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KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of the Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council Held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 19th April 2011
PLEASE NOTE THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
Present: Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. J. Hacking, Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. H. Newcombe, Cllr. A. Pithers, Cllr. P. Pudduck, Cllr. G. Sowerby and Cllr. K. Sowerby Also in attendance were 6 members of the public, Ms B Smith, Operations Manager, National Trust and Mrs Emma Illingworth (Clerk). Opening Remarks The Chairman thanked the councillors for their hard work and dedication over the last term of the council, being four years. He congratulated the Hillhead councillors who have been duly elected in a Un-contested Election. He passed his thanks to two councillors who are not standing for re-election. Cllr. Peter Pudduck for his role as Planning Committee Chairman. Cllr. Pudduck has been an excellent chairman, providing a steady pair of hands for what is a difficult job. Also to Cllr. Tony Pithers, who in his role as Chairman of finance has looked after the council finances well. The Chairman wished all nominees well in the forthcoming Elections.
C/63/11. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE (1)Apologies were received from PC R Hewett
C/64/11. MINUTES (2)The Minutes of Council Meeting held on 8th March 2011 and those of the Carlow Bequest were confirmed and signed as a correct record.
C/65/11. DECLARATION OF INTEREST (3)None were declared.
C/66/11. 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 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule12A to the Act is involved. This relates to: i. Moorings Itemii. Lighthouse Beach update iii. Clerk’s working arrangements
C/67/11. ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (5)There were five items agreed by the Chairman: 1. Cemetery Lodge: Provision of new cooker, redecoration of kitchen following Damp Proofing Works and Kitchen floor. 2. Kingswear Regatta Request for regatta to be held on Jubilee Park on the 23rd and 24th July. Also to pay the fee for the Saint John’s Ambulance of £187.20. 3. To consider a request from District Cllr. Bastone to support the ministerial letter to request that the coastguard Station at Brixham remains open. 4. To consider a request from the Kingswear Historians to provide an additional case for medals ( approx £80) and the insurance costs ( £36) 5. Outcome of recent complaint submitted to South Hams District Council.
C/68/11. POLICE REPORT (6)PC Hewett kindly supplied a report in his absence (Please see appendix attached)
C/69/11. STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (7)Mr Michael Aldridge attended from the Galmpton Residents’ Association concerning the wedding ceremony plans at Greenway House. The Chairman agreed to receive comments in the next item. Mr Stephen Yates attended to comment on the turning circle in Jubilee Park. He advised that he felt the turning circle is not being used for the purpose of assisting vehicles with trailers. Vehicles have been observed still driving over the grass. Pressure washing of boats over the past weekend has been observed. Anti-fouling of craft has increased. Vehicles are being left for longer. He felt that the turning circle is not being used for the purpose intended. The Chairman explained that boat maintenance had always been carried out in Jubilee Park. However, the boat owner identified as a frequent user has been requested to reduce. Mr Yates reiterated his previous request that the grass be reinstated and the pathway improved. The Chairman with council agreement asked for this item to be diarised for consideration after the May Election as a matter for the new council. Police Matter After a recent burglary a member of public advised he had contacted Pc R Hewett for general advice and updated the council of the circumstances.
C/70/11. NATIONAL TRUST PROPERTIES IN KINGSWEAR (8) Ms Belinda Smith, National Trust Operations Manager with front line responsibility, attended the meeting at the request of Ms Robyn Brown, Area Manager to answer questions concerning the Marriage Ceremony Licence application at Greenway House and changes to opening of Kingswear properties. Coleton Fishacre Coleton Fishacre may be opening 7 days a week, but this is just a proposal at this stage. The Trust recognises the concerns of local farmers and an undertaking was given to consider an additional passing bay, which would be provided by the National Trust if opening were to be extended. Such an extension is only likely at peak times. A consultation with local farmers will be carried out over the winter. Any additional passing bays would be situated where requested by farmers. It was confirmed that Coleton Fishacre is not deemed as a suitable venue to hold functions. If this view is changed there would be a full consultation with residents. Greenway House The NT has responded to many requests to hold marriage ceremonies at Greenway House. The ceremony will be held in the dining room, with the rest of the house remaining open. The ceremony will be for a maximum of 30 guests, not 40 as previously reported and concluded by 6pm. Guests will be transported by vintage bus. It was confirmed that a party could not hire the entire property for the weekend. The apartment which is hired out has a completely separate access. There is no access to the house as it is under security control. The NT will also be working with Greenway Ferries re transport of guests and ceremonies are likely to be at the end of the day with approx 6 per annum. The National Trust does not feel that this constitutes a change of use in the section 106 agreement. However after discussion, including input from Galmpton Residents’ Association, the parish council decided the following on responding to concerns over increased traffic activity, still appreciating the reassurances given by Ms Smith: Clerk to write to SHDC regarding the section 106 agreement to request that the numbers of attendees at ceremonies is limited to 30. The number of ceremonies is limited to 6 per year and the attendees are transported by vintage bus and boat only.
C/71/11. LIGHTS BEACON ROAD (9) Public feedback has been received following the installation of new street lights in Beacon Road. Four lights have been replaced. Residents feel that the style of the new lamps is not suitable for a conservation area. Being the responsibility of Devon County Council, the Parish Council has no authority over the design of the lights and was not consulted. The Chairman has however contacted both DCC and the Conservation Officer at South Hams District Council with residential concerns. The County Council have stated they will not replace the lights, but will paint them black. Whilst appreciating that they lights are not in keeping with the period properties in the area, it was felt to be a matter for the next council. Cllr Hawkins has been advised that the cost of replacement is between £1200 and £3500. Promises cannot be made for the next council, but the parish council does not have funds available for replacement. Residents may be able to contribute if they wish. Action: The Clerk was instructed to place on the agenda for the next council.
C/72/11. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (10)i. C/28/11/ C/49/11/1 Kingswear Cricket Club The request to use Jubilee Park to practise by the Cricket Club has been withdrawn.
C/73/11. PRESENTATION OF KINGSWEAR PLAQUE (11) The presentation will be made to Mrs Judith Stone for her dedication and commitment to the parish at the Kingswear Regatta.
C/74/11. PLANNING COMMITTEE (12)Cllr. P. Pudduck, Planning Committee Chairman took the Chair. The planning committee consisted of Cllrs. Pudduck, Ferris, Hacking, Henshall, Lovell, Pithers, Newcombe, G and K Sowerby. Please see separate minutes. As retiring Chairman, Cllr Pudduck thanked the councillors for their support.
C/75/11. ELECTION (13)The next meeting of the council will be the 24th May, which will be the AGM and Planning Committee. The Clerk advised members that the first item on the agenda will the signing of their acceptance and declaration forms. She will also be meeting with new councillors elected to assist them at the beginning of their term.
C/76/11. MOORINGS (14)Cllr Sowerby presented a comprehensive review of moorings to members. This included: · Finance report which shows an income to date of £8355 and expenditure of £2588. · Vacancies: Waterhead Creek 8. River Pontoon: 2 ( to be filled from waiting list), Creek Pontoon: 12 ( advertised locally) With more success this year with renewals, due to the reminder system, the mooring uptake is up on last year. · Repairs have been made to the River Pontoon by Darthaven to the downstream side as well as general maintenance carried out by Cllr Sowerby. Repairs to the Creek Pontoon have been made. Additional chain has been added to the pontoon to bring it more in line with the slipway to aid access. The chain and shackles were donated by Cllr Sowerby and the rowing club. The pontoon is being monitored. · Creek Clear up – a suggested date of Sunday 3rd July has been put forward at 14:00. Action: Clerk to contact The Waterhead Creek Preservation Society. There followed a discussion regarding presentation of the income, expense and costs to the public. It was Agreed that the income and expenditure do not show a true cost of running the moorings, which in additional to associated expenses also presents a large administration cost. In future a breakdown of moorings as a separate ‘business’ will be prepared within the council’s financial reporting to address this and provide more public information. It was also Agreed to update the waiting list for the River Pontoon, but to honour those who are part time residents who are currently on the list and have been for several years. New additions have been prioritised according to residential status.
C/77/11. PONTOON IN WATERHEAD CREEK (15) It was Agreed that access to the Creek Pontoon should be improved. Residents and the Rowing Club have commented on the difficulty of access. Now it is decided that the pontoon is a permanent fixture, it was felt essential for access to be improved from a Health and Safety perspective. It was Agreed to place an advertisement on notice boards to ensure that public are made aware of the plans. Instruction will be taken from South Hams District Council, Development Management regarding planning. Cllr Hawkins is to arrange a meeting with Cllr Sowerby, himself and an Officer to discuss. Cllr Sowerby will conduct some research on suitable access solutions. Progress and plans will be discussed at the next council meeting. Input will be welcomed from all interested parties. In addition it was Agreed to repaint the numbers along the rock in Waterhead Creek to identify moorings at the annual clear up. Consideration will also be given to offering the Creek Pontoon facility to non- residents at a future council meeting.
C/78/11. BUS SERVICE RADDICOMBE TO BRIXHAM (16) Bus services are being reduced. This is to be investigated by Cllr Hawkins. It was suggested that a bus stop near Raddicombe Lodge would be useful to serve the community in Hillhead.
C/79/11. HANGING BASKETS (17) It was decided to order the same number of baskets as last year -20. Sponsorship will be sought for the additional two outside the village hall. The cost per unit is £24.
C/80/11. FINANCIAL UPDATE (18)Up to date budget reports were provided by the Clerk. Cllr Pithers provided a summary of the current financial position. The council is predicting a deficit for this financial year, which it needs to move away from. The predicted budget of 2011 to 2012 was presented to the council. This was PROPOSED, SECONDED and AGREED. A very strict budget has been produced, to show a worst case scenario, with budget lines reduced where possible. The Cemetery working party is to reconvene in the new council, with the aim of bringing the facility to the attention of local funeral directors.
C/81/11. DARTMOUTH REGATTA (19) Following the problems encountered by local residents in the Waterhead Terrace area last year, members reviewed the plans for positioning of cones during Dartmouth Regatta. The plan will be annotated and communicated to Devon County Council to ensure that the area where residents have in previous years been able to park adjacent to Waterhead Terrace is not coned. In addition no cones are to be requested by the US garden. The Clerk will send annotated plans to DCC as well as PC R Hewett.
C/82/11. CARLOW BEQUSET TRUSTEES MEETING (20) The parish council had received a request to apply to the Charities Commission to alter the terms of the Bequest to remove the word ‘old’ from it, therefore allowing the money to used for the benefit of anyone in Kingswear, not just the elderly. This has been previously considered by the council and rejected. After consideration it was PROPOSED not to make any changes to the Bequest and to leave as intended by Mrs Carlow, this was SECONDED and RESOLVED. Cllr Henshall advised that she had received some ideas for use from the community which included coffee mornings in conjunction with the Sarah Roope Trustees, a community car/ minibus scheme. It was felt that the council had not had the opportunity as yet to explore the possibilities.
C/83/11. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (21) · The Chairman reported he had the great pleasure of attending the passing out parade at the Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth recently. · Bunting had been arranged for the Royal Wedding. · He has reported the missing road sign in Brixham Road to the District. · He gave his thanks to Cllr John Ferris for his support as Vice Chairman over the last six years.
CLERK’S REPORT The Clerk reported: · The Notice of Uncontested Election for Hillhead Ward had been received and published. Cllrs Ferris, Lovell, Newcombe G. Sowerby and K Sowerby are duly elected. · An email has been received from Mrs M Holman, Darthaven to update on the works that have been completed to the trees south of the barrier and footpath. Both Darthaven and the parish council land are still affected by dog fouling, garden waste and litter, which is regrettable as it affects all users. The Clerk has contacted the Dog Warden who has put additional signs in the area to try and encourage public co-operation regarding dog fouling. · Devon Rural Housing Partnership: A contact was made by this group concerning the need for affordable housing in the village. This could help progress the ‘wilful murder’ site, as an addition to the Brixham Road site already agreed by SHDC. A representative is to attend the Planning Committee meeting of the 21st June to provide more information on this project. · The tree branches overhanging Cemetery Lodge need to be removed. Cllr Ferris is to provide contractor details to quote for this. · DALC. An application to join the County Committee has been received. Cllr Hector Newcombe is the parish council’s representative, as well as the local parish representative. Cllr Newcombe is happy to continue this role and was unanimously supported. · Following the presentation by Active Devon at the Annual Parish meeting, no interested parties have come forward. The clerk is to promote the services of Active Devon to the APM group as there were several non- attendees. This organisation provides support for community activity projects.
C/84/11. CORRESPONDENCE (22) · Kingswear Village Hall – Invitation to AGM, 4th May – Cllr K Sowerby to attend · South Hams Community and Voluntary Services – Request for Parish Contact - noted · Dartmouth Parking Group Meeting - noted · SHDC – Parish Cluster Meeting - noted · Sustainable Communities Act – update - noted · Parish Flood Survey – to be considered at future meeting · SHDC – Executive Forward Plan – noted · Waterhead Creek Preservation Society Newsletter - noted
C/85/11. DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS (23) Cllr Hawkins reported on some of the senior manager changes within the District Council and confirmed that Richard Sheard is now the Chief Executive, shared with West Devon. From a parish perspective we are receiving more direct support regarding highways and cleaning of the road edges, which is appreciated. (Lower Contour and Brixham Roads)
C/86/11. REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS (24) · Restoration of Lime Kiln – look into the Diamond Jubilee Fund which may support this. C/87/11. PAYMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF MARCH T APRIL 2011 (25)The list of presented payments was PROPOSED, SECONDED and were Agreed
C/88/11. EXEMPT/URGENT ITEMS. (26)Exempt items considered in closed session. Urgent Items 1. Cemetery Lodge: Provision of new cooker, redecoration of kitchen following Damp Proofing Works and Kitchen floor. The Clerk had received a quote for replacement of cooker and hob at £489, which also provides the landlord’s required certificate. These appliances are in a very poor state. This expenditure was PROPOSED, SECONDED and RESOLVED. In addition the clerk advised the damp proofing work is due to shortly commence. Agreement was given to seek quotes for redecoration of the kitchen and replacement kitchen floor as part of damp proof works. In addition a request is to be made for the car parked outside the lodge to be parked in the designated space opposite. 2. Kingswear Regatta Request for regatta to be held on Jubilee Park on the 23rd and 24th July. Also to pay the fee for the Saint John’s Ambulance of £187.20. RESOLVED 3. To consider a request from Cllr. Bastone to support the ministerial letter to request that the coastguard Station at Brixham remains open. AGREED, clerk to write to Minister. 4. To consider a request from the Kingswear Historians to provide an additional case for medals (approx £80) and the insurance costs (£36). There is still an amount in the budget previously agreed for this project, so this was AGREED. 5. Outcome of recent complaint submitted to South Hams District Council. A copy of the decision notice from SHDC has been provided in reference to Cllrs Ferris and Sowerby. The notice for Cllr Ferris states that: ‘On Tuesday 8th March 2011, the South Hams District Council Standards Committee considered a complaint alleging that Councillor Ferris, a member of Kingswear Parish Council, had failed to comply with the Memebers’ Code of Conduct for that council.
The Standards Committee found that there was no failure on the part of the member concerned to comply with the Code’.
For Cllr Sowerby: ‘On Tuesday 8th March 2011, the South Hams District Council Standards Committee considered a complaint alleging that Councillor Sowerby, a member of Kingswear Parish Council, had failed to comply with the Members’ Code of Conduct for that council in that he had · failed to declare a personal or prejudicial interest · had a prejudicial interest and failed to act appropriately
The Standards Committee concluded that Cllr Sowerby had not breached the Code in either respect’.
Meeting finished: 10.30 pm
Signed............................................................. Date:.................................................
Next Meeting date: 24th May AGM (joint with planning committee) |
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