DUNKESWELL PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes for the meeting of Dunkeswell Parish Council held in Village Hall on Monday 15th December, 2003.

Present: Mr G Sworder (Chairman), Mrs B Russell, Messrs J Barrow, M Stevens, C Sumpter, B Procter, County Councillor Mr B Nicholson, District Councillor Mrs M Boote, PC Lea and 4 members of the public.

Apologies: Mr A Guest (Vice Chairman) and Mr A Luscombe

Minutes of the previous meeting held in the Village Hall on Monday 17th November, 2003 were signed as a correct record of that meeting (proposed by Mrs Russell and seconded by Mr Barrow).

PLANNING
Decisions -
03/P2328 113 Tower Way - permission refused for conservatory due to overbearing effect and loss of light to adjoining properties.
03/P2430 Springfield Cottage - permission granted for extension.
03/P2490 The Royal Oak - permission granted for new two storey thatched house and garage in grounds.

Applications -
03/P2938 Sylvan Developments (SW) Ltd., Land at Manley’s Lane - retention of fence. After some debate over whether forcing the developers to lower the fence from 1.8m to 1.2m would make a significant difference, this application was proposed for approval by Mr Sumpter, seconded by Mr Procter and unanimously agreed, with the recommendation that the fence be stained to make it less obtrusive. One letter of objection received and one representation at the meeting from a Manley’s Lane resident who felt that if this was replaced by a hedge it would in a short time be higher than the fence.
03/P2895 Mr and Mrs John, Linden Park - side and rear extensions. Proposed for approval by Mr Sumpter, seconded by Mr Barrow and unanimously agreed.

Brookside Farm - non residential use letter from EDDC Enforcement confirming the response from Plus One. They state that the alterations and provision of this larger structure was carried out more than four years ago. No evidence was supplied so it has been requested.

EDDC - copy letter to WIMS regarding various matters at Ball Knapp where the planning approval has not been followed (a planning application is said to have been submitted but has not yet been received by us).

Appeals -
03/P02538 WIMS (UK) Ltd. (proposed dwelling/work unit) Unit 18G, Flightway Business Park. Representations in addition to those already made should be by 7th January 2004. A meeting is being arranged with Kate Little to discuss future planning on the industrial estate.

Licences - Blackdown Spar and post office notice of application for transfer of justices licence 13th January 2003 from Mr and Mrs Collins to Vanetta and Ivy Keitch. No objection.

The Cedars has been bought by the Gorman family, proposed plans for an extension of their garden were shown to the meeting. The proposals were welcomed, an application is now awaited.

Local Plan - Copy letter WIMS (UK) Ltd. to EDDC - offering the opportunity to reverse the Blossom Hill decision in favour of low cost housing (non housing association). This being as part of the fulfilment of Inspectors recommendation for 500 new houses in East Devon. Kate Little will be asked to bring any reply to the forthcoming meeting.

Outstanding planning matters/applications as at the 15th December 2003:
May 2002 02/P1038 Wardens dwelling Blossom Hill (revised)
August 2003 03/P1983 WIMS (UK) Ltd., Flightway - two industrial units
September 2003 03/P2203 Windrush - replacement porch
October 2003 03/P1983 WIMS Flightway - two industrial units
03/P2291 WIMS units 13 & 15 Flightway 03/T0107 2 Bluebell Road
03/P2407 WIMSUnits 11, 11a & 12 Flightway 03/P2421 Fishponds House
November 2003 03/P2593 Stentwood Farm 03/P2636 1 Rhododendron Avenue .
03/P2657 Park Farm 03/P2594 Unit J Flightway 03/P2595 Unit H Flightway
03/P2652 Unit C4 Flightway (memorial museum)

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC
The vandalised Manley’s Lane sign has been reported to EDDC.

Highways are to be told about the following potholes; Gypsy Cross, Long Lane, Madford Road, Percy Hill and that the new work to the drain at Percy Hill is diverting the water the wrong way. Road sweeping is to be requested for the Highfield area Particularly Powell’s Way and Le Marchant Close. It will also be requested that the ‘no road markings’ signs be collected from Limer’s Cross.

A broken drain cover by the Old Police House and tarmac left uneven around a recently repaired drain at the end of Marcus Road are to be reported to SWW.

A reply from Highways to the Parish Councils letter requesting a 40mph speed limit from Limer’s Cross to the Village.

Gary Powell is also hoped to reply shortly to our letter regarding improvements to the road from Honiton as proposed in the Parsons Brinckerhoff report.

FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS
Copy letter DCC to Mrs Cann regarding the prolonged closure of bridleway 12. The new system of improvements is on a parish by parish basis and Dunkeswell is not due to be inspected for works until next summer.

A letter is to be sent to the owners of Knapp Cottage asking for their co-operation in clearing the ditch adjacent to the footpath after their landscaping works left it filled with earth. Alternatively the Footpath Warden will clear the ditch, on their behalf (although they will still be liable for the costs).

COMMUNITY FACILITIES
Mr and Mrs Russell reported on the bookings for the Community Hall, Mr Sumpter proposed a vote of thanks for all the hard work they have done this year in cleaning and maintaining the hall.

PC Lea reported two crimes - the first of criminal damage at Brookside Farm (detected), the second a stolen Vauxhall Vectra from Holly Cottage which is still being investigated. Mr Procter reported a significant decrease in joyriders on the Airfield since PC Lea has started patrolling at night. Paul Wilson at Highways is to be approached by the Road Safety Officer regarding permanent speed camera signs at Dunkeswell as already installed at Bishopswood (this would mean no portable signs need be displayed when speed checks are taking place). The children responsible for egg throwing in the Village have been identified and are now being watched by patrolling officers. There have been a spate of break ins to shed and outbuildings, PC Lea warned owners to keep sheds as secure as possible (these have been several in one village at a time - often using a stolen vehicle to collect items and being violent if approached). The new vehicle for the PCSO’s is now ready for collection and officers will be in Dunkeswell in January recruiting for Neighbourhood Watch.

FINANCE
Completion of Annual Audit - notice advertised as per regulations.

AQA Certificate in Local Council Administration - fee for examination is £55 with training costing £130 - Monkton Parish Council have given £115 towards clerks training.

Receipts -
Monkton Parish Council £115

Payments -
SLCC £130
Audit Commission £141 (less £58.75 already paid = £82.25)
Parish News (minutes Jan - Dec) £300
Clerks Expenses £98.83
EJ Dayment (Village Hall - Rural Aid) £831.90

Cheques proposed by Mr Barrow, seconded by Mrs Russell and unanimously agreed.

Account balances - at 1/12/03 Paths Account £673.30
Parish Account £3113.57 (£1670.59 after cheques paid)

Dates for next meetings – Planning Applications: Monday 12th January, 2004 7pm - 8pm - Village Hall
Parish Council: Monday 19th January, 2004, 7.30pm - Village Hall
Ward Meeting; Monday 1st March 2004, 7.00pm at Dunkeswell
to include a presentation by Enforcement at 7pm