The First Meeting of the new year of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 17th May 2010 in the Village Hall
11 members of the public were present
Present: Mr R Tully (Chairman), Mrs C Hunt, Miss E Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Mr I. Jones, Mr J Robinson, Capt, B Tarr
In Attendance County Cllr T. Pennington, District Cllr. R. Rowe
1 Apologies – Dr. R. Johnson, Mrs J Lowe,
2 To elect Chairman and Vice Chair – It was proposed by Cllr Tarr and seconded by Cllr Ellis that Cllr Tully be Chairman for the following year. This was carried unanimously. It was proposed by Cllr Tarr and seconded by Cllr Ellis that Cllr Hunt be Vice Chair for the following year. This was carried unanimously. Cllr Tully thanked the Councillors for their support and for the honour of being Chairman for another year.
3 To consider formation of Committees – It was agreed that both the planning and finance committees continue without change.
4 Police Report – Sgt Sally Craxford and PSCO Paula Frain both attended the meeting and the Chairman thanked them for their time and support. Sgt. Craxford advised that there had been no reported crimes during the month. She also advised that a new beat officer had been appointed. PC Nick Talbot, presently stationed at Dartmouth hoped to start on 1st June and would attend the next Council meeting. Finally Sgt. Craxford advised that the Devon & Cornwall Police were carrying out a station enquiry office review concerning opening times of Totnes police station. She asked for comments and suggested opening times to be relayed by way of forms which she left with the Council. No decisions would be made until the end of the year.
5 To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 26th April 2010
Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
6 Matters arising from the Minutes – None
7 Chairman’s Report - The Chairman had nothing to report other than those items to be discussed on the agenda.
8 Reports from County & District Councillors
County Councillor Pennington advised that following the change of Government Exeter would not become a unitary body. The Council and budget for DCC had been agreed and a net increase in the budget for 2010/2011 was £ 9,937000.00. The band D Council Tax had increased by £ 21.69 the lowest in 30 years. The County Highways budget had also increased by £ 3.9 million. The DCC Highway Superintendents were now carrying out programmed safety inspections across the entire road and footway network over the next six months and orders for repair of safety defects to be carried out by South West Highways. Pothole gangs will “scout” the network on a rolling programme two weeks in advance of safety inspections. A further recent Government grant of £ 3.63 million for roads and repairs had been made. Brian George, Chief Highway Officer South had reported that because highway budgets had been under funded for 20 years, bitumen begins to oxidise which is one of the causes for poor repairs to potholes. Cllr Pennington advised that other budgets included £ 250,000.00 for support for flood prevention, £ 20,000.00 to further support the Citizens Advice Bureau and major streamlining and merging of departments would also save money. District Cllr Rowe advised that many of last years problems appeared to still be with us. The first full District Council meeting had recently been held with new Chairman John Bavistock overseeing. Cllr Rowe also added her concern about travellers who had been based on Hamlin Way. She had contacted Torbay Council to suggest a Council Order for the whole of the Bay but was advised that this would not be possible.
9 Midas Appeal and L.D.F. The appeal was due to start on Tuesday 25th May and could last three days. Cllr Tarr advised the meeting that parking immediately outside the village hall would be for the Inspectorate and their staff. It was agreed that the Council would take the lead concerning making people aware of the South Hams rural Areas Site Allocations Development Plan Document and its effect on the village. A “drop in” session had been arranged for Tuesday 1st June in the village hall between 4pm and 9pm. Posters would be prepared together with a newspaper insertion. Cllr Robinson advised that he had received contact from the Chairman of the South Hams Society expressing their concerns over the way the Site Allocation Document had been completed. Cllr Robinson advised that he would contact the Chairman and discuss whether the two Councils could get together.
10 Planning
The following planning applications were considered at a planning meeting held on 17th May 2010 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Robinson, and Bridge. Cllr Ellis had previously seen the planning applications and had instructed Cllr Robinson to convey her views.
- Stoke Leigh, Flood Street – Car parking area No Objection
- Bowhay, Aish – Extension to form new kitchen No Objection
- Hillside Cottage, Coombe Shute – Alterations and extension to dwelling Objection Un neighbourly effect on adjacent residential properties by virtue of a dominating and overshadowing effect.
Planning Applications Granted by SHDC - None
Planning Applications refused by SHDC - None
Applications Withdrawn - None
Appeals Received by SHDC None
11 Items raised on behalf of the Clerk
Cllr Robinson advised that he had received a request for the Mayor of Totnes to wear their chain of office at the forthcoming Annual Art Exhibition of Stoke Gabriel. This was agreed. A letter had been received from South Hams DC advising that letters had been sent to the owners of potentially empty dwellings inviting them to complete and return a postal survey form. .
12 Highway and Hedgerow Matters – Cllr Tarr reported that on the request of the Chair of the Pre School he had arranged for the poisonous weeds in the play area to be cut and destroyed. Cllr Tarr advised that he and Cllr Robinson had met with Steve Mason, Area Supervisor Environment Services, concerning the upkeep of the village and hoped that the service would now improve. The District had recently purchased 3 mechanical sweepers which would be used in and around the village. Finally Cllr Tarr raised concern over the dumping of top soil in the old V & A car park. Cllr Robinson advised that the owner of the land was landscaping their garden in the village and the soil had been temporarily dumped but much of it would be returned the garden on completion of the landscaping. The remainder would be laid on the grass area where it would bed down. Cllr Jones reported that the “unsuitable for vehicles” sign at Hoyle Lane, Aish had gone missing and the Aish sign in Aish had also disappeared.
13 Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Ellis advised that the hedge alongside Four Cross Units had been cut outside the permitted time. Cllr Robinson advised that he had written to South Hams DC on a number of occasions regarding Four Cross Units issues but had not received replies to his letters or e-mails. District Cllr Rowe suggested writing a letter to Stephen Munday with a copy to the Chief Executive. Cllr Bridge advised that she was concerned that Lembury Barn was now being lived in although permission for the change of use had not been determined. District Cllr Rowe advised had she and Cllr Robinson had met the owner and discussed the issue with him. The owner advised that the Case Officer had assured him that there would be no problem but as the case had been going on since 24th December he had lodged an appeal against the delay which was still to be determined. It was agreed that a letter be written to South Hams detailing the concerns of the Council.
14 Accounts
To agree the following payment of accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Ellis and seconded by Cllr Bridge to make these payments:
Devon Association of Local Councils – Annual subscription £ 259.43
John Robinson - Expenses 1st March 2010 to 17th April 2010 £ 60.28
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.45pm
Next Meeting: Monday 28th June 2010 in the Village Hall.
The Chairman advised that there may be a need for an interim meeting concerning the L.D.F. issue.