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STRETE PARISH COUNCIL

Clerk:  Mrs Andrea Phillips
Squire’s End  1 Hyne Town  Strete  Dartmouth  TQ6 0RT
a_phillips@onetel.com      01803 770786      www.strete.org.uk
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF STRETE PARISH COUNCIL
HELD IN STRETE PARISH HALL ON THURSDAY 19 JULY 2007 AT 7.30 P.M.

 

PRESENT

Cllr Simon Buckler (Chairman)                              Cllr Ian Cumberlidge

Cllr Tony Crawford                                               Cllr Kate Gill

Cllr Val Phillips                                                     Cllr Pam Wills

Cllr Julian Brazil (County Councillor – Kingsbridge & Stokenham Ward)

Cllr Ian Longrigg (District Councillor – Skerries Ward)

Mrs Andrea Phillips (Clerk) and one member of the public.

APOLOGIES

Cllr Vicky Tanner-Tremaine
PCSO Ashley Hawkes (Devon & Cornwall Constabulary)

To open the meeting, the Chairman congratulated Cllr Tony Crawford on being successfully appointed onto the DAPC County Committee for a term of four years until 2011.  There is one representative for every seven Parish Councils.

OPEN FORUM

For members of the public to speak and to receive any police matters.  The points raised were progress and feedback on the Conservation Area Appraisal which was carried out in Strete some months ago.  Cllr Simon Buckler is to chase.  Traffic calming was also discussed.

1743  MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 21 JUNE 2007

The above minutes were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.

1744  DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

The following declarations were registered:

Item 1756 - a prejudicial interest by Cllr Kate Gill as the donor of the park bench.

Item 1761, planning application 54/1399/07/F - a personal interest by Cllr Pam Wills as member of the Parish Hall Committee.

1745  COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

Cllr Julian Brazil spoke of the Community Speedwatch programme which was raised in the Open Forum, this is to be taken to the Highways and Traffic meeting on 21 September.  The Parish Council (PC) was also recommended to write to John Halliday and Brian George, both of Devon County Council (DCC), to report there is a problem with speeding traffic.

Cllr Brazil recently toured the composting facility at Heathfield, Newton Abbot, where the contents of the brown door-step-collection recycling wheelie bins are taken by SDHC.  The workings and methods of the facility were relayed to the PC.

Regarding SHDC’s Local Development Framework current consultation documents, Cllr Brazil recommended that as these are the more generic plans and policies of SHDC, they are very important documents for the future, as they will form the basis of planning recommendations.  They should therefore be considered very carefully.

Cllr Ian Longrigg arrived.

1746  DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

Cllr Ian Longrigg reported on progress of the planning application 54/1825/06/F - 14 Crestway.  The manufacturers of the applicant’s proposed acoustic shield cannot guarantee its ability to reduce the noise from the air source heat pump to acceptable levels and consequently the planning approval thereof must be questioned.  Cllr Longrigg believed that the heat pump unit has never been serviced and has now requested the applicant carry this out before further action is taken.  The planning decision has been postponed until September, due in part to the Planning Ombudsman’s recent involvement, as their input might have relevance.  Cllr Longrigg proposes requesting that any approval should be temporary for a period of one year to cover all seasons.

Planning application 54/0024/07/F – Hollocombe.  This is still under discussion due to the proposed siting of the two new properties.

For the Slapton Line Partnership, a new District Officer has been appointed by SHDC to take up post in three weeks time.  The Officer will oversee all angles and be the main point of contact for all stakeholder parties.  He has an engineering background.  It is hoped that there will eventually be open meetings which the public will be able to attend.

1747  SOUTH DEVON & DORSET SHORELINE MANAGEMENT PLAN REVIEW

It was proposed and unanimously agreed to appoint Cllr Vicky Tanner-Tremaine as the main point of contact to co-ordinate and act as a respondent on behalf of the Council.

1748  DEVON PARTNERSHIP NHS TRUST PUBLIC CONSULTATION

It was proposed and unanimously agreed to appoint Cllr Vicky Tanner-Tremaine as the main point of contact to co-ordinate and act as a respondent on behalf of the Council.

1749  SHDC STANDARDS COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT OF PARISH REPRESENTATIVE

This position was discussed and no volunteers came forward to apply.  Therefore it was agreed that the clerk would write to SHDC and decline the invitation.

1750  SOUTH HAMS LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (LDF)

Cllr Simon Buckler attended the SHDC evening meeting and the focus group meeting on Rural Areas Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Cllrs Simon Buckler, Pam Wills, Val Phillips, Kate Gill and Vicky Tanner-Tremaine have registered an interest in attending the final SHDC Focus Group meeting on Rural Areas DPDs, due to be held on 6th September.  The whole subject will be carried forward and discussed at the next meeting when all the documents have been read.

1751  AUGUST MEETING

It was discussed, proposed and agreed by 5:1 abstention that there is to be a PC Meeting in August (16 August 2007); the question of subsequent August meetings would be revisited again next year.  The possibility of not having a December meeting this year was raised and will be discussed at a later meeting.

1752  SHDC DRAFT STATEMENT OF LICENSING POLICY FOR 2008-2011

This document was discussed and the PC was disturbed to learn of the increase in alcohol / substance abuse related crime figures in various larger communities.  Strete is not directly affected by such and it was felt therefore that the PC cannot give a specific response.

1753  PUMP BUS STOP BOARDER STEP

Cllr Simon Buckler reported on a meeting held on 25 June 2007 with Mike Jones, DCC Highway Engineer, together with Cllrs Kate Gill and Vicky Tanner-Tremaine.  DCC had proposed funding and installing a boarder step at the bus stop adjacent to the village pump.  The idea was initiated by First Bus Company as a site for possible improvement along the A379.  DCC are responsible for erecting bus signs and access steps etc.  The proposal was discussed and it was agreed by 5:1 abstention to leave the site as it currently is i.e., with no boarder step.  The clerk is to write to DCC to advise of the PC’s decision.

1754  BUS SHELTER

Minute 1737v (meeting 21 June 2007) refers.  A schedule of possible works has been prepared and was discussed.  It was decided to obtain quotes for these works with pricings for shingles replacement on just the rear roof section and also for replacement on both front and back sections.  The schedule is to be finalised and submitted to a minimum of three builders for quotations.  All were in agreement with this proposal.  The possibility of installing a rubbish bin within the shelter was raised but it is not know whether SDHC would take on responsibility for servicing any further litter sites.  This is to be checked and also the potential frequency of litter collection.

The meeting was closed for a refreshment break.

Cllr Julian Brazil left the meeting.

The meeting was reconvened.

1755  PARISH MAINTENANCE

·                Pump and nearby masonry wall.  The ownership of the wall, which forms one corner to the King’s Arms pub car park, is to be investigated.  It is the PC’s intention that the pump, wall to the rear and (possibly) the wall at the corner of the car park will be registered with the Land Registry.  When ownerships has been quantified, a landscaping plan will be devised and implemented with a goal of improving and tidying the entire area which at present looks unkempt and cluttered with signs etc.

·                Weather vane and Strete sign pole.  This needs immediate attention, it is very rusted and the weather vane is not operative.  This was fully discussed and all were in agreement that the pole with attachments should be removed.  The donor’s family will be informed before any action is taken as a matter of courtesy.  No replacement is intended at this time.  Cllr Simon Buckler to action.

·                Bus stop sign & pole.  The inappropriate and “urban” design was discussed and it was agreed by all to investigate purchasing an older style pole and sign which would be more in keeping with the adjacent Conservation Area.  This to be further investigated.

·                Wayside pulpit.  This was discussed due to its attachment to the pump, which is an historic village artefact.  It was agreed that the owners, Strete Chapel, would be invited to relocate it.  Cllr Simon Buckler to action.

·                It was agreed by all that the PC required all repairs and reinstallation of the damaged picnic table in the children’s play park to be carried out by Playdale to original specifications.  The funding is not the PC’s responsibility and they look to Mrs Emma Rhodes to finance the costs.

1756  DONATION OF PLAY AREA PARK BENCH

Cllr Kate Gill left the meeting for this item.

A request has been received from Cllr Kate Gill that she be allowed to provide a bench in the children’s play park to replace a previous bench, which had deteriorated and been removed, and which would be dedicated to “Grandparents”.  This was agreed by all, the PC is to be advised of the bench specification and it is to be positioned on the previous bench site and fixed to the slabs already in situ.

1757  DARTMOUTH MCTI REPORT

Cllr Tony Crawford gave an update on the proposed artificial ice skating rink to be installed in Dartmouth for the Christmas festivities.  All organisations involved are keen to see this project materialise.  There are two options, the first is with a cost of £4,000 to the Chamber of Trade for installation and insurance, they and the MCTi employ staff for its duration of a month, with the first £20,000 takings going to the promoters and the town to keep any remaining income.  The second option is £4,000 for the installation and insurance and the promoters run it for a month but keep all the takings.  The discussions are ongoing; no decision has been made as yet.

1758  TREE WARDEN’S REPORT

Prideaux Lane has now been cleared.  A sycamore tree has suddenly died in the field to the seaward side of Frogwell; it was not known to be diseased and the landowner is aware.

A large lorry has damaged a tree and various shrubs along Vicarage Lane but the ownership of the vehicle is not known.  Some remaining trees in the lane are causing concern, Cllr Ian Cumberlidge is to check.  If vehicle descriptions are noted, these can be passed to the PCSO to deal with.

1759  PARISH PROJECTS

Items nominated as parish projects can be considered and further investigated as on-going projects if deemed appropriate.  The items raised were:

·                To reinstate the ‘Postman’s Path’ down through the Tannen Land to exit on the A379 next to the new bus stop.

·                A seat to be provided for the SW Coastal Path, directly opposite and below Tannen Land, beneath the cherry trees, just inside the kissing gate.

·                The restoration of the redundant building in the church car park.

·                An ‘Article 4 Direction’ to be introduced within the Conservation Area, e.g. limitations on plastic windows, satellite dishes etc.

·                An audit of street lights and their desirability, introduction of timed lighting periods, low impact etc.

All these ideas will be investigated further and carried forward to a future meeting.

1760  PARISH REPRESENTATIVES

Parish Councillors were invited to volunteer for the following areas, either as individuals or as a group.  The following was agreed.

·                Strete Parish Council website - webmaster – Cllr Simon Buckler

·                Strete Parish Council website - editor – Cllr Vicky Tanner-Tremaine

·                Consideration of planning applications, to introduce relevant planning guidance as necessary but not to have delegated authority or be the sole responder – Cllr Vicky Tanner-Tremaine

·                Co-ordination of major consultation information – Cllr Vicky Tanner-Tremaine

·                Play Park – Cllr Kate Gill

·                Tannen Land (Community Land) – Cllrs Val Phillips and Pam Wills

·                Highways – roads, pathways, verges and hedge banks – Cllr Pam Wills

·                Litter bins, street litter and dog-waste bins – Cllr Pam Wills

·                Public Rights of Way – Cllr Val Phillips

·                Strete Sands, Strete Gate and Pilchard’s Cove – beach, lavatories, picnic site and Pay & Display car park - Cllr Simon Buckler

·                Tree Warden – Cllr Ian Cumberlidge (already in post)

Having areas of responsibility will enable each councillor involved to gather names and contact details of all associated parties and maintain regular attention to any problems.

1761  PLANNING & PLANNING MATTERS

Applications to be considered at this meeting:

·                54/0705/07/CU, Removal of condition 5 of planning permission 54/0270/03/F to allow B&B accommodation in studio above garage, Frogwell, Strete, Dartmouth – This has now received planning consent.  (The PC registered highway safety concerns over the exiting of vehicles in a reverse gear and turning left upon exiting the premises at the consultation phase).

·                54/1399/07/F, Application Affecting the Setting of a Conservation Area, Alterations and improvements to Parish Hall, including signage, access and lighting. Strete Village Hall, Hyne Town Road, Strete, Dartmouth, TQ6 0RS – The plans have been studied and discussed in detail.  The following comments were agreed.
i)  The disabled parking bay to the rear of the hall should be turned round by 90° and create a hard standing, which would afford easier parking and access to and from vehicles to the disabled ramp.  This might compromise a cherry tree, but a replacement could be planted.
ii)  The construction of an additional ramp would appear to be unnecessary for the following reasons.  It detracts from the style and setting of the hall and would have a negative visual impact.  If the existing ramp is unsuitable, it could be upgraded and modified.  An additional ramp would occupy a large part of the only grassed area, which is a valued amenity and used at least weekly by the Youth Club and on occasions by others.  If absolutely necessary, a path could be constructed along the inside hedge boundary to link up with the existing ramp.
iii)  It was felt that the suggested amount of lighting was excessive and needs to be scaled down in number by possibly half.  A luminary design more in keeping with a Conservation Area would be preferred, as though not in the Conservation Area, the hall is on the boundary and is viewed from within such area.  It was also felt that the exterior lighting should be based upon a PIR system or a dawn/dusk automatic setting as an energy saving feature.  Also any lighting should be shuttered.

Planning permission approved:

·                none

Planning permission refused:

·                none

1762 FINANCE

The clerk advised bank balances as follows:

Current Account:                                                                                                                    £3,827.22

Reserve Account:                                                                                                                 £16,813.67

less: Awards for All grant money, soon to be paid out to Playdale                                              £9,324.00

                                                                                                                                    £7,489.67

0887       Strete Parish Hall – hall hire for 3 meetings in May and 1 in June:                                    £69.50

0888       DAPC – 1x “Standing Orders” and p&p for 7 x “GCG”s:                                                 £7.09

0889       DAPC – Chairman’s Training & Councillor’s Training Courses:                                      £90.00

0890       Andrea Phillips – clerk’s salary:                                                                                   £169.99

0891       Cllr Simon Buckler – Councillor’s expenses:                                                                   £42.07

0892       Cllr Kate Gill – Councillor’s expenses:                                                                            £36.89

It was agreed by all to authorise payments as enumerated above.

New banking mandates for newly appointed councillors have been received.  These are to be signed and submitted to NatWest bank.  It was agreed to formally request NatWest to continue as bankers to Strete Parish Council as part of the new mandate.

1763  POINTS OF INFORMATION

·                The Good Councillor’s Guide x 7

·                SHDC – Executive Forward Plan, 7 June 2007

·                Wessex Reinvestment Trust regarding Community led Land Trusts

The above documents were highlighted.

1764  CORRESPONDENCE

·                The Clerk – SLCC

·                SHCVS – Voluntary Vine

·                Clerks and Councils Direct

·                DAPC – newsletter

·                Local Council Review

·                SHDC – Agenda & Mins 28.6.07

·                Kevin Williams, SHDC – training for New Code of Conduct – the PC would like to avail themselves of this invitation, the clerk to organise.

1765 REPORTS

·                Repairs to signs at Strete Sands and Strete Gate car park & litter on Strete Sands – Cllr Simon Buckler reported on these areas.

·                DAPC Chairman Training course – Cllr Simon Buckler outlined bullet points.

·                DAPC County Committee report - unfortunately Cllr Tony Crawford was unable to attend the meeting.

·                The question of whether there are sufficient councillors on the PC and a table showing number of electors per councillor in South Hams rural parishes was discussed.  Strete has 68 electors per Parish Councillor.  The Electoral Commission and Boundaries Commission determine the number of councillors and since there appeared neither cause nor reason to request the change no further action was agreed.

·                SHDC as insurers and maintenance providers for the Play Park are to inspect the area to clarify whether they are happy with the changes in ground levels which have been prepared in readiness for the new additional play equipment.

1766  THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

will be on 16 August 2007 at 7.30 p.m. in Strete Parish Hall.

1767  THE MEETING was closed

at 11.10 p.m.

 

 

Signed:                                                                                                                  Cllr Simon Buckler (Chairman)

Dated:  16 August 2007

 

RETURN TO MOST RECENT MINUTES


Edited and maintained by Strete Parish Council
For further information contact the Parish Clerk
a_phillips@onetel.com