KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council

Held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 20^th January 2015

Present:                     Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. K. Allen, Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. R. Lovell and Cllr. H. Newcombe,

Also in attendance were approximately 20 members of the public, PC R. Hewett, Mr Simon Holmes from DNH Construction and Mrs Emma Illingworth (Clerk).

C/001/15. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE (1)

Apologies were received from Cllrs Hacking, Ferris and Trevorrow.

C/002/15.  DECLARATION OF INTEREST (2)

None declared.

C/003/14.  EXEMPT INFORMATION (3)

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:

i.               Minutes of December meeting were agreed and signed as a correct record.

ii.             Lighthouse Beach paperwork update and consideration of council to latest report. Agreed

iii.           Mooring Matter.

C/004/15. MINUTES (4)

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 9th December 2014, were agreed and signed as a correct record. Cllr Henshall raised a query of fact concerning the item on Beacon Road C/208/14/2 regarding attendance of meetings. A change of the minutes was not supported.

Cllr Newcombe requested to be invited to all future meetings concerning the access arrangements surrounding Greenway.

C/005/15.  ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (5)

The following items were agreed by the Chairman

i.               Residents concern on  maintenance matters, Raddicombe Drive

ii.             Bus Service 22

iii.           Listed Building Requests.

C/006/14.  POLICE REPORT (6)

PC Hewett kindly attended to present a report: Please see attached.

Advice regarding the potential danger caused by traffic cutting the corner from Bridge Road when turning into Kingswear was sought. After discussion it was agreed to contact Devon County Council Highways to see if there is any way in which the approach to the turning can be improved.

C/007/14. WOOD LANE (7)

Members have been given copies of the public correspondence concerning the closure to Wood Lane.

Mr Simon Homes Contract Manager for DNH Construction kindly attended the meeting to advice on the impact of the works for Wood Lane to commence in March.

Wood Lane will be closed for essential works to a wall. There was a short closure before Christmas which caused inconvenience to residents who were denied access.  The aim of the discussion was to find some solutions to help to minimise the restriction on access for residents. Several residents spoke to express their concerns.

The following was discussed/ agreed:

·                The biggest issue is the length of the closure and restricted access. Mr Holmes confirmed that he hoped that the work would take less than the four weeks scheduled.

·                There was concern expressed over access for Emergency vehicles. Mr Homes confirmed that this would need to be built into the risk assessment for the work.

·                Mr Holmes was made aware that the refuge collection is on Thursdays.

·                It was agreed that the road would be opened each evening. This would involve DNH removing the signage each day. The road is likely to be closed from 9 to 4:30 daily. This will need to be confirmed with Devon County Council, Highways. Mr Holmes did ask for some patience at the beginning of the work as the roads may need to be closed for a few days to allow clearance. The road will be completely accessible at weekends.

·                A site foreman will be present throughout the entire works period. Residents can refer to him as required.

·                It was confirmed that pedestrian access will be made available via a section with Harris fencing.

·                The compound for materials will be at the top of the road, Higher Contour Road. It was agreed that the diversion from the bottom of Wood Lane was not suitable.

·                Communication to residents: Written updates will be provided to residents. There will be a board at the top of Wood Lane to advertise changes. It may be possible to provide email updates via the Clerk to residents. Mrs Illingworth will discuss with Mr Holmes.

·                Mr Holmes kindly left his contact details: DNH Construction 01752 669300.        

The Chairman thanked Mr Holmes for attending the meeting and finding solutions to the concerns of residents.

C/008/15.  QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (8)

None further to above.

C/009/15. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (9)

1. Proposed Playground Jubilee Park.

The playground group (separate to the parish council)) presented designs from the companies Earthright and           Calanonia. The recommended design from the playground working group was for Calanonia. The Earthrights design had been rejected by the playground working group. It was explained that the primary school had been consulted on the designs.   Members were shown a copy of the design and some had been to a site meeting with the company. Each design was explained with the advantages of the individual pieces of equipment highlighted.

Key features of the Calanonia design:

·                Will be in compact area.

·                Fencing will surround to match existing fencing in Jubilee Park.

·                The brief is for the playground to be part of Jubilee Park and not to ‘stick   out’.

·                The cost is likely to be £24k approximately depending on the VAT status of the project which will need to be looked at.

·                The equipment will have a 10 year guarantee for wood rotting and steel fixings.

·                The legal basis for future councils will need to be checked re ongoing maintenance costs. Ownership will need to be established. A forward replacement plan would need to be considered.

·                Calanonia has the safety training under the ROSPA scheme to carry out a yearly inspection of the equipment.

·                Martin Rich from the Community Council of even will be consulted on the next steps and considerations for the project.

·                Any planning requirements will need to be established before the scheme can go ahead.

Proposal

It was Proposed to accept the Caledonia Play Company as the playground provider for Jubilee Park, which will be customised to Kingswear. This was Seconded and Resolved.  A recorded vote was taken as follows:

Cllr K Allen - For

Cllr Hawkins - For

Cllr J Henshall - Against

Cllr A Lovell - For

Cllr R Lovell – For

Cllr H Newcombe – For

8:40pm Cllr Henshall left the meeting 

 2. Moorings: The increase in mooring fees for the 2015 to 2016 season of 2 % was ratified. The insertion in the terms and conditions of the requirement of an agent to act in the absence of mooring holders was agreed. The Village pontoon requires cleaning. The cost will be £270 plus Vat. This was agreed.

 3. Beacon Road: An update regarding the affected section of road closed due to landslip was given. Landowners and Devon County Council Highways have done extensive surveys and engineering work is currently being coasted. A report is expected within two months.

C/010/15. ADDITIONAL PLANNING MEETING (10)

1. 30/3032/14/F Householder application including full internal refurbishment and general amendments, re – roof including inset balcony and two dormers. Replacement of all uPVC windows with timber sashes and new window to ground floor east elevation for Mr and Mrs K Noble at 3 Alma Steps, Beacon Road, Kingswear. TQ6 0BP.   NO OBJECTION

2. Correspondence relating to the above application including letter of objection and revised plans.

C/011/15. CEMETERY (11)

Determination of the area to be widened where original garage sited was agreed as approximately 12 feet in total encompassing either side of the existing opening where the old garage used to be. This will be a straight line between the edge of the opening and trees. Cllr R Lovell and Newcombe will co-ordinate. A budget of £100 was agreed. Additional chippings will be needed  and it was decided that some posts should be placed at the back of the opening as a barrier and it was decided that some posts should be placed at the back of the opening as a barrier.

Agreed:  Clerk to contact the grave digger who is kindly doing the work.  Chippings will be needed.  Members considered the instatement of a small fence to the front to the property, Cemetery Lodge to define the boundary. This was agreed and quotes will be sought to bring to a future meeting.

The Cemetery Fees for 2015 to 2016 were reviewed. It was Proposed to increase all by 2% and round up any anomalies fairly. The fee for non residents will remain the same at £2000. This was Seconded and Resolved.

C/012/15. GROUNDS MAINTENANCE CONTRACT (12)

The agree contract for 2015 to 2016 at a value of £6631 was Proposed, Seconded and Resolved. It was recognised that some of the elements required relating to the beds to the front of the cemetery and hedges were include within the existing contract.

C/013/15. BUDGET (13)

Dispensation required for setting of precept.

It was Proposed to set a dispensation to members for the purpose of setting the precept. This was Seconded and Resolved.  The precept form for the previously agreed amount of £25500 (total to include the tax base grant added to precept amount of £24536) was signed. Members are conscious of the increase this year but this is necessary to fund the additional responsibilities and to cover the drop in income.

Cemetery Lodge Finances: A breakdown of recent cost for improvements to the lodge and fees incurred on the change of tenant was given.

C/014/15. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (14)

·           The Chairman thanked Cllr Allen for the organisation of the Carlow Senior Citizen’s lunch. The lunch held at the Ship Inn was a very enjoyable occasion, although numbers were down this year. This was thought to be because of a clash with another event. Also it was felt to be held too close to Christmas. Next year it will be held later, although consideration will be given to a summer event. The Chairman kindly offered the use of his historic bus for a trip.

Action: To be placed on the March agenda for discussion.

·           The play ground at the site at Mount Ridley Road requires a wash.

·           The road signs at Raddicombe have been cleaned by the Chairman.

CLERK’S REPORT

·           The standing orders require review, suggested alterations will be prepared for the parish council’s consideration as soon as possible by the Clerk.

·           Following the advertisement of the councillor vacancy for the Hillhead Ward, there has been no call for an Election as clarified with the Election Office at the District Council. Members agreed that they would prefer not to co-opt if it was not required by the District Council as it is so close to the full Election in May. The Clerk will clarify this point.

·           The creek pontoon requires cleaning. A figure of £140 was authorised to do this.

·           Agreement was given to appoint SW Audit at a fee of £250 maximum to carry out the internal audit of the parish council’s accounts this year.

·           High Tide information letters have been distributed to relevant properties.

·           A quote from Western Power for £206.20 to replace the box cover for the timer switch for the lights at the Banjo was discussed and rejected.  Mr Allen is kindly organising a replacement box cover.

C/015/15. CORRESPONDENCE (15)

·           DALC latest newsletter. To be distributed.

·           Devon County Council regarding replacement street lighting in Church Hill. The Chairman has been in communication concerning this street light which is positioned on the corner of Church Hill. It is the last of this historical type in the village and in a poor state of repair. As County Council budgets are restricted it has been proposed to replace with the same type of light as in Fore Street. Members agreed that it would be preferable to have the glass feature on top of the replacement. The parish council would need to fund this additional feature. Cllr Hawkins has requested the cost for members to consider.

·           Super Cluster Meeting District Council, 11^th February. Councillors were advised of this meeting. The Clerk is hoping to attend.

C/016/15. DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS (16)

District Councillor Bastone kindly sent a report as follows:

On 18 December 2014, the Council approved a revised T18 Business Case, which identified additional savings and opportunities which had emerged during further detailed work on the future organisational design.

- Both SHDC and West Devon Borough Council have agreed to appoint Mr Steve Jorden to the position of Executive Director (Strategy and Commissioning) and Head of Paid Service. Steve is currently the Head of Worcestershire Regulatory Services and will be starting his new role early in the New Year.

- At its meeting on 11 December 2014, the Executive agreed to open up the 2015/16 Budget Setting Process for consultation. The process will culminate with a set of Budget proposals being presented to the full Council meeting on 12 February 2015.

- The Council has agreed to make changes to its governance structure, with effect from the 2015/16, as follows:-

- That the Executive membership be reduced to 6;

- That the membership of the Development Management Committee be retained at 12; and

- That the Corporate Performance and Resources; Community Life and Housing; and Economy and Environment Scrutiny Panels be formally disbanded and replaced by one Overview and Scrutiny Panel, which has a membership of 13.

With each of the 31 Members of Council being appointed to serve on one of these 3

Member Bodies.

- The Council has been notified that its central government grant funding for 2015/16 is anticipated to be £3.156 million (a reduction of £550,000 (14.8%) in comparison to 2014/15).

- The Council has agreed that the existing Scheme of Members’ Allowances for 2014/15 be extended until the next review is concluded early in the 2015/16 Municipal Year.

C/017/ 15. REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS (17)

·           For the March Meeting: update on website, road warden and snow warden schemes.

·           Concern was raised regarding the spring water running onto the road on Slappers Hill. The Chairman advised that the County Highways team were looking into this at present.

C/018/15.  PAYMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF TO DECEMBER 2014 TO JANUARY 2015 (18)

The total list of presented payments was AGREED.   

C/019/15.  EXEMPT/URGENT ITEMS. (19)

Urgent Items:

i.          Residents concern on maintenance matters, Raddicombe Drive. This included cleaning of signs that has been addressed by Cllr Hawkins. The BT phone box requires cleaning. It was not agreed for BT to be asked for it to be removed. The Clerk was requested to ask Mr Putt to clean it.

ii.        Bus Service 22. The Chairman advised that evening bus service has been withdrawn because of lack of usage. The last bus to leave Kingswear will be at 7:30pm. There will also be one less in the morning.

iii.      Listed Building Requests. The material proposed for the railway canopy replacement has been looked at for suitability from advice from Historical agencies. It is deemed as suitable.

Meeting finished at 10:15 pm

Signed.............................................................            Date:.................................................

The next meeting is on the 10^th February2015 at 7:30pm