Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 14 September 2005 at 7.30pm
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington

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

In attendance:
Mr Mike Nichols - Managing Director, Pearce Construction, Mr David Parsons - Pearce Construction, Mr David Venner - CPT, 14 Members of the public & Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies for absence.
   Apologies were received from Councillor John Rawlinson

2. Minutes of the Meeting held on 13 July 2005
   Subject to the removal of the word "station" in item 12, line 1, the minutes of the meeting held on 13 July 2005 were accepted and adopted by the Council. The Chairman signed the minutes.

3. Matters Raised by the Public
   There were no matters raised by the public.

4. Presentation by representatives from Pearce Construction
   This item listed as item 8(c) on the agenda was brought forward.
   The Chairman welcomed Mr Mike Nichols, Managing Director of Pearce Construction and Mr David Parsons to the meeting.

   Mike Leatham reported that he is the Parish Council's representative on the High Bickington Community Property Trust and one of the criteria is to look at the financial planning for the Parish Plan, affordable housing and Little Bickington Farm project. One facet of this is fundraising and a possible source of funds would be the Barton Meadow village hall site which is owned by the Parish Council. The land can only be developed by the Parish Council for a village hall, covenants on the land prevent its development by them for any other purpose. It was felt that in the best interests of the village the Parish Council should find out the value of this piece of land if planning permission is granted for a new village hall at Little Bickington Farm.

   About 25 building companies were approached about building affordable housing on the Farm site, and Pearce Construction was one of the only ones to respond. Pearce was also asked to give a rough estimate on the possible sale value of the Hall Land, and they suggest £130,000 if planning permission for housing was granted. Even if the Little Bickington Farm part of the parish plan does not go ahead, due to the expansion of the village the Barton Meadow Hall Land site is probably not ideal as it would not be large enough to accommodate the required size of hall and the necessary car parking facilities, and any events will disturb residents. Pearce Construction was asked to address the meeting at the request of the Parish Council, they did not approach the Parish Council.

   The Chairman stressed that the Parish Council is unable to do anything with the land other than to build a village hall and that the council will not come to any decision on the future of the land until the outcome of the Inquiry into the Little Bickington Farm project is known and planning permission for a new village hall is granted somewhere in the parish. He said there is no question of any decisions having been taken on the future of the site, all discussions are at a very early stage.

   Mike Nichols outlined the Company's current position and their status. He brought suggested plans for viewing and described some of the possible ideas for the Hall Land. Mr Nichols said that if the Parish Council wishes, Pearce Construction will apply for planning permission for four houses on the site, this application to go to Torridge District Council before the Inquiry into the Little Bickington Farm project in order that, should the project be approved and the Parish Council decide to sell the Barton Meadow site, the monies would be available immediately to invest into the building of the village hall on the Little Bickington Farm site.

   Mr Nichols invited Councillors and members of the public to ask questions and there were some questions and comments from the public. Particular concern was raised that the Parish Council would go ahead without due consultation with residents. The Chairman stressed that no decision would be made until the outcome of the Little Bickington Farm project was known and the views of the majority of residents of High Bickington would be taken into account in that decision. It was important, however, to know all the possible scenarios and to put these to public consultation.
   The Chairman thanked Mr Nichols and Mr Parsons for giving up their time to attend the meeting.

5. Matters Arising from the Meeting held on 13 July 2005
   Barton Meadow Play Area - update. Mr Ken Burford outlined the new equipment now installed and being well used. There is still some landscaping to be done. A cycle trail is under construction. A decision has to be made on whether a barrier at the foot of the entrance should be installed. Helen Carn had spoken to Mike Newcombe at Devon County Council Highways and he was prepared to consider the installation of road signs at either end of the site warning of the play area. The Clerk was asked to follow this up.

6. Police Matters
   Stella Burrows reported that both she and the Clerk have been unable to raise any contact with either Sgt Harper or PC Hagan despite repeated attempts. The Chairman asked Stella Burrows to draft a letter to Chief Inspector Sarah Nutt reporting the lack of contact with the Police.

   Peter Tucker reported that he has written to the Ambulance Service following their inability to find Libbaton Golf Course. A reply is awaited.

7. Councillor Vacancy
   The Chairman reported that Jean Checksfield had tendered her resignation and she and her husband Barry have now left the village. The Chairman had written to Jean expressing the Council's sorrow at losing both her and her husband's valued contribution to village life, they will be sorely missed.

   Notices advertising the vacancy will be placed on the noticeboards: if, after 14 days, there have been less than 10 written requests from electors for an election to be held, then the vacancy can be filled by co-option. An election could prove costly due to the new charges of around £1,200 being introduced by Torridge District Council. If an election is not requested, parishioners are asked to suggest suitable people who would be willing to stand for co-option as councillors by Friday 7 October 2005 - names to be given to the chairman, clerk or any councillor.

8. Visit of Mr John van de Laarschot -12 October 2005
   Mr van de Laarschot, the new Chief Executive of Torridge District Council, has agreed to attend the Parish Council meeting on Wednesday, 12 October. He will come to the village at 6.30 pm to be brought up to date with matters affecting the village. A discussion took place on items to raise with Mr van de Laarschot. The Clerk had been asked to submit any questions prior to his visit and Councillors were asked to let any Councillor or the Clerk have suggestions for consideration.

9. Parish Plans - Update
   David Venner had circulated his report for September. David Brown outlined the investments made with the 106 monies being held on the Parish council's behalf by the Community Property Trust.

   David Venner reported that the CPT is one of 5 claims out of 25 submitted which Sport England have invited to put in a bid for Lottery funding of between £250,000 - £300,000. The Chairman congratulated David Venner on the work he has done to achieve this. A further £1,000 has been awarded by The Woodland Trust towards an information board and leaflets to promote use of the community woodland. David Venner urged residents to complete and return the questionnaire regarding the sport facilities they would like to have.

   A renewable energy workshop has been arranged for 10.00hrs on 27 September 2005 and the CPT would welcome any Councillors who wished to attend.

   Plans for two possible layout options on the Little Bickington Farm project were displayed. David Brown outlined the amendments made to the original plan as a result of the public consultation. These amended plans will be presented to the community for further consultation.

   Geoffrey Cox MP has visited the village and will strongly support the Little Bickington Farm project. The Chairman also raised with him parish concerns about increased HGV traffic flows through the village and past the proposed new school entrance if the Winkleigh incinerator and biomass power plant is granted planning permission.

   High Bickington Community Directory - David Venner reported that Jonathan Adams is checking entries. 5 businesses have so far taken up display adverts which will help towards the production costs. A further, very competitive quotation has now been received.

   Possible development of village hall site at Barton Meadow - this item was discussed at item 3.

10. Matters Raised by the Chairman
    Visit of Devon in Touch Roadshow - 30 August 2005. The Chairman thanked David Venner and the Meeting Point for facilitating this visit and for their support. It had been a very good day with substantial coverage on Radio Devon. Visitor numbers were less than hoped for due to the very hot weather on the day.

    North Devon Journal - High Bickington Correspondent - The Clerk reported that following a conversation with the Community Villages Editor she had been persuaded to fill the vacancy for a correspondent for High Bickington village. This will be an asset when applying for Quality Parish status. The Clerk asked that anyone wishing to have an item included in the High Bickington section should please contact her. Other news will be covered by a short report following Parish Council meetings.

11. Maintenance

    1. Highways repairs - Stella Burrows reported subsidence and water problems on Langridgeford Lane at Dobbs Corner. Work has previously been carried out by North Devon District Council, but the area is on the boundary of that Council and Torridge District Council. The Chairman reported that the lane from Mill Lane to Yelland is now virtually impassable. Stan Parker agreed to take on responsibility for reporting and following up emergency highways problems and the Clerk was asked to give him contact names and telephone numbers at Devon County Council Highways.

       The Chairman reported that a resident, Don Baker, has problems due to inconsiderate parking outside the Post Office. Cars parked here cause other drivers to mount the pavement on the opposite side of the road and this is causing damage to the pavement which could prove dangerous for pedestrians. The Clerk was asked to ascertain the position regarding ownership of the pavements.

       The bus shelter recently had graffiti sprayed over it. This has now been re-painted and it is understood the landlady of the Golden Lion had very kindly carried out the repairs. The Council wished to thank her for doing this on their behalf. The Chairman stated that there is no objection to youths sitting in the bus shelter provided that no damage is caused, however if this type of vandalism continues the Council will ask the Police to intervene as repainting will divert parish funds away from youth projects.

    2. Footpaths and byways - Chairman spoke to the Torridge District Council enforcement officer, but it appears that the owners of the ménage and stables have now left the site and the caravan has been removed, although it is not known if the site has been sold. No further action is currently required as the Parish Council feels that their concerns have now been addressed. The footpath is in need of cutting but access is a problem. It was agreed that approaches are made to arrange for this footpath to be cleared.

12. Finance

    1. Accounts at 31 August 2005. The Chairman presented the accounts. Proposed by David Brown and seconded by Mike Leatham the following cheques were approved:
       100064 - £114.95 - Community First - Barton Meadow play equipment insurance
       100065 - £375.19 - D Carter - Clerk's Salary and expenses for July and August
       100066 - £160.00 - D Jones - grasscutting

    2. Internal Audit Report - The clerk reported that this has been completed and the certificate from the Audit Commission obtained for the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2005.
       
       The matter of honorariums had been raised by the auditor and the Clerk was seeking advice from the Inland Revenue.

    3. Insurance of play equipment at Barton Meadow. This has now been arranged by the Parish Council for that equipment which they have purchased.

    4. Grants 1006/07 - notices have been put in Ramblings asking for any local organisations to apply for grants before the October Parish Council meeting. No grants will be considered without an application form.

    5. Budget 2006/07 - the Clerk had prepared a first draft budget for discussion. It was agreed that a fairly substantial increase will be needed to cover the costs of elections in future years. The budget will be considered and discussed further at the meeting in October.

13. Planning

    1. Applications received before the meeting: Chairman declared an interest and left the room 1/1539/2005/LBC and 1/1529/2005/FUL
       Erection of a conservatory
       Dadland, High Bickington
       Mr & Mrs M J Riggulsford
       DECISION - The Parish Council unanimously supports the application

    2. Decisions:

       1. 1/0934/2005/OUT
          Revised scheme - proposed dwelling on land adjacent 1 Cross Park
          DECISION : REFUSED

       2. 1/1261/2004/LBC
          Replace existing windows with similar & double glazing to improve thermal insulation
          Dadland, High Bickington - Mr & Mrs M J Riggulsford
          DECISION: REFUSED

       3. 1/0798/2005/LBC
          To add one window and move toilet to add bath space
          The Cottage, Witherhill Farm House, High Bickington
          Mr & Mrs C W Dean
          DECISION: GRANTED

       4. 1/1136/2005/FUL
          Retain and continue to use the free standing storage shed/summer house and assemble greenhouse to help with the use, maintenance and propagation of the gardens.
          Bales Ash, High Bickington - Mr Colin G Tett
          DECISION: GRANTED

       5. 1/0095/2005/LBC
          Insertion of new window and replacement window sills
          Lower Broadwood, High Bickington - Mr & Mrs D A Lunn
          DECISION: GRANTED
          The Chairman read a copy letter from Mr Lunn to Torridge District Council expressing their concerns at the planning approval given and the lack of consistency with information. Lower Broadwood has double glazing throughout, but the new window has only been granted permission for single glazing as the new Listed Building Officer feels this is more in keeping with the style of the property. Councillors agreed there was due cause for concern in this case and other similar examples of planning advice, and it was suggested that this could be raised with the Chief Executive on his visit in October.

14. Correspondence

    1. Campaign for the Sustainable Communities Bill - Request to add Parish Council's name to the Early Day Motion - in circulation pack for Councillors' recommendation on the response.

    2. TDC - Invitation to Parish Councillors to evening Planning Seminar - 17 November 2005. The Clerk was asked to reserve 4 places on this Seminar.

    3. TDC - Torrington Area Advisory Group - notice of meeting date - noted.

    4. DCC - Improving Devon's Environment: Rights of Way Improvement Plan 2005 - Passed to Roger Keen

    5. TDC - Torridge District Local Plan - to be circulated.

15. Outstanding Matters
    There were no outstanding Matters.
    

16. Items for Information
    The Chairman reported that the Renewable Energy day for smallholders is now scheduled to take place on 23 June 2006.

17. Date of next meeting
    Wednesday 12 October 2005 - the Meeting Point, High Bickington at 7.30pm.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.55pm.