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KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Kingswear Parish Council held in the Trust Room on Tuesday 13th May 2010 at 7.30pm.
Present: Cllr J. Ferris, Cllr J. Hawkins, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. H. Newcombe, Cllr. A. Pithers and Cllr. G. Sowerby. Also in attendance were Mr P Wilton, co-owner of SHDC preferred site under Local Development Framework, fifteen members of the public and Mrs. E. Illingworth (Clerk)
1&2 ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCILCllr. J. Hawkins took the Chair for this item. It was Proposed by Cllr. A. Pithers and Seconded by Cllr. A. Lovell that Cllr. J. Hawkins be elected as Chairman for the ensuing year. There were no other nominations and Cllr. J. Hawkins was declared elected and then signed the Chairman’s Acceptance of Office. The clerk on behalf of the councillors thanked the Chairman for his hard work for the community.
3 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE Apologies were received from Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. P. Pudduck and PC R Hewett. 4 MINUTES The minutes of the of the KPC meeting held on 13th April 2010 were signed as a correct record with the following amendments:
C/081/10. The Chairman’s report was omitted, by the clerk, in error, concerning the Noss Development as follows: The chairman read a statement that he explained he had given great consideration to and discussed with the clerk. It related to a personal letter that Cllr.J. Henshall had published in a recent addition of the Dartmouth Chronicle entitled “Noss plan needs debate”. Cllr Hawkins explained that he felt it necessary to minute the correct information. He stated the following concerns regarding Cllr. Henshall’s letter: · It could imply that Kingswear Parish Council had not given enough thought over the decision of ‘No Objection’ to the application for outline planning permission for the Noss Development. · The impression to the reader that councillors were not given the opportunity or information to make a knowledgeable informed decision. · The claim that the parish council adopted Cllr. Lovell’s views. He also made the following points of clarification: · Councillors do have the right to write to the press as private residents. · There have been many opportunities to discuss the Noss application during planning, full council meetings and site visits. All paperwork has been available through the clerk or SHDC · Cllr. Henshall was at the meeting where it was agreed to make Cllr. Lovell the parish council’s liaison/ co-ordinator for the application. · Considerable time has been spent working on this application to provide the parish council with the information required. · Cllr Henshall had not attended all the meetings concerning Noss. The Chairman felt that some content of the letter to be unfair and insulting to fellow councillors and it was a shame that Cllr Henshall had not been able to make her views known to council, but via the press.
5&6 ELECTION OF THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCILIt was Proposed by Cllr. J. Hawkins and Seconded that Cllr. J. Ferris be elected as Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year. There were no other nominations and Cllr. J. Ferris was declared elected and then signed the Vice-Chairman’s Acceptance of Office.
7 ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN OF PLANNING COMMITTEE It was Proposed by Cllr. Hawkins and Seconded by Cllr.G. Sowerby that Cllr. P. Pudduck be elected as the Chairman for the ensuing year. There were no other nominations and Cllr. P. Pudduck was declared elect. As Cllr. Pudduck was absent, his acceptance needs to be clarified.
8 POLICE REPORT PC. R. Hewett submitted a report for the period of May 2010, in his absence. (see appendix A)
9 ANNUAL SUBCRIPTIONS Resolved that the following subscriptions paid annually be approved: · Devon Association Of Local Councils · Society of Local Council Clerks · Open Spaces - this is not used and so will not be renewed.
10 REPRESENTATION ON OUTSIDE BODIESIt was RESOLVED that the following appointments be made:- · Port of Dartmouth Royal Regatta Committee (Cllr. J. Hawkins, Cllr. G. Sowerby)· Devon Conservation Forum (Cllr. H. Newcombe) · Trustees of Sarah Roope’s Almshouses (Cllr. J. Henshall) · Kingswear Hall Management Committee (vacant at present) · Dart Area Landscape and Access Group, (Cllr. A. Lovell) · DAPC County Committee for 2008 to 2011 (Mr. H. Newcombe). · DHNA River Dart Non-Beneficiary Group (Cllr. G. Sowerby)· Waterhead Creek Preservation Society (Cllr. J. Henshall) 11 AREAS OF COUNCILLOR’S SPECIAL INTERESTSThese have initially been defined as:- Cemetery ground, Cemetery lower field and Closed churchyard: Cllrs. J. Ferris, J. Henshall, A. Lovell and Cllr. A. Pithers. Jubilee Park, Waterhead Creek, Land adjacent to the Creek, Land between Beacon Lane and Castle Road: Cllrs. J. Ferris, J. Henshall, A. Lovell, P. Pudduck, Cllr. A. Pithers and Cllr. G. Sowerby. Cemetery lodge: Cllrs. J. Ferris, J. Hawkins, J. Henshall and Cllr. A. Pithers. Coast and Countryside: Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. A. Pithers Cllr. P. Pudduck, Cllr. G. Sowerby. Christmas lights: Cllr. J. Henshall. Senior Citizen Luncheon: Cllr. J. Henshall. Footpaths: Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. H. Newcombe, Cllr. P. Pudduck, Cllr. G. Sowerby. Street cleaning and mobile lengths man: Cllr. J. Ferris, Cllr. J. Henshall and Cllr. G. Sowerby. Moorings lettings: Cllr. P. Pudduck and Cllr. G. Sowerby (Cllr. Sowerby tendered his resignation as Chairman) Mooring maintenance, dinghy pontoon, Waterhead Creek, Creek Pontoon and dinghy spaces on Jubilee Park: Cllr. P. Pudduck and Cllr. G. Sowerby Finance, insurance and grants: Cllr J. Hawkins, Cllr. A. Pithers (Chairman) and Cllr. G. Sowerby. Lighthouse beach: Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. H. Newcombe and Cllr. P.Pudduck. Cemetery grave spaces: Clerk. Health and Safety: All Council. Planning: Cllr.J.Ferris, Cllr.J.Henshall, Cllr.A.Lovell, Cllr.H.Newcombe, Cllr. A. Pithers, Cllr. P. Pudduck (Chairman), and Cllr. G. Sowerby Dartmouth Ferry: Cllr. J. Henshall. Fireworks/Bonfire: All Council. Anniversaries/Social Events: All Council. Kingswear Walks Booklet: Cllr. J. Henshall and Cllr. A. Lovell. Regatta: Cllr. J. Hawkins, Cllr. P. Pudduck and Cllr. G. Sowerby. Residents’ Traffic Group: Cllr. J. Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell, Cllr. G. Sowerby. Village Maintenance: Cllr.J.Henshall, Cllr. A. Lovell and Cllr. G. Sowerby. Play: Cllr. A. Lovell and Cllr. A. Pithers.
12 DECLARATIONS OF INTERESTS There were none.
13 EXEMPT INFORMATION – 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: 1. Confidential minutes of the 13th April 2010. These were confirmed and signed as a correct record. 2. Cemetery Lodge
14 ITEMS REQUIRING URGENT ATTENTION The following items were agreed by the Chairman: 1. Playground – meeting regarding management 2. Parking on slipway by Royal Dart Yacht Club 3. Greengardens, quote for £270 for renewal of turf area by new wall in Cemetery 4. Roadworks, Lower Contour Road
15 STATEMENTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC Mr R Rawlins requested a council member to join the Dartmouth and Kingswear Society. This is to be considered.
16 LOCAL DEVELOPMENT FRAMEWORK (AFFORDABLE HOUSING) There is a consultation period at present concerning the Rural Area Site Allocations Development Plan Document until the 2nd July. Mr P Wilton, co-owner of the SHDC Preferred site, kindly attended the meeting. Cllr Hawkins explained as a member of South Hams District Council he could not make his views known. There followed a discussion about the site, which is situated between Lower Contour Road and Brixham Road. The following main points were raised: · The site has been identified following criteria and recommendations from the Princes Trust and officers of SHDC. It will provide 15 houses of which 60% have to be affordable. It is not the Preferred site of the Parish Council. · Mr Wilton was approached by SHDC. He was surprised the site was chosen and has concerns regarding access from Brixham Road. If it proceeds development traffic will be contained within site. He has suggested improvements to SHDC. He is not a developer. · The development, once a site is agreed, is to be completed by 2016. · There is a public consultation period between now and the 2nd July, where residents are invited to make their opinions known to SHDC on the following websites www.southhams.gov.uk and http://consult.southhams.gov.uk/portal. The clerk also has copies of the form to be completed if anyone is unable to use the preferred contact method via the web. · The parish council, following the public meeting and council meetings have made the parish views known to SHDC, being that this is not a suitable site and accompanying reasons. The site known as ‘wilful murder’ has been suggested as an alternative. It is thought that this site may not meet the criteria of being accessible by the identified village centre of The Banjo, on foot in 4.5 minutes. · The land agents/ Trustees of the Boohay Land will be contacted by the parish council to ascertain if the land (wilful murder) is available. · It was clarified that SHDC do look at development affordability of sites. · Planning applications have been refused in the past over concerns of access to Brixham Road. A footpath along Brixham Road to the village centre would not be viable. · If the Noss Development is approved there will be £12milllion for affordable housing in the area as part of the 106 agreement. · The clerk is to fill in the consultation form on behalf of the parish council with no change of view from the letters of the 25th January and 31st March. It was Agreed that a notice should be placed on notice boards advising the public of the consultation websites. · 13 people attended the meeting from the parish. 12 voted against the site at Higher Contour Road.
17 RISK ASSESSMENT AND COUNCIL’S INSURANCE COVER The review of the Council Risk Assessment was deferred until the next meeting. The insurance renewal has been considered by Cllr. A. Pithers and the Clerk. It was recommended that no further additions were necessary. The acceptance of the insurance policy renewal at a cost of £1534 was Proposed, Seconded and RESOLVED.
18 STANDING ORDERS AND FINANCIAL REGULATIONS Presentation of suggested Standing Orders, as supplied by the National Association of Local Councils, to council for resolution at the June meeting was made. Suggested Financial Regulations are to be supplied for consideration.
19 JUBILEE PARK – CONDITION OF GRASS ALONG BOAT ACCESS Members considered works to the path which provides access to boats and the slipway. The condition of the grass is of concern from the boat launching traffic. The original hard material set into Jubilee Park has mainly disappeared and requires replacement. Consideration needs to be given to the drain that is in situ. Cllrs are to meet to recommend an area to be covered to allow a trailer to turn, but to encourage vehicles to stay on the path. This would involve the reinstatement of scalping at a cost of approx £500. Provision of the path was Proposed, Seconded and RESOLVED. The chairman requested that re-planting of part of Jubilee Park, by the fence adjacent to Brixham Road be put on the agenda for the next meeting. A site meeting could be arranged to which a member of the Waterhead Creek Preservation Society will be invited. The problem of damage to vegetation in preparation for bonfire night was also discussed. Material to be burnt is deposited over the fence, which in turn damages plants. It was Agreed that in future the gate to Jubilee Park could be opened at this time to allow people to add to the bonfire without damage.
20 LIME KILN – RENOVATION An update from the meeting with SHDC and Kingswear Historians concerning restoration and potential access path was given: · There is an aspiration to improve the Lime Kiln. · A possible path has been identified through the woods · SHDC are to provide information on possible funding options · Could incorporate a possible move of the Creek pontoon, if agreed. A further meeting of the council and Mrs A Kelsey, Chairman of the Waterhead Creek Preservation Society has been arranged for the 3rd June.
2 HEDGE MAINTENANCE Feedback on the meeting with SWH concerning Higher Contour Road was given. Devon County Council only cut hedges on roads over the 30mph limit. Cllr. Lovell and the Clerk met with contractors to look at cutting the hedge along Higher Contour Road to Westerland. This would tidy the area, improve parking and hopefully discourage tipping in the bank. It is believed this area has not been attended to for approximately 6 years. It was Proposed to proceed with the works at a cost of £350. This was Seconded and RESOLVED.
22 QUANTIFIED TREE RISK ASSESSMENT REPORTS Council considered any works required in Jubilee Park, Hoodown and Cemetery. Cllr Ferris has examined the Quantified Tree Risk Assessment reports carried out by Devon Tree Services. There are no areas which require immediate attention; however some works that need to be attended to. It was Agreed that Cllr Ferris is to obtain some quotes to proceed.
23 US GARDEN The clerk advised the council that the bushes in this area should have been cut in February, which has been delayed due to boundary queries, which are being clarified. The Contractor’s schedule is currently being re-priced to include additional maintenance to US garden. To be supplied at the June meeting. Cllr Ferris kindly offered the Clerk his assistance in this matter.
24 FAIRMILE CRUISE Final arrangements for the 6th June were reviewed. A wreath is to be laid at sea in remembrance. The money raised will be donated to the charities, Help the Heroes and the British Legion. Tickets are available from the village shop and post office.
25 CEMETERY A working group to assist the clerk with accurate marking of graves was set up to include Cllrs Lovell and Pithers. Councillors considered the request to place the repaired bench in the US garden at a cost of £250. It was Agreed to place this back in the cemetery, where the cost should be minimal.
26 SIGNAGE – SCHOOL PARKING Further consideration of signage outside the school regarding parking, following feedback from Head teacher and governors was made. It was RESOLVED that Standing Orders should be suspended to allow a change in resolution as it was Agreed that parking on yellow lines to allow parents to collect children from school would not be allowed by Devon County Council. It is not felt that this is a practical solution. Action: Clerk to advise school and to emphasise that the parish council would be keen to support their other options.
27 PARK AND RIDE AT HILLHEAD DURING DARTMOUTH REGATTA The council are concerned about the park and ride, although it is understood that it will run in some form for the four days at Regatta. Cllr Sowerby will clarify arrangements from his involvement with the Regatta Committee.
28 MOORINGS The mooring working group proposal to pro-rata mooring fees for the remainder of the season was ratified and RESOLVED. It was Agreed to exercise the clause in the Moorings Terms and Conditions were mooring holders are not permitted to have a space vacant for more than two months, concerning the pontoon.
29 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT The Chairman had nothing further to add.
CLERK’S REPORT South Hams District Council Asset Transfer The parish council have expressed an interest in the transfer of the Amenity Area and Stores at The Priory as invited by SHDC. The district will shortly be in touch with proposed Heads of Terms. Disabled Parking Brixham Road Provision of a space adjacent to Jubilee Park has been agreed by Devon County Council. Parish Online The council agreed that the clerk can purchase the system at a cost of £30 plus £10 per annum as it provides detailed maps online of the parish and surrounding area. Co-option The council were provided with an update on the procedure and number of applicants. Trees, Darthaven and Brixham Road Mrs M Holman had kindly provided the clerk with an update. The tree works, as agreed with South Hams District Council have been completed this year apart from works along the path when it is re-opened. Consideration has been given to views of properties adjacent to Darthaven. There will be further works to sycamores in the winter. There have been positive comments concerning wildlife in the area. Any queries of the tree management should be directed towards South Hams District Council.
30 CORRESPONDENCE:- · South Hams District Council – Executive Meeting Minutes Noted · SHDC – Executive Forward Plan Noted · Request for sponsorship. A request has been received to support Lorna and Kelly Wright, who have been selected to represent England in the Taekwon-Do World Championships, in Russia. In order to go they are required to raise the travel costs. It was Proposed to offer a donation of £250. This was Seconded and RESOLVED
31 DISTRICT AND COUNTY COUCILLOR REPORTS Cllr Hawkins reported that he has been invited to become the Vice Chairman of South Hams District Council. He received congratulations from members.
32 REQUESTS OF THE CLERK AND ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS · Jubilee Park re- planting · Emergency Planning · Junction at Slappers Hill and Bridge Road, possible traffic danger. · To ask contractor to grass area near the memorial to Mr R Parkes in Jubilee Park
33 PAYMENTS FOR APRIL TO MAY 2010 The list of presented payments were Agreed
34 COMMENTS FROM PUBLIC There were none.
35 EXEMPT ITEMS/URGENT ITEMS Urgent Items: Playground There is to be a meeting to discuss the ongoing maintenance of the playground/field between the playing field association, school governors and SHDC. Cllr Hawkins will also attend. Yacht Slipway There are still cars parking on the slipway by the Royal Dart Yacht Club, which cause an obstruction. There are no parking signs in situ with the police contact number on. It was Agreed for the clerk to write to Devon County Council for advice and provision of a no parking sign. Grass by Wall in Cemetery The cost to re- turf will be £270. It was Proposed and Seconded to accept this and RESOLVED Road Works It was clarified that the road works in Lower Contour Road and Wood Lane are to install new electricity equipment and a substation. Unfortunately the incorrect date was put in the letter, so advice had not been given. Exempt Items: Cemetery Lodge Tenancy
Signed............................................................................ Date:......................................................
Next meeting 8th June 2010
Meeting finished at 10:15pm
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