NOVEMBER

COUNCIL

STOKENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE MEETING

HELD ON 17TH NOVEMBER 2011 IN THE

STOKENHAM PARISH HALL

 

PRESENT:

COUNCILLORS:

J. ANSELL                                                                L. COWLEY                                     

A. GOODMAN                                                          R. FOSS (in the Chair)

MRS L. WINROW                                                    A. VALE                                           

MS. S. OAKMAN                                                      MRS A. LOCKWOOD                    

D. HILLIER

      J. BRAZIL (County Councillor)

J. BAVERSTOCK (District Councillor)

 

Also in attendance:

Clerk – Mrs G. Claydon

Pc Mutton - Apologies

 

APOLOGIES:

COUNCILLORS

      MRS. C. NUTTALL-SMITH – Personal

      C. ROGERS – Personal

      MRS D. STEER – Illness

      B. IRELAND – Work

 

      1.         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

 

Councillors were invited to declare any personal or prejudicial interest, including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be considered at this meeting.  They were also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

·       Cllr Foss declared a personal interest in application 2876/11/F Cotmore Farm.

 

2.         OPEN FORUM

 

Mr and Mrs Needham of Old Cotmore Farm were in attendance with Malcolm Gigg their architect.  Peter Greening was also in attendance but declined to speak.  Mr Gigg explained that the applicants wished to change from a 30 caravan site to 8 holiday lodges.  Applications have been made previously and this was the third time it had returned after discussions with planning officers.  The application wishes to change from touring park to lodges thus providing holiday summer/winter homes which are fixed buildings on a plot.  Their main reason is to try and increase revenue for the business as these could be used all year round whereas caravan and tent accommodation is not suitable for such.  The advantage for the applicants and surrounding area is that there will continue to be revenue throughout the low season and national surveys found that if visitors are staying within a cottage dwelling/lodge they tend to spend more money locally as caravan/tents usually self cater and bring food with them.  As a further enhancement they wished to address eco/green issues through photo voltaics, solar panels and also by the construction being well insulated along with log burners and designed so the glazing can use solar reflective heat during the day and retain such.  Therefore they felt the designs will sit well within the landscape and there have been discussions at some length with District to get to a point where such will not affect the AONB.  Agreement in principle has been reached with District that the design and situation is acceptable.

 

The proposed lodges themselves are situated within a woodland area so are not breaking the skyline and reduction of caravan transfer cuts down on traffic on narrow roads.  Councillors were asked if they had any questions?  Is there any restriction placed on this type of holiday lodge as how long it can be occupied during the year or essentially can it be used as a home?  Yes it will be a restricted and the applicants are hoping for a similar condition as Gara Rock in that these properties are used 12 months a year but not allowed to be a principle residence.  Therefore they encourage all year round use but not long term tenancy and they are not a time share.  The architect advised that a Section 106 agreement will control this?  Will this completely replace the caravans and tents?  There are currently 30 tents/caravans and this development will occupy 50% of the area and will change the usage so no caravans will be allowed.  The solar collectors for heat and pvs it was noted that the lodges were placed in the direction way for photovoltaics but the applicant noted that such would be on the barn which will collect enough energy.  Will they be let out on a fortnightly basis and not 6 month etc terms.  The applicants currently have 3 holiday cottages already and let about 40 weeks a year to different users and they expect the same with these.  Cllr Vale noted there was a concern registered by parish council previously some 2 years ago on the basis that the parish were losing a facility that catered for a certain market.  The applicant responded that although the area would be losing 30 caravan pitches which were used as 5 for tents, 25 caravans, of the 25 caravans 20 are pitched on a seasonal basis and then stay for the year although only used a few weeks of the year.  So only 5 pitches were in fact previously available to visiting caravans.  He suggested there was always space at Stokeley Caravan Club.  The area may have lose this amenity but the lodges will extend the visitor period when people will come to the area and perhaps spend more. 

 

Pc Mutton emailed a report that advised the police have seen a large increase in thefts from building sites across the Kingsbridge area but mostly in Salcombe.  Power tools, lead and copper are the target and residents are asked to be aware of any strange movements.  So far none on the Stokenham patch although there were 8 reported crimes of another nature.

 

3.         MINUTES

 

The Minutes of the:

 

(a)       full council meeting dated 20th October 2011 were approved by all present and duly             signed as a true and correct record.  Cllr Vale not present.

(b)       Planning Committee – none held in November 2011.

     

      4.         PLANNING & PLANNING MATTERS

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

·       2783/11/F Demolition of existing barn and erection of 3 new terraced dwelling houses and bat roosts Land at SX7928 4281 Chillington – Objection.  Whilst in principle parish council do not object to the demolition of this structure they are concerned that this new report totally contradicts the original report that such agreement for the whole site was reached upon.  There are concerns as to how in keeping any complete rebuild can possibly as this is one of the oldest buildings in the area that could probably be aligned with the medieval line of the road thus of historic significance.  Such redevelopment therefore needs to reflect the history of this building and parish council must be assured of how much original stone can be retained and used on the roadside.  The proposal it is felt does not reflect the current street scene of Chillington with the proposed street facade having a more urban industrial vernacular by virtue of its finish and the proposed windows being larger are not in keeping with any attempt to reflect a barn, whilst the back does not fit the historical aspect of the barn.  Any materials used must retain the local stone and use such similar mortar and provide more sympathy towards a barn whilst the proposal currently looks like three new terraced dwellings and does not use sympathetic architectural furniture.

·       2845/11/F Householder application for erection of new double garage and associated works Chillington Garage House, Chillington – No objection.

·       2876/11/F Resubmission of planning ref 53/1976/09/F for redevelopment of caravan and camping park to include 8 holiday lodges and landscaping Old Cotmore Farm, Cotmore – No objection.

 

            PLANNING CORRESPONDENCE

·       Wind turbine application highlighted by South Pool Parish Council and their request for comments as to how Stokenham Parish Council see such. - An article was in the Kingsbridge Gazette outlining the action group and further emails were received.  Attending the Action Group meeting it was felt to be informative and useful as although the action group were in attendance at least 50% of the people present were in favour of the turbine and thus put both sides extremely well.  It was felt that the people in favour of the wind turbine made a far better case than those against.  Parish Councillors however felt that as there was no over riding policy in South Hams there is a concern that more turbine would be allowed.  It was felt there was a need to have a policy in this AONB about wind turbines as it was felt the economic case was not the only case that should have been put forward.  Farmers put a case forward as to why they felt it was necessary to have this type of energy and how it affected their economy on the farm noting a dominant structure such as a tower for silage was the same as a wind turbine.  Stokenham Parish Council is therefore to put this item on the next agenda to discuss a policy for wind turbines in Stokenham but no comment is to be made on the South Pool turbine.

·       It was noted that flags have now appeared at the Copperfield site in Chillington and it was questioned whether these are permitted.

·       Dist Cllr Baverstock noted that an additional 2 flags had appeared on the Helmers site on the day that four were approved but now the site has returned to four and it is hoped this matter is dealt with.

 

6.         POLICY GUIDELINE FOR PARISH SELF GRITTING AREAS

      It was AGREED to adopt the areas noted below to form the basic coverage for voluntary gritting in the parish.  It was noted that four tons of salt are to be delivered in 25kg bags and Cllr Hillier will retain the list of Snow Warden volunteers and Cllr Rogers will deliver salt to these wardens.

·                   Twenty yards each side of parish council bus shelters

·                   Outside the Torcross and Chillington Post Offices/Shops.  Beesands shop was      noted but at present it was felt this area did not cause concern during snow.

·                   The pavement from A379 to Chillington Health Centre.

·                   The access/pavement to the Parish Hall and in future, if necessary, Chillington     Community Hall.

·                   The steps down from Green Park Way to the A379

▪      Pavements only to the frontage of the access driveway into the Stokenham             Primary School if school is not cancelled (to liaise with caretaker and request            school/parents volunteers to assist).  Note:   Stokenham school have their own         grit bin at the school gates and cover their area but from the juncture down to the     roundabout should be included.  (Liaise with headmistress to check when school    closes and volunteers to assist)

     

      The question of pavements around the parish such as Grenville Close, Green Park Way and areas in Beesands were raised but it was noted that when residents were snowed in parish council were not going to be able to service all the parish with a little amount of salt grit and this was to make the services/shops accessible.

 

Such guidelines are in place but if somewhere needs attention and parish council feel it is needed then salt will be applied at parish council discretion.

 

      7.         COUNCIL POLICY AND AIMS

      It was agreed to DEFER this matter again for councillors to consider such policy points to inform their term of office in parish council and help set aims and objectives to achieve projects to benefit and support the community.

 

      8.         DEVOLVED SERVICES

      A tick box response was AGREED to the grid listing potential services that could be devolved by District and County and provided by District to inform their consultation.

     

9.         REPORTS

 

BEESANDS PLAYGROUND CONSULTATION

The community consultation took place down at Beesands Chapel and such was notified to all parents through the Stokenham Primary School newsletter together with all Beesands residents being visited by Cllr. Mrs Steer where possible.  The responses were recorded and no objections noted.  The option chosen by Parish Council has been advised to District and the final paperwork is to be passed to Alex Whish who will put the order in to commence works.

 

SOUTH WEST COAST PATH – STRETE SECTION

      A meeting was held at Strete Parish Hall where Graham Bryant of Natural England attended along with representatives from The Ramblers Association, South West Coast Path Association, County Council, District, Strete Parish Councillors and Clerk and Stokenham Clerk.  It was a positive meeting with all working towards completing this link.  Some property owners have been paid for their land but there remain five sections to secure.  Four owners have been contacted and appear to support this work and one is still being traced.  Natural England do no have the funding for this work at present so they must bid to achieve this and will go to report on 8th December.  Various agencies and volunteers offered to give funds and assistance and the project looks hopefuly.  It was noted that the Marine & Coastal Act 2009 allows for a public path creation order but as this Act is in its infancy it is not expected to be able to use such at present.  CLAG grant gone in by Strete.  Dist. Cllr Brazil passed on message from Strete of thanks to Stokenham for all their support.  Action day on Saturday 11th February 2012 to clear scrub land. 

     

      ESTUARY CONSERVATION FORUM

 

      Chairman is concerned about the removal of Emergency Towing Vessels and is asking everybody to sign an internet petition.  They had received money from the South Devon Coastal Local Action Group and produced more leaflets, story boards, etc around the estuary.  New Marine Conservation Zones are a little nearer and one will include the Skerries and right round to Start and Prawle which is basically the same area as the crab potting agreement zone where trawlers do not come at present.  Therefore this area will remain as not trawled and is thus a good conservation area.  People are still coming from Plymouth and netting fish.  Their assertion is that they are only netting mullet but it is believed they are taking bass which is not legal.  Gordon Waterhouse gave details of all the birds spotted in this area over the years as this was available to those interested. 

     

      NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

      Cllr Cowley asked for suggestions.  At present it is hoped to put in an article updating on the Helmers Field housing allocated locally, areas that gritting will take place and perhaps a call for volunteers to assist on gritting.

 

OPEN DAY AT HELMERS FIELD

 

Cllr Cowley was disappointed that nobody turned up at the open day and he was only person there with all homes locked up and Tor Homes representatives not in attendance.  Taylor Wimpey had no information as to why there was not attendance.  Dist. Cllr Baverstock was aware that some local people have been allocated to housing and asked how well the event was advertised?  It was suggested that the support provided to make people aware of what is available is almost non existent.  In Stokenham Parish there were 12 groups who wanted housing (ie 1 bed, 2 bed etc) only three of which were in the higher allocation bracket above Band D, the rest who would like to have housing do not tick enough point boxes to qualify.  The statistics Dist Cllr Baverstock had previously been provided with covered the whole of South Hams and showed there were those who wanted something in Stokenham Parish but had moved away due to no provision.  He went on to say there were figures available in the housing department for some applicants who are further afield, only in the next parish or so, but want to come back to live near their parents.  At that stage there were 47 were on the list.  He noted that a member of the affordable housing department in Follaton had offered to carry out a new Housing Needs survey which would highlight the true parish need.

 

CLUSTER MEETING – SALCOMBE

An officer from County attended and advised that because of the costs involved in providing bus services and their need to make cut backs they cut back as best they could.  Where demand for a bus service was shown they kept it and where not enough usage was show they took these away.  With regard to planning some parish councils still felt they were not being told why an application decision was made against their responses.  The other discussion was on holding cluster meetings and it was noted that only half the parishes attended and half of those were not bothered if they were held or not.  Dist Cllr. Baverstock will await till when all four clusters have been held and then will call Scrutiny together to see whether it is worth holding future clusters. 

 

TAYLOR WIMPEY – HELMERS SITE

      A meeting was held at District with Dave Matthews and Ben Smith from Taylor Wimpey, Cassandra Harrison District Affordable Housing, Dist Cllr Baverstock, Cllr Rogers and the clerk to receive an update on Helmers development.  Subjects covered were the section of land within the development allocated for the hall, costing for the new hall design, payment of the Section 106 monies, an offer of £1000+ to community needs i.e. bench, noticeboard etc such monies obtained from fines of lorry drivers arriving outside hours, questioned whether any additional inclusion of structures would require further piling, the bridge and wetland area to Helmers/Tanpits playingfield, the new application for the barn development and when all the houses will be built and Taylor Wimpey leave the site.

 

Matters arising around the parish:

·       Road sweeper stopped along Kiln Lane at Grenville Close and never went any further.

·       Kellaton Hill has been swept superbly by Cllr Ansell and his wife.  The matter of no mechanical sweeper attending and the road sweepers not attending to this area have been taken up with District.

 

            CLERK’S REPORT

·       The Localism Bill was enacted on Tuesday 15th November 2011 and is now a formal Act. Most of this will not come into force until April 2012, the document is 240 pages long and as yet not reviewed.

·       Parish Council emergency plan needs updating and Dist Cllr Baverstock has agreed to co-ordinate this.

·       Once the Clerk and Cllr. Cowley have considered the accounts and possible precept figures the Chair wishes an informal meeting of councillors.  Date to be arranged.

·       Email from Steve Mason District asking whether parish council had any street sweeping or maintenance issues.  He has also supplied the weeks of work and mechanical sweeper visits.

·       Statement of Community Involvement – Consultation draft received from District for responses by 16th December 2011.

·       Chris Hyson of Chillington Community Association forwarded an email to advise that the Olympic torch would be passing through this parish on Sunday 20th May 2012.  Attached to this was an invitation from Rufus Gilbert District Chairman to register community organisations interest to be involved.  Email now received from Peter Dale Emergency Co-ordinator at District after he was chased, to say that he will meet with parishes involved, no date as yet.  A grid was also sent by Peter Dale requesting birthplaces/information of any famous people on the route, notable people, invention or scientific discoveries, food areas – quirky national food etc, film locations or quirky facts. 

·       Road Closure Order 14th - 16th December 2011 Roads affected - Chestnut Park to Beesands for Utility works.

·       Without prejudice letter dated 20th October 2011 to Chillington Community Association from Ross Kennerley District officer formally outlining their intentions with regard to Chillington Village Hall monies and lease.

·       Email dated 17th November from Alan Denbigh giving an update on the Start Bay Tourism Project.  Emailed to all councillors.

·       Planning training is on 7th December 10 – 4p.m.  Additional nine councillors from surrounding parishes to date.

 

10.       DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

 

Dist Cllr Baverstock has been working to obtain car parking for tradesmans cars in Chillington in order to resolve the situation in Orchard Way.  This evening Taylor Wimpey advised they felt a solution to the problem had been found.  Taylor Wimpey have advised that they will have finished building and be gone by mid January 2012 definitely.  The barns when commenced will be dealt with by another contractor/individual.

 

11.       COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT

 

Congratulations and note was taken of Cty Cllr Brazil's fledgling moustache being grown in aid of prostate and testicular cancer.  He was at the meeting of the Coastal path as reported above.  Cty Cllr. Brazil apologised for not being able to attend the last meeting but advised that Christine Channon of County Council visited Stokenham school in relation to the extra classroom.  They have been promised a feasibility study by the end of January 2012.  In his view as a hub of the Federation he thought Stokenham might receive funding for better staff room facilities at the entrance but maybe not enough for a further classroom.  However as this is a modular building hopefully such funding can be found and this added at a later date. 

 

12.       FINANCE AND CHEQUES

Balances were provided and the below cheques were noted and agreed for signature:

 

001853 Eclipse Internet £52.16

001854 Information Commissioner – Data Protection £35.00

001855 The Royal British Legion - Wreath

001856 HMRC - £280.23

001857 Claydon – 1025.40

 

Current Account: £4509.17

Savings Account (1) : £34208.55

Savings Account (2) : £4916.04

 

13.       POINTS OF INFORMATION

Points of information on the table.

 

14.       NEXT MEETING

The next full parish council meeting will be held on Thursday 8th December 2011 at 7.30p.m. in Stokenham Parish Hall.  No planning committee meeting will be held on the first Monday in December as full council is held a week earlier than usual in December.

 

Meeting finished: p.m.

 

 

 

Signed ………………………   Dated: 8th December 2011.