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A Meeting of Stoke Gabriel Parish Council was held on
Monday 28th January 2008 at 7.00 pm in the Village Hall
12 members of the public were present
Present: Mr R Tully (Chairman), Mrs C Hunt, Miss E Bridge, Miss P Ellis, Mr I Jones,
Mrs J Lowe, Mr J Robinson, Mr B Tarr
1 Apologies –Dr R Johnson
2 Police Report – PSCO Paula Frain read a report from PC Marcel Pearse. There was one
reported crime in the Parish which resulted in a parked Motor vehicle in Stoke Hill being
scratched on its side which was allegedly deliberate. PC Pearse is concerned that many village
drivers are flouting the seat belt law and advised that positive action would be taken against
drivers breaking this law. Police patrols would continue in the area around the school, especially
during peak periods although it has been suggested that this causes friction. This is line with the
Chief Constable’s aims of neighbourhood policing. During the meeting PSCO Frain
conducted a survey which will enable police to assess any concerns. PC Pearse advised that
Stoke Gabriel enjoyed significantly lower than national average crime levels.
3 To confirm the minutes of the last meeting on 26th November 2007
Taken as read and signed by the Chairman,
4 Matters arising from the Minutes - None
5 Chairman’s Report- The Chairman advised the meeting that he had received a letter of resignation from the Clerk with effect from 31st December 2007. This had been accepted and adverts have been displayed inviting applications for a replacement. The Chairman thanked the Clerk for all her hard work. In the meantime Cllr Robinson had volunteered to take the minutes. The Chairman raised concerns over the White Rock Business Park development and requested agreement for him to continue his dialogue with colleagues at Galmpton. This was agreed. It was also agreed that Cllr Tully would draft a letter to be sent to the Mayor of Torbay regarding the Business Park and the absence of the promised tree planting.
6 Reports from County & District Councillors
District Cllr Rowe reported that the South Hams District Council Executive had agreed a 4.49% rise in the District portion of the council tax for the coming year. Due to the increase in the elderly using bus passes income from car parking and ferries has decreased. To encourage usage the lower ferry at Kingswear had reduced its charges. It was agreed that village public toilets should remain open for longer periods during the year. Stoke Gabriel’s facility is, at present, open all year and Cllr Rowe encouraged villagers to use it or lose it. Cllr Rowe advised that the Boundary Commission was considering changes to the local district boundaries which include South Hams and Torbay. There was great concern that our Parish would be swallowed up by Torbay as it would be unlikely that South Hams would exist as a stand alone council. Cllr Rowe asked for letters to be written urging that we stay in South Hams. The address is The Boundary Committee for England, Trevelyan House, Great Peter Street, London. SW1P 2HW or look at www.boundarycommittee.org.uk and click on our area. Concern was raised about the number of elderly people who may not be claiming their entitlement regarding council tax. Anyone with savings of less than £ 16,000.00 can apply.
District Cllr Pennington reported that the Government had rejected the proposal to take Exeter out of Devon County Council and confirmed his fears regarding local boundaries. Reconstructing would divert time and resources and the council taxpayer would foot the bill. Cllr Pennington raised the question of lost files and records especially relating to children as the Government intend to insist that Devon County Council participate in ‘Contact point’ which will go on line next year and will contain addresses, medical and school details of all Devon school children.
7 Planning
To receive a report from the Planning Committee on decisions made on applications received.
1) 52/2433/07/F Danebury, Byter Mill Lane – erection of replacement front porch No Objection
2) 52/2536/07/F Splatt Lodge, Aish Road – erection of rear conservatory and patio extension No Objection
3) 52/2540/07/F The White House, Paignton Road – proposed internal alterations, re-instatement of rear windows and construction of new porch canopy to front elevation No Objection
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4) 52/2539/07/LB The White House, Paignton Road – Listed Building Consent for alterations to property No Objection – subject to Conservation Officer comments
5) 52/2582/07/F Crosse House, Mill Hill – construction of rooms in roof No Objection
6) 52/2428/07/TCA Mrs G’s tea room, Paignton Road - Tree removal Objection
7) 52/2588/07/F Four Cross Units, Paignton Road – renewal of approval 52/1527/05/CU for the storage of leisure craft to include up to 15 caravans Objection
8) 52/26444/07/F The Buntings, Duncannon Mead, – extension to dwelling Objection
9) 52/2691/07/F Stoke Gabriel Cottage, The Barnhay – Erection of car port No Objection
10) 52/2680/07/F 7 Clay Park - Re-submission of application 52/1645/07/F
decking with lower deck. Awaiting further information
11) 52/0015/08/F Fairways, Vicarage Road, - Alterations & Extension to Dwelling No
Objection
Trees – T.P.O issued for Stoke Court and Downings Close
Applications Withdrawn
12) 52/2244/07/F Derelict Barn, Waddeton Court, Stoke Road, Waddeton – conversion of redundant barn into estate living accommodation. .
13) 52/2243/07/LB Derelict Barn, Waddeton Court, Stoke Road, Waddeton – Listed Building Consent for conversion of redundant barn into estate living accommodation.
14 ) 52/2349/07/F Stonecroft, Hillfield – erection of garage.
15) 52/0430/07/F Gabriel Court – 14 houses
16) 52/2289/07/O Four Cross Units, Paignton Road – erection of starter/light industrial units
17) 52/2544/07/F Highover, Hoyle Lane – demolition/construction of replacement dwelling
7) 52/2522/07/F Stoke Gabriel Football Club, Broadley Lane – erection of new stand
8 Matters Raised on behalf of the Clerk
1) 2007 Footpath Inspection – all paths have been walked and reported as being in good order apart from Duncannon Lane to foreshore where a sign is missing and Hoyle lane where another sign requires letter repair
2) Letter received from S.G.P.C.C. requesting a contribution to maintenance of Churchyard. Concern was raised again about the standard of upkeep and the agreement to award the contribution was deferred.
3) Letter received from David Baker reference Churchyard maintenance. From the floor Pam Wigfall advised that the main problem was the damage caused by badgers.
4) Letter received from S.G. in Bloom requesting annual grant to fund their work. Cllr Tarr proposed that we should grant £ 250 payable now and consideration would be given to a further grant in August if Council funds permitted. This was seconded by Cllr Hunt and agreed by all.
5) Letters received from S.H.D.C. and Dartington Housing regarding Affordable homes were passed to Cllr Bridge for action
6) South Hams have advised that the cost of the May 2007 election was £ 978.27 and the July 2007 election £ 1574.10. These would become payable in May.
9) Parish Plan – The questionnaire has now been delivered to most households. The remainder would be delivered during the next few days. After the 4th February the boxes will be collected and the forms sent for analysis. This should take 6 weeks
10) Yalberton Valley Action Group – no report received.
11 Hoyle Copse – Cllr Ian Jones advised that work this season had been disrupted by bad weather but the western footpath diversion has been opened but unfortunately an unknown individual persists in opening the old route. The Copse has been entered in the Devon County Show in the Ancient Woodlands Class. Work is in progress to clear the area coppiced three years ago and steeping the northern boundary hedge. Cllr Jones listed what has been achieved over the past 4 years and pointed out that this has been achieved at almost no cost to the Parish. Western Power Distribution will shortly commence pruning trees below the overhead power line. The Chairman thanked Cllr Jones and his team for all their efforts.
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12) Standing Orders – to review the document and consider its adoption. It was unanimously agreed to adopt the document and to change the date to January 2008.
13 Highway and Hedgerow Matters – Cllr Ellis raised the question of yellow lines and reminded the meeting that the previous policeman had carried out a report. It was agreed that this should be followed up and a letter written to Jim Morrison of Devon County Highways. Cllr Robinson to look out previous correspondence. Cllr Pennington also agreed to take up the matter. Village potholes are becoming dangerous. Cllr Pennington also agreed to raise this at County level. Parking in the Village centre is still a problem. The police have been advised. Other issues raised were the grass verges, flooding, trees in Barn Park, a new sign at Byter Mill and the lack of collection of plastic bags from outside the Gabriel Court. Cllr Lowe noted a broken bench in Duncannon Lane. Mr Hunt agreed to affect a repair. It was noted that the stile at Paignton Road has now been repaired.
14) Matters raised by Councillors – Thanks were given to the Parish Plan Committee for their hard work. There is a new Rural Funding opportunity. Cllr Jones agreed to write a letter of support. Cllr Jones advised that a meeting had been held with the Harbour Master, English Heritage and the SGBA regarding the plan to remove the remains of the Glory due to Health and Safety concerns. Despite strong opposition from all parties the Harbour Master insisted that the wreck is removed. English Heritage will investigate various options to achieve protection for the remains possibly using the Ancient Monuments& Archaeological Areas Act 1979. A proposal was made to erect a descriptive notice giving the history of the Glory. The SGBA & PC to prepare design and cost estimates for consideration at next meeting. Cllr Ellis raised the question of a new burial site. This matter would be raised at the next meeting. The Chairman confirmed that a letter had been sent to S.H.D.C. with concerns over the development at Four Cross.
15) Accounts
To agree the following payments:
It was proposed by Cllr Ellis and seconded by Cllr Bridge to make these payments:
J Hamilton - postage + expenses December 2007 £17.56
S.G. Village Hall – Hire for October to December 2007 £36.00
The following payment was held over until the next meeting
SLCC - membership £91.00
The following additional payment was approved and the cheque passed to Cllr Tarr
Planscape - Hedge Trimming in Orchard £ 131.00
A payment was raised on behalf of the Parish Plan Committee in the amount of £ 322.00 for printing costs.
There being no other business the meeting closed at 8.55pm
Next Meeting: Monday 25th February 2008 at 7pm in the Village Hall
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