signed by the Chairman which he did at the Meeting. 15.3 DCC. Details of Rock Environmental Treatment Scheme (RockETS). Further monies available to distribute to projects which would reduce the effects of aggregate extraction in Devon. The details had previously been sent to Councillors J Symonds and Miss R Brian. A grant application was being made in respect of stone faced village gateways which had been discussed earlier in the Meeting under Minute No. 10, paragraph 3. 15.4 Ilfracombe and District Community Transport Partnership. Details of an Open Day on 17/6/08 from 1pm at The Great Hall at the Lantern Centre. The AGM would commence at 3.30pm. Taken by Councillor Miss Brian. 15.5 NDC. Members Code of Conduct Complaints Process. Noted. 15.6 Street Naming. Letter received from North Devon Council Planning Department regarding the naming of the new build on the site of the former Croyde Bay Hotel. The proposed name was "1 Ð 7 Out of the Blue". Councillors did not feel that this was appropriate and a reply to be sent with the following suggestions: CROYDE BAY HOUSE (the old name of the former building on the site). HEDDONS (the name of the first owner, c1850). THE SLIPWAY (it's location in Croyde). 15.7 Postwatch. Letter regarding the Post Office closure programme in Devon. 15.8 EDF Energy. It was noted that energy prices in respect of the Car Park have been fixed to 31/12/09. 16. Publications Received. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet _ North Devon AONB Spring/Summer 08 Newsletter. _ DCC. North Devon Bus Times. RT said about bus timetable. Goes to Ruda but not Georgeham. Last bus to go on to another service. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. May/June 2008 Newsletter. _ Local Council Review. May 2008. _ Devon Playing Fields Association. The Playing Field, Spring 2008 Newsletter. _ Junk Mail. Spring 2008. _ ClerkÕs and Councils Direct. See 18 below. _ North Devon Direct. Summer 2008. Councillor Miss Brian left the Meeting. 17. Meetings attended by Councillors. None. 18. Urgent matters brought forward by the Chairman. Councillor Symonds was to attend the next Meeting of Croyde Village Hall. There were issues with the skateboard club/neighbours which was to be discussed. 19. Matters Raised by Councillors/Clerk appropriate to the Parish not previously covered at this Meeting. 19.1 The Clerk brought Councillors attention to an article in the publication regarding the No Smoking law covering Bus Shelters. If a bus shelter owned by a Parish or Town Council is enclosed on three sides, the No Smoking law is applicable. The Parish Council owns one shelter which is affected and the appropriate sign is to be ordered. 19.2 Councillor Mrs Slade enquired about the current toilet cleaning arrangements and this was clarified. She advised that the steps from Georgeham Car Park to the Church needed attention and Councillor Tucker would ask Mr S Wightman to attend to this. 19.3 Councillor Harrison brought to the CouncilÕs attention construction lorries on a private road while building work was being carried out. There was also a large traffic jam in St MaryÕs Road which could not be reported. It was suggested that he telephones Braunton Police to report it as an obstruction. 19.4 Councillor Maskell raised the issue of parking problems on the approach road to Croyde village from Bay View Farm to Nalgo. Councillor Symonds advised that the Council has received a commitment from Highways that the Clearway Order will be extended to take in this area but it would not come into force until Easter 2009. 20. Village Design Statement. Councillor Mrs Meek circulated Councillors with the details covering objectives of village design statements and effective village design statement. The advantages were that it would give control over planning and community ideas of what is going on. It would also cover some areas not covered by the Parish Plan. The disadvantages are that it would involve 12 months hard work with a large group of approximately 40 people. It could go in the North Devon Local Plan but it was felt there was too much work, not enough interest, it could become out of date and not appropriate to the present time. It was also felt it was too large a task to take on and too much of an ongoing project. A discussion ensued. Councillors decided not to proceed on this issue. 20. Date of Next Meeting. Thursday, June 26 2008 at 7pm in Georgeham Village Hall. It was pointed out that members of the public were welcome to the other Meetings which had been arranged during the evening. The Meeting ended at 9.51pm.