DUNKESWELL PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes for a meeting of Dunkeswell Parish Council held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm, Monday 17th January 2011.
Present: Cllrs Mr G Sworder (Chairman), Mr J Barrow (Vice Chairman), Cllrs Mrs B Russell and Mrs V Keitch, Mssrs M Stevens, B Procter, A Luscombe, PC Vickery 4783 (for the police report), Mrs J Thorne (who took the minutes) and members of the public.
Apologies: C Sumpter, County Councillor Mr Paul Diviani, District Councillor Mr Bob Buxton
All councillors are politely reminded of their obligation to declare interests under the Code of Conduct.
In making decisions the Parish Council recognise their statutory duties provided for in Section 11A(2) of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 (National Parks) and Section 85 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (AONBs) that in exercising or performing any functions in relation to, or so as to affect, land, they shall have regard to their purposes (ie conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage and to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities by the public).
Minutes of the previous meeting held in the Village Hall on Monday 13th December 2010 were signed as a correct record of that meeting. AGREED
(http://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/PublicAccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx )
Decisions (for information)
none
Applications (for comment – support or objection)
10/2043/FUL Rosemary Cottage - Demolition of single garage and erection of replacement two storey garage with roof terrace (retrospective) COMMENTS: agreed to support the application
10/2337/FUL Old Highwood Farm - Livestock building. This application had already been approved by East Devon District Council.
Tree Applications (for decision)
none
Enforcement (for information)
Dunkeswell Airfield Hedgerow Replacement Notice issued. A meeting was due to take place the following week with Chief Executive of EDDC and officers to discuss why they had decided to put an enforcement notice on the hedgerow. It was hoped the meeting would bring about a change.
Parish Plan – update
The chairman explained the parish plan committee had been in abeyance during the Christmas period and much of this month. However the sub-committee which were writing the plan were due to have a meeting very shortly and there would be a full meeting next month when it was hoped they will agree the draft plan and the council would be able to see soon.
Public House in Dunkeswell
The chairman reported that a committee had been formed in the hope of keeping the local pub in Dunkeswell running as a community pub. A meeting had been arranged for February 15th at Throgmorton Hall at 7pm to discuss the issue and look at what possibilities there were for the way forward.
To receive issues to report – DCC Highways have produced a rolling programme for Limers to Gypsy and fund has been allocated for the first section (Limers to Wolford) for next year. It is number four on the list, but with the release of additional funding to be spent this financial year it may well have been promoted. Unfortunately it will need a road closure to complete the works otherwise it would be on the list to do before April.
Winter salting/gritting – the parish council engaged Cllr Barrow to salt Highfield Road and Culme Way as well as a route through the old village in order to maintain safe access for shop deliveries, doctors surgery, preschool and school bus route during the snow and frozen conditions up to Christmas and over the festive period. Although the first snow of the winter was missed in early December the roads were there onwards considerably safer. Six new salt bins are also being installed around the parish. Cllr Barrow said it had appeared to work well as it was the first time the council had done this. There had also been a request for a bin at Louis Way. It was felt it would be a good idea to put a piece about snow clearance in a forthcoming edition of the parish magazine to update residents about the situation.
There was nothing to report.
Community policing report – PC Vickery reported that there had been two crimes since the last meeting. On the 13th December 2010 there was a non-dwelling burglary with forced entry gained to commercial premises. There had been an untidy search of most rooms but nothing was stolen.
On the 13th January 2011 there had been a common assault at educational unit where a juvenile male offender assaulted a member of staff.
Playgrounds/Sports field/ Allotments/halls – Funding had already been agreed for the sports field and a meeting had taken place with the Blackdown Hills AONB. The funding will be paid on completion of the project so the council would have to pay in advance and then claim the amount after. Three quotes would be needed for the new shelter and it was hoped a local supplier for this could be found. A new strimmer, picnic area, barbeque, cricket nets and football goals were also needed. It was agreed the council should buy a new strimmer. It was also hoped an inspector would soon be commissioned to check the play equipment.
Royal Wedding Celebration – A cheque had been received from Mr Throgmorton of £1,000 for the council to use to celebrate the forthcoming royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. It was agreed that members would come back with suggestions at the next meeting.
Emergency Plan – clerk has circulated draft please input if you haven’t already - for completion at next meeting.
Library – the first Saturday stop service was on 8th January from 09.30 - 12.30, Anna and Alistair Paul, "Party Annamals", who will be offering face painting and balloon modelling from 10.00 - 12.00pm. Refreshments, were served courtesy of the Pre-School. Unfortunately the first event had not been well attended but it was hoped that once it became a regular event and became more publicised more people would attend.
Best Kept Village – agreed clerk to submit entry form.
Funding – no applications received
Receipts - none
Cheque payments – Cut and Trim (grass cutting invs) £25.00
Imp Bins (6 salt bins) £652.12
Travis Perkins (pallet of salt – 1 ¼ tonnes £176.25
SMP Playgrounds (swings) £271.92
(cheques agreed)
Precept and budget for 2011/12 for agreement.
The clerk had circulated a budget for approval proposing a precept of £25,000. This amount included a £2,000 budget to replace services which could be cut from county and district councils and £700 put aside for election costs as it was an election year. Councillors agreed unanimously with the proposal. It was felt it would be useful if there was some coverage about the work the council does in a future edition of the parish magazine. It was also agreed the election should be discussed at that next council meeting.
Resolved to approve a precept of £25,000.
Account balances – Parish Account at 1/1/11 - £10173.42 includes the following:
P3 balance of funds - £142.00
QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (The meeting to be closed before questions from the public).
None
Dates for next meetings - 21st February 2011 Planning Meeting 7 – 7.30pm followed by Parish Council Meeting at 7.30pm at Dunkeswell Village Hall
