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A
meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 29th March 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
4 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 – none, all present
2 Speakers - Mr Julian Distin and Dr John Walker from the Dart Harbour and Navigation Authority gave a presentation of the second stage consultation of the Mooring Policy Review. Charts were shown of the percentage of replies given at various stages of the questionnaire and Dr Walker explained the jargon used to describe different types of moorings.
3 Urgent Business brought forward by the Chairman
PC John Hodgson gave his report. He was pleased to report that crime figures are down compared with last year, although there had been two burglaries and another caravan has been stolen. PC Hodgson suggested that a steering committee be set up to deal with youth issues and identify land which could be used by young people.
4 Reports from County and District Councillors
District Councillor Mrs Rowe reported the following:
Totnes development – the southern area is under discussion but progress is slow. The public toilets in The Rotherfold will close, but the facilities at the side of the civic hall will be improved.
SHDC staffing – it is proving difficult to recruit trained staff in the planning department, resulting in delays in making decisions on planning applications.
Council Tax has risen by 4.9% for 2004/05.
County Councillor J Hawkins reported the following:
Funding – funds are running low, and Cllr Hawkins was pleased to see that the work on Byter Mill Lane and the extension to the Primary School were approved while funding was still available.
Speed limits – these are important to the village and seem to be working.
5 Planning
Applications
In her role as District Councillor, Mrs Rowe declared an interest in all applications.
1) Hillmount, Hillfield – extension. Miss Ellis declared a personal interest and chose to leave the room while the discussion took place. It was agreed to hold a site meeting on 31st March.
2) Pine Cliff, Byter Mill Lane – amendments to plan. No objection.
3) The Bothy Bakehouse, Aish – dormer window. Mr Jones declared a personal interest and chose not to take part in the discussion. No objection.
4) Hill House, Flood Street – alterations and extension. No objection.
Applications approved by SHDC
1) Gabriel Court Hotel – conservation area consent for demolition of garage. Approved. It was noted that no decision has been reached by South Hams Council on the two other applications made regarding the hotel.
2) Stable Cottage, Stoke Hill – enlargement of access. Approved subject to the condition that the proposed development shall in all respects accord strictly with the detailed drawings approved.
3) Alicia, Flood Street – extension and conservatory. Approved.
4) Old Stoke Farm, Paignton Road – conservatory. Approved subject to conditions regarding the type of stone to be used and restrictions concerning glazing.
5) Aish Cross House – garage and garden store. Approved.
Licensing application
Stoke Gabriel Village Stores – application for off licence. No objection.
Other planning matters
Pool Cottage – alteration of French door and enclosure of balcony. Application withdrawn.
6 Accounts
Payment of the following were proposed by Mr Hill and seconded by Miss Ellis:
J Hamilton – clerk’s salary and expenses March 04 £237.16
Stoke Gabriel in Bloom – grant and entry fee £168.50
Devon Playing Fields Association – membership £ 15.00
7 Matters raised by the Clerk
Stoke Gabriel in Bloom – a request has been made for benches to be placed on the grass verge opposite Rydon Acres, on the Barn Park side, and at the foot of the war memorial in Paignton Road. This is in hand. They also requested the use of an abandoned boat on the foreshore, to make a floral display on land near the millpond. A representative from the Boating Association explained that attempts were currently being made to trace the owner, and that the boat would be disposed of in due course.
Mothers’ Union – they wish to re-site their notice board from the wall opposite the Post Office to the Church House Inn car park. No objection.
8 Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the meeting held on 23rd February 2004 were agreed and signed.
9 Matters arising from the minutes
Election Fees - Mrs Rowe has investigated this and it was agreed that the admin charges are due and will be paid.
10 Highway and Hedgerow Matters
Britain in Bloom – work has begun on the sign at the entrance to the village but the “Road narrows” highway sign will be moved because it is too close.
Flood Street – a pothole has appeared outside Benison.
Barn Park – the road is cracking up from the post box to No. 31. Cllr Hawkins will see that the matter is attended to.
Vicarage Road – there is a hole in the road outside No. 36. Miss Ellis will contact the highways department.
11 Matters raised by Councillors
Mooring Policy – following Mr Distin’s presentation, a special meeting will be held before the deadline to reply to the questionnaire.
King’s Cottage – councillors expressed concern about the interior work being carried out and the removal of many large stones. The work has now temporarily ceased.
Tree House – advice will be sought from the planning department as to whether permission needs to be obtained for a tree house in a private garden.
Scrap Cars – a number of cars have been spotted in a field near Ham Lane. Appropriate action will be taken.
Website - Mr Wigfall reported 2500 hits, and more advertising is coming in. Mr Wigfall apologised that due to technical difficulties last month’s minutes were posted on to the website later than usual.
Fireworks – Mrs Rowe will enquire at South Hams Council as to whether there are any regulations regarding the times that fireworks may be used.
Parish Map – Cllr Hawkins is in the process of obtaining a map to display in the village.
Ash Tree – SHDC Tree Officer has suggested that a Tree Preservation Order be put on the ash tree in Hillfield. The Parish Council recommends that this should go ahead.
Miss Birch’s Wood – letters have been received from some residents expressing concern about their own properties, which border on to the land. These concerns will be addressed as work progresses. Work in the wood has ceased at present owing to birds nesting there, and the meadow is now the focus of attention.
Next Meeting
Monday 26th April 2004 at 7pm in the Village Hall
An Annual General Meeting will be held in May, date to be decided.
The meeting closed at 9.45pm
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