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Whitestone Parish Council

DRAFT Minutes of Whitestone Parish Council held at Whitestone Parish Hall on Thursday 12th November 2015 at 7.30pm to be ratified on 10th December 2015.

Attendance: Chairman – Councillor L Hickman,
Councillors Mrs M Belt, Mrs B Bramhall, Mrs L Fairley, R Phillips, D Munro, A Reed.
County Councillor J Brook (left at 8.10pm after giving his report)
Mrs P Vaughan, Clerk to the Council
Mrs B Netherway, Mr D Marsden, Mr A Rose, Mrs S Greenfield

Apologies: Councillor Ms T Baird, District Councillor P Bromell.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mr Marsden stated that he was in attendance to give comments on the item on the agenda regarding the development of a motor cycling track at Hales Farm. The Chairman said he would be given the opportunity to make a statement when the item was reached.

Minutes of the Parish Council Meetings held on 8th October 2015 having been circulated were taken as read were duly signed by the Chairman.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR / DISTRICT COUNCILLOR
The Clerk stated that District Councillor Bromell had sent his apologies for this meeting and requested that thanks should be passed to Cllr Reed for his assistance in dealing with the issue of water running across the road on Five Mile Hill which had been raised at the October meeting.

County Councillor Brook reported on various items under review by Devon County Council which included the library service being run as a mutual service, the financial implications for the provision of school crossings and proposals that Highway and Traffic Orders will be evaluated on a yearly basis. He anticpates the availability over the next two years of a fund to address road safety issues. A bidding system would be put in place. He stated that he would be leaving the meeting after this report as he had another meeting to attend.

MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
Hales Farm - motorbikes
Councillor R Phillips declared an interest in this item.
The Chairman brought forward the discussion regarding Hales Farm as he felt that Cllr Brook would like to be aware of the complaints and opened the meeting in order that Mr Marsden could give a report on parishioners’ concerns. Mr Marsden gave a full and comprehensive report regarding the motor cycling which is taking place on Hales Farm land. The complaints are that the noise disturbance which is taking place is having a significantly detrimental effect on the lifestyle of neighbouring properties and in fact it would seem that this practice may be leading to a more commercial usage of the tracks which have been constructed. Complaints backed by 19 signatories have been reported to Teignbridge District Council and they are at present investigating the situation. Mr Rose also added his comments in support of the complaint. Discussion took place and it was resolved that a letter be sent to Teignbridge District Council Environmental Health Department supporting the views of the parishioners in this matter.

County Councillor Brook, Mr Rose and Mr Marsden left the meeting at 8.10pm.

PLANNING
Cllr Belt and Cllr Phillips declared an interest in the application 15/02760/NPA for Hindcross.
Planning Applications
The following applications/plans were examined and discussion took place with the subsequent observations:-

15/02760/NPA Application for Prior Approval under Part 3 Class Q (a) and (b) and paragraph W of the GPDO for change of use of barn from agricultural use to a dwelling at land west of Hindcross.
No objections but concerns regarding any further development at the site.

15/02448/FUL First floor extension over existing single storey section at Grasmere, Rowhorne Road. No objections

15/02907/FUL Remove conservatory and construction of single storey extension with balcony over at Gratton House. No objections

Devon County Matter Planning Application
Variation to current land restoration scheme. Engineering works to construct pond in adjacent meadow at Springdale Farm, Lane to Springdale Farm, Longdown. No objections but request that cleansing of highways access should be enforced as there have been considerable problems in the past and there are ongoing concerns.

MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION
Request for traffic calming
A letter has been received from the Parish Hall Management Committee that following their attention having been drawn to various potential hazards they are requesting the Parish Council to consider applying to the Highways Authority for some traffic calming measures. Discussion followed and it was noted that this had been talked about at the October meeting. It was agreed that as PC Croft is undertaking a survey regarding traffic problems within the area and is reporting to his superiors it would be advantageous to await the results of this before any further actions are taken. A response will be sent to the Parish Hall Management Committee reflecting the Parish Council’s view. The meeting was then opened to Mrs Greenfield who stated that the Parish Plan had questions regarding speed throughout the Parish and it would be appropriate to await parishioners’ comments.

Asset Report
Cllr Reed gave reports on the following:-
School Houses
No 2 - The Kitchen floor has been repaired. The external drains have been unlocked and repaired including a gap alongside the bathroom which was channelling water under the kitchen floor and could well have been contributory to the flooring problem which had occurred.
No 1 – A Carbon Monoxide Alarm has been fitted in the sitting room which is a legal requirement. An estimate for tiling around the remainder of the bath area and decorating the ceiling which is black with mould has been received for the sum of £245.00 and it was proposed and seconded that this is accepted and the work be carried out.

Wall between Community Garden/Car Park
After investigation it had been decided that it is a necessity to replace the wall with a fence and four estimates had been obtained namely:- (i) £432.60, (ii) £450.00, (iii) £296.00 + £59.20 VAT = £355.30 (iv) £380.00. It was resolved that the quotation of £355.30 from Frost Fencing should be accepted with the proviso that they should liase with Cllr Belt in order that the wall can be removed and the fence erected in conjunction.

Crossway Park
The new play equipment has been installed. The swing seats themselves will be hung on Monday 16th November. This is to allow the concrete bases to set. As soon as this is done the warning signs and locks will be removed.

Cllr Belt proposed a vote of thanks to Cllr Reed and Cllr Hickman for their work at the Park and for moving the earth.

It was reported that the Playground Inspection had been completed and although this had been done whilst old equipment was in place Cllr Hickman noted that all the items termed as high risk in the report had now been dealt with.

Cllr Belt reported that it has been proposed that all profits from the 2017 Summer Fete will be presented to the Playground.

MATTERS RAISED BY THE CHAIRMAN

• Cllr Hickman reported attending the Remembrance Service on 8th November and presenting the Wreath from the Parish Council.
• He had also attended the Devon Association of Local Councils AGM in company with Cllr Reed and distributed a report on the day. He had been made aware that owing to financial implications it might be necessary for Councils to work in partnership to provide services for the community.
• PC Croft has reported that his survey is completed and it was noted that the speed checks were based on “average speed” of vehicles passing through the village.
• Complaints have been received regarding the new rubbish collection arrangements made by Teignbridge as it seemed that items of plastic/paper were falling out of the lorries and adorning the hedges.

FINANCE
Budget for 2016- 2017
A draft budget statement was circulated to Councillors itemising the budgetary position at the present time and the budget review will take place at the December meeting when the Precept will be finalised. Councillors were requested to consider new Grant Application arrangements in preparation to a decision at the next meeting.

Income
1 School Houses rent for November £675.00 - £64.80 (incl £10.80 VAT = £610.20.
2 School Houses rent for November £800.00 - £76.80 (incl £12.80 VAT) = £723.20.

Expenditure
The following expenditure was proposed and seconded for payment. All in favour.
Whitestone Parish Hall Management Committee (November) £97.50
British Legion (Poppy Wreath) £15.00
Play Inspection Co £71.94 (incl £11.99 VAT)
Chappell Maintenance £22.00
J Bartle (2 School Houses) £1,490.00
Clerk’s expenses £33.73
The Green Sweep (for 2 School Houses) paid by Devon Lettings £45.00
DALC AGM - £48.00 (incl £8 VAT)
Carbon Monoxide Alarm £13.74

REPORTS
Cllr Belt reported on the mud on road at Chapel Cottage. Rubbish in a field on Rowhorne Road near Atwells Farm. Complaints regarding parking at Crossways and concerns about emergency vehicles accessing the area.

Cllr Reed reported speaking to owner of the property concerned with the problem of water across the road at Five Mile Hill and this has now been solved. He felt that the Parish Council should encourage more personal responsibility regarding complaints.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Mrs Greenfield and Mrs Netherway raised issues regarding large amount of water sitting on the road opposite the entrance to Glebe Farm as this is causing problems for traffic.

Mrs Greenfield reported that parishioners should be aware of telephone messages which sounded very official but were in fact scams and should be reported on the 101 number.

Mrs Greenfield gave the following update on the Parish Plan Steering Group:- “Our provider has advised me that their analysis work is drawing to a close. We look forward to receiving this output which we need to inform our drafting of the Action Plan and draft Parish Plan”

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.50pm.