Cllr Weeks, Borough Councillor for the Exbourne Ward, and Mr. S. Blakeman, Dr. Nielson's agent, were present. There was also a member of the public present.

Public participation the member of the public did not wish to directly address the members of the parish council.

The clerk stated she had omitted to include reference to the fact that notification had been received of the refusal of planning consent at Rowden Manor, S.C. (removal of existing porch area and rebuild in new location. Addition of conservatory. / Conservatory extension).
Cllr Askew noticed that he had been listed as being present (when he wasn't) and Cllr Cartwright was not listed as being present (when he was). An alteration was made and the minutes of the last meeting were then signed as a true record.

PLANNING

The Barton - proposed dwelling (alternative design) Cllr Weeks informed the council that the application had been recommended for consent by officers. The committee had voted (6 in favour, 2 abstentions, 2 against). The application had been granted consent.
Cllr Squire expressed frustration at the planning process.
The Chairman invited Mr. Blakeman to address the council. He expressed his disappointment with the use of the phrase 'cynical abuse of the planning system'. He felt the council should be commenting on planning policy (whether to support or object). The Chairman explained that the phrase was used in connection with the planning process.
He was amazed at the level of aggression expressed in the letters and wondered why the councils support of the original building had changed into an objection for the alternative design. He explained the 2 velux windows had been added after consultation with the planning officer. Further changes had been put forward, but had not been done because the planning officer felt that it would not be right.
The council's argument was that the building was built before the application was submitted. The original plan had never been the intention the alternative design was and the council felt this was wrong.
Mr. Blakeman had seen the drawings prepared by the draughtsman and he questioned where the measurements had come from as he felt some of them were inaccurate.
He stated Cllr Coleman had made reference to changing a dining room into a kitchen. He stated internal works are not considered as development.
Cllr Askew asked him why the applicant didn't submit the four bedroom house as the application in the first instance. Mr. Blakeman did not know.
Mr. Blakeman stated when you design a building you put in windows to allow it to be flexible.
Cllr Smith asked what the planning officer had not liked when his advice was sought. Mr. Blakeman stated that on the west elevation they had wanted to extend the roofline outwards with more rooflights.
The parish council stated the rooflights were put in without consent and in breach of a condition. Mr. Blakeman replied that you can do what you like without planning consent it is then up to the planners to either ask you to submit a planning application or issue an enforcement notice to put it right.
Cllr Weeks received complaints that additional holes had been left in the roof for velux windows. He had telephoned the Enforcement Officer who said that there was nothing he could do, as once a building was
substantially built the developer could add windows or doors as desired. Later he received complaints that in addition to extra rooflights, extra first floor space over the kitchen/family room had been installed. Cllr Weeks saw the EO in his office and brought this matter to his attention. The EO made a remark that people were against the applicant. Cllr Weeks took exception to this remark and felt that if the EO had acted on the complaints in a professional way, then it might have placated residents.
He also felt there was inconsistency in the system. A breach at Stonewold has resulted in them having to make major structural changes.
Cllr Forrest hoped that the applicant and agent had learned a lesson not to do things before consent has been received.
The Chairman thanked Cllr Coleman for his efforts and thanked Mr. Blakeman for attending the meeting.

The following applications have been received:-
Rowden Manor, S.C. demolition of small extension and erection of conservatory extension. Some alterations have been made to the original application that was refused consent. It was resolved to support the application.

Rowden Manor, S.C. conservatory extension. As above.

Farfield, S.C. extension including addition of first floor for loft conversion. Amended plans have been received. These were studied and it was resolved to support these amendments.

Local Government Review of Devon update the Boundary Committee has decided to consult again with representations to be submitted by May 14th.

The following application has been refused consent: -
Wellsprings, S.C. retention of mobile home for use as an agricultural workers dwelling.

A letter has been received from WDBC stating that an appeal has been made to the Secretary of State in respect of Wellsprings (following the refusal of consent).

Stonewold, S.C. a letter has been received from the Devon Building Control. They have investigated the roof and are grateful for the council bringing it to their attention, but they cannot advise whether the extension complies with the building regulations as this is confidential between the applicant and the building regulation body.
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MATTERS ARISING

Parish Plan COMMUNICATION - residents wanted more communication from the three main councils. 60% of households had internet access, but not many accessed the village website.
The distribution of the Roundabout magazine is improving. Cllr Askew wondered whether the parish council is getting the most out of using this medium.
A communication from the Community Council of Devon about carrying out a parish plan has been received and this was passed to Cllr Askew.

Cllr Weeks and Mr. Blakeman left the meeting.

Parish Paths Partnership i. appointment of person to maintain footpaths - two applications have been received: -
Belstone Farm and Garden Maintenance - £13.50 + VAT per hour
Mr. Pattison - £30 per hour.
It was decided to accept the quote submitted by Belstone Farm and Garden Maintenance.

The clerk stated that £365 has been received from DCC (P3 grant).
Cllr Squire had met with Tim Freeman and Ros Davies. Ros has sent a letter highlighting the main issues and this was read out to the Councillors. They have realised that £365 is not going to be enough and have suggested a further £235 to make the grant up to £600. If the extra money is not available then Tim will organise some of the work.
They liked the idea of producing a parish map and were happy that Footpath 1 (that crosses the A30) is not included on the map. There is funding available to finance the printing of the map.
It was suggested that a budget be drawn up in November for the forthcoming financial year.

The Chairman stated she had booked the village hall for Saturday 5th September (footpath funday).

Public Toilets as the parish council precepts from WDBC as a local authority no further relief on the rates can be obtained.
The clerk has received the rates bill. It is for £432.90. The council budgeted a 15% increase on last year £390. The actual increase is 27.8%. Cllr Forrest suggested the clerk find out why the increase is so high.
She will do this and report back at the next meeting.
The Chairman stated that Mr. Morris had quoted £100 + VAT to install sensor lights. It was resolved not to proceed with this at the moment

Playground Equipment Inspection Cllr Coleman had carried out the inspection. There are still a number of molehills, but the play equipment is in good order.

Cllr Cartwright will carry out the next inspection.

Devon has been allocated Play Builder status. WDBC have sent a questionnaire about all play areas in the district. The clerk has filled this in and retuned it to WDBC.

Highway Matters the mirror for Sampford Chapple has been ordered and will be erected as soon as it arrives.
The drains at Sampford Chapple have been checked, but the outfall here is not good. It is hoped to reroute the outfall to a gully just down from the junction on the Chapple Woods road. Once they get their new budget in April they will request the contractor to carry out the work.
They will arrange for the white lines at Willow Tree Farm to be remarked.
With regard to ploughing the sides of the roads they have had a cut in the budget. If the council wanted he could send a map of the parish and the worst areas could be highlighted.
They will look at placing a salt bin at Thornbury X.
They will arrange to look at blocked drains and fill in potholes.
The erosion at Bulland X will be inspected with a view to remedial work.

Cllr Squire stated that the branches that were cut down on the B3215 by Venn Town are still on the verge and are in the ditch so will cause problems when there is heavy rain. The clerk to write and ask that they are removed.

Removal of BT payphones Cllr Coleman was not present. Land Registry have confirmed that the ground under the telephone kiosk at Sampford Station is owned by Farfield.

Report on the Eastern Link Committee Meeting the Chairman expressed thanks to Cllrs Squire, Forrest, Smith and Mardon for organising and attending the meeting. The tea and coffee was appreciated. Cllr Squire requested re-imbursement for the £2 he spent on biscuits etc.
The main item discussed was parish emergency plans. South TAwton have a good one.
An emergency plan was discussed in this parish, but it was not thought anything was put on paper. The clerk will check this.

Land Registration the clerk has now submitted a list of the main events carried out by the parish council to support its application to register ownership.

Bus Shelters the clerk had been advised that planning consent was not required. It now appears that if DCC carry out the installation they require planning consent (because they are a highways authority). The clerk will check again with DCC to ascertain if they will arrange planning consent.
Grass cutting on village the clerk had contacted Mr. Coventry and he was unable to do the grass cutting so she had then contacted Mr. Davey, who had quoted last year. He has submitted a quote of £500 to cut the grass. The clerk has asked about references (he cuts the grass for Dartington Crystal). He can strim the grass or apply a spray. The council decided they would like him to strim the banks and spray the grass around the play equipment.
Freedom of Information Act the clerk has contacted Mike Flanagan and some of the information is now on the website.

The member of the public left the meeting.

FINANCE

The following has been received: -

DCC (P3 Grant) £365.00

Cheques were signed for the following: -
WDBC (first instalment of rates on public conveniences) £45.90
Mr. L. Beer (toilet cleaning 2/3/09 - 29/3/09) £45.84

Amount in bank is £988.55 and total in Reserve Account is £4163.87 TOTAL - £5152.42
Represented thus P3 - £304.77 Precept, toilets + other £4486.87 Interest £313.87 Countryside Agency - £46.91

£1 was taken out of the petty cash float to put in the electric meter for heating.
£2 was taken out of petty cash for Cllr Squire for biscuits.

The Chairman conducted a mini audit.

Annual Return the clerk has received the annual return, which has to be returned by June 22nd 2009.

WDBC has agreed the council tax to meet the precept. £2891 will be paid on 8th April and the 2nd half on 16th September. The burial fund of £40 will be paid with the April payment.

CORRESPONDENCE
Devontalk, Dogs Trust, Senior Council for Devon - Newsletter, DAPC - County Committee Vacancies, Society of Local Council Clerks - regional conference for the South West, Glasdon U.K., Devon Partnership NHS Trust - NHS Foundation Trust Membership, West Devon Community and Voluntary Services - newsletter, R.D. & Express, Digital uk (details of switchover for wales!), Queensbury shelters.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS
The Chairman stated that the pub is about to acquire new landlord and landlady. It is not known if it is leasehold or not.
The Chairman also stated an email had been received with regard to nominating a volunteer of the year. She suggested Les Beer. This was agreed to be a good choice and she would mention it to the village hall committee at their meeting tomorrow night.
Cllr Squire asked about the Annual Parish Meeting and whether it could be combined with the Annual Council Meeting. It was considered and thought it would be advantageous to combine the two meetings at the end of May.
Cllr Forrest stated he was not happy that Cllr Coleman had written to WDBC.

The dates for the next few meetings are: -
Tuesday 28th April 2009 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 26th May 2009 at 7.30 p.m.,Tuesday 23rd June 2009 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 21st July 2009 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 18th August 2009 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 15th September 2009 at 7.30 p.m.,Tuesday 13th October 2009 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 10th November 2009 at 7.30 p.m.,Tuesday 8th December 2009 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 5th January 2010 at 7.30 p.m.,

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.50 p.m.

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