Draft minutes subject to confirmation

 

MARY TAVY PARISH COUNCIL

MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

Held in the Reading Rooms

Tuesday 14th July 2009

 

Present:

Cllr T Pearce (Chairman) (WDBC) Cllr M Anning, Cllr C Downham, Cllr R Elton, Cllr G Hill, Cllr A Prosser, Cllr M Robins, Cllr M Roe, Cllr S Street (6)

C Williams (Clerk)

Others present:

            Two members of the Public.

Apologies for absence:  

PC Reed. Cllr C Marsh (DCC)

104-2009 Parishioners time:  

The first member of the public, Mr David White, spoke with regard to the Conservation Area. Members confirmed the sequence of events regarding the addition of the King Way to the Conservation Area.  The second member of the public, Mr Peter Jarvis, spoke with regard to his planning application with criticism that wording of the planning committee response to the DNPA did not correspond to the minutes. Cllr Pearce stated that the response reflected members’ wishes and did correspond with the minutes.

The Chairman opened the meeting at 7.35pm.

105-2009 Declarations of Interest:

Cllr Hill declared a personal interest as Trustee and Chairman of MTVMRG and also as a Commoner. Cllr Robins declared an interest as a Commoner.

Cllr Street declared an interest as a resident of the Conservation Area.

106-2009 Minutes of the previous meeting:

            All agreed the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 9th June 2009 were a true and accurate record and were duly signed by the Chairman.

107-2009 Matters Arising –

               107.1 Summer Fete – Cllr Street reported that the Parish Council stand of “Guess Where” went well and Cllr Elton felt that a lot of people had enjoyed the event.  Well done to Mrs Margaret Lillicrap who had the highest number of correct answers and won the photography voucher.  The Chairman thanked Cllr Street for all her efforts and Cllr Downham thanked Cllr Roe for his assistance with the barbecue.

               107.2 Conservation Area - A letter has been received from the DNPA Director of Park Management, Sue Goodfellow who investigated the whole process of the designation of the Conservation Area in Mary Tavy and found the correct procedure had been followed by both the DNPA and Mary Tavy Parish Council. There is no legal obligation to notify householders that a property is to be included within a conservation area and she clearly stated that Mary Tavy Parish Council had done more to notify the public than was required in this respect.

               There followed some discussion over the exact location of the King Way and also the effect that a Conservation Area has on an area. It will bring money into the village and could possibly influence those looking for an area in which to live and was felt by most to be a benefit to the village.  Members were sorry that Mr White did not feel happy with his property being in a conservation area but felt there would be no material adversity to his property. Cllr Robins proposed that this matter now be closed and this was seconded by Cllr Prosser. A vote followed of 7 in favour and 1 against. Cllr Street was unable to vote due to her personal interest in the Conservation Area.

               107.3 To respond to letter from Trustees of MTVMRG – members discussed the letter received from Mr Garland a trustee of MTVMRG.  Cllr Roe confirmed that the future of the recreation ground is important to the whole community and that the Parish Council wished to help them. Cllr Robins stated that when reading the letter alongside the minutes to which it refers that it is clear there has been a significant breakdown in communication and understanding between the Recreation Ground Trustees and the Parish Council. He felt this was disappointing particularly as one member sits on both bodies. He proposed that we look to the future; establish better communications and work together proactively for the benefit of the community. This was seconded by Cllr Roe and unanimously agreed. Cllr Hill was unable to vote due to his personal interest as a Trustee of MTVMRG.

108-2009      Police: - To receive report. The clerk read a report from PC Reed. No major incidents to report but please be aware that some Eastern Europeans have been reported going from door to door trying to sell watches. PC Reed reminded us that if it sounds too good to be true it probably is! The incident on Friday 5th June where 3 of Down’s coaches were broken into and first aid kits and fire extinguishers stolen has still not been resolved so if anyone has any information could they let the police know. PCSO Dave Chapple has been in the village monitoring the speed of traffic, as have the Safety Camera Partnership.

109-2009 Correspondence-

  1. South West Highways – Road Closure Cherrybrook now 5th & 6th October.
  2. Dartmoor Military Heritage weekend – 12/13th September at Okehampton Camp.
  3. Grant funding request – NCT Plymouth & West Devon and also from Vitalise – respite breaks for disabled people & carers. Clerk to advise them to reapply in September.
  4. Letter of thanks from WI.for grant funding,
  5. Letter of thanks from 2nd Tavistock Guides for grant funding.
  6. DNPA – What’s On guide – please advise the clerk of any Autumn/Winter events to be included.
  7. Highways leaflet giving info on surface dressing.
  8. TRP – info on play safety surfacing – passed to MTVMRG.
  9. DAPC newsletter - Inc planning/ preparation for any possible flu epidemic.
  10. DNPA News releases – A new grant for Dartmoor – to help local people look after Dartmoor, Dartmoor Dry Stone walling, 35 year bird monitoring programme, Butterflies of Devon at High Moorland Centre, Public Transport on Dartmoor – we need your views, New Team to manage DNP, Challenging bat research on Dartmoor, Dartmoor ponies help conserve rare species, New Dartmoor film screening at retirement of DNPA Chairman.
  11. Devon Talk – newsletter.
  12. West Devon Connect newsletter.
  13. The Clerk – newsletter.
  14. RD & E Express – newsletter.
  15. Senior Council for Devon – Newsletter.

110-2009 Financial report

110.1 Receive report from Responsible Financial Officer - The financial report detailing the following balances was circulated:

                        Current account - £4228.27

                        Cemetery account - £5543.93

                        Mary Tavy Community News £63.60

            110.2 To authorise payments for July  - .The following payments were authorised  DAPC Annual Membership £175.40, C Williams June Salary, C Williams Stamps £3.60, G.Hill Mileage£24.00, B Wardell grass cutting £109.45, C Williams Burial clerk salary, Ottery Press £90.00.

111.2009 Cemetery: To receive report from Burial Clerk. – The clerk reported a new headstone on G9. Grave markers to show the row letters are to be placed in the cemetery.

112.2009 Receive reports from members elected to outside bodies:

            112.1 DNPA Forum – None.

            112.2 Police Authority – None.

            112.3 Southern Link – Cllr Prosser is now the Vice-Chair of Southern link. Further details of the meeting to be advised at next month’s meeting.

112.4 Coronation Hall – Cllr Prosser has joined the committee. The summer fete was a great success and the total raised this year was £1707-94 up by £260 on last year, so an excellent achievement. Thank you to everyone who supported the event. It is hoped that the cakes, flower and photography show will grow as it becomes established.  The Talent Show held in the evening was a very enjoyable event with Jim Mallabone winning the adult competition and Jasmine Ewings winning the children’s.  Thank you to Michelle Buncle for all her hard work on both this event and the Musical Show that also took place this month. It is hoped that if these events are repeated, that more people can get involved to assist with marketing and promotion.

113.1 To discuss planning applications received         

Proposed tree works at 4 Laburnham villas – site visit to be held.

St Gilgen, Brentor Road – new garage – site visit to be held.

113.2 To receive notification on previous applications –

            None.

113.3 Proposed works on Blackdown/West Blackdown. Cllrs Robins and Hill declared a prejudicial interest as Commoners.  Cllr Hill wished to speak on this matter. Cllr Hill stated that the letter of objection to the Planning Inspectorate was not as members had voted at the meeting.  He read out a statement and requested that it be recorded in these minutes.

            “The clerk is not allowed to write a letter that does not correspond with the minutes of the Council meeting.  If the clerk is asked to write something different they must refuse to do it. The Chairman must see all letters sent on behalf of the Council. If our present chairman has done this, he must resign, as he is not fit for purpose.”

            There followed a discussion about the use of the phrases strongly object and object. The chairman stated that if a vote is unanimous amongst those allowed voting on an issue then the phrase strongly is appropriate.  A discussion followed about the possible consequences of a holding pen at this site.  As it is a flood black spot members felt a duty to protect householders. Concern was also raised about vehicles turning at this point on the moor.  The Planning Inspectorate has asked for any amendments to the Parish Council response. Cllr Roe proposed to clarify our response that the Parish council supported the idea of a holding pen but strongly objected to this location. This was seconded by Cllr Street and a unanimous vote followed. Cllr Hill & Robins were unable to vote on this matter.

114.2009 Parish Council Insurance – A situation has arisen at another parish whereby their insurance policy did not cover a liability for which the parish then had to bear the cost. Cllr Prosser proposed to protect this parish by amending the current insurance policy to include corporate legal expenses. This was seconded by Cllr Downham and a unanimous vote followed. (Strongly in favour!)

115.2009 To agree items raised at the June meeting for inclusion on this agenda.

115.1 Turning at the Mary Tavy Inn

Concern has been raised by a parishioner about the line of sight when joining the A386 at the Mary Tavy Inn.  Members who had been to look at the junction felt the greater danger was the traffic coming at speed over the brow of the hill. Cllr Pearce reported that Cllr Marsh (DCC) was asking highways to look at extending the 30 mph speed limit to beyond Lane Head Cottages. Members were aware of other junctions onto the main road where the line of sight is sometimes obscured by vegetation and it is hoped that residents can ensure that these are kept clear.

115.2 August Meeting

A discussion was held with regard to the introduction of an August Parish Council meeting. There was some concern that the announcement of any Unitary Changes could be in the summer and that a meeting would be required in order for the Parish to react quickly to any changes.  Cllr Street proposed that no meeting be held in August unless announcements were made at this time and a special meeting could then be called. This was seconded by Cllr Hill. A vote followed with 4 in favour and 5 against. Cllr Pearce proposed an amendment that a short meeting be held on the second Tuesday each August. This was seconded by Cllr Prosser. A vote followed with 5 in favour and 4 against. Resolved.

116.2009. To receive items raised for inclusion on August agenda

116.1 Unitary Authority

116.2 Planning

116.3 Letter to grant receiving organisations.

117.2009 To agree the date of the next meeting:

            The date of Tuesday 11th August 2009 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 9.05pm.

 

C Williams

Clerk to the Parish Council                                                  17th July 2009

 

 

 

Signed as a true and accurate record……………………….Date………………….

                                                (Cllr T Pearce - Chairman)

 

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