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A meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 26th April 2004 at 7 pm
Ten minutes were allowed at the beginning of the meeting for members of the public to put matters to the Council
14 members of the public were present
Present: Mr R Tully (chairman), Mrs C Hunt, Mr W Deval, Miss P Ellis,
Mr N Hill, Mr I Jones, Mrs R Rowe, Mr B Tarr, Mr C Wigfall
1 Apologies PC John Hodgson
2 Speakers Robin Toogood from South Hams Coast & Countryside and Peter Swallow, architect, gave a presentation of the proposed options for the Victoria & Albert car park. Mr Toogood explained that the area was considered untidy, and no use to either the landowner or the parish in its present form. All parties concerned are exploring options for a way forward for environmental improvement, as well as the best use of the land.
Mr Swallow passed around some sketches showing how both housing and environmental areas could be incorporated into the scheme, and explained that these were ideas only, and that no formal application for planning has been made at this stage. There will be at least some affordable housing which will be sold to local people at 25% off the market price. Other houses will be sold at the market price in order to make the scheme viable. The Parish Council expressed a wish to gain car parking spaces for visitors.
The Parish Council felt that the public needed more time to consider. The drawings will be displayed publicly on the village notice board and the matter will be raised again on the agenda at the next open Parish Council meeting on 24th May 2004.
3 Urgent Business brought forward by the Chairman none
4 Reports from County and District Councillors
District Councillor Mrs Rowe reported the following:
Planning meetings now held with a smaller group of members. Moved from the
council chamber into another room because the acoustics are better, and the public can
make themselves heard.
High hedges - legislation is going through parliament regarding the allowable height
of hedges such as leylandii.
Housing South Hams Council are working with the Princes Trust to look at new
towns and tasteful housing in the South Hams.
Castle Cove, Dartmouth - £300,000 has been spent on improvements but South Hams
Council do not feel that taxpayers should foot the bill.
Kingsbridge skatepark residents have complained about noise. At present it is
being locked at 7pm and may have to close.
Public toilets the council are fighting to keep them open. A new one has been sited
at Torcross, near the army tank.
5 Planning
Applications
1) Meadow Lodge, Duncannon Mead alterations and extension. No objection.
2) Highfield, Paignton Road widen entrance. The owner submitted an informal
application on advice of SHDC. No objection.
3) Rowes Farm removal of condition to allow conversion of single redundant barn to dwelling. No objection.
4) Larkspur, Long Rydon conservatory to rear. No objection.
Applications approved by SHDC
1) Aish Cross House amendments to plan form dependent relative accommodation and holiday cottage.
2) 9 Rydon Acres extension.
Application refused by Secretary of State
1) Little Paddocks, Aish Road change of use from guest suite to separate dwelling.
Application withdrawn
1) Gabriel Court Hotel part demolition of boundary wall
2) Gabriel Court Hotel new vehicular access and car park
The Clerk pointed out that new plans have now been received for both of the above. A site meeting will be held on 4th May to view these.
Licensing application
1) Stoke Gabriel Paper Shop transfer of license to new owners. No objection.
6 Accounts
Payment of the following were proposed by Mrs Rowe and seconded by Mrs Hunt:
J Hamilton clerks salary April 04 £171.67
R Teague grass cutting £ 75.00
Stoke Gabriel Village Hall rent £ 22.00
South Hams DC election costs £150.82
7 Matters raised by the Clerk
Phone Boxes letter from BT about removal of pay phones at Barn Park and Aish. A reply will be sent pointing out that there is no mobile phone coverage on any network in many parts of the village, and that pay phones are essential for use in emergency in rural areas.
Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Mr Jones offered to attend a meeting.
8 Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the meeting of 29th March 2004 were agreed and signed.
9 Matters arising from the minutes
The Bench at the Barn Park/Aish Road junction is now in position.
Scrap cars the Enforcement Officer is sending a letter regarding the 8 cars, a digger and a dumper near Ham Lane.
Fireworks - Mrs Rowe reported that under the nuisance law, persons letting off fireworks are obliged to warn their neighbours, and not to use them outside of normal social hours.
Neighbourhood Watch some newcomers to the village have enquired whether the school field could be open to all. Councillors reminded the public that this has been tried in the past but the school field is Devon County Council school property and as such is subject to regulations relating to insurance and supervision at all times. It is also essential that after each usage it is left in a condition where it can be used by young school children. When the field was open and supervised by a rota of volunteer councillors, the facility was not used so the scheme was discontinued. It was suggested that PC John Hodgson meet with the young people at a later date when the new school playground is built, to review the situation.
10 Highway and Hedgerow matters
Laurel tree outside the public toilet needs trimming.
Grass verges belonging to South Hams Council need cutting.
School Hill brambles overhanging from Mill Hill Court.
Foreshore some of the wooden walkways need attention, some netting is loose.
Church Orchard a large hole has appeared to the right of the path near play area.
11 Matters raised by Councillors
Gabriel Court Hotel new planning applications have been received. A site meeting will be held on 4th May at 2pm.
Britain in Bloom several residents expressed concern at the number of signs being placed at the approach to the village, and their sombre appearance. A member of the council will liaise with the chairman of Britain in Bloom in the hope of coming to some arrangement about the siting of any future plantings.
Litter Bin members of the public complained about odour from the council litter bin under the Parish Council notice board. The clerk also observed that it is difficult to post notices there because the bin is concreted to the pavement directly under the board. An alternative site will be sought in conjunction with South Hams Council.
Miss Birchs Wood a meeting was held with Major Gillmore who has offered the freehold of a piece of land with a minimum access width of 12ft, which can be used to get vehicles in for maintenance. The Parish Council will provide gates and fences and pay Major Gillmores legal fees. Grants may be available for this and Mr. Jones will be attending a meeting at Loddiswell to look into funding. The grill has now been fitted over the limekiln for safety reasons.
Mr Jones and Mr Deval are documenting the findings in the wood and hope to put together a booklet with maps and items of interest, including flora and fauna, and showing the history of the area. At that stage the working title of Miss Birchs Wood will be dropped in favour of the original name of Hoyle (or Hoile) Copse, although reference will be made to the bequest made to the Parish Council by Miss Birch in her will.
Next Meetings
Monday 24th May 2004 Open Meeting 7pm in the Village Hall followed by Parish Council meeting
Monday 28th June 2004 at 7pm in the Village Hall
Monday 26th July 2004 at 7pm in the Village Hall
The meeting closed at 9.30pm
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