Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 12 September 2007
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington at 7.30pm

Present:
Myc Riggulsford (Chairman), Chris Brown, David Brown, Stella Burrows, Roger Keen, Stan Maskell, Peter Tucker.

In attendance:
Mr Barry Pearson, Aerodrome Manager, Eaglescott Airfield, David Venner – CPT Ltd, 6 members of the public, Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

The District and County Councillors were not present.
There were no representatives from the Police present.


The Chairman welcomed Mr Barry Pearson to the meeting and said concerns had been received informally by some Councillors about an increase in future operations at the Airfield. Mr Pearson said that the Airfield has been in operation since 1983. The restrictions on helicopter activity was lifted in 2003 and the Devon Air Ambulance was relocated to the Airfield in 2007. There is not a considerable amount of helicopter activity, 40 having landed there, mainly for refuelling, since the restrictions were lifted. The site is the only 50-acre area of land which helictopters can use. The refuelling service now in place is the major reason why helicopters and other aircraft use the Airfield. Mr Pearson does not envisage any commercial helicopter use of the Airfield as a base and explained the meaning of “commercial” flights which is when flights are scheduled for passenger use. Training flights where payment for lessons is made are not “commercial” flights. At present Eaglescott Airfield does not have facilities, such as fire cover, to cater for commercial flights. He felt it was unlikely that companies would use the airfield to service offshore wind farms or other organisations, preferring to use airfields in industrial sites. He also stressed that there is no intention for the airfield to go along this route.

The Chairman raised concerns about the intrusion to residents’ privacy by aircraft flying low over their properties, particularly at Libbaton. Mr Pearson noted the concerns but felt pilots did give due consideration to residential properties.

Mr Pearson confirmed that all planning applications relating to the Airfield are dealt with by North Devon District Council, and the Chairman asked if the Parish Council could be kept informed of any future plans as they are not statutory consultees. Mr Pearson agreed he would ensure this was done in future.

The Chairman thanked Mr Pearson for attending the meeting.

Mr Pearson left the meeting at 7.50pm.

Matters raised by the public:

A member of the public said there were rumours circulating that some properties on the proposed Little Bickington Farm project would be 3-storey. David Brown said he thought these rumours may have been as a result of the model on show at the exhibition held recently, but he assured everyone that there would be no 3-storey houses included in the plans. There will be 22 less houses in the revised plan, 16 properties will be for affordable housing, with 14 for market sales.

The Chairman congratulated everyone responsible for organising the recent exhibition, including the superb model made by Mr and Mrs Burford.

Peter Tucker suggested that anyone with concerns about any issues should attend the Parish Council meetings themselves, put these concerns directly to Councillors and hear their response to avoid inaccurate rumours being circulated.


The formal meeting was convened at 8.00pm.

1. Apologies
   Apologies were received from County Councillor John Rawlinson, Mike Leatham, PC Sally Middleton and PCSO Sandra Brown.
   
   
2. Declarations of Interest
   David Brown as Chairman of the CPT Ltd disclosed an interest in this item. There were no other prejudicial or pecuniary interests declared.
   
   
3. Police Matters
   Stella Burrows reported that she had not received any requests from local residents to join a watch group to monitor vehicle speeds in the village. Stan Maskell has expressed an interest in representing the Parish Council on the group. Stella Burrows reported that a local group has indicated that funding may be available to provide a “slow down” sign for the village. It will be necessary to get Highways approval for such a sign and David Brown suggested that a formal proposal be made for a 20mph speed limit through the village.
   
   Decision: Proposed by David Brown and seconded by Myc Riggulsford, Councillors present unanimously agreed to request a 20mph speed limit through the village. Councillors further agreed that Stella Burrows and Stan Maskell arrange to meet with PC Sally Middleton to discuss these proposals further. The Clerk was asked to contact Highways to ascertain the procedure for taking this matter forward.
   
   Stella Burrows reported the Police Newsletter for August giving contact details for a Neighbourhood Beat office at Torrington Station – the telephone number is 01805 624543. Messages can be left or sent by fax. This number is not for use in an emergency.
   Details were also given of a community messaging service, residents will need to complete a form which will give them the option of receiving information via their telephone or e-mail.
   
   There were 2 reported crimes, one burglary and one criminal damage at the school. There was no disruption to the school as a result of the damage.
   
   
4. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 11 July 2007
   The Minutes of the Parish council meeting held on 11 July 2007 were agreed and adopted by Councillors present. The Chairman signed the minutes.
   
   
5. Minutes of the additional planning meeting held on 30 July 2007
   The Minutes of the additional meeting held on 30 July 2007 were agreed and adopted by Councillors present. The Chairman signed the minutes.
   
   
6. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2007 and 30 July 2007
   Maintenance of verges at Church Meadow. The verge in question has now been re-seeded and a letter received from the resident thanking the Parish Council for their efforts in this matter.
   
   
7. Parish Plans
   David Venner reminded everyone of the Annual General Meeting of the High Bickington CPT Ltd to be held on Thursday 13 September 2007 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point. Cheese and biscuits will be served and the meeting is open to everyone.
   
   Councillors present agreed that as the Parish Council representative on the High Bickington CPT Ltd, Mike Leatham be authorised to vote on behalf of the Council at the AGM.
   
   Dog bins have not yet been installed at the community woodland. The regularity of emptying the dog bins in the village was raised and the Clerk was asked to follow up both of these matters. The dog bin outside the Meeting Point is to be re-sited in the wall.
   
   
8. Barton Meadow Recreational Play Area
   
   1. Play area monitoring. Chris Brown reported that he is hoping to arrange a meeting in the near future with the Chairman and users of the area. He is inspecting the area on a weekly basis and he and the Chairman have carried out some repair work where necessary. Peter Tucker will discuss with Chris Brown the use of a more formal record book for monitoring purposes. There have been no further reported complaints about behaviour problems at the play area.
   2. DPFA Grant application. The Clerk reported that a decision on the award of a grant was expected during September, but to date nothing has been heard.
      
      
9. Matters raised by the Chairman
   
   1. Stella Burrows, Stan Maskell and the Clerk will be attending the training session on the new Code of Conduct on Tuesday 18 September in Torrington.
      Resolution: Proposed by Peter Tucker and seconded by David Brown, Councillors present unanimously agreed to adopt the new Code of Conduct.
      
   2. The Chairman congratulated PC Jenny Herniman on her special award for services in the Police force. She was chosen as the most outstanding officer in the South West area and will now represent the South West in London. Councillors present sent their congratulations and best wishes.
      
   3. The Chairman expressed sadness that the North Devon Show had been cancelled due to poor weather and acknowledged the large amount of hard work put in by the organisers, Tim and Sally Webb. He hoped the event would be well supported next year.
      
   4. The Chairman also expressed regrets that the charity cricket match had to be cancelled and thanked the organisers Peter May and Joe Umpleby for their hard work. Despite the cancellation over £100 was raised.
      
      
   5. The village Fete went ahead but some attractions were unable to be there. The event was a huge success and well attended.
      
      
   6. The Chairman thanked David Brown and David Venner for organising the exhibition of the revised village plans. Geoffrey Cox MP opened the event and expressed his support.
      
      
10. Maintenance
    Highways
    
    1. Stan Maskell reported that remedial work has been carried out at Seckington Lane, but some potholes have not been repaired. Extensive work has been done in the Parish and thanks are due to County Councillor John Rawlinson for his efforts on our behalf.
    2. The zebra crossing is now complete, but Peter Tucker was concerned that only one 30mph sign coming from Atherington is in place and is not clearly visible from a distance. It was felt that another sign on the opposite side of the road would be helpful. Work was needed to clear overhanging branches obscuring the zebra crossing lights. The Clerk was asked to follow this up.
       
    Footpaths and Byways
    
    1. Roger Keen reported that the hedge at Old Park has been cut but the footpath is very overgrown. Councillors present agreed that Roger Keen be asked to contact Derek Jones and ask him to carry out some maintenance work on the path.
       
       
11. Finance
    
    1. Accounts as at 31 August 2007. These figures were agreed, showing a bank balance and carry forward figure of £10,438.22 after payment of the additional insurance premium. Issue of the following cheques was authorised subject to item 11(5):
       100164 The meeting Point – Hire of hall £ 60.00
       100165 D Carter – Salary & Expenses – July/Aug £458.18
       100166 Community First Insurance – agreed 11(f) £192.00
       
    2. Tenders for grass cutting and maintenance. A tender for grasscutting at Barton Meadow recreation ground was received from Derek Jones at £28 per cut.
       Decision: Proposed by Myc Riggulsford and seconded by David Brown, Councillors present agreed to accept the tender from Derek Jones. It was further agreed that grasscutting around the seats would be organised separately as required.
       
    3. Grants 2008/09 – Two applications for grants have been received, one from the Meeting Point and one from Libbaton Junior Golf. A decision on the award of grants for 2008 will be made at the Parish Council meeting on 10 October 2007. All applications must be received by 5 October.
       
       
    4. Annual Audit – 6 July 2007. The Clerk reported that conclusion of audit notices have been received and will be displayed on the noticeboards.
       
       
    5. Parish Council insurance – valuation of assets. A quotation from Community First for £195.43 to increase the valuation of assets to a total of £20,000 was reported.
       Decision: Proposed by Peter Tucker and seconded by David Brown, Councillors present agreed to accept this additional premium and authorised the payment.
       
       
12. Planning
    
    1. Applications:
       Revised application for Telecom building, North Road.
       Circulated to Councillors who agreed to continue to support the application.
       Response returned by Chairman.
       
       1/1010/2007/FUL
       Land at Devonia, Junket Street, High Bickington
       Erection of dwelling, alterations to existing garage and garage/workshop, and access alterations
       Mr & Mrs Pidler
       Decision: The Parish Council unanimously supports this application.
       
       1/1004/2007/FUL
       Removal of condition 2 on planning permission NN366 dated 28 March 1953
       Weirmarsh House, High Bickington
       Mr D J R Rothwell
       Decision: Following a lengthy discussion, Peter Tucker proposed that the application be supported. There were no seconders for this proposal and a further proposal was put forward by the Chairman that the Council should not comment. This proposal was seconded by Stan Maskell and by a show of hands was carried – 6 in favour, 1 against.
       
    2. Decisions:
       1/0663/2007/FUL
       Demolition of existing house, garage and shed and new build environmentally sustainable house and garage
       Greenwood (Broadwood) Pound Lane, High Bickington
       DECISION: Application withdrawn
       
       1/0606/2007/FUL
       Bedroom and garden room extension
       Aylestone House, High Bickington
       Mr A Underhill
       TDC DECISION: GRANTED (16 August 2007)
       PC DECISION: SUPPORTED (11 July 2007)
       
       1/0808/2007/FUL
       Installation of solar thermal hot water panels
       1 Highfield Close, High Bickington
       Mr K Burford
       TDC DECISION: GRANTED (24 August 2007)
       PC DECISION: SUPPORTED (30 July 2007)
       
       1/0754/2007/FUL
       Installation of solar water heating panels
       Dadland, High Bickington
       Mr & Mrs M Riggulsford
       TDC DECISION: GRANTED (5 September 2007)
       PC DECISION: SUPPORTED (30 July 2007)
       
       
13. Correspondence
    
    1. Letter from Mr R Wakefield thanking the Parish Council for their efforts to get the verges re-seeded – reported item 6(1).
    2. High Bickington CPT Ltd – notice and agenda for the Third Annual General Meeting – Thursday 13 September 2007 – 7.30pm in the Meeting Point, High Bickington
    3. DCC – Letter from Ros Davies, Public Rights of Way co-ordinator – re maternity leave and cover details.
    4. TCTA – letter re Torridge Accessibility Project – in information pack.
    5. TDC – Devon in Touch bus – invitation for the bus to visit High Bickington. It was agreed not to take this further at the present time.
    6. DAPC – notice and papers re Annual General Meeting – Saturday 29 September at County Hall, Exeter. It was noted that the membership fees will increase to £135 as from 1 April 2008.
    7. A copy letter to Torridge District Council from the Atherington Parish Council Clerk was read to the meeting by the Chairman. He is asking that Atherington Parish Council be considered formally as consultees to the Little Bickington Farm application. The Chairman reported that he has invited Atherington Parish Council to attend a future meeting of High Bickington Parish Council if they so wish. An invitation to attend this meeting was declined.
       
       
14. Items for information
    David Brown reported that he will be meeting with the Director of Finance for the County on Thursday 13 September 2007.
    
    
15. Date of next meeting:
    Wednesday 10 October 2007 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point, High Bickington.
    

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.17pm.