Present: Cllrs Stutt, Bowers, Cowle, J.Turner, Camilleri, Griffiths, De Louvois & Hodgson. Cllr Leahy * (arrived 8.25)
WPC Sally Middleton

Apologies: Cllrs King & N.Turner

The minutes of the meetings held on 22.2.06 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

1.3.06. REPORTS

DAPC: Cllr J Turner stated that at the last DAPC meeting concerns were raised over gratuities paid to Clerks and that they will become "meaningless after April 2006". This matter will need investigating in connection with the Clerks new contract.

TDC: Cllr Cowle advised that there are new changes to the operation of polling stations in line with the Government elections. Cllr Cowle also advised that Mr Gould the Chairman of TDC will be chairing the Biomass hearing on 4th April.

TDC Planning Matters: The Clerk advised Cllrs that the application to erect a sign by Redrow Homes has been refused by TDC adding that she has been further advised that the applicants have request an appeal.

TDC Enforcement: The Clerk gave an update on outstanding enforcement issues in the Parish

Police: The Clerk passed each Cllr a copy of the Police Newsletter issued by WPC Middleton. A full copy will be posted on the Notice board.

Public Period

2.3.6. PLANNING

A) Returned from DCC

Construction of new access onto public highway (B3220), GRP kiosk to house mcc electrical control and telemetry equipment and blower building, at Winkleigh Waste Water Treatment Works: CONDITIONAL PLANNING PERMISSION ISSUED 15th February 2006.

B) New Applications

a) 1/0222/2006/FUL: Amendment to planning approval 1/1003/2005/FUL for new dwelling. Repositioning of house to retain an existing earth bank and hedge within approved site. Release of conditions associated with the existing approval. Dartmoor View, Queen street, Winkleigh : Cllrs discussed previous determination of application. It was proposed by Cllr De Louvois that this application be refused on the same grounds as previous application (1/1003/2005/FUL) - 2nd Cllr J.Turner: voting 6 for, 0 against, 1 abstention (Cllr Cowle): MOTION CARRIED: REFUSED

b) 1/0325/2006/FUL: Two storey extension. Garage with bedroom over existing parking spaces, 65 Westcots Drive, Winkleigh : Following discussions regarding concerns about the increasing density of "The Meadows" and the particular need expressed for this extension it was proposed by Cllr Bowers that this application be approved- 2nd Cllr Griffiths. Voting: 4 for, 1 against, 2 abstentions : MOTION CARRIED: APPROVED

c) 1/0267/2006/FUL: Two storey extension to the side of an existing dwelling for use by a dependant relative, 2 Looseden Cottages, Winkleigh : Cllrs discussed the previous application (1/1932/2005/FUL) which the Parish Council had approved but TDC had refused. The Clerk gave details of the refusal by TDC. Cllr de Louvois proposed that this application be approved subject to the issue of off road parking being addressed to the satisfaction of the Highways authority - 2nd Cllr Bowers: voting 6 for, 0 against, 1 abstention (Cllr Cowle): MOTION CARRIED :APPROVED WITH CONDITIONS.

3.3.6. CURRENT BUSINESS MATTERS

a) Biomass

The Clerk stated that TDC have announced that the hearing into the WINBEG planning application will be held on 4TH April 2006 at Winkleigh Sports Centre and that she had booked the Parish Council in to speak at the meeting.
The Chairman addressed the Parish Council giving an update on the Community Meeting held on 21st March. Cllrs were advised that the main object of the meeting had been to co-ordinate the objections to optimise the 45 minutes available for objectors to address TDC's Plans Committee. The Chairman confirmed that a number of local parish council's had been represented at the meeting and that there had been general agreement on the efforts to agree a co-ordinated response.

The Chairman asked Cllrs if they felt that any further actions were required prior to the hearing. Cllr Camilleri stated that he felt TDC's plans to give only 45 minutes to hear objections was unacceptable as there is a huge number of residents who will want to air their views. The Chairman responded that he was still trying to negotiate with Mal Brown (TDC's Strategic Director of Improvements) and that the time constraints remain one of the issues being debated. The Chairman advised Cllrs that TDC have stated that if the Developers are heckled during their time to speak then time will be taken from the objectors time limit of 45 mins. The Chairman advised that he has requested that any questions to the Developer or the community be addressed outside the 45 minute so as not to reduce the time available for objections to be aired.

Cllr Hodgson queried if the Parish Council will be using their allocated 3 minutes to firmly state the Parish Council's opposition to the WINBEG application as it is essential that as a formal statutory consultee their views must be recorded. The Chairman responded that he agreed that this statement must be made and that all Cllrs will be able to view the final draft document prior to the hearing.

WPC Sally Middleton then addressed the Parish Council. Cllrs were advised that she and anther officer will be on duty in the village on 4th April and that the Traffic Warden has also been called in. The Police role for the day is primarily to ensure safety and parking will be a particular issue that needs attention. It was agreed that WPC Middleton would liaise with Cllr J.Turner regarding possible parking at the top of the Playing Fields or in a nearby field. Cllrs were advised that any illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed. Cllr Hodgson suggested that in consultation with the tenant, the gates to the Cemetery are locked to prevent parking in the cemetery grounds.

Cllr Hodgson queried if there were any guidelines in respect of a peaceful democratic protest. WPC Middleton responded that everyone has the right to freedom of speech but that it is best to take a common sense approach and remain calm.

Cllr Bowers advised that she has drafted some posters and a leaflet. The leaflet will be delivered door-to-door via Distinctly Winkleigh. Cllr Bowers agreed to add details on parking etc to the leaflet. Cllr Bowers then read out a letter from Professor Lovelock.

Cllr Cowle advised Cllrs that it is likely that TDC will hold the site visit on 30TH March.

b) Parish Plan

The Chairman stated that some clarification was needed regarding comments made at the February Parish Council in respect of the next step with the Parish Plan. Cllrs were advised that following the meeting with the Local Plans department at TDC, the policy aspects of the Parish Plan need to be extracted and put together to formulate a Supplementary Planning Document.

" Cllr Leahy arrived at the meeting (8.25)

The Chairman stated that consideration needed to be given to organising the implementation of the Parish Plan stating that the original steering group had been formed to work on the questionnaire and production of the Plan. The Chairman stated that he believed that the steering group now needs to be supplemented with people who will work on specific projects identified in the plan and move them forward.

c) DDA

The Clerk advised Cllrs of the situation regarding the DDA audit carried out by DCC which had recommended changes to the Village Square that had not been supported by the residents or the Parish Council. The plans for Winkleigh were therefore not being progressed. Following discussions it was agreed that the recommendations of DCC be circulated before the next meeting for further discussion and investigation.

d) Footpath No 14 Winkleigh

Cllr Hodgson stated that he would abstain from all discussions and voting on this matter.

The Clerk read out a letter from Mr Johnathan Rowlands DCC's Rights of Way Warden requesting that the Parish Council reconsider the request to divert Footpath no 14, Winkleigh following his visit and report. A further letter was read out from a private individual stating that she felt that the footpath has improved. Following discussions Cllr de Louvois said that he has walked the footpath again with members of the Footpath group and further proposed that Winkleigh Parish Council lift their objection to the diversion of Footpath no 14 - 2nd Cllr J.Turner: voting 6 for, 0 against, 2 abstentions (Cllrs Cowle & Hodgson): MOTION CARRIED.

e) Clerks contract & Salary
The new salary rates and expenses conditions for the Clerk were discussed in Part II of the February Parish Council meeting. It was proposed by Cllr J.Turner that the new rates as proposed by Cllrs Stutt, Hodgson & Griffiths be formally ratified by the Parish Council - 2nd Cllr Bowers: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED

f) Community Centre
Cllrs further discussed the proposal agreed at the February meeting to request that DCC provide car parking facilities at the Pre-school site once vacated.
It was proposed that Cllrs J.Turner and Hodgson would contact Cty Cllr J.Rawlinson and agree the correct procedure/route to take this proposal forward to DCC. The Clerk would then take the appropriate actions required - All in favour MOTION CARRIED.

4.3.6 NEW BUSINESS

a ) Police Surgery
PC Middleton had informed Cllrs at the February meeting that the Police Surgery held in the Village is still being underused and had asked that the Parish Council give some feedback to the Police suggesting possible changes in times, venue to improve the service.
Following discussions Cllr Leahy proposed that it is suggested that the Police Surgery be held on a Wednesday morning in the Community centre when the market is being held 9- 10.30am - 2nd Cllr Hodgson : All in favour: MOTION CARRIED

b) Government funding of DCC
Cllr J Turner stated that concerns over the Governments reduced funding for Devon were discussed at length at the DAPC meeting. It had been agreed at the meeting that a letter of protest be sent to the Deputy Prime Minister stating concerns over rural communities suffering greatly under the new system. Following discussions it was proposed by Cllr J.Turner and 2nd by Cllr Hodgson that the Parish Council also write a letter of protest : All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

c) Parking in Winkleigh Square
Cllr Bowers discuss concerns raised by residents of parking restricting access to the Old Coach House informing Cllrs that a copy of the letter had been sent to TLSO. Cllr Bowers informed Cllrs that she had spoken to Mr Banting at TLSO and been advised of the actions that could be taken but had requested a letter from the Parish Council. Cllrs were also advised that a letter had been received regarding fading of white lines outside Holly Cottage. Cllr Bowers advised that she had also been approached by the residents at "Elsemere" in connection with the land immediately outside the property. This area is rough and untreated and believed to be the property of Highways.
It was proposed by Cllr Bowers that the Parish Council write to Mr Banting at TLSO requesting that the white lines in the square need repainting, a new white line outside the entrance to "the Old Coach House" and that a request to concrete or tarmac the area outside Elsemere be considered - 2nd Cllr Camilleri: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

d) Redrow Homes
The Clerk reported a request made by Redrow Homes to name the access road to the proposed residential development adjacent to Exeter Road / Shute Lane as "Winkleigh Cross". Cllrs discussed.

It was proposed by Cllr Bowers that Winkleigh Parish Council have stated that when Redrow Homes have corrected their inaccurate and misleading design statement, removed their sign erected without planning permission, can indicate the point of connection to the sewerage works as recommended at the Secretary of State's hearing and have concluded their negotiations with Torridge District Council's Planning department regarding the conditions of approval Winkleigh Parish Council would be happy to consider the request for the naming of streets but at this point the Councillors feel that this mater is premature."- 2nd Cllr de Louvois: 7 for ,1 abstention .MOTION CARRIED.

Public Period II

5.3.6. FINANCE

The Councillors discussed the new Council Tax bills issued by TDC stating that the increase by the Parish Council is show as 15.6%. It was stated that Cllrs must explain this increase to the public.

a) Review of Cemetery fees for financial Year 1.4.06 - 31.3.07

Cllrs were advised that the last increase had been a 10% increase in all fees from 1st April 2005. Cllrs requested a full breakdown of maintenance fees and income received for the next Parish Council meeting when further discussions would take place.

b) Rent review for financial Year 1.4.6. - 31.3.07 (to include details of property inspection)

The Chairman advised that the Cemetery Bungalow inspection had taken place and that the report was currently with Cllr King. Further discussions at the next PC meeting.
c) Receipts and payments

The following payments were presented to the meeting:

Winkleigh Community Centre (Hire) £ 15.00 Cheque 1122
Andrew Ware (1/4 Cemetery Maint) £ 250.00 1124
DAPC (Local Council Review) £ 14.00 1125
SWEB (Electricity: Winkleigh Square) £ 92.00 1126 DPFA (Annual Subs) £ 15.00 1127 N.Bullen (Clerks Salary & expenses) £ 314.55 1128
It was proposed by Cllr Hodgson that the payments be approved - 2nd Cllr J.Turner: All in favour.

Councillors were advised of an invitation to attend a meeting held by Barnstaple Town Council on Climate Change on Wednesday 5th April.

The Clerk read out a letter from Mr Clive Stringer in connection with a new planning application submitted by Eggesford Airfield.

There were a number of letters and correspondence for inspection by Cllrs.

There being no further business to transact the meeting was declared closed at 9.50pm