Present: Cllrs Stutt, Bowers, J.Turner, Johnson, Holman, Hodgson, Griffiths, & N.Turner. Maria Bailey (TDC),
Malcolm Harris (TDC),

District Cllr Lausen & Mr Roger Smith were also in attendance.

Apologies: Cllrs Gledhill, Cooper and Judge

E1.7.6

The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed Maria Bailey and Malcolm Harris and addressing those present outlined the purpose of the meeting. The Chairman stated that the Parish Council had not yet formally discussed the priorities of the Parish Plan but emphasised that this meeting was the first step of a long process and the beginning of a determined effort to improve the working relationship between Winkleigh Parish Council and TDC.

Maria Bailey introduced herself to the Parish Council as TDC's Community Planning Manager. Cllrs were advised that she has taken a new post in TDC which represents a new way of working at the District level that emphasises the need to work closely with the community and link their aspirations with Planning Policies where possible.

Malcolm Harris was introduced as TDC's Community Development Manager heading a team of 3 personnel. Mr Harris explained that he too had taken a new post at TDC and that part of his role is to look at the mechanisms to deliver and help deliver community benefits and to encourage wide community involvement and partnerships. Mr Harris also advised that his role also involves economic development and regeneration.

Mr Harris informed Cllrs that he is closely involves with the Local Strategic Partnerships (LSP's) . Cllrs were advised that these were set up as a result of the Local Government Act 2000 District Councils need to set up community plans and the SLP's are set up to bring partners together to achieve this . Winkleigh is covered by the MCTA which brings together Great Torrington and its hinterland parishes. Parish Plans should be fed into the MCTA which will help achieve a co-ordinated approach to priorities and offer support, assistance and resources to the 23 parishes.

The meeting was then opened to Cllrs questions:

Maria Bailey confirmed that TDC are currently working towards the production of the Local Development Framework (LDF) by starting to formally engage with the communities. Cllrs were advised that TDC has already produced an Statement of Community Involvement, a copy of which is available for viewing online, and that a further flyer is planned that will outline how people can become involved with the production of the LDF.

Maria Bailey stated that the Parish Plans will help to provide evidence for Policies proposed for inclusion in the LDF.

Cllr Bowers queries what priority will be given to affordable housing to which Maria Bailey stated that affordable housing needs have already been identified as being a priority for the LDF. She advised Cllrs that many of TDC's current policies in this area need updating . Cllrs were advised that normally policy chance would wait for the production of the LDF but Maria Bailey said that she felt that work was already being done within the LSP's to look at this issue and that to wait could mean the District missing out on valuable opportunities for the provision of affordable housing. Cllrs were informed that Maria Bailey will be talking to the Local Government Office to see if TDC can move on this matter in advance of the production on the LDF.

It was queried if TDC can compulsorily purchase land for affordable housing to which Maria Bailey responded that TDC could but that the legal and financial costs of this process are high adding that she felt there were several other avenues to explore.

Clarification of the situation on industrial land on Winkleigh Airfield was requested to which Malcolm Harris responded that TDC are already working with representatives of Winkleigh Parish Council, SRDA and other partners regarding Winkleigh Airfield and that investigations into the production of a Development Brief for the Airfield are underway. The Chairman advised the representatives from TDC that there is extreme frustration within the Parish Council as to the background of the availability of industrial land on Winkleigh Airfield following the production of the Local Plan and that this issue was a priority of the Parish Council, adding that improved communication in essential for the LDF

Cllr Hodgson said that the Community Centre retention and the provision of a car park on the pre-school site are priorities for Winkleigh Parish Council. He then gave a detailed background to the history on this issue. Malcolm Harris responded that he was in communication with Ian Hobbs at DCC and that he agreed that TDC need to fully investigate how they can support communities on issues such as this. Cllr Hodgson said that TDC's involvement in this project to date had a strong influence as one of the main issues is the value of the property which is effected by the planning designation set by TDC. Mr Harris said that the Community Centre and Car park project would be identified as a priority for Winkleigh and that TDC will make initial contacts with DDC and partners advising that TDC need to investigate the implications and requirements of the Governments new initiative for Community Buildings.

Cllr Bowers raised traffic issues as a priority from the Parish Plans and gave background details on the traffic group and meetings with DCC's Highways department expressing frustration at the lack of delivery on promises from DCC. Mr Harris responded again that he had direct contacts within DCC and would request that these issues are investigated.

It was queried if Sustainability requirements for all new buildings could be implements as part of the LDF. Maria Bailey said that they could .

It was queried when the LDF is expected to be adopted by TDC and at which point do its requirements come into force as in the past with the production of the Local Plan there was a period of time when both plans were running together. It was stated that the situation was very frustrating and confusing to all involved with planning issues.
Maria Bailey responded that she accepted that in the past there was some problems but that the improved consultation with the community should address much of this.

Cllrs were advised that legislation has said that the Local Plan Policy should be in place until September 2007 but that a request for an extension is in place to allow proper development of the LDF. Maria Bailey advised that the core strategy should be in place for 2010. Cllrs were advised that the initial formal consultation with the Parish Council will be in November 2007.

PUBLIC PERIOD

A reminder of the request for a definition of Sustainable communities was made.

The Chairman thanked everyone for attending and closed the meeting at 8.45.