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

Apologies: Cllrs Cowle & N.Turner

The minutes of the meeting held on 28th March 2007 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Water : Cllr Camilleri reported that he had attended 2 incidents of arson in the parish and that there is a problem with the water pressure. Cllr Camilleri reported that should there be a serious fire in the residential area of the village the poor water pressure could have very serious implications. Cllr Camilleri requested that this matter be put on the next agenda.

Footpath no 22. : Cllr de Louvois reported that DCC's Footpath Officer, Johnathan Rowlans, will be having a site meeting with Mr Butler and Mr Trenaman on 1st May.

Sewerage Works: Cllr De Louvois had completed a detailed report on the site visit to Winkleigh Waste Water Treatment Works.

Mrs Briant-Evans addressed the Parish Council. Cllrs were advised that in 2003 The Community College achieved Business & Enterprise status and that this enabled improved funding from the Government. The Community College now has to re-apply for their status and new targets have been set for them to meet. One of the targets is improved communication/relationships with the wider community. Mrs Brian-Evans informed Cllrs of the numerous benefits that The Community College could offer Winkleigh including IT access & training, Chulmleigh Sports Hall and floodlit outside courts, the public library and access to adult education courses. Mrs Briant-Evans also gave a number of examples where Winkleigh as a community could benefit The Community College including providing places for work experience, volunteers, dissemination of information, funding and experience & advice.
Cllrs were further advised of the opportunities for both groups to help and support each other including the exchange of information, wider dispersal of information and Parish Plan issues such as transport and adult education.
Mrs Briant-Evans issued Cllrs with a questionnaire to complete and return to the college and left a selection of documents for Cllrs to consider.

The Chairman thanked Mrs Briant-Evans for her presentation to the Parish Council stating that regular communication between both organisations should be encouraged.

Election: An Election will be held on Thursday 3rd May 2007 for the 11 vacant seats on Winkleigh Parish Council

APM: Notice of Annual Parish Meeting on Monday 30th April, 8om in Winkleigh Community Centre

Air Ambulance: Cllrs were advised that Devon Airsports (Eaglescott Airfield) have granted a 125 year lease of part of the airfield free of charge to Devon Air Ambulance.

Housing Association : Cllrs were advised that Signpost H.A are inviting interested parties to discuss the shared ownership and rental properties available on the Redrow development on Monday 30th April 3pm-7pm in the Village Hall. Posters around the parish.

Police: Cllrs had each been issued with a copy of the April police newsletter. Copy to be posted in notice boards. WPC Middleton had also stated that in connection with numerous complaints and concerns regarding parking on the Exeter raod/A3124 junction her suggestion would be to have yellow lines painted around the junction which would enable ticketing of offenders. It was agreed to raise this matter as an agenda item.

Vandalism: The two Parish Council benches at the old Ring 'o' Bells site outside All Saints Church were vandalised over 14th & 21st April. Crime reported - ref CT07239. Andrew Ware has removed the destroyed bench and made repairs to the second bench. Removed bench held by Andrew awaiting instructions from the PC.

Cllr Cowle had sent his apologies to the meeting but the Chairman took the opportunity to publicly acknowledge Cllr Cowle's long service to the community in his roles as Parish and District Councillor.

6.4.7. PLANNING

A) Returned from TDC

a) 1/0236/2007/FUL: Erect conservatory to rear, 11 Kings Meadow Drive, Winkleigh: Approved

B) New Applications

a) 1/0324/2007/FUL: Two storey side extension, 3 Lendon Way, Winkleigh : Following discussions it was proposed by Cllr King that " Wnkleigh Parish Council refuse this application due to the fact that the original development of "The Meadows" was designed to maximum density. Permitting further extensions to properties will further increase the density of the site & Councillors also object to the fact that should this extension be permitted then two car parking spaces will be lost which will result in 2 additional cars parked on the minor roads of this residential development - 2nd Cllr de Louvois: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED: REFUSED

b) 1/0357/2007/FUL: Erection of timber stable block, Land adjacent to Betham Bungalow, Stable Green, Wembworthy: It was proposed by Cllr De Louvois that the Parish Council have no objections to this application and therefore recommend approval - 2nd Cllr Griffiths: voting 7 for, 0 against, 1 abstention ( Cllr Hodgson). MOTION CARRIED: APPROVED

a) Receipts and Payments

The Clerk read out a letter from Wendy Mondy in respect of WWW. Information Directory. Cllrs discussed and Cllr Bowers proposed the previous agreement to make a donation of £100 towards the Information Directory be confirmed and the cheque issued to the appropriate payee following presentation of an invoice - 2nd Cllr Hodgson : All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

It was proposed by Cllr King that the following payments were approved

Torridge District Council ( ¼ Road sweeping) £418.79 Cheque no 1183
DPF ( Annual Subscription) £ 15.00 1184 Winkleigh Community Centre (Hire) £ 48.50 1185
Mrs N J Bullen (Clerks Salary & expenses April) £ 548.31 1186
Viking Direct Limited (Stationary) £ 135.26 1188

-2nd Cllr Bowers: All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.

b) Financial Statement for Year ending 31st March 2007.

The Clerk issued each Cllr with a copy of the end of year statements and bank reconciliation for consideration.

a) Discussions on Clerks Reports
Cllr de Louvois referring to his earlier report on the site visit to Winkleigh Sewerage Treatment works proposed that the Clerk be requested to write a formal letter to SWW stating that although we are more than satisfied with the new Sewerage Farm WPC have serious reservations concerning the bore of discharge pipes from the village. If not already received we also need a definitive statement concerning the capacity of the new sewerage station quoted either in units of people or properties - 2nd Cllr Hodgson : voting: 7 for, 0 against, 1 abstention ( Cllr Leahy).
b) Priorities List
The Chairman reminded Cllrs of the list of outstanding business and said that priorities need to be worked on.

The Clerk addressed the Cllrs and advised of contact from the Funeral Director in connection with the removal of soil from the Cemetery. It has been formally established that the Parish Council must allocate an area for the collecting of top soil within the cemetery grounds and amend the terms and conditions for the Cemetery. The Clerk stated that this work must be a priority for the Parish Council.

c) Parish Plan/Land Use
The Chairman advised Cllrs that a small quorum of the original steering group for the parish plan had met and discussed progress so far. Cllrs were advised that progress on work from the parish plan had not been documented and that this should be done. Cllrs were advised that the Chairman had been in discussions with Dawn Eckard (CCD) and would issue copies of his notes to Cllrs for information

d) Shute Lane
Cllr Bowers reported to Cllrs that she had been making investigations into this matter and that she had a number of important documents and information relating to the history and heritage of Shute Lane including old maps, archaeology and biodiversity information. Cllrs were informed that Shute Lane is regarded as an Ancient Green Lane, not registered on the definitive map as a right of way but is considered a Right of way. The Clerk stated that this information should be formally recorded by the PC and kept on file. Cllr Bowers further reported that the legal status of Shute Lane is not clear and further investigations will be required.
Cllr Bowers reported that she had visited Shute Lane and noted that there is nothing between the properties from the Redrow Development bordering Shute Lane and the TPO trees of Shute Lane and that this needed addressed.
Cllr de Louvois reported that he had investigated the possibility of registering Shute Lane and a public footpath but that without a definitive known owner this would be very difficult.
Cllrs discussed at length. It was stated that about 12 years ago the PC had looked into addressing various aspects of Shute Lane but that at that time no firm actions had been taken. The Chairman stated that the PC need a firm proposal to consider. Cllr Hodgson responded thast the PC have previously tried to address issues on Shute Lane but that ownership and rights of way matters in the case are complicated and confusing. Cllr Hodgson further stated that it was now imperative that Shute Lane is addressed as following the increased development in the village the lane now occupies a more prominent site within the village. Following further discussions Cllr Bowers proposed that the PC write to Redrow and ask for a meeting to discuss the status of Shute Lane and the compiling of an information pack for all dwelling abutting Shute lane. Also that the PC clarify property boundaries with Redrow - 2nd Cllr Hodgson : All in favour: MOTION CARRIED.
Cllr De Louvois stated that should the PC progress with the idea of registering Shute Lane as a public footpath the Footpath Group would assist with inspections etc.

e) The Orchards Winkleigh
The Clerk read in full the e-mail correspondence from Lisa Skinner, Development Control Manager for TDC received 25/4/7 following the PC's letter of 28th March querying the occupancy conditions for the "holiday cabins". Cllrs were advised that
(quote) " The first application submitted for this site 2209/2004/FUL was granted permission in February 2005 and contained an occupancy restriction. A subsequent permission was submitted to vary the layout. Planning permission 2009/2004/FUL was issued without any conditions restricting occupancy to holiday use. Whilst the description of the application clearly states "holiday cabins" our Legal Section have advised that if this was formally challenged it would be difficult to defend in Court as although this application was considered to be a variation it should have contained the same conditions.". & (quote)"It would appear that rather than being a log cabin that would fall within the same definition as a caravan and represent a change of use of the land, these cabins are physically attached to the ground. As a result of this from the legal enforcement point of view they would be viewed as a normal dwelling house and the occupation should have been restricted with a planning condition. As the condition was not imposed it would be difficult to enforce if the applicants presented this argument. Your letter has raised genuine concerns and we will be seeking to minimise the impact and to ensure this situation does not occur again in the future.". Following a long discussion took place where Cllrs expressed their frustration and anger Cllr Bowers proposed that the PC write a strong letter to TDC stating their complete lack of confidence in TDC's planning Dept noting the inefficiency and incompetence highlighted in the handling of this application and demanding a full detailed written explanation as to how this could have occurred . Copies to District Cllr, MP & Audit Commission- 2nd Cllr de Louvois : All in Favour: MOTION CARRIED. Cllr King further proposed that the PC request that a letter of explanation is sent to Four Seasons by TDC - 2nd Cllr de Louvois : All in Favour: MOTION CARRIED.

f) Dog Waste bins
Cllr Bowers reported that she had visited the home of the resident in Hollocombe who had raised objections to the siting of a dog waste bin by the PC notice board in Hollocombe. Cllr Bowers advised that despite three visits she had been unable to speak with the resident but had left a detailed letter explaining the PC's position and giving her name and telephone asking them to contact her for further information. Cllr Bowers reported that she had not been contacted by the resident.
Following discussions it was proposed by Cllr J.Turner that the PC now proceed with the purchase of the three dog waste bins to be sited at the previously agreed locations - 2nd Cllr Hodgson : All in Favour: MOTIONN CARRIED.

g) Cemetery Bungalow Sewerage
The Chairman stated that at the last PC meeting it had been agreed to request quotations for he pipe-work only and that one quote had been received and viewed during Part II of the meeting. The Chairman raised reservations and proposed that he believed that the tank should be pumped out and inspected by an independent professional and that a full report should be held on PC file.- Cllr felt that this needed further discussion prior to voting.
Cllr Hodgson stated that there is no evidence that there is any leakage or smell from the septic tank and that the camera tests clearly showed serious problems with the pipe-work from the bungalow to the septic tank adding that no one would be able to give written assurances of the efficiency of the septic tank or the adequacy of the soak-away. Cllr Hodgson stated that he believed that the PC were correct in addressing the known problems with the pipe-work system only at this stage.
It was agreed to postpone further discussion until part II when the quote could be opened and examined.

h) Old bus shelter
Cllr Turner reported that the Pre-School have accepted the offer of the old bus shelter but that they are not currently in the position to collect it. Cllr J.Turner stated that he and Cllr N.Turner will agree to hold at their farm for a period of 12 months while the pre-school prepare for their relocation but that while they would take all reasonable precautions for its protection the shelter they would not take responsibility for it.
Cllr King reported that the pre-school have been advised that they will know the relocation date by June 07 and further advised of a thank-you card to the PC for the donation of the shelter.
Cllr J.Turner also reported that the plaque had now been erected on the new bus shelter. Clerk responded that the bus stop sign was still not in place and that she would chase. Discussions on the provision of a litter bin would be on the next agenda

a) Relationship with TDC/DCC
Cllr King said that Cty Cllr Rawlinson had been reminded of his open invitation to all the PC meetings when he came to the March PC meeting further advising that a copy of the agenda and draft minutes would be issued to him monthly as it was Cllrs. Cllr King also suggested that this is done for the new District Cllr who is not standing as a Parish Councillor. The Clerk advised that the new District Cllr Mr Lausen had already been in contact and requested various information from the PC.
Cllr Hodgson stated that the PC itself needs to move forward with their relationship with TDC.

1. Cllr Camilleri asked for the dropping of the kerb outside the Post Office to be raised on the next agenda.

There were a number of magazines and circulars available for Cllrs.

Cllr Leahy declared and interest and left the meeting

One quote received for £ £2889.00 + VAT. Not approved.

Cllrs discussed at length following which the Chairman proposed that the tank should be pumped out and inspected by an independent-2nd Cllr King: voting 5 for, 1 against, 1 abstention (Cllr J.Turner): MOTION CARRIED.

There being no further matters to discuss the meeting was declared closed 10.20pm