|
KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council Held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 15th April 2008
Present: Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. H. Newcombe, Cllr. A. Pithers, Cllr. P. Pudduck, Cllr. B. Tulloch and Cllr. A. Usher. Also in attendance were PC. R. Hewett and Mrs Emma. Illingworth (Clerk).
C/071/08 APOLOGIES (1) Apologies were received from Cllr. J. Wright.
C/072/08 MINUTES (2) The minutes of the Council meeting held on 11th March 2008 were signed as a correct record. Accepted: unanimously.
C/073/08 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (3) Cllr. A. Usher declared an interest with regard to the letter received from a member of the public concerning the Planning Committee. This item to be dealt with in Correspondence (20)
C/074/08 ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (4) Two items were identified to be discussed at the end of the meeting: 1. Cllr. J. Wright has announced his resignation from the council. There will now be a vacancy for the Hillhead Ward. 2. Planning Application for Eastney, Beacon Road. (30/0354/08/F), Cllr. A. Usher.
C/075/08 STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (5) There were none.
C/076/08 POLICE REPORT (6) PC R. Hewett kindly attended the meeting and was pleased to report that as there had been no incidents in the area for the last month. No written report was therefore needed. He commented that the road closures for the utility works appeared to be working effectively. He thanked the residents of the village for abiding by the regulations well and coping with the disruption. The Chairman extended his thanks to the officer for organising all the bollards. The Chairman also stated that he understood Torbay Council were putting some improved 40mph signs on Kennels Road, as requested by the Police Department. There could also be a possibility of a 40mph traffic order issued to include the road up to Hillhead. Concern has been expressed over potential accidents. The Torbay Council Highways Department is to notify the council if and when an order is issued, as it is felt that KPC needs to have input. PC Hewett was asked to inform the council if he is made aware of a Traffic Order in the next few months. It was confirmed that the Police still have responsibility for traffic parking enforcement until 5th May. It has not yet been confirmed what arrangements will be in place after this date. PC Hewett was thanked for his input and attendance.
C/077/08 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (7) (1) C/055/08/1 – Impact on Peninsula from local developments (Feedback from Dart Harbour Review) Several councillors attended the event organised by Dart Harbour to ascertain the consequences for the River Dart by the Noss Consortium Development, in particular the suggestions for additional moorings. During the excursion buoys were placed on the river to mark the extent of any new mooring development, to aid the assessment of impact. During the council’s discussion, concern was raised over the following factors: · The mass of the project potentially resulting in a continuous line of moorings. · The impact on the environment, for example the entrance to the creek ‘silting up’ · It is understood that the sea wall will be 2 metres higher, to accommodate climate change, which will add to the bulk. · Aesthetic impact from various points along the river. · The frequency following the proposed development that the deep water quay will require dredging, which possibility could result in this facility being lost due to viability of ongoing maintenance. A recommendation was passed that in principle the council was against the mass of the development. Agreed: unanimously.
(2) C/055/08/2 – Cemetery Lodge. The council was updated by the Clerk on account and lease information.
(3) C/055/08/4 – Village Green Registration. Cllr. Tulloch summarised for the council the current position. Various information requested by the solicitor acting for the council has been examined and the solicitor has reported. The concentration of the registration case will be on access from the water and this position will now be clarified. A further meeting of the working group has been arranged.
(4) C/055/08/7 – Parish Emergency Plan. Cllr Ferris has had a meeting with Cllr. Alison, Brixham, who is also producing an Emergency Plan. It was proposed that a further meeting with Brixham Council and the local police, ambulance and fire services to gather information would be a good idea to assist in formulating a plan for Kingswear. Agreed unanimously. Ashprington Parish Council could also provide some guidance following their recent work towards a PEP.
(5) C/056/08 – Planning Committee. Election of new Chairman It was proposed by Cllr. Tulloch and seconded by Cllr. Pithers that Cllr. P. Pudduck be elected as the Chairman of the Planning Committee. This was accepted by Cllr. P. Pudduck. Election: Agreed unanimously. The Chairman extended his best wishes for the future in this new role to Cllr. Pudduck. In light of his new responsibilities, Cllr. Tulloch will replace Cllr. Pudduck in his role as representative of the council for the non-beneficiaries group of DHNA.
(6) C/061/08– Local Government Re-organisation Boundary Committee. Cllr. Hawkins reported that along with himself, Cllrs Ferris, Lovell, Newcombe, Usher, and the Clerk had attended Local Government Review meetings. The meeting called by Marldon Parish Council was supported by 14 Town/Parish representatives. The case from South Hams District Council was put by Alan Robinson. In brief, the Government had asked for concepts to be submitted by 11th April. SHDC are looking to create a rural South Devon and Dartmoor Authority. Cllr Hawkins outlined the plans to the council of the other District Councils in Devon. The Government will outline in May the next step which will go out to public consultation. The council expressed concern if the changes resulted in the rural area being less in size than the urban area in a Unitary Torbay. It is not yet known the extent to which the suggested Torbay area may expand. Cllr. Henshall asked that the Devon Unitary Option be considered as an alternative. Action: To be placed on the Agenda when the proposals from the Government following the submission of concepts have been received. (7) C/062/08 RAF Remembrance Plaque for Kingswear. The council were circulated a letter received from Mr R Little. It was proposed by Cllr. Henshall and seconded by Cllr. Hawkins to proceed with the positioning of a plaque in remembrance of the RAF base at Forward Point. Agreed unanimously. Action: Clerk to organise to liaise with Mr Little and report back at next meeting.
(8) C/064/08 APM and AGM preparations All letters of invitation to the Annual Parish Meeting have been sent out to village organisations. The APM is 6th May and AGM is the 20th May, both at 7:00pm. It was agreed to cancel the council meeting on 13th May as this additional meeting would not be needed. Action: Clerk to place notices on boards and in shops re APM and to liaise with Cllrs Pithers and Henshall re refreshments. A revised list of meeting dates for the second half of the year will be published shortly.
(9) C/065/08 Post Office Closures. Update on consultation process. No further information to report at this stage
(10) C/055/08/10 Memorial Wall, Kingswear Cemetery No further information to report. Mr Parkes is finalising the plans. Action: To be placed on Agenda for next meeting.
(11) C/055/08/01 – Cemetery Marking Bricks: The Clerk has requested advise/quotes. Will report back at next meeting. Action: To place on Agenda for next meeting
(12) C/055/08/05 – Jubilee Park Sea Wall Gabions. Cllr. Tulloch and Cllr. Pudduck had a further meeting with SW Engineering. It was suggested that large boulders be placed at an angle against existing Gabions as a fairly aesthetic and economic solution to prevent further erosion. The cost is £8450 + VAT. It was proposed that this project be progressed this year, before the winter and the cost split over the two financial years budgets. As it is a considerable amount of money to be spent, this has been deferred to the next meeting’s agenda to give adequate time to receive any public comments. Proposed Cllr. Tulloch, seconded Cllr. Pudduck. Agreed: unanimously The Chairman thanked Cllr. Tulloch for his hard work on this project. Action: To be placed on the next Agenda.
C/078/08 PROGRAMME FOR COURIER (8) Cllr. Usher reported that the next distribution will be made in conjunction with the Kingswear Historians. Cllr Pithers has secured 3 advertisements @ £50 each. The aim is to secure 3 more, to assist with the cost of production. The distribution is 600 to 630 houses. Action: Councillors were asked to suggest to any retailers/businesses they may know who might be interested in advertising and report back to Cllr. Pithers. The publication has proved popular.
C/079/08 ALLIANZ AND CORNHILL INSURANCE (9) The cost of the insurance renewal for the Council is £1278.00. Proposed by Cllr. Hawkins and seconded by Cllr. Pithers. Agreed: unanimously that this is accepted, once the Clerk has thoroughly checked details of the renewal. Clerk is waiting for a date from Devon Tree Services to carry out Quantified Risk Assessment in Cemetery.
C/080/08 PASSENGER FERRY – CONTRACT RENEWAL (10) (Cllr. Hawkins declared an interest and therefore did not take part in the following vote.) It was proposed by Cllr. Tulloch and seconded by Cllr. Henshall that a letter is sent from the council to SHDC. This will be to express concern that in October the two year contract is due for renewal and to ask whether negotiations are in place to ensure that this important service is maintained for the residents of Kingswear. Action: Clerk to write. In addition a letter is to be written to Dart Marina regarding the Floating Bridge to seek clarification on any proposed increase in charges, which the council understood will be the case. Action: Clerk to write There is concern regarding the pontoon which is being replaced by SHDC, in November. It is understood that Dart Valley Railway wish it to be locked at night. The council awaits confirmation of this.
C/081/08 STANDING ORDER REVIEW – (Planning Committee) (11) There was a discussion regarding the current arrangements for public speaking at planning meetings. It was agreed that each member of public will only be allowed to speak for three minutes. It was also agreed that if there are several people who wish to speak regarding the same application, then a restriction will not be put in place only allowing one to speak in favour and one against. It will be up to the discretion of the Chairman of the Planning Committee to manage the situation, with the main aim to avoid repetition. Action: A new Standing Order will be put in place to allow 3 minutes only per speaker. In addition this will be advertised on all Agendas. Agreed: unanimously
It was discussed and deemed unnecessary by the majority for the Clerk to be present at the Planning Meetings.
C/082/08 STREET CLEANING AND LITTER (12) Cllr. Henshall expressed concern over the amount of litter in various points of the village. Les Barnes, Dartmouth Town Centre Manager has been very helpful in ensuring that individual litter problems have been quickly dealt with, however it was deemed that the current arrangement of a road sweeper for 4 mornings and one full day a week is insufficient for the village needs. Concern was expressed over the amount of discarded dog excrement bags. This will be reviewed in six months when the council will decide whether it is necessary to provide an extra dog waste disposal bin. The council felt that people must take individual responsibility for this and disposal of litter in general. Action: Clerk to write to SHDC to highlight dissatisfaction with the standard of street cleaning.
C/083/08 FINANCE REPORT (13) Cllr Usher and the Clerk reported to the council the end of financial year figures. The deficit that was estimated for the year ending 31st March 2008 has been substantially reduced from £7674 to £3539 by, in the main, income raised from the sale of extra grave spaces. The Internal Auditor has been arranged and a date given for External Audit to be completed by 30th June. Budget Figures will be published on Notice Boards in due course.
C/084/08 HANGING BASKETS (14) Brackets are required to fit onto lamp posts. 16 baskets in total are to be ordered. Action: Clerk to contact Les Barnes, SHDC to arrange.
C/085/08 KINGSWEAR VILLAGE PONTOON GATES (15) The Pontoon Gates are now in place and keys will be supplied to berth holders shortly. The new Terms and Conditions in reference to the width restrictions of 4ft for replacement boats or new berth holders on the pontoon were discussed. There have been concerns raised over width restrictions for replacement of boats from the public. This restriction was put in place to avoid damage to other boats and to prevent a loss of mooring space. It was recommended that this policy be applied to new berth holders only at present. A more lenient approach will be applied to existing berth holders who are replacing craft as long as it is no wider. Action: It was agreed that the policy be reviewed in the autumn.
C/086/08 CEMETERY (16) Cllrs Henshall and Lovell had a working party meeting at the Cemetery. The path needs to be treated. The Contractor will be assessing the area in front of Cemetery Lodge on Wednesday 16th April with a view to clear the area as instructed, for planting. The tree that has fallen near the entry to the Cemetery will be cleared by Councillors. · Action: The Contractor will be contacted to ensure that the above requirements are actioned. The benches will be re- painted in the Cemetery and Jubilee Park. · Action: Clerk to write to obtain a quote, for next meeting. The fence at the bottom of the Cemetery will kindly be repaired by Cllr Ferris. New bins are required. · Action: Clerk and Cllr Henshall to obtain quotes for next meeting. Place on Agenda. Flowers are scattered when the grass is strimmed. · Action: Clerk to ask Mr Putt to clear as necessary.
C/087/08 TRAFFIC FLOW (17) There was a discussion over concerns of traffic safety of vehicles coming up Fore Street. Action: Clerk to write a letter to John Halliday, DCC about the possibility of placing a ‘Slow’ sign on the road just before the Banjo.
C/088/08 HISTORICAL FORMER WATER CISTERN (18) Between the Landlord of the Ship Public House and the council, this historical feature will receive some restoration work. Action: Clerk to write to Mr Collinson to thank him for bringing the historical importance of this feature to the council’s attention and to confirm action. It was suggested that some form of informative plaque be placed. This is to be discussed next meeting. Action: Clerk to place on next Agenda
C/089/08 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (19) Cllr Hawkins reported: - He has asked Torbay Council to clean the bus shelter at Hillhead. - It has been reported that the notice board at Hillhead Park suffers with condensation. Action: Clerk to rectify. - Apologies were given to the Britannia Royal Naval College by Cllr. Hawkins as he was unable to attend the passing out parade last week. He attended a meeting of the Executive of SHDC to discuss the swimming pool for Dartmouth, from which a positive recommendation was made. - The Hillhead sign coming in from Brixham near Gattery Lane needs a clean. Action: Cllr Ferris will do this. - The entrance to the village at Higher Contour Road is looking untidy. Action: To be placed on Agenda for next meeting.
CLERKS REPORT A written report was distributed to the council: In addition: Moorings: Both leases from Darthaven and Dart Harbour are now in place. The Mooring renewals are steadily being received with a return rate of approximately 70% to date. There has been few cancellations, with any received offered to the next applicant on the waiting list. The Clerk will produce a full status report for next meeting. Cemetery: A request has been received to place a memorial bench in the Cemetery. Action: Clerk to liaise with family to ensure that appropriate seating is provided and the position is agreed. Training Course: The clerk requested she attend a course on Finance and Audit at a cost of £25.00. Proposed Cllr. Hawkins, seconded Cllr. Lovell. Resolution: Agreed unanimous.
C/090/08 CORRESPONDENCE REQUIRING ATTENTION (20) The following list of correspondence was considered and noted: · Community Council of Devon – Village of the Year Competition · SHDC – Parish Cluster Meeting Minutes – Distributed to Councillors · Dart Harbour – Noss on Dart Marina Open Day (19th March Council represented) · Dartmouth and Kingswear Society - Noss On Dart Marina. Distributed to Councillors · Letter from member of public re Planning Committee. Council to reply · Local Government review Correspondence. · Letter from member of public re Cemetery. Council to reply Clerk to obtain three quotes for roof repairs/replacement and general maintenance of Chapel of Rest and report back to Council. · SHDC- Agenda and Minutes of Council and its bodies. · Letter from Dart Valley Steam Railway re Hoodown Crossing. Distributed to Council. A dressing will be applied to crossing to aid persons using it. · Letter from solicitors re Lighthouse Beach, Village Green Registration. Distributed to working party. · Devon Primary Trust, NHS – Letter re Future of Health Care in Devon. Distributed to Council. · South Devon Local Action Group- Coastal Consultation Document. Cllr Henshall attended a meeting. This group is providing funding in partnership with Parish Councils for projects. This group has just been formed. The council agreed unanimously for Cllr Henshall to be the KPC representative. · SHDC – Devon Concessionary Bus Travel Arrangements. Distributed to Councillors
C/091/08 DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS (21) Cllr. Hawkins reported: - After being contacted by a number of residents concerning the planning application at Kittery Court, he visited the property. There is concern over the aesthetics of the recently constructed bay window. Care needs to be given when looking at planning proposals for historical properties. - The Planning Application for YHA has been withdrawn. - DCC have given County Councillors £25000 to spend in their ward. £1500 has been awarded to Kingswear to spend in the community, as a capital project, within the next 12 months. Any proposals and ideas will be gratefully received. (Ideally a capital project that can be match funded.) Ideas from the community to be welcomed and to be discussed at council.
C/092/08 REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS (22) (1) Cllr Ferris : Clerk to write to DCC to request that that a footpath is cut in the greenery on Slappers Hill so hikers can pass safely. (2) Cllr Lovell: Clerk to contact John Halliday, DCC to request hedge cut between Caravan Park and Hillhead near Penn Hill Lane. Dave Kenyon, SHDC to be requested to visit the Planning Committee to give some input on the Noss Development. As soon as application is advised Chairman of Planning Committee to invite to the next Planning Meeting. (3) Cllr Usher: Kingswear Wood. (4) Cllr Hawkins: Christmas Lights and additional power supply that will be required. New pontoon for village. (5) Cllr. Pudduck: Gabions for Jubilee Park.
C/093/08 PAYMENTS FOR MARCH TO APRIL 2008 (23)
It was agreed that the following cheques be paid:
C/094/08 ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (4)The Chairman raised the following two items: (1) Cllr. J. Wright has announced his resignation from the council. A letter has been sent from the Chairman thanking him for his contribution to the village. There is now a vacancy for the Hillhead Ward. Action: Clerk to liaise with the Returning Officer of DCC to advertise vacancy. (2) Concern was raised by the Planning Committee Chairman over an application made by Cllr. Usher and Mrs Usher and how it was processed. In particular, that a verbal request was made by Cllr. Usher to clarify the report contents. Following a discussion, the matter was clarified and is now considered closed. Advice has been sought from the monitoring office, which has been given. In addition, training for any members of the Planning Committee who have not attended a DAPC course will be organised.
C/095/08 COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (23) & |