The Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 26th January 2006 at 7.30pm
in Winkleigh Community Centre

Present: Cllrs Stutt, Bowers, J.Turner, King, Leahy, Griffiths & Hodgson

Apologies: Cllrs de Louvois, Camilleri, N.Turner & Cowle

Cllrs formally agreed to extract an entry on the minutes of the November Minutes.
Discussion also took place on the fact that the details of a letter read to Cllrs was not minited in full. Following discussions it was agreed that this item on the minutes should not be amended.
Once first entry removed the minutes for 23.11.5 were signed as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19/12/5 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

1.1.6. Reports

The Chairman gave a statement to the Parish Council advising that a letter of complaint regarding the conduct of one of the Councillors was received by the Parish Council. The Chairman advised that formal advice had been sought from the DAPC and followed. The Clerk had advised the complainant that the appropriate body to deal with such an allegation is the Standards Board of England and provided contact details. The Chairman informed Cllrs that the Parish Council must not investigate this matter and further the letter of complaint itself could not be read out as it was potentially defamatory. The Chairman advised that a note was held on Council file stating the actions taken by the Chairman and Vice Chair.

POLICE: The Chairman advised that he had met with the Police and youth workers in December. He advised that the Police are regularly calling at the Youth Club to talk to the youth and the youth group leaders. The Chairman advised that the Police would like to meet regularly with representatives of the Parish Council.
The Chairman also advised that Pc Middleton has requested that the hall be booked an hour early for the next PC meeting to allow her to hold a "police clinic".
Cllr J.Turner also reported on the recent Police Liaison meeting.

Travellers: Cllr Bowers reported that there are travellers in the DCC compound on Winkleigh Airfield and that she had been in contact with Mr Rawlinson who is investigating. Cllrs were also advised that DCC Highways, DCC Gypsy Liaison and the Police have all been informed.

Biomass: The Clerk advised that TDC are holding an internal meeting on 6th February to agree a timetable of actions to handle the biomass application. The Clerk also reported that District Cllr Cowle has notified the PC that he has asked for the application to be 'called in' "if officers are minded to approve".

Planning Enforcement: The Clerk gave an update on 3 requests for enforcement action in the Parish.

Public Period

Cllrs were informed that there is an active Police log for the Travellers and that this should be quoted when contacting the Police.

Cllrs were given a detailed update of the progress being made by CCOWS. They were advised that CCOWS had been successful in obtaining grant money to assist the CCOWS group in developing a business plan and associated work for the Centre which it is hoped will be completed by March. This would coincide with the planned 'Open Day' on 1st March where parishioners will be encouraged to share ideas, designs & suggestions.
Mr Fisher informed the Pc that DCC are handling the Centre building and the pre-school land as one asset and have stated that they require vacant possession for best value. Cllrs were advised that DCC wish to complete this in the next financial year. The Cllrs were informed that this means that CCOWS must now also consider taking on the pre-school site in addition to the Centre building and are quite concerned about the pre-school land
Mr Fisher completed his update requesting that the PC give CCOWS further details on previous requests of storage space, Cllr surgery details and also on suggestions for alternative uses for the pre-school land.


It was reported to Cllrs that planning application 1/1739/2005/FUL had been approved for holiday let and that the cabins were being advertised as for sale as 2nd homes.

2.1.6. PLANNING

A)Returned from TDC

a) 1/1739/2005/FUL: 9 no timber holiday cabins (1 to double as show cabin), 2 no fishing lakes, wildlife garden and run a professional fishing operation, Western Barn, Hatherleigh Road, Winkleigh : APPROVED

b) 1/0791/2005/AGR: Extension to existing shed, Durdon Farm, Winkleigh: APPROVED

c) 1/1932/2005/FUL: Two storey extension to the side of dwelling for use by a dependant relative, 2 Loosden Cottages, Winkleigh: REFUSED

d) 1/2173/2005/FUL: Erection of a two-storey building to provide a pre-school with associated landscaping and parking, Winkleigh Primary School: APPROVED

e) 1/0296/2005/FUL: Proposed demolition of existing premises and erection of 1 cottage with integral parking and 4 2bed apartments with understorey parking, Former Stove Centre, Exeter Road, Winkleigh: APPROVED

B) New Applications

a) 1/2411/2005/COU: Change of use Agricultural land to become part of domestic curtilage to approved residential plots 5,6,7 & 8 and children's' play area, Townsend farm, Winkleigh : APPROVED : All in favour

b) 1/2408/2005/REM: Erection of dwelling and attached garage, Plot 9, Townsend Farm, Winkleigh: Cllrs discussed this application at length. It was stated that the PC had previously considered an application for this site for plots 10 & 11 and that there had been no changes therefore the same response as 1/1798/2005/REM: Refused with details: All in favour

c) County Matter : Construction of new access onto public highway (B3220), GRP Kiosk to house mcc electrical control and telemetry equipment & blower building at Winkleigh Waste Water (Amended application): Cllr Leahy abstained from all discussion and voting. APPROVED:

D) 1/0014/2006/FUL: Demolish and rebuild existing garage and existing porch, creation of office for holistic therapy business, Barnfield House, Chulmleigh Road, Winkleigh. APPROVED.

3.1.6 CURRENT BUSINESS MATTERS

A) The Management of Council Business & Work load
The Chairman referred to Cllr Kings priority list as agreed following the November meeting stating that the PC had a number of assets that required maintenance and that this must be actioned in conjunction with the priority list.
Cllrs were informed that the first priority identified by Cllrs who had completed the list was Biomass. The Chairman stated that at this time there was no action required on this matter.
The second highest priority identified had been the Parish Plan. The Chairman advised that he believed the first step to this was to contact TDC to determine the procedure to get the Parish Plan formally adopted as a supplementary planning document. The Chairman advised that he, Cllr King and Mr Smith would meet with TDC.
The next priority identified was the Clerks Salary & conditions, which requires a new contract of employment, new terms and salary increase in line with the NALC agreed National Framework. The Clerk had provided a Model Contract for consideration, The Chairman advised that he, Cllr Hodgson & Cllr Griffiths would meet to consider issues and hopefully report to the February PC meeting
The Chairman then gave an outline of other works in progress advising:
The Cemetery Headstone check had been completed
Internal inspection of the Cemetery Bungalow is required & a new agreement considered.
A number of issues have been identified by A.Ware at the Cemetery.
The Clerk will investigate drafting terms & conditions for cemetery 'users'

Cllr Bowers queried the timescales on the issues raised by the Chairman to which the Chairman responded that items could be brought forward if Cllrs came forward and offered assistance in proceeding with projects. The Chairman stated that the original list of work is very long but that Cllrs had set their priorities and that it is to this list that he and the Vice-Chairman are working.

Cllr J.Turner reported that the two pipes under the main road outside the cemetery had been unblocked during the winter and that the area now needs dug out and cleared. Cllr Turner stated that this may need a small digger.

B) Cemetery Bungalow Chimney
Cllr Leahy declared an interest and abstained from all discussion & voting.
Cllr King gave an update regarding the problems with the chimney at the Cemetery Bungalow and advised Cllrs of the three alternatives available to the PC.
Cllrs were given details of the quotation from Kenwyn Stove & Chimney Co.Ltd. and Cllr King advised that she had had great difficulty locating anyone who had the relevant qualifications to complete this job. Cllrs discussed at length stating that the PC had recently funded the installation of a new oil fired central heating system at the property. Following a long debate Cllr Hodgson stated that the tenant should be advised not to use the fireplaces which would give the PC more time to consider the various alternatives and funding requirements for each. Cllr Hodgson proposed that the Tenant is formally instructed not to use the open fireplaces on the grounds of Health and Safety - seconded Cllr Bowers: all in favour (Cllr Leahy abstained) .


C) Community Centre
The Chairman advised that representatives from the PC had attended the CCOWS meetings and that he was trying to contact various bodies including the pre-school to hold a meeting. The Chairman stated that he felt the Pc should formally thank Gordon, Janet, Val and the other members of CCOWS for their work on this project.
The Chairman stated that the PC does need a secure storage area for Parish Council documents and agreed to further investigate space requirements and fees.
Cllr Hodgson addressed CCOWs query regarding the pre-school land and said that he felt the PC should be investigating small affordable housing units for community housing adding that he was aware of other local councils who were receiving assistance in this area.
Following discussions Cllr Bowers proposed that the PC assure CCOWS in principal that the Parish Council have intentions to house archive materials and hold surgeries in the centre subject to agreements on fees and that the Parish Council fully support the CCOWS group in their endeavours - 2nd Cllr King: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED

The Chairman suggested that this matter be raised on the February agenda for further discussion.

D) Clerks Salary & Terms of Employment
This item had been addressed under 3.1.6.9 (A).

4.1.6. NEW BUSINESS

A) Drains in Winkleigh Square
The Clerk read out a letter from a resident regarding drain provision in Winkleigh Square. The Chairman proposed that the PC contact South West Water and request that they investigate the situation - 2nd Cllr |Bowers: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

Public Period II

5.1.6. Late Items at the Chairman's discretion

The Clerk advised Cllrs of communication received from Keith Bines TDC Planning in connection with the Redrow Homes planning application currently being handled by TDC. Cllrs were advised that Redrow have asked TDC to consider alterations to the conditions of approval in connection to the conditions of occupancy & sewerage infrastructure improvements. Cllr J.Turner declared an interest and abstained from all discussion and voting. Cllrs discussed at length and Cllr Bowers had prepared a draft response objecting to Redrow's request giving a detailed explanation behind the objection. It was proposed by Cllr Bowers that Winkleigh Parish Council strongly object to the request made by Redrow Homes giving detailed grounds for their refusal - 2nd Cllr Griffiths: All in favour (1 abstention): MOTION CARRIED

6.1.6. FINANCE

A) Financial Statement-

The Clerk had already issued Cllrs with an up to date financial statement for January 2006. The Clerk further advised that she had requested the transfer of £3000 from the Reserve Account into the Current Account.

B) Receipts and payments

It was proposed by Cllr King and seconded by Cllr J.Turner that the following payments be authorised:

TDC ¼ Road sweep £ 419.15 cheque 1114
Andrew Ware ¼ Cemetery Maintenance £ 250.00 1115
Spirebourne (work to septic tank) £ 204.00 1116
Village Hall (Hire) £ 50.00 1117
SLCC (Annual Subs) £ 64.00 1118
N.Bullen (Clerks Salary + expenses) £ 387.23 1119
Winkleigh Community Centre (Hire) £ 5.00 1120

C) Funding request by WWW - Chairman

The Chairman reminded Cllrs of the request made by WWW. for funding and further proposed that the Parish Council agree to £200 per annum for the next 3 years. Cllrs discussed this proposal raising concerns over the financial position of the PC following the last financial statement issued by the Clerk. Cllr J.Turner queried if it was appropriate for public money to be spent on advertising businesses in the Parish and said that he felt that a small contribution from the businesses would address the funding concerns of the Directory. Cllr Bowers suggested that the Businesses be approached first and then the PC be asked to consider filling any shortfall. Following further discussion Cllr Hodgson suggested that the PC consider a compromise to the situation and agree to fund the aspect of the Directory which covers community/voluntary organisations and services. Following this debate the Chairman withdrew his original proposal and Cllr King proposed that the PC donate £100 to WWW. Directory for this year but review any contribution for further years - 2nd Cllr Griffiths: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

7.1.6. LETTERS AND CORRESPONDENCE FOR COUNCIL ATTENTION

1. Cllrs were advised that TDC Scrutiny Committee are looking into some of the policies within the TDC Planning document and would like to hear views from Parish Council. It was agreed to put this matter on the February agenda.
2. Cllrs were reminded of the next TAAG meeting on 4/2/6.
3. Cllrs were reminded of the availability of TDC's Statement of Community Involvement - submission to Secretary of State document
4. The Clerk read out a letter from a resident raising concerns about traffic and speeding to and from Seckington Cross and Townsend Hill. Cllrs agreed that this issue is being handled under "traffic" as part of the Parish Plan.

8.1.6. DOCUMENTS/MAGAZINES & CIRCULARS

There were a number of documents available for Cllrs to consider. Those not collected will be held by the Clerk.


There being no further matters to discuss the meeting was declared closed at 9.26pm

There were a number of documents available for Cllrs to consider. Those not collected will be held by the Clerk.


There being no further matters to discuss the meeting was declared closed at 9.26pm