Present:  Mr R Tully (Chairman), Mrs C Hunt, Miss E Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Dr. R Johnson, Mr I Jones, Mrs J. Lowe, Mr J Robinson, Mr B Tarr. In attendance: District Cllr Pennington

1          Apologies – District Cllr Rowe.

3          To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 23^rd February 2009

            Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,

4          Matters arising from the Minutes – Page 346 - Cllr Tarr advised that the village hall 50^th birthday bash was a great success but was concerned that only two councillors attended.  

5          Chairman’s Report – The Chairman advised that the Boundary Committee were requesting views on the further draft proposals received which should reach the committee by 14^th May 2009.       

6          Reports from County and District Councillors – Cllr Pennington advised that the further proposals referred to by the Chairman now consisted of two unitary authorities; a Devon unitary authority comprising the existing county of Devon with no changes to Plymouth and Torbay and an Exeter and Exmouth unitary authority covering the remainder of the county. Any representations made prior to 14^th May would be reported to the secretary of state by 15^th July and the minister would make their final recommendations in September. East Devon District Council had taken the Boundary Committee to the appeal court where it had been ruled that the Boundary Committee had not consulted the public widely enough, had not given the public clear information and had not given proper summary of financial risks attached to the changes. Cllr Pennington advised that South Hams District Council had written to the secretary of state opposing the proposed identity cards on the grounds of citizens and civil liberties. The Local Development Framework group had identified a number of sites for possible housing and that 400 new dwellings would be built in South Hams by 2016. It was agreed to invite a member of the L.D.F. to the Parish Council A.G.M. in May to give a presentation

7          Planning

The following planning application was considered at a planning meeting held on 30^th March 2009 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Robinson, Ellis and Lowe

1)       Sandridge Park – Conversion of garage attic space for staff accommodation.   No objection but agreed that it should be tied to the main dwelling

  Cllr Ellis declared an interest and took no part in any decision making.

At the last Council meeting a site meeting was arranged for the following: The Old Vicarage – erection of dwelling. At the meeting held on 25^th February it was agreed that there would be no objection but requested that the entrance to the new dwelling be via Vicarage Road.

      None

Cllr Jones asked whether the erection of satellite dishes requires planning permission. It was agreed to write and ask South Hams Planning department.

 

9          Parish Plan Implementation Group – A report was read out indicating that after a well deserved rest the Parish Plan Group has re-grouped and sub committees had been formed to take up projects.

11        Hoyle Copse – Cllr Jones reported that the lime kiln area and quarry had been cleared. A report from the N.F.U. recommended that woodland glades and coppicing should be encouraged to protect woodland flowers which is something the parish has doing in the copse. From a point raised from the floor regarding the western side boundary and path Cllr Jones advised that the Council was not responsible for dogs getting onto land not owned by the council and suggested that the land owner should erect a fence if the problem persists The ancient hedge in the orchard was now 90% cleared with some new crab apple and apple trees planted. With the grant promised it was suggested that some of the money be used to replace a seat. Cllr Jones would take measurements so the new seat could be fixed onto the existing base of a previous seat.

 12       Stoke Gabriel Burial Site Cllr Ellis advised that she had approached a landowner who has agreed to give the idea some thought.

13        Highway and Hedgerow Matters Cllr Ellis advised that the Parish Council owned seat at the entrance to Orchards Close had been severely damaged by the contractors working on the site and requested that a letter be written to them asking that the seat be replaced and the plaque removed from the old seat and placed on the new one. This was agreed. Cllr Bridge advised that the wall on the corner of Lembury Road and Aish Road was cracked. She also pointed out that the lights at Ramslade Holiday Park were still illuminated all night. Cllr Ellis advised that the lights at Four Cross were also on all night.

 Cllr Jones advised that he had not received a reply to his letter to Devon Highways requesting details on how they prioritise the allocation of funds for roads in the village. The passing bays in Aish Road have boulders projecting from the banks which would damage vehicles wheels. District Cllr Pennington agreed to follow this up. Cllr Tarr asked for a schedule of street cleaning times and dates from South Hams. Cllr Tarr also wished to congratulate Torbay on the way they had repaired the potholes on Paignton Road and asked way Devon Highways could not do the same. Cllr Robinson advised that agreement had been received from the PCC concerning the new gate entrance to the orchard in Church Walk. Cllr Robinson also advised that letters had been sent to Devon Highways concerning the parking arrangements in the village. It was agreed to renew the Plandscape ground maintenance contract for the 2009 season. Their charges remain the same as for the 2008 season.  

14        Matters raised by Councillors – From a question raised by Cllr Ellis Cllr Jones advised that the Hoyle Copse trophy, won last year, was being engraved. Cllr Ellis passed round a framed photograph of her unveiling the plaque sited by the wreck of ‘The Glory’ explaining its history. Cllr Jones requested consideration to the re varnishing of the various seats owned by the Council including those in the orchard. This was agreed. Cllr Tully advised that he, Cllr Robinson and Rebecca Gilmore had attended a meeting at South Hams concerning updating and re-vamping the orchard play area, He advised that Rebecca had worked very hard and that a substantial grant from South Hams had been agreed. This money would be used to update some of the play equipment and bring the area up to standard. Cllr Tarr raised concern that as the orchard was owned by the council the work on the play area should not allow it to encroach into the orchard. This point was agreed and assurance was given that the grant would only be used to improve the existing facilities. Cllr Tully advised that he had received in March information from Devon County Council concerning the salting of the Counties roads during the 2008/09 winter. A letter

 had been received from the Dogs Trust and it was agreed that this charity would be supported by placing their poster on the Parish notice board.

15        Confirm date of A.G.M. It was agreed that the date of the A.G.M. would be 19^th May 2009

 

 

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

 

Stoke Gabriel Village Hall – Hall hire January, February and March   £ 36.00

 

 

 

 

 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.50pm