Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
8th December 2004

Clerk: Mrs Di Carter, 20 Springfield, Four Seasons Village, Winkleigh, Devon EX19 8DP
Tel: 01837 680125
E-mail: cartergrth@aol.com

Present: Peter Tucker (Chairman), Mike Leatham (Vice-Chairman), David Brown, Stella Burrows, Jean Checksfield, Roger Keen, Stan Parker, Myc Riggulsford

In attendance: Mr Roger Heath, Chief Executive, Torridge District Council
15 Members of the public
Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies
   There were no apologies.

2. Mr Roger Heath, Chief Executive, Torridge District Council
   The Chairman welcomed Mr Heath to the meeting.

   Mr Heath gave a brief resume of his career to date which included 14 years as Chief Executive of a District Council in Northamptonshire. He has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive at Torridge District Council until the middle of 2005. Torridge DC had been given a performance assessment rating of "poor"; and there had been an intense interrogation as a result of bullying charges. Mr Heath was charged with putting Torridge back on the right path to be a proper Local Authority and this is his chief priority, time does not allow him to be involved in the day to day issues eg planning queries. He reported that he found serious deficiencies, particularly in the planning department which had been allowed to become depleted to the point where it could not operate effectively. It had survived due to the hard work and dedication of two Senior Planners. Interim planners have been drafted in and administrative systems are being modernised. In the last month 85% of applications have been determined within the stipulated 8-week period.

   In the Council generally there were not the resources to allow it to thrive and to move forward and develop. Torridge has recognised the problems and has voted substantial resources to address the problems of staffing. Training is being arranged for officers and councillors and housing is getting back on to an even keel.

   Following a question about the effect the process would have on Council Tax, Mr Heath said the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has promised funds to partly cover the cost of the interim Chief Executive and other costs, and savings will be sourced from cut backs in services. Very experienced councillors from other parts of the country are talking to Torridge Councillors to advise of good practice and on the role of councillors.

   Myc Riggulsford raised the concerns of Parish Councils who are faced with the removal of the Concurrent Functions Grant and Matching Grants for local organisations. This will inevitably result in local councils having to considerably raise their precepts. He also raised the fact that Town Councils such as Bideford continue to receive funding for local facilities such as parks. He felt the inequity of this was unfortunate and asked for consideration to be given to it.

   The Chairman raised the problems faced in contacting people within Torridge - calls are frequently not returned as promised.

   Mr Heath said he wants to implement a proper advisory service. He also wants a better system of help for people via the Internet - he would like to see computers in Post Offices, village halls, etc. and for the elderly and those not IT literate help could be provided via these sites. A communications manager will be appointed and a public consultation process implemented.

   One of the possibilities being considered is a joint service provision with North Devon Council; the Councils would remain separate as to amalgamate would require an Act of Parliament, but services such as legal, personnel, refuse may benefit considerably from being jointly run.

   A request was made to Mr Heath to look at the issues surrounding the Tanner and Little Bickington Farm developments, with regret Mr Heath said he would be unable to do this.

   The Chairman thanked Mr Heath for attending the meeting and being so frank and open about the problems facing Torridge District Council.

3. Matters Raised by the Public
   A member of the public reported that some local residents had expressed concern to him about whether the village hall would be built. The Vice-Chairman asked for the names of these people to be given to him following the meeting and he would speak to them personally and explain the position.

4. Minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2004
   The minutes of the meeting held on 10 November 2004 were accepted, approved and adopted by the Council.

5. Matters Arising
   

   1. Parked car - this has now been removed.

   2. Unauthorised development in Taylors Lane. The Chairman reported that the Enforcement Officer from Torridge had visited the site and told the owner that planning permission would be required. The application is awaited.

6. Police Matters
   PC Hagan was unable to attend the meeting but had sent a written report which the Chairman read to the meeting.

   Stella Burrows asked everyone to continue to be vigilant, especially around Christmas. Scam telephone calls and bogus house callers were reported and Stella Burrows asked people to warn vulnerable people to beware. A telephone number to ring to stop scam telephone calls is: 08450700707.

   The Chairman said the local Neighbourhood Watch does an excellent job and thanked them for their work. He also recognised that the village was fortunate to have PC Hagan whose good work and support is much appreciated.

7. Reports from the Chairman
   

   1. High Bickington C of E Primary School has a vacancy for a community Governor (previously co-opted) which has traditionally been filled on the nomination of High Bickington or Atherington Parish Councils. The Chairman asked Mike Leatham to co-ordinate this and forward any nominations. If anyone is interested in becoming a school Governor the Headteacher will be pleased to offer any information required.

   2. Old English Fayre. The Chairman reported that this event had been a tremendous success and thanked Tony, Carol, Geoff and Norah for organising it.

8. Parish Plan update
   

   1. Copies of the December update were circulated to Councillors.

      The Chairman reported a response from GOSW saying they had requested further information from Torridge District Council on the Little Bickington and Fountain Fields projects.

      A further meeting with the school, community representatives and architects had taken place. Consideration is being given to how school buildings can be linked for community use.

      Mike Leatham reported concerns following the delays with regard to the affordable housing and the school. The Chairman felt there was sufficient backing in place to ensure the school went ahead as planned.

      David Brown reported that following the invitation for people to join the CPT, 79 applications for membership have been received.

   2. 106 Contributions. The Chairman reported that a letter had been sent to Poltair asking them to pay the 106 monies for the village hall direct to the CPT. Poltair have not made a decision on this because of delays with the development due to problems with South West Water. Stan Parker advised that he had been told it was possible to negotiate lower audit fees in the second year if the £100,000 was paid to the Parish Council. The Chairman pointed out that the Council was keen to avoid the higher audit fees, the £100,000 was specified for the building of a village hall and the CPT were the appointed agents of the Council responsible for the building of the hall. The Chairman urged anyone who had concerns about this matter to raise these concerns at a Council meeting.

      The Chairman reported that clarification had been obtained with regard to membership of the CPT. The advice received was that David Brown may take part in discussions on matters concerning the CPT but may not vote and should leave the room when a decision is taken. Mike Leatham, as the Council's nominated representative on the CPT may discuss CPT issues and vote on decisions. Both Councillors' membership of the CPT has been recorded by Torridge and the Parish Council on the original register of interests forms.

   3. Barton Meadow Site. The Chairman reported 2 meetings with the Barton Meadow Recreational Area Committee. An article in the Western Morning Mail reported the award of the £7,000 grant for play equipment. Ken Burford was to be thanked for the work he had done in securing this grant. Equipment has been ordered and will be installed during week commencing January 10th.

      The BMRAG had decided not to take up the offer of a lease on the site but would need to retain ownership of the equipment and fencing to comply with grant requirements and therefore they would need to arrange insurance cover.

      Proposed by David Brown and seconded by Jean Checksfield, it was unanimously agreed that the Finance Committee be allowed to meet and decide with the BMRAG the best way forward with regard to insurance cover. The Clerk was asked to make further enquiries with Cornhill Insurance to confirm the Council's position.

   4. Barton Meadow Hall Site. The Chairman read a paper prepared by David Brown regarding the options available to the Parish Council with regard to the future use or disposal of land at Barton Meadow. It was agreed that negotiations with Pearce would be needed before the Restrictive Covenant could be released.

9. Highways and Maintenance
   The Chairman reported that Maurice Ridd will inspect the work needed to repair the bus shelter and report his findings and advice. The seats will need a coat of varnish in the spring.

   The one-man lengthsman will visit the Parish in February. Any work to be done to be reported to Jean Checksfield.

   The Chairman asked for people to be considerate when parking in the village, particularly in North Road. Recently there have been incidents of cars being parked in front of garages.

   The Parish car park is susceptible to flooding and certain work is needed to rectify this problem. The hedge needs to be removed, the bank graded out and a decent surface laid. The Clerk was asked to contact Planning to ascertain the position regarding planning permission for this work.

10. Finance

    1. Financial statement as at 30 November 2004. This was agreed and accepted by the Council.

    2. Precept 2005/06. A budget comparison at 30 November 2004 was circulated to Councillors. Following a discussion it was agreed that a significant increase was required to enable the Council to maintain the current level of service to the Parish and to keep facilities in good order. New housing would reflect in reduced costs per household in the year 2006/07. The Clerk was asked to ascertain the position with regard to holiday homes and payment of Council tax.

       Myc Riggulsford reluctantly proposed and David Brown reluctantly seconded that a Precept of £5775 reflecting a 25% increase on 2004/05 be agreed. This was unanimously agreed and adopted.

11. Planning

    1. Applications received before the meeting:

       1. 1/2152/.2004/OUT
          Log cabin for holiday use.
          Snape, High Bickington.
          Mr & Mrs P H Hedges
          As a result of differing views being expressed it was agreed to decide the Council's response by a show of hands: In favour of the application: 5; Against the application: 1; There were 2 abstentions.
          DECISION: The Parish Council supports the application.

       2. 1/2216/2004/FUL
          Annexe to existing farm bungalow
          Kilmar, Ebberley, Torrington
          C A G Miller & Co
          DECISION: The Parish Council unanimously supports the application.

    2. Planning decisions: There were no planning decisions.

    3. Response to planning application - Biomass Power Station, Winkleigh Airfield
       The Chairman reported that he and Stella Burrows had attended PPL's presentation and exhibition at Burrington. The Parish Council strongly opposed the application but felt the comments made should relate only to matters which directly affected High Bickington. A draft letter of response to the planning application was circulated to Councillors; it was unanimously agreed that the letter should be sent as drafted.

12. Correspondence
    There was no correspondence not dealt with under other agenda items.

13. Outstanding matters
    Roger Keen reported that he is obtaining 2 quotes for re-hanging the gate. The footpath across the field in Taylors Lane has been fenced with an electrified fence. Councillors expressed their gratitude to the owners for arranging for this to be done.

14. Items for information
    The Chairman wished to send Tracee the Council's good wishes for success in her new venture in the old village shop premises.

    It was noted that Thomas's has been sold and the new owners are a large northern company.

    Mike Leatham reported an update from the North Devon Rail Users Group and his response.

15. Date of next meeting
    Wednesday 12 January 2005 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point.

The Chairman wished everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.50pm.