Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting
Held on Wednesday 8 February 2006 at 7.30pm
In the Meeting Point, High Bickington

Present:
Myc Riggulsford (Chairman)(7.55pm), Roger Bickley, Stella Burrows,
Roger Keen, Mike Leatham, Peter Tucker

In Attendance:
Mr John Wilde, Local Service Officer, DCC Highways
Councillor John Rawlinson, County Councillor
13 Members of the public
Mrs Di Carter – Clerk

Vice-Chairman Mike Leatham chaired the first part of the meeting during the Chairman's absence.

1. Apologies
   Apologies were received from David Brown and Stan Parker.

2. Matters Raised by the Public
   A resident of Wardens Close raised serious concerns about the proximity to her property of a new residence on the Fountain Fields development. She was concerned that the existing hedge may be cut down/removed which would deprive her of any privacy. The Parish Council has a letter from the developers confirming that they will consult with residents of Wardens Close and the Parish Council before any action is taken to cut or remove the hedge. Following a discussion it was agreed that the Chairman would contact the developers urgently on 9 February to ensure that no action is taken regarding the hedge until Councillors have taken up Poltair's offer to meet on site when this situation can be evaluated and discussed. Stella Burrows pointed out that there are also mature oak trees along the boundary and it was felt that a tree preservation order may be appropriate for these.

   Mike Leatham invited Councillor Rawlinson to address the meeting. The Chairman joined the meeting.

   Councillor Rawlinson reported that Torridge District Council planners are scheduling a public meeting in Winkleigh towards the end of March to discuss the proposed Biomass project at Winkleigh Airfield. The morning will be made available for interested parties to make representations and Councillor Rawlinson urged High Bickington Parish Council to attend and express their serious concerns on the traffic implications for the village if the planning application is approved.

   In the afternoon there will be a full planning meeting, members of the public may attend but may not speak.

   Councillor Rawlinson has spoken with the new Director of Education and as soon as the result of the public Inquiry into the Little Bickington Farm project is announced, he will contact her to discuss the new school and invite her to meet with Councillors.

   DCC Budget – the Government has again cut Devon's funding. The Chairman of Devon County Council has pleaded Devon's case with little success. Other County Councils in the west country have received increased funding. Funding has been cut for highways despite an overall increase in costs of 14%. Social Services funding has also been cut and this will result in

   a £15million deficit. A commitment has been made that the quality of service will not be reduced; in order to meet this commitment Devon County Council will become commissioners of the service and this change in their role will inevitably lead to redundancies.

   Councillor Rawlinson said Devon County Council has set the Council Tax rise at 4.9% for 2006/07.

   Councillor Rawlinson left the meeting.

3. Mr John Wilde – Local Service Officer, Devon County Council Highways.
   The Chairman introduced Mr John Wilde.

   Mr Wilde outlined his role and those of the 14 members of staff based in Torrington. They cover such matters as highway maintenance, signage, lighting, footways etc. Giving an OHP presentation Mr Wilde showed figures for highway maintenance and the effect the cut in funding is likely to have on required works in the forthcoming years. As yet the exact Highways funding for 2006/07 has not been confirmed. To bring all roads up to standard would cost £70billion. He pointed out the cost implications of not being able to keep roads in good order - if surfaces are allowed to deteriorate badly then the cost of repair is far higher than a sustained repair programme. As far as A roads are concerned Mr Wilde said he is confident there will be an improvement. He is hopeful that North Road in High Bickington will be re-surfaced in 2006/07 as well as the A3124 north of Winkleigh. Until funding for 2006/07 is confirmed he was not able to say what works might be carried out on B roads. More minor roads are unlikely to get attention.

   The Chairman invited Councillors and members of the public to put any questions they might have to Mr Wilde.

   There were a number of questions and concerns raised about the effect that approval for the Biomass project would have on High Bickington and North Road in particular. Mr Wilde said his department could only object if it was felt that the traffic implications could be classed as dangerous or would cause congestion and neither of these factors could be proved. He did, however, agree that his department would do what they could to mitigate the effects if the project goes ahead.

   Pavements – there is no mechanism by which Highways would take over private pavements.

   Little Bickington Farm – the Chairman raised concerns expressed at the public inquiry about the proposed highway layout at the entrance to the Little Bickington farm project. The original roundabout scheme was thrown out due to visibility problems. Concerns were raised by members of the public that the new proposals were not appropriate, but Mr Wilde assured everyone that the current scheme proposed will give a much safer and more acceptable junction.

   The Chairman and Councillors thanked Mr Wilde for attending the meeting and for giving a very interesting presentation. Mr Wilde left the meeting.

4. Minutes of the Meeting held on 11 January 2006.
   The minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2006 were agreed and adopted by Councillors present. The Chairman signed the minutes.

5. Matters arising from the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 January 2006

   1. Low Flying Aircraft – the Chairman confirmed that he has written to Eaglescott Airfield and a reply is awaited.

6. Police Matters
   Stella Burrows reminded everyone that the first NAG (Neighbourhood Action Group) meeting will be held prior to the next Council meeting on Wednesday 8 March at 6.30pm in the Meeting Point. PC Hagan and Sgt Harper will be in attendance.

   On his patrols in the village, particularly at night, PC Hagan has detected property left in cars making them a vulnerable target for thieves, and he makes a point of contacting the owners to advise them of this. He also warns of problems caused by sheds and outbuildings not being secured properly.

7. Parish Update
   David Venner circulated copies of the February update. It was felt that the public inquiry had been run very efficiently and everyone had had a fair hearing. The report and recommendation should be available within the next few weeks with a decision from the First Secretary of State being announced on or before 11 May.

   Housing Committee – the Allocation Policy is being developed into an agreed version for publication. This will make it clear to everyone the basis upon which potential occupants of the CPT's affordable homes will be selected. Mike Leatham confirmed that this report will be available for public inspection.

   The Chairman raised concerns from a member of the public about the proximity of the proposed Little Bickington Farm to his property and the fact that despite many letters to Torridge and Devon County Council since 1999 he has not received any acknowledgment. The Chairman felt that the Parish Council should take this matter up on behalf of the resident and look into the possibility of the resident acquiring some additional land to give more protection to his property. Mike Leatham said that the problem arose because the CPT did not own the piece of land abutting the resident's property, this was currently Devon County Council property and until the outcome of the Inquiry was known the CPT could not act. Councillors present assured the resident that they will take this matter up at the relevant time

8. Barton Meadow

   1. Village Hall Site – a copy of the conveyance of the strip of land from Mrs Harpum to the Parish Council has been obtained. The Chairman expressed concern at the clause which contains a convenant that Pearce should not have access over this piece of land. Peter Tucker and Mike Leatham felt this would not be a problem and did not change the current situation because the access roadway remains. Mike Leatham reported that Pearce have not taken any further action at present but he has asked that the Parish Council be kept informed of any developments.

   2. Tree Planting – Play area. The quotation from Albion Plants was accepted by Councillors at their meeting on 14 December 2005 and Roger Bickley requested a cheque to enable the trees to be purchased.

      Decision: Councillors present agreed that a cheque be raised for £275.48.

      Roger Bickley advised that he has received a second quote for the scalpings on the cycle track and also for re-surfacing the car park. Quotations received are:

      Browns Plant Hire Play area £900.00 + VAT
      Car park £220.00 + VAT
      TKB Tucker Play Area £1,250 + VAT
      Car park £525.00 + VAT

      Decision : Roger Bickley proposed that the quotation from Browns Plant

      Hire be accepted. This was seconded by Peter Tucker and unanimously agreed by those Councillors present.
      Roger Bickley will inform Mr & Mrs Boler, whose property abuts the car park, when the work will be carried out.

   3. Safety Inspections – The Clerk has obtained prices for safety inspections on the play area as follows:
      N W Adams £29 per play area + £3 per item of equipment = £50
      ROSPA £60 - play area inc 5 items of equipment + £3 per item over 5 = £66.
      Both companies carry out inspections in Devon during March of each year.

      Decision: Mike Leatham proposed that the quotation from N W Adams for £50 be accepted. This was seconded by Roger Keen and unanimously agreed by all Councillors present.
      The Clerk was asked to arrange for a safety inspection to be undertaken in March 2006.

9. Matters raised by the Chairman
   The Chairman did not raise any matters not covered elsewhere.

10. Maintenance

    1. Highways – Highways matters were covered under item 3.

    2. Footways and Byways – Roger Keen presented details of gates and stiles for possible siting at Beechwood. Peter Tucker said that the present gate appears to be satisfactory and it was agreed not to take any further action on this at the present time.
       A beech tree has fallen down at the kissing gate and slightly damaged the rails. Peter Tucker advised that he moved the tree to stop it obstructing the footpath and the damage to the rails is not serious.

11. Finance

    1. Statement as at 31 January 2006. In addition to the three cheques listed totalling £403.74 it was agreed (item 8(b)) to raise a cheque for £275.48 for Albion Plants. The statement was agreed by Councillors present.

    2. Precept – Mike Leatham reported that he now has the information from Torridge District Council to prepare a paper showing how Council Tax is calculated.

12. Planning

    1. Planning applications received before the meeting: there were no new planning applications.

    2. Decisions:

       1. 1/20672005/CPE
          Certificate of Lawfulness – additional ancillary domestic accommodation
          Southwood Farm, High Bickington

          TDC Decision: Granted 13.1.06

          PC Decision: Supported 9.11.05

       2. 1/2004/2005/FUL

          Erection of single storey extension
          Gratleigh, High Bickington

          TDC Decision: Refused 24.1.06

          PC Decision: Supported 26.10.05

13. Correspondence

    1. TDC – Renaissance Community Boost Fund – details of grants from Community Council of Devon. Passed to CPT.

    2. TDC – Scrutiny 2 Committee – considering policies within TDC planning document regarding local needs housing – passed to Mike Leatham for response.

    3. South West Water – letter re mobile customer information unit visiting events during 2006 – passed to Roger Bickley.

14. Outstanding Matters
    There were no matters outstanding.

15. Items for information
    Reminder that there will be the first NAG on Wednesday 8 March at 6.30pm in the Meeting Point followed by the Parish Council meeting.

16. Date of next meeting
    Wednesday 8 March 2006 at 7.30pm in the Meeting Point.