Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 12 October 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 John van de Laarschot - Chief Executive, Torridge District Council, Mr James Morrish - District Councillor, Mr David Venner - CPT, 16 Members of the public & Mrs Di Carter - Clerk

1. Apologies for absence.
   Apologies were received from Chris Brown and Derek Jones.

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

3. Mr John van de Laarschot - Chief Executive, Torridge District Council
   The Chairman welcomed Mr van de Laarschot to the meeting. Mr van de Laarschot began by introducing himself, a Cornishman with a Dutch name, and giving a brief resume of his background, which has been mainly in the private sector.

   He said the last CPA assessment for Torridge District Council was 'Poor', the only West Country Council to be assessed as such. He has found in his first 12 weeks in post that there are a number of issues which account for this. He showed a brochure which has been produced and which will be distributed to 30,000 households in Torridge - "A Vision for Torridge District Council".

   There are 4 main goals:

   1. To be an excellent Council - to communicate with communities and 'customers'.

   2. To improve the quality of life for all - crime, health, equality.

   3. To promise a sustainable economy - to create jobs and regenerate the area.

   4. To safeguard the environment - balancing this with economic growth.

   Mr van de Laarschot said he would appreciate any comments on the brochure.

   Mr van de Laarschot said he wants the Council to be run as a business, residents are 'customers' and deserve a good service; Councils are accountable to their customers. He has asked the leaders of each service to produce a business plan. He feels that processing times for benefit claims and planning applications can be cut significantly. A new finance package installed 18 months ago has never worked and this is now being urgently followed up and it is hoped the problems will be resolved by Christmas.

   Mr van de Laarschot expressed surprise and concern at the apparent difficulties he has found in communication between the District and County Council, and also to a lesser extent with Parishes. He intends to improve this situation. There could be some problems in the transition period, but Mr van de Laarschot was hopeful that an improvement would begin to be effected by Christmas.

   Some work was being done to see whether certain services could be combined with North Devon District Council to give a better and more economical service. Councillors and members of the public showed their appreciation of Mr van de Laarschot's presentation with a round of applause - everyone found his comments refreshing and very encouraging.

   There were a number of questions from Councillors, particularly regarding the planning service and the lack of consistency with certain applications, especially when mass applications by large developers are granted permission, but single developments to provide homes for local families are refused. Also government wants us to be energy efficient, but parishioners in older homes who already have the extra expense of hand-made windows to match listed buildings are being refused permission to install double glazing at the same time. The question of funding for leisure facilities was raised, it was felt to be a matter of inequality whereby Town Councils' leisure facilities received funding from Torridge but the Concurrent Functions Grant had been withdrawn from Parishes. Mr van de Laarschot agreed to look into this. The Chairman expressed the Parish Council's concerns regarding the proposed Biomass power station on Winkleigh Airfield and the traffic impact this would have on High Bickington, with extra HGV lorries using our unsuitably narrow roads and directly passing the proposed entrance to the new school site. The Chairman felt the proposals showed an out of scale development for the area and a number of smaller renewable energy plants across the County would be preferable and probably far more efficient. The Chairman thanked Mr van de Laarschot for attending the meeting.

   Torridge Cllr James Morrish addressed the meeting and pointed out that he was unable to comment on any planning issues as he was a member of the planning committee. He strongly supported Mr van de Laarschot in his appointment and felt sure he would turn the District Council around to be more efficient and successful. Cllr Morrish said the views of High Bickington Parish Council are always taken into account by Torridge District Council and their views are respected. Mr van de Laarschot and Mr Morrish left the meeting.

4. Minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 14 September 2005.
   The minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2005 were accepted and adopted by the Council. The Chairman signed the minutes.

5. Matters Arising from the Minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2005.

   1. Barton Meadow play area - Highways have agreed to provide warning signs at either end of the play area. The signs are on order.
      The AGM of the Barton Meadow Recreational Area Committee will be held on Sunday 23 October at 7pm in the Meeting Point.

   2. Possible disposal of Hall Site land at Barton Meadow. Following the Pearce presentation at the last meeting, Councillors were asked to informally ask opinions about the best site for a new community hall, possible alternative uses for the Hall Site land, and disposal options if a hall is sited elsewhere. The covenants imposed by Pearce at the time of transfer to the Parish Council prevent the site being used for anything other than a village hall site or play area. Councillors reported that most residents think the site is unsuitable for a new village hall or car park, and had no objections to its sale and development by Pearce for housing. Chairman said that this did not agree with the feelings expressed to him: the site is unsuitable for a new hall, but people felt that there are already too many houses being built in the village and they do not want more building at present, and that if funds were needed to finalise building affordable houses or a new village hall then selling the Hall Site land would be reasonable, but otherwise people could see no urgency. Chairman said if the site becomes a burden on the parish, costing money for upkeep, or attracting drug dealers or travellers for instance, the council would have to take action, but in the meantime we should proceed, but proceed with caution. The matter was left unresolved.

6. Police Matters

   1. Stella Burrows reported that she had written to Chief Inspector Sarah Nutt on 22nd September. The response received from Acting Chief Inspector Paul Davies was not felt to be satisfactory as the points raised by the Parish Council had not been addressed. No criticism had been intended of PC Hagan or Sgt Harper. The Parish Council concerns were based on the difficulty experienced in accessing the system in general and staffing levels. It was felt that Officers do the best they can with current resources. Winkleigh has a Police surgery and more information on this will be sought. Chairman to write again.

   2. The Home Office is asking for information on the numbers of people who belong to local Neighbourhood Watch committees.

   3. Stella Burrows brought marking equipment, posters and stickers supplied by Neighbourhood Watch. Mrs Carn will keep these and a list of people participating.

   4. It was reported that there have been several cases of theft of fuel from parked vehicles. Thieves have drilled into petrol tanks to access the fuel which is potentially very dangerous and the public were asked to be aware of this.

7. Councillor Vacancy
   Torridge District Council has advised the Parish Council that an election will not be called to appoint to this vacancy and the Council can co-opt. If anyone is interested in being considered they should obtain a form from the Clerk and return it by 21 October 2005. There have been 4 applications to date and a meeting to interview the candidates was arranged for Wednesday 26 October at 7pm in the Meeting Point. A decision on the candidate to fill the vacancy will be made following this meeting.

8. Parish Plans

   1. October update. David Venner presented the October update. The sport and recreation survey results will be collated following the 14 October deadline.

   2. An Exhibition will be held on 29th and 30th October in the Meeting Point from 10am - 12 noon, and 2-4pm on Saturday 29th, 2-4pm on Sunday 30th. Revised plans altering the position of the school and workshops have been drawn up following the issues raised at the July 2004 Master Plan exhibition. The CPT is asking the Parish Council to adopt the preferred option (plan 2) before they are presented at the exhibition. The adopted plan will then go forward to the Inquiry. David Brown declared an interest and withdrew from the discussion and decision. A discussion followed and the plans were considered. It was felt that the issues raised have been addressed. Proposed by Mike Leatham, seconded by Stella Burrows, Councillors eligible to vote unanimously agreed to adopt the preferred plan.
      The Chairman said that if any members of the public were away on the weekend of the exhibition, they will be able to view the plans at another agreed time in David Venner's office.

   3. Community Directory - David Venner reported that this will be going to the printers in the next few days.

9. Matters Raised by the Chairman

   1. Parish Council meeting dates for 2006.
      It was agreed that these would continue to be held on the 2nd Wednesday in the month and the following dates were agreed:

      • Wednesday 11 January

      • Wednesday 8 February

      • Wednesday 8 March

      • Wednesday 12 April

      • Wednesday 10 May - Annual Parish Meeting

      • Wednesday 14 June

      • Wednesday 12 July

      • No meeting in August

      • Wednesday 13 September

      • Wednesday 11 October

      • Wednesday 8 November

      • Wednesday 13 December

   2. The Chairman reported a letter from Sue Bickley informing the Council that following last year's successful event, a Christmas Craft Fayre will be held on 27 November in Poplar Terrace, 5-8pm. Police and Highways will be informed.

   3. Concern has been expressed to the Chairman about the increased incidence of aircraft noise and intrusion from light aircraft, microlights and some military jets. The Clerk was asked to ascertain the regulations governing this.

10. Maintenance

    1. Highways -
       A letter from Poltair to Mr & Mrs Boler will be circulated to Councillors.
       Stella Burrows reported that Langridgeford Lane has been marked for repairs and it is hoped work will commence shortly.
       Pavements in the High Street. A letter has been received from Highways confirming that the pavements in the High Street are the responsibility of the residents. The Parish Council will ask Highways to replace the bollard previously in place to protect the pavements from further damage.
       Stella Burrows reported that the sign at the top of the High Street has been damaged. This will be reported to Highways.
       Peter Tucker reported that Mr Worrell at Highways is having talks shortly with Poltair to discuss the provision of a zebra crossing.

    2. Footpaths and byways -
       There was nothing to report.
       It was noted that the footpath at the ménage and stables site is now clear.

11. Finance

    1. Accounts as at 30 September 2005. The Chairman presented the account as at 30 September 2005. Councillors unanimously agreed to approve the cheques listed.

    2. Grants 2006/07: 8 applications for grants have been received:
       Methodist Youth Club, HB Playing Field Association, HB Youth Judo Club, Libbaton Junior Golf, HB Parochial Church Council, The Meeting Point, HB Pre School Club, HB Play Area Group.
       Proposed by Mike Leatham and seconded by Peter Tucker Councillors unanimously agreed that the grant funding be increased from £720 to £760, this amount to be distributed equally between the applicants.
       The following Councillors declared an interest in certain organisations and did not take part in the decision to award the grant to that organisation:
       Peter Tucker - HB Playing Field Association, Libbaton Junior Golf & HB Pre School Group
       Roger Keen and Stella Burrows - HB Parochial Church Council
       David Brown - The Meeting Point
       Stan Parker - HB Playing Field Association
       Each organisation would be awarded £95, payable in October 2006.
       Torridge Community Transport Association in Bideford has written to the Parish Council asking for funding for the Ring and Ride Bus Service in High Bickington. The Parish Council has previously agreed that only organisations within the Parish will be eligible for grants (Minute 9 -10 September 2003) and the Clerk was asked to write to TCTA informing them of this.

    3. Budget 2006/07 -
       It was agreed to include an amount of £1,000 for election charges, an increase of £40 for grants and an amount for improvements to the car park surface. Peter Tucker agreed to make enquiries about the likely costs of these improvements. A revised budget will be considered at the November Council meeting.

    4. Honorariums
       Mr Keith Snell has sent a letter of resignation to the Council. The Council sent their grateful thanks to Mr Snell for all his hard work keeping the bus shelter clean and tidy. The Clerk will continue to follow this matter up with the Inland Revenue. Councillors agreed that in view of the fact that the two volunteers receiving honorariums were not employed by the Parish Council, they could not supply National Insurance numbers, but would supply the names and addresses of the volunteers.

12. Planning

    1. Planning applications received before the meeting:

       1. 1/1667/2005/FUL
          Single Storey rear extension and replacement front porch
          2 Church Meadow, High Bickington
          Mr D & Mrs C A Brown
          David Brown declared an interest and left the meeting.
          DECISION: The Parish Council supports the application.

       2. 1/1862/2005/FUL
          Conservatory to rear of dwelling
          Oak Cottage, Mill Road, High Bickington
          Mr C R Brown
          DECISION: The Parish Council supports the application.

    2. Planning decisions:

       1. 1/0878/2005/FUL
          Proposed dwelling
          3 Fairways, Libbaton, High Bickington.
          DECISION: REFUSED.
          Following this decision the Parish Council will request a clear statement on policy at the forthcoming planning seminar.

       2. 1/1214/2005/FUL
          Holiday Lodge
          Forest Park Lodges, High Bickington
          DECISION: GRANTED

       3. 1/1263/2005/COU
          Conversion of redundant barns to form holiday lets
          Christmas Farm, High Bickington.
          DECISION: REFUSED

       4. 1/1263/2005/FUL
          Demolition of poorly constructed outbuilding and replace with same footprint, stable building.
          Christmas Farm, High Bickington
          DECISION: GRANTED

       5. 1/2152/2004/OUT
          Log cabin for holiday use
          Snape, High Bickington
          DECISION: REFUSED

    3. Proposed Biomass Power Station, Winkleigh Airfield. A revised planning application has been lodged with Torridge District Council.

    4. TDC Planning Seminar - 17 November 2005. The Clerk reported that four places have been booked at the seminar.

13. Correspondence

    1. DCC - road closure - from Yelland Farm towards High Bickington - on noticeboards.

    2. DCC - notice of road closure - North Road, High Bickington - 7 days from 20 October - on noticeboards.

    3. DCC - Parish Paths annual return - passed to Roger Keen.

    4. TDC - Training requirements for standards in public life - questionnaire - circulation pack.

14. Outstanding matters.
    There were no outstanding matters.

15. Items for information
    There were no items for information not covered in the agenda.

16. Date of next meeting
    Wednesday 9 November 2005 in the Meeting Point at 7.30pm
    There being no further business the meeting closed at 10.23pm.