Whitestone Parish Council
DRAFT Minutes of Whitestone Parish Council held at Whitestone Parish Hall on Thursday 6th August 2015 at 7.30pm to be ratified on 10th September 2015
Attendance: Chairman – Councillor L Hickman,
Councillors Mrs M Belt, Mrs B Bramhall, Mrs L Fairley, D Munro, R Phillips. A Reed.
Mrs P Vaughan, Clerk to the Council
Apologies Councillor Ms T Baird, Mrs S Greenfield
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Cllr Hickman opened the meeting which has been called primarily to discuss planning applications that require a response to Teignbridge District Council within a 21 days deadline.
PLANNING
Cllr Munro declared an interest in the planning for 26 Merrymeet as he lives in a neighbouring property.
15/01270/FUL Stable block with tack room and hay store at Plume Top, Five Mile Hill. Application and plans were examined with no objections but a request that it is for private use only and not a commercial enterprise.
15/01697/FUL Single storey side extension and partial cladding to extension and dwelling at 26 Merrymeet. Application and plans were examined with no objections.
MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
Crossway Park
It was reported that two pieces of equipment, the climbing frame and the junior swings, had been found to be unsafe and arrangements had been made for them to be taped up and notices placed they were not to be used.
Cllr Reed had made enquiries regarding their repair but it had been ascertained that they were not fit for use. It was agreed that they must be dismantled as soon as possible and Cllrs Reed and Hickman agreed to undertake this.
Cllr Hickman then called for a decision regarding replacements and it was proposed and seconded that the two items should be replaced with all in favour. It was ascertained that various quotations had been obtained and the Councillors supported the proposition that the new equipment should be purchased and installed up to £6,000 which monies will be taken from the Council Reserves Budget. Cllrs Reed and Hickman will go ahead with arranging this.
It was suggested that application be made to County Councillor Brook to see if he could make a grant towards the new equipment and also an application would be made to the Teignbridge Elector Fund.
It was noted that the two picnic tables had now been out into place by Cllrs Reed and Hickman and thanks were expressed to Cllr Phillips for his help with organising the purchase of these. It had been noted that they have already been used.
2 School Houses
It was reported that all decorations have been completed and arrangements made by Cllr Belt for the thorough cleaning of the interior of the house and clearing of the garden. This had been done at a cost of £105.00. In addition she had arranged for the windows to be cleaned at a cost of £15.
Cllr Reed reported that Devon Sales & Lettings have now found tenants for the house and they would be signing a tenancy agreement and moving in on the 24th August.
Cllrs Belt and Reed were thanked for all the work they had done making the necessary arrangements.
FINANCE
Income
1 School Houses rent for August £675.00 - £64.80 (incl £10.80 VAT) = £610.20
Expenditure
The following expenditure was proposed and seconded for payment. All in favour
Edwin Tucker & Sons Ltd (picnic tables) £510.00 (incl £85 VAT)
Greenham Trading (tape for climbing frame) £7.79 (incl £11.30 VAT)
J Bartle (repairs/redecoration at 2 School Houses as per quotation 4th July) £2,000
Clerk’s expenses £25.50
Mr B Hunt £105.00
Mr P Cook £15.00
Brady Co Ltd £38.82 (incl £7.77 VAT) (signs for Crossway Park)
REPORTS
Cllr Belt said that there had been some concerns within her area with residents receiving complaints from Teignbridge District Council regarding neighbourhood problems such as noise and the lighting of bonfires and she felt that any grievances could be best solved by neighbours approaching each other and not going through official channels.
The meeting closed at 8.25pm