Annual Parish Meeting

Minutes for the Annual Parish Meeting of Dunkeswell Parish Council held at Highfield Community Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 15th May, 2006.

Present: Mr G Sworder (Chairman), Mrs B Russell Messrs. C Sumpter, J Barrow, M Stevens, A Luscombe, B Procter, Mrs M Boote (District Councillor), PC Vickery/PCSO Anning, Mrs Ann Barratt, Mr Claude Capel, Mr Robin Gilbert and one hundred and eleven members of the public.

Apologies; Mr R Boote (County Councillor), Mr A Guest (Vice Chairman), District Councillor David Key, Mr Richard Broad.

1 Introduction of the Parish Council Officers appointed at the election of Officers held at the Annual General Meeting of The Parish Council on 8th May, 2006 and appointment of chair for meeting.

The Chairman: Mr Geoffrey Sworder
The Vice Chairman: Mr Andy Guest
Planning Committee: Mr Sworder, Mr Charles Sumpter, Mr Andy Guest
Tree Warden: Mr John Barrow
Footpaths Representatives: Mr John Barrow
Transport and Traffic Representative: Mr Andy Guest

Other Councillors with no particular appointment; Mrs Beth Russell, Mr Malcolm Stevens,
Mr Procter, Mr Luscombe.

2 Minutes of previous meeting held on 16th May, 2005, to be signed as a correct record of that meeting.

3 Reports
3.1 COMMUNITY POLICING - PC Vickery/PCSO Anning
Crime figures for 2004-5 77 crimes 2005-6 reduced to 51 in total broken down as follows:

2005-06 2004-05
Burglary dwelling 3 1
Burglary other 15 16
Theft of Motor vehicle 1 2
Theft from Motor vehicle 1 3
Theft other 8 14
Criminal damage 6 13
Assaults 3 9
Obtain property by deception 1 7
Public disorder 1 0
Drugs related 3 0
Drink & drive 1 0
Resist Arrest 1 0
Dog out of control 0 1
Vehicle interference 0 1
Unauthorised taking of M/V 0 2
Wasting Police time 2 0
Use telecom sys to cause alarm 0 1
Threat to destroy/damage property 0 1
Racially aggravated harassment 0 1
Non crime - Domestic 1 3
Non crime – Child Protection 4 2
TOTAL 51 77

The figures above show a decrease in the recorded crime for the year 2005–06 of 29% compared with the previous year.

Mr Robin Gilbert of South West Airfields Heritage Trust reported on the plans being made for the Air show to be held on the 13th August 2006 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the end of the war following last years disappointing cancellation. Pedestrians and traffic will be of primary concern, there will be no pedestrian access to the airfield at all to try and prevent incidents, there will be a community bus service for local villages a small charge of £2 (£1 for under fives) will be made and will also include entry to the show. Co-operation from the villagers will be of great importance to the whole event.

3.2 PARISH COUNCILS YEAR – Geoffrey Sworder

Meetings
The Parish Council have held 12 meetings and 12 planning meetings during the past year (two of which ran concurrently on the same evenings).

Planning
We have made recommendations to the District Council on 63 planning applications and three appeals. These consisted of 12 industrial applications, 13 residential extensions and conservatories, 12 new build or conversions, 5 tree applications, 7 agricultural or tied applications and another 14 larger business/major residential/community facility applications.

A team of three parish councillors visit most of the applicants or sites before giving comment to the rest of the Council at planning meetings, recommendations are then discussed at the full Parish Council meetings on the third Monday of every month. The public are encouraged to attend these meetings should they wish to listen or express their opinions to the Parish Councillors.

Affordable Housing Survey
There will be a questionnaire in the next Parish Magazine which it is hoped everyone will complete, to assist the assessment of need in the parish.

3.3 YOUTH CLUB – Ann Barratt
Dunkeswell Youth Club
A very big thank you to the Parish Council for their much appreciated support giving the youth club the use of this hall for our weekly meetings.
There are currently over 40 young people on the register of regular members.
The usual attendance is around 28, being an almost equal mix of boys and girls.
The Youth Leader is currently Jo Barratt, she goes to Mongolia in July then plans to go to university in September. The committee have asked Adam Johnson to take over in July when he will be 18.
Adam and Jo, both completed 200 hours as Millennium Volunteers at the youth club.
We haven’t been able to start a new group of volunteers under the Millennium Volunteer scheme as there has been a question mark over the schemes future. Nevertheless without any official recognition we have a core of young volunteer committee members who support the youth leader and turn up to meetings to run the club.
Activities include Table tennis, Badminton, Pool, Card games, Unihock, Rounders and Swing ball. Also “chilling out” enjoying music and the tuck shop. All activities are requested and chosen by the young people. The committee is made up of seven young people, two adults and the leader. One issue they dealt with meant they introduced a new rule saying once members paid to enter, they must stay for the duration of the session as it was difficult organising games if folk were wandering in and out. It also made responsibility issues difficult. This rule has worked through the winter. The summer term has always been the most difficult to organise. Last week was wonderful weather on Thursday evening and the park was full...all credit to the park committee for their hard work keeping that facility going all year. There was a wide range of people using the park... it was a pleasure to see.However unfortunately no one came to Youth Club! In fairness a few committee members did turn up to set up ... but the choice was to enjoy the park and sunshine. It wasn’t much fun sat in an empty hail thinking of all the jobs I could have been doing at home! This is the down side of empowering the young people to make their own choices the up side is watching them grow ... slowly ... into responsible young people.
Several members took on the challenge of making a video last summer about their ideas on a bike track facility. This was shown to the Parish Council, we hope you enjoyed it. A trip to Plymouth is planned. And hopefully the club will continue to flourish. Thank you again for all your support.
The Parish Council thanked Mrs Barratt for all her work to provide this vital facility.

3.4 FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS/TREE WARDEN
Improvements continue, and those who use the paths will notice several major projects this year, Mr Barrow thanked Mr Howard for all his work. The meeting was reminded that dogs should be on a lead when in a field of animals. Mr Barrow is available for advice on trees, this may save you an application or help you with a more satisfactory solution. Mr Barrow and his helpers were thanked by the Chairman for their valuable work and explained that the Parish Council were thinking of taking over certain tree issues from the District Council.

3.5 PLANNING - Application for new facilities Dunkeswell Kart racing circuit
There is a formal application which was displayed on the table, however there is still insufficient information for planners to make any decision. This is largely due to the District Council requesting a more detailed traffic impact assessment. Mr Sworder reminded the meeting that the application was for a large building on two floors of bars, shops, restaurants, offices and living accommodation. Current permissions are for motor sports Saturday and Sunday afternoons, go kart practices on any Saturday and races on nine days per annum. In addition permission already exists for seven day a week leisure karting, this does not form part of any current application. The new facilities will have workshops for formula three cars, racing mini motos and other weekend events. Noise remains a primary issue for many surrounding residents and a noise barrier has been installed, however the noise has not reduced. The acoustic consultant employed by Sheldon Residents group has poured scorn on the applicants predicted noise levels. Mr Sworder met with the Highways department today who will be concerned if traffic rises beyond 5% (current levels predicted by the applicant are at 16.5%). The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty partnership have made a formal objection, that this application will not enhance or conserve the AONB, nor is the traffic increase acceptable. The CAA have lodged a formal objection on the grounds that the building intrudes on to the flight path of an existing registered runway. The Parish Council obviously have a duty to inform the public and work with the authorities, but is not in a position to form a residents group, only relay residents feelings.

A lady from Broadhembury asked if she could join a residents group – Mr Peter Adams from Sheldon Action Group(SHAG) offered their contact details. There was indeed a letter in the Telegraph today which supports their cause. A gentleman from Stentwood asked why it is even being considered by EDDC if it contravenes the policy of the AONB. Another gentleman expressed how ridiculous that one air day can be a problem when this will be a constant increase in traffic flow. Angela Browning has been asked for support, but cannot get involved in planning issues, Mr Adams felt that she should still be supporting the AONB and she has written to the Chief Executive saying she feels this is a matter of regional concern, not just planning.

A representative of Hemyock group offered contact details and explained his recent noise monitoring behind the fence and he found that the peak reading was 102.6dB. Another gentleman made the point that the fence was only designed to protect the Sheldon side of the track. Mr Sworder said there is no set level at which noise becomes a nuisance, but it is widely recognised that above 55dB is a matter of public concern.

A gentleman from Wolford suggested everyone should join one group rather than form individual groups. Mr Sworder suggested all groups should gather into a non parish council opposition group, but use the parishes to work the official system.

A representative of Culmstock explained they are about to form a group, as yet another entry point to the track, all have listed bridges and village plans which have grave concern over traffic. Woodbury park Ltd is one large organisation, whereas the formation of one large action group could form to fight the application.

Mr Sworder said the first stage is to get the planners to refuse the application, which is looking difficult, whereas the real fight begins should any appeal be lodged and this will cost money. A major leisure facility such as this is against all county structure plans and Mr Adams feels that an inspector should support this. It would also cost the District Council a great deal of money to defend their decision at appeal, this may affect their decision.

A lady from Dunkeswell said there would be no local employment, as this would be drafted in, all catering will be self contained, accommodation would be at Woodbury Park and there will be no benefit to local businesses.

A gentleman from Luppitt reinforced the idea of grouping to protect the AONB, and suggested any further traffic on Windgate Hill would be ludicrous.

Mrs Boote spoke as Chairman of the planning committee explained that she has been advised that she has a prejudicial interest having worked for Nigel Mansell over four years ago. She explained that if the groups write to councillors, letters must contain planning reasons and address policy, not simply contain emotional reasons. A gentleman asked why he could get no personal reply simply a letter of acknowledgement. Mrs Boote accepted that the answer was probably not acceptable, however they are greatly understaffed and an application of this size generates a huge amount of individual correspondence. As Mrs Boote cannot represent us, Cllr David Key is representing the parishes in her place.

A recent email from the planning officer asks that we await all the required information before discussing the application in full. Mrs Boote confirmed that Cllr David Key, being on the planning committee cannot give an opinion until all the facts are presented and public can attend, but not speak. There may also be a site meeting of the 16 members, at which Parish Councils can speak and public support could be rallied by action groups.

The Chair of Broadhembury Parish Council reinforced that daily kart levels are restricted to 65dB by the planning permission, inadequate conditions on previous applications have compounded current problems.

A lady from Broadhembury asked if there was a certain noise level at which the planners would be concerned, and also asked about light pollution, Mr Sworder confirmed that this now a statutory nuisance. Mrs Boote said that there was not an actual figure for a statutory noise nuisance. Mr Sworder asked no petitions, just individual letters.

A lady from Dunkeswell suggested more press involvement. A gentleman suggested that BMW are behind the applicant. Mr Sworder said that although the official date for letters is past, they are still accepting letters.

Cllr Barrow suggested the only possible way to reduce noise was to fit silencers.

Cllr Sumpter reassured the audience that as soon as all information is available another meeting will be called.

A gentleman from Dunkeswell asked that should the application be considered for approval by the District Council that a 106 Agreement which benefits Dunkeswell residents be agreed.

SHAG contact details: petergadams@btopenworld.com or zanziegriffin@btinternet.com

3.5 NEW SPORTS FIELD/CHURCHILL PLAYGROUND/NEW CENTURY PARK – Mary Sworder
Dunkeswell Childrens’ Play and Leisure Group manage the playgrounds in the parish and are part funded by the parish council, with additional funds raised through events and grants. £5000 has been granted towards improvements to the Churchill Playground.

The sports ground is to be donated to the parish by Mr Throgmorton, the plans are now at the land registry office, a grant of £10,000 has been given towards this from an anonymous trust fund.

The Churchill Playground awaits new barriers, as one was stolen. Grass cutting this year will be inclusive of collection and closer cut, which will improve the surface. The £5000 grant will replace the play bark with a new safety surface. The DP&LG were thanked for their work again this year

COMMUNITY HALL – Mr and Mrs Russell
The hall has run smoothly this year, with particular thanks to the youth club for always leaving it so tidy. It is hoped that the issue of a new hall would be soon resolved. Mr Russell suggested that tennis courts could be put on the new sportsfield, then the hall could be placed on the old dilapidated tennis courts.

VILLAGE HALL – Mr Sumpter
The hall is now completely refitted and is well managed, there are many functions and a new barbeque has recently been purchased.

3.6 HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC/LITTER PICKING – Mr Sworder
After the speed watch success a traffic survey was carried out, this is now being assessed and a meeting with Highways on engineered solutions is awaited. A mobile camera will still attend periodically as it has been assessed that between 25-30% of traffic would be eligible for a ticket (more than 50% exceeded the speed limit overall).

3.7 FINANCE – Tracey Bell
There is little to report other than our usual spending pattern, there was a grant given towards the running of the community access computer at the Highfield Fish Plaice by Devon County Council and the paish accounts closed for the year retaining a buffer amount sensible for the size of the precept. (The precept remains unchanged for the forthcoming year).

Financial support was given to the Community Hall in order to keep it from closure and donations were made to several local charities which benefit our community as follows:
Under Section 137 Local Government Act 1972
Devon Youth Association £15
Blackdown Support Group £50
Honiton Library Advice/Info Centre £50
Honiton Ring and Ride £25
ED Citizens Advice Bureau £50
Devon Victim Support £50

3.8 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR – Marcelle Boote
There are several facilities which are available from the District Council - Home safeguards system which allows an emergency button to be worn, which uses your BT line to call for help. At present free bus passes within the county are available, passes beyond the county boundary are being negotiated. Angela Browning currently has a campaign running to keep village post offices open. EDDC has achieved Investors in People Award.

3.9 COUNTY COUNCILLOR – Roger Boote
No report sent

4 Public Questions
A gentleman asked if Manleys Lane was still on schedule for adoption by end of September. Clerk confirmed as far as we know that it is.

Another gentleman from Manleys Lane asked about the ownership of the treed area at the bottom. No ownership has been established as yet.

Meeting closed at 10.30pm

Next Parish Council Meetings: Planning Meeting 7- 8pm Monday 12th June 2006 in the Village Hall
Parish Council: Monday 19th June, 2006 at 7.30pm in the Village Hall