A Meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 22nd February 2010 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall
14 members of the public were present
Present: Mr R Tully (Chairman), Miss E Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Mrs C Hunt, Mr I Jones, Mr J Robinson, Capt. B Tarr. In attendance: – County Cllr Pennington, District Cllr Rowe
1 Apologies. - Dr. R Johnson, Mrs J. Lowe
2 Police Report – In his absence Cllr Robinson read out the crime report received from PC Pearse.
There had been one reported crime during the month. The theft of speakers, parcel shelf and CD player from a parked car in Duncannon Lane.
3 To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 4th January 2010
Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
4 Matters arising from the Minutes – Page 370.Cllr Tarr raised the question of potholes in Coombe Shute. District Cllr Rowe reported that the security lights at Four Cross were still on all night.
5 Chairman’s Report – The Chairman read a letter from the Department for Communities and Local Government confirming that the Boundary Committee’s proposal for a unitary county council in Devon should not be implemented and the original proposal for a unitary Exeter should be implemented.
6 Reports from County and District Councillors – County Cllr Pennington advised that the county council decided to go for a Judicial Review over the decision to implement a unitary Exeter. He advised that the county council council tax would be increased by 1.89%. There were to be changes on how large infrastructures would be decided such as trunk road and wind farms. Cllr Pennington advised that he had received a letter of thanks from the local school regarding his involvement in implementing a grant for the play area and had received an invitation to attend the opening. Finally County Cllr Pennington confirmed that he would approve the proposals regarding new parking regulations within the Parish. District Cllr Rowe advised that the District council tax would rise by 2.9%. This increase was mainly due to the additional bus passes being issued and the fall in car park revenue. District Cllr Rowe advised that there were to be changes in the format of District Planning meetings. There would be an open forum in the morning followed by the main meeting in the afternoon. Finally District Cllr Rowe raised concern over the number of empty second homes in the Parish. It was agreed that a letter would be written to SHDC over this issue.
7 Planning
The following planning applications were considered at planning meetings held on 28th January 2010 at which the following councillors were present: Ellis, Bridge, Lowe and Robinson and 22nd February 2010 at which the following councillors were present: Ellis, Bridge, Hunt and Robinson.
1) Russells Barn, Lembury Road – Change of use to live/work unit Referral for site meeting. After a full council site meeting it was agreed to recommend refusal as the site was unsuitable for a dwelling - Objection
2) Hayes Barton, Vicarage Road – conversion of garage and alterations – No objection
3) Tamberley, Duncannon Lane – erection of porch No objection
4) Coombe Haven, Byter Mill Lane – Extension of existing balcony – No objection
5) Coombe View, Broad Path – erection of conservatory – No objection
6) The Yeolands – Change verge to hard standing for 4 cars ( on behalf of Tor Homes) – No objection
Planning Applications Granted by SHDC
1. Sandridge House – amendment to planning consent revised design of porches
2. Sweet Chestnut, Byter Mill Lane – reduce and crown chestnut tree
3. Russell Lea, Paignton Road – erection of single garage and single storey rear extension
4. Pool Cottage, Mill Hill – ground floor extension and balcony
5. Higher Well Nurseries, Broad Path – change of use of building to work shop
6. Higher Well Nurseries, Broad Path – temporary siting of mobile home
7. Starlings, Hillfield – dormer windows and internal alterations
8. Hayes Barton, Vicarage Road – conversion of garage and alterations
Planning Applications refused by SHDC - Rowes Farm, Midas Homes – development of 50 dwellings
Appeals Received by SHDC - – Midas Homes – David Kenyon, Area Planning officer SHDC advised the meeting that an appeal had been received from Midas Homes over the decision made concerning the proposed development at Rowes Farm, Aish Road. Mr Kenyon advised that there were three options as to how an appeal could be heard. They are: a written representation procedure, an informal hearing or a local inquiry. SHDC Planning and Building Control has requested that the Inspectorate consider holding an informal hearing which could be heard at a meeting held in the village hall. This would take the form of a round the table meeting with members of public, members of the SHDC Development Control Committee, representatives of the applicants being able to attend and would be chaired by the Inspectorate. Members of the public would be able to speak.
Applications Withdrawn
None
Ongoing Applications From points raised during the ten minute session the Chairman read a letter received from Graham Swiss, SHDC Forward Planning Manager in which it was stated that in certain communities further work and consultation needed to be carried out and any comments should have been made before 10th February 2010. The communities in question were not part of May/June 2009 consultation and Stoke Gabriel did not fall into this category. The final site allocation DPDs will be published towards the end of March or early April at which point there will be a six week consultation period. The Devon Inspectorate, on behalf of the Secretary of State will then visit all the sites in the summer when decisions will be made. County Cllr Pennington and District Cllr Rowe assured those present that the draft proposals can be changed before being sent to the Inspectorate. Mr Swiss has been invited to give a presentation at the Parish Council March meeting and this will be widely advertised. Mr Kenyon advised the meeting that the Parish Council together with Cllrs Pennington and Rowe had been very much involved in all issues over the last few months especially those concerning the Rowes Farm application and the LDF. The Chairman thanked Mr Kenyon for giving up his time to attend the meeting and for all his advice. The Chairman also thanked Cllrs Pennington and Rowe for their valuable input. Cllr Robinson advised that a letter had been received from SHDC confirming that some of the work being carried out at Kings Cottage had not been authorised. Contact had been made with SHDC concerning the removal of the Devon Bank at Lembury Barn which would be looked into.
8 Items raised on behalf of the Clerk –. Cllr Robinson advised that he and the Chairman had been invited to an informal meeting at Totnes Police Station. The wassail had been a great success despite there being two events in the area. A total of £ 1215.00 had been raised for the local Scouts and FOSS. Cllr Robinson noted that the Council had been advised of this event but as there was not a Council meeting in December it had not been minuted. It was agreed to ask the organisers to formally advise the Council before the November meeting. The proposed changes to the parking regulations had been posted and advertised in the local press. The proposed improvements and updating of the play equipment was ongoing and stage two application documents had been submitted.
9 Hoyle Copse – Cllr Jones advised that as the weather had been somewhat inclement no work had been carried out.
10 Highway and Hedgerow Matters - Cllr Ellis raised concerns over the length of time the road has been closed in Stoke Hill. The work should have been completed by 19th February. There were no lights around the work and the delay had caused inconvenience to local residents. It was agreed that letter of complaint would be written to South West Water. Cllr Tarr advised that the road to Sainsbury’s was becoming dangerous with potholes. Although this area was not within the Parish it was agreed that a letter be written to Torbay Council. Cllr Tarr also advised that some of the trees adjoining the orchard were causing problems and requested that contact be made with the owner. A quotation for 2010/2011 grass cutting contact had been received from the existing contractors indicating a small increase in costs. It was agreed that the contract should be renewed. Cllr Robinson advised that a letter had been received concerning a problem caused by surface water eroding a bank and producing an area of landslip within a garden in Mill Hill. Discussion took place regarding the recording and observance of the trees in the village orchard. A letter had been received from Mrs Hilary Brown who has volunteered to take over this role and it was agreed that her offer should be accepted. Cllr Hunt agreed to ask her son to assist with the recording of the unidentified trees. Cllr Tarr advised that he and Cllr Robinson would be meeting with Chris Lucas of SHDC concerning the state of the village on Tuesday 23rd February. Cllr Tully raised concern over the number of potholes on the Waddeton road.
11 Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Jones advised that progress was being made over the adoption of the Aish phone box. The supply of electricity would now be free of charge and BT would arrange to remove the phone equipment. Cllr Bridge advised that there was an abandoned motor vehicle in Yonder Meadow. Although the police have been informed the vehicle is taxed and at present nothing can be done, Cllr Ellis reported that a new Parish Lengths man had been appointed and she would arrange a meeting with him. Cllr Ellis was pleased to note that the cladding had been removed from the cottages at White Hill. Cllr Ellis was concerned about the attitude of some Parishioners over the recent police speed checks held in the village. The majority were however pleased that speeds were being monitored. Cllr Tarr raised concern over the contents of some containers stored in the garage of a property in Stoke Hill. It was agreed to write a letter to SHDC. District Cllr Rowe suggested the possibility of holding an open meeting concerning the housing needs within the Parish. It was agreed to arrange this and Monday 19th April was suggested as a suitable date. Cllr Robinson would liaise with David Kenyon and SHDC.
12) Accounts –
Cllr Robinson read out a letter from the Stoke Gabriel In Bloom Group requesting assistance with their expenses. Cllr Tarr advised that the normal amount donated was £ 250.00 but proposed that this should be increased to £ 500.00 on consideration that they cover additional areas. This was agreed by members of the group present and the proposal having been seconded by Cllr Hunt was agreed unanimously.
To agree the following payment of accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Ellis and seconded by Cllr Bridge to make these payments:
J. Robinson – post/stationery January – February 2010 £ 81.82
Stoke Gabriel Village Hall – Hall hire x 3 £ 36.00
R.I. Jones – purchase of new strimmer £ 366.60
Next Meeting: Monday 29th March 2010 in the Scholl Hall
It was agreed that Council meetings would be held on the following dates: 26th April, 17th May (to include the A.G.M.), 28th June and 19th July all in the village hall.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.25pm