A Meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 27th September 2010 at 7.00pm in the Village Hall
26 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
The Chairman asked for a minutes silence to remember Clive Wigfall, a past member of the Council and Bill Weeks who worked for the Council for many years.
1 Apologies. - None
2 Police Report – Cllr Robinson reported that there had been two thefts of building materials, a theft of a fuel can from a dinghy and an affray during August.
3 To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 2nd August 2010
Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
4 Matters arising from the Minutes – None
5 Chairman’s Report – The Chairman reported that he had attended a presentation concerning the proposed developments at White Rock and expressed concern over this and other proposed development sites close to the Parish. He also expressed concern as to how the surface and drain water would be disposed of and although many dwellings were proposed there were insufficient jobs in the area to attract families moving into the area. The Chairman asked for agreement for the Council to join and support the CPRE, an organisation which sets out to protect the countryside. The annual membership fee would be only £ 29.00. Cllr Ellis proposed that the Council should join and this was seconded by Cllr Bridge with all members in favour.
6 Reports from County and District Councillors – Cllr Rowe advised that the newly appointed joint Chief Executive, Richard Sheard, would take up his post in December. Cllr Rowe pointed out that South Hams had an excellent recycling record. Discussions had taken place regarding the Mayoral review and the possibility of having an elected mayor similar to Torbay. Cllr Pennington asked whether the Parish had any wild life sites as this would help control the number of new dwellings proposed. He confirmed that he would look into this and report back at the next meeting. Cllr Pennington confirmed that he has agreed the new parking regulations proposed for the village and a fund had been moved forward to repair roads damaged during last winter’s bad weather. A survey of local winter grit bins has been produced. Cllr Robinson confirmed that he had received this together with a list of the present locations. This was passed to Cllr Tarr for updating and agreement. Cllr Pennington advised that due to Government savings the County grant would be cut by some 25% on the present budget. This may cause some redundancies and reductions in non essential activities such as sport and leisure and no further grants for playgrounds and equipment. Finally Cllr Pennington advised that the Secretary of State, Eric Pickles, intended to cut the red tape concerning street parties and road closures for carnivals to make it easier for organisers. Cllr Bridge proposed a vote of thanks to Cllr Pennington for his involvement with the Scout Group obtaining a grant towards the refurbishment of the Scout hut.
7 Planning
The following planning applications were considered at a planning meeting held on 27th September 2010 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Ellis, Bridge, Lowe and Robinson.
1 School Hill Cottages, – Alterations and extension to garden and terrace Cllr Lowe declared an interest. Deferral. Await site meeting
A site meeting was carried out on Tuesday 28th September at which the following Cllrs were present. Hunt, Ellis, Jones, Johnson and Robinson. After inspection of the site and proposed works it was agreed that this Council had No Objection to the application.
2 Holly Cottage, Hoyle Lane – Erection of bungalow in front garden Objection Visual and neighbour impact. Over development
3 Myrtle Cottage, Flood Street – Loft Conversion No objection
4 4 The Yeolands – Sky Dish No objection
5 Stoke House – Work on protected trees No objection
6 Yew Tree House. Mill Hill – Extension to form a conservatory Objection Visual impact from the River Dart and the Mill Pond
Planning Applications Granted by SHDC
1. Redway, Coombe Shute – three bay garage
2. Two Dart, Paignton Road – alterations to bungalow with single storey extension
3. Elm Cottage, Aish Road – erection of conservatory
4. Old Orchard Barn, Maddicks Orchard – alterations to roof
5. Orchard Lees, Vicarage Road – work on trees
6. Orchard Cottage, Waddeton – demolition and reconstruction of chimney
7. Tanglewood, Vicarage Road – Conversion of workshop to two storey dwelling
Planning Applications refused by SHDC
Bowhay, Aish – alteration of hip and ridge roof
Appeals Received by SHDC
Russells Barn, Lembury Road – failure to determine the planning application. Cllr Robinson advised that this appeal had now been determined and the appeal and granting of planning permission had been approved.
Applications Withdrawn -
1) Rhosneigr, Aish Road – alterations to dwelling
2) 11 Yonder Meadow – first floor accommodation
Ongoing Applications Cllr Robinson advised that he had attended a DPD Pre-Hearings Meeting on 21
September 2010 which was also attended by a number of Parishioners. During this meeting the District
Council was asked to formally confirm by the Inspector that the five Site Allocations DPDs have been:
Prepared in accordance with the statutory procedures;
Prepared in accordance with the Council’s Local Development Scheme;
Prepared in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement;
Supported by a sustainability appraisal; and prepared with regard to national policy and to the sustainable
Community strategy for the area.
The Council also confirmed that there are no fundamental procedural shortcomings with any of the 5
DPDs. When the Forward Planning Manager confirmed that the Community had been fully involved a loud murmur of disapproval emerged from the public sitting in the hall which indicated to Cllr Robinson that this Parish was not the only one that had not been fully involved in the process. Other points noted at the meting were the fact that although the village plan had been submitted to the District Council this was not mentioned in any reports, Affordable Housing needs do not meet the local needs and why is the District Council continuing with the old housing targets when the new Government intends to change the policies. Cllr Robinson advised that Peter Fenwick has agreed to speak at the hearing on day one, 2nd November on behalf of the village residents and Cllr Tully would also speak on behalf of the Parish Council. Cllr Robinson advised that he had attended a site meeting at Waddeton Barton Farm together with the Area Planning Officer and the planning consultant, Steven Bottomley to agree the final plans for the barn conversions.
8 Items raised on behalf of the Clerk – Cllr Robinson advised that playground and orchard work had commenced and should be completed by the end of October. Cllr Robinson asked for agreement to pay the invoices relating to the work on receipt of the grant money to cover the cheques without bringing them to the monthly Council meetings. This was agreed subject to the approval of the agents, Eden Design. A letter had been received from Stoke Gabriel in Bloom concerning the recent best kept village competition. It was learnt that the village received the same criticism as in previous years namely the state of the notice boards and grass cutting. It was agreed that arrangements would be made for the Council notice board to be tidied up. Pamphlets received from DCC concerning emergency procedures was passed to the Chairman and a survey report on salt/grit bins locations was passed to Cllr Tarr for updating and agreeing. Cllr Bridge advised that she had attended a recent emergency plan meeting at Follaton House.
9 Hoyle Copse – Cllr Jones advised that further work would begin soon with the annual grass cut. Miss Kummer had erected a gate between her land and the Copse and Cllr Jones praised her for the excellent job.
10 Highway and Hedgerow Matters - Cllr Robinson advised that he had received a letter from DCC concerning the state of the verges in Barn Park and the lack of slopes on the new pavements on Aish Road. The letter confirmed that the Highway Superintendent would inspect both locations. It was agreed that Cllr Pennington be given the correspondence for further action. A letter had been received from DCC concerning the grass cutting in the village and confirmed that DCC were happy for the Parish to carry out the grass cutting on their behalf. They will contact us again in the near future. Cllr Robinson also advised that he had received confirmation that the proposed parking regulation changes would be implemented and DCC would advise the timescale in due course. Cllr Ellis reported that there were a number of potholes on the road between Waddeton and Galmpton. Cllr Lowe asked if there was a standard to be maintained with regard to the grass cutting as the cut grass was not removed. It was agreed that it should be collected but this would involve additional costs. Cllr Bridge advised that the recently repaired wooden planking on the walkway around the Mill Pool had been damaged and was now dangerous. It was agreed to arrange for Dudley Holmes to affect a repair. Cllr Jones advised that the missing sign at Hoile Lane had been replaced but was at the wrong angle and would soon be damaged again.
11 Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Bridge advised that a Parish Diary was to be kept in the Stoke Gabriel Stores for the use of anyone organising a village event. It was reported that the area at Aish known as the Piggeries was continuing to be a dumping ground for rubbish and motor vehicles. It was agreed to write to the enforcement officer with a copy of the letter to Cllr Pennington. Cllr Jones advised that he had had a chat with Pam Wigfall who had asked for agreement to place a picnic table in the orchard in memory of Clive. This was agreed and Cllr Jones would make the necessary arrangements. A tree had blown down in the orchard and had now been cleared away. In recognition of collecting the apples in the orchard it was agreed that the Hunts would plant three new trees to replace those that been cleared away. Cllr Ellis asked for agreement to place a plaque on one of the new trees in memory of Bill Weeks and Cllr Jones asked for one in memory of Ted Cole. This was also agreed. Cllr Jones asked Neil Millward to report on works to be carried out in the Mill Point quarry. Mr Millward advised that a wooden staircase would be constructed so those using the quarry could make their way up to the Bibby Walk at high tide. Also the Hydro graphic office had adopted Stoke Gabriel to arrange for local tide tables to be prepared. Cllr Hunt advised that some apples had been collected from the orchard and the rest would be collected soon. Cllr Tarr requested that the Dart Harbour be advised of the proposed White Rock development and the effect of the surface water and sediment running into the Mill Pool and through their sluice gate into the river.
12) Accounts – Confirmation of completion of annual audit
Cllr Robinson advised that the second 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:
Plandscape – August orchard cut £ 98.17
J Robinson – Expenses £ 88.98
South Hams D.C. – Annual contribution towards play area inspection £117.50
It was also agreed to add the following and make payment:
Audit Commission – Annual Audit fee £ 158.63
CPRE – Annual subscription £ 29.00
Next Meeting: Monday 25th October 2010 in the Village Hall
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.35pm