MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON 3 DECEMBER 2006 AT 10 A.M. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillors N Mapp, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade, R Tucker. 117. PRESS COVERAGE. Following recent press coverage given to the Fullabrook Wind Farm proposals, it was decided to submit the attached letter to the local Press. The Meeting closed at 10.45 a.m. MINUTES OF GEORGEHAM PARISH COUNCIL HELD ON THURSDAY, 14 DECEMBER 2006 AT 7 P.M. IN GEORGEHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL, DUE TO THE VILLAGE HALL BEING USED BY THE SCHOOL. PRESENT: Councillor J Symonds (Chairman), Councillor Mrs J Barnes, Miss R Brian, M Harrison, N Mapp, S Maskell, Mrs V Meek, Mrs L Slade. Also present: District Councillors D Spear and M Wilkinson, PC Russ Fisher, 2 members of the public and Mrs S Squire, Parish Clerk. 118. APOLOGES. Councillor R Tucker, County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins 119. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 23/11/06; 27/11/06 AND 3/12/06. These were approved and signed as a correct record after it had been noted in the Minutes for 23/11/06 under Minute No. 106 Planning (i) 43202 Erection of new entrance canopy to existing main centre building together with erection of sliding folding glazed screen & formation of raised deck Level Ð Ruda Holiday Park, Croyde that Councillor Mapp did not propose and second the Application on the Minutes of 23/11/06. 120. REPORTS: Police. PC Russ Fisher advised there had been 2 reported crimes in Croyde involving a break-in to chalet at Croyde Unison which the burglars found to be occupied. They then smashed a window to a digger and set off a fire extinguisher; the second incident involved a stolen moped from a holiday home which was found burnt out on 19 October. In Georgeham 3 motor vehicles had been attacked, one twice, with wing mirrors being knocked off. There was the possibility that these were targeted vehicles. He had been in contact with Paul Dawe, the Licensing Officer regarding the Control Order in Croyde but had been unable to trace such a document. It was explained that a Control Order which reflected the old drinking in public by law was required and it was then realised that the by law referring to drinking in designated areas were one and the same which was what the Parish Council required. PC Fisher was in support of this. District Councillor Wilkinson advised that the Control Order was with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration. District Councillor Spear also gave his support, being a member of the Licensing Committee. Councillor Symonds brought PC FisherÕs attention to the Clearway at Down End where builders were working and who had parked their cars close to the site. It was noted that the Clearway is not seasonal and in addition, Down End Car Park close to the site, is free and they could use this area. It was further noted that the large rocks on the Down End road had been removed, resulting in the verges being ruined by vehicles churning up the ground. County Councillor Mrs J Jenkins. She had sent a report due to a full meeting of the County Council which she was attending and this was read. Devon County Council has been praised for providing value for money and good financial management in a recent independent public watchdog the Audit Commission. Devon Trading Standards have launched a Scam Wise South West Campaign, and also brought attention to premium rate calls which members of the public were encouraged to ring to find out about a prize they had supposedly won; other scams were offers of spare tarmac. Further funding for Devon from the Department of Health to fund older peoples projects was to be made available. She thanked the Parish Council for the bouquet of flowers which had been sent with the Parish CouncilÕs good wishes in her illness. The full Report is attached to these Minutes. District Councillor Spear. He was pleased to announce that were two additional staff in the Planning Department to assist with the heavy workload. He wished everyone a Happy Christmas. District Councillor Wilkinson. He wished everyone the greetings of the season and in the new year, Parish Plan issues must start to be addressed with particular reference to the playing field. Georgeham Playing Field. No representative present. Skateboard Club. Chris Burrows had sent a Report which was circulated to Councillors. Councillor Symonds advised that he, Councillor Tucker and Mr Burrows had met at Croyde Village Hall to discuss recommendations as to where the Park would be sited. Mr Burrows was then given the opportunity to address the Council. He advised that the Club met every Friday and there were hopes for this to be increased. The Club had been set up with funding from Leader Plus with fund raising for the skateboard side of it being carried out themselves. Although the Club had not been advertised, young people joined very quickly. The Club is now fully operational with membership being capped to 60. For the future, it was hoped to hold two sessions on Fridays with younger people earlier in the evening and older ones later and it was also hoped to organise another night. Parents accompany younger children but those aged 12 and over attend on their own. Everyone is signed in and there is an open door policy and the Hall area is completely open plan. He clarified the basis of CRB checks. Councillor Mapp noted that there are a number of young people resident in Georgeham who would wish to be members of the Club. Councillor Symonds said this project had been clearly identified in the Parish Plan and the Parish Council wished to give financial support. In return, a quarterly report would be welcomed together with a full report with projected budget and copies of the accounts presented at the Annual Parish Assembly in April. Mr Burrows advised that the Club wished to purchase a mini ramp at a cost of £1,000. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell, seconded by Councillor Mapp and unanimously agreed to give a donation of £1,000 in order that this could be purchased. He thanked the Parish Council on behalf of all the children and Councillors commended him on all his hard work in making this a reality. 121. REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC. Mr N Gibbons advised that the dog bin had fallen from its post on Footpath 1. Councillors Symonds and Maskell to repair this. 122. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST. Councillor S Maskell Ð Planning Applications 43462 and 43249. 123. PLANNING (1) Matters Arising. There were no Matters Arising to be discussed. (2) To consider the following Planning Applications: (i) 43372 Ð Extension and alterations to dwelling Ð Sea Birds, Withywell Lane, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Mapp and unanimously agreed to recommend approval with the following additional comment: We are minded to approve subject to Highways being satisfied that there is adequate car parking provision for the new developed building, bearing in mind that this extension removes the garage and turns it into a bedroom". (ii) 43279 Ð Extension to dwelling together with formation of new vehicular access (amended description) Ð Gardeners Cottage, Pickwell, Georgeham. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Maskell and agreedby Councillors to recommend approval. (iii) 43440 Ð Extension to dwelling Ð 20 Davids Hill, Georgeham. Copy correspondence to NDDC Planning Department from a neighbour objecting to the proposal had been received. It was proposed by Councillor Maskell to recommend approval. Seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and agreed by Councillors. (iv) 43204 Ð Variation of Condition 3 (painted timber window and door frames) and Condition 2 (approved plans) attached to Planning Permission 41384 to allow UPVC window and door frames and amended plans Ð Land between Sandbourne and Baggy View, Down End, Croyde. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Maskell and agreed by Councillors to recommend refusal "on the grounds that the original approval we felt was correct and that we recommend Enforcement or Building Control take the matter up vigorously because as far as we are aware upvc are being installed regardless of planning consent or anything else. (v) 43449 Ð Extension to Dwelling Ð 11 Sandyway, Croyde. Councillor Symonds proposed recommend refusal, seconded by Councillor Miss Brian and agreed by Councillors "on the grounds that due to over development of the site, we are not at all at ease to see the ridgeline increased in height and even more displeased to see again garage space being taken into accommodation forcing more on street parking". (vi) 43479 Ð Variation of Condition 5 (occupancy restriction) attached to Planning 36895 to allow temporary use of 1 unit of holiday accommodation as permanent dwelling Ð Heddon Mill Farm Cottage (adjacent to Jack Smales Cottage), Heddon Mill, Braunton. Councillor Mrs Slade declared a prejudical interest and withdrew from the debate, taking no part in the discussion or decision. It was proposed to recommend approval by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Harrison and agreed by Councillors. (vii) 43378 Ð Erection of conservatory Ð Withywell House, Withywell Lane, Croyde. It was resolved to recommend approval. (viii) 43462 Ð Outline Application for erection of 1 dwelling Ð 30 Moor Lane, Croyde. Councillor Maskell declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereon. It was proposed to recommend approval by Councillor Mrs J Barnes, seconded by Councillor Mrs Slade and unanimously agreed by Councillors. (ix) 43249 Ð Erection of 5 houses Ð land off Lane Head Close, Croyde. Councillor Maskell declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and did not take part in the discussion or decision thereof. It was proposed by Councillor Symonds, seconded by Councillor Mrs Barnes and unanimously agreed to recommend approval. (3) Planning Correspondence: The following NDDC Decision Notices were noted: APPROVALS 43091 Ð Extension to dwelling at 6 St. Helens Close, Croyde. 43122 Ð Extension to dwelling with conversion to garage to provide additional living accommodation at 10 Davids Hill, Georgeham. 43121 Ð Alterations to rear of shop at The Old Cream Shop, 8 Hobbs Hill, Croyde. (4) It was noted that a Certificate of Lawfulness for an existing use in relation to use of land for the storage of caravans Ð land at Manor Farm, Putsborough, had been granted. (5) It was noted that the Planning Inspectorate has ALLOWED the Appeal in respect of Application No. 40569 Ð Berry Cottage, Cross, Croyde. (6) Mr and Mrs J Catten. Letter regarding their Planning Application in respect of change of use of May Cottage Tearooms, 7 St. Marys Road, Croyde. This to be acknowledged. This Application had been considered at the November Meeting. 124. MATTERS ARISING. (i) Georgeham Primary School Governing Body had replied to our communication regarding the establishment of a link between them and the Parish Council, which they welcomed. A Link Governor was suggested, there being no vacancies on the Governing Body at present, which would enable a Parish Councillor to attend their Meetings and report back to the Parish Council but not have a vote. Councillor Maskell was prepared to undertake this. (ii) Safety along the Croyde to Georgeham Road. Email replies from Joe Deasey and Ray Pattenden the School Travel Plan Adviser had been received. Mr Pattenden has had a meeting with Mike Newcombe the Road Safety Officer and a report is awaited of the site visit. Pending the outcome of this, Mr Pattenden to be contacted requesting a site meeting with him and a delegation of Councillors. (iii) Footpath, Hole Lane. Email from Councillor Mrs Meek advising that the Rights of Way Officer had made arrangements with the landowner to have long handles fixed to gates and gates rehung where necessary. The work would be done before Christmas. 125. FINANCE. (i) Councillor Miss Brian advised that a cheque for £5,000 had been received from Devon County Council in respect of the ROCKets Grant towards the Play Area. The Chairman thanked her on behalf of the Parish Council for all her efforts in obtaining this funding for the benefit of the community. (ii) Balances. No Bank Statements had been received from Lloyds TSB who, apparently were experiencing problems in this connection. Budgetary figures were however available which showed that there were expenses of £1056.39 in November, which if deducted from the October figures, gave a balance of £44,054.46. No payments had been received and the National Savings Account remained at a balance of £13,917.02. No correspondence had been received from Lloyds TSB following the instructions to set up a Savings Account to run alongside the Current Account with a request to transfer an amount of £25,000. (ii) The following payments were approved: J & J Bins Dog bin emptying for November 2006 £ 84.50 Buckleigh Laundry Rental of hand driers in public toilets £ 13.54 Cook Partners Fencing materials for boundary hedge between Georgeham Cemetery and Mr CookÕs field £ 146.25 Bay Gardens 3rd payment on grass cutting and maintenance Contract 06-07 £400.00; Play park weeding, additional woodchip and Hedge cutting at Georgeham cemetery £377 £ 777.00 Mrs S Squire Broadband for December £ 6.00 Croyde Youth Club Donation for Mini Ramp for Skateboarders £1,000.00 (iii) It was noted that the Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2006 had been signed off by the Audit Commission as satisfactory with no queries being raised. (iv) Tenders for Grass Cutting. Two Tenders had been received. The Chairman declared a prejudicial interest, left the room and took no part in the discussion or decision thereof. It was proposed by Councillor Mapp, seconded by Councillor Maskell and approved by Councillors to elect Councillor Mrs Meek as Chairman this item only, due to it being necessary for the Chairman to vacate the meeting at this point. The Tenders for Grass Cutting and General Maintenance for 2007/08, details of which were circulated to Councillors. The Clerk confirmed that no one other than herself knew details of the Tenderers and that she had opened them herself on her own. Tenderer 2 price was more competitive than Tenderer 1 and it was proposed by Councillor Maskell, seconded by Councillor Mapp and unanimously agreed to award the contract to Tenderer 2 Ð Mr M Symonds of Bay Gardens. Tenderer 1 was Mr R Gibbons. 126. CORRESPONDENCE. (i) NDDC. Register of Electors 2006/07 received. The document would be held by the Clerk. (ii) Community Council of Devon. Women on the Up. Details of a new project aiming to support women living in rural areas and to provide advice and guidance, helping women get the support they need in rural areas. The project can help women take the first steps into learning, it can help get them back on the road to employment and has funding to pay for course fees, venue hire and equipment, childcare/carer costs and travel. Noted. (iii) Mr P J Milton. Letter of thanks following the Parish CouncilÕs letter of congratulations. (iv) DCC. Devon County Minerals and Waste Development Framework. Minerals Core Strategy. Letter and update leaflet. (v) Community Council of Devon. Response to Parish Plan. Councillor Mapp enlarged on the outcome with the Community Development Unit. The details were taken by Councillor Mrs Meek. 127. PRESS COVERAGE. Councillor Miss Brian made a statement regarding her connection to the Fullabrook Wind Turbine Inquiry and apologised that she had upset people. It had not been her intention to link her opinions to the policy of the Parish Council. Councillor Harrison was of the opinion that she was keeping within the guidelines that Councillors are allowed to make statements. Councillor Symonds advised that it was not his intention for this to become a debate. He felt as Chairman that he should always be aware of what is happening as regards the Parish Council and reminded Councillors of their responsibility and role as a Parish Councillor. Any documents submitted in the name of Georgeham Parish Council should be discussed at full Council beforehand and should individuals wish to submit documents then this should be done in their own name. He went on to advise that the Devon Association of Parish Councils had been contacted with the full details and they had confirmed that the Chairman was correct in his thoughts, that an individual Councillor cannot purport to be putting forward the view of the Council unless the Council had met and made its views known. If an individual Councillor does want to put out some sort of public statement which are not those of the Council, they must make it clear that these are their personal views only. Councillors do need to be careful how they express their views prior to the making of a formal Council decision, e.g. in response to an Application. If they are too definite then rules around predetermination might mean that the Councillor could be viewed as having a prejudicial interest. Councillor Miss Brian referred to comments made by Lesley Smith at a seminar when asked if Councillors could speak as a Councillor. A full and frank discussion followed which concluded that Councillor Miss Brian would not use the name of Georgeham Parish Council in the future. She assured the Meeting that there was a disclaimer within her evidence that it represented her own views and not that of Georgeham Parish Council. It was acknowledged that view points could be construed and much care should be taken in this regard. Councillor Symonds pointed out that the Parish Council work as a whole team with no political views. Should a similar situation arise, Councillors are obliged to advise, out of courtesy, the situation and their intentions. 128. PUBLICATIONS RECEIVED. _ NDDC Weekly Members Information Sheet. _ Village Green Magazine and other enclosures. _ Devon Rural Transport Partnership. Autumn Newsletter 2006. 129. MEETINGS ATTENDED BY COUNCILLORS. None. 130. URGENT MATTERS BROUGHT FORWARD BY THE CHAIRMAN. Councillor Mapp. He had a letter from the Devon Association of Parish Councils signed by Parish Councils Officer Ms Lesley Smith summarising how the organisation feels about the proposed reorganised of local Councils. The information shows how the Government is looking at Parishes to expand their terms of reference. He circulated a copy to each Councillor. Councillor Mrs Meek asked for permission to contact Devon County Council regarding land and hedge in Chapel Street. She will draft a letter and forward to the Parish Clerk for attention. Councillor Mrs Slade reported that a street light was not working and was advised to contact Western Power. The Clerk enquired if draft Minutes and the Agenda could be included on the Parish Council website. Councillors felt this would be helpful and permission was granted. 131. DATE OF NEXT MEETING. Thursday, 18 January 2007 at 7 p.m. in Georgeham Village Hall. The Meeting ended at 9.50 p.m.