Minutes for a Meeting of Dunkeswell Parish Council held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 20th November 2006.

Present: Mr G Sworder (Chairman), Mr J Barrow (Vice Chairman), Cllrs Mrs Beth Russell, Mssrs Charles Sumpter,
Malcolm Stevens, Andrew Luscombe, Richard Jones, District Councillor Mrs M Boote, PCSO Anning 30012
and three members of the public.
Apologies: Cllr Brendan Procter, County Councillor Mr Roger Boote and PC Vickery 4783

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).

1.1 Minutes of the previous meeting held in the Village Hall on Monday 16th October, 2006 were signed as a correct record of that meeting. Correction of minuted location from ‘Community Hall’ to’ Village Hall’.

2 PLANNING
2.1 Decisions (for information)
06/0241/FUL Dunkeswell Kart Circuit – permission refused for race control tower (reason: impact of proposed structure would have an adverse effect on natural beauty of the AONB by reason of its height and scale contrary to PPS7, PPG17, Devon Structure Plan Policy C03 and East Devon Local Plan policies EN1, TO6 and RE5).

06/0319/MFUL Dunkeswell Kart Racing Circuit – permission refused for pits/workshops/visitors facilities. (reason: impact of proposed structure would have an adverse effect on natural beauty of the AONB by reason of its height and scale contrary to PPS7, PPG17, Devon Structure Plan Policy C03 and East Devon Local Plan policies EN1, TO6 and RE5, in addition potential light pollution created by this development would detract from dark time environment in AONB – policy PPS7, DSPP CO3 and EDLP policy EN1, provision of two unjustified residential units in the countryside is contrary to PPS7 and DSP policy ST5 and EDLP policy S4.

06/2398/VAR Fishponds House – Permission granted for marquee change of conditions (until 31st October 2011) condition applied that noise limiter shall be installed on the premises in accordance with details agreed in writing with planning authority and operated accordingly. (Copy requested).

06/2384/TRE 3 Potters Stile – permission granted height reduction to row of beech trees.

06/2570/TRE 1 Bluebell Road – permission granted fell one ash tree.

06/01523/FUL (Mid Devon District Council) Smeatharpe Stadium – application to hold 24 race days per annum application withdrawn.

2.2 Applications (for recommendation)
06/3090/TRE 3 Louis Way –reduce crown two ash trees and lowest branch. Recommendation: APPROVAL (although it would be preferred they be removed completely as ash are unsuitable trees to be so close to a dwelling).

06/3019/FUL 15 Azalea Close –erection of 2m high close board fence. Recommendation: APPROVAL

06/2949/TRE 18 Potters Stile – reduce height and crown lift two beech trees. Recommendation: APPROVAL

06/2607/FUL land rear of Culme Close – amendments to approved scheme 4no. dwellings including conservatory to each unit and extension to plot 1. Recommendation: REFUSAL as the parish council have already suggested refusal of this extension.

06/2865/FUL Land adjacent Unit 13, Flightway – retention of works to extend highway. This highway is outside the village limit and shows access to further buildings, which would also be refused as these too would be outside the village limit. Recommendation: REFUSAL and enforcement action to reinstate land.

06/2760/FUL Lodge farm – retention of windows. Recommendation: REFUSAL and enforcement to pursue removal as this is a retrospective application.

06/2867 Land adjacent to no 3 Culme Close – New dwelling. This would be a minute dwelling crammed into a small space with inadequate access. Recommendation: REFUSAL

Outstanding planning matters/applications as at the 20th November 2006: (for information)
January 2004 04/P0078 British Light Aircraft Co. (awaiting highways new proposal)
April 2005 05/0993/FUL Land at Highfield – 26 open market units, Land off Powells Way - 19 affordable dwellings, community facilities recreational land off Liberator Way
October 2005 05/2721/FUL Brookside Farm – change of use to residential, educational centre, activity equipment.
February 2006 06/0043/FUL Lammasland – chemical store/workshop and hay barn
May 2006 06/0969/FUL Highfield Community Hall
August 2006 06/2038/COU Sheldon Grange –cross country course
06/2270/FUL Royal Oak Inn – New dwelling and access
October 2006 06/2607/FUL land off Culme Close – amendments to approved conservatory
06/2794/VAR Unit 18F Flightway – B8 Use
06/2672/FUL Unit 3 Westerhope Farm – Erection of industrial building.

4 HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC
4.1 Royal Oak pavement – decision on current application for new dwelling awaited.
4.2 Abbey Road – Cllrs Mr and Mrs Boote to report on progress – principle is agreed, but there is no money available to fund repairs.
4.3 Street lamp 24 is staying on all day – clerk to report to Connect.

5 FOOTPATHS AND BRIDLEWAYS
5.1 Mr Barrow reported that a new bridge was put in on footpath 8, and a new gate was collected by Mr Barrow and installed on footpath 10.
5.2 P3 forms for return by 14th February 2007
5.3 DCC – Map received showing revisions to footpath network – Dunkeswell Footpath 8 Div Ord 1988.
5.4 Lengthsman – Mr Barrow wished to complain about the recent lengthsman visit which was completely inadequate, despite being given a list. Clerk to contact Highways to make a complaint.

6 ENVIRONMENT
6.1 Rubbish bin - request received from resident of Catalina Close for EDDC to place a rubbish bin at the bus stop opposite Culme Way for school children.

7 COMMUNITY FACILITIES
7.1 Community policing report – PC Vickery/PCSO Anning – there have been five crimes during the last month; one burglary (other), criminal damage (graffiti), criminal damage to motor vehicle, theft of cheque books (non burglary), theft of newspapers and magazines (£80 fixed penalty notice was issued to offender as he was caught on CCTV). Speedwatch will not be adopted by the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary – no reasons given as yet. Clerk to add this to our enquiry to the Chief Constables office. Mr Broad asked why the 20mph limit was put in place if it is not to be properly enforced, PCSO Anning explained that it is Highways and DCC who place the limit, but the police who are asked to find resources to enforce them. It was agreed by all the desired result is to lower driving speeds through the village.
7.2 Playground safety inspections – The main gate into New Century Park is bent and needs repair.
7.3 Sports field - it has been requested that allotments be part of the plan for the new sports field (twelve expressions of interest so far in total) – completion of conveyance of land awaited
7.4 Halls – there is a leaking heater at the Community Hall to be mended.
7.5 Dog bins – It has finally been agreed that the parish council should purchase dog bins and have them emptied once a week on contract at a cost of £50 each per year (three are ordered). The contract will begin in January. Agreed Mr Barrow to instruct clerk where these are to be installed, clerk to inform EDDC and Mr Barrow to fix as soon as contract is to commence.
7.6 Housing needs survey – Magna Homes are negotiating the purchase of the land at Powell’s way and intent to build ten houses on it.
7.7 EDDC – consulting towns and parishes – summaries of feedback received from September meeting of parishes. Also enclosed a briefing which could be collated bi-monthly/quarterly by member services (comments on this idea are requested).
7.8 Honiton Market – 750 year anniversary of Granting of the Charter for the Street Market (this includes a ruling that no other market may be held within 6 miles of Honiton). Honiton are hoping that the surrounding villages would like to be involved in the celebrations.

8 FINANCE
8.1 Receipts – Devon Association of Parish Councils (Blackdown Hills Parish Network Grant) £110.00
8.2 Cheque payments - SLCC (law of allotments book) £18.95
J Barrow (footpaths Account) £210.00
J Howard (footpaths Account) £153.00
C J Barrow (removal of bark/earth Churchill Play Ground) £998.75 Cut and Trim (invoices 8 and 9 – grass cutting) £50.00
Payment by direct debit - Virgin Broadband (Public Access Computer) monthly £24.99
BT Quarterly payment (Public Access Computer) September,
December, March and June £32.99
(Cheques and direct debits agreed).
Account balances - at 1/11/06 Paths Account £501.70
Parish Account £8096.73
8.3 Request for funding assistance from South West Airfields Heritage Trust – money would be used to help fund a business plan to submit to the Heritage Lottery Fund with bid to refurbish the control tower. (Forwarded to Cllr Boote for a request from DCC).

QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC (The meeting was closed before questions from the public - none).
Dates for next meetings –
Planning Applications: Monday 11th December, 2006 7pm – 7.30pm Dunkeswell Village Hall
Parish Council: Monday 11th December, 2006 7.30pm Dunkeswell Village Hall