| MINUTES |
23rd February 2005
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WINKLEIGH PARISH COUNCIL
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The Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 23rd
February 2005 7.30pm
in Winkleigh Community Centre |
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Cllrs Present: Stutt, J.Turner, Bowers, King, Colgrave, Camilleri,Griffiths,
De Louvois & Hodgson |
| The minutes of the meeting held on 26th January 2005 were confirmed and signed as a correct record. |
| 1.2.5. GUEST SPEAKER MR TIM GENT The Chairman introduced Mr Tim Gent to the meeting advising that this was a chance to hear of a proposed initiative for Winkleigh Airfield. Mr Gent addressed the Cllrs advising that the aim of the project was to regain control of the parish back to the community and was organised by a small team of Winkleigh residents. Mr Gent stressed that the project was deliberately ambitious and included projects for Winkleigh Airfield and beyond. The main project site would be the SWRDA owned land on Winkleigh Airfield with the main emphasis and basis centred on Training. Mr Gent informed Cllrs that the project would require a number of key structural elements ie. Workshops, lecture hall, visitor centre (to include heritage information display), environmentally sustainable housing and a small biomass energy plat (approximately 1MW output) and a lake . Cllrs were informed that all structures would be designed and built by those in the training project. Cllrs were advised that landscaping would be essential and would benefit the local flora and fauna and be of aesthetic excellence. Tree planting and the establishment of nature reserves would also be very important elements of the project. Mr Gent stressed that all the project energy needs would be from renewables, the project would reduce or eradicate emissions and be self-sufficient regarding water requirements. Mr Gent stressed that the aim of the project is to be environmentally invisible and assured the Cllrs that the project would fulfil National and Regional criteria. Mr Gent advised Cllrs that the first goal of the project is to develop training projects on the Airfield stating that community support, partnership and environment awareness (genuine sustainability) are essential. Cllrs were advised that formative financial support would be essential and that this would be sought from Government Agencies, charities and private business. Mr Gent reported that initial investigations have been encouraging. Cllrs were advised that once in place the project should be self-financing. Mr Gent concluded his presentation by stating that community ownership of the project was essential and that the exact structure and management of the project still need to be identified. The Chairman thanked Mr Gent for his informative presentation and stated that although the PC could not debate the issues tonight it was essential that the Pc investigate how best to address this matter. |
| 2.2.5 .PUBLIC PERIOD Cllrs were advised of a number of complaints of speeding on Townsend Hill. |
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3.2.5. REPORTS |
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4.2.5. PLANNING |
| 5.2.5. MATTERS ARISING a) Biomass The Chairman advised that he had circulated an update from Winkleigh Society to Cllrs. The Clerk advised that she had spoken to Mr Seaman at TDC and gave an update of the current position including stating that TDC would not be discussing the PPL application in February. The Chairman said that he understood that the DTI Grant deadline was in March. The Chairman advised that at the last PC meeting a member of the public had requested information on the voting of Cllrs at a previous meeting when the PPL application was considered. Cllr King said that the vote had been recorded at the time and the Cllrs concerned had been absent and therefore not voted at all. She further stated that she understood that the Cllrs could not answer this question as they were not at the meeting when the full debate took place adding that any Cllr could be approached directly by a member of the public and asked how they stand on this or any other matter. b) Vandalism Cllr Colgrave gave a copy of a letter he had received from Inspector Booty from South Molton Police Station following his discussions with Chief Inspector Nutt. Cllrs were given an update of the policing situation for Winkleigh and were advised that there would be a new PC for Winkleigh in April and that there would be 2 - 3 patrols of the village a week . Cllr Colgrave advised that he had requested that a representative from the police attend a PC meeting and that it was hoped that this would be soon. Cllr Colgrave also reported that the police are still advertising for the vacant staff position for the police surgery in the village. c) Traffic Group Report Cllrs had previously circulated the traffic report in full for consideration. At the meeting each Cllr was issued with a copy of the opinion survey carried out following display of the proposals in the village. Cllr Colgrave said that he was concerned about proposal 8. The Chairman responded that these issues should not be addressed at this meeting. Cllr Camilleri said he also had some concerns and felt that they must be discussed at this meeting before proceeding as there were issues which he felt needed to be discussed before the PC ratified the proposals. Cllr Turner said that he had suggested at the last meeting that the Pc meet with DCC (Highways) and the Police to gain further information before proceeding with ratification. Following debate it was proposed by Cllr Bowers that an Extraordinary meeting of the PC would be called to meet with DCC & the police - 2nd Cllr de Louvois : All in favour MOTION CARRIED. |
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6.2.5. NEW BUSINESS d) Clifford's Way |
| 7.2.5 PUBLIC PERIOD Mrs Tong addressed the PC and said that explained reasons for asking for information from Cllrs regarding their position on the WINBEG application. She stated that she felt that the public had a right to know where their elected representatives stood on any issue. Mr Leahy addressed the PC regarding Beaford Arts stating that he was pleased that the Pc had offered their support as Winkleigh has benefited from the services provided and that entertainment such as that provided are essential to rural communities . Mr Scarlett addressed the PC regarding Mr Gents presentation at the start of the meeting. Mr Scarlett urged all Cllrs to find a way of supporting the proposals. |
| 8.2.5 FINANCE a) Receipts : W.D.Carne (Burial fees) £ 142.80 David D Gynn (internment ashes) £ 22.00 J.Turner (Fixing of memorial) £ 30.00 b) Payments made : Winkleigh Village Hall (Hire) £ 55.00 SLCC (clerks annual subs) £ 64.00 Community Centre (hire) £ 146.62 N.Bullen (Clerks Salary + expenses) £ 292.82 Viking Direct (Stationary) £ 106.52 |
| 9.2.5 LETTERS & CORRESPONDENCE The following documents were considered. 1) TDC Housing Strategy Consultation ( circulated) 2) Safer North Devon "PCSO & Community Wardens" (Circulated) 3) Scheduled Monument Doc for Court Castle (circulated for next meeting) 4) Letter from Winkleigh Pre-school ( item for next agenda) There were also a number of magazines & flyers for examination. |
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