A meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 26th September 2011 in the Village Hall
18 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 H. Rawlings and Mr J Robinson.
In Attendance District Cllr. R. Rowe
Presentation by Rob Giles, Dart Harbour Master regarding Stoke Gabriel pontoon improvements
The Chairman welcomed Mr Giles to the meeting. Mr Giles advised the meeting that he had been Harbour Master for just one year and felt very proud and honoured to be based in such a lovely location. He advised that he was responsible for the full length of the river from Froward Point at the sea end to Totnes Weir and there were over 1600 moorings located on the river. The Harbour Master was pleased to report that the pontoon at the quay was due to be replaced with a new composite metal pontoon with low grating and strong grippy surface. The new pontoon would be slightly wider than the original with 8m sections and good buoyancy. The new pontoon would cover the same footprint ass the original. Tenders had already been requested and Mr Giles hoped that the new pontoon would be in place by the end of March or early April 2012.There would be more room at the seaward end for visiting dinghies and it was hoped that the Dittisham ferry would recommence its service. Cllr Ellis asked the Harbour Master if there was a speed limit on the river and was advised that it was 6 knots covering the full length.
1 Apologies – Mr I. Jones
2 Police Report – From a report received Cllr Robinson advised that during August three caravans had been broken into and a male had been charged for driving whilst disqualified.
3 To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 25th July 2011
Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
4 Matters arising from the Minutes – None
5 Chairman’s Report - The Chairman reported about the White Rock Development and the possible impact on the village. Cllr Tully suggested that Mark Tyrell of Deeley Freed Estates Ltd should attend a Parish Council meeting to update the Council on this massive development which Mr Tyrell states will have little or no input on Stoke Gabriel. Cllr Fenwick stated that he thought there were two further sites under consideration. It was agreed by all that the Chairman should contact Mr Tyrell and invite him to the next Council meeting.
6 Reports from County & District Councillors District Cllr Rowe advised that County Cllr Trevor Pennington has been unwell and the Council wished to send him their best wishes. Cllr Rowe advised that SHDC had not met during August but a full District Council had been held last week. Tor Homes are discussing proposals to amalgamate with Devon and Cornwall Housing. The Environment Scrutiny Panel will be considering a proposal to recommend placing solar panels on parts of Follaton House.
7 Reports from Sub-Committees Cllr Fenwick reported that Cllr Robinson and he continued to meet informally every 2 weeks with Nick Hodgson of Linden Homes although over the August / September period this has been reduced due to holidays on both sides. Urgent items do not wait for these meetings but are addressed immediately. Cllr Fenwick asked that any queries are addressed to John or himself and they would undertake to resolve them. The notes of the last meeting were available. Unfortunately South Hams were delinquent on a number of items. David Kenyon is being chased on these and Cllr Fenwick asked Cllr Rowe for her assistance. On the positive side Linden Homes had agreed to meet the 10% renewable energy commitment they made in their brochure (probably by Solar PV – to be confirmed). Thanks to the Low e group in applying pressure. Although the affordable housing will not be built to build level 3 Tor Homes have stated that they are happy with the agreed specification and will be liaising with Linden Homes on the renewables. Regarding the Yalberton Valley Community Forum Cllr Fenwick advised that he was finalising a draft letter of support for concerns on flooding – Torbay draft development plan should be due. Cllr Fenwick advised that he had a preliminary conversation with Graham Swiss of SHDC Forward Planning group on the subject of a Neighbourhood Plan for Stoke Gabriel and he suggested that Cllr Fenwick write to him outlining the objectives. Caroline Snow and Paul Bedford and the Low- e group have obtained grants for the village hall, old schoolroom, and Scout hut. Cllr Fenwick proposed a vote of thanks for these initiatives and the ongoing projects. Cllr Fenwick read a report received from the Stoke Gabriel Community Land Trust in which they wished to make it clear that they were not part of the Land Society but as Stoke Gabriel CLT, the Land Society is now available to them as consultants if required. They advised that at Rowes Farm there are 15 affordable “units” 11 being rented through Devon Home Choice and 4 shared ownership houses through South West Homes. They had all applied to these two trusts and the response back is that they were not eligible. They wished to gain community support, as recommended in the Parish Plan, and they thought that the best way for them and the village in the future to combat affordable housing for local people was to set up a Community Land Trust. They have funded two of their group to attend the South West CLT conference in October to learn how to do this and have also joined the National CLT Network as an emerging CLT that will give them support and be an invaluable link to help them form the CLT correctly. The group wished to make it clear that they were not in the village just to build, but because they work and are part of the community and need housing to be able to stay here affordably. They hoped over the next few meetings as they progress the SG CLT together that they as a community benefit as a whole and they looked forward to the support of the village. Cllr Bridge suggested that they should arrange for another local housing survey similar to the one carried out a few years ago and using the same format.
Regarding the wsbsite Cllr Tully advised that he and Cllr Robinson had met with Chris Mortimer who had confirmed that he was happy to continue and would contact Cllr Rawlings. Cllr Fenwick advised that he was not happy that Cllr Rawlings had not been invited to meet with Mr Mortimer. Cllr Tully referred to page 409 of the minutes of the previous meeting when it had been agreed that Mr Mortimer would be consulted before any further action was taken. Cllr Fenwick pointed out that he was still most unhappy with the procedure. Cllr Rawlings advised that he was happy with the arrangement and would arrange a meeting with Mr Mortimer and other members of his Committee. It was agreed that a plan would be presented to the Council.
8 Planning
The following planning applications were considered at planning meetings held on 22nd August and 26th September 2011 at which the following councillors were present: Hunt, Ellis, Robinson and Bridge.
1) 2 School Hill Cottages, School Hill – extension and alterations to existing cottage. A site meeting was held immediately after the meeting and whilst the planning committee did not object to the application in principle all four members had concerns relating to the cut in availability of natural light to No 3 School Hill Cottages and possible occurrence of dampness A second site visit was carried out by SHDC where the case officer explained that the authority could not see any reason that the new roof would have an impact on the existing dampness to the neighbouring walls and that the new roof line would enhance light. No Objection but with conditions
2) Tanglewood, Vicarage Road - removal of various conditions for planning approval No Objection but with conditions
3) Yarde, Paignton Road – Installation of pv array on barn roof No Objection
4) Timberly Down, New Road – erection of porch and single storey extension No Objection but with conditions
5) Dart View, Coombe House Lane – Installation of 2 solar pv arrays No Objection
6) Waddeton Cottages – construction of pitch roof over garage No Objection
Planning Applications Granted by SHDC –
1. Tanglewood, Vicarage Road – removal of conditions. ( with special conditions relating to access)
2. 2 School Hill Cottages – extension to existing cottage ( with conditions relating to privacy and light)
3. Mrs G’s Tea Shop, Paignton Road – alteration to bay window
4. Millcroft, Aish – bedroom in roof void with en-suite bathroom
5. 11 Orchard Way – removal of hawthorn hedge and replace with 2m timber fence
Planning Applications refused by SHDC – None
Applications Withdrawn – None
Appeals Received by SHDC - None
Ongoing Applications – It was agreed that Gabriel Court should be added to this item and advice be sought as to how the application is going.
9 Items raised on behalf of the Clerk - Cllr Robinson advised that he had attended a meeting of the River Dart Non Beneficiary Group whose members were representatives from the river side Parishes. The purpose of this group was to look after the interests of those Parishes that have connections with the river. Cllr Robinson advised that the group had no funding and asked the Council to consider making a donation. Cllr Ellis proposed £ 25.00 and this was seconded by Cllr Tully. Cllr Robinson passed a letter from the DR
Project group to Cllr Fenwick which concerned funding for local projects. Cllr Robinson read out an e-mail received from DCC Neighbourhood Highway officer concerning the request to erect a sign at Rydon Cross to stop caravans and motor homes travelling down Aish Road. It was agreed that there were already signs at the Longcombe end and this course of action was unnecessary.
10 Hoyle Copse – In Cllr Jones absence no report was received.
11 Highway and Hedgerow Matters – Cllr Ellis asked that the owners of Tanglewood, Vicarage Road, Byter Mill, New Road and Rosemount, Paignton Road be asked to trim their hedges and brambles which were overhanging into the roads. Cllr Ellis raised concern about the stone wall adjoining the play area from Church Walk and advised that she had requested that the PCC consider repairing the wall alongside the telephone box to stop people from climbing the wall. She was also concerned that children were climbing onto the roof of the play ship thus causing damage. Cllr Ellis raised concern over the apples in the orchard being collected by members of the public and being sold. The apples were normally collected by a local cider maker during the autumn and should not be picked by others. Broken glass was seen outside the Castle Inn. Cllr Fenwick agreed to have a word with the Landlord. The sign at Hillfield had still not been repaired. A partially stripped 4X4 vehicle has been dumped by the cricket club. Cllr Bridge asked for consideration for a wooden engraved map of the village to be placed at the entrance by the memorial stone. This was considered to be an excellent idea. Cllr Garner advised that she was pleased to see some items from the Parish Plan coming forward such as the environment issues, cycle path group, solar panels, shared car lifts, the website and the use of allotments. Cllr Rowe advised that the large pothole in Yalberton Road still had not been repaired. Cllr Robinson advised that the concrete block in Vicarage Road had been removed by DCC Highways. The partly stripped 4x4 vehicle which had been left in the old V & A car park had been removed but now appeared to be left near the cricket club as reported by Cllr Ellis. The builder’s rubble had also been removed. Cllr Robinson advised that he had attended a meeting held by the Stoke Gabriel in Bloom group who were considering giving up their hard work looking after the village flower beds. At this meeting the group agreed to winterise the beds and cover some beds in membrane and gravel chippings so they could be planted sustain ably. At the meeting Cllr Robinson on behalf of the Council thanked the group for all their work over many years. Cllr Robinson then advised the Council that he had received a quotation from Plandscape who presently cut the grass in the orchard and verges to look after the remaining flower beds. They would rip out prepare and plant beds at Rydon Cross, Kings Rydon Close, the village entrance sign and opposite Four Cross for the sum of £ 200.00. Thereafter for £ 35.00 per occasion they would/ weed on a monthly basis. It was agreed that this proposed sounded good and Cllr Robinson would go back to Plandscape and discuss it further. The hedge at the entrance to Pound Field was overgrown. Since the meeting the hedge has been trimmed back by Trevor Sedgbeer of T & J Builders.
12 Matters raised by Councillors – Cllr Bridge advised that as there was a new generation of football mad boys playing at Rydon Cross would Linden Homes be prepared to erect some goal posts in the proposed kick about area at Rowes Farm. Cllr Fenwick agreed to speak to Linden Homes at the next regular meeting. Cllr Rawlings asked whether the Council would pay for the various courses open to Cllrs. After discussion when it was suggested that this was not something that had been agreed previously Cllr Rawlings proposed with Cllr Fenwick seconding that it was something that should be done. A vote was taken with 4 in favour and 4 against. The Chairman used his casting vote and the proposal was not carried. It was agreed to consider this cost to next year’s Annual precept.
13 Accounts
Confirmation that the Annual Audit has been successfully completed
To agree the following payment of accounts
Already paid CMPC- emergency treatment on wasp nest in orchard £ 30.00
It was proposed by Cllr Hunt and seconded by Cllr Fenwick to make these payments:
J Robinson – Expenses £ 66.32
Plandscape – July grass and verge cutting £ 103.27
Devon Playing Fields Association – Annual subs £ 35.00
South Hams District Council – supply & spread new bark in play area £ 353.88
Audit Commission – Annual Audit fee £ 480.00
RDNNG – Donation £ 25.00
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.55pm
Next Meeting: Monday 24th October 2011 in the Village Hall.