Parish Council meeting: Tuesday, 5 November 2013

Approved Minutes for the Parish Council meeting on Tuesday, 5 November 2013

These minutes were approved on 2 December 2013

Please noteEvery care has been taken to present this accessible copy of the minutes with accuracy, but the formal record of the meeting remains the signed paper copy of the minutes.

OPEN FORUM

There were two members of the public present. Councillor Childs gave an update on the proposed play park situation. The play park committee is intending to select its preferred scheme this week. There is some delay being experienced in the handover of the play area to the Parish Council. Clerk to follow this up.

Ms Granados told the Council of the growing popularity of the Avonwick and North Huish website. She also informed the Council of developments concerning the proposed Parish Hall committee. There are now a number of parishioners who have expressed an interest in either joining the committee or in offering advice and support to the committee. It is hoped that an open meeting will be held in January to attract the interest of other parishioners and also to present them with details of the experiences of others who had “been through the process” of establishing similar facilities. The Council agreed in principle, (depending on cost) to fund a leaflet explaining what is being attempted to parishioners and seeking their support.

Complaints had been received concerning notices that had been placed in the Parish notice boards in Avonwick and North Huish. Parishioners, while being free to use these boards, are reminded that notices of a political or contentious nature are not permitted and will be removed.

It was reported that notices detailing South Hams District Council’s recent “Fouling of Land by Dogs Order” had been removed from the permissive path in Avonwick – presumably by one of the few remaining anti-social dog owners living in the Avonwick area. These owners are reminded that they could be handed an instant fine of £80 for each offence, or if taken to court, could be fined up to £1000. Parishioners are asked to encourage ALL dog owners to pick up after their dogs.

PRESENT

Councillors Childs, Cooper, Hunt, Luscombe, Pearse, Seager-Berry and District and Parish Councillor Steer.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

County Councillor Vint.

MINUTES

The MINUTES of the meeting held on 1^st October 2013 were confirmed and signed.

MATTERS ARISING

The provision of a new “Doggy poo bin” on the permissive path has been put on hold until the ownership of the path can be established.

REPORTS

County Councillor Vint had submitted a report detailing his work with the County. He also stated that he is keenly following the work being carried out on the South Brent road and the proposed traffic calming measures for Avonwick.

District Councillor Steer reported that changes were to take place to staffing at the District Council. These changes would involve both a reduction in staff levels, with staff having to re-apply for jobs, and changes to conditions of work. Working from home could become more widespread. These cuts were being forced on the Council by reductions in Government support.

Councillor Steer also reported that the proposals for development at Sherford had now been signed off, work should begin there in May or June 2014.

There was no Police report. PC Hopper has retired. PC Addelsee is taking over her work. Hopefully his presence will be felt once he has established himself in the area.

It was reported that sheep rustling had taken place within the parish.

PLANNING

The Council supported applications for:

A two storey extension to 2 Horsebrook Barn, Avonwick and

A single storey timber framed garage to Hepburn House, Diptford

The Council expressed its concern over the fact that changes in planning officers can bring about different conditions of acceptance of planning proposals. Queries were also raised over how guidelines were set, particularly over the condition now imposed that extensions to existing buildings should radically differ from those buildings. Councillors thought that such conditions were not necessarily appropriate and could lead to a more intrusive development in sensitive situations.

CORRESPONDENCE

Specific items of CORRESPONDENCE were noted as follows:

MS Granados – Community Hall and Play Park. The council decided to keep the Play Park and Hall committees separate. It was agreed, in principle to fund “flyers” for the hall committee.. It was agreed to support the establishment of a hall project committee.

Ms C Bowen. Clerk to ask for further copies of the Code of Conduct MS S Robinson AONB Management Plan Consultation. Noted DCC Highway Safety Awareness Training. Noted

Super Cluster Meeting. Councillors Steer and Luscombe to attend.

FINANCE:

 

Balance c/f	6563 82
Income (precept)	844.00
Income (interest)	0.22
Balance c/f	7408.04

 

This balance is made up as follows:

 

P3 money	149.40
Community fund	1685.18
Council funds	5573.46
Total	7408.04

 

HIGHWAYS

It was reported that Devon Highways have decided not to make any changes to the permissive footpath in Avonwick.

Concern was again raised over the uneven surface of the road at Beneknowle. It is believed that the damaged surface is where the water main crosses the road.

Changes to the South Brent road to assist with traffic calming would begin this month with further work to take place in the new year.

NEXT MEETING

Please note the change of day. Monday 2^nd December at 7.30pm at St James Church, Avonwick.