STRETE PARISH COUNCIL
Clerk: Mrs Andrea Phillips
Squire’s End 1 Hyne Town Strete Dartmouth TQ6 0RT
clerk@strete.org.uk 01803 770786 www.strete.org.uk

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STRETE PARISH COUNCIL (PC)
HELD IN STRETE PARISH HALL ON THURSDAY 17 MAY 2012 AT 7.30 P.M.

PRESENT
Cllr Tony Crawford, Chairman (TC)  Cllr Ian Cumberlidge (IC)
Cllr Kate Gill, Vice-Chairman (KG)  Cllr Malcolm Hollis (MH)
Cllr David Rothwell (DR)   Cllr Jeff Scanlan (JS) 
Cllr Bryan Seymour (BS)
Cllr Julian Brazil, County Councillor, Kingsbridge & Stokenham Ward (JB)
Mrs Andrea Phillips – Clerk
Seven members of the public
0512/1 TO ELECT A CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL FOR 2012/13
TC retired in accordance with Standing Orders. Nominations were invited for councillors to stand for Chairman.  BS nominated TC which was seconded by KG.  There were no other nominations and all councillors were in agreement.  Thus TC was elected as Chairman for a period of one year and took the chair.
0512/2 TO RECEIVE THE CHAIRMAN’S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
TC duly signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Chairman and returned it to the Clerk.
0512/3 TO ELECT A VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL FOR 2012/13
KG retired in accordance with Standing Orders.  Nominations were invited for councillors to stand for Vice-Chairman.  JS nominated KG which was seconded by BS.  There were no other nominations and all councillors were in agreement.  Thus KG was elected as Vice-Chairman for a period of one year.
0512/4 TO RECEIVE THE VICE CHAIRMAN’S DECLARATION OF ACCEPTANCE OF OFFICE
KG duly signed the Declaration of Acceptance of Office as Vice-Chairman and returned it to the Clerk.

OPEN FORUM
Martin Sobey spoke on the forthcoming Jubilee celebrations and confirmed that the number attending so far was: 290 adults and 56 children for the daytime and 250 for the evening!  There was a good team of helpers although more were needed for the day.  He thanked the PC for their contribution of £293 which equated to £1 for every household in the parish.  Also DCC for £350, SHDC for £100, the Captain Pearson Memorial Fund for £250, the Parish hall Committee for £293, The Youth Club for £60 (plus the commemorative coins for all resident children 16 and under) and the Country Dancing for £35, plus a private donation of £25 for a Parish Hall shrub and the contribution box in the Post Office.  The objective is for a free and fun day for all.
Richard Hacon wished TC a successful year as Chairman.  He then presented the PC with a petition organised by himself and his two adjoining neighbours regarding the land to the rear of their properties, the Tannen Land.  Residents had been asked for their opinions by this group on the future of the land to assist in the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan which was in overwhelming favour of keeping the land for recreational purposes only.  Mr Hacon went on to say that the new Management Agreement contained a break clause in favour of DCC and that the field is a much loved asset..  211 households had signed the petition.
The Chairman replied that the PC would be going round with a petition themselves if they thought that development was to take place.  TC then read out a statement on behalf of the PC which read “Despite what some people might believe or may have been led to believe, this Parish Council has never been approached concerning any kind of housing development in the Tannen Land.  We are in the final process of negotiating a new management agreement and this we hope is to be tied up very soon.  We have absolutely no plans whatsoever to promote any kind of housing development on this land.  The land, as you know, belongs to DCC.  We have spent large sums of money over the years to provide a green recreational space and it is our sole intention to carry on doing so.

Development is, as you will know, being investigated in the large fields in the centre of the village, between the pub car park and The Plat, at the request of Mr Charles Dixon, Land Agent for Mr Toll, owner of that land.  This has nothing whatsoever to do with the Tannen land.”  He went on to say that the PC had today received an enhancement plan for the Tannen Land which was a list of suggestions made by the County Ecologist, Peter Chamberlain, and is a detailed list of suggestions the PC might like to adopt for the Tannen Land over the coming months and years, for which, if taken on, there might be a sum of money towards the enhancements, but these would be the choice of the PC.
Richard Soans asked what kind and size development is being proposed by Trand Limited in the land in the centre of the village, behind the Kings Arms car park.  The Chair replied that at the moment, the PC don’t know any more than was said by Trand at the Annual Parish Meeting but it is hoped that a meeting between the PC and Trand will take place on 31st May at which more information may become available.  It is very much Trand’s wish that any development is done entirely with help of the village by thorough consultation and plenty of opportunity to comment. 
Hilary Peart reverted back to the Tannen Land and said that DCC could change their minds at any time over the future of the land.  The Clerk replied that the negotiations would not have come this far if they had other plans for the land.  Ms Peart asked whether the enhancement plan is for public use.  The Clerk replied that the PC don’t have a problem with that in principle, but it has only been received today and hasn’t even been read by councillors and what the PC would not want is for this to be passed round the village with the suggestion that this was what was going to be done, when in fact only some or even none of the improvements might be carried out and so the PC need time to consider it.
Richard Hacon said that he feels there had been a lack of reliable information which leads his group to believe that all sorts of things are going on and information received has not been passed on.  TC replied that the PC has nothing to hide and there is nothing going on.  The Clerk added that she was upset by these suggestions which inferred that she was withholding information from the PC or the public.
0512/5 APOLOGIES
Cllr Richard Foss, District Councillor, Skerries Ward (RF)
Cllr Julian Brazil, County Councillor, Kingsbridge & Stokenham Ward (JB) – will be arriving late following another APC meeting in Charleton.
0512/6 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None were declared.
0512/7 TO APPOINT REPRESENTATIVES TO OUTSIDE BODIES
Coleridge Association (BS) – this to remain BS who is currently the Chairman.
Slapton Line Advisory Forum (KG) – this to remain as KG
Public Rural Transport Group – Dartmouth Area (TC) – this to remain as TC
SHDC Cluster Meetings – this new group has resumed meetings intermittently throughout the year, mostly in Dartmouth.  This is to be JS plus either MH or AP.
0512/8 TO APPOINT PARISH REPRESENTATIVES
Traffic and Highways (JS) – this to remain JS
Litter Bins, Street Litter (DR) – this to remain DR
Play Park (KG) – this to remain KG
Public Rights of Way (IC) – this to remain IC
Strete Sands, Strete Gate, Pilchard’s Cove (IC & KG) – this to remain IC & KG
Tannen Land Community Area & Dog waste Bin (BS) –this to remain BS
Milestones (MH) – this to remain MH
Strete Wise (MH) – this to remain MH and will be moved to outside bodies
Website Editor (AP) – this to remain AP plus MH as the web host company seems to have now disappeared and it is felt that a new host company might be needed soon.
0512/9 TO CONSIDER PAYMENT OF ANNUAL RENT AND SUBSCRIPTIONS AND DELEGATE POWERS TO THE CLERK TO MAKE SUCH PAYMENTS
Devon Association of Parish Councils
Society of Local Council Clerks
Stratton & Holborow (play park lease)
It was agreed that the Clerk should continue to pay the above when appropriate or necessary.
0512/10 TO REVIEW THE PAY AND CONDITIONS OF THE CLERK
It was agreed by the PC and the Clerk to continue with the Terms & Conditions as previously and for the Clerk to progress on the salary scale as outlined in the Contract of Employment and approved by NALC/DALC/SLCC.  It was suggested that a separate pay committee meet to discuss the clerk’s hours and commitments on projects etc.
0512/11 MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING HELD ON 19 APRIL 2012
The above minutes were AGREED as a true and correct record and were signed by the Chairman. 
The difference between the Annual Parish Meeting and the Annual Parish Council Meeting were outlined, which is one meeting for the village and one meeting similar to an AGM for the PC.
0512/12 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
JB’s report was postponed
0512/13 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
This was cancelled in RF’s absence..
0512/14 REPRESENTATIVE’S REPORTS ON OUTSIDE BODIES
To receive reports from councillors on their attendance at meetings:
• LAG Coastal Footpath Meeting – this was held at Follaton House recently and was well attended by all stakeholders including KG & JS, AONB, DCC, SHDC etc.,.  It is planned that work will start after September with some work being carried out initially to obtain the LAG funding.  Land negotiations are still continuing, if these go to appeal, the panel will hear of this in November.  Budgeting is taking place and ordnance will be checked first.  Minutes of the meeting are to follow.
0512/15 TREE WARDEN REPORT
Nothing much to report, IC said a few trees had been lost in the recent storms and there are signs of minor damage and wind damage to new growth.
0512/16 PARISH REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS
• Traffic & Highways: (JS) Blackpool Bridge works have commenced and traffic lights are still in place.  Strete Gate car park has a surface drain blocked with scallop shells and detritus, by the coffee vendor, Clerk is to sort.
The lane from Fuge to Snails Castle will be progressed with JB.
Dog waste is being placed in the coffee vendor’s bin, it is felt that an additional dog waste bin should be at the entrance, by the free car parking spaces as these are where dog walkers often park. The Clerk is to request one.
• Litter Bins, Street Litter: (DR) Strete Gate bin is often overflowing and perhaps not being emptied often enough in the summer months.  The clerk is to report this to SDHC.
• Play Park: (KG) –  the grass is very long now and requires cutting, the Clerk is to request this.  The fencing is in poor condition in places and as this may necessitate expenditure, it was agreed to have a site meeting at the play park on Saturday 2nd June at 10am.
• Public Rights of Way: (IC) – Prideaux Lane is even more overgrown, the Clerk is to chase DCC to ensure an early June cut.
• Strete Sands, Strete Gate, Pilchard’s Cove: (IC & KG) – the picnic area is very overgrown plus there is lots of litter lying around.  The Clerk is to report to DCC. 
• Tannen Land (Community Area) & Dog Waste Bin: (BS) – the grass has been cut, but due to the length there are piles of cut grass.  Strimming is needed; the Clerk is to contact the contractor.
It was suggested that DCC could be asked if the Management Agreement could be done separately from the Enhancement Proposal in order to expedite.  The Clerk is to request this of DCC.
• Milestones: (MH) all milestones have been checked, Matts Point one has been defoliated, other two are in good shape. 
• Website: (Editor – Clerk) – no items to report except in (8) above.
• StreteWise: (MH) – 131 subs have been received, ads are producing between £300 - £450, the shortfall at the end of the year will be covered by reserves.  The Sub Editor in MH’s absence, Richard Hollis did a very good job and was thanked.  From now on, the magazine will only go to people who had subscribed or who buy in the Post Office.  The next edition in June will contain all the Jubilee pictures.  It was suggested that this should go on the agenda next month to discuss a donation as all the PC minutes were always included and took up several pages.
stretewise@gmail.com
0512/17 PLANNING & PLANNING MATTERS
New applications to be considered by the PC at this meeting:
• 54/0795/12/F Demolition of existing house and erection of replacement dwelling – Falloden, Hynetown Road, Strete, TQ6 0RS – Case Officer – Mr Richard Boyt.  Following perusal of the plans and discussion, no objections were raised.
Applications brought forward from a previous meeting:
• None
SHDC DECISION NOTICES RECEIVED
Applications GRANTED:
• 54/0604/12/F 46 Start Bay Park, Strete, TQ6 0RY – householder application for proposed single storey front and side extensions – Case Officer – Jenny Draper.
Applications REFUSED:
• None received
Applications WITHDRAWN:
• None received.
0512/18 FINANCE 
The Clerk supplied the Chairman with the bank balances as follows:
Current Account opening balance £5,651.32
Cheque 1160 as enumerated in last month’s figures was not actually issued until this month and to a different payee.  Thus the c/f balance has been altered accordingly.
Cheques to be approved for signature:
1160 First jubilee payment from the £293 pledged for goods ordered  £122.95
1161 Strete Parish Hall x 2 £30.00
1162 Andrea Phillips – Clerk’s salary £207.81
1163 SHDC – printing of parking questionnaires £41.23
1164 Think Nature - strimming and grounds maintenance £90.00
1165 Running IMP – payment on behalf of the Youth Club for Jubilee Coins –
to be reimbursed by the Youth Club (minus the VAT @ £37.75) £226.50
1166 St Michaels Church – half towards clock maintenance £201.60
1167 Strete Parish Hall  (balance of £293 from cheque 1160 for jubilee celebrations) £170.05
Total 1090.14 
Balance £4,561.18
Funds received – 
hedge cutting charges totalling £134
web link charges totalling £150
Strete Youth Club £188.75 (see 1165 above)  Total received - £472.75
Current account closing balance £5,033.93
i) To approve the Annual Accounts 2011/12 as audited by Mr Nick Shepherd and to sign the Audit Commission Return together with the Annual Governance Statement, for submission to the Audit Commission – the accounts were supplied, agreed in full and duly signed.   Mr Shepherd was thanked for his auditing skills.
ii) To discuss the refurbishment v replacement of the lower notice board - this was discussed with the point raised that the size needed was not a readily available size, therefore it was proving difficult to obtain the agreed style of board at a reasonable cost.  It was therefore agreed that as the refurbishment of the top notice board was very successful and that the same contractor was able to refurb the Post Office board at a cost of £464.53 (as opposed to the £1200 set aside for a replacement) this was the preferred option.  It was further agreed to add a header board with the inscription – Strete Parish Council 2012 - at further minor cost.
Petty Cash  £10.30
Reserve Account opening balance £10,240.57
Funds received:  nil 
Reserve account closing balance £10,240.57
It was proposed and AGREED by all present to authorise payments as enumerated above.
0512/19 POINTS OF INFORMATION
The following items will be available in the mail bag to be circulated.
• The Clerk – SLCC publication
• Clerks & Councils Direct –publication
• Junk Mail – recycling publication
• Devon’s Senior Voice – Senior Council for Devon newsletter
0512/20 CORRESPONDENCE
• DCC – confirmation of road closure for 4th June for Jubilee celebrations
0512/21 REPORTS
KG has received the license for the evening Jubilee celebration at Manor Farm, together with the insurance and St John personnel are booked.  There will be a ram roast and BBQ.
TC reminded parishioners that the rural surgery at the Parish Hall, two Thursdays in each month, was underused and the parish could be in danger of losing the service completely if it isn’t used more regularly.
0512/12 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
JB was updated with the Tannen Land situation.  He regretted not being present earlier at the meeting as he would have liked to have added a few words to the group.  He stated that the Tannen Land would not be sustainable as development land and that no development would go ahead without community support.  SHDC have already designated their development sites and the Tannen Land is not included within them.  JB is to obtain confirmation of this from SDHC and also see if he can intervene in the renewal process as the delays have been caused by DCC’s legal workload.  JB also added that he was prepared to write to every householder that had signed the Petition organised by the three neighbours confirming this, as well as pointing out that DCC at no time had ever had any intentions or discussions with anybody regarding housing development on the Tannen Land, he also confirmed that everything the Chairman had said on that subject earlier in the evening was entirely correct.
The Blackpool Bridge works are progressing and it is hoped they will be finished in a few weeks.  The delay was caused by the Listing consent. 
The Locality Fund, which is worth £1 per house from DCC, can be spent on services in the area such as hedge cutting verge clearing etc., all of which had been suggested at the recent Cluster Meeting.  The road past Fuge was discussed and it is hoped a way can be found to clear the surface.
0512/22 THE NEXT PARISH COUNCIL MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY 21 JUNE 2012 IN STRETE PARISH HALL at 7.30PM.

THE MEETING WAS CLOSED at 9.45 p.m.

Signed:  Cllr Tony Crawford  (Chairman)
Dated: 21 JUNE 2012