JUNE

STOKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

HELD ON 5TH JUNE 2008 IN THE

STOKENHAM PARISH HALL

 

PRESENT:

COUNCILLORS:

R. FOSS (in the Chair)

R. WARDEN

R. BATES

A. VALE

P. ARUNDELL

B. IRELAND

W. HARWOOD

MRS C. NUTTALL-SMITH

J. BAVERSTOCK (also District Councillor)

J. BRAZIL (County Councillor)

 

Also in attendance: Clerk – Mrs G. Claydon

 

APOLOGIES:

COUNCILLORS

P.  GREENING – Personal

J. ANSELL

N. TOLCHARD - Personal

 

1.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

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.

Cllr. Baverstock advised that whilst he would take part in discussions with regard to planning.  In view of his position as a District Councillor and the need for him to discuss such matters with the planning officers and thus keep an open mind on deciding whether such applications should go through under delegated decision or go to Planning Committee he would take part in discussions but not vote at parish level.

 Cllr. Mrs Nuttall-Smith declared a personal and prejudicial interest in application 1014/08/F land to the north of Stokenham House, being the neighbour and having recently been the owner of this land.

2.         OPEN FORUM

 Eric Heavisides advised councillors that on alighting at the Stokenham Bus Shelter he had noticed that there was fountain pen ink, still wet, that had been applied to the shelter.  He thanked the clerk and bus shelter cleaner for such a quick response in remedying this problem.

3.         MINUTES

 The Minutes of the Annual meeting dated 15th May 2008 were approved by all present and duly signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.  

 4.         PLANNING & PLANNING MATTERS

            Applications to be considered at this meeting:

 2517/07/F Creation of 18 apartments for independent holiday use in lieu of existing 17 holiday flats, together with internal and external alterations, including 3 storey extension Torcross Apartment Hotel, Torcross, TQ7 2TQ. WITHDRAWN 

Cllr Baverstock arrived.

 2587/07/F Readvertisement in respect of revised drawings – Resubmission of application 53/1706/07/F for the erection of eight dwellings Old Grist Mill House, Chillington, TQ7 2JS.

 Objection.  It was acknowledged that the amount of proposed properties had been reduced to address residents concerns relating to parking by Brook and Brookside Cottages and that such parking has been distributed around the development.

 This Parish Council however wished to place on record their concerns with regard to springs and possible flooding in this area.  They are aware that due to correspondence planning officers have diligently approached the Environment Agency and South West Water who both have shown no concerns or wish to intervene or offer advice.  For this reason this Parish Council again object to highlight the need to protect existing and future residents and urge the authorities to consider such conditions as a water catchment facility similar to Harbertonford and/or the use of permeable paving rather than concrete or tarmac.

 Of further concern is the effect on residents in this area if flooding occurs or is exacerbated due to this development and insurance companies in the future refuse to continue to insure.  It is also suggested that an archaeological dig take place ‘before’ any works are allowed to commence.

Cllr. Brazil arrived.

 0854/08/F Provision of permanent fixing for temporary umbrellas Start Bay Inn, Torcross, TQ7 2TQ (carried forward from previous meeting as documentation now received).  -  No objection.

Cllr. Harwood arrived.

Cllr. Brazil left after giving his report below.

 0932/08/F Alterations and extension to dwelling Pennistone 4 Fairfield Way, Chillington TQ7 2LS  -  No objection.  It was noted that the construction of the garage/carport/sort whilst dominant is to be made of green oak to an acceptable design.

 0962/08/F Conversion of loft and associated internal works Sealarks, Kiln Lane, Stokenham  -  No objection.   

0995/08/F Amendment to planning approval 53/0496/06/F for extension and alteration to provide guest & leisure accommodation (conservatory to be fully glazed) Combehay House, Chillington - No objection.  This application seeks to change the previous in order that this conservatory can be fully glazed and is felt to be an improvement to the design.

 Cllr. Mrs Nuttall-Smith left the meeting whilst this matter was discussed.

 1014/08/F Erection of timber framed garage and siting of oil tank Building Plot north of Stokenham House at SX806427, Stokenham  -  No objection.

 Cllr. Mrs Nuttall-Smith rejoined.

  PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED

 0532/08/F Retrospective application for retention of garden decking and removal of balustrade Sea Thatch, Beesands

 0618/08/F Amendment to planning application 53/2061/97/3 to second storey section of Unit 5 and part of roof to Unit 4 Beeson Farm Cottages, Beeson Farm, Beeson

 LISTED BUILDING CONSENT GRANTED

 0533/08/LB Retrospective application for Listed Building Consent for retention of existing garden decking and removal of balustrade Sea Thatch, Beesands

 0579/08/LB Listed Building Consent for alterations The Old Post Office, Stokenham

 0619/08/LB Amendments to Listed Building application 53/2060/97/7 to second storey section of Unit 5 and part of roof to Unit 4 Beeson Farm Cottages, Beeson Farm, Beeson

 TREES IN A CONSERVATION AREA -NOTIFICATION TO UNDERTAKE WORKS

 0524/08/TCA Proposal: Various felling and surgery at The Close, Stokenham – Noted.

  PLANNING CORRESPONDENCE

 0446/08/F Officers report – Retrospective application for resubmission of planning application 53/0462/07/F for extended decking and boundary treatment 1 Shindle Park, Chillington

 0623/08/F Officers report – Resubmission of application 53/2517/07/F for the creation of 18 apartments for independent holiday use in lieu of existing 17 holiday flats, together with internal and external alterations, including 3 storey extension Torcross Apartment Hotel, Torcross

 It was noted that copy emails and correspondence from either the planning officer, complainants or owner of Holmleigh Field and Leyburn had been received.  The dispute was being monitored and a response awaited from the Enforcement Officer at District Planning.

 SHINDLE PARK SITE VISIT BY DISTRICT PLANNING COMMITTEE

Cllr. Vale advised that he had attended this meeting with the District Planning Committee to represent parish council.  They visited the site and considered the neighbouring concerns from the decking of Shindle Park.  Five members of the District Planning Committee were in attendance and four members voted to objection to this application.

 6.         POST OFFICES AND TELEPHONE KIOSK REVISION

 Councillors considered such information received with regard to the discontinuance of Post Office provision at Kellaton which was duly noted.

 With regard to the removal of Public Payphone boxes at Hallsands, Kellaton, Beeson, Stokenham and Chillington and it was AGREED to note the removal of the Stokenham and Chillington payphones but object to Hallsands, Beeson and Kellaton on the grounds that as mobile phones do not work in this area there is an emergency call requirement in these remote areas.  Discussion took place with regard to the historical value in the streetscene of the payphone kiosks but it was noted that their retention could cause confusion during emergencies and therefore this was not felt prudent.

 7.         BOUNDARY REVIEW

 Councillors discussed the various Unitary options affecting Stokenham parish and it was AGREED that the clerk write to the Boundary Committee supporting the Rural South Devon & Dartmoor bid advising that this parish were concerned that rural decisions are not made from a remote urban stance.

 18.       REPORTS

 Matters around the parish requiring notification or action by the Clerk:

  • Holes in road in Torcross and outside Stokenham House.
  • Water is again issuing from the bank adjacent to Holbrook Terrace and such incursion will eventually create potholes in the road surface – clerk to advise officers.
  • Dangerous pothole on Carehouse Cross to Mattiscombe Cross road in gateway opposite Old School House driveway near to manhole cover – to advise County highways.
  • Bollard by Holbrook houses is so dirty it is a danger on the highway – to advise County.
  • Footpath from end of gravel path by Farm Shop to Torcross is overgrown.
  • Footpath from Stokenham to Chillington has stinging nettles at gateways and children are being stung – contact Alan Pope, County.

 AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

Roger English has requested comments on the management plan and Cllr. Foss encouraged everyone to feed in as this will build into the final document.  He also advised that it has been decided that two years representation is not enough for independent members and unless anyone objects the group are going to continue for 3 years.  Cllr. Foss also highlighted the Slapton Line open day on the 16th August in which the AONB are taking part.

 CLERK’S REPORT

 COUNCILLOR VACANCY 

LIFE LONG LEARNING NETWORK

Councillors were advised that the research being carried out by Plymouth University and which they had contributed to by submitting the responses to questionnaires was to have findings presented on 15th July 2008.  A free conference is to take place at Exeter Court Hotel, Kennford and councillors were invited to put forward their names if they wished to attend.

  INSURANCE

 The annual payment being due in June confirmation had been sought and received (email dated 30th May 2008) that the ‘Volunteers’ put in place by Stokenham Parish Council with regard to closing the flood gates were covered for accidents under the council insurance.  Ongoing review of the contents of the insurance policy will also take place to include the further bus shelters.

 DEVON PLAYING FIELDS ASSOCIATIONT

The Annual General meeting is due to take place on 10th July 2008 and councillors were invited to attend at a cost of £10 per person.  No representatives were forthcoming.

  ROAD CLOSURE

Roads affected P2614 Road past Beeson Farm, Stokenham.  From 7th – 11th July 2008. 

19.       DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

 District Cllr. Baverstock advised that District approved in principal the allocation of £2.3million for refurbishment of children’s’ play areas and will release £600,000 immediately.  Every play area has been visited and assessed and a process of refurbishment will start immediately.

 20.       COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

 County Cllr. Brazil advised that their Annual meeting had taken place and the status quo remained.

 At Executive Cllr. Brazil noted an issue that might affect Stokenham, the digital switchover.  He was concerned with regard to the elderly residents aware of the fact that they may have no idea or understanding about what is going on and could be very susceptible to salesmen.  He was also concerned whether people will get the signal when it is implemented.  An awareness drive is being run by Digital UK and Cllr. Brazil felt it might be prudent to mention this topic on the next quarterly newsletter and perhaps find a local ‘expert’ to help/advise older people.

 County have been told that the Boundary Committee will put only one proposal forward from the 22 bids they have received and there will be six weeks consultation on that bid only from the week commencing 7th July. 

 21.       FINANCE AND CHEQUES

 Cheques:

001497 Stokenham Parochial Church Council – Graveyard maintenance grant £963.00

001498 Coleridge Community Bus – Grant against maintenance invoices £327.76

001499 Green Cut – Permissive footpath maintenance £42.50

001500 Concorde Copiers – Hub, labour and monthly Maintenance £57.05

001501 Allianz Insurance PLC – Council insurance 2008/09 £830.53

 22.       POINTS OF INFORMATION

 SHDC Executive Forward Plan 29th May 2008.

SHDC New waste services leaflet and calendar

Hygiene 2 Health Ltd. Information leaflet on courses.

Devon & Cornwall Police Authority Liaison meetings notice.

Voluntary Vine Issue 3 2008.

Western Power Distribution Stakeholder Consultation document.

SHDC Minutes of the Executive 29th May 2008.

Village Green x 4.

 23.       NEXT MEETING

 The next full parish council meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd July 2008 at 7.30p.m. in the Wesley Smith Room, Stokenham Parish Hall.

 Meeting finished: 9.10p.m.

 

Signed ………………………   Dated: 19th June 2008.


STOKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

HELD ON 19TH JUNE 2008 IN THE

STOKENHAM PARISH HALL

PRESENT:

COUNCILLORS:

P.  GREENING (in the Chair)

R. FOSS

R. WARDEN

R. BATES

P. ARUNDELL

B. IRELAND

W. HARWOOD

MRS C. NUTTALL-SMITH

J. ANSELL

N. TOLCHARD

J. BRAZIL (County Councillor)

Also in attendance: Clerk – Mrs G. Claydon

 

APOLOGIES:

COUNCILLORS

A. VALE - Personal

J. BAVERSTOCK (also District Councillor) - Personal

 

1.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

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.

 

Cllr Tolchard declared a personal interest in planning applications 1062 and 1121.

 

2.         OPEN FORUM

 

Eric Heavisides enquired why draft minutes were not published before a meeting.  The Chair advised that all councillors received the minutes in draft but that it was not a duty nor this council’s policy to put such in the public domain until councillors had approved them at the next meeting.

 

Barry O’Shea enquired whether council knew anything about changes to parking in Torcross.  He had also been advised that it was a private company issuing tickets parking tickets but this information was corrected.  Mr O’Shea was advised that there had always been a limited time for parking in the square adjacent to the Torcross shops and that no indication had been given that this was to change.  Cllr. Warden noted that Chris Lucas had been present at the Saltstone meeting and the issue of parking tickets was discussed.  Cllr. Foss had also heard at Slapton Line Partnership meeting that the District are looking into the needs of parking along the whole of the line as to whether there are sufficient places.  Mr O’Shea was concerned that local people who currently park on the road will now start to park along the seafront.  It was felt that rumours had been started since the introduction of the parking ticket attendants but no changes were expected at this time.

 

3.         MINUTES

 

The Minutes of the meeting dated 5th June 2008 were approved by all present and duly signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.  

 

4.         PLANNING & PLANNING MATTERS

            Applications to be considered at this meeting:

 

0839/07/F Extension to entrance lobby and alteration to existing access extension to provide extra accommodation Fairfield House Nursing Home, Chillington – Withdrawn

 

0932/08/F Alterations and extension to dwelling and erection of detached garage/store Pennistone 4 Fairfield Way, Chillington – Withdrawn

 

1027/08/F Amendment to planning application 53/0908/07/F for the conversion of attached barn/storeroom to living accommodation Barns at Lower Beeson Farm, Beeson

-        No objection.

 

1034/08/F Erection of single storey extension The Ridge, Chillington – No objection.

 

1084/08/F Installation of 15m mast supporting a three blade wind turbine of 5.57m diameter Coombe Park, Chillington – Cllr. Warden wished to register his objection and felt this was setting a precedent.  No objection but councillors were cautious and wished mentioned that they would not wish this to set a precedent within the parish for the like in more sensitive areas.

 

1062/08/F Conversion of existing barn to holiday use Barn at Cotmore Farm, Cotmore – No objection.

 

1121/08/F Amendment to condition 20 of planning approval 53/0939/04/F for the demolition of existing hotel, coach house and sheds and construction of 5 no. new dwellings (amendment to line of new footpath) Start View, Hallsands  - No objection.

 

            PLANNING PERMISSION GRANTED

 

0623/08/F Resubmission of application 53/2517/07/F for the creation of 16 apartments for independent holiday use in lieu of existing 17 holiday flats, together with internal and external alterations, including 3 storey extension Torcross Apartment Hotel, Torcross

 

0652/08/F Demolition of existing store & construction of lean to timber clad store to conceal oil tank Root House, Beeson

 

            PLANNING CORRESPONDENCE

 

Contaminated land – email from Katy Philips advising of this requirement under PPS23.

 

Affordable Housing – Letter dated 4th June 2008 from Karen Duffield advising of agenda for the hearing of sessions of the examination.

 

0826/08/F – Letter of objection from resident with regard to 12 Cotmore Way, Chillington.

 

Letter dated 11th June 2008 from Karen Duffield Programme Officer for Sherford Area Action Plan Examination advising of arrangements for the day.

 

5.         AUGUST AND DECEMBER FULL COUNCIL

 

It was AGREED to hold one meeting on the first Thursday in August and one meeting in December also on the first Thursday.

 

6.         REPORTS

 

Matters around the parish requiring notification or action by the Clerk:

 

The new bus shelters in Chillington were felt to be very good and a request has been received from a parishioner for one near the Church House Inn in Stokenham.  The Clerk is to enquire of County of the possibility.

 

            COLERIDGE ASSOCIATION OF PARISH COUNCILS

 

Cllr. Foss advised that the AGM was held at Slapton Village Hall.  The new Chair is Val Mercer and Vice Chair Mary Newman.  At this meeting it was agreed that a letter will be sent to Highways praising the patching efforts on the back road passing places.  A letter is also to be sent complaining about the confusion on naming the new development near Plymouth, ‘Sherford’.  Charleton advised they were still having problems with their footpath but at a later AONB meeting they were advised that the land agents problem had been overcome.  East Portlemouth have finished the porch on their hall and Frogmore & Sherford are still negotiating Affordable Housing.  A car park for Slapton is progressing very slowly as apparently District are causing problems in this regard.  A Slapton Line Forum open day is on 16th August at Slapton Village Hall.  Stoke Fleming clerk raised road sweeping concerns.  A plea was made on behalf of the Saltstone Group for parishes of the Saltstone Group to support the group otherwise it would fall by the way.

 

Cllr. Brazil arrived.

 

            SALTSTONE GROUP

 

The Chair of Parish Council congratulated Cllr Warden on being elected as Chair of the Saltstone Group.  Cllr. Warden advised that five people plus the chair attended a very interesting meeting in which Chris Lucas gave a presentation concentrating on the new civil parking.  Police were previously only receiving a proportion of the fines that they issued but District are now getting the full amount to share with County.  In place are five parking officers compared to the previous one.  The attendants have been very active in Kingsbridge and other towns and Cllr. Warden raised concerns for places such as Chillington for evening parking.  Chris Lucas advised that no attendants are coming out in the evenings.  East Portlemouth were also concerned with their continual parking problems.  A street scene manager is to be employed in due course and it was noted that 57% of waste from the South Hams is now recycled and they are the 6th highest recycler in the country.  The devolved services pilot scheme to be run in Stokenham was mentioned.  Paula Brooks will not be replaced and therefore South Hams District Council has 7 less officers.  Chris Lucas has taken away 12 bullet points to put ideas to and respond.  The numbers of people attending Saltstone has not been good and Kathy Taverner might not have a complete list of all members.  The new Vice Chair Chris Cox and others were quite upbeat however and have split up the parish councils list and will approach them to highlight the importance of keeping the Saltstone Group alive.

 

Cllr Warden also advised that he is to attend the Devon Playing Fields Association meeting.

 

            DEVOLVED SERVICES PILOT

 

The Clerk and Chair advised councillors of the further discussions that had taken place with regard to the pilot.  Time spent in the parish carrying out various tasks has been assessed and costings has been put to this.  Commitment from the County is still awaited but a report is to go to the District Executive on the 10th July to approve their contribution and support for this pilot.

 

            SLAPTON LINE PARTNERSHIP

 

Cllrs. Foss and Ireland attended this meeting which was chaired by Robin Toogood in Alan Robinson’s absence.  A presentation was made by Alan Denbigh about the business meetings and newsletter etc.  Alan then went on to ask what information local people wanted provided and it was agreed that they would want to know about the ‘line’ and high tides, winds etc.  No one was worried about a short closure but the suggestion to use a pyramid telephone tree for local sign closure through Environment Agency warnings is not wanted.  If the road goes completely signage will be put out by County.  Brian George was complimented for the superb work on the back roads and it was advised that Andy Gallagher had provided all this and extra monies were provided towards his budget.  Cllr. Foss felt that there is definitely a figure in peoples mind at County that will be the cut off point for repair and his guess was around half a million.  Current planning permission covers only two places and will run out in 2010.  It was noted that Paul Lock is in charge of trying to sort the work on the bastions out as 2/3rds had been taken away recently.  They are to spend about £6,000 putting them back together again.

 

The Field Centre are ensuring by pro active cutting and bush clearance that if the road goes again there will be no wildlife habitats that will stop works.

 

There is talk about re routing the footpath around the back of the ley and further information can be obtained from Alan Denbigh.  With regard to public attendance at the Slapton Line Partnership it was noted that some people have asked to attend and it being considered whether they should not run the meetings the same as parish council with an Open Forum.  There will however continue to be 2 meetings per year.

 

            SUMMER NEWSLETTER

 

Councillors were appraised of the content and format for this and all being well this will be distributed by District Cllr. Baverstock when he delivers his own newsletter.

 

            AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY

 

The Sustainability grant received and distributed this year was £61,666.  Locally money was put into the West Charleton footpath, a permanent shop in Aveton Gifford and work to eradicate Japanese Knotwood.  The AONB unit has now taken on the wet bits of the South Hams and therefore this includes Nigel Mortimer’s remit.   Cllr. Foss urged every to fill out the Management Plan questionnaire and return such comments to Roger English.

 

            MBE

 

It was noted that Evelyn Lynn of Torcross had been awarded the MBE for 60 years of voluntary work at Stokenham School. The Clerk is to send a letter of congratulations.

 

            CLERK’S REPORT

 

Seeking further information and contact with Vitalise by email and by phone had taken place but no response had been forthcoming and therefore this application for a grant is being dismissed.

 

The Clerk advised that she had spoken to the Hallsands developer and due to them now being so advanced on negotiations and provision they do not have management of the area and are therefore unable to assist with any provision of land or ideas within the car park.

 

The SDCLAG is progressing and the group are awaiting an outcome at end of July.  The feeling is that as the initial 30 bids is now down to just 19 with two further ones which will possibly be dropped there is a good chance.  Thus it is hoped that they will agree all bids at reduced figures.  SDCLAG have only asked for £300,000 per year and the lowest grant given is £250,000 and therefore it is anticipated that the group will succeed at a reduction of only £50,000 p.a.

 

The Clerk has been requested by Chillington Community Association to attend a meeting to help/discuss funding for the hall.

 

It was noted that the post opposite Holbrook Terrace on the main road has been removed due to concerns.

 

Councillors were asked whether they would be interested along with Salcombe in Planning Training.  It was agreed to book a Saturday in October or November.

 

7.         DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

 

No report as Cllr. Baverstock had tended his apologies.

 

8.         COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

 

The Executive have considered giving some support to Post Offices following the closures notices.  They are also awaiting the Boundary Committee recommendation on 7th July. 

 

9.         FINANCE AND CHEQUES

 

Current Account: £764.37

Instant Savers (1): £30,345.21

Instant Savers (2): £3,234.57

 

Transferred: £5000.00

 

Cheques:

 

001502 Devon Playing Fields Association – Attendance at seminar £10.00

001503 Concorde Copiers - Maintenance £2.08

001504 Actionwest – Tel. connection & Canon black cartridge for printer £31.48

001505 E. Luscombe – Bus Shelter Cleaning £75.00

001506 A. Ball – Bus Shelter Cleaning £75.00

001507 P. Ball – Bus Shelter Cleaning £75.00

001508 P. Stone – Bus Shelter Cleaning £75.00

001509 R. Sylvester – Playingfield rent £18.75

001510 Mrs Chamberlain – Playfield rent £18.75

001511 Mrs G. Claydon – Clerks wages £to be advised

001512 In. Rev – Tax & NI £to be advised

001513 W. Harwood – Cllrs. Allowance £20.40

 

Payments received:

 

Website £54.00

Online Services H.M. Revenue & Customs - £100.00

 

10.       POINTS OF INFORMATION

 

Tor Homes Estates Walks list- 8th October 2008 this Parish.

Rural Community Building Research 2007/08 leaflet by CCD.

Senior Council for Devon leaflets.

SHDC Yearbook.

S. Devon & Dartmoor Community Safety Leaflet – First Edition.

Devon CC Letter in relation to their proposed Community Board areas.

S. Devon Carers Consortium Forum 10th July 2008 - speakers and topics.

 

11.       NEXT MEETING

 

The next full parish council meeting will be held on Thursday 3rd July 2008 at 7.30p.m. in the Wesley Smith Room, Stokenham Parish Hall.

 

Meeting finished: 10.15p.m.

 

Signed ………………………   Dated: 3rd July 2008.

 

COUNCIL