Councillors were reminded of their responsibility to continually update their Notice of Registerable Interests and invited to state whether they had a personal or prejudicial interest in any matter to be discussed during this meeting – None received.

The Chairman welcomed the newly elected councillor in waiting Les Cowley who was present but declined to speak.

Pc. Mutton arrived and spoke after the planning agenda item had been completed. The have been a small spate of incidents, six, since the beginning of the month. Two burglaries technically but not passed through neigbhourhood watch. One driving incident resulting in two offences, someone is helping with enquiries. A theft from a motor vehicle down at Lannacombe, a tax disc and damage to a dwelling in Torcross with another theft in Chillington. Four incidents have the persons identified.

As many councillors will not be standing at the next election Pc Mutton wished to note that it had been a pleasure working with many of the councillors on this parish council and he expressed his thoughts and the fact he would miss them all.

A question was raised with regard to the police not needing any assistance of the Neighbourhood Watch as it had not been used for 2/3 months. Previous burglaries Pc Mutton felt had been reported to the NHW but there may not have been contact in relation to these recent ones as they are dealing in house with them.

3. MINUTES

The Minutes of the:

(a) full council meeting dated 17^th March 2011 were approved by all present and duly signed as a true and correct record.

(b) Planning Committee – dated 4^th April 2011 were approved by all present and duly signed as a true and correct record.

(c) Annual Parish Meeting – dated 16^th March 2011 were noted.

The applications below were considered at this meeting and the following observations submitted to District:

• 0796/11/F Householder application for insertion of rooflight 9 Coleridge Barns, Chillington – No objection
• 0836/11/F Demolition of existing dwelling and erection of new 5 bedroom house Ashley, Holmleigh Road, Torcross – Objection. Although approximately the same footprint is stated this is a 78 sq m increase in size and as such is a 75% increase on the footprint. Therefore it is felt with the size of the plot being small for the size of house proposed this was overdevelopment. Going from a one storey with dormer to two storey building with dormer it will be highly visible from along the line (A379 road) and will affects the setting of the streetscene locally and visually from a distance. Councillors had received comments such as these from 4/5 neighbours. This property is already the highest set property in the area visible on the ridgeline and thus this would stand out massively. The total footprint coverage is of concern as there would be no room alongside the building as the land on the side that appears in the drawings to belong to this property, does not.
• 0931/11/RM Variation (revision to internal layouts of plots 5,6 & 7 creation of additional space to plot 7 by converting garage and provision of stone finish to plot 6) of condition 10 (accord with plans) 0f 53/1434/09/RM for erection of 7 detached dwellings pursuant to outline approval 53/1191/07/O New development site at rear of Penn Cottage, Shindle Park, Chillington – No objection. Councillors noted this is an infringement of a previous policy but should it proceed wish to ensure a condition that no further garage is provided within the curtilage of the property thus restricting the amount of current parking spaces. Plot 7 is removing a garage and building in the garage space but has four parking spaces still. Dist. Cllr. Baverstock noted an earlier reduction placed on plot 7 in terms of size and this may be an attempt to overcome such reduction in size.

• Retrospective application for the erection of a lean to building to house 2 refrigeration units and the demolition and removal of the original refrigeration unit, its lean to covering and other attached outbuildings Sea Crest, Beesands

It was noted that beneath the broken felting the fascia has lifted and is damp. It was also suggested that the extra felting could be place up under the shingles. The contractor is to check for any sign of swallows nesting before commencing works and therefore either carry out before or await till the end of the season.

It was AGREED to carry out the maintenance required at Kellaton Bus Shelter not exceeding £300.00.

Councillors considered the following consultation documents and felt that an in depth response was not appropriate at this time. It was AGREED to advise that Parish Council would keep discussions with District open when such time arises.

(a) Community Right to Challenge

(b) Community Right to Buy

7. DEVON TITHE MAP PROJECT AND TITHE APPORTIONMENT TRANSCRIPTION BY VOLUNTEERS

It was AGREED to request the History Society to assist Devon County Council in transcribing the apportionment details on to their new digital programme to enable access by the general public to such historical information. Bob Roberts niece Jane Hills is currently transcribing some of his works so the group intend to approach her with this.

It was AGREED that the End of Year Accounts for 2010/2011 together with the Annual Return Accounting Statements were approved after completing the Annual Governance Statement.

At a meeting on the 18^th April thirteen people attended to consider the Constitution and are awaiting to formally register the land in their name with legal rights being permitted by landowners for access. Six householders all agreed in principle to an access down their drive to the village green. However it might be that the Crown own the road. Nicky Bayley AONB representative advised the group they could get funds from the lottery. Matters were discussed such as a quorum of 3 on the committee with restrictions being placed on those attending regularly being able to vote.

Matters arising around the parish - reported:

• Taylor Wimpey when they attended promised they would not have lorries with trailers visting the site but there have been a lot parked on the A379 in the last few weeks. Another councillor noted that no haulage contractor will come to this area with small amounts. Discussion took place as to whether the lorries with trailers should come into Chillington and it was noted that the entrance to the site is far better than expected in the first place. Some residents have complained about the size of lorries with trailers (drag) and the clerk is to put this to Taylor Wimpey.
• Wotton Hill (adjacent to Mr Link's gateway, but on public highway) there is a pothole. It was noted that there is a website www.fixmystreet.com that the public can report all potholes on and they will then report to the relevant local authority and if is not repaired and damage or an accident occurs claims can be put in.
• During discussions with the Trustees of Helmers Field it was noted they are unhappy with the fact that the Section 106 monies for schooling are leaving the parish. They have been advised that they cannot do anything about it but they are concerned about the school monies going to Kingsbridge. Dist. Cllr. Baverstock noted that the school is currently engaged with Devon County Council to obtain this money but Cty Cllr. Brazil is saying it should go to Kingsbridge. Since the Section 106 document was drawn up Kingsbridge is also now an academy and the owners of the field had wanted the monies gifted to stay in parish.

CLERK’S REPORT

• Received the Conveyances for the Butterfly field, Torcross and Helmers Field, Chillington. An approach has been made to the Helmers Trust to request that a letter be provided allowing an increase in the size of the hall permitted due to the current hall already being larger. Further talks will take place with regard to transfer of the land and section 106 monies. Meeting to take place with District in relation to open spaces, play areas on 26^th April 2011.
• Attended the Chillington Community Association meeting along with Cllr. Rogers and Dist. Cllr. Baverstock to explain how far the transfer talks have progressed and action being taken to acquire and use the section 106 monies.
• Nominations have been requested for representation on the Devon Association of Local Councils County Committee for 2011 – 2015 to be received by 27^th May 2011.
• Invitation from the Community Council of Devon to attend their members forum. The Forum meets quarterly (January, April June/July and October) and includes visits to different areas of the County to look at practical aspects of the Community Council's work and discussion on topics selected by the forum.
• One email of objection received in response to the newsletter article requesting suggestions or comments with regard to the use of Stokenham Playingfield.
• Annual renewal forms received for parish council insurance to be renewed on 1^st June 2011. This needs council consideration due to proposed transfer of land and current liabilities.
• Request has been made by South Hams Community Voluntary Service for a Parish Council 'Specific Point of Contact' to enable them under the 'Big Society' to ensure a truly local focus. This item will go to the May meeting when the newly elected councillors are in post.
• Road Closure: 16-17^th May 2011 Road affected – past Beeson Farm, Stokenham: Utilities.
• Road Closure: 31^st May - 2^nd June 2011 Road affected – Sands Road, Slapton (from junction with Wood Lane to Slapton Bridge): County Highway Resurfacing Works.
• Western Power Distribution invitation to a stakeholder workshop on the future investment plans, to be held at Exeter Rugby Club, Sandy Park 17^th May 2011.
• Email from Enforcement Officer advising of District formal response to owners of The Cafe, Beesands in relation to decking and usage.
• Email from Emma Admans in relation to group buying oil to afford community savings.
• Notification of Review of Districts Statement of Community Involvement in relation to planning, consultation on SurveyMonkey runs until 27^th May 2011.
• NALC circular in relation to the Government's plans to move Inland Waterways into a new charity in England and Wales. Consultation to run until 9^th June 2011. (Email Warwick)

10. DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

Dist Cllr Baverstock had attended Chillington Community Association along with Cllr. Rogers and the Clerk. They discussed the new hall being on an almost identical footprint and the Community Group were working on the assumption that they have available £100,000 from s106 and are not making any effort to increase the amount by matched funding at present. They are having draft plans prepared by an architect and a company that provides sectional buildings has sent a quote. Also consideration of an offer by Taylor Wimpey to draw up plan and cost will be taken up. Once plans are received this will be taken by Dist. Cllr. Baverstock and discussed with planning officers to ensure acceptance and the group will then prepare a survey for Chillington which will be taken round with the District councillors hand delivered June newsletter. It is intended they will seek to have constructed a shell and then fit out internally to their requirements using more local business. It was questioned whether Chillington will get what they want with £100,000? The sectional building quote was £38,000 for a building to go on this plot.

District have had a change of senior management and in his role as Chairman of District he gave Ken Carter his parting gift today with Chris Lucas already gone. Mark Seymour and John Foxworthy also are going. The two new directors are Alan Robinson and Tracy Winzer with interviews today for the final outstanding jobs for heads of service.

Beesands Cafe has been raised and he explained his involvement in 2 recent planning application discussions and community concerns. The decking for the cafe is now lower with disabled access and planning enforcement has been down following Dist. Cllr. Baverstock request and he has suggested a retrospective application for the lower decking. The request for a liquor licence application has been withdrawn. Another planning issue current is where permission was given for a stable block above Frogmore Mill to Molescombe and now two stables have appeared, enforcement is considering this.

County were going to reduce their highway verges cutting to 2 cuts per annum but recent District negotiations have raised this to four cuts and they are still negotiating the other 2. On a personal basis he attended the tank memorial last weekend and returned to the Church for a service and then onto the Parish hall for afternoon tea. He has also been asked to become partner with the National Trust at Killerton for the badger immunisation plan but he was still considering this request.

Community buses are struggling with an increase in fuel charge and this includes Coleridge Bus. Dist Cllr. Baverstock wondered whether the Government could be persuaded to include community buses in the list of exempt vehicles to burn red diesel. Agricultural and fishing already come under this concession but it was noted these vehicles are not for road use. Dist. Cllr. Baverstock was pursuing this idea with South Hams District Council to see if they would back him.

Cllr Foss enquired if heat exchange/air source heat pumps need planning permission. Apparently there is one in Stokenham with another in Kernborough on a Tor Homes property.

Dist. Cllr. Baverstock noted he had consulted with various members who will be sitting on the Beesands Village Green Committee and will form a meeting following the Parish Council Annual May meeting.

He formally wanted to express his disappointment at losing a number of the parish councillors as he had found them all very accommodating in early years as a District Councillor for which he was very grateful. He wished those who were retiring well and thanked them for all they had done. Chillington were quite keen that this parish council undertake various decisions especially in relation to the hall and he expressed the fact at the Chillington Community Association meeting that no residents in Chillington were on the parish council and it might make decisions hard to achieve.

Cllr. Foss noted he had worked hard to get people to put their names forward also. Two particular situations that had put people off were Chillington, Helmers Field and the Site Allocation discussions which everyday people did not want to stand up to. He went on to note that the general public need to remember that councillors put themselves forward for no monetary gain and just for goodwill and there were some very unfair and awful things said during these discussions. It is easy to throw things from outside but much harder to deal with hard facts inside.

Discussions then followed with regard to warding the parish – for and against.

No report received.

Half Yearly precept transmitted but not yet received: £14462.50

Deposit (1) £21032.73

Deposit (2) £4914.60

Current £2165.14

Transferred: £2000.00

Councillors AGREED the cheques and approved them for signature:

The Chairman thanked everyone for their support and behaviour since he had been chairman for the last nine years. For the most part he had enjoyed and found the position rewarding. As Cllr. Foss commented, at the end of the day when you accept the job to represent the people you must be prepared to accept that you are the face of authority and whenever anyone has a gripe they can write letters and some can express themselves better than others. Everyone can speak and they have to vent their feelings and you have to take this on board and its tough, you can be very unpopular and you can lose some friends. You don't earn a lot either! This Parish Council had done a fantastic job, crowned with the pilot and many were beginning to see the results of previously not having long grass and litter around with the cuts not being done this year. The two pilot guys still wave and they both wish they were still continuing.

Cllr Foss responded and thanked the Chairman Cllr Greening for leading the parish council well and noted the very good times and some of the results such as the footpath, taking over the services, also the website which an awful lot of other parishes admired. The incoming council has problem as the website is bigger than Kingsbridge's and this parish could not afford to pay an organisation to continue it as it is. He finished by wishing him an enjoyable retirement from parish council.

The next full parish council meeting will be held on Thursday 19th May 2011 at 7.30p.m. in Stokenham Parish Hall.

Meeting finished: 9.40p.m.

Signed ……………………… Dated 19th May 2011.