Whitestone Parish Council - 10 December 2020

(The minutes for the Extraordinary Meeting of the 11th December follow on)

Minutes of Virtual Meeting of Whitestone Parish Council held at 7.30pm on Thursday 10^th December, 2020.

Attendance:- Chair – Councillor T Miles.
Councillors M Belt, V Bryant, L Dyer, A Evans, L Fairley, P Lee, S Llewelyn, C Galton - arrived at 8.40pm
County Councillor A Connett - left at 8.19pm
District Councillor A Swain
Mrs P Vaughan – Clerk to the Council
Mr M Harris, Ms T Baird
Mrs M Neirop - left at 8.15pm

Apologies: Mr D Jones

Councillor Miles opened the meeting and the Minutes of the virtual Council Meeting held on Thursday 12^th November 2020 having been circulated were confirmed as correct for signing.

REPORTS FROM COUNTY COUNCILLOR / DISTRICT COUNCILLORS

54.1 County Councilor Connett noted the decision for Lower Hare Farm had been given approval.

He informed the meeting that he had been in touch with the department in relation to speed signs for the parish roads and this issue was under discussion.

He also mentioned that Devon County Council would be allocating some monies to assist with help for supplying free school meals in view of the recent Covid crisis.

54.2 District Councillor Swain complimented the parishioners in Whitestone in regard to their attendance at the recent meeting by Devon County Council when the planning for Lower Hare Farm had been given approval. Cllr Miles indicated that there would be an extraordinary meeting tomorrow (Friday the 11^th) at 7pm when the issue would be debated further.

PLANNING

55.1 20/01793/HOU Two storey side extension at Little Bowlish, Whitestone

The application is for a two-storey extension to the east of the house, replacing a lean-to greenhouse. Currently the property is a three-bedroom house and the extension would add a further bedroom and a shower room.

Response made:- The Parish Council is minded to support this application on the following grounds, but with the proviso that requirements set out in the ecological survey are adhered to, regarding timing of certain works. The property is quite isolated, therefore there would be no issues of overlooking neighbouring properties. The nearest property would not be affected by additional light which should be minimal. The proposal seeks to reflect the existing appearance of the building, utilising similar materials and design. No additional provision needs to be made for access or parking. Removal of the greenhouse will not affect existing wildlife, and no trees or hedges will need to be removed. The Ecological survey noted bat droppings round the base of the chimney, but not in the roof void. Presence of bats is therefore likely and should be appropriately monitored. Provided the requirements in the ecological report are adhered to, Whitestone Parish Council see no reason not to support this application.

55.2 20/02107/FUL Demolition of barn and construction of two dwellings at Styles Barton Farm

This application (20/02107) is for a re-orientation of the previously approved application for the demolition of the barn and construction of two dwellings submitted in November 2019 19/02276/FUL) which benefited from the barn’s Class Q (a & b) approval (18/00644/NPA). The reasoning for this new application and change to the previous approved application is to improve the level of residential amenity for the neighbours and future occupiers

Response made:- Having considered all the paperwork provided Whitestone Parish Council do not support this application for the following reasons and concerns:

The underlying overdevelopment of the site and area is a major concern, not in keeping with policy S22 of the local plan.
Although in a 30mph area the residents in that area would agree that this is where motorists speed up having passed through Merrymeet (the main residential area of the parish).
Creating a linear frontage along the road in this proposal does not reflect the farmyard nature of the barn to be demolished and the site in general.
The re-orientation means the new houses now face directly onto the road – this reduces rather than improves the residential amenity for future occupiers. Also, please note that the oak tree on the plan in the North-West corner of the plot is in fact absent and has been cut down, further increasing exposure to road noise and visibility to and from the road.
Development is not permitted by Class Q if the development would result in the external dimensions of the building extending beyond the external dimensions of the existing building at any given point. The re-orientation of the proposed new properties significantly exceeds the footprint of the barn to be demolished on both the east and west boundaries. Thus, this application conflicts directly with the approval 18/00644/NPA.
Further to point 4, the Class Q regulations do not allow the introduction of new foundations or loadbearing floor slabs which would occur in this new proposal, as about a third of the footprint for each of the new properties exceeds the present barn perimeter (West and East sides).
The new position of the west elevation for the proposed property encroaches much more closely on the neighbour’s boundary and thus does not improve the residential amenity for the neighbours.
The new re-orientation in this application (20/02107/FUL) further reduces the residential amenity for the neighbours as the new car parking spaces, turning area and road junction into the properties are now clearly visible and audible from The Firs. This is not the case in the previously approved application (19/02276/FUL) where the houses form a boundary and screen between The Firs and the arriving/parking traffic (noise and light).
The previously approved application (19/02276/FUL) had already addressed any privacy issues and thus negates the need for re-orientation which does not definitively improve the level of residential amenity. This current application (20/02107/FUL) does not improve the situation.
Also, the reduction of the number of windows on the west elevation overlooking the neighbours in this current application (20/02107/FUL) is counterbalanced by the significant increase of windows overlooking the northern aspect of the adjacent plot from both new houses, resulting in no nett gain of improved residential amenity.
The northern aspect of the plot would have a major increase in window area and thus light pollution both for wildlife (bats) and local residents would be increased.

The ecology survey and recommendations need to be closely adhered to and the conditions should be set. In conclusion, the application 20/02107/FUL does not improve the level of residential amenity for the neighbours and future occupiers, it is an overdevelopment and could increase light pollution, both for wildlife (bats) and local residents. Whitestone Parish Council is OPPOSED to the application.

55.3 20/02114/FUL Demolish existing dwelling and erection of replacement dwelling at Ridgeway.

Response made:- Whitestone Parish Council have discussed this planning application which we understand replaces an application considered by us in September 2020 (3 months ago). The current application now seeks to demolish the existing dwelling and build a replacement dwelling rather than extend it. The new proposal seeks to use approximately the same footprint, but to increase the elevation.

As a result the Parish Council does not support this application on the following grounds:-

The proposed development would significantly increase the size of the existing dwelling. The proposal (as before) would also result in there being two sets of double garages. Which can be considered an overdevelopment. (We note that in November 2019 approval was given for an extension to an existing large (75 m ²) brick built double garage to include a 25 m ² workshop. This garage and workshop still exist and are sited approximately 25m to the west of the main dwelling with their own entrance to the road). It is not clear why this property needs 2 double garages, with one of the garages being set at some distance from the proposed dwelling.
Policy EN2A (Landscape Character and Visual amenity)

Ridgeway is already visible from the road and from a number of key viewpoints across the valley on the ridgeline of the highly sensitive Exeter Culm Slopes Landscape Character Area (6.3) and, if permitted, would have high visual impact (including light spill) because of its increased size and greater height.

Policy WE8 (Domestic Extensions – Privacy)

Given the increased elevation there could also be a loss of privacy for the newly built dwelling at Wayland Barn.

Policy S1 (Sustainable Development – Road Safety)

The existing entrance to the dwelling sits alongside the entrance to

two other local houses and all three dwellings have poor visibility splays. Visibility is significantly better from the existing double garage entrance. Applicants should therefore be asked to remove the second duplicate garage from the application.

Policy EN8 (Biodiversity protection and Enhancement)

We note that no new ecology report was submitted and this should now be provided. In this new application the whole bat home/roost is completely removed with the demolition which is a new biodiversity issue. There is also a strong likelihood that there will be additional light spill from the increased elevation and large

windows across the valley as well as the garages. Hence light

pollution is a significant concern as dark skies are important,

especially for bats and also for the local community across the valley. It is essential that the only lighting that is installed creates minimum light pollution. Furthermore the new build would be

highly likely to result in damage to the local ecology such as trees

and hedges, e.g. when bringing in construction machinery.

Protective measures must therefore be installed for the duration of

the construction period.

If Teignbridge District Council is however minded to approve this new application we suggest the following conditions:-

Reduce light spill by significantly reducing window size on windows facing the valley
Submit a full ecology report given the likely impact from rebuilding the dwelling and ensure full compliance with the ecology report recommendations, including advice on bats
Remove the duplicate second double garage from the application.
Ensure protection for existing trees and hedges during the construction phase.

55.4 20/00230/FUL – Devon View. Following the non determination of 20/00230/FUL for change of use of agricultural land and conversion of existing buildings to commercial use (Use Classes B1, B2 & B8) including widening of existing access an Appeal 20/00056/NONDET has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate and the Parish Council has submitted additional representation with key points raising strong objections. Cllr Miles read the statement to the meeting and gained approval.

55.5 DCC/4101/2018 - Lower Hare Farm. Importation of 350,000m3 of inert soils and topsoils for the land raising of previously disturbed land that is not capable of sustaining commercial agriculture.

Following the approval of this application by Devon County Council it was agreed that further action was needed and an extraordinary meeting has been arranged for Friday 11^th December at 7.30pm to decide the action and expenditure which might be incurred to oppose this further. Cllr Miles gave thanks to Cllr Connett for his comments and support regarding this application.

PLANNING GRANTED

Grant of Conditional Planning Permission

55.6 20/01666/HOU Erection of annexe building at Hurston House, Tedburn Road.

55.7 20/01265/HOU First floor rear extension and ground floor porch at Norway Farm.

55.8 20/01798/FUL Demolition and replacement of an existing single storey studio annexe and outbuildings with a new single storey studio annexe, storage sheds and workshop at Hackworthy, Trillow Hill

Variation of Condition following planning permission 20/00584/VAR

55.9 Variation of condition 2 on planning permission 20/00584/VAR to allow increased storage area in loft space on planning permission 17/01292/FUL for replacement of conservatory with new extension and replacement of garage and shed with garage/workshop to amend design of detached garage/workshop building at East Kent Farmhouse.

MATTERS FOR DISCUSSION

56.1 Request from Whitestone Parish Hall Management Committee for a donation towards widening the access ramp at the Hall to make access safe which will cost £3,500. Some funding of £1,500 has been promised by Councillor Connett and it was proposed by Cllr Belt and seconded by Cllr Fairley that the sum of £500 be donated by the Parish Council. All in favour.

56.2 Also included in the letter was an issue regarding the responsibility for the outside toilet on the south side of Hall and there was a request that the Parish Council take over responsibility for the maintenance of this toilet or perhaps pay for the cleaner After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Lee and seconded by Cllr Fairley that £5 a month for the cleaning should be paid by the Parish Council backdated to July 2020. All in favour. Cllr Belt to liaise with the Hall Committee regarding perhaps changing the taps so that not so much water is used and perhaps checking the cistern and this issue to be discussed further at the January meeting.

56.3 Teignbridge Climate Emergency

Cllr Llewelyn reported on the meeting that she had attended with Cllr Fairley in February and was in agreement with the aims of the Action on Climate Teignbridge (ACT) which is independent of Teignbridge District Council but working with them. Cllr Llewelyn realises the need for the work but is not willing to take on leadership for this. Cllr Galton indicated that she would be interested in taking action on this and Cllr Swain said that Teignbridge District Council are providing some paperwork on taking this further. Cllr Dyer reported on obtaining paperwork regarding becoming a Wild Life Warden and will be taking this further.

56.4 School Houses

Request from 1 School Houses for installation of new heaters as they were aware of heaters being installed at 2 School Houses although the existing heating at No 1 had passed on inspection. A quote for £4,518.00 was obtained through Carter Geering. It was agreed that this issue would be investigated further and placed on the January agenda.

It was reported that a window repair at 1 School Houses had been organised at a cost of £67.38 and an EPC charge carried out at 2 School House of the cost of £25.00. Both these repairs had been organised through Carter Geering.

56.5 Crossway Park

Cllr Fairley reported that following the November meeting a quotation from Parsons Landscapes Ltd has been confirmed as follows:- Dismantling and removing existing Bear Springer (including footings), supplying and installing Proludic Boat Springer and supplying and laying 9m2 grass-mat surfacing at a cost of £5,025.00. It was proposed and seconded that this be installed. All in favour.

56.6 Parish Lengthsperson

Cllr Belt reported that Mr Blades had carried out litter picking throughout the Parish and had taken a chair and a microwave to the Exeter tip for disposal. Cllr Miles said that she had been in contact with Teignbridge regarding litter bins but these had to be installed in liaison with Teignbridge District Council and any large articles left on the roadside would be removed when reported to Teignbridge.

FINANCE

Budget for 2021-2022

57.1 It was reported that Councilors Evans and Galton had attended a Budget Course organised by DALC and it was agreed that as the Precept request does not need to be returned before the 29^th January 2021 the budget would be discussed and decided at the January meeting.

Income

57.2 1 School Houses rent to 30^th December £750.00 - £72.00 (includes £12.00 VAT) = £678.00.

57.3 2 School Houses rent to 1^st January 2021 £825.00 - £79.20 (includes £13.20 VAT) = £745.80.

Expenditure

The following expenditure was proposed and seconded for payment. All in favour and the cheques to be signed by Councillors Belt and Miles.

57.4 Society of Local Council Clerks Membership £67.00

57 5 Fry & Son £79.20 (includes £13.20 VAT)

57.6 Mrs P Vaughan £389.34 (Clerk’s quarterly salary/expenses)

57.7 HM Customs & Excise £75.80 (Clerk’s income tax)

57.8 Mr L Blades £330.60

57.9 SG Property Maintenance £67.38 (for 1 School House paid through Carter Geering)

57.10 SWEPC £25.00 (for 2 School Houses paid through Carter Geering)

CORRESPONDENCE

Letter of thanks received from Whitestone Gardening Club and from The Parochial Church Council for donations sent following the November Parish Council meeting.

REPORTS

59.1 Cllr Bryant reported sending objections to Exeter City Council regarding the proposed Redhills development.

59.2 Cllr Bryant also reported contacting Ros Davis regarding the footpath styles at East Kent Farm and a signpost.

59.3 Cllr Llewelyn spoke regarding the work of CHEF which is funding for education within the parish and said the criteria is being rewritten.

The next Parish Council meeting will be a virtual meeting on Thursday 14^th JANUARY 2021 at 7.30pm.

Topic: Whitestone Parish Council Meeting. Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8492542955?pwd=aGRkaEORWU1YTIYcTBjdlp4ckwzQT09 Meeting ID: 849 2564 2955 Passcode: 991087

The meeting closed at 10.46p.m

Whitestone Parish Council - 11 December 2020

Minutes of Virtual Meeting of Whitestone Parish Council Extraordinary Meeting held at 7.30pm on Friday 11th December, 2020.

Attendance:- Chair – Councillor T Miles.
Councillors: M Belt, L Dyer, A Evans, L Fairley, P Lee, S Llewelyn, C Galton
County Councillor A Connett
Tedburn District Councillor T Tume
Tedburn Councillors Chair L Bellshaw, Vice Chair P Moody, Pathfinder, M Jones
Mrs P Vaughan – Clerk to the Council

Members of the Public: Mr David Jones, Dr Guy Fielding, Mr M Harris, Ms T Baird, Mrs M Neirop, Mr P Nierop, Mr David Lee, Mr D Dyer, Mrs M Durrant, Mr B Darke,

Apologies: Councillor V Bryant

PLANNING

DCC/4101/2018 - Lower Hare Farm. Importation of 350,000m3 of inert soils and topsoils for the land raising of previously disturbed land that is not capable of sustaining commercial agriculture.

Councillor Miles opened the meeting and made a brief introduction of why the extraordinary meeting had been called and explained that the meeting would be offered as a platform for open discussion and debate regarding the Devon County Council (DCC) decision to approve the Landfill application at Lower Hare Farm and what options were available to the Council and to the Community in respect of this decision.

Cllr Connett was invited to speak to explain why he had chosen to vote the way he had at the DMC meeting and the motion that he had proposed to refuse the application. He explained that upon reading the full planning report it appeared that this application wasn’t about land restoration at all but primarily a landfill site for waste soil and didn’t appear to be part of a DCC strategic decision but more of an opportunity seized by Devon County Council to satisfy landfill capacity.

David Jones gave a full explanation as an ex-Parish Councillor that the planning application appeared from the beginning to be missing a lot of information and especially an environmental statement, it was a paper chase in trying to establish whether this met the criteria of an EIA which led to the appointment of Dr Rob Murdock a specialist in Environmental Planning, his report led to the Regulation 25 request. The paper chase continued for another Regulation 25 request and ended being the subject of a recommendation for approval by the planning department despite not meeting the requisite standard.

Cllr Miles confirmed that a Pre-action Protocol letter had already been sent to DCC detailing the grounds for Judicial Review and there is the possibility that DCC will not fight the decision and will quash the Lower Hare planning decision. If that happens the applicant would be expected to put right all the errors and missing information and it would have to be considered and decided upon again by the DMC at a later date. The expected costings were discussed and outlined (worse case) as a potential £10,000 capped court costs and in the region of £6,000 legal costs.

Guy Fielding offered further information regarding the breakdown of the Judicial Review process and how it is a multi-stage process with step by step charging and either applicant or defendant can withdraw from the process at any time with some agreement being reached. He confirmed that the claimant hadn’t yet been identified and it could be multiple organisations and members of the community, however the capping level (risk) would be dependent on the means available to the claimant. On winning the case, the defendant would be expected to pay our court costs.

The Parish Council actively talked about the process and whether Whitestone Parish Council wanted to act as claimant and take further action. Cllr Belt put forward a motion to the Parish Council; “Whitestone Parish Council accepts being the claimant for the community and to take the next steps and review each step through the Judicial Review Process against Devon County Council.”

This was seconded by Cllr Llewellyn and Cllr Galton simultaneously, the Council then voted on the motion in which there was unanimous agreement to start the process and to fund the Judicial Review action. The community deserve a satisfactory resolution of this case and there was absolutely no doubt about the decision to stand firm and take action.

In addition it was suggested that crowd funding could be organised, to include members of both the Whitestone community and other Parishes as and when needed. The Chair of Tedburn St Mary Parish Council, Vice Chair and Cllr Jones for Pathfinder Village indicated that they would be interested in joining us, subject of course to discussion and approval by the full Tedburn St Mary Parish Council.

The next full Parish Council meeting will be a virtual meeting on Thursday 14th JANUARY 2021 at 7.30pm.

Topic: Whitestone Parish Council Meeting. Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8492542955?pwd=aGRkaEORWU1YTIYcTBjdlp4ckwzQT09

Meeting ID: 849 2564 2955 Passcode: 991087

The meeting closed at 9:15pm.