A meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 25th July 2011 in the Village Hall
28 members of the public were present
Present: Mr R Tully (Chairman), Mrs C Hunt, Miss E Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Mr P. Fenwick, Mrs R. Garner, Mr I. Jones, Mr H. Rawlings and Mr J Robinson.
In Attendance County Cllr Trevor Pennington, District Cllr. R. Rowe and David Kenyon SHDC
Presentation by Nick Hodgson of Linden Homes regarding the progress of the construction at Rowes Meadow. Mr Hodgson advised that he met Cllrs Fenwick, Robinson and David Kenyon from SHDC regularly to discuss issues brought to their attention by Parishioners. He thought that these meetings were very constructive and many of the issues had been resolved. Mr Hodgson confirmed that 43 dwellings would be built over the whole site 15 of which would be affordable and there would be eleven for rent and four shared ownership. He advised that Tor Homes had already purchased these and they would be completed by April 2012. The question of height levels was discussed and Mr Hodgson confirmed that they were in accordance with the agreed plans. David Kenyon agreed to arrange for a SHDC building inspector to visit the site to confirm that all was in accordance with the plans. Regarding energy saving Mr Hodgson advised that no agreement had been reached with SHDC but the matter was on going. He confirmed that Linden Homes would work to the correct sustainability standards and these will be higher than what was required. Confirmation was advised that DCC Highways had agreed to scrap the idea of a Village Gateway but Linden Homes would seek a continuation of the 20 MPH along Aish Road. Regarding the management of hedgerows and open spaces Mr Hodgson confirmed that a management company would be set up. This would be paid for by an annual maintenance fee from the house owners. From the floor Mr Hodgson was asked to look into the fact that lights were left on all night in the new offices and the style of the false chimneys. Mr Hodgson confirmed that Rowes Meadow was only a sales name for the dwellings and when the construction is complete local field names would be used for street names etc. Mr Hodgson explained that he was very happy to answer questions and resolve issues and urged that these points were passed to Cllrs Fenwick or Robinson to be discussed at the regular meetings. The Chairman then thanked Mr Hodgson for giving up his time to talk to the Council.
Presentation by The Land Society regarding the formation of Stoke Gabriel Community Land Trust
Erica Lewis from the Land Society advised that the local Community Land Trust had been formed and that a member would give a presentation. Abigail McWhinney gave a detailed report on why the CLT had been formed and the wish for affordable houses to be built in the village. She explained that those who had signed up were young people with village connections who could not afford to buy property in the Parish but wished to either remain or move back to the village and provide the assurance that they could remain in the village long term. There were eight interested parties who had signed up. Cllr Fenwick raised the question of ownership of the dwellings as he understood that there would be 60% ownership with the other 40% owned by the Land Society. There would be an option to purchase a further 15% but the balance would still be owned by the Land Society. Erica Lewis understood that the balance would be owned by the members not the Land Society but this was contrary to that which was shown on the Land Society Business Plan Executive Summary. David Kenyon advised that he and members of the SHDC had met with the Land Society but had received no evidence of the previously requested housing need or any written support for the CLT. He also queried whether there would be a housing need bearing in mind the number of affordable houses being built by Linden Homes and the proposed building at the DPD site on Paignton Road after 2016. District Cllr Rowe urged those that were in need to ensure that they were registered on the correct SHDC housing list. The Chairman thanked Mrs McWhinney for her presentation.
The Chairman advised that the Council would now continue with the items on the agenda for the formal Parish Council meeting.
1 Apologies – None
2 Police Report – From a report received Cllr Robinson advised that criminal damage had occurred to a dwelling on 14th and one attempt of theft on 15th June. Both these cases were on going. Regarding a report about the welfare of individuals residing in a vehicle accommodation had been given to one party and the matter was continuing to be dealt with by several agencies. Cllr Robinson advised that with the warmer weather we should be more vigilant about closing windows and doors when the property was left unattended.
3 To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 27th June 2011
Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
4 Matters arising from the Minutes – Cllr Jones advised that under item 9 the Council had been requested to vote against the formation of a Federation of School Governors. Having looked into this issue
further he wished to change his mind as he considered this idea to be a good one which would secure our local school’s future.
5 Chairman’s Report - The Chairman had nothing to report other than those items to be discussed on the agenda.
6 Reports from County & District Councillors County Cllr Pennington advised that the Totnes residents parking scheme would be discussed at Follaton House on Friday. Cllr Ellis advised that in the past local residents could pay an annual fee to park. Cllr Pennington replied that this facility was no longer available. The possibility of purchasing either a tow or hand gritting machine was raised. The cost of a tow machine would be £ 1500 and a push machine £ 600. District Cllr Pennington was asked to look into this on behalf of the Council and consider if he could arrange for a push machine to be purchased out of his annual allowance. District Cllr Rowe advised that there was a Devon and Somerset super fast broadband plan for faster broadband by 2015 and super fast by 2020. She had attended a super cluster meeting on behalf of the Council where discussion took place regarding future links with other Parishes and possibly sharing resources such as grass cutting, street cleaning and car parks. It was suggested that a Link Officer be set up to attend Parish meetings. The Standard Board had now been disbanded but the question was what would take its place?
7 Reports from Sub-Committees Cllr Rawlings advised that a Communications Committee meeting had been held in the school on 13th July attended by Cllrs Rawlings, Fenwick and Garner and one member of the public. It was generally agreed that an opportunity for anyone to comment and make their ideas known was a good idea. It was agreed that an up-to-date website would provide a significant boost to communication within the parish and beyond. Those that should be targeted were Parish residents, visitors and people from outside the Parish, District and County Councils. This would include Brainstorming and references to other Parish websites and the Parish Plan which produced a list of nearly 50 potential considerations which could be broadly categorised into the following sections: Visitor information/Stoke Gabriel facts and figures, Parish Council, events (eg Carnival, panto), organisations (eg churches, school), clubs and societies, directory of services (useful contacts and business listings) and Stoke Gabriel notice board. It was agreed that this would be maintained by smaller groups to look after specific areas eg clubs and societies to keep their own areas updated. The website could generate income through advertising to help cover development and maintenance costs. It was agreed management options would be brought up at the next PC meeting together with an action plan which has been created with short, medium and long term goals. Cllr Rawlings proposed that the Council should take over ownership of the web site. This was seconded by Cllr Hunt. It was agreed that Cllr Robinson discuss this with the present web master. Cllr Fenwick reported on the on going developments. He advised that Cllr Robinson and he continued to meet informally every 2 weeks with Nick Hodgson of Linden Homes and Dave Kenyon, major projects officer, of South Hams to review and progress the ongoing development at Rowes Farm. Informal notes are issued after each meeting and anyone wanting copies should let him know. Traffic had improved with signs at all entrances to the village. There were still the odd issues which are being dealt with locally at first with the site manager. The Village gateway had now been scrapped and the 20mph speed limit would be pursued. Contrary to last month’s report 3 manhole covers were too high and the slab heights, plans and if and how they are signed off are being queried. The crusher is an issue, dust & noise or more Lorries but should not last more than one week. Regarding the Yalberton Valley Community Forum the Torbay LDF is due in September, however many e-mails have been received from this group. They have asked for our support in extending this to Dart Harbour, the Duchy, South Hams and anyone else who we think can influence this. Clearly there are more implications with respect to the number of houses likely to be built in the catchments area, global warming, higher tides etc. which could impact this. Cllr Fenwick proposed that the Parish Council should formally support this and write appropriate letters. This was agreed. Cllr Fenwick encouraged anyone interested to join this group. Cllr Tully advised that a new public house and a Premier Inn are being built and hoping to open in November and there are plans for further 220 houses to be built at the garden centre on Brixham Road.
8 Planning
The following planning applications were considered at a planning meeting held on 25th July 2011 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Ellis, Robinson, and Bridge. Cllr Tully was also in attendance.
1) 11 Orchard Way – Removal of Hawthorn hedge and replace with timber fence No objection
2) Millcroft, Aish – Bedroom in roof void with en suite bathroom No Objection
Cllr Hunt then left the meeting and a Pre application regarding Grove Orchard, Broadlieigh Farm was presented by Peter Swallow together with Richard Hunt. He advised that this was at the request of SHDC and that they would now be in a position to submit a formal Planning Application.
Planning Applications Granted by SHDC –
1. 11 Yonder Meadow – Increase of ridge height to front elevation with roof lights
Planning Applications refused by SHDC – None
Applications Withdrawn – None
Appeals Received by SHDC
1. Site adjacent to Old Mill Cottage, Mill Hill – conversion of redundant workshop to residential unit. This appeal would be heard by the Planning Inspectorate and all representations must be received 26th August 2011
2. Ongoing Applications – Still awaiting information.
9 Items raised on behalf of the Clerk - Cllr Robinson advised that a letter had been received from SHDC concerning emergency planning. The included snow and flood risks and assistance to vulnerable people. Cllr Bridge was the Cllr responsible for arranging assistance during any emergency and the letter was passed to her. Cllrs Garner and Robinson offered to assist Cllr Bridge with the task of setting up a local emergency plan. An e-mail had been received from Rebecca Gillmore regarding the sustainability grant funding for the orchard and requested agreement for activity days to be based in the orchard. This was agreed. Cllr Robinson advised that he had received a notice advising of a Polling District and Polling Places review. This notice would be placed on the Parish Notice board.
10 Hoyle Copse – Cllr Jones advised that the only work carried out during the last month was the removal of ragwort and clearing around newly planted trees. The new interpretation signs had been received and steel posts manufactured. It was hoped that these would be erected this week. The welcome sign on the Aish Road gate had been removed for cleaning and treatment and a no parking sign which had been fixed to the gate by persons unknown had also been removed. This gate and land belonged to the Parish Council and no signs should be put up without permission.
11 Highway and Hedgerow Matters – Cllr Jones advised that there still problems at the narrow entrance to Vicarage Road from School Hill and damage was being caused to the stone wall. Cllr Robinson would supply County Cllr Pennington with details. Cllr Jones was also concerned that a disabled bay had been sited at the top of School Hill and requested why this had been agreed. Cllr Robinson advised that it had been passed by DCC Highways. Cllr Pennington would be given details. Cllr Garner raised the issue regarding the hedge row at the approach to School Hill from the Old paper shop. A letter would be written to the land owner. Cllr Bridge again raised the question of parking out side the garage at Longcombe Cross. Cllr Pennington agreed to raise this with Berry Pomeroy PC. Cllr Ellis advised that cars were being parked adjacent to the dropped kerbs in Aish Road. She also requested consideration for signs to be erected warning motorists of horse riders. Cllr Pennington agreed to look into this. Cllr Ellis requested that the area beyond Byter Mill Lane towards Port Bridge be tidied up. Cllr Robinson advised that there are to be two road closures. The section opposite Rowes Farm in Aish Road would be closed from Monday 29th August to Friday 9th September 2011 and Vicarage Road from the old Vicarage to Dartlands from Monday 17th October to Wednesday 19th October 2011.
12 Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Bridge advised that young children had broken into the Gabriel Court Hotel where drink was being stored and the swimming pool is still full of water despite repeated advice to the owners. Cllr Jones wished to congratulate the Boating Association on the excellent steps that had erected at Mill Point.
13 Accounts
To agree the following payment of accounts
It was proposed by Cllr Fenwick and seconded by Cllr Garner to make these payments:
J Robinson – Expenses £ 22.22
Plandscape – June grass and verge cutting £ 181.27
Stoke Gabriel Village Hall – Hall hire x 3 £ 39.00
Enigma Signs – Signs for Hoyle Copse £ 315.50
Nick Allday – posts for the above signs £ 57.60
There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.05pm
Next Meeting: Monday 26th September 2011 in the Village Hall.