DITTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL
Incorporating the Hamlet of Capton and the Manors of Bozomzeal and Coombe
Draft Minutes of the meeting of Dittisham Parish Council held in Dittisham Village Hall, on Wednesday 5 October 2011 at 7.30 p.m.
Present: Cllrs J Walker (Chair), M Faulkner, D Harris-Evans, A Stevens, S Stothart, J Tucker, K Wotton; County Cllr J Hawkins
1 member of the public was present.
104/11 Apologies
Apologies were received from Cllrs Unitt and Watson.
105/11 Declarations of interest in items on the agenda
In line with normal procedures, Cllr Tucker did not participate in item 109/11 below.
106/11 Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held on 14 September 2011
The Minutes were approved (proposed Cllr Tucker, seconded Cllr Stothart).
107/11 Public issues
107/11.1 Report from Police Community Support Officer
PCSO Broad was unable to attend in person but had sent a written report noting that there had been one reportable crime since the previous meeting – the theft of a pedal cycle and mountain board from outside a property on Riverside Road. Investigations were ongoing. She also confirmed, as reported in the local press, that the Dartmouth Neighbourhood Team would be carrying out proactive operations in the forthcoming months to deal with vehicle-related offences such as speeding and licensing, and also to address illegal drug use and under-age drinking in licensed premises.
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Cllr Harris-Evans undertook to ask PCSO Broad to supply further information regarding the public meeting on policing to be held at the Guildhall in Dartmouth on Wednesday 9 November (time still unknown) and to request that the Neighbourhood Team ensured that this was appropriately publicised on notice boards.
107/11.2 Bus Service
Cllr Stothart reported on concerns expressed by a parishioner regarding the new bus service operated by First, which was more expensive than previously and offered a significantly decreased service. For example, the last bus out of Totnes was now at 6.20 p.m. Additionally, the 8.08 a.m. bus (used by school pupils attending KEVICs) was regularly both late and overcrowded, and used an extremely old vehicle.
The Clerk agreed to forward full details of these concerns to County Cllr Hawkins, so that he could follow them up direct with First.
Action: Clerk; County Cllr Hawkins
107/11.3 National Garden Scheme
The Parish Council was advised that a Garden Open Day for the village was being planned for 21 and 22 July 2012, as part of the National Garden Scheme. This would allow the public access to approximately six gardens in the village, with cream teas available at Middle Meadow. The Parish Council agreed that no events on The Ham would be approved on those days, so that there would be no competing pressure on parking spaces.
107/11.4 Other Issues
The Clerk noted that arrangements for Christmas 2011 would be on the next agenda. Although, as previously discussed, this year’s application to the Sustainable Local Communities fund would be for support for production of a village map, she confirmed that there was money allocated in the normal budget for a children’s Christmas party, if there was support for running this event again.
108/11 Matters not on the agenda but arising from the minutes
108/11.1 Ham Lane strimming / The Triangle
Cllr Wotton reported that the strimming of the elder bushes by the edge of the football field would take place over the next week. He and Cllr Faulkner would present a proposal regarding pruning/planting on The triangle area for consideration at the next meeting.
Action: Cllrs Faulkner and Wotton
108/11.2 Site Visit to April Cottage
The Chair had attended the site visit on 20 September 2011 on behalf of the Parish Council, and had subsequently written a letter to Development Management Committee reiterating a number of concerns regarding this proposed development.
108/11.3 Clarification of Standing Orders
This item had been deferred until the meeting scheduled for 2 November 2011, as Cllr Unitt, who could not be present at the current meeting, had requested the opportunity to make an input.
108/11/4 Use of Ham Car Park by South West Water
A request had been received from South West Water to occupy a section of the car park on The Ham for a period of 17 weeks commencing the end of October (after half-term weekend) to undertake improvements to the Waste Water Treatment Works. Contactors estimated that this would require use of 10 parking spaces, and had asked for details of what payment would be required. This matter had been referred to the Ham Car Park Working Party, who had visited the site and noted that the likelihood was that the proposed compound would in fact extend across the car park width and therefore occupy a further 10 spaces. On the assumption that 20 spaces would be out of use, the Working Party made the following recommendations:
· That a charge of £2000 per calendar month be levied, in recompense for loss of facility/income (20 cars @ £4 per day x 31 days = £2480, with a deduction acknowledging that not all spaces would be fully occupied at all times in normal usage). This was felt be fairly in line with the charge of £1000 per month levied for a previous works period, given that car park charges had now doubled.
· That an additional flat fee of £2000 be levied in respect of general inconvenience to parishioners.
· That vehicular access to the remainder of the car park must be kept clear.
· That foot access must be kept clear on both sides of the toilet block and around the bottle bank.
· That no work should be undertaken between Christmas and New Year.
· That Ham Lane and the part of the car park so used should be made good and returned to its current condition.
It was noted also that use of the public toilets had been requested. As these were not owned by the Parish Council, South West Water could be advised that access to this facility was free.
The Parish Council approved these recommendations (proposed Cllr Tucker, seconded Cllr Harris-Evans), and it was agreed that South West Water would be advised accordingly. It was also agreed that South West Water would be asked to make provision (e.g. wheel-washing) to limit the spread of mud from works vehicles on access routes. Additionally, the Clerk would let South West Water know that Councillors Faulkner and Stevens had offered to be site contacts during the works.
Action: Clerk
108/11.5 Village photograph proposal
The Chair confirmed that this suggestion had been referred to the Village Hall Committee. It had been received with enthusiasm, and the Committee was exploring whether to take it further.
108/11.6 Diamond Jubilee celebrations
The Clerk reported that a Jubilee Street Party for the village was being planned for June 2012. It was noted that a meeting was shortly due to take place regarding the village’s other planned Jubilee celebration – an event on The Ham, to be organised as part of the August 2012 Regatta weekend. The Parish Council was not involved in the planning of this event, but the Chair had been invited to attend the meeting. He undertook to represent the Parish Council’s view that the event proposed for Regatta weekend should instead be held during the official Diamond Jubilee public holiday. Following this meeting it is now confirmed that all celebrations will be held over the period 2 – 3 June 2012.
108/11.7 Presentation by Land Society
The Clark reported that Erica Lewis, of the Land Society, had accepted the Parish Council’s invitation to make a presentation at the meeting scheduled for 2 November 2011 to explain the organisation’s approach to supporting local home ownership.
109/11 Planning/tree applications
18/2275/11/LB Listed building consent for minor internal works to comply with fire precautions, Ferry Boat Inn, Manor Street, Dittisham, TQ6 0EX
Unanimous decision: No objection (proposed Cllr Stothart; seconded Cllr
Harris-Evans).
18/2329/11/TCA Removal of 2 horse chestnuts by Waste Water Treatment Works, Dittisham.
Unanimous decision: No objection (proposed Cllr Walker; seconded Cllr
Wotton).
110/11 Communications from South Hams District Council/Devon County
Council in relation to planning/tree applications.
The following communication was noted:
· 18/1999/11/F and 18/2000/11LB Householder application for planning consent and listed building consent for proposed garage and store building. Bruckton Linhay, Dittisham TQ6 0HW Conditional approval granted
111/11.1 West Dart Bus Annual General Meeting
Cllr Stothart had attended this meeting at Blackawaton Village Hall on 4 August 2011, and reported as follows.
· David Bowden had taken over as Chair, following the death of Roger Balsey who was greatly missed.
· Marjorie Beck, a founding member of the committee 26 years ago, was made an honorary life member and given a framed citation.
· Overall finances remained strong (c. £80,000 balance), although the operating surplus was down on the previous year owing to lower interest rates and higher costs.
· Passenger numbers were down, but slowly recovering. Further efforts were to be made to advertise the bus service more widely, particularly in Dittisham
· Requests to allow dogs on board were considered on the basis of individual circumstances.
· Parking remained an issue in both Dittisham and Blackawton, particularly at Blackawton school gate.
· While there were sufficient drivers at present, the time was approaching when some would have to retire and new drivers were therefore being sought.
112/11 Strategic Planning Matters
112/11.1 Proposed changes to Primary Highway Salting Newtork
Notification had been received of Devon County Council’s intention to discontinue road gritting from Cornworthy into Dittisham and up to the A3122 (The Sportsman’s Arms). A number of local residents and businesses had already submitted expressions of grave concern at the implications of this, given the steepness (and narrowness) of the roads involved and also of the lack of winter sun in the village, which meant that ice was unusually slow to melt. Concerns focussed on the likelihood of serious accidents and of the implications that being effectively cut-off in bad weather would have for the safety (no emergency services access), economy and working life both of the two villages and of the hamlets of Capton and Bozomzeal. Additionally, there was concern that school pupils – for whom the County Council had a duty-of-care – would be unable to attend school in such circumstances. A traffic audit, organised by Cllr Stothart, was scheduled to take place on 7 October, to seek to demonstrate to Devon County Council the volume of traffic that routinely required access to and from the area. Cllr Stothart was thanked for undertaking this on the Parish Council’s behalf. It was noted that Cornworthy Parish Council had shared similar concerns at its meeting on 2 October 2011, and was in the process of communicating formally with Devon County Council officials. Cornworthy Parish Council had also requested that this loss of service be an item for discussion at the forthcoming Dartmouth and Surrounding Area Cluster Meeting (see 114/11 below). It was agreed that Dittisham Parish Council would likewise submit a serious expression of concern, and also support the request for referral of the matter to the Cluster meeting.
Additionally, parishioners were encouraged to submit individual expressions of concern to Jim Morrison, Neighbourhood Highway Team Leader, Highways and Traffic Management, Devon County Council, PO Box 44, Newton Abbot TQ12 9GL or jim.morrison@devon.gov.uk
112/11.2 Draft documentation regarding lettings of The Ham
The Clerk had prepared notes for the drafting of documentation that would govern subsequent lettings of The Ham for events: an information sheet for potential users; an application form for a letting; a formal contract once a letting had been agreed. These were tabled so that all Councillors had sight of them, and referred to the Ham Events Management Working Party for discussion/further development – with documentation to be ratified by the full Council once ready for presentation. Councillors were asked to let Cllr Harris-Evans (Chair of the Working Party) know if they had further thoughts for the Working Party’s consideration.
112/11.3 Items for referral to Working Parties
The following items were under discussion for report-back on 2 November 2011 and/or 7 December 2011.
Ham Maintenance Working Party
· The latest inspection report for the Play Area
· Charges for notice board advertising
Ham Car Park Working Party
· Introduction of new permits
· Overnight parking
· Weekly permits
· Routine maintenance and contingency plans
· Warden’s ticket notice wordage and enforcement issues.
Ham Events Management Working Party
· Information sheet
· Application form
· Contract
Village Guide Working Party
· Development of Dittisham map
· Funding sources (including local advertisers)
113/11.1 Income and Expenditure 2011-12
The Clerk tabled an updated statement, showing a balance of £13,336.64. The statement was approved (proposed Cllr Harris-Evans, seconded Cllr Tucker).
113/11.2 Outcome of 2010/11 Audit
The Clerk confirmed that the external audit of the Parish Council’s 2010/2011 Annual Report had identified no concerns, and certified that the Parish Council’s financial affairs had been recorded governed appropriately.
113/11.3 Repairs to playground equipment
The Parish Council had been notified by South Hams District Council inspection team of necessary works to the old multi-play unit and ‘Burma bridge’ structure, which would cost £227.80 + VAT. Both structures had ‘end-of-life dates’ of March 2013. The Parish Council agreed to authorise these works (proposed Cllr Stevens, seconded Cllr Faulkner), but noted that it would be prudent for the Working Party to begin identifying new equipment for purchase (for which budget provision was being made).
Action: Clerk; Ham Maintenance Working Party
113/11.4 Changes to Small Business Rate Relief
The Clerk reported that a change to Small Business Relief meant that (at least for 2011-12) the Business Rate bill for The Ham Car Park (for which budget provision had been made) had been off-set in full by increased Small Business Relief. However, South Hams District Council was requesting payment of the full amount still outstanding from 2005-10: £1454.64. Although it might be possible to seek a delay on this payment (since South Hams had originally agreed that the full bill of £3706.01 could be settled over a 3-year period), the Parish Council agreed that it would be prudent, given the availability of funds, to clear this outstanding debt immediately, since it would allow for more certain financial planning over future years (proposed Cllr Stevens, seconded Cllr Wotton).
Action: Clerk
114/11 Correspondence received since the previous meeting
114/11.1 Dartmouth and Surrounding Area Cluster Meeting
It was agreed that Cllr Faulkner would attend the Dartmouth and Surrounding Area Cluster meeting scheduled for 7.00 p.m. on Tuesday 22 November 2011, and that – see 112/11.1 above – the Clerk would request that road-gritting be placed on the agenda.
Action: Cllr Faulkner; Clerk
114/11.2 Request for road closure in Lower Street
A request had been received by contractors for road closure at Rose Cottage, Lower Street on 19 and 20 December 2011 to carry out repairs on water services. This was agreed, following advice from Cllr Stothart who had consulted with residents.
Action: Clerk
115/11 Report from Devon County Council / South Hams District Council
County Cllr Hawkins had no further matters to report on.
District Cllr Tucker reported that revised planning applications relating to Homelands and Barton Cottage had been sought and were in preparation.
116/11 Date of the next meeting of Dittisham Parish Council
(As confirmed following the meeting) The next full meeting of the Parish Council would take place on Wednesday 9 November 2011 at 7.30 p.m in the Village Hall. Apologies from were noted in advance from Cllr Harris-Evans.