DUNKESWELL PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes for a meeting of Dunkeswell Parish Council held in the Village Hall on Monday 21st November 2011 at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllrs John Barrow (Chairman), Geoffrey Sworder (Vice Chairman), Vanetta Keitch, Brendan Procter, Andrew Luscombe, Philip Stevens, District Councillor Bob Buxton, Cllr Peter Halse, PC Vickery 4783 and no members of the public.
Apologies: Donna Delamain, County Councillor Paul Diviani, PCSO Anning 30012,
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).
1.2 Minutes of the previous meeting held in the Village Hall on Monday 17th October 2011 were signed as a correct record of that meeting. AGREED
1.3 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST & RISK ASSESSMENT: To receive declarations of interest and to note any additional risks. NONE
1.4 RESIGNATION of Councillor Beth Russell has been tendered, the vacancy was advertised and was to be filled by co—option. It was unanimously agreed to co-opt Mr Andrew Palmer who was welcomed by the council. Cllr Palmer completed his declaration of Office form and will return the completed Code of Conduct at the next meeting.
1.5 EDDC Councillor (& Chairman) Peter Halse was welcomed to the meeting. Cllr Halse explained that he felt that the DC can be more remote than they need to be, in both miles and communication, it is hoped that our links through Cllrs Diviani & Buxton help the council communicate more effectively. He believes that parish councils have a vital role to play and must be listened to much more carefully by the District Council as they have far better local knowledge. Cllr Halse is visiting all parishes gradually and invited direct contact if anyone has any issues they would like to discuss.
Cllr Sworder raised the issue of neighbourhood planning and the problem of insufficient resources to help parishes with officer time or the other direct costs involved. We are still unclear as to whether the Neighbourhood Plan will need a referendum or if the approval of the District Council will suffice. The Localism Bill is still vague and more detail will be released in time. There have been inaccuracies in the press about what might be in the final LDF document, and of course how there might be presumption in favour of developers.
Cllr Barrow expressed dissatisfaction at lack of weight carried by the parish councils view as just one of seven consultees, although it is recognised that the DC is the authority with the power to determine the applications. Cllr Halse agreed this needed addressing.
(http://planning.eastdevon.gov.uk/PublicAccess/tdc/DcApplication/application_searchform.aspx )
Decisions (for information)
11/2133/FUL 10 Simcoe Way – construction of side extension in place of existing garage. Permission granted (with conditions)
11/1198/FUL Royal Oak – Renewal of permission granted for dwelling including retaining structure to rear.
10/1728/FUL Culme Way – permission granted with conditions, for seven dwellings.
Applications (for comment – support or objection)
11/1892/FUL Oaklands – construction of two chalet bungalows and associated access. COMMENTS: no objections
11/2327/FUL Dunkeswell Aerodrome – erection of aircraft storage shed (re submission of application 07/3417/FUL) COMMENTS: no objections
11/2243/FUL 11 Powells Way – construction of single storey dwelling. COMMENTS: no objections
11/2308/FUL Slade Farm – construction of agricultural building to cover existing cattle feed area. COMMENTS: no objections
Tree Applications (for decision)
11/2506/TRE 2 Powells Way – reduce height of two Beech trees to 10ft.DECISION: to be made after arboricultural report received.
Parish Plan – no update this time
Neighbourhood Plan – clerk/GNS to speak to Parish Plan Committee, Parish Council, EDDC and Stuart Todd (planning consultant) to a preliminary meeting before Christmas to make a plan for the new year.
Old village of Dunkeswell Conservation Area – it is hoped this will be on the November agenda.
Local Development Framework – it is expected that the draft plan will be put out for consultation shortly.
EDDC localism and the Big Society Member Champion Tuesday 1st November report on meeting – this was attended but seemed a little premature
EDDC Draft Council Plan received for initial response (a wider consultation through December 2011/January 2012). This is a request for town and parish councils to give us a first response back – document circulated by email.
HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC
To receive issues to report – Potholes; at the top of Shutes Lane, Green Lane by layby in centre of carriage way, Drain on Percy Corner water is missing drain and gauging out tarmac again, this needs sorting out before the water starts to freeze and the road breaks up. Wolford Cross signage, Percy Hill white lines.
Lengthsman issues for next time – although the lengthsman has been most ditches have not been touched and will need doing next time.
Clerk to ask Highways to serve a hedge cutting notice on Shepherds Valley, or clerk to contact owner.
Community policing report – PC Vickery – two crimes during the last month in the parish, one attempted break in to a garage, nothing taken and damage to a motor vehicle at a residential care home.
Playgrounds/Sports field - Play inspections received (for action)
Allotments – new head lease for the proposed extension to the existing allotment area received for discussion – clerk to reply to WIMS as this is not needed at present (clerk to reply). Lease between Allotment Society and the Parish Council for agreement. GNS to speak to Allotment Association about their proposed new planning application shed for random sheds rather than a line of sheds.
Halls – nothing to raise
Letter of Support from the parish Council to AONB team in seeking funding for digital interpretation material to tell the story of local people and airmen stationed in Dunkeswell during the second world war. It was agreed that the parish council would be glad to offer £200 of funding towards this project when appropriate.
EDDC open space, recreation and sport facilities study of the area – map enclosed for amendment Cllr Luscombe to complete.
DCC Cllr Hart Tough Choices road show will be at Hemyock Parish Hall on 1st December 2011 at 6.30pm (amended date from that first advertised)
East Devon District Council, have invited one representative of our Parish Council to an event to find out more about the health, wellbeing, and welfare reforms that are happening in East Devon and find out a bit more about the Coalition Government’s Localism agenda as well. Guest speakers will include representatives from East Devon’s Citizens Advice Bureau and NHS Devon. Attendees will also be from East Devons voluntary and community organisations as well as Town and Parish Councils. There will also be an opportunity to suggest changes to what EDDC plans to do over the next four years in it’s draft plans for Housing and Communities, Economy, and Environment. (Consultation documents on these draft plans will also be sent out to every Town/ Parish Council as well so you can still have your say if you find you cannot attend this event) The event will be on Friday 2 December between 9.30am and 3pm at East Devon District Council, Knowle, Sidmouth, EX10 8HL with a free buffet lunch provided. Please RSVP to jbuckley@eastdevon.gov.uk by Friday 18 November with the name and contact details of your one representative. JB & GNS to attend.
Receipts - sale of surplus mugs £156.00
Cheque payments – Clerks remuneration August – October 2011 £993.21
Clerk Expenses August – October 2011 £259.17
Cut and Strim (grass cutting invs) £120.00
J Barrow expenses reimbursed £20.00
Quick Play Sport (two football goals) £249.98
(Cheques for agreement)
Account balances – Parish Account at 1/11/11 - £17211.01 includes the following:
P3 balance of funds - £672.00
Bank signatory forms for completion – change of signatory form to be completed.
Surplus Royal Wedding mugs – disposal of few remaining mugs – it was agreed that the remaining mugs will be given to organisations within the parish who are important to us (preschool, surgery etc). Cllr Keitch to distribute.
BHPN – have asked if we would support them through a financial donation annually in order for them to progress the community plan. For further discussion at next meeting.
QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (The meeting was closed before questions from the public). None
Dates for next meetings –
12th December 2011 Planning Meeting 7 – 7.30pm and
Parish Council Meeting 7.30pm
