Draft Minutes subject to Confirmation
LYDFORD PARISH
COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE
MEETING
Held
in the Nicholls Hall
Tuesday
18th December 2007
125-2007 Present:
Ms L Ellicott (Chairman): Ms J Gannon (Vice-Chairman):Mrs K Boyd: Mrs L Cole: Mrs S Holland: Ms C Moriarty: Mr I Hammerton: Mrs A Martin (Clerk)
Parishoners and others in attendance: Cllr D Moyse (deputising for Cllr I McPhie) and one Parishoner were in attendance.
126-2007 Apologies for Absence: Cllr A Hosking (unwell): Cllr I McPhie (at work)
127-2007 Declaration of Interests Ms Gannon declared an interest in a planning item regarding proposed tree works at her home
In formally opening the meeting the Chairman paid tribute to the late Mr Stewart Hannaford, who passed away on 2nd December, just short of his 80th birthday, and who will be sadly missed at Parish Council meetings.
128-2007 Parishoners and Visitors Time:
128.1 Cllr Moyse reported on the shared services in West Devon Borough Council, including a shared Chief Executive. She also reported that other Parish Councils have a dedicated item on each agenda for an update on West Devon. It was unanimously agreed that Lydford will adopt this practice in future.
128.2 Speaking as a Parishoner Ms Moyse reported that whilst riding her horse through the village recently she had experienced a difficulty with a bus which she considered was travelling too fast towards her. Even though requested by hand signal to slow down and stop the driver had continued towards her with the result that the horse had reared up and shied away from the bus. This is at best undesirable, and at worst could have resulted in a serious accident if a less experienced rider had been thrown from the horse into the path of the bus. Mr Hammerton agreed that whilst walking through the village he has observed on several occasions other traffic also travelling at what appears to be an undesirable speed. Mrs Holland raised the point that the timetable for the drivers requires them to travel from the stop at the Dartmoor Inn to the stop at Lydford Station Road in 8 minutes, including any time taken to pick up and put down passengers. It was agreed that the bus company should be contacted and requested to alert the drivers to the fact that the road through the village has no pavements and so the roadway is shared not only with horse riders, but also with pedestrians including families, pushchairs and users of walking aids. Members did, however, appreciate that Lydford enjoys an excellent bus service in comparison with many villages of similar size.
129-2007 To approve the minutes of the
previous meeting:
The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 20th November 2007 were signed by the Chairman as a true and accurate record of the proceedings.
130-2007 Matters arising:
130.1 The precept for 2008/09. Members had already been presented with budget forecasts. After some discussion centering on the difficulty of obtaining an accurate figure or forecast for inflation it was unanimously RESOLVED that the precept for 2008/09 should be set at £6350.00, representing an increase of approximately 3.25% on the 2007/08 figure.
130.2 Bus services update: Following the last meeting letters were sent to Devon County and to First Bus. Only Devon County have replied, and hold out no hope of the withdrawn service being reinstated. It is unfortunate for the residents of Lydford that this was the one which was most heavily used for attending medical appointments. The letter from Devon pointed out that the county already exceeds its statutory responsibility in that it allows use of the Senior Citizens free bus pass from 0900, the statutory time being 0930. It was reported that the earlier bus departs from Lydford Station Road at 0900, and that the pass holders can travel free from there.
130.3 Parking and Traffic Issues Update: Following the last meeting a letter was sent to Mrs Wells (Head Teacher at the School), who has replied. The school insists, for the children’s safety, that they are accompanied right into the playground on arrival and are collected from there on departure. Staff are instructed to park responsibly though there is occasionally extra parking when there is an activity at which numbers of parents are present. She reported that parking problems had recently been caused by a caravanette which arrived and parked on the opposite side of the road after the activity had started, thus significantly reducing the width of the highway as a result of which a school visitor’s car was damaged. Mrs Wells had recently liaised with the Community Police regarding traffic outside the school and they had observed the road on two separate occasions: they concluded that staff and parents were parking with consideration but that there were concerns about drivers speeding past the school.
Mrs Cole recalled that the Council had previously requested a flashing light speed reduction system similar to the one in use in Whitchurch, but that this had been refused for technical reasons.
In conclusion to her letter Mrs Wells invited a member of the council to visit her at the school early in the New Year. The Chairman sought authorisation to make this visit as a representative of the Council and this as unanimously approved.
130.4 Parish Plan Update - Ms Gannon reported that work on the Parish Plan Questionnaire is ongoing. There are still too many questions but it is expected that the proposed plan will be submitted to Devon for approval between Christmas and New Year.
A letter regarding the Parish Plan had been received by some of the Councillors, who had subsequently been shown the reply sent by the Parish Plan Secretary. Members considered that this reply had addressed the concerns raised and that no further action was required.
130.5 Post Office – The Clerk had had difficulty finding Tanya Morel, as the information on her website was out of date. The Chairman has now supplied the phone number and the Clerk will contact her about the direction board.
130.6 Highway Issues update – A letter was sent to the Highways department after the last meeting, and a reply has been received. Regarding the trees at Mucky Duck it was decided to contact Brentor PC as it falls within their area. A letter will also be sent to the management committee. Regarding the trees at the top end of the village it was decided that a letter would be sent to Mr Beasley (DNPA).
130.7 Sewage Update – Following the last meeting a letter was sent to Doug Yates at SWW regarding the sewage treatment works and the dropping pipe at the War Memorial. A reply had just been received. The Clerk reported that she had also checked up on the tanking at the Sewage Treatment Works and indeed the tanker is still coming every Monday and Thursday morning. It is a private tanker (from Glanville Cleansing), which is accompanied by a SWW engineer in a separate van. The engineer had reported that the process had greatly improved the system. A different section of the organisation is responsible for installing the dropping pipe, and Mr Yates had promised to prompt this to be done.
Mr Greenaway (at West Devon Environmental Health) has been kept informed of the communications and he has also promised his support in the New Year if this continues to drag on.
130.8 Captain Hunter’s Dedication – The Clerk reported that the following have been contacted: Col Tony Clarke regarding liaison with the military (also a reminder, where Col Clarke admitted to having done nothing so far, but promised some action later that very day). Stannary Band have been contacted via their website regarding possibly providing a bugler and possibly more in the way of music, depending on their availability and cost. The Chairman had brought some information regarding military clergy as the Rev. Michael Meachin has now been posted abroad, and the Clerk will follow up the potential contacts after Christmas.
The Council will send out invitations to the Duchy and DNPA, to Cllrs Hoskin and McPhie, to the scouts who perform the annual wreath laying, to the press and to all parishoners and other interested parties. The Clerk reported that she intends to send out the formal invitations soon after Christmas when people have started their 2008 diaries, though many of the above have already received prior warning of the date of the event.
Mrs Holland reported that the Nicholls Hall has been booked for the informal reception to follow the ceremony on the moor.
In view of the cost of the replacement plaque and the current spate of metal theft around the country generally Mrs Cole wondered if the plaque were sufficiently covered on the Council’s insurance, and the Clerk promised to check up on this.
131-2007 Receive Reports from
Councillors on respective outside bodies:
131.1 DNPA Consultative Forum was attended by Mrs Moriarty and Mrs Holland on Friday 23rd November. Mrs Moriarty reported that three topics were covered. The first was a Local Action Plan to be managed by the South West Regional Development Agency and which commences in 2009. Its aim is to enable rural communities to diversify and strengthen their local economy and to improve the quality of life for people living in those communities. The budget for Local Action in the South West region is £28M over the six year period and expressions of interest in accessing the fund are being requested by 31 December.
The second topic was local tourism, looking at tourism, trade and farming working together.
The final topic was “Learning outside the classroom”, put forward by the Principal Learning and Outreach Officer.
131.2 Police Authority – No meeting this month.
131.3 Southern Parishes Link Committee – Our representatives were unable to attend the recent meeting, but the minutes have been received. The meeting was attended by Inspector Hammond, who was invited to attend Parish Council meetings at Bere Ferrers and Mary Tavy. A written invitation was sent by this Council shortly after Inspector Hammond took up office, but no reply has been received. Mary Tavy are complaining about speeding through the village and Bere Alston have reported problems with an outbreak of drug taking and stone throwing.
There was a Review of the Tamar Valley AONB Management Plan.
Brentor had asked for information regarding the collection of electrical/white goods from households. The following options were reported:
· Take to recycling centres at Tavistock and Okehampton, free of charge
· Focsa Services (01822 616418) will collect larger items at a cost of £15 for two bulky items (small reduction for those on benefits).
· If in working order goods may be accepted by Refurnish West Devon on Plymouth Road, Tavistock.
· It was stated that new regulations came into force in July 2007 and suppliers of new items can make a charge to take away old items to cover transport costs.
There was then an update on the Post Office Review Task and Finish Group from Cllr Mrs Clish-Green. Information is available on the website at www.westdevon.gov.uk/doc.asp?doc=14119&cat=2807
There was an item on the concessionary fares bus scheme, which becomes national on 01 April 2008. It was stated that Devon authorities would only be running the scheme during the statutory time periods, ie from 09.30. Authorities running the scheme outside of statutory times are funding the difference. The Borough Council has written to the MPs regarding the adverse implications of the legislation. Parishes were advised to speak direct to the relevant bus companies to see if they would change their timetables to coincide with the scheme times.
The next meeting of the Southern Parishes Link Committee is on Thursday 20th March at 19.30
131.4 Nicholls Hall Committee – Mrs Boyd reported that the Hall is doing well, with the Christmas Bistro Nite having raised over £300, the final amount being dependant on the raffle, which was continuing on to the Christmas Lunch the following day. Christmas decorations were up both outside and inside the Hall. Mrs Boyd had been re-elected as Chairman of the Hall committee at the recent AGM..
132-2007 Receive the financial report:
132.1 The Clerk, as Responsible Financial Officer, presented members with the financial statement and a supplementary written report detailing the following points:
i). The £50 grant agreed at the previous meeting has been paid to CAB and appears on the current statement. A receipt had been received.
ii) We have still not heard back from Lloyds TSB regarding the invoice we sent them. The Clerk will resubmit the invoice.
iii) The Clerk is still seeking a better bank account and has contacted the Financial Hub for information.
132.2 The following balances were reported:
Current account – £789.38
Deposit account - £5375.73
Parish Plan - £1331.38
Ancient Spring - £9860.00
The following cheques were authorised from the general budget: Clerk salary & expenses £260.63: HMRC (via Post Office Ltd) £30.75: Mainly Stationery £2.34: DAPC Training (invoice to Spring Account) £20.00: Clerk mileage (part to Spring Account) £38.40: SLCC Annual Subscription £80.00: The Audit Commission £158.63: Mrs Moriarty mileage £24.00
Provisions held
as shown on the sheet circulated to members and attached to the master set of
minutes.
133-2007 Correspondence:
133.1. A Christmas card from Cllr Dennis Bater, Mayor of West Devon and Mrs Bater
133.2 A communication from Victim Support Devon who are trying to raise the profile of the organisation and to recruit more members. The enclosed poster will be displayed.
133.3 A reply from West Devon regarding the council tax rebate for serving personnel. The Clerk had forwarded a copy to the Parishoner who instigated this enquiry.
133.4 Notification that The Public Rights of Way Committee of Devon County Council has resolved three modification orders to the Definitive Map for Lydford. A new footpath has been created, and existing footpath has been upgraded to a Bridle Path and a new Bridle Path has been created. Comments from the Parish Council are invited by 25th January, and the maps will be displayed for local people to view with any possible comments discussed at the next meeting.
133.5 A reply was received to our letter to local hunts from the Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt to the effect that they never use the Granite Way as it falls outside their area. They informed us that it would fall in the Lamerton Hunt area. The same letter had been sent to the Lamerton Hunt, but we have not yet received a reply.
134-2007 Planning Notifications and Applications
134.1 Planning permission has been granted by DNPA for the
Change of Use from agricultural to mixed agricultural use to include the
conversion of redundant barn to tea room and teaching space and provision of
visitor parking at Downtown Farm subject to a number of conditions.
134.2 a) In our adjacent Parish of Mary Tavy an application has been made to construct 18 local needs houses as a community housing project on land to the North of the Royal Standard (DNPA 0945/07). Members noted this application in a neighbouring Parish.
134.2 b) A new application for Conversion of former builder’s office to one-bedroom dwelling at former builder’s office opposite Prince Charles Terrace had been received (DNPA 0973/07). After consideration the Council it was RESOLVED that:
The Council STRONGLY SUPPORTS
the building being brought back into use and not left derelict.
It believes that the premises should, if at all possible, be
retained in employment use.
If, however, this proves not to
be viable, the Council would support the building’s conversion into an Affordable
Residential Unit provided that a Section 106 is entered into restricting the
occupation to local people. For the
avoidance of doubt this can be sold, but only to those who work, live or have a
connection with the Parish.
The Council is disappointed to
note that the affordability aspect has been deleted from the “Proposal” section
of this application as compared with application 0667/07.
Prior to the next item Ms Gannon declared an interest and left
the meeting
134.2 c) An application has been received for permission to fell a tree protected by a tree Preservation Order at Bridge house Lodge. Members were unsure as to the reason for the application, and a member of the public volunteered to request information from Ms Gannon, who was outside. It was reported that an Arboriculturist’s report had stated that the tree was hollow, and would fall down if not taken down. The members were surprised that no mention of this report had been made in the communication from the DNPA. It was unanimously RESOLVED that:
Members
believe that an Arboriculturist’s Report was sent to the National Park and are
disappointed that no mention was made of this report in your communication.
On the
understanding that such a report does exist, and that the tree is unsound and
could fall in the near future, the Council STRONGLY SUPPORTS the felling of
this tree as soon as possible to alleviate the hazard to the residents of the
property and to users of the road outside.
Ms
Gannon returned to the meeting when the above item had been concluded.
135-2007 Items raised at the previous meeting for inclusion on this agenda:
There were none.
136-2007 Items raised for inclusion on
the November Agenda
136.1 An Emergency Plan for Lydford – Mr Hammerton requested this item to be considered as he understood that Mary Tavy had already started work on such a plan
136.2 West Devon Update The Chairman suggested that an agenda item be included as suggested by Cllr Mrs Moyse
137-2007 To agree the date of the next meeting:
The date of Tuesday 15th January 2008 was agreed commencing at 7.00 pm
There being no further business the meeting was formally closed by the Chairman at 8.45 pm.
After the meeting the Members played a training DVD from the Standards Committee
Annie Martin
Clerk to the Parish Council 21st November 2007
Signed as a true and accurate record……………………………..… (Chairman) Date………………