Apologies for absence: there were none.

Cllr Weeks, Borough Councillor for Exbourne ward, Cllr McInnes, the County Councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford ward, were present.
David Incoll, the Chief Executive of West Devon Borough Council, was present to discuss planning issues.

It was proposed by the Chairman that the meeting go to Part 2 (exclude members of the public) as it was not deemed in the public interest to be present - comments will be made about the way planning is run at WDBC. This was seconded by Cllr Squire. Minutes would be kept but will not be available on the website. The discussion that followed was to be confidential.

A lengthy discussion was had with Mr. Incoll about planning issues. He was thanked for attending and it was felt that he went away knowing how dissatisfied the Parish Council feel with the way in which planning is handled at WDBC.

Progress of street lighting works The meeting moved to the main hall where approximately 30 residents of the village were in attendance.
A meeting had been held on Friday 9th February 2007 at 2 pm with Malcolm Dommett from DCC, members of the parish council and residents. Mr Dommett had brought two lights that could go on the columns. At that meeting some residents had requested the removal of the street lights.
It was agreed that the work that had been carried out had been done in a tidy manner and it was understood that the undergrounding of the cables was well supported. However, residents did not like the modern lights that were to be installed.
Mr. Coleman stated there was experience in the hall capable of sourcing more appropriate lighting and he offered to do a photo montage of alternative lights. This was accepted by the parish council.
The Chairman stated that if we work together can get something that everyone is happy with.
Some residents had concerns about the power used to provide the lighting and the light pollution that it causes. Another stated that residents have to walk in the street and therefore there should be lighting.
Cllr Askew informed the members of the public that DCC does not have a duty to provide street lighting
Cllr McInnes stated he had spoken with Mr Dommett and there is the ability to switch the lights off at midnight and then on again for an hour in the morning if wanted. Mr. Dommett also suggested that the police be contacted.
The clerk stated she had spoken to the police and they had stated that as a general rule they prefer villages to have street lighting as it does deter crime.
Residents asked for a more pleasing design of light. The clerk pointed out that the light chosen will have to be able to spread the light to a certain level between the light columns as they are positioned at present.
It is possible for the existing lights to be placed temporarily on the new columns to give time for fundraising. Members of the public asked how long that would be for as they did not want them up for years. The Chairman stated it could be a few years before the sum of money is reached. Mrs Williams was hopeful that it could be achieved in a year. It depends on how long it takes to acquire the money.
Mr. Clayton stated that he did not like street lighting, but accepted that it was needed.
The clerk stated that Malcolm Dommett had left a quote for a more decorative style/victorian light. Each column will cost an extra £750 so for the 8 between Fullameade and Westbury it will cost £6000.
Cllr Weeks stated he had spoken to the officer at WDBC who assured him that the £1000 grant could be carried over for an extra 12 months. Or it may be possible to apply for a fresh grant.
The clerk stated that it always helps a grant application if the community does some fundraising. The residents present were in favour of this.
Cllr Harper asked about the other lights in the village as it will look odd having Victorian lights in one part of the village and then modern in others. It was hoped it may be possible to replace the other lights bit by bit so that they are all the same. This could take a number of years.
Residents were in favour of the lights going out at midnight.
The meeting concluded with Mr. Knight putting forward the following resolution: -

'The old lights go temporarily back on the new columns and then fundraising is done to raise the money for more pleasing lights.' The members of the public were in agreement.

The members of the public left the meeting.

PLANNING
Hatherton, Sampford Courtenay
Certificate of lawful use for use of barn as dwelling and retention of building to house swimming pool.
There were no objections.

There being no other business the meeting closed at 9.40 pm