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KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 9th March 2010
Present: Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. A. Pithers and Cllr. P. Pudduck. Also in attendance was PC R Hewett, Mrs Emma Illingworth (Clerk) and 3 members of the public.
C/039/10 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE (1) Apologies were received from Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. J. Newstead, Cllr .H. Newcombe, and Cllr. G. Sowerby
C/040/10 MINUTES (2) The Minutes of the Council Meeting held on 9th February 2010 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.
C/041/10 DECLARATION OF INTEREST (3) Cllr. Pudduck declared a personal interest in item 11.
C/042/10 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 and 2 Part 1 of Schedule12A to the Act is involved. This relates to: 1. Confidential minutes of the 9th February 2010 2. Cemetery Works 3. Council attendance 4. Confidential item TO BE TAKEN AT END OF MEETING
C/043/10 ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (5) The following items were agreed by the Chairman: 1. Items 3 and 4 of Exempt Information 2. Trees at the Banjo.
C/044/10 STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (6) There were none raised.
C/045/10 POLICE REPORT (7) PC Hewett presented his report (see appendix A). The chairman thanked PC Hewett for his attendance and report.
C/046/10 MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (8) 1. C/029/10/1 Local Development Framework Members considered any further actions to be taken during the public consultation. Cllr Pudduck reminded the council that Forward Planning, South Hams District Council were not responding to any letters, but they would be put towards the public consultation. The parish council has already written following the meeting in January. It was Proposed that the Clerk write again to SHDC recommending the site known as ‘wilful murder’ as the most suitable for the village. This was Seconded and RESOLVED
2. C/029/10 (2) Historical Projects Medals Council considered the cost of providing cabinets at a total of approx. £300 and the location of medals. This cost involves the provision of toughened glass. It was Proposed that the clerk order the cabinets and that they be placed in the Sarah Roope Room, as opposed to the Village Hall. The clerk will liaise with the Kingswear Historians regarding the wording to be placed inside. This was Seconded and RESOLVED. Lime Kilns Information has been provided by the Kingswear Historians regarding restoration of the Lime Kiln in Waterhead Creek. It was Agreed for the Clerk to contact the chairman of the Kingswear Historians to discuss their expectations and plans. A representative/s is to be invited to the next PC meeting in April to discuss further.
3. C/029/10/3 US Garden Establishment of boundaries to instruct contractor for maintenance is required. Due to the absence of Cllr. Henshall who is the lead on this project, the item was deferred to the next meeting.
4. C/030/10 Kingswear Walks Booklet Members discussed the number of booklets to be re-printed, at a cost of between £500 to £750. The total profit made over the last 3 years has been £394, due to the high initial set up costs. It was Agreed that the PC need to sell more of these booklets both locally and further afield (i.e. Torbay), although Cllr Henshall has been successful with sales this financial year amounting to £507 to date. The item will now appear as stock in the council accounts. The logos need to be updated on the booklet reverse. It was Proposed that the higher amount of 2500 be ordered at a re-print at a cost of £750, as the lower figure relates to 1000 copies. This was Seconded and RESOLVED.
5. C/029/10/5 Allotments Council Agreed to ratify the change in policy resolved to charge £10 per annum for the tenancy of an allotment. A request for permission of works from a tenant had been previously circulated to members. This involves pruning of overhanging branches, removal of saplings and discarded containers on the site. Also permission is sought to erect netted cages over and rabbit proof fencing. The council welcomed the works to be completed and thought that it would be a great improvement. However, a request for erection of a shed would require planning permission, although members did not object to a shed be placed, it is a matter for the District Council. It was Proposed that the development plan be accepted. This was Seconded and RESOLVED.
C/047/10 KITTERY COURT – DEMOLITION OF BOUNDARY WALL TO BE RE BUILT IN JULY (9) The information provided by architects, public and South Hams District Council has been reviewed by members. The developer has advised that the boundary wall at Kittery Court, was taken down prior to Listed Building Consent due to concerns raised in a structural report over the safety of the wall. Cllr. Hawkins advised he had consulted with the Conservation Officer at South Hams District Council and an application for Listed Building Consent has been submitted. Confirmation of rapid reinstatement of the wall has been requested. The situation will continue to be monitored.
C/048/10 PARISH CLUSTER MEETING (10) There were no items that members wish to be submitted.
C/049/10 SHAKESPEARE EVENT (11) Council considered a request to hold the annual Shakespearean event in Jubilee Park on the 19th June and for a contribution of £80 towards the costs for the hire of toilets. The numbers attending this event have increased. This year the production is likely to be The Merry Wives of Windsor. It was Proposed that permission is granted along with the donation of £80.This was Seconded and RESOLVED. Cllr. Pudduck will organise the hire of the toilets on behalf of the council. Clerk to confirm agreement.
C/050/10 MOORINGS (12) Council considered the fee split on the village pontoon. The fees are either £150 or £110 depending on the favourability of the position. A request has been received from Kingswear Rowing Club to reduce the annual fee charged to the club as the mooring in question has a period of reduced water. The moorings working party had previously looked at each mooring carefully in order to establish the fees and it was felt that others similar would need to be reduced too if the one in question is. Little profit is made on this facility. Taking these factors into account it was Proposed that the fees should not be altered. This was Seconded and RESOLVED. Clerk to contact Kingswear Rowing Club.
C/051/10 HOODOWN WOODS – TREE MAINTENANCE (13) Council considered any additional actions/ works that need attention, following the recent fallen trees and to ensure access is clear. There is concern over the safety of the area as there is a large amount of debris left over from when the trees were attended to by Devon County Council, who do not clear, which could possibly fall into Brixham Road. The clerk has spoken with the owners who have removed the largest branches. However it was agreed that a lot more work needs to be done. It was Agreed for the clerk to write immediately to the owners to request that the whole area is cleared of the debris from the fallen trees. The area has been inspected by Cllrs. Wall, Brixham Road In addition it was Agreed that the wall in the same vicinity will need some attention, although it was thought that it would be maintained by Devon County Council. Action: Clerk to establish responsibility and report back. Quantified Tree Risk Assessment A Tree Risk assessment for the area under the parish council’s responsibility throughout Brixham Road, Jubilee Park and the Cemetery has just been conducted, the results of which will be discussed at the next meeting, as not yet received. Cllrs will receive a copy prior to this.
C/052/10 APM AND AGM PREPARATIONS (14) The Annual Parish Meeting is the 4th May and the Annual General Meeting the 18th May. It was Agreed that at the APM, the medals will be unveiled, the Parish Emergency Plan will be discussed and at the AGM , the new model standing orders will be adopted after the council have considered at the next meeting. Invitations will shortly be sent to Parish Organisations. It was Proposed that the council do not have a meeting in August, as is common practise amongst other councils. This was Seconded and RESOLVED. Cllr Pudduck reminded members that a planning committee meeting would be necessary and a date of the 17th of August was Agreed.
C/053/10 GREENWAY HOUSE (15) An update on the traffic implications and progress following the opening of Greenway House has been received from Robyn Brown, Property Manager, National Trust following the meeting that was held with the parish councils of Kingswear and Dittisham in September 2009. It was Agreed in order to get a full picture, the parish council would accept Ms Brown’s kind offer to attend a parish council meeting. Action: Clerk to invite Ms Brown, along with the resident representatives from Galmpton.
C/054/10 PLANNING CODE OF CONDUCT (16) Councillors have all received a copy of this document from South Hams District Council and considered any implications from the code for planning. It was agreed that that it provided very useful information and guidance from a District level for parishes.
C/055/10 ‘FAIRMILE’ D-DAY 6TH JUNE CRUISE (17) The arrangements for the cruise following the kind donation by Greenway Ferries to commemorate D-Day and the historical parish projects was discussed. The following was Agreed. · The invitation list was compiled. · A guard of honour has been kindly offered by the Sea Cadets and will be accepted. · Tickets will be sold to general public for £5 which will be donated to a military charity · The press and local TV station will be contacted · Cllr Hawkins kindly agreed to assist the clerk with arrangements
C/056/10 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (18) Darthaven Tree Management Following a written request, Cllr. Hawkins met with residents of Brixham Road whose properties overlook Darthaven Marina to receive their concerns over the loss of view. He has also met with Mrs Melanie Holman from Darthaven. Mrs Holman has confirmed that there is a possibility of reducing the trees and that the management plan includes a replanting of the area adjacent to Brixham Road over the next couple of years. Cllr Hawkins wishes to thank Mrs Holman for her co-operation in this matter. Improvement Works to Brixham Road There has been recent work along Brixham Road, with the insertion of a new pavement to assist in reduction of traffic speed. There is concern that the pavement is too narrow for pushchairs and mobility vehicles. Action: The clerk is to write to Mr J Halliday, Asst. Chief Engineer, Devon County Council to request that this is rectified.
CLERK’S REPORT Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty The annual report and survey has been produced. Cllr Lovell agreed to provide some feedback concerning the survey. Internal Auditor The council Agreed that Cllr. Hilary Bastone should again be asked if he would act as the PC’s internal auditor for the 2009 to 2010 accounts. Devon Association of Parish Councils The latest newsletter was distributed with attention drawn to the article concerning the Local Government review of Devon, following the decision that Exeter should have a unitary authority. New Standing Orders These have now been produced and a summary sheet was given to members. Cllrs Hawkins, Pithers and the clerk are to look at in detail and report back to councillors at the next meeting their recommendations. It was Agreed that the new model could then be adopted at the AGM in May. Cllrs will all receive a full copy. South Devon Local Coastal Action Group Details have been provided of a local business grant that could be provided by this organisation. It is a Business Growth and Diversification Small Grants fund to help small businesses grow and diversify. Details will be placed on notice boards. Dart Harbour Members were advised of a consultation meeting concerning Moorings Policy to be held by Dart Harbour in the village hall on 12th May from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. A notice will be placed on boards.
C/057/10 CORRESPONDENCE (19) · South Hams District Council – Executive Meeting Minutes. Noted · SHDC – Executive Forward Plan Noted · Open Spaces Society – Survey. Cllr Lovell to action · Noss – Development Forum, SHDC An invitation was received from South District Council to attend a Development Forum to be held on the 10th March as the parish council commented on the outline planning application. The forum, which is a new initiative, is being held in order that the nature of significant major developments and the impacts they have are fully understood. Development forums will be held to discuss such proposals at the pre-application stage or prior to the application being reported for a decision. Cllr Lovell prepared a personal statement which was copied to members at the meeting and will be forwarded to absent members. This document was read out to members at the meeting. It was unanimously Agreed that it should be read out at the Development Forum at Follaton House as a statement of the council’s supportive response to the Noss planning proposal as well as Cllr Lovell’s own input. Cllr Hawkins conveyed his thanks to Cllr Lovell for the tremendous amount of work she has done in ensuring all the information is communicated concerning the Noss Development project to the council. · Dart Harbour Newsletter. Noted · DCC - update on works to cracked road close to Whitegates. Work on the cracked road (approximately 25ft) on the allotment side close to Whitegates before the railway crossing will be starting on the 12th April. The road will be pedestrian access only between approximately 10:00am to 4:00pm. The Devon County Council Engineers will advise DHNA, the Steam Railway and Whitegates. The Easter holiday period has been avoided. · Updates on work to Kittery Court, affecting the wall at the Sarah Roope’s Almshouses/ Beacon Road (Please see item 9)
C/058/10 DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS REPORTS (20) Lower Ferry/Dartmouth South Hams District Council is conducting a survey of the future of the Lower Ferry. Cllr. Hawkins confirmed that it is not being closed, but the infrastructure and slipways will be included and surveyed. Cllr. Pudduck suggested that the same scheme should be adopted as the passenger ferry for the concessional pricing of tickets for locals. Cllr. Hawkins will feed that back to the District. There will be a new public slipway in Dartmouth. There will also be works to replace the pontoon on the passenger ferry, which will necessitate a two week closure for works. Wood Lane – works to camber to help to prevent vehicles from becoming stuck The works have still not been completed. Action: Clerk to write a letter to the executive members of Devon County Council for action as it was to be completed in this financial year. Leaves/ Road Sweeping/ Maintenance The clerk advised that she had contacted SHDC three times now to request sweeping of the whole village, but particularly Brixham Road. Cllr. Hawkins advised that he would speak with Mr C Lucas, Head of Operations, to insure that this is auctioned as soon as possible. Clerk to write to identified property owners of overgrown vegetation on highways/public paths. Cllr. Ferris to clean ‘welcome’ sign on entry to village.
C/059/10 REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS (21) · The bus shelter at the Toll House is to be treated. · The wooden bus shelter at Hillhead needs painting inside. · The replacement bathroom for Cemetery lodge. · Hanging Baskets · Public Footpath to Hoodown. Cllr Lovell to clarify with footpath warden public access. · Cllr Pudduck advised that at the top of Lower Contour Road there is an Oak with rotten branches. If they fall a BT cable could be broken which supplies approximately 15 houses. Cllr Pudduck will contact BT to advise.
C/060/10 PAYMENTS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY TO MARCH 2010 (22) The list of presented payments were Agreed
C/061/10 COMMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF PUBLIC (23) There were none.
C/062/10 EXEMPT ITEMS (4)
C/063/10 URGENT ITEMS (5) 1. Covered in Exempt Minutes 2. Trees at Banjo A request is to be made to reduce the crowns of the tall trees in this area.
Meeting finished: 9:45pm
Signed.................................................................. Date:.................................................
Next Meeting date: 13th April |