KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Meeting of Kingswear Parish Council

Held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 11^th March 2008

Present:          Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. H. Newcombe, Cllr. A. Pithers, Cllr. P. Pudduck, Cllr. B. Tulloch, Cllr. A. Usher and Cllr. J. Wright.

Also in attendance were two members of the public, PC R. Hewett and Mrs Emma. Illingworth (Clerk).

C/049/08         APOLOGIES (1)

                        Apologies were received from Cllr. J. Ferris

C/050/08         MINUTES (2)

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 12^th February 2008 were signed as a correct record. Accepted:  unanimously.

C/051/08         DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST (3)

                        There were none.

C/052/08         ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION (4)

                        Additional Planning Agenda item:

                        30/0270/08/F Retrospective application for temporary change of use to Youth Hostel and activity adventure centre for YHA River dart, Maypool, Brixham. TQ5 0ET.

         OBJECTION (4 against, 2 for, 1 abstention)

C/053/08         STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (5)

                        There were none. (The two members of the public attended for the planning item above)

C/054/08         POLICE REPORT (6)

PC R. Hewett kindly submitted his report to the Clerk for distribution and note at the meeting.

Road Closure Brixham Road

                        The Chairman confirmed that the road closure in order for SWW to carry out maintenance work is now scheduled to be carried out from 7^th April to 2^nd May as advised by DCC. The delay is attributed to survey work required by the contractor and agreement of closure. The Chairman advised he had asked PC Hewett to ensure that the congestion ‘pinch points’ in particular The Banjo are cleared. The Clerk is to advise the Kingswear Page and any other relevant parties of details of the closure when received; to ensure the village is well informed.  The Chairman thanked PC Hewett for the report and his attendance. Please see Appendix attached.

C/055/08         MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES (7)

(1) C/031/08 – Impact on Peninsula from local developments

Cllr. A. Lovell reported. She has sent to Councillors her report and a draft letter she proposes is sent to Mr. D. Kenyon, Planning Dept. SHDC, to ensure he is aware of all the potential effects to the Peninsula. The Council is to hold a further informal meeting later this month to ensure they are aware of all the issues and implications regarding future developments.

The main points discussed were:

·      A meeting was held regarding the ‘park and ride’. It appears a possibility that stakeholders could work together to share buses, therefore forming a ‘park and ride, between Noss, Galmpton and Greenway. A proposal is being prepared from the stakeholder input to be put to their Traffic Consultants to ascertain whether the scheme could be linked with existing routes, accommodating students from South Devon College and visitors to Greenway at different times of the day.

·      Path from Noss to Hillhead. It was recommended that this is listed as a planning condition, because the Marine Academy is being considered first, the road may be congested with works traffic. A 106 planning condition for the footpath could be requested.  A letter could be sent to Brian George, DCC, who may be able to consider funds for a Bridle/Cycle way in the area. It was felt it made sense for the path to be constructed at the outset of the development.

·      Water redirection: It was noted that water will need to be redirected from Hillhead to the Marine Academy.

·      The latest ‘Noss Vision’ Newsletter has been received. There is a public consultation meeting which is focused on the waterside development and changes to the Marina, at The Dartmouth Yacht Club, on Wednesday 19^th March. Representation from the Council will be made at this meeting.

Cllr. A. Lovell has lobbied SHDC and DCC and it was recognised by the Chairman the amount of time she has spent on this project.

Action: The letter that Cllr. Lovell has prepared is to be sent to Mr Kenyon, SHDC, Proposed Cllr. J. Hawkins. Seconded Cllr. P. Pudduck. Agreed unanimously.

(2) C/035/08/10 – Cemetery Lodge:

Cllr. A. Pithers and the Clerk visited the Lodge in February for the routine inspection under the terms of the lease.

(3)  C/035/08/12 – Hillhead link path and Park and Ride:

Discussed during item C/055/08 above.

(4)  C/035/08/12 – Village Green Registration:

Cllr. B. Tulloch reported that contact has been made with the solicitor appointed to act on behalf of the Council for the registration. He has requested the documentation prepared to date in support of the registration.

DHNA are pursuing access from the river to the beach. Letters have been received from several local residents in support of access to the beach, which have been forwarded to DHNA. A letter has been received from Mr. D. Southwick, dated the 28^th February requesting the details of the Council’s solicitors, in order for him to supply documentation. Receipt of this letter has been acknowledged to Mr Southwick and it was agreed that it should be forwarded to the solicitor.  It was agreed that it would be favourable for Mr Julian Distin, DHNA, to be present at the meeting when the Council’s solicitor visits the area, to discuss the registration further, in light of the work DHNA is involved in regarding access to the beach.

Action: Clerk to send prepared documentation to solicitor, including letter from Mr Southwick.

(5) C/035/08/13 – Jubilee Park Sea Wall:

Cllr. B. Tulloch and Cllr. P. Pudduck have met with the engineer again, to research a less expensive alternative to the original quote of £24,000. One solution may be to place large pieces of stone against the gabions, acting as a breakwater. Cllr. Tulloch has asked for a further quote from SW Engineering and will report back to the Council shortly.

(6)  C/035/08/4 – Darthaven Lease Agreement:

The lease for the pontoon has been signed to commence from 1^st April 2008 for the forthcoming year. This was proposed by Cllr. P. Pudduck, seconded by Cllr. A. Pithers. Agreed: unanimously.

(7) C/035/08/11- Parish Emergency Plan:

In Cllr. J. Ferris’ absence, the Clerk distributed to the Council the South Hams Major Emergency leaflet. Cllr Ferris will be reporting on the item at a future meeting.

(8) C/043/08 – Raddicombe Drive Open Space:

The Land Registry enquiries have shown that the land is not registered.

Action: It was agreed unanimously that the Clerk should make enquiries about registering the land to the Parish.

(9) C/035/08/6 – Kingswear Wood:

No correspondence has been received to date from Mr Elliott.

       (10) C/035/08/1 –Memorial Wall, Kingswear Cemetery:

            The Clerk reported that Mr Mike Parkes is finalising his plans, which will be available for presentation at the April Council meeting.

(11) C/035/08/7 – Cemetery Marking Bricks:

The Clerk is to prepare a further plan of the Cremation Interment Area. This will be forwarded to Cllr. J. Henshall for discussion and quotes to be obtained. Action: Clerk and Cllr. Henshall to report back at next meeting.

(12) C/035/08/4 – Dartmouth Transport Plan:

Cllr. J. Henshall reported that all Councillors had received a copy of the plan and all effected Parish Councils were going to be invited to participate in a meeting to discuss. Cllr. J. Hawkins reported that he is chairing a new group. At the recent MCTI meeting he advised that he wished to hold a meeting of the stakeholders to progress with the Dartmouth Transport Plan. It was confirmed that Dartmouth Town Council has set up a subcommittee working group as well, so the plan had been put on hold to avoid duplication of discussed issues. The stakeholders are: the MCTI, Dartmouth Chamber of Trade, Tourist information Centre, Dartmouth and Kingswear Society and Kingswear Parish Council. The subcommittee however has not progressed. A meeting to be chaired by Cllr. Hawkins has now been called on the 14^th April. The stakeholders and the District Councillors will be asked to attend. Cllr. J. Henshall has been invited.

C/056 /08        PLANNING COMMITTEE (17)

                        Election of Chairman of Planning Committee

                        Cllr. B. Tulloch has tendered his resignation as the Chairman of the Planning Committee. The Chairman thanked Cllr Tulloch for all the hard work and effort he has put into the role over the last four years. He commented that planning is a very serious issue and the Cllr Tulloch had carried out this duty excellently. The Chairman invited nominations. It was decided that the election would be considered at the next Planning Committee meeting. In the meantime Cllr. H. Newcombe (vice chairman) will act as Chair.

C/057/08         CONTRACTORS (8)

                        Ground Maintenance Contractors   

Cllr. A. Pithers reported that he and the Clerk had met with Mr Richard Thomas from Greengardens to discuss the Cemetery and Closed Cemetery. The hedge adjacent to Church Hill has been partially cut, although the work was hindered by the presence of a skip. This will be completed as soon as possible.

There will be a schedule sent to the Clerk, so in future the timings of the work to be completed will be available. This will greatly help with communication, helping to answer any potential queries raised. The path in the Cemetery is to be sprayed to remove lichen etc imminently.

Action: Contractor to be instructed to clear and plant in the area at the front of Cemetery Lodge. A Cemetery Committee Meeting had been called for two weeks time.

                        Devon Tree Services – Risk assessment for trees in Cemetery

                        The Clerk reported that she had forwarded the paperwork from Devon Tree Services to the Council. On advice from Devon Tree Services a Quantified Tree Risk Assessment has been recommended and a request for this to be obtained has been made by the Council’s insurers. The cost will be £350 + VAT. It was proposed by Cllr. J. Hawkins and seconded by Cllr. A. Pithers that this is carried out. Accepted: unanimously. Action: Clerk to accept quote and instruct Devon Tree Services to carry out Risk Assessment and forward to Insurers.

C/058/08         SIGNATORY ARRANGEMENTS AND CLERKS CONTRACT (9)

                        Cllr. A. Usher reminded the Council that it had agreed to add the Clerk as a signatory to the Council’s Bank Accounts. This will aid greatly communication, and cut down delays in obtaining signatures. A new bank mandate was completed to this effect. The current arrangement of two signatories to sign remains.

                        Cllr. Usher has examined the Clerks Contract with her. Both are happy to sign. In view of the increased workload he suggested that the Clerks weekly hours be increased from 15 to 20 from the 1^st April. Proposed by Cllr. A. Usher, seconded by Cllr. J. Hawkins. Agreed unanimously. Action: Clerk’s Contracts to be signed.

C/059/08         CARLOW BEQUEST (10)

                        Nothing to report.

C/060/08         STEAM RAILWAY CROSSING AT HOODOWN (11)

                        (Cllr. J. Hawkins declared an interest and therefore had no input in the discussion.)

                        Cllr. A. Lovell expressed her concerns that the wood between the rails had been removed as it had become rotten and parts had disintegrated on this public right of way, leaving just stone and protruding railway lines, causing a potential hazard for crossing users. The repairs need to be made urgently before the season starts as there will be increased usage during the summer months. Action: Clerk to draft a letter to Dart Valley Railway expressing concerns.

C/061/08         LOCAL GOVERNMENT RE-ORGANISATION (12)

                        The Clerk reported that ‘listening events’ are being held concerning the Boundary Committee’s proposals by DCC, throughout the County. The nearest one to Kingswear is at Ivybridge on 11^th April, with invitations to Parish/Town Council representatives. Cllr. J. Hawkins explained the background:

 The Government wishes to re-organise local government, with the main intention to create unitary authorities. A unitary authority would eliminate potential confusion over the responsibility roles of SHDC and DCC. There are two unitaries in Devon already, Plymouth and Torbay.

There are many discussions being held on this subject at the present, with Local and District Councillors. The suggestion of a ‘status quo’ has been rejected by the Government Boundary Officer, with the proposal of Exeter as a Unitary Authority put forward. Exeter, like Torbay has insufficient population. The proposal is for Devon, to work with the 9 District Councils in groups. (South Hams currently works with Teignbridge and West Devon). Concern was expressed by the Council that Dartmouth and Kingswear could be split.

Action: A letter to be sent to Dartmouth Town Council, Stoke Gabriel and Marldon Parish Councils to ensure, alongside Kingswear, the Councils’ work together and their views are sought.

C/062/08         NATIONAL TRUST AND RAF REMEMBRANCE PLAGUE FOR KINGSWEAR (13 &14)

                        Cllr. J. Hawkins reported that he had received a letter from Mr. Reg Little concerning the RAF base that was at Forward Point between 1940 and 1946. Along with the Air Training Corp and Paignton ATC, it is proposed that commemorative plague be placed at the station. Action: Clerk to circulate to all Councillors for consideration at next meeting.

C/063/08         PROGRESS OF PROJECTS (15)

                        This was supported by the Council and will be implemented. Councillor’s responsibilities to be updated at AGM.

C/064/08         APM AND AGM PREPARATION (16)

                        Letters to be sent out to all village organisations, inviting them to attend the Annual Parish Meeting, which is on the 6^th May. The AGM is the 20^th May. Action: Clerk to prepare invitation list for Council to confirm. Cllr. A. Pithers, Cllr. J. Wright and  Cllr. J. Hawkins are to organise refreshments for the evening.

C/065/08         CHAIRMAN’S REPORT (18)

Cllr. J. Hawkins reported:

Post Office Closures:

Consultation period for closures has taken place. There is now a six week period to notify individual post offices of outcome.

Action: Post Office to be placed on next Agenda

Wooden Board opposite Village Hall

This is in a bad state of repair. It is apparently one of the original water supplies for the village. Mr. Collinson who brought it to the Council’s attention is to write, so concerns can be addressed.

CLERK’S REPORT

Land Maintenance

Mr. Paul Folca kindly completed the work required on the land between Beacon Lane and Castle Road. The Clerk has written thanking Mr. Folca.

Moorings

All renewal letters have been sent out. There are two free spaces, at present one on the pontoon and one in Jubilee Park, which have been offered from the top of the waiting list. A query has been raised re 4ft width restriction for boats on the pontoon. This relates to replacement boats, to prevent the reduction of mooring spaces available, which would occur if boats are too wide.

Traffic Problems

Following the item at the last meeting, a report has been sent to the Speed Safety Officer by PC. R. Hewett.

Hillhead Community Path

The application has unfortunately been refused by ‘Awards For All’. However when formal agreements between landowners are in place a re- application can be made.

Cemetery – Curb Sets for Graves

The Council has been asked to consider whether to continue to allow Curb Sets in the Cemetery. Potential hazards include slippage and lack of space. The Council agreed that this policy is to continue, at present, but will be discussed at Cemetery Committee Meeting. Action: Clerk was asked to update on number of grave spaces available.

Neighbourhood Watch Scheme

A request has been made to the Council to endorse this scheme. Action: Clerk to place on Agenda for APM and invite interested parties.

C/066/08         CORRESPONDENCE REQUIRING ATTENTION (19)

                        The following list of correspondence was considered and noted:

(1)   Teignbridge District Council Shoreline Management Plan: Distributed to Councillors

(2)   SHDC Major Emergencies Leaflet: Distributed

(3)   DCC Listening Events: Distributed and discussed.

(4)   SHDC Executive Forward Plan: Noted

(5)   SHDC Tourism New Visitor Website for South Devon www.visitsouthdevon.co.uk

(6)   SHDC Local Government Review: Noted and discussed

(7)   Thank you letter from Miss Hearn: Acknowledged

(8)   Letter from Francis Hawke re Cemetery:  Noted, Clerk to reply

(9)   South West Lifelong Learning Questionnaire re role and functions of Parish Councils: Distributed

(10  ) Letter from Mr. D Southwick: Noted and acknowledged.

C/067/08         REPORT FROM DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUNCILLORS (20)

·        Cllr. J. Hawkins requested £500 from the DCC Community fund for replanting of Jubilee Park. (He has declared an interest and therefore had no input.) Councillors have been planting trees in the area.

·        SHDC have agreed to spend approximately £275,000 on a new pontoon and bridge for the passenger ferry this winter 08/09.

·        Dart Valley Steam Railway is looking at the possibility of putting a roof over the pontoon. (Cllr J. Hawkins declared an interest)

·        The Passenger Ferry Two Year Contract is thought to be for renewal this winter and will be placed on the next Agenda. (Cllr. J. Hawkins declared an interest) Action:

Clerk to place on Agenda.

C/068/08         REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS (21)

(1)     Cllr. A. Usher: Programme for ‘Courier’

(2)     Cllr. A. Pithers: Cemetery Lodge

C/069/08         PAYMENTS FOR JANUARY TO FEBRUARY 2008 (22)

                        It was agreed that the following Cheques be paid:

C/070/08         COMMENTS FROM THE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC (23)

                        There were none.

The meeting was closed at 10:12pm

Minutes approved……………………….Date…………………………..