A Meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 29th March 2010 at 7.00pm in the Village School Hall
Over 90 members of the public were present
Present: Mr R Tully (Chairman), Miss E Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Mrs C Hunt, Dr. R Johnson, Mr I Jones, Mrs J. Lowe, Mr J Robinson, Capt. B Tarr. In attendance: – County Cllr Pennington, District Cllr Rowe
1 Apologies. - None
2 Presentation – by Graham Swiss, SHDC Forward Planning Manager on Site Allocations (DPDs). Mr Swiss advised that the Totnes and Dartington Development Plan Document focussed on finding suitable sites for about 400 dwellings and 5 hectares of employment land to 2016. It would also aim to indicate suitable sites to meet needs up to at least 2026. The affordable housing target for sites to be allocated in Totnes is 55%. Regarding villages, consideration would be given for an allocation of 400 dwellings to be provided on suitable sites in sustainable villages up to 2016. Provision would also be made for the period up to 2026 and beyond. Mr Swiss confirmed that three proposed sites in Stoke Gabriel were Land Opposite Rowes Farm, Land at Paignton Road and Land South of Coombe Shute. Mr Swiss then answered numerous questions from those present.
3 Police Report – In his absence Cllr Robinson advised that PC Pearse reported that no crimes had occurred during the last month.
4 To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 22nd February 2010
Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
5 Matters arising from the Minutes – None.
6 Chairman’s Report – The Chairman advised that he had attended an event at Totnes Police Station together with Cllrs Ellis and Robinson. The purpose of this meeting was to learn about local policing and how the public can raise concerns with the police such as speeding, parking and other local issues. Cllr Tully reported that there was a scheme in place where members of the public could complete a card and send it to the local station. The police would then make contact and discuss any issues raised.
7 Reports from County and District Councillors – County Cllr Pennington advised that the decision to allow Exeter to become a unitary body had been referred to a Judicial Review. He also advised that the issue concerning an incinerator at Lee Mill had been referred to County Hall as consultees. District Cllr Rowe advised that there had been a lunch at Sharpham to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the A.O.N.B. A development forum had taken place for Noss on Dart and a workshop to review workings on grass cutting, street cleaning and waste management had also taken place. Training days for Development Management members are being arranged. A full Council meeting had been held to discuss LDF and DPD with reference to Salcombe and Kingsbridge and the building of an incinerator and associated land fill works at Lee Mill.
8 Planning
The following planning applications were considered at a planning meeting held on 29th March 2010 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Ellis, Bridge, Lowe and Robinson.
1. Tanglewood, Vicarage Road – conversion of workshop to create two storey dwelling and garage Objection. Not consistent with neighbouring properties.
2. Well Cottage, Port Bridge – demolish conservatory and erect extension. No objection
3. Sandridge Barton – Ground floor terrace. No objection. ( Cllr Ellis declared an interest)
4. S.G. Football Club – erection of floodlights to main pitch. Objection. Serious light pollution in an area of outstanding natural beauty and impact on neighbouring dwellings. ( Cllr Hunt declared an interest)
Planning Applications Granted by SHDC -
1. Highover, Hoyle Lane – demolish existing dwelling and erect new dwelling.
2. Stoke Gabriel Parish Church – Fell and coppice various trees.
Planning Applications refused by SHDC – None
Appeals Received by SHDC - – None.
Applications Withdrawn - None
Ongoing Applications Public inquiry to consider planning appeal Rowes Farm. Cllr Robinson advised that the appeal hearing would take place on Tuesday 25th May 2010 and would last for three consecutive days. Originally it was to be held in the Village Hall but there was some confusion over the venue. Since the meeting Cllr Robinson has been advised that the inquiry would be held in the village hall. This had been confirmed by Mr M. Lowe, senior planning officer at SHDC. It was agreed that the draft letter to the
Inspectorate previously circulated to all Cllrs should be sent. Cllr Robinson advised that he was still in discussion with SHDC over the loss of the Devon Bank at Lembury Barn and the Four Cross development
9 Items raised on behalf of the Clerk – A letter had been received from South West Water regarding Rosemount Villa apologising for the delay in completing the work in Paignton Road and advising that the brown pipe was installed by the builder working at Rosemount Villa. Cllr Robinson advised that on behalf of the Council he had signed the Heads of Agreement form for continued play area inspection and returned it to SHDC. He also confirmed that a letter had been sent to SHDC regarding empty homes in village. A letter had been received from the local Scout Group requesting advice on raising funds for their current project. Cllr Pennington advised that there were funds available and would pass the relevant forms to Cllr Robinson.
10 Hoyle Copse – Cllr Jones advised that good sessions had been carried out clearing and coppicing.
11 Highway and Hedgerow Matters - Cllr Ellis was concerned that the sign in Aish road was still missing. Cllr Pennington agreed to look into this issue. The grass verges in Barn Park and outside the Garden Centre had been damaged by lorries. Cllr Lowe raised concern over the use of the field opposite Ramslade Park by the football club and the amount of mud left on the road after a match. Cllr Tully agreed to have a word with the football club. Cllr Hunt praised SHDC for repairing the potholes in Coombe House Lane but was concerned by the two large holes at the White Hill end. A letter would be written to Torbay Council. Cllr Tarr also thanked Cllr Pennington for his input over the repairing of Coombe Shute but there were dangerous potholes at the top of School Hill. Cllr Pennington agreed to arrange repairs. Cllr Tarr requested that contact be made with DCC highways over the re-organising of the parking regulations. Cllr Tully reported that there were potholes at Waddeton Pool and outside Waddeton Court. Cllr Robinson advised that a letter had been received from Torbay Council advising that the Yalberton Road was regularly inspected and would be repaired within the next few days. Cllr Robinson advised that Flood Street would be closed from 14th June to 18th June for South West Water repairs. A diversion should be set up via New Road and Vicarage Road.
12 Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Jones raised concern over the lights at Ramslade Caravan Park and the fact that they were now lit up continually. It was agreed that a letter be written to SHDC. Cllr Bridge advised that the school was carrying out a Food for Life programme at the School to show pupils where their food came from. The school was encouraging parents and friends to have dinner at the school to encourage the pupils. Cllr Tully advised that the proposed affordable housing meeting would now not take place due to the commitments of members of SHDC over the forthcoming planning application appeal inquiry. Cllr Tarr advised that a meeting would be arranged with Steve mason of SHDC to arrange additional village cleaning work which would be carried out over one whole day each fortnight instead of the current half day a week. We would be able to list the various jobs to be carried out which would be monitored by Chris Lucas of SHDC.
13) Accounts–
To agree the following payment of accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Ellis and seconded by Cllr Lowe to make these payments:
Stoke Gabriel in Bloom – donation £ 500.00
Stoke Gabriel Village Hall – Hall hire x 1 £ 12.00
Next Meeting: Monday 26th April 2010 in the Village Hall
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.20pm