MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, 31 MAY 2007 AT 7 P.M. IN GEORGEHAM VILLAGE HALL. PRESENT: Councillor Miss R Brian, M Harrison, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, J Symonds, R Tucker. Also in attendance: 5 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 1. Councillors Declaration of Acceptance of Office and Notice of Financial and Other Interests Forms. These had been sent to Councillors by post and were completed and handed to the Clerk. 2. Election of Chairman. Councillor Tucker proposed Councillor Symonds. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Meek. There were no other nominations. Vote: unanimous. Councillor Symonds accepted the role. 3. ChairmanÕs Declaration of Acceptance of Office. Councillor Symonds read and signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office, witnessed by Councillor Tucker. 4. Apologies. Councillor S Maskell; County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins who had sent a Report, District Councillor Mrs P Barker, District Councillor M Wilkinson, PCSO R Peacock, who had sent a Report. 5. Election of Vice Chairman. Councillor Harrison proposed Councillor Tucker, seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade. There were no other nominations. Vote taken: unanimous. 6. Election of Parish Representatives. These were agreed as follows for the 2007/08 Municipal Year. Councillor J Symonds. Representative on Croyde Village Hall. Councillor Miss R Brian. Parish Plan. Braunton Community Alliance. Councillor M Harrison. Footpath Warden Councillor S Maskell. CASC. Councillor Mrs V Meek. Georgeham Village Hall Councillor Mrs L Slade. Representative on Georgeham in Need Committee. Parish Council contact for The Crydda. Parish Plan reviews. Georgeham Village Hall should Councillor Mrs Meek be unable to attend. Councillor R Tucker. Representative on Georgeham in Need Committee. There was still a vacancy for a representative on Braunton Community Alliance and this to be left until the Parish Council was up to full strength in order that one of the co-opted Councillors could take up this position. The issue of a link governor at the Primary School was discussed and the Parish Council were keen not to engage in a confrontational situation. The vacancy for two Councillors were discussed which was an item later in the Agenda. 7. Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting held on 26 April 2007 and to note the Minutes of the Georgeham and Croyde Community Amateur Sports Club held on 9 May 2007. These were approved and signed as a correct record. The Sports Club Meeting Minutes were noted. The Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting and the CASC Committee held on 10 May were taken by Councillor Mrs Meek and were noted. Following a CASC open meeting in Croyde an item was raised in that as a sitting Parish Council, Councillors act as Trustees to the Playing Field. It was considered advantageous that as Trustees, residents of the adjoining properties to the Playing Field were contacted advising the plans for the Playing Field. A draft Page 2 Ð APCM 31.05.07 letter had been prepared and was read to the meeting. Councillor Symonds proposed that the letter was circulated. Seconded by Councillor Miss Brian. All agreed. The letter would be hand delivered to all residents who would be affected. 8. Declarations of Interest. None. 9. Reports: Police. It was not possible for them to be present due to other commitments. Councillor Symonds advised that it appeared they were not attempting to enforce the no drinking in the street by law and advised the Meeting of an incident which he had witnessed in Croyde where a police car was parked with officers inside. A group of young men were in the road with alcohol and no action was taken by the Police. He took the registration number of the police car and was followed home by same. He explained his actions to them and had since emailed the Police Headquarters at Middlemoor asking for a comprehensive explanation. Councillor Symonds also advised that he was attempting to ascertain from Highways who actioned the resurfacing of roads around Croyde which covered the yellow lines ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend. As regards refuse and greensweep collection, it was not acceptable practice to leave wheelie bins on the verge all the year. Moves have been made to identify properties on business rates and yet dealt with by the domestic refuse van. Police report as follows. 27/04/07 Underage drinking, Chisel beach Croyde; 05/05/07 Bilking from guest house, Croyde; 06/05/07 Theft of motor vehicle, Croyde; 06/05/07 2 x Criminal Damage, Down end, Croyde; 12/05/07 Anti Social Behaviour, Rock Hill, Georgeham; 17/05/07 Criminal Damage, Ruda holiday Park, Croyde; 21/05/07 Sudden Death, Croyde. Play Park Ð Councillor Miss Brian required a photograph for ROCKets following the grant being made. Councillor Harrison to provide. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins had sent a written Report and this was read to the Meeting. 10. Representations from the Public. This would be covered under Planning Applications. 11. Planning. 11.1 Matters Arising Update on position regarding the chalet style structure at Down End Croyde. There was no further information on this. Update on position regarding non compliance with Condition Ð Thatched Barn, 14 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. Investigations were continuing. A letter to be sent to the Planning Department enclosing an historic document giving approval number 2/78/133/28/4 from which they would see the Parish CouncilÕs concerns regarding the development of the lay by are justified. 11.2 To consider the following Planning Applications: (i) 43875 Ð Demolition of existing & erection of new dwelling (amended plans) Ð Woody End, Bottoms Lane, Darracott, Georgeham. The applicant was present and was given the opportunity to address the Meeting and he explained the amendment to the Application. It was resolved to recommend approval. (ii) 44219 Ð Retrospective application for conversion of outbuilding to form 1 unit of holiday accommodation Ð Speedwell Cottage, Georgeham. The applicant was present and was given the opportunity to address the Meeting. It was resolved to recommend refusal on the grounds that the condition is not removed. Vote: unanimous. Page 3 Ð APCM 31.05.07 (iii) 44220 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð Seascape, 17 Davids Hill, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. (iv) 44296 Ð Retrospective application for erection of woodstore Ð Byecross House, Buckland Road, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval subject to the woodshed remaining as a store and not being taken in as ancillary accommodation at any point in the future. (v) 44300 Ð Extension to raised terrace together with erection of car port Ð 2 Rose Villas, St. MaryÕs Road, Croyde It was resolved to recommend approval. (vi) 43891 Ð Installation of underground LPG storage tank Ð Ash-Dene, 6 Sandy Way, Croyde. Councillor Symonds proposed It was resolved to recommend approval subject to compliance with health and safety installation and correct safety procedures being adhered to. Seconded by Councillor Tucker. Councillor Miss Brian proposed that we reply that we do not have an opinion. There was no seconder. Vote on first proposal: 5. Carried. (vii) 44332 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð Darracott House, Darracott, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. (viii) 44373 Ð Extension to dwelling together with insertion of 3 dormer windows Ð 25 West Croyde, Croyde. The applicant was present and was given the opportunity to address the Meeting to clarify certain points raised by Councillors. It was resolved to recommend approval. (ix) 44318 Ð Extension to dwelling & formation of garden/tool room under conservatory (retrospective application to amend design approved by Planning Permission 42486) Ð 12 Davids Hill, Georgeham. It was resolved to recommend approval. (x) 44384 Ð Reserved matters application for erection of 1 dwelling (outline Planning Permission 43462) Ð Garden of 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (xi) 43309 Ð Retrospective application for formation of raised mound and formation of access track in field Ð field adjacent to The Hide Out, Forda, Croyde. The applicant was present and was given the opportunity to address the Meeting. She had made enquiries from the internet and apologised for submitting a Retrospective Application. The Enforcement Officer had visited who was at the time was unsure if Planning Permission was required and it had since been ascertain that Planning Permission was in fact required. Councillor Symonds advised the Meeting of historical facts in respect of Down End which at that time was advised that planning consent was not required. He found it difficult to reconcile this Application with that a Down End. Councillor Tucker raised concerns regarding movement and slippage. It was resolved to recommend approval. (xii) 44435 Ð continued siting of summer bungalow (renewal of Planning Permission 32208) together with amendment to occupancy condition to allow 12 months occupancy Ð Little Wing, 1 Leadengate Fields, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend refusal on the grounds that we cannot accept the amendment to the occupancy conditions and we believe they should stay as they are. 11.3 Planning Correspondence: (i) The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted. APPROVALS Page 4 Ð APCM 31.05.07 41514 Ð Notice of an application to discharge 2 Section 52 Agreements and 1 planning obligation under Section 106A of the T & C P Act 1990 in respect of Planning Permissions 2/82/915/28/4, 86/2116/28/04 & 13206 at Bayview Farm Camping & Caravan Park, Croyde, together with letter from the Planning Department giving the reason for Approval. 43806 Ð Retrospective application for erection of porch linking main house with garage at Tythe Barn, 4 Cott Lane, Croyde. 43920 Ð Conversion of games room to form additional living accommodation for adjoining unit of holiday accommodation at cottage adjacent to Jack Smales Cottage, Heddon Mill, Braunton. 43947 Ð Alterations to rear of shop (amendment to Planning Permission 43121) at The Old Cream Shop, 8 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. 43919 Ð Erection of conservatory at 1 Ora Close, Stentaway Lane, Croyde. 43946 Ð Extension to dwelling at Field Cottage, Georgeham. 43963 Ð Temporary siting of metal containers for use as changing rooms (renewal of limited period Planning Permission 38736) at Georgeham Playing Field, Newberry Road, Georgeham. 44005 Ð Extension to dwelling at 11 Sandyway, Croyde. 42284 Ð Erection of 1 agricultural workers dwelling at North Hole Farm, Georgeham. 38173 Ð Outline application for residential development at land off Lane Head Close, Moor Lane, Croyde. 40695 Ð Erection of 9 affordable dwellings (amendments to reserved matters Planning Permission 38507) (Outline Planning Permissions 32400 and 38173) at Penny Hill, Pathfields, Moor Lane, Croyde. 43249 Ð Erection of 5 houses (amended plans) at land off Lane Head Close, Croyde. 43847 Ð Extension to dwelling with installation of dormer window at 5 Broad Park Close, Croyde. REFUSALS 44000 Ð Extension to dwelling at Copplestones, Cott Lane, Croyde. 43819 Ð Reduction in height of existing pole barn at Myrtle Meadow, Moor Lane, Croyde. (ii) Planning InspectorateÕs decision. It was noted that the decision in respect of Application 43204 Ð reserved matters for the erection of 2 dwellings with double garages (outline planning permission 37564) (amended plans) land between Sandbourne and Baggy View, Down End, Croyde had been ALLOWED. (iii) Certificate of Lawfulness. It was noted that a Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use in relation to use of land as a caravan site for the period commencing at Easter and ending 31 October each year Ð land at Manor Farm, Putsborough had been GRANTED. 12. Matters Arising (for reporting only) 12.1 Footpath between Georgeham and Croyde. Further reminders had been sent but no reply received. A strong reminder to be sent quoting that a reply had not been received within their statutory guidelines. 12.2 Security at Croyde Play Park. Councillor Symonds advised that Vanguard 2000 hadbeen given the contract as follows: Friday and Saturday nights. Two visits per evening, one between 9.30/10pm and a further one at 1.30/2am. On visit No. 1 the Patrol is instructed to ask anyone using the Park politely to leave and then lock the gate. If they refuse, the Police to be called as this would then represent trespass. If the Police do not attend, a Crime Number to be obtained. On visit No. 2, the Patrol to unlock the gate and leave ready for use later that day. On Bank Holiday weekends an extra night would be involved. The cost involved was £10.00 per patrol with an additional charge of £10.00 per hour or part-hour if a continued presence was required on site. An information sign to be supplied to advise members of the public that the Play Park is security patrolled and unlocked from 10pm. 12.3 Missing boulders on verge at Down End. A reply had been received from DCC informing that they were in contact with the developer of the two houses on site who have the boulders store on their site. A request has been made for them to be reinstated as soon as possible. This was noted. An enquiry to be made regarding the reinstatement of the passing place signs replacement of yellow lines. 12.4 Councillor Mrs Slade to report regarding the Governing Body. This item had been covered earlier although the situation was re-visited. The Governing Body do not believe that it would be progressive for a Parish Councillor to be a non executive member of the Governing Body. However, the Parish Council would like to reaffirm ties with the School not least because of the precept money Page 5 Ð APCM 31.05.07 12.5 granted by the Parish Council to the School during its refurbishment for catering facilities which were clearly defined in the terms of that grant as to being made available to the Parish in times of need. Furthermore, with the upcoming development programme for the Playing Field it was felt important that the School be invited to make full use and take part in using the facilities that are going to come to the Playing Field in the near future. 12.6 Proposed Bus Stop opposite Georgeham Village Hall. A further reminder had been sent to Stagecoach but no reply had been received. A letter to be sent to the Manager in Barnstaple. 12.7 Land at Chapel Street. Councillor Mrs Meek had spoken with a Planning Officer who was to contact DCC with regard to contacting people who had encroached on the land and who had not responded to the earlier letter. With regard to cutting the hedge, Highways official Trevor Edwards said it would be simpler to offer to the work to South West Highways. Further contact to be made with him regarding the situation of the residents who had encroached onto the land and the situation to deal with this. 12.7 Work on Georgeham Play Park. This was raised by Councillor Mrs Meek as the work had still not been completed. A new ROSPA Report had been received and the matter would be dealt with. The outstanding account would not be paid until the work had been completed. 13. Accounts and Payments 13.1 Balances. Current A/ct Business Instant Access A/ct As at 31/03/07 7,725.55 25,095.29 Receipts DCC P3 Footpath Grant 335.00 Lloyds TSB Interest 111.66 Payments Previously authorised 2,260.39 BALANCE AS AT 30/04/06 5,800.16 25,206.95 The balance on the Current Account does not take into account the sum of £16,660 received as a cheque from NDDC in respect of 50% of the Precept/Grant. The sum of £10,000 has since been transferred from the Current Account into the Business Instant Access A/ct. We have also received the sum of £2,725.00 from HM Revenue & Customs in respect of VAT repayment which will show on the next Statement. 13.2 The following payments were approved and authorised: Mr S Wightman Grounds Maintenance for April 07 £465.97 Grounds Maintenance for April 07 At Cemetery £ 80.74 £546.71 J & J Bins Dog Bin Emptying for April 07 £ 84.50 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in the public toilets £ 14.01 Mrs S Squire Broadband £ 6.00 Mileage 3 months £56.88 £ 62.88 Cornhill Insurance Renewal Premium due 1 June £1483.46 Jewson Padlock and safety hasp £ 8.23 Page 6 Ð APCM 31.05.07 Mr M Symonds Footpath and Other Maintenance £ 452.50 EDF Energy Electricity supply at the Car Park £ 67.11 NDDC Salaries Recharge. Under payment £ 0.96 EDF Energy Electricity Supply at Toilets £ 18.28 Jewson Screw Hook £ 1.43 Councillor Mrs Meek advised that the steps from the car park become dangerous after the grass has been cut, particularly in wet weather. This situation would be dealt with. 13.3 It was noted that a cheque was authorised made payable to Gliddon and Squire in the sum of £621.58 for a new Strimmer. 13.4 Adoption of the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2007 and completion Section 2 of the Annual Return. The Audit Commission had agreed an extension to the deadline to submit the Return by one month to 6 August. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Harrison to approve the Accounts. All agreed. It was proposed by Councillor Tucker and seconded by Councillor Miss Brian to agree Section 2 of the Annual Return which was then signed by the Chairman. 13.5 It was noted that the sum of £272.45 had been received from Braunton Parish Council in respect of the final costings for the Parish Plan. It was agreed that the Insurance for the Summer Fete to be held on the Playing Field would be paid for at the appropriate time. 14. Code of Conduct. A new Code of Conduct came into force on 3 May 2007. Authorities have until 1 October 2007 to adopt it at which time it will automatically come into force. Copies of the new Model to be sent to Councillors to study with a view to adopting the Code at the June Meeting. 15. Correspondence and Reports. 15.1 Land Management Information Service. Parish mapping on CD ROM. Taken by Councillor Harrison. To report at the next Meeting. 15.2 DCC. Devon County Minerals and Waste Development Framework. Consultation on Statement of Community Involvement (submission draft). Representations can be made until 11/6/07. 15.3 Barnstaple Town Council. Details of a Planning School on 23/6/07. Members had been circulated with these details and Councillor Mrs Slade had been booked in. 15.4 NDDC. Prohibition of drinking in Public Places Order Ð Croyde 2007. The Order has now been completed dated 12/4/07. A letter to be sent to Mr A Mille at NDDC asking the reason that the Police are not enforcing it. 15.5 DCC. Two letters regarding highway matters/lengthsmen. They would be visiting the Parish on 9 July; 1 October; 8 October; 7 January; 14 January. 15.6 DCC. Proposal for a Unitary Authority for Exeter. Noted. 15.7 Paula Ferris. Email regarding the outcome of the Down End Beach Clean. The email had been acknowledged and it was suggested that the report was sent to the Community News Correspondence for the North Devon Journal for inclusion in the Georgeham News. 15.8 Mrs V Tucker. Letter of thanks for hedge cutting. 15.9 DCC. To note the details of a decision regarding the provision of externalised services. 16. Publications Received. Page 7 Ð APCM 31.05.07 _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ North Devon Festival. Poster and Booklet. _ Playline Design. Leaflet on play equipment. _ Devon Rural Transport Partnership. Spring Newsletter 2007. _ Devon Playing Fields Association Newsletter. Spring 2007. _ Clerks and Councils Direct. May 2007. _ Devon Association of Parish Councils. May/June Newsletter. _ Local Council Review. May 2007. _ North Devon Direct. Issue 5. Summer 2007. 17. Meetings Attended by Councillors. A meeting had been held at Ruda in connection with Oceanfest attended by Councillors Symonds, Tucker and Maskell. The Police were also there as were traffic wardens and the senior management of Parkdene. The Police presence would be at the same level as last year with all night patrols on the beach by RudaÕs security and a Police presence together with the police dog and the drug squad. People would not be allowed in the dunes overnight. Stagecoach had assured the organisers that buses would not cease earlier than planned as last year. Both Ruda and Urban Safari were committed to a satisfactory clean up operation. The Licence ended at midnight on the Saturday and 10pm on the Sunday and the Parish Council to liaise with local pubs who would be looking for them to co-operate in the same way. 18. Urgent Matters Raised by Chairman. _ There was to be a celebration the next day at 10.30 a.m. to officially open the new kitchen at the Village Hall. Councillor Symonds had been asked to open it. A number of Councillors would be there to support the event. _ Regarding the bollards at the entrance of the Post Office and Brook Stores, following investigation the Enforcement Officer had advised that these came under permitted development. Councillor Miss Brian to enquire if this was a permitted right of way. _ An email had been received from County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins pressurising Sgt J Pearce at Braunton Police Station regarding the non-existent yellow lines following resurfacing. As a temporary measure, triangular bollards would be placed in Croyde to prevent parking. _ A letter had been received from County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins advising that DCC had made a financial commitment of £2,500 to be set aside from the 2007/08 County Committee budget to contribute to the development of sports changing facilities in Georgeham. The commitment will be reviewed in December 2007. The MUGA cost is covered by funding which has already been set aside. The Parish Council had promised a donation of £2,000 for this and it was proposed by Councillor Symonds that this money was released in the form of a cheque issued at the Meeting. Vote: 5 for, 1 against. 19. Two Vacancies on the Parish Council. The Clerk to prepare Posters advertising this. The co- option would take place at the June Meeting and candidates would be invited to give a brief presentation ahead of the co-option. 20. Date of Next Meeting, Location of Future Meetings and to Approve the Dates of the Meetings for the Municipal Year 2007/08. The next Meeting would be on Thursday, 28 June. Meeting dates for the remainder of the Municipal Year would be 26 July; 30 August; 27 September; 25 October; 22 November; 20 December; 17 January; 28 February; 27 March; 24 April (Annual Parish Meeting followed by Parish Council Meeting), 30 May (Annual Parish Council Meeting). Councillors were in favour of the Meetings continuing in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 10.27 p.m.