1 Apologies – Mrs R Rowe, Cllr J Hawkins
2 Urgent Business brought forward by the Chairman
PC John Hodgson gave his report:
There have been a few burglaries including one at the Village Shop.
There has been no progress on the removal of yellow lines to create more on-road parking. PC Hodgson suggested the council write to the highways department for an update.
While the school building work is underway, children are being escorted to and from the village hall via a “walking bus” using yellow jackets supplied by DCC, which has proved a success.
PC Hodgson would like a member of the parish council to come forward to serve on the Youth Forum, which he hopes to set up.
On the whole crime in the parish is down on last year.
The Chairman congratulated Brian Tarr on becoming chairman of the Village Hall committee and gave thanks to Ian Potham as treasurer.
3 Reports from County and District Councillors
Mrs Rowe and Cllr Hawkins were not present.
4 Planning
Applications
1) Pine Cliff, Byter Mill Lane – amendments to planning permission, design alterations. No Objection.
2) Rowes Farm, Aish Road – creation of field access through Devon bank. Two letters were received from parishioners. No objection.
3) Tullys Mead Farm – retrospective application for change of use to B2, general industry. Mr R Tully declared an interest and left the room while this application was being discussed. No objection. Unanimous.
Tree Preservation Orders and works to trees
1) Mill House, Mill Hill – serving of Tree Preservation Order. Agreed to TPO being issued.
2) Mill House, Mill Hill – prune yew to clear BT line. Supported.
3) Mill House, Mill Hill – various tree works. Supported.
4) Adams Orchard, Mill Hill – works to hazel tree. TPO on yew tree. Supported.
On all applications the advice of the Tree Warden had been sought and the parish council agreed with his decision.
Applications approved by SHDC
1) 12 The Yeolands – erection of 1st floor extension.
2) Hill House, Flood Street – erection of conservatory to rear and single detached garage
3) 12 Rydon Acres – erection of garage
4) Tree Cottage, Waddeton – listed building consent for minor internal alterations
5) Salmons Leap, Paignton Road – erection of conservatory
5 Accounts
Payment of Accounts
Payment of the following accounts were proposed by Mr Tarr and seconded by Miss Ellis:
Audit Commission £141.00
J Hamilton - clerk’s salary October 2004 £171.67
- postages and stationery £ 10.31 £181.98
Stoke Gabriel Village Hall – rent Jul-Sept £ 33.00
DR Holmes – maintenance £ 15.00
6 Matters Raised by the Clerk
Orchard – parents of young children have asked whether dogs are allowed in the orchard play area, as there was evidence of dog fouling there. The council agreed to erect two “no dogs” signs at the two gates to the play area.
Robinia Tree – a tree at the side of the notice board at Rydon Cross was so badly damaged by storms that it had to be removed. A letter from the Tree Warden suggested that the parish council may wish to replace it with one of the same species.
Road closures – Paignton Road will be closed between Four Cross and Yonder Meadow from 15th November for 5 days for resurfacing. Coombe House Lane will be closed for 1 day on 23rd November for permanent reinstatement.
Mayor – the council had no objection to a request by Totnes Town Council for the Mayor to wear his chain of office at the Victoria & Albert Inn on 10th November.
Council Framework – several large documents were received which members of the council will peruse.
Harbour Master – a new Harbour Master has been appointed for the Port of Dartmouth.
Castle Inn – notification was received of the names of the new joint applicants for the license of the Castle Inn.
7 Minutes of the Last Meeting
The minutes of the meeting of 27th September 2004 were agreed and signed.
8 Matters arising from the Minutes
Ash Tree, near Hillfield – the Tree Officer informed Miss Ellis that as part of the tree had already been taken down the whole tree was removed and there would be no replacement.
Trees at Port Bridge – the Tree Warden sent a report stating that the trees had been hacked unprofessionally but that the land is outside the conservation area.
Stoke Gabriel in Bloom – a report from the Tree Warden revealed that the cherry trees at Rydon Acres are not dead, but are, in fact, in their prime and there seems no reason to remove them.
Flooding at Whitehill – Torbay Council state that the problem has been rectified, but as some flooding still exists, Mr Tully will speak to the campsite owner.
Parks and Open Spaces – Mr Tarr completed the questionnaire, but as the areas concerned were in Totnes he had suggested that this be funded by Totnes Town Council, not South Hams District Council.
Long Road widening – the council has been informed that the widening taking place will be no further down the road than at present.
Village map – Mr Wigfall has now displayed this outside the village hall.
9 Highway and Hedgerow Matters
Coombe House Lane – flooding has occurred between Whitehill and Broadleigh Farm. South Hams Council will be asked to unblock the gulleys.
Benches – a former resident wishes to donate 2 benches. One will be placed in the orchard and the other at the foot of the war memorial.
Broken style – this is between Aish Road and Hoyle Lane. Mr Hill will investigate.
Rosemount – members of the public have complained about overhanging brambles. The occupant has agreed to cut them as soon as possible.
War memorial – untidy brambles will be cleared before the Remembrance service.
Trees in orchard – some trees need attention. Mr Hunt will oversee this.
Lembury Road – South Hams Council will be informed about the dips in the road between Crownley and Kenwall Farm.
10 Matters Raised by Councillors
Stoke Gabriel in Bloom – they will not be entering the 2005 Britain in Bloom competition, but will enter the Best Kept Village instead. The clerk will write to the secretary reiterating the need for Stoke Gabriel in Bloom to liaise with the council before any new planting takes place.
Bus Route 25 – the clerk will write to Stagecoach requesting that the bus stops at New Road, as the previous service has done.
Licensing Act – the clerk, chairman and Mr Tarr attended a presentation at Follaton House about the new Licensing Act 2005, which passes authority from the Magistrates to local councils.
Website - Mr Wigfall reported 5300 visitors to date. A donation from the carnival committee will now enable clubs and societies to post information on to the website free of charge.
Hoyle Copse – the solicitor is ready to exchange contracts re access from Major Gillmore’s land. The council agreed to proceed. The other proposed access near Hoyle Cottages will not now proceed due to difficulty in finding an acceptable route for the footpath.
ASBOs – media coverage has suggested that parish councils/clerks may become responsible for enforcing Anti-Social Behaviour Orders. The clerk will make enquiries.
Long Road Business Park – a letter was sent on behalf of the council making various objections to the proposed plans.
The meeting closed at 8.45pm
Date of Next Meeting
Monday 29th November 2004 at 7pm in the Village Hall.