The Minutes of the Meeting held on Wednesday 24th January 2007 at 7.30pm
in Winkleigh Community Centre

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

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

The minutes of the meetings held 22/11/06, 6/12/06 & 13/12/06 & 10.1.07 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

1.1.7 REPORTS

TAAG: Cllrs were advised of next meeting 20th Feb 2007. Cllr Bowers advised she has raised concerns regarding the change in planning to scale drawings.

Post Office: Clerk advised Cllrs of notification of Post Office Network Consultation exercise. Item to be raised on February agenda.

Countryside Access Forum: Cllrs were advised of request for new members on the above forum.

DCC: Cllrs were formally advised of the reorganisation of the Highways team.

Primary School: Chairman advised that he had met with the "Green Club" at Winkleigh Primary School to discuss environmental issues. Said that we may be approached in the future in connection with "Fair Trade Status" for the community.

Community Centre: Chairman reminded Cllrs that there are two separate groups working on the Community centre, the Management Committee and CCOWS stating that the Parish Council should be represented on both of theses groups.

Redrow: The Chairman reported that Redrow homes have agreed to ensure that the details of the status of Shute Lane will be passed onto any prospective purchaser.

2.1.7 CLERKS REPORTS

Cllrs were in receipt of the Clerks full report a copy of which is appended to the agenda and posted in the notice boards.

The Clerk read out the letter received from the Environment Agency in response to the Parish Councils request for confirmation of the suitability of the Sewerage works in Winkleigh. The statement " I can also confirm that the Agency now has no specific concerns over the sewerage system in Winkleigh" and "The Agency is satisfied that with correct maintenance of the sewerage and sewerage treatment systems in Winkleigh there should be no adverse effects on the local environment". It was also suggested in the letter that Cllrs consider a site visit to the new sewerage works. Cllr Hodgson proposed that a site visit is requested from SWW - 2nd Cllr King: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

Public Period

3.1.7 PLANNING

A) Returned from TDC

a) 1/1320/2006/FUL: Demolition of existing garage, Winkleigh Court: REFUSED
b) 1/1318/2006/LBC: Demolition of existing garage, Winkleigh Court. APPROVED
c) 1/2565/2006/FUL: Retrospective application - replacing outhouse lean-to roof with pitched roof & alterations to create living accommodation, Tuckers House, Fore St, Winkleigh : APPROVED


Councillors queried a & b and were advised that TDC had not identified the applications correctly and the position is that approval has been given for the demolition of the existing garage at Court Walk Winkleigh but that the application for the replacement garage was REFUSED.

B) New Applications

a) 1/2645/2006/COU: Change of use of agricultural land to extension of domestic cartilage to approved residential plots 5,6,7 & 8 and children's play area, Land at Townsend Farm, Winkleigh : Cllr Hodgson proposed refusal of this application as the development would be outside the development boundary - 2nd Cllr King: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED: REFUSED

b) 1/2650/2006/FUL: Block up existing and create new entrance, Linden House garage, South Street, Winkleigh : Cllr Bowers proposed approval of the application - 2nd Cllr J.Turner: All in favour; MOTION CARRIED: APPROVED

c) 1/2690/2006/FUL: New double garage (in place of existing outbuilding) and new vehicular access, Townsend Farm, Winkleigh: Cllrs discussed in detail and raised concerns over the new access onto Townsend Hill. Cllrs felt that the application was not factual and that parts of the Devon bank and a mature tree would be affected by this application. Cllr Hodgson proposed that the application be refused due to the access onto Townsend Hill which is a major route through the village, close to the entrance for the Primary School on a fast stretch of road already identified as being of concern and where there is no pavement for pedestrians.- 2nd Cllr King: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED: REFUSED

4.1.7 FINANCE

a) Women's Royal British Legion :
Cllr King proposed that a donation of £50 to the Women's Royal British legion towards the remembrance wreath - 2nd Cllr Hodgson: all in favour: MOTION CARRIED


b) Receipts and payments

The following were received since the last meeting:

W.Carne (Burial Hunt-Dart) £ 147.34
W.Carne (Burial Lyne) £ 58.44
W.Carne (Burial Nottle) £ 14.52

Cllr King proposed that all the following payments were authorised - 2nd Cllr Hodgson- All in favour

Audit Commission ( Audit fees 2005/6) £ 141.00 Cheq 1160
Winkleigh Village Hall ( Hire for Police Surgery) £ 36.00 1161
SLCC ( Annual Subs) £ 85.00 1162
TDC ( ¼ Road Sweeping) £ 418.79 1163
ACE Signs ( 2 x brass plaques) £ 53.05 1164
Viking Direct (Stationary) £ 51.72 1165
N.Bullen ( Clerks Salary + expenses) £ 543.05 1166
Womens Royal British Legion ( donation/wreath) £ 50.00 1167
Winkleigh Community Centre (Hire) £ 27.50 1168
Andrew Ware ( Hedge @ Cemetery) £ 145.00 1169

The Clerk advised Cllrs of the completion of the annual Audit of Parish Council Accounts with Audit Commission advising no action required .

5.1.7. CURRENT BUSINESS MATTERS

a) Priorities list
The Chairman reminded Cllrs that there are still a number of outstanding projects.

b) Parish Plan
Cllr Bowers said she felt that the prioritising and implementation of the Parish Plan needs addressed as soon as possible and raised concerns regarding the financial implications of the requirement of a sustainability report to enable the Policies of the Parish Plan to be adopted as a supplementary planning document. The Chairman gave an update on actions taken to date in connection with the Planning Policy Elements of the Parish Plan. Cllrs were advised that a meeting had taken place with MCTI/SWRDA/TDC and representatives from Winkleigh at which time a proposal was put forward "that a Development Brief should be worked out for the whole Airfield, including the land owned by SWRDA. SWRDA indicated that they would meet the cost of the work needed to produce a brief . This document would be a formal part of the Local Development Framework". Cllrs agreed that it was essential to pursue SWRDA in this respect. Cllr J.Turner stated that 12 months ago it was agreed to arrange a meeting with TDC to clarify the planning designation of "Gerrydown Business Park" on the Airfield. Following discussions it was proposed by Cllr King that a letter is sent to TDC requesting clarification on the planning designation of "Gerrydown Business Park" on Winkleigh Airfield - 2nd Cllr J.Turner : All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.
Following further discussion Cllr Leahy proposed that Cllr Bowers be elected as the second representative of Winkleigh Parish Council to attend the meetings with the Chairman - 2nd Cllr Hodgson - voting: 5 for, 0 against, 1 abstention (Bowers): MOTION CARRIED.

Cllr Hodgson stated that the Parish Council need to formulate an action plan for addressing the Parish Plan and requested that this be raised on the February Agenda. The Clerk advised Cllrs of e-mail communication from Lucy McSherry Assistant Project Officer at TDC in the Regeneration department and a further letter from Cty Cllr Rawlinson requesting applications for funding under the "County Locality Budget". Cllrs agreed consider the Parish Plan ready to discuss these at the next meeting.
The Chairman stated additional involvement of Cllrs and the community would be required in order for the action plan to be implemented. Cllr J.Turner proposed that a meeting of the Parish Plan Steering Group be called before the next PC meeting - 2nd Cllr King: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED. Cllr King further proposed that a notice is placed in the village inviting representatives from the community to attend the meeting - 2nd Cllr Bowers: all in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

c) Vandalism
Cllr Leahy stated that there had been no further reports of vandalism to the seat at Old Chapel Gardens. It was proposed that the seat remains at current site at Old Chapel Gardens - 2nd Cllr King: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

d) Clifford's Way
The Clerk read out DCC's response for an update on the situation with improved disable access at Clifford's Way advising that there is no funding but that a bid has been made for 2007/8 and that until such a time as this funding is secured no action will be taken. Cllrs discussed at length including a draft response. It was proposed by Cllr Hodgon that the Parish Council respond to object to DCC's decision on this matter - 2nd Cllr King: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

e) Bus Shelter
Cllr J.Turner advised that the plaques were now ready to erect on the shelter. The Clerk advised that DCC are organising the supply of the bus stop sign and notice board and that the litter bin had been ordered from TDC.
Cllr J.Turner also advised that Broadwoodkelley PC are no longer interested in the old shelter. Following discussions Cllr King proposed that the old shelter be offered as a donation to the pre-school to be used as a storage shed but that if the pre-school do not require the shelter to advertise it locally and ask for "offers" - 2nd Cllr Hodgson: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

f) Cemetery
Moved to Part II

g) Conservation Officer
Cllr Bowers discussed on going concerns in connection with 2/3 Castle Street and "Cavaliers" Winkleigh. Cllrs discussed. Cllr Bowers proposed that the letter be sent to TDC Conservation Officer enclosing digital photographs taken requesting attention - 2nd Cllr Griffiths: voting 5 for, 0 against, 2 abstentions: MOTION CARRIED.

6.1.7 NEW BUSINESS

a) Communication System
The Chairman stated that this matter would be discussed later in the meeting under "Elections".

b) Wrin Charity
The Clerk read letter received from the Wrin Charity advising that Mr I Kingsbury and Mrs E.Heggadon had completed their term of office as Trustees but were willing to continue in post should the Parish Council wish. It was proposed by Cllr Hodgson that Mr Kingsbury and Mrs Heggadon are asked to stand as Trustees again- 2nd Cllr Turner: all in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

c) Repairs to memorial in Winkleigh Cemetery
The Clerk read letter received from the Royal British Legion to consider a request to financially assist with repair work to the memorial of Commander Steele VC. Cllr Hodgson gave Cllrs an update on this matter and Cllrs discussed at length. Cllr Hodgson proposed that Winkleigh Parish Council pay, without prejudice £30 to the Royal British Legion to assist with repair work to the memorial of Commander Steele VC- 2nd Cllr J.Turner: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

d) Cemetery Bungalow Tenancy
Moved to PART II

e) Torridge Housing Strategy
Cllr Bowers had already prepared a draft response to TDC's Housing Strategy which all Cllrs had had the opportunity to examine. It was proposed by Cllr Bowers to confirm the draft as Winkleigh Parish Council's formal response to TDC's Housing Strategy document- 2nd Cllr King: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

f) Elections 2007
The Chairman stated that there will be a full Council Election held in May 2007 and that the Cllrs should be encouraging parishioners to stand for election. The Chairman had issued a draft flyer to be delivered door-to-door and suggested a meeting /drop in event. It was proposed by Cllr King that the draft flyer be approved unedited and issued door-to-door - 2nd Cllr Bowers: all in favour: MOTION CARRIED. The Chairman advised that he had already approached Winkleigh Society who would on this occasion be happy to organise the door-to door-delivery but stated that he felt the Parish Council should be considering paying for this service.

g) Redrow/ Shute Lane
This matter had already been raised under reports but the Chairman further stated that he would draft a letter to residents backing onto Shute Lane advising of its special status. Cllr J.Turner stated that the Parish Council will need to look at Shute Lane as it is currently impassable.. It was agreed to raise this issue on the February agenda.

PUBLIC PERIOD II

7.1.7 . LATE ITEMS AT THE CHAIRMAN'S DISCRETION

1. The Clerk read out the letter from TDC of 15th January in response to the PC's letter of 14th December. Cllrs instructed the Clerk to respond thanking Ms Skinner for her detailed response and requesting that should there be ANY developments on this issue that the PC are advised immediately.
2. Cllr J.Turner advised that he had been approached by a resident in connection with a complaint about the number of BT vans parked on Torrington Road outside the BT base which are causing a traffic hazard: It was agreed to raise this on February agenda.
3. Cllrs were advised of three suggested locations for the dog bins. It was agreed to contact neighbouring residents to advise.