Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 13 April 2005 at 7.30pm
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington

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

In attendance: Councillor John Rawlinson - County Councillor, David Venner - HBCPT, 11 Members of the public & Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies for absence.
   There were no apologies for absence.
   

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 9 March 2005 The Minutes of the meeting held on 9 February 2005 were accepted and adopted by the Council. The Chairman signed the Minutes.
   

3. Matters arising

   1. Closure of the A3124. The Chairman reported that the Parish Council's suggested alternative route via Cranford Cross and Week Cross had been rejected by Highways because the road is not wide enough in many places for two vehicles to pass, particularly larger vehicles. Commercial vehicles were being diverted through Hatherleigh. Councillor Rawlinson reported that Highways are hopeful that the work may be completed one week ahead of schedule. Drainage problems were causing additional work. The Chairman thanked Councillor Rawlinson for his assistance with this matter.

   2. Appointment of Community Governors - High Bickington C of E Primary School. The Chairman reported that Mrs Jane Gibson, currently a co-opted Governor, is prepared to be the Parish Council's nominated representative on the Governing body of the school. There had been no applications from members of the community in either High Bickington or Atherington.

   3. Dog Fouling. Jean Checksfield reported that there was nothing further to report. Unless the dog warden is given names of those responsible for allowing their dogs to foul public highways, there is no action he can take. It is important to keep verges cut. The Chairman thanked Jean Checksfield for arranging for the dog bin outside the Meeting Point to be re-sited.

   4. Fire Brigade. The Chairman reported that the he and the Clerk had followed this matter up with the Fire Brigade. A global mapping system is used, but this works on house numbers rather than names and this is where the problem would appear to be. They also rely on grid references and local knowledge. Jean Checksfield said that Burrington Parish Council had taken steps to rectify the problem and the Chairman will speak to the Chairman of Burrington about this.

The Chairman invited Councillor Rawlinson to address the meeting.

Councillor Rawlinson reported that he had made enquiries about the plans for the new school but there was no new information. Devon County Council are committed to building a new school with combined community facilities, and they are awaiting the outcome of the Government Inquiry into the full plans for the Little Bickington Project.

Biomass Power Station on Winkleigh Airfield - Councillor Rawlinson reported that Torridge District Council are consulting with legal advisers. The earliest Planning Committee meeting the plans can go before is 9 May, but it is felt this date is unlikely to be met. They may not even go to Committee and the developers may be advised to draw up a new set of proposals.

In response to a question Councillor Rawlinson said Torridge District Council are still considering the best way forward with regard to the appointment of a Chief Executive.

Stella Burrows queried the position with regard to the appointment of an additional Police Officer in Torrington. Councillor Rawlinson confirmed that no appointment has yet been made.

The Chairman thanked Councillor Rawlinson for attending the meeting during what is a very busy time for him.

4. Matters Raised by the Public
   There was concern raised about the problems being caused by lorries taking away mud and debris from the Fountain Fields site. There were reports of lorries speeding, being overloaded and cutting into the banks alongside the road. The Chairman said this was an ongoing problem, he had spoken to the foreman on the site to register the Council's concerns and Highways had visited but had felt there was not sufficient mud on the roads to warrant action being taken by them. There has been some effort to clean up. Some members of the public felt this could be a long term problem with the development being spread over two years or so. The Clerk was asked to report the problem to Highways again and to request that a cleaning lorry visit the area on a regular basis whilst the work is continuing.

   Following the earlier discussion about property grid references, it was suggested that PC Hagan be asked what co-operation there is between the emergency services with regard to locating properties in rural areas.
   

5. Police Matters
   PC Hagan had not contacted Stella Burrows or the Clerk with any matters he wished to report. Stella Burrows reported that the Neighbourhood Watch was warning about a spate of car thefts from unsecured vehicles in the Holsworthy area. She reminded everyone not to leave doors and windows open when the property is unattended, particularly to keep lower windows closed. Also do not let any unknown callers in unless they have ID.
   

6. Matters Raised by the Chairman

   1. The Chairman reminded everyone that the next meeting on 11 May 2005 is the Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Parish Council meeting.

   
   

7. Parish Plan - Update April 2005
   David Venner circulated his report for April. David Brown reported that the current venue for the project Inquiry is the Bideford Council offices which is not very satisfactory. He is following this up. A grant of £7,000 from the Tudor Trust will help towards the Inquiry costs

   A third meeting with the architects, the school and community representatives has taken place. David Brown said it was important that letters in support of the project as well as those opposed to it be sent to the Inspector.

   The Chairman reported some residents' concerns that copies of letters written to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the project were being sent to other parties and it was felt this was due to the Freedom of Information Act. The Chairman assured everyone that copies of letters are always made available to all parties concerned.

   1. Poltair 106 contributions. The Chairman reported that work is progressing on the Fountain Fields site and the monies will very shortly be made available. Mike Leatham reported recent contact with Poltair and was hopeful that problems have been resolved and the £100,000 will be paid to Torridge District Council, who will in turn pay it to High Bickington CPT. The Clerk was asked to obtain an up to date copy of the 106 agreement from Torridge.

   2. Traffic calming plans. The Chairman reported that the suggested traffic island had been rejected by Highways due to insufficient width of road. A zebra crossing had been suggested and it was felt this would be an acceptable alternative, but good signing would be required. As soon as firm proposals are received they will be circulated to Councillors.

   3. Naming of road - Fountain Fields. The Clerk had informed Poltair of the Council's preferred name but no response has yet been received.

   4. Hedge between new development and Wardens Close. A letter had been sent from the Parish Council expressing concerns about the proposals for this hedge. The Chairman read the reply from Poltair and it was felt their response was acceptable and reasonable.

   
   

8. Highways and Maintenance

   1. Update on repairs. The Chairman will arrange for the gutter on the bus shelter to be repaired. The road between Vauterhill and Seckington is becoming dangerous; the Clerk was asked to report this to Highways again. The repair outside Wards Cottage needs further attention.

   2. Car Park. Jean Checksfield and Mr Boler had met to discuss this. The problem is water being retained in the car park. There was concern that if the hedge to the right of the entrance is taken away it will open up the car park for larger vehicles. One suggestion is to widen the entrance to allow more drainage. David Brown suggested that the hedge on the bank be cut back to form a Devon bank.

   
   

9. Finance

   1. Accounts as at 31 March 2005. The financial statement as at 31 March 2005 was approved and agreed by the Council and the cheques agreed and signed.

   2. Year end accounts at 31 March 2005. The Clerk circulated copies of the accounts which will be presented for adoption at the Annual Council meeting on 11 May.

   3. DAPC - Insurance for smaller Councils. The Clerk reported that she has submitted a proposal form to Community First insurers. This will enable a comparison to be made with the current insurers. The figures will be presented to the meeting on 11 May for a decision.

   
   

10. Planning

    1. Planning applications received before the meeting:

       1. 1/0276/005/FUL
          Utility room extension, extend bedroom over roof terrace, conservatory.
          Aylestone House, High Bickington - Mr & Mrs Underhill
          Decision: The Council supports the application.

       2. 1/0293/2005/FUL
          Annexe to existing farm bungalow
          Kolmar, Ebberley, Torrington
          C A G Millar & Co
          Decision: The Council supports the application.

       3. 1/0406/2005/FUL
          New conservatory
          11 Church Meadow, High Bickington
          Mr Ager, Mr Chasey & Mrs Morrissey
          Decision: The Council supports the application

       4. 1/0338/2005/OUT
          New bungalow (permanent residence) with garage.
          Land and garage adjoining Wardens Hill, North Road, High Bickington.
          Mr S Maskell
          Decision: The Council supports the application in principle but would like to see the development taking into account a proper access and parking arrangements for Wardens Hill.

    2. Planning Decisions

       5. 1/1725/2004/FUL
          Extra window in living room and relocating toilet to make room for a bath.
          Witherhill Farm House, Witherhill, High Bickington
          Mr & Mrs D Dean
          Decision: Granted.

    3. Biomass Power Station, Winkleigh Airfield - Councillor Rawlinson updated on this application earlier in the meeting.

    
    

11. Correspondence

    1. Torridge District Council - "Devon in Touch" Roadshow. Councillors agreed to the Roadshow visiting High Bickington. The Clerk was asked to follow this up.

    2. Torridge District Council - Tackling anti-social behaviour - draft policy for consultation - in circulation pack.

    3. Devon Calor Village of the Year - new competition category "Building Community Life" - in circulation pack.

    4. Quality Parishes - information pack - in circulation pack.

12. Outstanding matters

    1. Quote for re-hanging gate. Roger Keen is still awaiting a quote for this work.

13. Items for information
    David Brown reported that Devon County Council has introduced 3 new mobile "youth club" vehicles. The Clerk was asked to follow this up with a view to a vehicle visiting High Bickington.
    

14. Date of next meeting
    Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Parish Council Meeting - Wednesday 11 May 2005 in the Meeting Point at 7.30pm.

The Chairman announced that he will not be standing for re-election as Chairman at the Annual Parish Council meeting.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.05pm.