KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL

 

Draft Minutes of the Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council

Held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 7th June 2011

 

PLEASE NOTE THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO APPROVAL

 

Present:    Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. K. Allen, Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. H. Newcombe, Cllr. G. Sowerby, Cllr. K. Sowerby and Cllr. M. Trevorrow

Also in attendance were 5 members of the public, Mr K Brunt-Seymour, Dartmouth Chronicle and Mrs Emma Illingworth (Clerk).

                Opening Remarks

The Chairman welcomed all to the meeting and in particular Cllr. M. Trevorrow, who was attending his first meeting since joining the parish council.

Cllr. Hawkins said that the council had four years to make a real difference with aspirations and ideas to work with the community. He said he hoped the council would look back and be pleased with their achievements. He urged the council not to get ‘bogged down’ in issues as has sometimes been the case in the past and to work as a team. He urged councillors to be mindful of the time available to the Clerk for her duties and to take ownership of projects.

He felt that Hillhead should receive sufficient attention in this term as there are a numbers of requests from residents, including suitable play facilities and public rights of way. It is hoped that access to funds from Noss would be to the advantage of the community.

 

C/89/11.   APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE (1)

Apologies were received from Cllr. J. Hacking and PC R Hewett

 

C/90/11.   DECLARATIONS OF ACCEPTANCE (2)

The Clerk confirmed that all councillors had signed their Declarations of Acceptance of Office.

 

C/91/11.   MINUTES (3)

The Minutes of Annual General Meeting of the Council held on 24th May 2011 were not yet available and will be addressed at the meeting in July. This was due to the volume of work for the Clerk at present and the short time between meetings.

 

C/92/11.  DECLARATION OF INTEREST (4)

Cllr Hawkins declared a Personal Interest in Kingswear Primary School, relating to an urgent item to discuss the playing field at Mount Ridley Road and also as an Executive Member of South Hams District Council regarding the Environment, relating to an urgent item to discuss an extension of verge cutting by SHDC contractor.

Cllrs G and K Sowerby and Cllr Lovell declared Personal Interests in item number 8, Creek Pontoon Access as mooring holders.

Cllr Trevorrow declared a Personal interest in item 13 Village Bar- b- que as one of the organisers.

Cllr Allen declared a Personal Interest at C/98/11, Darthaven Tree Management.

 

C/93/11.  ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (5)

  There were five items agreed by the Chairman:

1.      Hedge Cutting in Village, reduction in service

2.      Planning application 30/1172/11/F. Required as opportunity will be missed          to comment due to deadline of SHDC.

3.      Correspondence re planning application for Hunterswood, Greenway

4.      Playing Field Mount Ridley Road – to consider the lease from SHDC

5.      Exempt item: Quotation concerning decoration Cemetery Lodge

             

C/94/11.  POLICE REPORT (6)

PC Hewett kindly supplied a report in his absence (Please see appendix attached)

 

C/95/11.  STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (7)

                Creek Pontoon Access

Mr S Yates spoke outlining his concerns regarding the plans to improve access to the Creek Pontoon. He stated that it had not been the ‘money earner’ the council had hope for, with only three boats being moored. This causes uncertainty of the future of the facility as there is little demand for it. He felt that any additional works would further scar Jubilee Park. He recognises the use by the rowing club, but pointed out that they have facility in the creek further down. He felt that with the increase on the precept this year, any additional expense was unjustified.

Mrs W Ryan attended as a private individual. She felt that the creek pontoon was an asset. It was a safe access point particularly for spring tides. It was important to make access to the facility safe, for all, which does not need to be unsightly. She reminded the group that there are already pontoons moored in the middle of the creek in relevance to impact on views. Mrs Ryan added that the pontoon is used because it provides a safe venue with the children being able to access the water from Jubilee Park.

Mr Bob Furneaux commented, as he has been asked to consider some access options. He favoured a concrete extension to the slip which would make a safe walkway for access. This would require minimum maintenance. Children need to be able to use the pontoon safely.

The Chairman commented that despite his initial concerns regarding the pontoon, he thought over the last few months that it has become an asset. Particularly for those who cannot access the water or do not have Marine Access.

He explained the reasoning for the rise in Precept as follows:

Capital Expenditure of over £5500 on the Gabions in Waterhead Creek to protect land.

Capital Expenditure required for Cemetery Lodge

The large reduction in Cemetery Income over the last two years

Affordable Housing

Mrs Parkes asked for whether the parish council is now supporting the Brixham Road site?

The Chairman advise that there was a meeting scheduled for the 21st June at 7:30pm to discuss affordable housing in the parish, which will also include the suitability of the ‘wilful murder’ site.

He gave his own personal view that the Brixham Road site selected under the Local Development Framework Process last year is not appropriate. He fears it will seriously damage Waterhead Creek and that the houses built will not be affordable.

Mr Parkes reminded the council that in 1977 there was terrible flooding in the ‘wilful murder’ field and this will need to be considered by any future developer.

 

C/96/11.  MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (8)

i.                    C/77/11 Creek Pontoon Access

Cllr G Sowerby gave councillors a copy of his presentation that was made to the meeting.  He reminded members that he was asked in April to look at improvements in access to the creek pontoon. This is from a health and safety perspective and following feedback from existing users. Due to the gap between the pontoon and the slipway, access is difficult. It is also felt that potential berth holders have been put off by poor access. Consultation has been made with the Harbour Master and Assistant H M regarding possible solutions and also South Hams District Council concerning any planning requirements. Notice of this item has been made to interested parties and a notice placed on the boards in the parish to advice residents of these considerations. Cllr Sowerby outlined 5 possible solutions to provide access.  In brief they are:

·         Extension to width of existing slipway

·         Walkway from Jubilee Park directly onto pontoon

·         Concrete steps running through the gabions

·         A floating pad between the pontoon and slipway

·         A set of steps for use by rowing club children and school children only.

            Costings, as available were also presented.

Cllr Sowerby explained that a solution needs to be sympathetic to the feelings of local residents, but the council has a responsibility to address the health and safety of the pontoon. He explained that the council must consider the environment, the beauty and peace of the creek and come up with the most sympathetic, efficient sand cost effective solution possible. Any grants from existing users/interested parties would be appreciated.

Cllr Henshall stated she felt that the options information should have been provided to the councillors prior to the meeting for due consideration. She did not think a good use of public funds, when cuts have been made to the council budget. Cllr Sowerby explained it had taken considerable time to collate this information with some quotations only being available today. It was clarified that no decision was being requested from the council at this stage. And the presentation was for information.

After discussion it was PROPOSED that a working group should be set up to further examine the solutions to provide safer access to the Creek Pontoon with full costs and recommendations. This will consist of Cllrs Ferris, G. Sowerby and Trevorrow. Cllr Ferris will chair the group. Mr Bob Furneaux who is currently on the working party as a mooring holder and member of the pontoon maintenance working group and Mrs Anne Kelsey will also be asked if they would join the working group. In addition a letter will be sent to the Kingswear Rowing Club, to invite a representative to join the group. This was SECONDED and RESOLVED. The group will be asked to make a report in September. Before that date, a summary of the options will be advertised to the public for comment throughout the village and in Jubilee Park.

Cllr Newcombe expressed his concern that if a permanent fixture was in place, it would be left behind if ever the pontoon should be moved, for example to another location.

Action: The Clerk is to write to Mrs Anne Kelsey to ask her if she would join the group and also to invite a member of the rowing club to do the same. Five letters/ emails have been received from concerned members of the public against the creek pontoon and 3 expressing concerns over poor access. These have been copied to councillors for consideration.

ii.                  C/70/11 Greenway House

The Clerk read an email to members she had received from Ms Robyn Brown, General Manager, National Trust, in response to advise that the PC is to request that the numbers for the wedding ceremonies are limited to 30 with a maximum of 6 events per year. Also, that the transport is limited to vintage bus and boat. Ms Brown explains that she understands that the functions of the ceremonies are within the S106. She kindly offered to send a letter to the parish council stating the limits agreed. This was welcomed and then once received will be confirmed to SHDC by the parish council.

 

iii.                Sponsorship of Bench at US Garden

Cllr Henshall explained that the Hall family have kindly offered to sponsor a bench in the US garden due to this area holding special family memories. It was Agreed for the family to pay a maximum of £300 for the transportation and fixing of the wrought iron bench currently in the cemetery to the US Garden. A plaque in memory of the family will be organised for the bench. This was RESOLVED. The Clerk is to contact the family thanking them for their kind donation.

    

C/97/11.  FINANCIAL – PRESENTATION OF ANNUAL RETURN FOR AUDIT (9)

            The Clerk presented the completed Financial Annual Return to the Council. This has been verified and signed off by the Internal Auditor. The Accounts and Governance Statement were PROPOSED, SECONDED and RESOLVED. The required notices inviting public to inspect the accounts have been published and the Clerk reminded members to contact her if they wished to look at the return in greater detail.

               

C/98/11.  NEW COUNCIL PRIORITIES (10)

The new working groups have still to be finalised and presented, so this was delayed until the next meeting.

It was decided to have an open session at the July meeting starting at 7pm to discuss the priorities for the new council. The chairman asked each individual member for input and the following list of suggestions was compiled:

·         Restoration of the Lime Kiln in Waterhead Creek in conjunction with a          footpath around the edge, encompassing a village walks perhaps with notice   boards of interest. The Kingswear Historians have been interested in this        project and could be asked to assist. (Cllr Trevorrow)

·         Safety of US Garden - placing of bollards along edge to prevent damage to edge of garden from parked cars. (Cllr Henshall)

·         Dangers of parking on both sides of the entrance to Raddicombe Drive.          Passing places on Slappers Hill (Cllr Ferris)

·         Tree Management Plan at Darthaven. Review with owners and tree Officer  SHDC regarding impact of fast growing trees on view of properties. (although it is recognised properties do not have  right to a view) This was discussed and it was Agreed to ask to see an up to date copy of the Management Plan which Cllrs Allen, Henshall and Ferris will view and if necessary to ask the parish council to consult with the owners. The owners of Darthaven have kept the parish council informed of the tree works, which is greatly appreciated. Works have been carried out this year.

·         Path between Kingswear and Hillhead for walkers. This will hopefully be addressed through Noss Development (Cllr K Sowerby)

·         Annual consultation to public. It was decided to hold an Open meeting at the council meeting in September for the public to raise views and questions. (Cllrs Ferris/ Hawkins). Information could be published in the By the Dart Magazine as long as received by the 17th of the month.

·         Potential of development of the ‘Wilful Murder’ site, including walks, allotments, and a linkage of paths to the Creek. (Cllr Lovell)

·         Preparations for Diamond Jubilee. Set up a village group, with the possibility of a street party either in The Square though to Kittery Court and Collins Quay or Jubilee Park. (Cllr Henshall) Action: To place on next agenda.

·         Hillhead Playing Field – establishment of need (Cllr Hawkins)

·         Cemetery – financial review, sub group to start meetings.

           

C/99/11.  PLANNING COMMIITTEE (11)

Cllr. Lovell took the Chair for this item. (All members with the exception of Cllr Hawkins are part of the Planning Committee).

It was Agreed that when possible the Planning Committee walk around to inspect relevant properties for applications, would be conducted on the same evening as the meeting. However due to volume of applications this may need to be changed in which case the Clerk will advise members accordingly.

The Clerk is to place a notice on boards to advise the public of the Rural Housing Initiative meeting on the 21st June to discuss the need for Affordable Housing and the possible development ‘Wilful Murder’ site.

Planning training is required for Cllrs Allen, Hacking and Trevorrow. Cllr Lovell requested Chairmanship training for planning and Cllr Newcombe an update course. Action: The Clerk is to research planning training and report back.

The Urgent Item for application 30/1172/11 was brought forward:

Retrospective householder application for proposed demolition of existing dormer and replacement with new extended version of colour washed rendered walls and felt flat roof with all associated works for Mr and Mrs D Southwick at Top Flat, the beacon, Beacon Road Kingswear.TQ6 0BS. NO OBJECTION ( 7 No Objection, 1 abstention)

 

C/100/11. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS 2011 (12)

Cllr Henshall will shortly be contacting Torbay Display with requirements for this year. It was Agreed to ask village businesses to contribute to the cost of the display. Last year the railway kindly donated £150. The switch on date was agreed as the 25th November, earlier this year as to ensure there is no clash with Christingle in Dartmouth. The Ship Inn is also to be contacted so the displays can be co-ordinated.

 

C/101/11. VILLAGE BAR-B-QUE (13)

Cllr Trevorrow as one of the organisers of this event requested permission from the parish council to hold a village bar-b-que at Jubilee Park on the 26th June from 2pm to 5pm. The event will need to be separately insured as not organised by the parish council and a risk assessment completed. A request was made for the parish council to meet the cost of the insurance to a value of £80 if insufficient money was raised from ticket sales. It was PROPOSED to give permission for this event and to fund the insurance cost if necessary, which was SECONDED and RESOLVED.

 

C/102/11. NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH (14)

            This will be discussed as part of the September Meeting, which will be advertised.

 

C/103/11. PARISH COIMMUNICATION (15)

            Newsletter

It was suggested to produce a quarterly newsletter, which would be simple in format and cost effective in production. Cllr. Trevorrow will look into the cost of producing a black and white four sided publication, 1000 copies. Delivery is to be researched but possibly could be incorporated with another publication. Action: To be discussed at the next meeting.

Website

Consideration is being given to updating the website to improve communication. The newsletter could also be placed directly on the site.

It was suggested that it would be most appropriate to upgrade the exiting sire as opposed to considering a new one.

Cllr Trevorrow is to liaise with Mr Michael Stevens, who runs the Kingswear website, which has a section for the parish council within it.

 

C/104/11. COMMITTEES (16)

Village Hall

Cllr K Sowerby, PC representative, reported that the committee is currently receiving tenders to upgrade the kitchen. In addition damp works are being carried out in the Hall.

Dart Non Beneficiary

Cllr G Sowerby, PC representative and Chairman of this group, explained that the group is 1 of 3 Stakeholder groups that provide feedback to the DHNA and consists of parish representatives, District and County. It meets 3 times a year to discuss river matters. They have recently reviewed the DHNA mooring policy and strongly encouraged the harbour board to give beneficial treatment to local residents.  They also made various recommendations to the board from feedback provided by local residents. However there will be no preferential treatment for local residents and the reasons are given in the Mooring Policy Document.

 

C/105/11. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (17)

               Diamond Jubilee

The Chairman added his support to the importance of recognising this event as a community.

              Verge Cutting (Please also see Urgent Items)

Devon County Council has reduced the number of cuts per annum from 6 to 4. This will have an impact on the parish. It was Agreed to arrange a meeting with Mr Rob Harkness, South Hams District Council to walk the parish to identify the areas of priority. Cllr Newcombe advised that the verges to Mill Farm are not cut. He is to contact Public Rights of Way concerning this.

           

              CLERK’S REPORT

The Clerk reported:

Banking Signatories

The Clerk advised that she will be in contact with the new signatories to confirm the action that they need to take with the Bank.

Village Housing Imitative

Members were reminded of this event. The Clerk will also advertise throughout the parish for interested parties. The meeting will precede the planning committee on the 21st June at 7:30 for 1 hour.

Risk Assessment

Members were asked to have their contributions ready for the update to the risk assessment for the July meeting.

Cluster Meeting

The meeting of local towns and parishes is on the 13th July. Cllrs Henshall, Hawkins   and the Clerk will attend.

Out reach Work by Britannia Royal Naval College Cadets

The Clerk was contacted by the College as some cadets had been tasked with the cleaning of a war grave in the Cemetery. They kindly volunteered some outreach work and have completed several maintenance tasks in the area for the parish. This is greatly appreciated. The Clerk has already thanked the PR department but will also write to the Commodore of the College.

 

C/106/11. CORRESPONDENCE (18)

·       SHDC – Voluntary Vine – Noted

·        Letters from public concerning Access to Creek Pontoon – Noted and distributed.

           

 

C/107/11. DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS (19)

            Cllr Hawkins had nothing further to report.

 

C/108/11.  REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS (20)

·                 Diamond Jubilee – set up of working group

·                Newsletter/ website updates.

·               Clerk to write to Darthaven Marina as the flaps covering post sockets in the entrance have become removed.

 

 

C/109/11.  PAYMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF MAY TO JUNE 2011 (21)

The list of presented payments was PROPOSED, SECONDED and were Agreed

 

C/110/11.  EXEMPT/URGENT ITEMS. (22)

1.      Hedge Cutting, Higher Contour Road and Brixham Road

 A quotation has been received to cut the verges along Higher Contour Road and Brixham Road from the District Council for £82.52. This will be done twice a year. This was Agreed. Clerk to contact to arrange. In addition a village walk around will be arranged to assess the others areas requiring action.  The Chairman and Clerk plus Cllrs Ferris, Henshall, Lovell and G. Sowerby will be involved in this exercise.

2.      Planning Application

Please see item C/099/11

3.      Correspondence re application for Hunterswood, Greenway

Noted: Clerk to reply

4.      Playing Field, Mount Ridley Road

The Playing Fields Trust folded last year when the lease for the playing field expired. It has been returned to South Hams District Council. The Governing Body of Kingswear Primary school has shown interest in taking over the lease, but is unable to do so as Devon County Council will only allow a school to do this if the facility can be completely closed off to the public.

The Chairman emphasised the importance of open spaces to the village and asked the council to consider taking over the lease. The lease should not cost anything to run as the school will continue to pay for the cutting of the grass and the PC already pays for the cut of the perimeter hedge. The Pavilion already belongs to the school and will continue to be run by it. SHDC insure and maintain the play equipment which was provided originally by Kingswear Combined Charities.

Action: It was Agreed in principle to investigate the possibility of the PC taking over the lease of the playing field only from SHDC. There are however no funds budgeted for this and legal costs and public liability, as well as input required must be investigated. It is also to be advertised fully on the next agenda. Advice from other parishes with playing fields will also be sort.

Exempt Item

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 paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule12A to the Act is involved.

This relates to:

i.                    Cemetery Lodge – part redecoration

It was Agreed to accept the quotation of £430. Clerk is to ensure that contractor has the necessary Insurance and Health and Safety certification.

 

Meeting finished: 10.45 pm

 

 

 

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

 

 

Next Meeting date: 12th July 2011