KINGSWEAR PARISH COUNCIL

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

Also in attendance was one member of the public and Mrs Emma. Illingworth (Clerk).

Apologies were received from Cllr. J. Hawkins (Chairman), Cllr. J. Wright, PC R Hewitt and Julian Distin (Dart Harbour Authority)

The minutes of the Council meeting held on 15^th January 2008 were signed as a correct record. Accepted unanimously.

Cllr. A. Lovell spoke regarding the planning at the Noss site and proposed Marine Academy. She commented that the project will need to be well managed and the Council will need to highlight areas that could affect Kingswear. Cllr. Lovell said that there were two issues for consideration, the Planning arena and how Kingswear Parish Council sees the development of the whole Parish. She has produced a report for the Council’s information and consideration. Cllrs. Lovell and Tulloch suggested that a separate meeting of the whole Council would need to be held to discuss this development in full. Action: Agreed. A meeting will be arranged and advised accordingly.

It has been brought to Cllr. B. Tulloch’s attention that wires have been left on a building opposite the Village Hall, following the dismantling of the Christmas Lights. Action: Cllr. J. Henshall to contact Torbay Display to ask them to remove the wires.

Mr. P. Folca kindly attended the meeting to discuss the maintenance of the land situated between Beacon Lane and Castle Road. This land is owned by the Parish with only the grass cutting under the remit of the Council’s Contractors. However, Mr Folca has kindly given his time to work the land to improve the area. He reported that the owner of Seaway House had personally paid last year for maintenance. Mr Folca advised that he was happy to do some additional work, but requested that a Contractor be appointed to perform the majority of the maintenance. Action: It was agreed by the Council that the Clerk will liaise with Mr Folca who has devised a detailed maintenance plan, to obtain a Contractor’s quote for consideration by the Council.

Cllr. J. Henshall reported that plants have been ordered for planting in Jubilee Park to fill in the area along the road. This has been organised by the Dartmouth and District MCTI. A site visit by Cllrs. Henshall, Lovell, Pudduck and Tulloch was made to discuss the planting. It was noted that specimens were chosen to ensure views would not be obstructed.

Cllr. A. Lovell advised the Council there is some imminent potential work from South West Water that could hinder the planting. Pipes are being checked which may involve some excavation in the area.

Volunteers will be available from the Council to assist with planting. Cllr. J. Henshall reported that the seats will then be organised.

PC R. Hewitt kindly submitted his report to the Clerk for distribution and note at the meeting. The Chairman passes on his thanks for the report. Please see Appendix attached.

C/034/08 PLANNING COMMITTEE (6a moved from 11) TPO MATTERS (Discussed at this meeting to avoid missing the SHDC Planning deadline for comment)

Work to Tree Preservation Order Trees (notice 2701) for Beacon Lodge, Beacon Lane, Kingswear. OBJECTION (UNANIMOUS 8)

(1) C/008/08/1 - Memorial Wall, Kingswear Cemetery: Mr Parkes has advised the Clerk that the plans for the wall are progressing well, and he anticipates that they will be completed by the end of the month. Action: Clerk to place on next agenda.

(2) C/008/08/3 - Village Green Registration: Cllr. B. Tulloch reported that further to the meeting that Cllr. P. Pudduck and Mr. M. Stevens attended with the solicitor in Exeter, a formal application has now been produced. A specialist solicitor for such registration, located in Birmingham has been recommended to assess the viability of this case. The initial cost would be £750 for the solicitor’s visit and recommendations. It was proposed by Cllr. B. Tulloch and seconded by Cllr. P. Pudduck that the Council proceeds with the registration plan seeking the advice of the solicitor. A letter would be drafted clarifying what the solicitor’s report would contain and costs involved. (This would not be debited from the main Council account, but from the separate Lighthouse Beach fund).

The Clerk reported that a Mr David Southwick had replied, thanking the Council for the recent letter sent, thanking him for the informal meeting with Councillors.

(3) C/008/08/3 - Lighthouse Beach: Cllr. J. Henshall advised that she has been invited to attend a meeting with Mr. D. Southwick, next week to discuss the use of the beach. Cllr. J. Henshall will be attending this meeting purely as an interested individual of the village and not as a representative of the Council.

(4) C/008/08/3 - Moorings. Replacement of Pontoon Gates: Darthaven Marina has responded to the Council’s letter and has granted permission to erect gates on the pontoon. The lease conditions have been considered and a response to Darthaven is being prepared. Action: Clerk to draft letter.

Cllr. P. Pudduck is meeting with the Clerk later this week to prepare the renewal Moorings for the coming season and to review the waiting lists. The renewal letters will be sent over the next three weeks.

(5) C/008/08/4 - Jubilee Park Memorial Stone Installation: Cllr. B. Tulloch reported that the stone was now in place and the official unveiling by Miss Hern is scheduled for Saturday 16^th February. This has been published in the Kingswear Page, Herald Express. He thanked Cllrs. Usher and Lovell for their assistance with the project.

(6) C/008/08/07 - Kingswear Wood: Cllr. A. Usher attended a meeting with Mr Eliott and Cllr. J. Hawkins on 28^th January to discuss further a possible long term lease. A Woodland Report has been produced for tree maintenance, which points to potential continual high costs, which would be of concern to the Parish. It was noted that Mr Elliott had also submitted a Planning Application for a dwelling. Mr Elliott is preparing a ‘Heads of Agreement’ for consideration by the Council. Cllr. A. Lovell has sought some general advice from the National Trust regarding the requirements for tree maintenance. Action: Clerk to place on Agenda for next meeting for further discussion.

(7) C/012/08 - Cemetery Marking Bricks: Cllr. J. Henshall reported that she and the Clerk had visited the cemetery to plan installation of the marking bricks for the cremation area. A grid formation was suggested to assist the positioning of internment. Action: Clerk to further research material and quotes and report back to Council.

Cllr. J . Henshall raised concern regarding the maintenance and appearance of the Cemetery. Cllr. T. Pithers reported that he is meeting with the Ground Maintenance Contractor on 14^th February to discuss the Contractor’s brief for the Cemetery. Action: Clerk will check maintenance details. It was suggested that the Cemetery sub-committee meet to discuss in further detail and this item to be placed on the agenda for the next meeting.

(8) C/011/08 - Pet Cemetery: Cllr. A. Usher met with Ian Loram of T & I Stockman Funeral Directors, who was very helpful in advising the practicalities of introducing a Pet Cemetery. Unfortunately, following research conducted by Cllr. A. Lovell, it was found to be an unviable proposition, due to the legalities and regulations involved in burying animals, resulting in continual high costs.

(9) C/013/08 - Greenway Notice Board: Cllr. H. Newcombe reported that he was still awaiting an outcome.

(10) C/014/08 - Cemetery Lodge: An inspection of the property within the terms of the lease agreement has been arranged and will be carried out shortly.

(11) C/015/08 - Parish Emergency Plan: Cllr. J. Ferris commented that further to the recent unfortunate accident in the Parish that resulted in traffic congestion in Raddicombe Drive, the need for an Emergency plan was highlighted. Action: Council to consider further.

(12) C/017/08 - Churston Parking for Visitors: Cllr. A. Lovell reported that she was pleased with the project’s progress and all parties are working well together. This will be discussed at the separate meeting to be arranged (item C/031/08)

(13) C/018/08 - Repair of Sea Wall in Jubilee Park: Cllr. B. Tulloch reported that he had contacted the advising Engineer. He requested that the sub-committee meet with the engineer to discuss further. Action: Meeting to be arranged.

(14) C/005/08 - Dartmouth Transport Plan: Further to Cllr. J. Henshall’s recent meeting a copy of the Dartmouth Transport Plan has been distributed to each Councillor. She reported that it was proposed, this plan was not wholly acceptable. The surrounding Parishes are now given the opportunity to comment regarding their own individual circumstances. A new group will now examine the impact on the surrounding areas. This has been set up by John Halliday and Cllr. J. Hawkins, who will Chair the group. Comments will be received from various groups, including Dartmouth Town Council, Chamber of Trade, Stakeholders involved and local Parishes to produce a working document. Cllr. J. Ferris asked regarding the impact on Kingswear. Cllr. J. Henshall stated that the parking arrangements and traffic congestion and their effect on Dartmouth could be considered. Action: Councillors to further consider and raise any comments to be put forward at the next meeting. Clerk to place on Agenda.

Cllr. A. Lovell raised her concern over the speed of traffic passing through the village and drivers lack of consideration for other road users. The Council felt that speeding and dis- regard of signs was a major problem. Concern was expressed over a potential accident. Cllr. J. Henshall reminded the Council that a letter had been written to Devon County Council regarding the parking on the Banjo and the speed of vehicles travelling up Fore Street. PC R Hewitt has requested the Clerk to report the details of the discussions to him, in his absence. Action: Clerk to investigate letter and report back at next meeting. Report to PC R Hewitt.

Cllr. J. Ferris asked the Councillors for their views on cleanliness around the village. He has noticed more litter. Cllr. A. Lovell felt that it would be sensible to encourage the villagers as a whole to take individual responsibility for litter. Cllr. J. Henshall reported that she had contacted Les Barnes form SHDC over her concerns over the amount of dog excrement bags discarded on the roadsides. This has been acted upon and cleared. She had also been advised by the Clerk of Stoke Fleming that Parish Councils in his area had met with the responsible department representative from SHDC to discuss problems of street cleaning. It was suggested that the Council may wish to write a letter to SHDC to highlight the dis-satisfaction with street cleaning in the village. Cllr. A. Lovell has reported the amount of discarded MacDonalds waste to the restaurant’s Manager in Paignton, who took the concern on board and suggested there may be ways in which the company’s advertising can promote responsible litter disposal. It is obviously though, a personal responsibility. Action: Clerk to arrange a poster to be placed on Notice Board, Article to be placed in Parish Newsletter. Cllr. J. Hawkins to be consulted.

Cllr. B. Tulloch reported that Mr. R. Stone had brought to his attention the deterioration of the box. Action: Cllr. B. Tulloch to liaise with Mr. R. Stone regarding repairs needed.

Cllr. B. Tulloch confirmed that there was sufficient stock for the summer and Cllr.A. Usher that no further expense required.

Cllr. P. Pudduck raised concern over the heating and lighting in the Sarah Roope Trust Room where the Council holds its meetings. The heating is inadequate and there is no emergency lighting. Lighting is supplied by the use of a slot meter, proving expensive and which can run out during the meeting! Action: Proposed by Cllr. P. Pudduck and seconded by Cllr. B. Tulloch that the Clerk write to the Trust with these points, to review current hire arrangements.

The minutes of the Trustees Meeting held on the 15^th January 2008 were signed as a correct record. The Clerk presented the Council with a breakdown of costs for the Senior Citizens Lunch.

Cllr. J. Ferris reported that the planning application from Noss for the Marine Academy was going ahead and will be discussed in full by the Council.

Raddicombe Drive Car Park: A response is awaited from the Land Registry to ascertain ownership of the section of land in Raddicombe Drive where vehicles are causing an obstruction.

Flooding in Kennels Road: The Highways Section of Torbay Council reported that the need for drains to be placed in the fields above this road has been established.

Hillhead Community Path: The application has unfortunately been turned down by the Awards for all Department. Keith Rennells from SHDC is writing to challenge this as it is felt that there is some confusion regarding the information needed reference the agreement between the four landowners. A further application can be made. Action: Clerk to report further at next meeting.

Hedge Bordering Church Hill: The Council’s Contractor has was unable to cut this hedge as agreed, as despite the Clerk placing notices on vehicles in advance warning of the work to be carried out, there was one vehicle parked, hindering the job. This section of road needs to be completely clear. Action: Clerk to re-arrange date with Contractor and seek advice from PC. R. Hewitt regarding the practicalities of sectioning off the road.

2. Kingswear Regatta Committee: An email was received from Chris Boon of the Regatta Committee seeking Council agreement for the use of Jubilee Park for the Regatta on the 9^th and 10^th August. Action: Agreed and Clerk to reply to Committee.

3. Audit Commission. Appointment of External Auditor – Distributed to Councillors

4. River Dart Non Beneficiary Group Minutes, 23^rd January 2008: Cllr. P. Pudduck and Cllr. J. Hawkins attended this meeting.

6. The Dartmouth and Kingswear Society. Open Forum re Climate Change: the local impact (19^th February) - Distributed to Councillors, placed on Notice Board.

No.	Payee	For	Sum(£)	Cheque
1	Mainline	Reimbursement for expenses Sen. Cit Lunch	55.49	001900
2	The Royal Castle Hotel	Carlow Bequest Senior Citizens Lunch	891.00	001901
3	J Newman	Repairs to US Garden Wall	25.00	001902
4	Kingswear Village Stores	Drinks for Senior Citizens Lunch	82.91	001903
5	Candles and Soaps of Dartmouth	Decoration for Senior Citizens Lunch	26.94	001904
6	Torbay Display	Christmas Lights	1804.80	001905
7	Cllr.B. Tulloch	Expenses	10.00	001907
8	I Putt	Bin Emptying	24.00	001908
9	Kingfisher Print and Design	Chatter publication	235.00	001906
10	Greengardens	Open Cemetery ground work	310.00	001898
11	Greengardens	Jubilee Park ground work	410.00	001899
12	Greengardens	Closed Churchyard ground work	100.00	001897
		Total	3975.14

Public Footpaths: Cllr Henshall as a member of the public, wished to mention that DCC had replaced a sign at the bottom of Higher Wood Lane and altered the footpath at Fountain Violet where it had become very waterlogged. The slope has been modified and improved.

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