A Meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 26th April 2010 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall
12 members of the public were present
Present: Mr R Tully (Chairman), Miss E Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Mrs C Hunt, Mrs J. Lowe, Mr J Robinson, Capt. B Tarr.
1 Apologies. - Dr. R Johnson, Mr I Jones, County Cllr Pennington, District Cllr Rowe
2 Police Report – Sgt. Sally Craxford attended the meeting and advised that our beat manager, PC Marcel Pearse, had transferred to a new position in Torbay. She hoped that the post would soon be filled but in the meantime PCSO Shaun Barker would submit the monthly crime reports and PCSO Paula Frain would continue to patrol the Parish. Sgt. Craxford reported that there had been one crime in April that of the theft of a child’s scooter from Duncannon lane.
3 To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 29th March 2010
Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
4 Matters arising from the Minutes – None
5 Chairman’s Report – The Chairman had nothing to report other than those items to be discussed on the agenda.
6 Reports from County and District Councillors – Cllr Robinson advised that he had spoken to both County Cllr Pennington and District Cllr Rowe who confirmed that they had nothing to report.
7 Planning
The following planning applications were considered at a planning meeting held on 26th April 2010 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Ellis, Bridge, Lowe and Robinson.
1) Home Farm, Waddeton – alterations and extension to dwelling No Objection
2) Kings Cottage, Paignton Road – retrospective permission for external garden steps Objection Out of keeping for such an old property, the stone should be laid on its natural bed, and this application is against the advice of the Conservation Officer.
3) 9A Body Hayes Close – single storey extension No Objection
Planning Applications Granted by SHDC
1. S.G. Football Club – erection of floodlights for main pitch
2. Tamberly, Duncannon Lane – erection of porch
3. Four Cross Units, Paignton Road – sale of liquid petroleum gas
4. Coombe View, Broad Path – erection of conservatory
5. Coombe haven, Byter Mill Lane – extension of balcony
6. Verge opposite 1-11 The Yeolands – hard standing for four cars
Planning Applications refused by SHDC - None
Appeals Received by SHDC – None
Applications Withdrawn - Tanglewood, Vicarage Road – conversion of workshop to two storey dwelling
Ongoing Applications Cllr Robinson confirmed that the Public inquiry to consider the planning appeal
for Rowes Farm would be heard in the Village Hall commencing on Tuesday 25th May and should last
for three days.
8 Items raised on behalf of the Clerk – Cllr Robinson advised that a letter had been received from Torbay confirming that Coombe House Lane would be resurfaced in the near future. The Aish end of this lane had already been resurfaced by South Hams. A letter had been received from Stoke Gabriel in Bloom thanking the Council for their grant and support. A letter had been received from SHDC re empty homes in village. They advise that according to their Council Tax records there are only 10 empty homes in the Parish. Cllr Robinson advised that the grant application for the improvement to the orchard and play equipment had been approved for the full amount of £ 49,999.00. Cllr Hunt asked for a vote of thanks to Rebecca Gillmore for all her hard work and effort with this project.
9 Hoyle Copse – In his absence the Chairman read a letter received fromCllr Jones in which he advised that good progress had been made during the winter months. The woodland glades have been cleared of brambles and other growth and the quarry floor had received attention. Coppicing of an area of Hazel had also been carried out which has revealed some good feature Oak trees. Although some of work may appear drastic Cllr Jones advised that on advice from several organisations it had been recommended that attempts should be made to encourage renewal of the areas formally occupied by Hazel but through lack of management had become overgrown and populated by Ash and scrub. He hoped to establish a seven year rotation cycle of coppicing of these Hazel areas. Finally Cllr Jones thanked the Hoyle Copse gang for all their hard work and enthusiasm during the past winter and welcomed to two new recruits.
10 Highway and Hedgerow Matters - Cllr Tarr advised that Devon Highways had received many objections to the proposed new parking regulations and was concerned that no changes would be made including the waiting times outside the Village hall. Cllr Lowe raised concern over the number of potholes in Flood Street. Cllr Lowe also advised that the Council sign on the lower entrance gate into the orchard was in need of repair. It was agreed that this would be done when the orchard work commences. Cllr Lowe wished to thank whoever had renovated the duckboards on the banks of the millpond, as it had improved walking and access around the Millpond. Cllr Ellis asked if we had been advised of a road closure in Paignton Road. The Council was advised that no advice had been received. Cllr Tully raised concern over the potholes on the Waddeton to Galmpton Road.
11 Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Tarr advised that the annual accounts had been prepared and audited by Ian Potham. It was proposed by Cllr Tarr and seconded by Cllr Ellis that the accounts should be submitted to the Audit Commission and Cllr Tully and Cllr Robinson signed the Annual Return form. Cllr Bridge advised that the Food for Life project she started at the school was progressing well and she had entered the school for an edible garden project which would show the children where their food came. Cllr Bridge asked for volunteers for this project. Cllr Ellis raised concern that the Gabriel Court swimming pool was still full of water and was unprotected as there was no fence or cover and the area was easily accessible to the public. A letter would be written to SHDC. Cllr Ellis had been advised that rats were becoming a nuisance in the Town Well area of Paignton Road. It was recommended that those concerned should contact the Environmental Health office at Follaton House. Cllr Ellis asked if a plaque was to be erected in Hoyle Copse in memory of Miss Birch who had left the area to the Parish. Cllr Robinson advised that the Parish paid for web hosting and the domain name for the Parish website. Whilst he was happy that local organisation and associations should have use of the site there were a number of businesses who advertised on the website. Cllr Robinson proposed that a small charge should be made for these adverts to cover the cost of running the site and Cllr Tarr seconded this proposal and suggested a charge of £ 10.00 should be made. This was agreed and Cllr Robinson would write to those concerned.
12) Accounts–
Cllr Robinson advised that the first instalment of the annual precept had been received.
To agree the following payment of accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Tarr and seconded by Cllr hunt to make these payments:
Blacksnow Web Design – Annual web hosting until 6/4/2012
One hours tuition £ 127.99
Devon Playing Fields – Annual Subscription £ 35.00
Came & Co – Annual insurance renewal £ 605.87
Next Meeting: Monday 17th May 2010 in the Village Hall
This Council meeting would be preceded by the Annual General Meeting
It was agreed that the Parish Council would discuss its involvement in the forthcoming appeal at the A.G.M.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 7.55pm