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:  – County Cllr. T. Pennington, District Cllr R. Rowe

 

 

1          Apologies. – None

 

2          The Chairman opened the meeting and introduced members from Midas Homes Ltd and D. Kenyon, D. Holloway and Stephen Forsey from South Hams District Council. The Chairman then invited questions from the floor concerning the planning application received from Midas Homes. A list of names and a précis of the questions and answers is available from the Council. After this session the Chairman requested that the guests left the council chamber. He advised the full Council that it was to vote on the planning application as it was set out in front of the Council. Cllr Tarr proposed an objection on the grounds that the application contravened the policy relating to an Area of Outstanding natural Beauty where any development is only permitted when it enhances the landscape quality and the natural beauty of that specific area. The application failed to do this by design and density. The application conflicts with the findings of the parish Plan of 2008 where the village was emphatically against any major development with an overwhelming desire to protect the surrounding countryside and the density of current local traffic using the lane through Aish towards Totnes, compounded by the known heavily used rat – run by passing the main roads precludes a development of this magnitude. Cllr Jones advised that he agreed with Cllr Tarr and would second the proposal. Cllr Jones expressed great concern over the demographic changes in Stoke Gabriel that had slowly taken place over the last 37 years that he had lived in the village so that we now have an exceptional large proportion of retired and wealthy residents and younger villagers had to leave the village to find accommodation. Cllr Jones strongly supported the construction of affordable homes in the village but could not support the present Midas proposals due to the excessively high density and number of dwellings and also the increase in traffic that would results. If the proposals were accepted by SHDC Cllr Jones suggested that the S106 should include a substantial sum for traffic calming measures in Paignton Road and Aish Road in the hamlet of Aish. The Chairman then asked for a vote on the proposal. The proposal to object to the planning application was taken with 8 Councillors in favour and one against. The Chairman then formally announced that the proposal had been carried. Cllr Bridge, who voted against the proposal, stated that she would like to refer to the Parish Plan comments received tonight.  She felt that was important to point out an important fact that has not been referred to and this is clearly documented in the Plan. The age distribution of Stoke Gabriel residents differs markedly from
that of the rest of the United Kingdom. The parish has about 1/2 the number of residents up to 39 years of
age compared to the rest of the U.K. Above 65 years of age the Stoke Gabriel population ratio was nearly
twice that expected for the rest of the U.K. In summary, there are less children and young people and more retired and elderly than would be expected from national trends. This has implications for the village.
As the Affordable Housing Co-ordinator for the Parish Council I would like to make an observation.
It would appear there are a growing number of village families (many born and bred here) that are in desperate need of affordable housing. I think house prices have been over-inflated by the keenness of
people from outside of our area wanting to live the idyllic lifestyle our village offers. Have any of these people stopped to think of the impact astronomical house prices have on the local families. These families
are performing the vital jobs required to ensure that Stoke Gabriel provides the idyllic lifestyle that many people have paid way over the odds to enjoy. They are invaluable when they are wanted to teach your children /grandchildren in the primary school and to wipe their runny noses at pre-school, to open the shop at 7 am to sell a loaf of bread or pint of milk, to serve that last pint at midnight or cook your children a hot
meal at school, they are wanted to mend roofs or build garden walls, to clean your houses or care for your elderly relatives. They are needed to deliver your papers or organic veg boxes to your doors. They are
helpful when they cut your hair or fix your car. But where do you want them to live. Without these people Stoke Gabriel would simply not exist as it does today and without development tohelp them they will not be able to help you enjoy your rural idyllic lifestyle you all seem to desperately
crave. I would like to finish off by pointing that if the Collings family had not sold off Poundfield, Orchard Way, The Yeolands and even Barn Park for housing the majority of objectors here tonight would not be living in their current homes. The Chairman then summed up by saying that The Parish Council had heard all the objections and support for the proposed development from the last two council meetings and from this evenings question and answer session. The Council’s decision by a majority vote was to recommend refusal as it is unable to support the size of the proposed development. The Council felt that it was important that the Parishioners understand the reasons for refusal and SHDC will require us to clearly set out our reasons for refusal. Firstly the Council had received many letters of objection from individual parishioners, members of various groups such as the Save Stoke Gabriel Action Group and Stoke Gabriel Parish Plan Environmental Group not to mention the petition with over 650 names. Whilst the Council had received some letters of support the letters of objection vastly out way those in favour. Whilst the Council fully appreciated that it is not the number of representations that should determine a planning application (rather it is the planning issues raised in those letters) never the less the Parish Council has a duty to have due regard to its constituent’s strength of feeling. It is the view of this Council that the proposal will cause over development and lack of sustainability relating to the 50 dwellings being proposed. The fact that it is not in accordance with provisions of the development plan for the area and goes against the results of the questionnaire which subsequently formed part of the Stoke Gabriel Parish Plan 2008 has also been considered. One major point that comes out of this is of course the provision for affordable homes for the young village families who desperately which to remain living in the Parish. The Council has given this a great deal of thought and fully understands the feelings of those who feel that this proposal should be supported. Whilst this Council appreciates the fact that 25 houses for rent or part buy would go some way to alleviate the housing problem for the village youngsters there is no guarantee that those youngsters would be considered eligible for this scheme. It should be borne in mind the district for South Hams is vast taking in areas from Ivybridge, Kingsbridge, and South Brent, part of Brixham, Kingswear, Dartmouth, Marldon, Totnes and Stoke Gabriel. There are many people on the housing list from those areas who would be entitled to take advantage of affordable houses in the village. Also those from the village who are on the housing list may be offered houses in other areas within South Hams and not necessary within the village. The Council feels that there is a need for some affordable homes within the Parish. The parish Plan showed that 27% supported between 6 and 10 houses and 25% supported 11 to 20 houses. Whilst 12% were prepared to accept more than 20 new dwellings only 3% were prepared to accept more than 40. 

3          Police Report – PC Marcel Pearse advised that a theft of change from an automated machine in the games room at Ramslade Holiday Park had occurred between 27/08/09 and 07/09/09.Also Theft of plants - occurred between 01/08 and 04/08 at Paignton Road, theft of a fuel can from boat - Creek House between 02/08/09 and 05/08/09,Assault ABH - Aish Road 21/08/09 (crime detected and resolved by youth restorative justice positive outcome) and Theft of electric fence components - East Farm, Waddeton, Brixham - 24/08 25/08. PC Pearse also advised that he was currently ordering "NO COLD CALLER" stickers for those who would like them In the meantime there had not had very many suspicious caller incidents in our policing area this year, and he felt this has reduced as a result of people being more vigilant and willing to challenge a caller's ID. He asked those present to inform any elderly or vulnerable residents of these forthcoming stickers. It was worth bearing in mind that the majority of Cold Callers are just trying to generate sales for legitimate companies. They may cause an annoyance to some, however it can be difficult to verify ID on the doorstep and displaying a sticker may deter them. They would be available soon from PCSO Paula Frain or me. Pc Pearse was asked about speeding drivers and advised that the police had carried out speed checks in the village advising drivers of their speed. He was aware of the complaints and advised that he would be carrying out further checks.

4          To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 27^th July 2009

            Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,

5          Matters arising from the Minutes – None

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

7          Reports from County and District Councillors – County Cllr Pennington advised that he was unhappy with the highway survey carried out by Midas Homes and he would arrange a separate survey. He also advised that from the sale of Exeter airport there was grant aid available for additional play equipment for the school and to assist the football club with their building project. District Cllr Rowe advised that there have been a number of LDF site option meetings and asked if the Council had now been invited to them. Cllr Robinson advised that although the |Council had not received a formal invitation it would be represented at the next meeting on October 8^th.

8          Planning

The following planning applications were considered at planning meeting, held on 1^st September 2009 and 28^th September. The following councillors were present at the first meeting: Hunt, Robinson, Ellis and Bridge and Cllr Lowe were present at the second meeting.

1)          Ramslade caravan Club – installation of 14 all weather pitches No objection. Cllr Hunt declared an interest.

2)         Little Penrose, Aish Road – bedroom extensions to rear & side of house, garden room and replacement of upvc windows            No objection

3)         Redway House, Coombe Shute – pruning of trees   No objection

4)         Pool Cottage, Mill Hill – Ground floor extension    No objection

5)         8 Yonder Meadow – erection of wooden building for family workshop No objection

6)         Holly Cottage, Hoyle lane – re-submission for porch extension and conversation of roof to form additional accommodation   No objection

7)         4 Mapledene Close – replacement of conservatory    No objection

2.      Waterside House, Byter Mill Lane– Extension to dwelling and new garage

3.      4 Long Rydon – erection of detached garage

4.      Field rear of 11 Yonder Meadow – addition of windows & roof light to store

5.      Dartside Quay, Galmpton – construction of new slipway

6.      Adams Orchard, Mill Hill – glazing to front porch and door

7.      Bowhay, Aish – loft conversion

8.      Little Penrose, Aish Road – bedroom extensions

Planning Applications refused by SHDC - None

Applications Withdrawn - None

Ongoing Applications – None

10        Hoyle Copse – Cllr Jones reported that he had cut the meadow.

            11        Highway and Hedgerow Matters  - Cllrs Robinson advised that he and Cllr Tarr had had a meeting with Area South Highway management concerning village parking restrictions. It had been agreed that a number of the requests made would be included in the TRO in October including wailing times outside the village hall and the Church House Inn. Cllr Jones proposed that a letter be written to SHDC advising them of the proposals and a request that the district stopped the issue of tickets until the new restrictions were in place. This was agreed. Cllr Tarr requested that items concerning the upkeep of the village be put on the agenda for the October meeting. He also requested that the Pre-School group be asked to ensure that the gate leading into the orchard be kept shut as it is at present wedged open. Cllr Bridge requested an update on the incomplete work on the Gabriel Court stone wall. Cllr Robinson advised that he had shown the Area Planning officer the site who had taken photographs and would pursue the matter with the owners. Cllr Jones advised that he had received a letter from British Telecom concerning the purchase of the red phone box in Aish and advised that he would report back at the next meeting. Cllr Jones also advised that the tree warden had agreed that the Ash Tree in the orchard could be removed. Cllr Tully reported that the road sign in Waddeton Road advising the unsuitability of large vehicles was still missing. The vice chair, Cllr Hunt, gave a vote of thanks to the Chairman for the way he had run the evenings meeting.   

12        Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Robinson advised that the war memorial bench had now been secured and that he and the Chairman would be attending a meeting with SHDC concerning the updating of the play ground and equipment in the orchard. It was agreed that all other business could be taken forward to next months meeting.

 

It was proposed by Cllr Ellis and seconded by Cllr Lowe to make these payments:

 

 

There being no other business the meeting closed at 10.00pm