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KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council Held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 13th April 2010
Present: Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. H. Newcombe, Cllr. P. Pudduck and Cllr. G. Sowerby. Also in attendance were Mr David Evans, Kingswear Historians, Ms Robyn Brown, Property Manager, National Trust, Mr Michael Aldridge, Galmpton Residents Association. and Mrs Emma Illingworth (Clerk).
C/064/10 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE (1) Apologies were received from Cllr. A. Pithers and PC R Hewett.
C/065/10 MINUTES (2) The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 9th March 2010 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.
C/066/10 DECLARATION OF INTEREST (3) There were none.
C/067/10 EXEMPT INFORMATION (4) It was RESOLVED that in accordance with Section 100(A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 of Part 1 of Schedule12A to the Act is involved. This relates to: 1. Confidential minutes of the 9th March 2010 2. Exempt TO BE TAKEN AT END OF MEETING
C/068/10 ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (5) The following item were agreed by the Chairman: 1. Lighthouse Beach
C/069/10 STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (6) There were none raised.
C/070/10 POLICE REPORT (7) PC Hewett in his absence submitted a report. (see appendix A).
C/071/10 PLANNING APPLICATION (8) Cllr. P. Pudduck, (Chairman Planning Committee) took the chair. The following application was considered as it had not been advertised previously outside the property by the District Council: 30/0426/10/F Householder application for construction of three storey extension infilling existing courtyard area, internal alterations to all floors with new roof conversions to include dormers to front and rear. For Mr B McMaster at Bumblebees, Reservoir, Kingswear. TQ6 0DH. OBJECTION (5 objection, 1 abstention) Comment: The committee felt the application to be overdevelopment. They would consider a proposal of a two storey development as opposed to three.
C/072/10 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (9) 1. C/046/10 (2) Historical Projects Lime Kilns The council considered actions required along with the Kingswear Historians regarding restoration. The following was Agreed: · Dr David Williams, Chairman, Kingswear Historians has kindly offered to assist with any clearance, along with a possible 2/3 other members. · Possibly the Royal Naval College could be asked for assistance. · The first step should be establishing a plan for access and the cost. · Cllr Hawkins will contact South Hams District Council to arrange a site visit concerning access and any assistance which may be available. Medals/Cistern Medals Members Agreed the wording for display. The clerk is hoping to have the displays ready for the AGM in May. Water Cistern The wording for a plaque has also been Agreed. Cllr. Henshall has researched the restoration of the tap below. It was Agreed to proceed with this within the existing budget. 2. C/046/10/3 US Garden Establishment of maintenance requirements and boundaries needs to be Agreed. A site visit is to be arranged with Cllr. Henshall and the Clerk with a report at the next meeting. The clerk is to ask the contractor to clear the deed bushes/ branches at the tip of the garden between Beacon Road and Church Hill. 3. C/051/10 Hoodown Woods Quantified Tree Risk Assessment, Maintenance Cllr Ferris is preparing an update following the recent tree assessment of the area and any works that need consideration. There are no urgent works that require action; however this will be discussed at the next meeting. This report will be sent to Devon County Council. The area that requires cutting from DCC contractors was not discussed.
C/073/10 MOORING WORKING GROUP UPDATE (10) Members had received a written update prior to the meeting from Cllr. Sowerby. In addition the following was discussed: River Pontoon and Jubilee Park The spaces that have become available in both these locations will be filled from the waiting lists. Waterhead Creek There are 13 spaces available in the creek, which compares with 11 this time last year. Contributing factors are: · A fall in enquiries · Economic pressures · Access · Boats in poor state of repair · Lack of laid moorings The cost of laying moorings in the creek has previously been discussed and was thought not viable. Waterhead Creek Pontoon 31 letters to full time residents were sent in January to people who had expressed an interest in a space. 2 spaces have been taken up. It was Proposed that the pontoon was now opened up to part – time residents. This was Seconded but not supported by the council. It was Agreed that the original Resolution should continue and the facility be made available to full time residents only.
It was Agreed that the availability of spaces should now be advertised in the local press, with the budget already set within the moorings section. The clerk will prepare posters for the parish. WC27 The yacht occupying this space is being removed in pieces. The owner has reported an unpleasant smell in the vicinity which has delayed work. The Clerk is investigating with South West Water. Mooring Conditions – Fee Structure A complaint has been received from a mooring holder over the fee structure charged at present. The parish council currently asks for the mooring fee due by the 28th February for the forth coming season. If not received, a higher fee is charged on renewal. This has been a successful scheme in ensuring mooring fees are paid on time. It has been requested that this deadline be moved to the 31st March, with a higher fee being charged after this time, until the 30th April, to prevent paying early for a service. After discussion it was Proposed to extend the deadline until the 31st March and to charge the higher fee after this date. This will come in force for the 2011 to 2012 season. This was Seconded and RESOLVED. The other proposals concerning providing moorings on a cost only basis could not be endorsed, due to the lack of income and waiting lists. Clerk is to write to thank for suggestions, which are always welcome. Mooring Working Group numbers A new council member is required Jubilee Park There is concern over the condition of the grass on the track approach to the slipway. It has been churned up from vehicles launching boats. The clerk has asked the contractor to repair. Some grass was put down in November. The situation is to be monitored. In the past scalping has been put down to make a designated track. Kingswear Regatta – Permission to use Creek Pontoon Permission has been requested to use the pontoon during the Regatta in July. The right hand side of the pontoon always remains empty so this will be possible. It was Proposed that the clerk write to give permission on this occasion, asking for a risk assessment and insurance details. This was Seconded and RESOLVED. Sub- letting Scheme – Village Pontoon An update for this scheme has not been seen. Due to the administration time involved it was Proposed that it be removed. This was Seconded and RESOLVED.
C/074/10 GREENWAY HOUSE (11) Ms Robyn Brown, National Trust Property Manager attended the meeting to report on the opening of Greenway and the traffic implications. A presentation was given to the group Following the opening of Greenway House, Ms Brown has been updating local groups on the progress to date. The main points were as follows: The section 106 agreement, which including traffic provisions was worked out with the local community, South Hams District Council, Torbay Council and Devon County Council all involved. All management functions are being used to stick within this 106 agreement. The property, as predicted is significantly quieter this year. In 2009 an average of 74 cars parked per day. There is an allowance of up to125 cars per day in a 15 week rolling period with 55.4% of visitors arriving by Green Transport. The car bookings have been reduced to offering 56 spaces a day and the times have been extended following feedback from the first year. The ‘brown signs’ on the approach road are working well. Dittisham is experiencing no further problems. The publicity to encourage people to arrive by river has worked. The situation of turning cars away has been examined. When turned away the following happens: People park in the lane, go away completely or ring again to book. This year Ms Brown is experimenting with not always turning cars away, if they can be absorbed. There is also a possibility of a hotline number for local accommodation providers to check availability at the property so journeys can be planned. This can be achieved by pre-booking fewer cars as mentioned above. If people who have not booked are accepted due to space available, they will be given a piece of paper advising them to pre-book in the future. This will be an exception and will need to be managed. It is hoped it will prevent people parking in the lane. The car park will not be extended. Torbay Council, who heavily promotes Greenway, recognises the conservation limit of 740 people per day through the house. However they do promote Agatha Christie heavily. A 1950’s vintage bus is being considered to bring people to Greenway as part of the visit. There is also a scheme to incorporate the Agatha Christie mile with boat and bus transport which will be promoted this year. This will be run by Greenway Ferries. A hopper bus was found to be unviable as it wasn’t ‘part of the attraction’. These facilities can also be promoted by phone, if cars have to be turned away. Mr Aldridge, representing the residents of Galmpton confirmed that they were happy and felt that Greenway had been managed very well. The opening of Greenway will extend to 6 days in the summer holidays and dovetail with Coleton Fishacre. Ms Brown concluded by saying that these plans were experimental and she was keen for the local population to be aware of them. She has kindly offered to visit again in 6 months to give a progress report. The Chairman thanked Ms Brown for attending and for the update which was appreciated.
C/075/10 FINANCE COMMITTEE UPDATE (12) The clerk had presented the end of financial year figures to the council, which will be discussed in greater detail at the APM. She was pleased to advise the council that the deficit was less than predicted at £10855 as several projects have been carried out throughout the village. This is taken from reserves. Some minor changes were Agreed on the new budget for 2010 to 2011, which also had the effect of reducing the deficit figure to be taken from reserves to £4348. The new standing orders, as supplied by the National Association of Parish Councils will be issued to councillors in good time for consideration at the AGM.
C/076/10 HANGING BASKETS (13) Council considered the requirements for the summer. The cost for 16 baskets will be £440. (Already budgeted)
C/077/10 REGATTA REQUESTS (14) Dartmouth Cllr. Sowerby has been advised by the Brixham Lions that due to their falling numbers there is a good chance they will not be running the Park and Ride facility at Hillhead this year. The Dartmouth Regatta Committee is aware of this. Kingswear Council considered a request from the Regatta Committee to use the Creek pontoon for the regatta. Please item C/073/10.
C/078/10 SIGNAGE AND PARKING (15) Council considered a request to move the 30mph sign in Brixham Road as obscured by a tree. The sign was moved as requested by residents further along Brixham Road. It was Proposed that the trees in front of the sign be cut down to insure visibility. This was Seconded and RESOLVED. Action: Clerk to organise. It was Agreed to seek advice from DCC to whether it is possible to move the 30mph sign on a regular basis to accommodate changing needs. The speed of the traffic when passing the creek as they reach the national speed limit de- restriction zone has also been brought to the council’s attention. It was Proposed to request Devon County to move the sign to the Cemetery junction. This was Seconded and RESOLVED. Parking on corner by Waterhead Close. People are parking on the tight corner just after Waterhead Close which is dangerous just before a blind Corner. Cllr. Lovell is meeting with PC R Hewett to look at this problem and will report back. Non – enforcement of 20min maximum waiting limit outside station. The parking limit in this location is 20 minutes; however some cars have been left there all day. (Disabled badge holders can park for a longer period.). This situation will be monitored.
C/079/10 CANON (16) An update was received from Cllr. Henshall and Mr David Evans, Kingswear Historians on the positioning and restoration of the Canon. This is being delivered to Darthaven Marina workshops on the 14th April. Mr Holman is very kindly organising the construction of the gun carriage, with the labour free of charge. Sites are still being considered. It is estimated the project will cost approximately £1500. A press release is being prepared and it is hoped through local advertising that donations will be received for this village asset. It was Proposed that the council support the project to the value of £500 from the wishing well fund. This was Seconded and RESOLVED.
C/080/10 FAIRMILE D DAY CRUISE (17) Council agreed further actions that need to be taken and reviewed arrangements. The Commemorative cruise is on the 6th June, departing from the Dartmouth Town Pontoon at 2pm. The following were Agreed: · The invitation list was reviewed. · The ticket/poster was agreed. · Tickets will be offered to the public at £5 with all proceeds going to forces charities. · Local businesses will be approached to sell tickets.
C/081/10 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (18) The chairman reported he had attended the recent Passing out Parade at Britannia Royal Naval College. CLERK’S REPORT A written report was distributed to councillors, in addition: Repairs to footpath past Marina The repairs are taken longer than expected necessitating the need to close the path. Mr Pope, the footpath warden, has advised that this is due to a slide caused by unstable rocks beneath the bank that require repair. Trees Hoodown Much of the debris from the fallen tree in the Hoodown area adjacent to Brixham Road has now been cleared. There is still some more to be removed which will be done imminently. Dog fouling, Cemetery Unfortunately there has been a report of a dog fouling a grave. This appears to be an isolated incident, but will be monitored. Councillor Vacancies There are two vacancies on the council which are currently being advertised. Parish Cluster Meeting The agenda for May included the Local Development Framework. Cllrs Henshall, Lovell, Sowerby and the clerk will attend.
C/082/10 CORRESPONDENCE (19) · South Hams District Council – Executive Meeting Minutes. Noted · SHDC – Executive Forward Plan Noted
C/083/10 DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS (20) South Hams District Council is to reduce children’s fees on the passenger ferry to 50p.
C/084/10 REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS (21) · Clerk to look at supplying dog waste bins along the path in Jubilee Park to the marina. · Tree protector in Jubilee Park around the truck has become sharp. Clerk to arrange fix/removal. This will be replaced in the future. · It was Agreed, for Health and Safety reasons, to close the path and steps from Jubilee Park to Hoodown as the rails are unsafe and steps broken. The council’s contractor will shortly be repairing this area. · Cllr Henshall proposed the seat repaired from the Cemetery should be put in the US Garden at a cost of £250. This to be put on agenda.
C/085/10 PAYMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH TO APRIL2010 (22) The list of presented payments were Agreed
C/086/10 COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF PUBLIC (23) There were none.
C/087/10 EXEMPT ITEMS (4) 1. Confidential minutes of the 9th March 2010. This were Agreed and signed as a correct record. 2. Exempt
C/088/10 URGENT ITEMS (5) 1. Lighthouse Beach The finger post sign pointing to the public path to the beach above Lighthouse Beach has gone missing. It was Agreed for the clerk to write to Devon County Council to request a replacement.
C/089/10 CARLOW BEQUEST TRUSTEES MEETING Please see separate minutes.
Meeting finished: 10.05pm
Signed.................................................................. Date:.................................................
Next Meeting date: 4th May 2010 Annual Parish Meeting, 18th May Annual General Meeting and Council Meeting. |
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