Bridford Parish Council Minutes of September 2016 Meeting

Minutes of a meeting of Bridford Parish Council held at Bridford Village Hall on Monday 5th September at 7pm
Present: Cllrs F Miles (Chairperson), G Hearnden, E Price, A Lord, T Evans, R. Dowding, Mrs J P Banks (Clerk), Cnty Cllr J Brook attended for part of the meeting. There were no members of the public present.
AGENDA
Apologies – Dst Cllr A Ford
Declarations of Interest – none
Public Discussion – the Chairperson read out a letter from a Parishioner regarding smoking in the bus shelter and the problem of dog fouling in the village. After a short discussion, it was agreed that the PC ownsthe bus shelter which is deemed an enclosed public space where smoking can be banned. The Clerk has some no smoking signs which will be laminated and put up in the shelter. There is an ongoing problem with dog fouling in the village. There are two existing dog waste bins at the Woodland Park and at the end of Butts Close. The Parishioner has asked if there could be two more situated on the grass at Oxenpark Gate and on the corner at the top of the back lane to Christow where there are particular problems. It would not be a good idea to move the one at Butts Close to Oxenpark Gate and if additional bins are requested there is likely to be a charge for them and possibly to empty them in addition to the existing ones. The Clerk will contact the Teignbridge to find out if it would be possible to obtain two more and at what cost.
MATTERS ARISING
Minutes – the Parish Council resolved to approve the minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 4 July 2016 as a true and accurate record of the meeting.
Allotments – the allotments representative has advised the PC that another allotment holder wishes to give up their plot. This means that there will now be three half plots and one whole plot vacant. These will continue to be advertised and details will be sent to new arrivals in the Village. With there being no PC meeting in August, the judging of the allotments was overlooked this year and the cup was therefore not presented at Christow Show. The Clerk will make arrangements for the allotments to be judged in the next few days and the cup will be presented at the October PC meeting.
Play Area – Cllr Price will meet with the Clerk to look at a broken fitment on one of the swings and make enquiries as to the cost of repair. TDC has not returned the gate padlock. The PC agreed that the Clerk should purchase a new padlock and chain with additional keys.
First Aid Course and Defibrillator – the First Aid course will go ahead on Monday 12th September at 7pm in the Village Hall. There are now ten residents who wish to attend. Enquiries have been made regarding the purchase of a defibrillator. The Parish Council resolved to proceed with the purchase of a Cardiac Science (as recommended by the First Responders) Powerheart G5 Fully Automatic model with a heated Storage cabinet. The Clerk will obtain a final price and advise Councillors by email prior to placing the order. The Parish Council agreed to utilise the earmarked funds from the proceeds of the contents of the textile bank to put towards the cost together with grants from Dst Cllr Ford, Cnty Cllr Brook and TDC Electors’ Fund.
Village Garden – Dominic Hollingsworth has kindly agreed to organise the services of a member of staff at Kitsons Solicitors where he is a partner, to undertake the conveyance of the land from the executors of Mrs Garforth and Mr Steer to the Parish Council. Details have been sent to Dominic who will get back to the PC with an approximate cost for the legal services, acting for all parties.
Casual Vacancy in the Parish of Bridford – there are now three prospective candidates applying for the Parish Councillor vacancy. The Clerk will contact them to ensure that they are aware of the qualifications required to be a Councillor and to establish that they are all eligible. The PC would then hope to be in a position to make their choice to fill the vacancy, at the October meeting.
Cnty Cllr J Brook jointed the meeting at 7.40pm. He was welcomed by the Chairperson and invited to speak
Cnty Cllrs Report (item 12) brought forward – there were no specific issues to report. The PC asked about the progress with the repair / restructure of the bridge at Leigh Cross. Cllr Brook stated that there is an element of resistance to putting a solid barricade in place as this would cause great problems if it was knocked into the river. He advised that as the PC is obviously concerned about the delay in arranging a 27 permanent solution and about the temporary hazard barrier, it should write to Head of Services, David Whitton. The letter will be signed by the Chairperson. A Parish Councillor asked Cllr Brook about the status of Dartmoor National Park. DNPA is a Council in its own right. The Park is a living and working environment. The Government has more or less given the National Parks a relatively free hand. A Parish Councillor mentioned that the road from Laployd Barton to Blackingstone Rock has been patch repaired and is now to be re-surfaced.. Cllr Brook confirmed that this stretch of road and Neadon Lane are being repaired with additional funds awarded from the Government.
Cnty Cllr Brook left the meeting at 7.55pm
MATTERS ARISING
Meetings attended by Parish Councillors – Cllr Dowding attended a number of meetings in connection with the Village Sports Fun Day. Cllrs Miles, Dowding and Price attended the ‘Twinning’ hosting the French guests. Cllr Lord attended the inquiry at Parke, Bovey Tracey, in connection with the enforcement order at The Old Quarry, Pound Lane. The Parish Council queried why it is not notified of the outcome of enforcement orders and appeals and will ask DNPA if it can be notified in future, in particular with regard to The Old Quarry. The PC queried who will be hosting the next Three Parishes meeting. The Clerk will confirm at the October meeting.
District Councillors Report – Dst Cllr Ford sent an item from South Devon and Torbay CCG regarding a Community Consultation. The Chairperson considered that this did not apply to the Teign Valley as it was not our area. Cllr Price confirmed that consultations and plans for this area are being monitored.
County Councillors Report – dealt with above
PLANNING For Discussion
The following planning applications were dealt with between meetings to meet the deadlines for the submission of comments to DNPA, the details having been circulated / telephoned to the Parish Councillors
Rockside, Bridford Road, Christow – re proposed erection of two storey extension to dwelling and replacement garage (DNPA ref. 0337/16). Deferred from last meeting pending a site visit. The Parish Council supported this application commenting that it would improve the housing stock, replace a dilapidated garage and generally rationalise the use of the site while having no visual impact on neighbours
Green Barn at The White Barn, Bridford – re proposed refurbishment, alterations and change of use to ancillary accommodation. Full Planning Permission (DNPA ref. 0368/16) & Listed Building Consent (DNPA ref. 0369/16). The Parish Council had no objections to this application.
Tor Croft, Bridford – re proposed modifications and extension to existing dwelling (DNPA ref 0397/16). The Parish Council made a site visit in respect of the original application which was subsequently withdrawn. The Parish Council had no objections to this most recent revised application
Woodland adjacent to B3212, Bridford – re proposed creation of access and loading bay (DNPA Ref 0359/16) The Parish Council had no objections to this application.
Seven Acre farm, Bridford – re proposed erection of agricultural building for fodder and agricultural storage (DNPA ref 0425/16) Following a site visit, the Parish Council strongly supported this application commenting that the proposed barn is a necessary development set appropriately in the context of the farm and the landscape.
Shippen Farm, Bridford -re proposed erection of single storey timber garden room (DNPA ref 0438/16). Following a site visit, the Parish Council supported this application commenting that this domestic extension will have no visual impact upon neighbouring properties.
Rockside, Bridford Road, Christow – plans amended,( same DNPA ref 0337/16) – re proposed erection of two storey dwelling and replacement garage. The Parish Council undertook a further site visit. It continues to support the original application because it will improve the housing 28 stock and it has no objections to any of the subsequent revisions except that it seems retrograde to reduce the footprint and functionality of the proposed extension. The Parish Council attached a response to the report written by the Trees and Landscapes Officer.
Woodland adjacent to B3212 re amended plans to proposed creation of access and loading bay (DNPA ref. 0359/16). This was discussed at the PC meeting. “The Parish Council supports this application in principal, subject to the approval of the Highways Department.
Any planning items for discussion received since publication of the agenda – none
For Information
The Old Quarry, Pound Lane, Bridford – Notice of appeal dated 14 July received. The inquiry took place on 2nd August at Parke, Bovey Tracey. Councillors advised via email
The Hide, Bridford – Certificate of Lawful Use or Development issued re use as a single dwelling House (class C3). (DNPA ref. 0323/16)
Burnicombe Farm, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning Permission re erection of barn for agricultural and forestry use (DNPA ref 0320/16)
Barton Lodge, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning Permission re erection of two storey Extension (DNPA ref 0310/16)
Unit 2, Bridford Mill, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning Permission re change of use from (B1) Offices to (A1) Hairdressers (DNPA ref 0244/16)
Poole Farm, Bridford – Appeal against enforcement allowed, Planning permission granted for Erection of rural worker’s dwelling (DNPA ref 0356/15)
Any planning items for information received since publication of the agenda – none
FINANCE & ACCOUNTS
Account balances as at 4th July 2016 Current account £4,044.46 Investment account £3,342.35 £7,386.81	£4,044.46 £3,342.35 £7,386.81
(Balances Include earmarked funds: £165 refundable allotment deposits, £659 Play Area, £43 Village Garden and £458 textile bank)
INCOME Bank Interest re June 2016 £ 0.28 Bank Interest re July 2016 £ 0.27 £ 0.55	£ 0.28 £ 0.27 £ 0.55
EXPENDITURE Mrs J P Banks re Clerks salary for July 2016 £192.56 re Clerks salary for August 2016 £192.76 £ 385.32 Grant to assist a Village Fun Sports Day. Cheque payable to Bridford Village Hall £ 100.00 issued at July meeting but not included in expenditure *	£ 385.32 £ 100.00
* The Parish Council has subsequently been advised that the organisers have secured funding elsewhere and that they will only draw on the Parish Council monies if needed. The cheque has therefore been cancelled £ 100.00 £ 385.32	£ 100.00 £ 385.32
Account balances as at 5th September 2016 Current account £3,659.14 Investment account £3,342.90 £7,002.04 Cllr Dowding, delegated by the Chairperson checked the reconciliation to the bank statement and the invoices to the cheque book. The Parish Council resolved to approve the accounts and authorise the expenditure. 29	£3,659.14 £3,342.90 £7,002.04
33 Local Councils Annual Financial Return 31 March 2016 – completed by Grant Thornton. No issues to report other than to advise that the approval of the Governance Statement and the Accounting Statements should be minuted separately.
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
Santander Banking – to enable the Clerk to speak to the Bank about the account and to order stationery, arrangements will be made for the Clerk to be added to the account but it will be specified on the mandate authority that only any two of the named Parish Councillors will be authorised to sign cheques.
TDC Elector Fund 2016/17 – £1.10 per elector available. The Parish Council authorised the Clerk to apply for these funds to help finance the Defibrillator.
Dartmoor Community Paths Scheme – assisting the DNPA local Ranger. The Parish Council will review the footpaths within the Parish at its next meeting when arrangements will be made for them to be walked and any problems reported.
Any items for discussion since publication of the agenda Webpage Hosting Charges – the Parish Council has been asked if it wishes to continue to pay the Web Host Charges to keep the Bridford website running for the next twelve months. This Parish Council agreed to pay these charges,
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
Tour of Britain Cycle Race – various road closures 8/9 September 2016 on notice boards
Connecting Devon and Somerset – CDC Broadband Voucher scheme, closing date 30 November 2016. Details to be published in Unity
Any items for information since publication of the agenda
Public Discussion – no further items for discussion
Date of next meeting – Monday 3 October 2016 in the upstairs room at Bridford Village Hall 7pm
Original copy signed by the Chairperson 3rd October 2016
CIRCULATION Newsletters, Reports and Circulars – Devon Senior Voice Summer 2016 Healthwatch Voices Summer 2016 Christow PC approved June 2016 minutes Dunsford PC approved July 2016 minutes Notes of the National Park Forum Meeting 13 July 2016 Miscellaneous Card from Poole Farm Letter Correspondence sent Various 30

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