MARY TAVY
PARISH COUNCIL
Tuesday 13th
February 2007
Present:
Cllr T Pearce (Chairman), Cllr M Anning, Cllr J Higman, , Cllr G Hill,
Cllr P Jarvis, Cllr J Pendall, Cllr A Prosser,
Cllr W Squire, (8)
Mrs C Williams (Clerk)
Others present:
PC K Reed, Three members of the public.
Apologies for absence:
Cllr P Hilborn
19-2007 Parishioners time:
No parishioners wished to speak.
The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.30pm
20-2007 Declarations of
Interest:
Cllr Pearce & Cllr Pendall declared an interest with regard to a new planning application received for the The Cottage, Brentor Road
21-2007 Minutes of the
previous meeting:
Following agreement, the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 9th January 2007 were signed, by the Chairman, as a true and accurate record.
22-2007 Police: To receive report from PC Reed:
PC Reed reported 10 calls from the parish since the last meeting. These included a road traffic collision, fireworks, an unlicensed firearm and 3 thefts from unattended vehicles. PC Reed has recently attended a Police Training day regarding West Devon performance. Crime statistics were good for this area; detection was good but it did less well at keeping people informed following a crime.
PCSO Chapple will be with PC Reed for a further 3 weeks then will be able to work alone.
The issue of parking which obstructs the virtual footway at The Standard was raised. PC Reed will feedback on the location of thefts from cars when enquiries have been completed.
PC Reed expressed thanks to the Parish Council Clerk for keeping him advised of Parish Council issues and events occurring in the village.
23-2007 Matters arising:
23.1 The site of the old Blackdown garage DNPA have written a draft planning brief for the site integrating public feedback and the Parish Council concerns. Following approval from DNPA Planning Committee this has been sent to the developers Tetlow King and when this is accepted by them the DNPA officers will be in contact with the Parish Council. DNPA are chasing a response.
Concerns were expressed that the entrance lane to the Coronation Hall, the playing fields and Field Cottage must not get overlooked in the development of the area. Cllr Prosser to raise at the next meeting of the Coronation Hall. The Chairman reiterated his comments from the previous Parish Council meeting that both groups of Trustees should discuss this together.
23.2 Flooding - A meeting was held on Friday 9th February between the various agencies and landowners and a good base has been made to now move matters forward. The Chairman expressed thank to Tracy Windemer, Land Drainage Officer WDBC, for all her efforts. The land drainage system on Blackdown must be viewed as a complete network with all points being looked at together. All drains on the road must also be in running order before the drains on the moor are opened up.
Cllr Hill pointed out that the original drains were in place to ensure all fields were supplied with water for livestock before the village had mains water.
South West Water have been in the village inspecting the amount of surface water drainage that is going into the sewer mains drainage. Cllr Prosser reminded that all contractors should have ID and letter of authorisation to enter land and that she had advised those at the over 60 Drop in centre of this.
The surface water drainage is an issue that must be considered at planning stage but there have been occasions where these plans are not going to the engineers at WDBC. It was also commented that a previous developer had been required to pay a sum to improve the drainage system in the village but on further enquiry there was a possibility this had not been carried out.
PC Reed left the meeting at this point.
23.3 Standing Orders - The Clerk provided the amendment to the Standing Orders as adopted at the last meeting on 9th January 2007 and all Councillors present updated their copy of the standing orders whilst at the meeting. Clerk to provide copy to Cllr Hilborn at next meeting.
24-2007 Correspondence
24.1 Devon Countryside Access Forum are seeking new members. These include landowners and those with access interests eg walkers, cyclists etc. Anyone interested to apply by 28th February 2007.
24.2 E-mail received from PC Reed requesting details of events that may require a police presence over the next 12 months.
24.3 Entry form received for the Calor village of the year. Following discussion it was agreed not to enter this year as the parish is entering one similar competition this year already.
24.4 Landscapes Southwest Ltd have written offering to quote for grounds maintenance. To be kept for future reference and copy to the Victory Memorial Recreation Fields Trustees for their use.
24.5 Following the advertising of the village pantomime on the Parish website the maintenance company have asked if there are any more future events that can be advertised here. Any events or details can be passed to the clerk.
24.6 Devon County Council together with Radio Devons Planet Devon Campaign are planning to visit local parish fetes and shows etc with the Devon In Touch Roadshow bus. Details passed to Cllr Prosser who will take to the Coronation Hall Committee to arrange a pitch at the summer fete.
24.7 Kidney Research UK have sent details of their London Bridges Walk-24th June 2007. It was discussed and agreed that due to size restrictions the Parish Council notice board should only display Parish Council information. Clerk to request if the poster detailing how to participate can be displayed at the Post Office shop.
24.8 Further details received of the bus stop improvements in the village received. These included the lowering of kerbs at existing bus stops and a new bus stop sign post at Downs Garage.
24.9 A new model Code of Conduct for Local Authority members has been received. This will combine four previous codes into one new code. This was circulated to councillors for their comments. To be returned to Clerk or the Chairman by 7th March 2007.
24.10 Transforming Public Services in Devon. This was circulated to councillors for their comments. To be returned to Clerk or the Chairman with the above.
24.11 A letter was received from a resident with regard to traffic speed through the village requesting two speed cameras and advising that a petition to assess residents opinion is being placed in the village shop. It also highlighted the condition of the bus shelter. Clerk to respond to letter.
24.12 Details of the Devon Car Share
scheme have been received. This matches people travelling to a similar
destination (for regular or one off journeys) allowing them to share costs and
reduce congestion. Non drivers can also register. For further information
please log on to www.carsharedevon.com
24.13 Letter received from Devon County Council regarding Highways Management restructuring. Mary Tavy is now covered from Barnstaple instead of Okehampton. The Highway engineer is Mr Bruce Pedrick and the new superintendent is Mr Nick Bowles.
24.14 DNPA Forum have advised a change of meeting date, due to the elections, from 11th May 2007 to a new date of Friday 22nd June 2007.
24.15 Military Training on Dartmoor. A meeting is being held on 14th February 2007 regarding the new Duchy license being negotiated. Unfortunately the Parish Council has only been given 24 hours notice of this meeting and has no one available to attend. Clerk to send a strong letter to advise our discontent at such short notice.
25-2007 Parish Plan-
The Chairman reported that this is progressing well. The main grant applied for has been awarded and the funds are on their way to us. The Public Consultation is to be held on Saturday 10th March 2007 from 11-4pm in the Coronation Hall. Following this the questionnaire will be formulated and then delivered to and collected from all households. The Chairman expressed thanks to the Steering Group for all their hard work.
26-2007 Financial Report-
26.1 Receive report from Responsible Financial Officer: The financial report detailing the following balances was circulated:
Current account - £4387.36
Cemetery account - £3616.80
The financial report was reconciled to the bank statements.
26.2 The following payments were authorised: Allan Dolan Stationery £15.69, Clerk Salary £317.92, Clerk Stamps and stationery £13.05, Burial Clerk Salary £7.84, T Pearce mileage, stationery & stamps £57.13.
The
Chairman stated that the number of planning applications and Appeals the Parish
is currently receiving involves a considerable amount of time eg 2-3 hours per
Appeal. This needs to be considered in
future when deciding the precept/budget.
27-2007 Cemetery:
27.1 To receive report from Chairman of Cemetery
Committee: Cllr Jarvis reported
that Mr Nankevell is no longer able to offer his services for the removal of
trees in the cemetery due to insurance costs. Cllr Jarvis to write to Mr Nankevell
to thank him for his time and the ongoing effort he puts into the maintenance
of the cemetery and other areas in the village. Clerk to write to next
contractor for sight of their insurance.
27.2 Transfer of soil The Chairman suspended the meeting at this point to invite a member of the public to speak. The meeting re-opened at 9.05pm. Cllr Higman is to raise the question again of using the consecrated soil from the cemetery in the churchyard, at the next meeting of the church.
27.3 Churchyard Maintenance Following quotes for replacement of the cemetery fencing it was agreed to use 4 posts with 2 rails. Works to be carried out when the weather is drier.
28-2007 Receive reports from members elected to outside bodies:
28.1 DNPA none.
28.2 Police Authority - none
28.3 Southern Link none. A letter received from WDBC regarding subjects for future consideration passed to Cllr Prosser.
28.4 Coronation Hall none.
29-2007 Planning
29.1 To discuss planning applications received:
- Midlands Barn some concerns regarding
setting a precedent.
-18 community houses on land to the north of
the Royal Standard Inn concerns re viability of the development and road safety.
As with all major developments a financial contribution will have to be made
towards new school, road improvements, surface and foul water drainage
upgrades. It is outside the development area as identified on the DNPA Local
Plan.
- The Cottage, Brentor Road construction of
new access concerns as previously registered. Cllr Jarvis to deal with reply.
- The Old Dairy , Eastlands Farm change of
use to separate dwelling site visit to be held.
- Broomassie minor amendment for
information only.
29.2 To receive notification on previous applications:
-
Blackdown Nursing Home Wheelie
bin shed approved.
- The Royal Standard Appeal has now been
withdrawn.
30-2007 To agree items
raised at the January meeting for inclusion on this agenda.
30.1 Election Agreed to hold an informal meeting to encourage parishioners to stand as
Parish Councillors. It was agreed to deliver a flyer to all households to be
delivered with the Parish Plan leaflet drop.
30.2 Community Emergency Plan To be discussed at a future meeting.
31-2007 To receive
items raised for inclusion on March Agenda:
31.1 Parish
Boundary Map - requested by Peter
Tavy
31.2 Scambusters
advice session for elderly. Cllr
Prosser advised there is a poster outside the shop advertising a meeting at the
beginning of March. Any persons unable to get there can contact Cllr Prosser.
32-2007 To agree the date of the next meeting: The date of Tuesday 13th March 2007 was agreed for the next meeting of the Parish Council to commence at 7.30pm to be held in the Reading Rooms.
There being no further business the meeting was formally closed by the
Chairman at 9.55pm.
C Williams
Clerk to the Parish Council 15 February 2007
Signed as a true and accurate record .Date .
(Cllr T Pearce - Chairman)