Present:  Mrs C Hunt, (Vice Chair), Miss E Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Mr I Jones, Mr J Robinson, Mr B Tarr

1          Apologies –Mr R Tully (Chairman), Dr. R. Johnson

3          To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 24^th November 2008

            Taken as read and signed by the Vice Chairman,

4          Matters arising from the Minutes – Page 340 - Cllr Robinson advised that he had misunderstood a report by Cllr Ellis concerning the gully at Port Bridge. The area in need of repair was on the road side above the bridge which was being badly eroded. Cllr Pennington agreed to arrange.

5          Chairman’s Report – The Vice Chairman had nothing to report other than those items to be discussed on the agenda.

6          Reports from County and District Councillors – Cllr Pennington advised that he had looked into the village parking problem. The spraying of weeds had not been carried out and discussions concerning the repair of Coombe Shute were on going. Cllr Pennington advised that Local Government review had been delayed until February and may be delayed further. He advised that East Devon District Council had taken the Boundary Committee to court and been found to have misdirected itself at the start of the review. Cllr Pennington advised that a task group had inspected a number of local schools and found that religious studies were not up to scratch. Local authority support was recommended.  The problem concerning a children’s national register was again raised and Cllr Pennington advised that after much discussion it had now been agreed that this register would be only a local one covering the County. Cllr Rowe advised that SHDC had agreed to freeze their precept for 2009/10. The district council tax would therefore remain the same as 2008/09. Cllr Pennington advised that Devon County Council intended to raise their precept by between 3% to 4%. The LDF housing in Totnes were not selling and builders were not keen to build further housing due to the present climate. New Age Travellers were looking for land. Cllr Tarr asked Cllr Pennington about a report concerning paying for refuse collection. Cllr Pennington advised that he was unaware that this applied to our area.

7          Planning

The following planning applications were considered at planning meetings held on 15^th December and 19^th January at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Robinson, Ellis and Bridge

1)      Conway, Hoyle Lane - conversion of roof to form additional accommodation & porch extension

                                                                                                      No objection

2)      The Hayes, Vicarage Road – L.B. Consent to re-open former opening in stone work for access to garden                                                                                       No objection

3)      Stonecroft, Hillfield – Change glazing from obscure to clear In absence of letters – No objection

4)      Russells Barn, Lembury Road   – Conversion to offices        Objection

5)      Oldwood House (formally Green Acres), AishRoad – Erection of garage with bedroom above and 1^st floor terrace                                                               No objection  

6)       Stoke Gabriel Cottage, The Barnhay – To fell three spruce trees      No objection

1)      Sandridge Barton Farm – Erection of concrete building to store produce and machinery  

Cllr Robinson advised that letters had been received from Bob the Bus, Citizens Advice Bureau and S.G. in Bloom thanking the council for the various donations made.

9          Parish Plan Implementation Group No report was received.

11        Hoyle Copse – Cllr Jones reported that due to the good weather work had progressed and the glade was now finished. New beech trees had been planted on the eastern side. From a request from the Devon wildlife trust it was agreed that they could visit the Copse and prepare a report as it was a site of interest. The claim for funding from Natural England had been completed and submitted.

 12       Stoke Gabriel Burial Site It was agreed that the first meeting would be held in February and a report would be made at the February Council meeting.

13        Highway and Hedgerow Matters From a point raised by Cllr Johnson at the last meeting Cllr Robinson advised that a letter had been written to the PCC concerning the re-instatement of a gate to the orchard. Cllr Ellis advised that this matter was on the PCC agenda for their meeting on 20^th January. It was agreed that Cllr Tarr could write a letter to Planscape requesting quotations for next year’s grass cutting and to thank them for their past work. Regarding street parking letters were read out from Devon County Council. It appeared that they were becoming confused and a letter will be sent requesting urgent action. Cllr Pennington also agreed to become involved. Following a visit by Chris Lucas of SHDC to the village Cllr Tarr was pleased to report that the mechanical road sweeper appeared on 16^th December, the road sweeping had improved and there were now new suitable waste bins in the village orchard. It was agreed that a letter should be written thanking Mr Lucas for his efforts. Cllr Jones was concerned that the council had no say concerning Devon Highways work within the parish. Vast sums of money were being spent on non important issues whereas Coombe House Lane, Barn Park signs, speed limits and various potholes were considered not important and no additional funds were available. Cllr Pennington advised that he had taken note of this. Hoyle Lane had been completely resurfaced recently but large potholes had already appeared so therefore this had not solved the problems. It was agreed that a strong letter should be written to Brian George of DCC. Cllr Pennington suggested that he could arrange for Mr George to visit the council and speak at the May meeting. Cllr Ellis brought up the question of parking in Barn Park and agreed that this issue could be put to Mr George. Following a request from a member of the public during the ten minute session it was agreed that Cllr Robinson should contact PC Pearse again concerning the parking of vehicles at the junction of Longcombe Road and Totnes Road.  This was causing problems with visibility when accessing the junction.

14        Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Jones confirmed that the two village phone boxes were safe but the Aish box was not. It was agreed that the council should adopt this box, without the phone equipment, and be responsible for its upkeep. A form was completed to be sent to Western Power Distribution to arrange for the power cost to be transferred to the council. Cllr Robinson read out an e-mail from Rebecca Gilmore concerning the playground equipment. Rebecca advised that she had filled out an application for funding and required confirmation of a number of points. It was agreed that Cllr Robinson should reply to the request.  Cllr Jones advised that he had met with Ted Coles concerning the orchard and with the tree warden had cut back the trees obstructing the play area. He also advised that four additional apple trees needed to be planted. Roger Hunt confirmed that he would provide two trees in recognition of the council’s agreement for him to retrieve the fallen apples. Cllrs Jones and Ellis agreed to sponsor the remaining two trees. Cllr Jones recommended that the uneven area near the play area be levelled with a mini digger. This was agreed. Cllr Bridge advised that the Wassail event was a great success with many visitors and locals attending despite the weather. It was agreed that a letter should be written to the organisers congratulating them. Cllr Ellis expressed concern over the speed restrictions within the village. It was agreed that an additional speed restriction sign should be placed opposite the existing sign at the entrance to the village. Cllr Pennington agreed to take this matter up with Devon Highways. Cllr Robinson advised that the school had received an excellent Ofsted report and the head teacher, Heather Boote had received a personal letter of congratulations. It was agreed that a letter from the council should be written to the head teacher offering the council’s congratulations.

 

 

 

It was proposed by Cllr Bridge and seconded by Cllr Tarr to make these payments:

 

 

 

 

 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.40pm