A Meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 29th November 2010 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall
21 members of the public were present
Present: Mr R Tully (Chairman), Miss P Ellis, D. 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 Police Report – Cllr Robinson stated that a report had not been received.
3 To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 25th October 2010
Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
4 Matters arising from the Minutes –Referring to item 8 Cllr Lowe advised that she had contacted Mr Lovesey who had agreed to make new signs for the main gate and the small gate into the orchard. Cllr Bridge wished to thank both the owner of Rosemount and Cllr Jones for clearing away the overhanging brambles in time for the Remembrance Day parade.
5 Chairman’s Report – A point was raised during the 10 minute session by Ms Helen Kummer regarding the statement made to her by the Chairman during the October Parish Council meeting and the way it had been recorded in the minutes. Ms Kummer stated that she considered that the statement was inappropriate and the Chairman had abused his position. Ms Kummer then read out a statement. The Chairman then apologised to Ms Kummer and requested that this should be minuted. The Chairman reported on the recent DPD hearing held at Follaton House where the Inspectors heard representations from Lee Bray and Graham Swiss, SHDC forward planning team and members of the Parish. Cllr Tully pointed out that the main concern was the total lack of communication with South Hams DC regarding the DPDs. South Hams DC had stated that notices had been put in libraries, something that the village does not have, in the Western Morning News, of which only 30 copies are sold daily from the Post Office and although the Parish Plan was prepared and submitted to South Hams DC this document was not referred to. Cllr Tully suggested that this showed total lack of community involvement and views. He was also concerned how South Hams had reduced the number of sites within the Parish to only 3 without an audit trail. Why was it that four villages in South Hams wanted housing but had been excluded by South Hams DC? The forward planning team were pushing the village because of the school, shop and public house but did not wish to take into account important issues such as A.O.N.B., the road network, sewage system and the River Dart wildlife corridor and footpath network. South Hams had stated that the village is the third largest in the area and had an excellent bus service which is totally incorrect. The Chairman then paid thanks to Michael Webster, Robin Teague, Peter Fenwick, Charles Caudle, Becky Garner and Cllr Robinson together with all other helpers for their input and advice during the hearings. Cllr Hunt then asked for a vote of thanks to the Chairman for all the work and input he had made. The Chairman advised that Midas had invited certain stakeholders and interested parties to a “one to one” briefing last Wednesday. The Parish Council had also been invited and eight Councillors attended along with David Kenyon, South Hams senior planning officer and District Cllr Rose Rowe. Midas had advised that they had made some alterations to the option B plan and gave each Cllr a copy of the new plan together with a list of proposed alterations. The Council was mindful that others would be discussing new proposals with Midas and the Council asked Midas to submit to it an updated list of all new proposals within ten days. Midas agreed to do this and on receipt of the list the Council will meet and discuss the proposals and consider if they are acceptable in principle. The Council will then arrange for a December Council meeting to be held with a condensed agenda to include the Midas proposal. At this meeting the Council would like to hear the views of the public and the Chairman requested that a small number of representatives would be invited speak giving the views of any groups or sections of the Parish.
6 Reports from County and District Councillors – Cllr Rowe advised that life at South Hams DC appeared to revolve round the budget and all groups were working towards setting the budgets and the Council Tax for the 2011/2012. Most households should have received the new South Hams magazine which has replaced the previous one. This was a joint issue with Devon CC and will save £ 20,000 in the next year divided between the two Councils. There is much information contained in the magazine and the Parishioners were urged to respond to the questionnaire on page 13 which concerns local services. On page 21 of the magazine there is a picture and write up of the new play area which received a grant of £ 50,000 from the Groundwork Community Spaces grant. Cllr Rowe wished to thank Rebecca Gilmore and her team for all the effort and hard work which was put in getting this amazing new play area for the village. Other villages who have benefited from similar grants were Aveton Gifford, Loddiswell, South Brent, Kingston, Wembury and areas in Totnes and Kingsbridge. South Hams DC continues to score highly with recycling. Vulnerable people are part of the community and we must make sure that they able to cope particularly in this cold weather. Cllr Rowe advised that there are still packages available for loft and cavity wall installation for householders who have an income of less than £ 18,000, over 60 or receive income benefit. For further information one should ring 08005 12012. A parish Cluster meeting is to be held in January 2011 at Follaton House. Finally Cllr Rowe advised that South Hams DC considered that Stoke Gabriel Parish Council is one of the best run Parish Councils in the district. County Cllr Pennington advised that the Government Revenue Support grant to Devon CC would be reduced by 28% over the next four years which would mean that the County would need to find annual savings of at least 7% each year. If the County was prepared to freeze the Council tax the Government would increase the County grant by £ 8 million which would equate to a 2.5% increase. Cllr Pennington advised that the total County Council expenditure was currently £ 1.890 million per annum of which £ 323 million was funded by Council tax, £ 147 million from fees and charges and the remaining balance from various Government grants so it could be seen that the bulk of County expenditure was funded by the Government grant. It is predicted that future spending on schools, libraries and highways improvements would be reduced over the next four years. The 2011/2012 budget will be determined in February when the final Government grant will be known. Cllr Pennington advised that he had written to the Transport Co-Ordination Service Manager concerning the proposed termination of the Stoke Gabriel to Paignton bus service. He advised that there were three services whose contracts would be due for renewal in April and May next year. The village service is partially funded by grants of £ 37,974 per year and the present contractor had given notice that the service would cease from 2nd April 2011. Cllr Pennington advised that he was concerned that with the present financial position no guarantee could be given that the service is safe from the danger of withdrawal. From a question from the floor Cllr Robinson confirmed that he had advised the DPD hearing Inspector of this and that South Hams DC had been given two weeks to respond. Cllr Bridge proposed a vote of thanks to Cllr Pennington for his involvement with obtaining a grant to fund the new play equipment at the Primary school. The Chairman also thanked Cllr Pennington for his considerable involvement with parish issues.
7 Presentation by Duncan Passmore and Don Lang from Transition Homes - Mr Lang explained that Transition Homes was a Totnes Housing project with the ability to build affordable homes for those young people with school children who were unable to afford the local prices and found obtaining a mortgage a problem. This was basically self build. Enrolment onto a course would be necessary which would train those interested to build their own house in stages. A deposit of between £5k to £ 10k would be required and the cost of the land and course fee would come from this payment. Design would be simple and local materials would be used. A Community Land Trust would have to set up which could purchase land which would not viable for a developer. Small parcels of land which would accommodate a small number of dwellings could be obtained. Once purchased the dwellings would not be able to be sold off at a profit and 40% would be owned by the Land Trust. These dwellings would only be available to those on low pay and who live locally. Mr Lang advised that new Government regulations were expected to be in place by April 2011 but would require planning and building regulations. One of the main stumbling blocks was the availability of land and in order for this project to be viable the cost of each plot should be no more than £10,000 but ideally gifted to encourage young families to remain in the village. Mr Passmore and Mr Land asked the village to support the idea of a Community land Trust. The Chairman then thanked Mr Passmore and Mr Lang for their time and presenting a very interesting idea to the village.
8 Update on Orchard work and Playground Rebecca advised the meeting that the orchard play area development was almost completed and a snagging meeting would be held on Tuesday 30th November. Cllr Robinson agreed to attend. The safety inspection was due very soon and the area would then be open to the public. Rebecca also advised the Council that she had the opportunity to apply for a sustainability grant which could cover such expenses as the purchase of a pop up marquee to be used in connection with functions held in the orchard, nature days, school days and the purchase of specialised equipment to be used for the upkeep of the orchard and also for training days. It was agreed that Rebecca should apply for this grant and further ideas of how to use the grant would be discussed. The Chairman, on behalf of the Council thanked Rebecca for all her hard work and input into this project.
9 Planning
The following planning applications were considered at a planning meeting held on 29th November 2010 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Ellis, Bridge Lowe and Robinson.
1) The Buntings, Duncannon Mead – demolition of existing house and construction of new house and garage No objection
2) Crownley, Lembury Road – variation to planning permission 52/2292/05/F No objection
3) 4 Rydon Acres – renewal of extant householder consent for alterations to roof No objection
4) Barn at Yarde Farm - renewal of extant application 2007 to convert 2 barns to holiday units
No objection
5) Aish Cross House, Aish – Conversion of garden store to form holiday cottage No objection
Planning Applications Granted by SHDC
1. Bowhay, Aish – alteration of hip and ridge roof
2. Yew Tree House, Mill Hill – extension to form a conservatory
3. Long Hay, Paignton Road – crown tulip tree
4. Mariners Cottage, Mill Hill – replacement of back door and 2 windows ( certificate of lawfulness)
5. Stoke Gabriel House – work to Sycamore tree
Planning Applications refused by SHDC - None
Appeals Received by SHDC - None
Applications Withdrawn - Old Mill Cottage – Mill Hill – conversion of workshop to holiday accommodation
Ongoing Applications - None
10 Items raised on behalf of the Clerk – Cllr Robinson advised that a letter had been received from Torbay Council regarding the proposed development of Torquay Harbour. A letter had been received from Totnes Citizens Advice Bureau explaining how they needed additional funds to deal with over 9,000 client enquiries and the fact that Government cuts would affect their grant aid. Cllr Robinson advised that for the past two years the Council had donated £ 100.00 each year. Cllr Tarr proposed that in view of Government cuts the Council should donate £ 150.00 this year. This was agreed unanimously and it was also agreed that the cheque should be raised under item 15 of the agenda. A letter had been received from South Hams DC regarding a village housing initiative plan. This was passed to Cllr Bridge. Cllr Robinson reminded the Council that during the recent DPD hearing South Hams DC had insisted that letters had been sent to all Town and Parish Councils regarding the various cluster meetings over the past two years. Although Cllr Tully, at the hearing, had stressed that this Council had not received the letters, a matter that was confirmed by County Cllr Pennington and District Cllr Rowe, South Hams were insistent that they had been sent. Cllr Robinson advised the Council that since the previous Clerk had resigned all letters addressed to “The Parish Council” were posted through his door. He also had received correspondence addressed to the two previous clerks which had also been delivered to him. Cllr Robinson confirmed that he had received by e-mail a letter addressed to all Town and Parish Clerks advising of a cluster meeting due to be held on Tuesday 18th January 2011. A letter had been received from Stoke Gabriel in Bloom requesting a meeting to inspect the village to identify problem areas. It was agreed that both Cllrs Tarr and Robinson would meet them and request that Steve Mason from SHDC would also attend. The Hon. Secretary of SG in Bloom had congratulated the Council on sprucing up the Parish notice board and requested that a letter be written to the Cricket Club requesting that their board is also spruced up. This was agreed. The Chairman advised the meeting that he had received a letter from a Parishioner who had suffered a fall on a rough part of Paignton Road. They had written to DCC and had received a reply from the County’s insurers advising that they did not consider that the County Council had been in breach of their statutory duties
11 Annual Footpath Inspection Cllr Robinson reminded the Council that the annual footpath inspection was due. Cllr Jones agreed to do Aish Road to Coombe House Lane, Hoile lane to S.E. of Aish House and Hoile Lane to Unclassified Country Road. Cllr Johnson will do Duncannon Lane to the Quay and Duncannon Lane to Stockham Pool. Cllr Robinson – Broadpath to Four Cross Lanes, Cllr Tully – Port Hill to Galmpton Creek and Cllr Ellis agreed to do Vicarage Road to Flood Street.
12 Hoyle Copse – Cllr Jones advised that the team had a new member and encouraged others to volunteer. Work had started on the footpath and clearance of scrubby trees. Cllr Jones advised that the tree warden would be carrying out a survey in the Copse.
13 Highway and Hedgerow Matters - Cllr Bridge advised that the new road surface on Aish Road was very slippery when wet. Cllr Ellis asked what progress had been made regarding the verges in Barn Park. Cllr Robinson advised that Devon Highways had agreed to replace the verge marker posts and re-level the rutting on the verges and that the work would be carried out during this financial year. Cllr Robinson advised that the waiting areas outside the Village hall and the Church House inn had been updated to show the new waiting times and other work would be completed in the near future.
14 Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Ellis reminded the Council that the path from Coombe Shute under shore to the quay was not owned by the Council although complaints had been received concerning safety. Cllr Tarr proposed that the area should be repaired at the Council’s cost and a sign erected advising those using the path do so at their own risk. It was agreed that Cllr Jones should contact T & J Builders and obtain a quote. Cllr Jones agreed to do this and advised that he had received a quote for £ 350.00 from the builders to relay concrete slabs as a base for the two new benches and the proposed picnic table area in the Orchard. Cllr Tarr proposed that this should be carried out with all in favour. Cllr Bridge advised that the weather station on the quay was not working and Cllr Robinson agreed to contact Neil Millward. Cllr Bridge advised that she was still putting together a village emergency plan. District Cllr Rowe advised that with the present uncertain weather this was a most important issue and encouraged Cllr Bridge to continue with the good work.
15) Accounts –
To agree the following payment of accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Tarr and seconded by Cllr Jones to make these payments:
Village Hall – October/November Hire £ 24.00
J Robinson – Expenses £ 86.93
D. Holmes – Varnish notice board and replace cork backing £ 5.00
Major Ron Goodwin – Parish poppy wreath £ 17.00
Plandscape – November orchard cut + hedge £ 244.12
From item 10 – Totnes C.A.B. donation £ 150.00
Cllr Tarr reminded the meeting that the precept for 2011/2012 was due to be agreed and advice given to South Hams DC before 14th January 2011.
As minuted in the Chairman’s report a December meeting of the Council would be arranged when the final list of updates had been received from Midas Homes Ltd.
There being no other business the Chairman closed the meeting closed at 9.55pm.