DRAFT MINUTES SUBJECT TO AMMENDMENT
LYDFORD PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
Held in The Nicholls Hall
Tuesday 19th
September 2006
95-2006 Present:
Mrs L Cole:
Mrs P Martyn: Mrs K Boyd (Chairman): Mrs S Holland:
Mrs L Ellicott (Vice-Chairman): Mr DG Evans (Clerk)
Parishioners and others in attendance:
Ten members of the public were present and Cllr A Hosking DCC : Cllr J Soul (WDBC):Cllr Ms Moyse (WDBC elected member for Burrator & parishioner of Lydford) Mr D Banks (Head of Environmental Health WDBC) and Mr G Greenaway (Principal Officer Environmental Health WDBC)
96-2006 Apologies
for absence:
PC Reed: Mr S Powne and Mr P Fletcher
97-2006 Parishioners
and Visitors time:
97.1 Mrs B Shadbolt requested that attention be given to the blockage on Skit Lane where the tree had fallen. The clerk agreed to inform the Lengthsman on his next visit.
97.2 Ms D Moyse requested, on behalf of Mr C France, that the minutes reference under 85.2 Mr France continued by stating that currently DNPA have no working relationship with WDBC be deleted as Mr France considered that his statement had been misconstrued. The Chairman stated that this would be dealt with under item 98-2006.
97.3 The Chairman introduced Mr Banks and Mr Greenaway to the members of the public and invited them to make their presentation to the public and the members. Mr Banks detailed the responsibilities of the Environmental Health Department and introduced Mr Greenaway as the case officer for the current problem in Lydford. He confirmed that all complaints are logged and a record built up which, in time, enables them to begin formal action when required. He then handed over to Mr Greenaway to detail the progress on the problem to date. Mr Greenaway stated that he has monitored during times of discharge from the Camping & Caravan Club (C&CC) and has been unable to identify that this is the cause of the problem. He awaits reports from SWW who have carried out inspections on effluent samples taken and from the consultants appointed by the C&CC. He trusts that the results will prove, or disprove, that it is, or isnt, the fault of the C&CC. He further considered that it could be from a property discharging into the mains or from back odour from the Waste Treatment Works. He has recommended that SWW carry out a full inspection and CCTV of the entire system. Mr Skeeping stated that he cant believe, as this problem has been reported since 2001, that the EHO is suggesting that this could come from one property and that the C&CC has increased its numbers thereby exacerbating the problem. He also noted that SWW had today resealed the manhole cover which only eases the problem. Mrs Jones stated that the smell at her property is horrendous especially at 8.00am and between 10.00 & 11.00pm. Mrs Rumsden agreed stating that the smell is horrendous at the times stated by Mrs Jones.
97.3 (Contd.) Mr Davies, Landlord
of the Castle Inn, stated that the smell at his end of the village was constant
and that he was amazed that SWW treatment works were apparently unable to cope
with the waste, especially as it had recently been upgraded. Mrs Powne stated
that the mains sewerage system serves only 50% of the village, as many
properties are on private septic tank systems, and that the C&CC site
effectively doubles the numbers of the population. Mrs Ellicott requested a
time scale for the results of the report. Mr Greenaway stated that he hoped to
have it available tonight but it was imminent. Mr Greenaway suggested that a
further meeting should be held once it was to hand to enable discussion. The
Chairman enquired if the holding tank was too large at the site. Mr Greenaway
stated that it was and that last year the float switches had been changed to
enable it to pump out more frequently. The Chairman also enquired if the de-odorising
regime was still in place. Mr Greenaway stated that this is an option, however,
the C&CC and the owners (Messrs Stokes) are proposing a new system with a
reduced sized sump at the end of this season. He also stated that he has yet to
establish if the sewage in the tank, prior to discharge, is septic. He
continued by stating that the C&CC opens in April and he did not receive any
complaints until June. The Chairman enquired if the EHO recognised that there
is a foul smell emanating from the current system to which Mr Greenaway stated
that he did but, as yet, was unsure where it was originating from. He further
stated that SWW have confirmed that the recent improvements works to the Waste
Treatment Plant are to improve the flow of water back into the river below the
works. Mrs Ellicott stated that if the smell is confirmed as emanating from the
Treatment Works then surely SWW must accept responsibility. The Chairman
enquired as to the improvements that could be taken and why the C&CC, or
the owners, could not put in place a proper sealed system. Mrs Holland enquired
of the parishioners present if there was any smell in the winter. Mr Skeeping
stated that there was not. Mr Greenaway stated that as there was no smell at
the C&CC end it was not wind blown or caused by airborne discharge. He
therefore considered it had to be coming through the system of pipe work. Cllr
Soul felt that an immediate CCTV survey should be carried out. Mr Banks stated
that his department would produce a full written report for presentation to the
members before the next meeting in October. The Chairman requested that Mr
Greenaway summarise his thoughts. Mr Greenaway stated that he has evidence to
serve notice on SWW but would expect them to contest it. He has a meeting with
SWW later this month to, he hoped, bring this matter to a speedy conclusion.
The Chairman felt that SWW must have a responsibility for the problem as they
allow the C&CC to discharge into their system. The clerk was requested to
write, again, to the Chief Executive of SWW detailing the frustrations being
experienced by the community of Lydford. The Chairman then thanked Messrs Banks
and Greenaway for attending and that this parish council awaits the reports
promised. (Messrs Banks, Greenaway &
Soul& all but one member of the public left at this point)
98-2006To approve the
minutes of the previous meeting:
98.1 The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 18th July 2006 were signed, by the Chairman, as a true and accurate record save for the following amendment requested by Mr C France (DNPA) and already detailed under 97.2006.1
99-2006 Matters arising:
99.1 Sewage smells As detailed the clerk to write to SWW, copies to
Cllrs Soul & Hoskins and to
Mr G Cox MP (Cllr Ms Moyse & the
remaining member of the public left the meeting at this point)
99.2 Parish Plan No responses
from voluntary organisations have been received although a volunteer from the
general public has offered her services. Mrs Ellicott circulated file notes
from the meeting she attended. (Master copy attached to main minutes). Decision
regarding the level of financial commitment from this council was deferred
until October as a full council was not present. Cllr Hoskins offered to assist
if the members go ahead with it. (Cllr
Hoskins left at this point)
99.3 Book of Recollections The clerk confirmed that the final proof was being checked at that this would be printed in time for distribution before Christmas.
99.4 ING Award The clerk reported that the bid placed before them had been short listed and that a decision was imminent.
99.5 Notice Boards- Mrs Holland stated that she had spoken to Mr Jones re: the locks and that they still did not work properly. The clerk was requested to ask Mr Jones to attend to them.
100-2006: Receive
report from Councillors on respective outside bodies:
100.1 DNPA Next meeting November
100.2 Police Authority Next meeting 4th October. (Due to prior arrangements Mrs Holland will not be able to attend. The Chairman agreed to ask Mr Powne if he would deputise.)
100.3 Southern Link Dates of the next meetings were circulated.
100.4 Nicholls Hall The clerk was requested to talk to Post Office Counters to attempt to get more publicity material and directional signs for the twice weekly Post office now being held in the Hall. All going well and bookings continue to increase. Next Bistro night on 6th October the proceeds of which will be donated to the Sports Field towards the new pavilion fund. The PC representative on the Hall committee was discussed and it was agreed by all that Mrs Boyd should continue in this position.
101.2006 - Receive financial report:
101.1 The clerk circulated balances as follows;
Current £1419.536
Flexi - £6763.54
101.2 The following payments were authorised:
Clerk £319.54 Grass cutting £45 The following receipts were detailed as: Interest received £27.92
102.2006 - Correspondence:
102.1 DNPA Local development Framework Dates of forthcoming road shows for this were circulated and agreed that as many members as possible would attend the one at Mary Tavy on Friday 29th September. The plan was given to Mrs Ellicott for her to read and for subsequent circulation to Mr Fletcher, Mr Powne and Mrs Boyd.
102.2 E-mails and other correspondence from Mr Ellington of Vale down were discussed. It was unanimously agreed that the letter dated 1st August regarding the Public Toilets would be further discussed at a future budgetary meeting.
103.2006 - Planning
applications:
103.1 Conversion of redundant garage at Ravenstor Revised plans were circulated with the members agreeing that they had no problem with the proposed design but, as previously stated and objected to, they were concerned regarding the proposed change of use of the garage. As outlined in the Local Plan it was agreed, by a majority vote of three for and two against, to object to the proposal on the same grounds as previously, this parish council wished to remain consistent in its decisions the only option was to object to the change of use.
103.2 Oaten Hills Felling of tree No objections
103.3 High Down New gates The members considered that the new gates, as erected, enhance the driveway to this new house. No objections.
103.4 Moorlands Change of use of Coach House to ancillary accommodation It was considered that in principle this application was no different to that of Raventor. It was therefore felt that in order to remain consistent this should also be objected to. This was unanimously agreed.
104.2006 - Items raised at the last
meeting for inclusion on the this agenda:
104.1 None raised
93.2006 Items raised for inclusion on the
October Agenda:
None raised
94.2006
- To agree the date of the next meeting:
94.1 The date of Tuesday 17th October 2006 was agreed commencing at
7.00pm
There being no further business the meeting was formally closed by the
Chairman at 9.45 pm.
DG Evans
Clerk to the Parish Council 22nd September 2006
Signed as a true and accurate record Date .
(Mrs K Boyd - Chairman)