Apologies for absence: The Chairman, Cllr Sercombe, sent his apologies.
Cllr Squire was in the chair.
Cllr Weeks, Borough Councillor for the Exbourne Ward, was present. There were also four members of the public in attendance
The minutes of the last meeting were signed after a spelling correction was made on page 193.3 under A.O.B..
PLANNING
The following planning applications have been received: -
Land adjacent to The Barton, S.C. erection of dwellinghouse (involving removal of former agricultural building) and change of use of existing building to home office.
Prior to discussing this application the clerk stated she had tried contacting Roger Duce, the Conservation Officer, who had stated he would be happy to meet with Cllrs when an application for this site came forward. She had been informed that Roger Duce had sadly passed away and the Borough Council currently has no Conservation Officer. She had been unable to contact the officer dealing with the application.
The applicant was present and supplied a further copy of the application for Cllrs to peruse and answered questions put to him. Cllr Weeks stated he had visited the site, but does not intend to state his views until he has heard from residents.
The parish council wishes to support this application.
At the last meeting Cllr Weeks had been asked to check when the re-installation of the doors on the Granary are to take place. The clerk read out an email she had received from Cllr Weeks ( a reply he had received from Adrian Noon), which stated that the doors are to be reinstalled by the end of January 2008.
Two members of the public left the meeting.
2 Dartmoor View, S.C. 2 storey extension to rear. This application has been WITHDRAWN. Cllr Weeks stated he understood that the applicant had not been aware the property was a listed building and, therefore, needed to apply for listed building consent.
The following application has been granted consent: -
Chapel Agistment, Okehampton reserved matters following outline 10295/2007 for the erection of an agricultural workers dwelling.
A letter has been received from Torridge District Council confirming Peninsular Power have withdrawn their appeal concerning the proposed biomass electricity generator at Winkleigh Airfield so the Public Inquiry will not take place.
West Devon Local Development Framework - Core strategy, further consultation the consultations undertaken over the summer resulted in a large number of helpful responses. Further consultations are to be held (North Tawton - 2nd and 28th February). Full details will be sent nearer the time.
Cllr Harper stated that tree surgery had been carried out on behalf of Western Power Distribution near Fir Cottage and the contractors are coming back to carry out work around Highclere.
The extra light outside Fir Cottage has now been removed.
MATTERS ARISING
Parish Plan SHOPPING - the facilities at North Tawton are considered adequate. There is cramped parking for cars. The new car park is now in operation, but many cars are parked there all the time taking away spaces for visitors. Traffic flow considered poor. Okehampton is good with good bus connections. The Post Office in Sampford Courtenay is used by only 28% of respondents (most use the one at Okehampton).
Viability of village shop - most feel it would be a good idea, but it would probably not be financially viable. Questions were asked about the railway connections to Exeter. Permission is required, but it is understood that Dartmoor Railway hope to be able to link up with Yeoford next year.
Would like to see continued service from the Post Office, but closures are imminent. Cllr Weeks stated the consultation has been put back from mid May to the end of June.
Cllr Weeks stated he had spoken to the Beat Manager Sergeant, who had informed him that speed checks have been carried out in the area. Drivers were only issued with warnings, but one was caught doing 52 mph in the 30mph zone and would have lost their licence as it would be classed as dangerous driving and not breaking the speed limit.
He also stated that it is thought that PCSO Walker will be leaving the area.
Owing to other commitments Cllr Weeks left the meeting.
Parish Paths Partnership Cllrs Askew and Squire attended the Christmas workshop along with the lengthsperson, Hilary Tonge. We have used funds well to carry out work to keep the paths in good order.
We do have an absence of leaflets showing people the paths in the parish. Possibly get funding for this.
Cllr Cartwright offered printing facilities. Will attempt to do it next year.
The chairman had asked the lengthsman about the path mentioned by Cllr Simmonds at the previous meeting. She had found it alright to walk.
One of those present at the workshop suffered from Lyme's disease, which is picked up from ticks. The advice is to wear trousers (not shorts) when out walking. It is a disease not easily recognised by Doctors.
Cllr Squire has a few queries to sort out with Tim Freeman - mainly to do with water on paths. It has been ascertained that 4 inch's of mud is acceptable.
Public Toilets the meter box door has been repaired by Mr. Beer and a bill submitted for £20.
Cllr Harper stated that if someone is unable to carry out a duty they have stated they will do then they should arrange for someone else to do it for them or else time lapses and nothing gets done.
Mr. Beer and Mr. Hodge will provide an estimate for painting the woodwork on the public toilets if they know what needs doing.
The stone wall needs pointing.
Cllr Cartwright asked about the water usage increase mentioned in the review of the budget. The clerk stated that Apr - Oct 2007 29 cubic meters of water had been used (compared to 18 cubic meters last year).
Safety inspections on play equipment Tony Mogford and Associates have written confirming the inspections will now be £55. The clerk rang him and informed him it is hoped the equipment will be installed on February 11th. She will contact him when it is done and they will carry out a free post installation inspection.
Playline Design have submitted an invoice for the 50% deposit. This needs to be paid before December 25th to get the 2.5% discount (£3301.12 to pay). This was passed to Cllr Askew for village hall committee to pay.
A cheque for £1000 to be signed later in meeting being the amount promised by Parish Council towards the project.
The clerk to find out the recommended frequency for playground inspections by Cllrs (i.e. once a day, once a week).
Highway Matters the clerk was contacted by PC Wilson and informed that it was the responsibility of the parish council to contact DCC and request speed monitoring. She has done this and has received a reply. DCC have arranged surveys within the 30mph limit on either side of the roundabout. The survey lasts about seven days. DCC will be in contact again when they have the results.
The clerk also asked about the faulty bulbs in the flashing '30' signs and has been told that the manufacturer of these signs is no longer in business and in view of their age a full replacement will be necessary. Funding is not likely to be available until the next financial year at the earliest.
Cllr stated they thought the flashing light at Sourton seemed a good design and is solar powered. This to be suggested to DCC.
Cllr Squire stated the lengthsman had been in the parish and had done a good job. It is hoped that he will be able to get the use of a digger to clear out some ditches at Honeychurch and Witheybrook. The Clerk to write to DCC and thank the lengthsman for the work he has done.
P.C. Wilson also informed the clerk that she had been in Sampford Courtenay with the hand held speed gun and caught three motorists. She hopes to be able to attend again when the manpower is available.
Report on Eastern Link Committee meeting held on November 22nd Cllr Harper stated there had been a discussion about the closure of Post Offices. The new Police Inspector seems responsive and has asked for parishes to bring matters to his attention. There was a discussion about bringing back Farmwatch.
Contribution towards upkeep of burial ground as discussed at the last meeting the PCC have asked if the parish council would consider increasing the contribution as the cost of cutting the grass has risen. After much discussion Cllr Forrest proposed that 'the contribution be increased to £150 per annum' this was seconded by Cllr Mardon and agreed to by the remaining Cllrs. The clerk explained that the grant given by WDBC has been set at £40 per year.
FINANCE
Cheques were signed for the following: -
Mr. L. Beer (Toilet cleaning 12/11/07 - 9/12/07) £44.16
West Devon Borough Council ( final instalment of rates) £28.00
S.C. Village Hall Committee (money towards cost of play equipment) £1000.00
Mrs. M. Weeks (Clerks wages Aug-Dec 2007) £395.08
Mrs. M. Weeks (telephone expenses) £4.79
Mr. L. Beer (repair to electric meter door - public toilets) £20.00
Amount in bank is £2711.63 and total in Reserve Account is £2015.02 TOTAL - £4726.65
Represented thus P3 - £152.59 Precept, toilets + other £4312.13 Interest £215.02 Countryside Agency - £46.91
Review of budget the emailing of minutes etc. is helping with the photocopying costs. It was suggested the clerk uses second class stamps for non urgent items - this the clerk will do. The water usage has been discussed earlier in the meeting. No other major problems.
The two remaining members of the public left the meeting.
Setting the budget/precept a draft budget has been prepared and this has been copied to all Cllrs.
It was decided not to continue subscription to Local Council Review. It was decided to increase the insurance by 20% to allow for insuring the new play equipment. It was agreed the clerk could claim for 15 hours per meeting thus increasing her wages to £1170. The burial fund has been increased to £150.
It was decided to retain the £1000 (allocated for play equipment but not spent) to go towards fencing around the play equipment and repairs to public toilets (painting etc.). It was then decided to add a further £500 for repairs to the stone wall outside the public toilets. The final figure is £5388. This figure was agreed and accepted by all present and will be the figure submitted by the clerk to WDBC.
Cllr Cartwright raised the issue of a repairs/renewals fund for the public toilets and play equipment. The clerk to check this with the internal auditor.
CORRESPONDENCE
Devon Talk, Rural Transport Partnership Autumn Newsletter 2007, rekk Ltd. (youth shelters), Glasdon Uk, Village Green, Shaw and Son Ltd., Victim Support Devon, West Devon Community and voluntary Services Newsletter + emails (including one about Exeter City Council's bid for unitary status).
ANY OTHER BUSINESS
Cllr Harper asked if the Chairman's apologies had been accepted and if he had stated a reason for not attending. They had not been formally accepted and the clerk stated he had not given a reason and she had overlooked requesting one. Cllr Harper stated she did not feel his apologies should, therefore, be accepted. This was agreed by the other Cllrs.
Cllr Simmonds sends her apologies as she is away on business and Cllr Cartwright stated he will be unable to attend as he has another meeting to go to.
The dates for the next few meetings are: -
Tuesday 8th January 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 5th February 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 4th March 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 1st April 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 29th April 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 27th May 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 24th June 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 22nd July 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 19th August 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 16th September 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 14th October 2008 at 7.30 p.m., Tuesday 11th November 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
Tuesday 9th December 2008 at 7.30 p.m.,
There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.35 p.m.