Category: Parish Council

Minutes of a meeting of Bridford Parish Council held at Bridford Village Hall on Monday 7th March at 7.00pm

Present: Cllrs F Miles (Chairperson), G Hearnden, E Price, T Evans, A Lord, R Dowding, Mrs J P Banks (Clerk), Cnty Cllr Brook attended for part of the meeting. No members of the public were in attendance.

Apologies: Dst Cllr Ford. A retrospective apology was received from Cllr Evans

Declarations of Interest – none

Public Discussion – none

MATTERS ARISING

Minutes – the Parish Council approved the minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 1st February 2016 as a true and accurate record of the meeting

Allotments – there are still two half plots vacant and one annual rent still to be paid

Play Area – the annual safety inspection by RoSPA will take place in March. Cllr Price carried out her weekly check and reported that there were no problems,

Gritting of Bridford Hill – Devon County Council has reduced its budget even more since the decision to rationalise the County gritting routes and with further major financial reductions planned, it may be necessary to reduce the existing gritting routes.   It would therefore not be possible to reconsider the decision to remove Bridford from the primary gritting route. The Parish Council decided that it would not give up and suggested that a diary note should be made in October to write to the County Council again.

Grit/salt Bins – the contractor checks all bins when refilling and will break the surface of any that have solidified.   To supply and additional grit bin on Pound Lane would incur a cost. Suggested the Parish Council asks Cnty Cllr Brook if he would be able to fund it. The Clerk will bring a map of the location of the bins in the village to the next meeting to see if it would be possible to move an existing bin to Pound Lane. Arrangements will be made to turn around the bin at the bottom of Pound Lane to make it accessible.

Snow Warden – Dean Staniford has agreed to be village’s new Snow Warden / Co-ordinator and will undertake the formal briefing in order for him to be covered by Devon County Council’s insurance. Notices around the village and in Unity asking for additional volunteers for his team.

Alternative textile recycling arrangements – Rag Bag has given its permission for the Parish Council to keep the old recycling bank. Cllr Price has registered the Parish Council with the recycling company Bag to School which accept and pay for good quality items for re-use. Details of what can and cannot be accepted will be put up on the notice boards and published on the Parish website and in Unity. Cllr Dowding suggested that storage might be possible in the waste paper collection shed by constructing a shelf above the area where the paper is stacked.

Defibrillator and First Aid Training – there are many different defibrillators ranging From £1,110 – £2,000. Dst Cllr Ford will give £200 from her District Councillor’s purse. The Parish Council is also holding proceeds from the sale of contents of the textile bank which could be used. A defibrillator is of no use without basic first aid knowledge. . It is probably more important to provide first aid training than a defibrillator. St John’s charge £250 plus V.A.T.. There are other local qualified first aid trainers who will be contacted to see what they would charge for running a course which ideally would be held on a Saturday in the summer.   Details of a trainer, cost and date to be available at the next PC meeting.   Parishioners wishing to attend a first aid course will be asked to make a suggested minimum donation of £10. 5

Devon Air Ambulance Night time landing site– the cost of remote controlled lighting to enable night time landing at the Play Area would have to be born by the Parish Council. Planning permission would also be the Parish Council’s responsibility. The approximate cost is not known but is likely to be expensive as it would need to be remotely activated via mobile phone lines from the helicopter. The Parish Council initially decided that this is not something that it would wish to follow up at this time.

HRH Queen Elisabeth’s 90th Birthday Celebrations – arrangements are underway to hold a garden party at Bridford Barton organised by the Church to raise funds for the Church.   A Parish Councillor suggested that Bridford Parish Council should send a birthday card to Her Majesty. Alan Fitzjohn to be contacted to see if he still has any cards featuring the local church or if he would like to design a card,

Many Waters – Mr & Mrs Vaines have asked their building suppliers to utilise smaller vehicles for future deliveries and given assurance that they will put right any damage caused to neighbours boundary banks and hedges.   They have however walked along Neadon Lane and cannot see any evidence of this. The removal of a section of hedge was to enable lorries to turn around without trespassing on neighbouring properties and to be able to go back down the hill and not through the village. Mr & Mrs Vaines were not aware that planning permission was required to remove a section of hedgerow which will be reinstated when building works have been completed.

ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING

Meetings attended by Parish Councillors – non4

District Councillors Report received by email.   Dst Cllr Ford has sent a letter to local MP Mel Stride on behalf of the Teign Valley ward asking for his action on poor Broadband connection / speed and mobile phone coverage. The District Council tax element will be increasing by 3.3%.   This was voted in at the last full council and budget meeting. The Local Government Boundary Commission of England is looking at the current number of District Councillors, triggered by the fact that more than 30% of current council wards have an electoral variance of more than 10% from the average. It is suggested that there should be approximately 2,000 electorate for each Councillor which may mean that the Teign Valley ward is expanded to take on more Parishes. Teignbridge has voted to keep the current number of forty-six ward councillors despite the increase in housing in Teignbridge, but the ultimate decision will be made by the Commission

PLANNING For Discussion

Establishing Bridford Parish Council’s Planning Policy – deferred until the April PC meeting when Cllr Evans will be present to share his ideas.

Cnty Cllr Jerry Brook joined the meeting at 7.50pm and was welcomed by the Chairperson.

Trusham Quarry Planning Application – Cnty Cllr Brook was invited to join this discussion and was able to explain more in detail what the application is about but was unable to offer any advice as he will be chairing the planning meeting which will make the decision.   The Parish Council will respond to the Consultation requesting the authorities to place restrictions on weight limits and the regular daily movement of vehicles on the B3193.   6

The Chairperson invited Cnty Cllr Brook to continue with his report

The budget went through with the exception of school crossing patrols which has been given a reprieve under public pressure. Following a lobbying of MP’s by Devon County Council the County has secured an additional £8.5m to the budget outcome. A considerable portion of this will be utilised for Children and Young Peoples Services.   The Tour of Britain is returning to Devon after a year’s absence and is expected to generate a lot of income for the region. Good news, following an inquiry into Children’s and Young People’s Servicers, DCC has received a letter lifting it from ‘inadequate measures’ Cnty Cllr Brook supports the Parish Council concerns over the gritting of Bridford Hill in that although the population is less than 500, the village is vulnerable due to its geographical location. However, the long term answer has to be for a Parish approach together with the help of a Snow Warden and team. The Chairperson confirmed that things are moving forward in this direction to restore the cover we have had for the previous two years.   A Parish Councillor mentioned that there does not appear to be a public consultation with regards to the Devolution Plan With regards to the bidding process for Devolution, the Government said that when the idea was proposed, it would be more favourable if more than one authority was in the frame with the bid. Cornwall wished to go it alone and Devon joined with Somerset. It is all about costs and securing a better deal with a more local control of the financial package. The Parish Council asked Cllr Brook if he could fund another grit box from his County Councillors fund which he confirmed he would be able to do, but only the £330 cost of the box and not the cost of supplying the additional salt.

Cnty Cllr Brook left the meeting at 8.20pm

Any planning items for discussion received since publication of the agenda – none

For Information

Longacre, Neadon Lane, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning re erection of shed/wood store (DNPA ref. 0665/15) Birchdown Farm, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning re construction of two bay car port and lean-to log store (DNPA ref. 0664/15)

Any planning items for information received since publication of the agenda Seven Acre Lane, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning re the creation of three access gateways (DNPA ref. 0011/16)

FINANCE & ACCOUNTS

Additional Hours – the Parish Council resolved to authorise payment to the Clerk of an additional thirteen hours for the month of February 2016

Annual Increment re Clerk’s Salary – the Parish Council resolved to authorise the annual increment increase from scale SCP22 £10.527 per hour to SCP23 £10.836 per hour with effect from 1st April 2016

The Pension Regulator – Bridford Parish Council has complied with it’s legal duties in connection with the new Pension Rules and Regulations

Account balances as at 1st February 2016 Current account Investment account

(Balance Includes earmarked funds £165 refundable allotment deposits, £623 Play Area and £414.20 textile bank) 7

INCOME Bank interest re January 2016 Teignbridge District Council re Electors Fund Grant to Village Hall

EXPENDITURE Clerks salary for February 2016 to include an additional thirteen hours Bridford Village Hall payment of Electors Fund Grant Information Commissioner re annual subscription

Account balances as at 7th March 2016 Current account Investment account   The Parish Council resolved to approve the accounts and authorise the expenditure. Cllr Dowding designated by the Chairperson checked the invoices to the cheque book and the reconciliation to the bank statement.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

Resignation of Councillor James Atkinson – the Parish Council has received and accepted the resignation of James Atkinson following an recent court case relating to an incident on the the Teign Valley road last July. Prior to receiving the resignation, and following media coverage which resulted in a great number of complaints from the public, the Parish Council met for a special meeting which Mr Atkinson declined to attend and issued the following official statement: “Mr Atkinson’s behaviour and demeanour, as evidenced by the Court verdict and a photograph in the public domain was completely unacceptable. The local; Government Code of Conduct only applies to elected representatives when they are discharging official duties and at the time of the incident, Mr Atkinson was not acting as a representative of the Parish Council. The Parish Council has taken professional advice and is constrained to actions which are according to the law.   James Atkinson was elected by due process and for legal reasons cannot be removed from office. Mr Atkinson believes that he continues to have sufficient local support from the Electorate and therefore a mandate to continue in office.”

Notice of Casual Vacancy in the office of Councillor at Bridford Parish A notice of Casual Vacancy has been issued dated 26th February 2016,stating that unless ten or more persons of the Electorate contact Teignbridge District Council by 17th March 2016 asking for an election, then the Parish Council may co-opt. Details to be published in Unity and on the website asking anybody wishing to be considered to contact the Clerk.

Flooding on B3193 by Teign Valley Nurseries – it is understood that the pipe under the road may now have been cleared by workman. Enquiries to be made.

Growing a Rural Community – the Parish Council completed a questionnaire from the Rural Services Network

Healthy People – Success Regime Case for Change becoming public. Further newsletters are being received to keep everyone up to date.   Response from the Parish Council not considered necessary.

Any items for discussion since publication of the agenda – none

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

Police Warning Notices re the theft of sheep and sheep worrying by dogs will be published in Unity.                                         8

Crime Prevention DNA Marking Kits now in stock and can be obtained at a cost of £20 by visiting [email protected] Devon Neighbourhood Plan Road show 18th March at Hannah’s (Seale-Hayne) Newton Abbot

Notice of Road Closure – the road past Middle Hole Farm, Bridford, the junction at the road past Hillside view to the junction at Commons Hill will be closed from 4th to 5th May 2016 to enable Open Reach Works to replace a decayed pole in the same position and erect one new drop wire . The alternative diversion will be signposted.

Any items for information since publication of the agenda – none

Devon Minerals Plan has been submitted to the Secretary of State for independent Examination. The submitted documents can be viewed on DCC’s website or at County Hall, Exeter during normal office hours.

Electoral Review of Devon: Final Recommendations. Details have been circulated to members of the Parish Council.

DALC Highways Conference 16th March at Exeter Football Club. Bridford PC will not be represented.

Public Discussion – a section of wall has fallen down at the Village Garden. Monty Cox to be asked if he will repair it.   It is understood that there was a fund set up at the old Post Office originally which Parishioners could pay into to support theVillage Garden.   Enquiries will be made to Kathy Fitzjohn to see if she still has any information. Ownership of the garden is still not known since the death of all three of the local people who originally purchased the piece of land for the benefit of the Parish.- Cllr Miles mentioned that ownership of the title of the land can be obtained from HM Land Registry for a fee of £12. Cllr Miles kindly offered to arrange for the appropriate search to be made to establish current ownership. A Parish Councillor reported branches leaning on telephone wires. The owners of the land in question to be contacted and asked to make arrangements for the branches to be cut back. Pound Lane Hedge & Commermorative Tree Area – Cllr Price reported that volunteers have managed to cut back a significant 20m section including several ash and sycamore trees which were getting very tall, at the top of Pound Lane. This follows on from last winter when about half of the overgrown hedge was cut back. A small pile of cuttings will be cleared away leaving the area neat and tidy. In addition, the length of hedge that was cut back last year has been trimmed manually. The commemorative trees look much better and have made good even growth now that they are no longer overshadowed.

Date of next meeting Monday 4th April 2016 in the upstairs room at Bridford Village Hall at 7.00pm               Original copy of minutes signed by the Chairperson   4th April 2016

9   CORRESPONDENCE FOR CIRCULATION

Newsletters, Reports and Circulars Dunsford PC January minutes Junk Mail issue 17 Clerks and Councils Direct March 2016

Miscellaneous Letter from Philip Fowler – Chairman Moretonhampstead District Hospital Amendments of the Electoral Register

Letters sent Various                                                                               10 Minutes of a meeting of Bridford Parish Council held at Bridford Village Hall on Monday 7th March at 7.00pm Present: Cllrs F Miles (Chairperson), G Hearnden, E Price, T Evans, A Lord, R Dowding, Mrs J P Banks (Clerk), Cnty Cllr Brook attended for part of the meeting. No members of the public were in attendance. Apologies: Dst Cllr Ford. A retrospective apology was received from Cllr Evans Declarations of Interest – none Public Discussion – none MATTERS ARISING Minutes – the Parish Council approved the minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 1st February 2016 as a true and accurate record of the meeting Allotments – there are still two half plots vacant and one annual rent still to be paid Play Area – the annual safety inspection by RoSPA will take place in March. Cllr Price carried out her weekly check and reported that there were no problems, Gritting of Bridford Hill – Devon County Council has reduced its budget even more since the decision to rationalise the County gritting routes and with further major financial reductions planned, it may be necessary to reduce the existing gritting routes.   It would therefore not be possible to reconsider the decision to remove Bridford from the primary gritting route. The Parish Council decided that it would not give up and suggested that a diary note should be made in October to write to the County Council again. Grit/salt Bins – the contractor checks all bins when refilling and will break the surface of any that have solidified.   To supply and additional grit bin on Pound Lane would incur a cost. Suggested the Parish Council asks Cnty Cllr Brook if he would be able to fund it. The Clerk will bring a map of the location of the bins in the village to the next meeting to see if it would be possible to move an existing bin to Pound Lane. Arrangements will be made to turn around the bin at the bottom of Pound Lane to make it accessable. Snow Warden – Dean Staniford has agreed to be village’s new Snow Warden / Co-ordinator and will undertake the formal briefing in order for him to be covered by Devon County Council’s insurance. Notices around the village and in Unity asking for additional volunteers for his team. Alternative textile recycling arrangements – Rag Bag has given its permission for the Parish Council to keep the old recycling bank. Cllr Price has registered the Parish Council with the recycling company Bag to School which accept and pay for good quality items for re-use. Details of what can and cannot be accepted will be put up on the notice boards and published on the Parish website and in Unity. Cllr Dowding suggested that storage might be possible in the waste paper collection shed by constructing a shelf above the area where the paper is stacked. Defibrillator and First Aid Training – there are many different defibrillators ranging From £1,110 – £2,000. Dst Cllr Ford will give £200 from her District Councillor’s purse. The Parish Council is also holding proceeds from the sale of contents of the textile bank which could be used. A defibrillator is of no use without basic first aid knowledge. . It is probably more important to provide first aid training than a defibrillator. St John’s charge £250 plus V.A.T.. There are other local qualified first aid trainers who will be contacted to see what they would charge for running a course which ideally would be held on a Saturday in the summer.   Details of a trainer, cost and date to be available at the next PC meeting.   Parishioners wishing to attend a first aid course will be asked to make a suggested minimum donation of £10. 5 Devon Air Ambulance Night time landing site– the cost of remote controlled lighting to enable night time landing at the Play Area would have to be born by the Parish Council. Planning permission would also be the Parish Council’s responsibility. The approximate cost is not known but is likely to be expensive as it would need to be remotely activated via mobile phone lines from the helicopter. The Parish Council initially decided that this is not something that it would wish to follow up at this time. HRH Queen Elisabeth’s 90th Birthday Celebrations – arrangements are underway to hold a garden party at Bridford Barton organised by the Church to raise funds for the Church.   A Parish Councillor suggested that Bridford Parish Council should send a birthday card to Her Majesty. Alan Fitzjohn to be contacted to see if he still has any cards featuring the local church or if he would like to design a card, Many Waters – Mr & Mrs Vaines have asked their building suppliers to utilise smaller vehicles for future deliveries and given assurance that they will put right any damage caused to neighbours boundary banks and hedges.   They have however walked along Neadon Lane and cannot see any evidence of this. The removal of a section of hedge was to enable lorries to turn around without trespassing on neighbouring properties and to be able to go back down the hill and not through the village. Mr & Mrs Vaines were not aware that planning permission was required to remove a section of hedgerow which will be reinstated when building works have been completed. ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING Meetings attended by Parish Councillors – non4 District Councillors Report received by email.   Dst Cllr Ford has sent a letter to local MP Mel Stride on behalf of the Teign Valley ward asking for his action on poor Broadband connection / speed and mobile phone coverage. The District Council tax element will be increasing by 3.3%.   This was voted in at the last full council and budget meeting. The Local Government Boundary Commission of England is looking at the current number of District Councillors, triggered by the fact that more than 30% of current council wards have an electoral variance of more than 10% from the average. It is suggested that there should be approximately 2,000 electorate for each Councillor which may mean that the Teign Valley ward is expanded to take on more Parishes. Teignbridge has voted to keep the current number of forty-six ward councillors despite the increase in housing in Teignbridge, but the ultimate decision will be made by the Commission PLANNING For Discussion Establishing Bridford Parish Council’s Planning Policy – deferred until the April PC meeting when Cllr Evans will be present to share his ideas.   Cnty Cllr Jerry Brook joined the meeting at 7.50pm and was welcomed by the Chairperson. Trusham Quarry Planning Application – Cnty Cllr Brook was invited to join this discussion and was able to explain more in detail what the application is about but was unable to offer any advice as he will be chairing the planning meeting which will make the decision.   The Parish Council will respond to the Consultation requesting the authorities to place restrictions on weight limits and the regular daily movement of vehicles on the B3193.   6 The Chairperson invited Cnty Cllr Brook to continue with his report The budget went through with the exception of school crossing patrols which has been given a reprieve under public pressure. Following a lobbying of MP’s by Devon County Council the County has secured an additional £8.5m to the budget outcome. A considerable portion of this will be utilised for Children and Young Peoples Services.   The Tour of Britain is returning to Devon after a year’s absence and is expected to generate a lot of income for the region. Good news, following an inquiry into Children’s and Young People’s Servicers, DCC has received a letter lifting it from ‘inadequate measures’ Cnty Cllr Brook supports the Parish Council concerns over the gritting of Bridford Hill in that although the population is less than 500, the village is vulnerable due to its geographical location. However, the long term answer has to be for a Parish approach together with the help of a Snow Warden and team. The Chairperson confirmed that things are moving forward in this direction to restore the cover we have had for the previous two years.   A Parish Councillor mentioned that there does not appear to be a public consultation with regards to the Devolution Plan With regards to the bidding process for Devolution, the Government said that when the idea was proposed, it would be more favourable if more than one authority was in the frame with the bid. Cornwall wished to go it alone and Devon joined with Somerset. It is all about costs and securing a better deal with a more local control of the financial package. The Parish Council asked Cllr Brook if he could fund another grit box from his County Councillors fund which he confirmed he would be able to do, but only the £330 cost of the box and not the cost of supplying the additional salt. Cnty Cllr Brook left the meeting at 8.20pm Any planning items for discussion received since publication of the agenda – none For Information Longacre, Neadon Lane, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning re erection of shed/wood store (DNPA ref. 0665/15) Birchdown Farm, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning re construction of two bay car port and lean-to log store (DNPA ref. 0664/15) Any planning items for information received since publication of the agenda Seven Acre Lane, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning re the creation of three access gateways (DNPA ref. 0011/16) FINANCE & ACCOUNTS Additional Hours – the Parish Council resolved to authorise payment to the Clerk of an additional thirteen hours for the month of February 2016 Annual Increment re Clerk’s Salary – the Parish Council resolved to authorise the annual increment increase from scale SCP22 £10.527 per hour to SCP23 £10.836 per hour with effect from 1st April 2016 The Pension Regulator – Bridford Parish Council has complied with it’s legal duties in connection with the new Pension Rules and Regulations Account balances as at 1st February 2016 Current account Investment account (Balance Includes earmarked funds £165 refundable allotment deposits, £623 Play Area and £414.20 textile bank) 7 INCOME Bank interest re January 2016 Teignbridge District Council re Electors Fund Grant to Village Hall EXPENDITURE Clerks salary for February 2016 to include an additional thirteen hours Bridford Village Hall payment of Electors Fund Grant Information Commissioner re annual subscription Account balances as at 7th March 2016 Current account Investment account   The Parish Council resolved to approve the accounts and authorise the expenditure. Cllr Dowding designated by the Chairperson checked the invoices to the cheque book and the reconciliation to the bank statement. ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION Resignation of Councillor James Atkinson – the Parish Council has received and accepted the resignation of James Atkinson following an recent court case relating to an incident on the the Teign Valley road last July. Prior to receiving the resignation, and following media coverage which resulted in a great number of complaints from the public, the Parish Council met for a special meeting which Mr Atkinson declined to attend and issued the following official statement: “Mr Atkinson’s behaviour and demeanour, as evidenced by the Court verdict and a photograph in the public domain was completely unacceptable. The local; Government Code of Conduct only applies to elected representatives when they are discharging official duties and at the time of the incident, Mr Atkinson was not acting as a representative of the Parish Council. The Parish Council has taken professional advice and is constrained to actions which are according to the law.   James Atkinson was elected by due process and for legal reasons cannot be removed from office. Mr Atkinson believes that he continues to have sufficient local support from the Electorate and therefore a mandate to continue in office.” Notice of Casual Vacancy in the office of Councillor at Bridford Parish A notice of Casual Vacancy has been issued dated 26th February 2016,stating that unless ten or more persons of the Electorate contact Teignbridge District Council by 17th March 2016 asking for an election, then the Parish Council may co-opt. Details to be published in Unity and on the website asking anybody wishing to be considered to contact the Clerk. Flooding on B3193 by Teign Valley Nurseries – it is understood that the pipe under the road may now have been cleared by workman. Enquiries to be made. Growing a Rural Community – the Parish Council completed a questionnaire from the Rural Services Network Healthy People – Success Regime Case for Change becoming public. Further newsletters are being received to keep everyone up to date.   Response from the Parish Council not considered necessary. Any items for discussion since publication of the agenda – none ITEMS FOR INFORMATION Police Warning Notices re the theft of sheep and sheep worrying by dogs will be published in Unity.                                         8 Crime Prevention DNA Marking Kits now in stock and can be obtained at a cost of £20 by visiting [email protected] Devon Neighbourhood Plan Road show 18th March at Hannah’s (Seale-Hayne) Newton Abbot Notice of Road Closure – the road past Middle Hole Farm, Bridford, the junction at the road past Hillside view to the junction at Commons Hill will be closed from 4th to 5th May 2016 to enable Open Reach Works to replace a decayed pole in the same position and erect one new drop wire . The alternative diversion will be signposted. Any items for information since publication of the agenda – none Devon Minerals Plan has been submitted to the Secretary of State for independent Examination. The submitted documents can be viewed on DCC’s website or at County Hall, Exeter during normal office hours. Electoral Review of Devon: Final Recommendations. Details have been circulated to members of the Parish Council. DALC Highways Conference 16th March at Exeter Football Club. Bridford PC will not be represented. Public Discussion – a section of wall has fallen down at the Village Garden. Monty Cox to be asked if he will repair it.   It is understood that there was a fund set up at the old Post Office originally which Parishioners could pay into to support the Village Garden.   Enquiries will be made to Kathy Fitzjohn to see if she still has any information. Ownership of the garden is still not known since the death of all three of the local people who originally purchased the piece of land for the benefit of the Parish.- Cllr Miles mentioned that ownership of the title of the land can be obtained from HM Land Registry for a fee of £12. Cllr Miles kindly offered to arrange for the appropriate search to be made to establish current ownership. A Parish Councillor reported branches leaning on telephone wires. The owners of the land in question to be contacted and asked to make arrangements for the branches to be cut back. Pound Lane Hedge & Commermorative Tree Area – Cllr Price reported that volunteers have managed to cut back a significant 20m section including several ash and sycamore trees which were getting very tall, at the top of Pound Lane. This follows on from last winter when about half of the overgrown hedge was cut back. A small pile of cuttings will be cleared away leaving the area neat and tidy. In addition, the length of hedge that was cut back last year has been trimmed manually. The commemorative trees look much better and have made good even growth now that they are no longer overshadowed. Date of next meeting Monday 4th April 2016 in the upstairs room at Bridford Village Hall at 7.00pm               Original copy of minutes signed by the Chairperson   4th April 2016   9   CORRESPONDENCE FOR CIRCULATION Newsletters, Reports and Circulars Dunsford PC January minutes Junk Mail issue 17 Clerks and Councils Direct March 2016 Miscellaneous Letter from Philip Fowler – Chairman Moretonhampstead District Hospital Amendments of the Electoral Register Letters sent Various                                     10

BRIDFORD PARISH COUNCIL
Dear Parish Councillors and Members of the Public, Parish Councillors are summoned and members of the public are invited to attend a meeting of Bridford Parish Council to be held at Bridford Village Hall on Monday 4th April at 7.00pm
Joan Banks Clerk to Bridford Parish Council
AGENDA
1	Apologies
2	Declarations of Interest – Councillors to declare any personal or prejudicial interest in any item on the agenda
3	Public Discussion – opportunity for member of the public to comment on any items on the agenda or to bring any other matter to the attention of the Parish Council
MATTERS ARISING
4	Minutes – Parish Council to approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 7th March 2016
5	Allotments
6	Play Area to discuss RoSPA Inspection Report
7	Snow Warden
8	Notice of Casual Vacancy in the Parish of Bridford
9	Flooding of B3193 by Teign Valley Nurseries
10	Alternative textile recycling arrangements
11	Defibrillator and First Aid Training
12	Village Garden – title deeds and damaged wall
13	Birthday Card to HM Queen Elisabeth 11
14	Broken wall at bridge over leat at Leigh Cross on B3193
ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING
15	Meetings attended by Parish Councillors
16	District Councillors Report
PLANNING For Discussion
17	Establishing Bridford Parish Council’s Planning Policy – deferred from last meeting
18         19   20	Dealt with between meetings due to short timescale for responses Higher Westcott Farm, Moretonhampstead – re proposed installation of biomass Boiler with external flue attached to side of property and retention of storage shed (DNPA ref. 0120/16). Details were circulated to the Parish Council which had ” no objections to the application” The White Barn, Weeke Barton, Bridford – Full Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent re proposed refurbishment and alterations (DNPA ref 00161/16) West Park Cottage, Bridford – re proposed extension and alterations (DNPA ref 0169/16)
21	Any planning items for discussion received since publication of the agenda
For Information
22   23	Cedar House, Bridford – Notice of Grant of Conditional Plannning Permission re erection of building (81sqm) for use as stables (DNPA ref. 0019/16) Poole Farm, Bridford – Notice of Appeal against Refusal of Full Planning Permission re erection of rural worker’s dwelling (DNPA ref. 0356/15)
24	Any planning items for information received since publication of the agenda
FINANCE & ACCOUNTS
25	Account balances as at 7th March 2016 Current account Investment account	£3,709.81 £3,341.25 £7.051.06
	(Balance Includes earmarked funds £165 refundable allotment deposits, £623 Play Area and £414.20 textile bank)
26	INCOME Bank interest re February 2016	£        0.28 £       0.28
27	EXPENDITURE Mrs J P Banks re Clerks salary for March 2016 Mrs J P Banks re Admin Expenditure1 Jan – 31 March 2016 Playsafety Limited re RoSPA annual inspection HMLR re Clerk’s PAYE quarter ended 5 April 2016 Bridford Village Hall re 20% of income from textile bank	£   185.19 £ 120.01 £   117.60 £   166.40 £     71.44 £ 660.64
28	Account balances as at 4th April 2016 Current account Investment account	£3.049.17 £3,341.53 £6.390.70
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
29	Annual Parish Meeting and Annual Parish Council Meeting 2016
30	CPRE Devon ‘Our Outdoors’ Competition
31	Closure of Permissive Footpath at Steps Bridge
32	Any items received for discussion since publication of the agenda
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
33	Police Warning Notices
34	The Prince’s Countryside Fund
35	Any items for information received since publication of the agenda
36	Public Discussion
37	Date of next meeting Monday 9th May 2016 in the upstairs room at Bridford Village Hall at 7.00pm This will be the Annual Parish Meeting with refreshments, followed afterwards by the Annual Parish Council meeting.
	Joan Banks Clerk to Bridford Parish Council
	CORRESPONDENCE FOR CIRCULATION
	Newsletters, Reports and Circulars Christow Parish Council February minutes Dunsford Parish Council February minutes Healthy People – March 2016
	Miscellaneous DNPA News Release – Super Broadband on Dartmoor
	Letters sent Various

`

Minutes of a meeting of Bridford Parish Council held at Bridford Village Hall Monday 1st February 2016 at 7.00pm.

Present: Cllrs F Miles (Chairperson), G Hearnden, A Lord, R Dowding, E Price, J Atkinson, T Evans, Mrs J P Banks

(Clerk). Dst Cllr A Ford and Cnty Cllr J Brook attended for part of the meeting. No members of public were in attendance.

• Apologies – none
• Declarations of Interest – Cllr Evans declared an interest in item 13

Public Discussion – nothing for discussion

MATTER ARISING

4   Minutes – the Parish Council resolved to approve minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 7th

December 2015 as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

5   Allotments   – there are now two half plots vacant which could be let as a whole plot. They will continue to

be advertised both in Unity, on the notice board and on the Parish website.

6   Play Area    – nothing to report

7   Bridford Hill / Gritting arrangements – a Parish Councillor has suggested that consideration should be given to

changing the location of some of the grit bins. The Parish Council will ask Highways if an additional bin can

be installed on Bridford Hill on the corner by Southwood. Item to be put in Unity advising road users to

exercise extreme care on Bridford Hill even when the surface has been treated.   The bin at the bottom of

Bridford Hill is still the wrong way round and therefore inaccessible. Highways to be asked again to correct

this. It has also been pointed out that the grit/salt in most of the bins has solidified and would be very hard if

not impossible, to utilise if required. Highways to be advised.

Although, at previous meeting it was decided not to pursue the matter any further, the Parish Council has now

decided that it will try again to get DCC to reverse its decision to remove Bridford from the primary gritting

route on the basis of its geographical location, the village being cut off in severe weather by a very steep hill.

Dst Cllr Ford has agreed to give her support and she will be copied in on any correspondence. Cllr Atkinson

offered his services as part of the Snow Warden’s team of volunteers.

8   Alternative Textile Bank arrangements – another company has now been found. Cllr Price is in contact to try

and get the recycling scheme back in operation again. The Parish Council will ask Rag Bag if we can keep

the textile bank and the Village Hall committee will be asked if there is any space available at the hall for

storage of full bags of textiles as collection will not be so frequent.

9   Defibrillator – the Parish Council has made the decision that it would like to obtain a defibrillator for the

village and would hope to achieve this by June. Dst Cllr Ford will supply details of grants for purchasing and

the appropriate training. There are also funds available from the proceeds of the textile bank.   A suggested

location for a defibrillator pack is the telephone box. The Clerk will contact Belstone Parish Council which

already has one in its phone box to find out if permission is required from British Telecom. However,

CPR is still the first course of action and a decision was made to find out how much it would cost to run a

basic first aid course for local residents, possible to be held in the Spring.   Would residents be prepared to

make a contribution towards this training?

10 Anglers Cottage – a building control officer carried out an external inspection of the property on 15 December

and made the observation that although render has fallen off around a couple of the ground floor windows,

making it unsightly, the property would not be considered dangerous at this time. He will continue to monitor

the situation to ensure that its does not become a danger to the public. Teignbridge are in contact with the

owner regarding getting the work done to bring the property back into occupation. It is understood that there

is somebody local who would be interested in renting the property once the work has been done. The Parish

Council will contact Teignbridge again for an update at the end of February.          

ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING

11 Meetings Attended by any members of the Parish Council – none

Cnty Cllr Brook joined the meeting at 7.40pm – the Chairperson welcomed him and invited him to speak.

The proposed budget is not looking good. Contracts have been going out for Care in the Community with a

provision that all staff delivering the care will be paid for their time to include the ‘living wage’. The whole

budget is staff reliant and these staff must be looked after. DCC is looking to make savings of £34m. This

will only happen with a lot of staff changes. Taking cuts are Corporate service £4.5m, Place £9m & People

£19.5m. Health and Wealth budget previously looked after by the NHS has not yet been decided. The

1

number of teenage pregnancies has reduced to the lowest level for Devon. The Health and Wealth budget is

aimed towards prevention and a lot of budget goes to rehabilitation. Road network is more or less unaffected,

with works concentrating on tar and chipping rather than mending.   The County Council will continue to

deliver services. Looking to transfer school crossing patrols to the schools. DCC has some very good flexible

staff prepared to meet new ideas to ensure that DCC works.

12 District Councillors Report

Dst Cllr Ford attended a ‘Connecting Devon & Somerset’ Broadband meeting and a Clinical & Community

Group meeting regarding closing and cost cutting in connection with local hospitals. Proposals being put

together to find the best way to finance what the hospitals already have.   Teignbridge is to host the Radio One

Road Show in 2016 at Powderham Castle, will involve spending of £100k but will bring in a lot of revenue

to the District.   Rural Aid applications open at the beginning of March. Cllr Ford to clarify if Parishes within

DNPA are still eligible to apply. A prospective on Devolution is available to view.

Cnty Cllr Brook and Dst Cllr Ford left the meeting at 8.05pm

PLANNING

Item 21 was brought forward prior to any planning discussions

21 Parish Council Policy concerning reasons for support / object / no objection when considering applications.

The Parish Council represents the constituents and sits below the DNPA. The Parish Council provides away

for the Park to say that they have consulted public opinion. Site visits keep the Parish Council involved in the

community.   A site visit enables a case to be discussed on its own merits.   Does the Parish Council wish to

change its general approach to making planning observations? Cllr Evans to draw up a suggested summary of

what the Parish Council’s planning policy should be. Previously arranged planning training by DNPA was

cancelled. Bridford Parish Councillors would be interested if another such course is to be organised.

Enquiries to be made.

For Discussion

13 Seven Acre Lane, Bridford – re proposed creation of three new field access gateways for Wastenage Farms Ltd

(DNPA ref. 0011/16) Site visit arranged for 30th January. Following a site visit the Parish Council commented

as follows: “The Parish Council strongly supports this application because of the support for a local business

which is important to the Parish and also of National importance. Farmers Weekly has recently awarded the

Wastenages the accolade of Farmer of the Year.”

The following applications have been dealt with between meetings either due to the cancellation of the January

Parish Council meeting or the short timescales for the submission of responses to DNPA

14 West Birch Farm, Bridford – re proposed removal of static home and construction of garage buildings (DNPA

ref. 0633/15). Following a site visit, the Parish Council had no objections to this application

15 Venn Bridge Farm, Bridford – re proposed erection of agricultural storage building (DNPA ref. 0636/15)

The Parish Council had no objections to the application.

16 Longacre, Neadon Lane. Bridford – re proposed erection of a shed/wood store (DNPA ref. 0665/15). The

Parish Council had no objections to the application

17 Birchdown Farm, Bridford – re proposed two-bay car port and lean-to log store (DNPA ref. 0664/15)

Following a site visit, the Parish Council had no objections to the application.

18 West Park Cottage, Bridford full planning permission and listed building consent – re proposed extension and

alterations to dwelling (DNPA ref. 0640/15). Following a site visit, the Parish Council commented that it

admires the determination with which the ground-works have been undertaken to make this property habitable

and strongly supports the application.

19 Rose Cottage, Bridford full planning permission and listed building consent – re proposed internal alterations

(DNPA ref. 0642/15). Following a site visit, the Parish Council strongly supported the application and

commented that it was good to see a small but historic property brought back to life.

20 Cedar House, Bridford – re proposed erection of building (81sqm) for use as stables (DNPA ref. 0019/16)

Following a site visit, the Parish Council had no objections to the application.

21 Parish Council Policy regarding planning – already dealt with earlier in the meeting.

22  Any items for discussion received since the publication of the agenda – none

2

For Information

23   Higher Westcott Farm, Bridford – reply from DNPA re withdrawal of application (DNPA ref. 0521/15)

The Parish Council queried how a retrospective application for planning could be withdrawn. DNPA has

advised that the application was withdrawn following advice from officers that it was going to be refused.

A revised application is expected. In the meantime the development remains an open enforcement case.

24   West Park Cottage, Bridford – application has been withdrawn (DNPA re. 0641/15)

25   Swanaford House, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning Permission re demolition of existing barn and

construction of barn for wine/tasting room for new business, Swanaford Estate Wine (DNPA re. 0559/15)

26   West Birch Farm, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning Permission re removal of static home and

construction of garage buildings (DNPA ref. 0633/15)

27   Notification of DNPA Appointed Parish Link Member – Bridford’s Parish Link member is Peter Harper.

28 Any items for information received since the publication of the agenda

Rose Cottage, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning Permission re internal alterations to dwelling

(DNPA ref. 0642/15)

FINANCE & ACCOUNT

29    Account balances as at 2nd November 2015

current account £4.796.60 + investment account £3.340.42    =                                           £8,137.02

             (includes earmarked funds: £165 refundable allotment deposits, £623 Play Area

and £414.20 textile bank)

30 Income

Bank interest November                                                                                             £   0.28

Banks interest December                                                                                            £   0.27

31   Expenditure

Mrs J P Banks re December salary                                                                                          £185.19

HMLR Quarter ended 5 January 2016                                                                                    £139.00

Mrs J P Banks re admin expenses 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2015                                                          £143.57

Bridford Village Hall hire of meeting room Oct/Nov/Dec                              £48.00

Bridford Village Hall contribution to Post Office rent 1 Sept – 31 Dec           £56.00             £104.00

Mrs J P Banks re January salary                                                                                             £185.19

32  Balance as at 1st February 2016

current account £4,039.65 + investment account £3,340.97                                        £7,380.62

             The Parish Council resolved to approve the accounts and authorise the expenditure. Cllr Dowding, delegated

by the Chairperson, checked invoices to the cheque book and the reconciliation to the bank statement.

     33 Annual Internal Audit 2016 – date has been arranged for 26th May

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

34   Teign Valley Tennis Trust AGM 23 March 7.30pm at the Royal Oak, Dunsford. Bridford Chairperson is a

trustee and is invited to attend or to send a representative from the Parish Council.

35   Any items received for discussion since the publication of the agenda

Devon Air Ambulance – landing site.   Air Ambulance looking to increase its flying hours to include night

flights and is starting to work with communities across Devon to develop a network of Community Helipads

across the county. Bridford’s landing site is the play area. To enable landings after dark would require

ground lights activated remotely by DAA.   The Parish Council to establish what DAA want and what if any

Parish Council involvement would be.

HM Queen Elisabeth’s 90th Birthday Celebrations – does Bridford wish to organise a local event? Cllr Lord

suggested that the Parish Council should send Her Majesty a birthday card.   Subject to be an item on the

March agenda.

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

36 Devon & Cornwall Police Warnings – residents are warned to be on their guard against receiving bogus phone

calls from a man claiming to be able to prevent cold and silent phone calls and asking for bank details to take

the fee for providing this service.

37   Cosy Devon – funds available to assist with costs of installing solid wall insulation. Further information

3

from http://www.cosydevon.com

38   Devon Communities Together Advice and Information Surgeries – 8th February at Ashburton Town Hall

Drop in 2pm – 8pm.

39   Devon Countryside Access Forum – currently appointing members. Details to be published in Unity.

40   Devon Emergency Community Flood Resilience Fund – funds available. Details to be circulated to

Councillors.

41   Mental Health Awareness Course – 16 February. Details circulated

42   Parish Council Websites must comply with the Transparency Code. Bridford’s website is up to date

and includes all the current information that is legally required

43 Any items for information received since the publication of the agenda – none

44   Public Discussion

A Parish Councillor brought to the attention of the Parish Council, concerns received about large lorries

using Neadon Lane on route to Many Waters to deliver building materials. Residents are worried about

hedges and banks bordering their properties on Neadon Lane collapsing. It is also believed that a hedge

has been removed at Many Waters to give access to the delivery lorries. The Parish Council will write to

the owner of Many Waters to ask if smaller delivery lorries could be used to prevent further damage and to

advise that planning permission is required to remove a section of hedgerow.

Cllr Dowding in his capacity as Village Hall Chairman, is submitting an application for funds from the

Electors’ Fund.   As applications must be made via the Parish Council, it was agreed, in view of short

timescales, that Cllr Dowding be authorised to complete the form and submit online.

Clerk to diarise October to contact Dunsford and Christow to see if they are intending to utilise their Elector

funds for their own projects or if they would consider donating it to Bridford Parish Council for use by the

Village Hall.

45  Date of next meeting – Monday March 7th 2016 7.00pm in the upstairs room at the

Village Hall

Original copy of minutes signed by the Chairperson     7th March 2016

CORRESPONDENCE FOR CIRCULATION (Appendix A)

Newsletters, Reports and Circulars

Healthwatch Voices Winter 2015/16

Councils and Clerks Direct January 2016

Dunsford Parish Council December 2015 minutes

Christow Parish Council December 2015 minutes

TALC draft minutes November meeting

TALC agenda for 28 January

Letters sent

Various

4

BRIDFORD PARISH COUNCIL
Dear Parish Councillors and Members of the Public, Parish Councillors are summoned and members of the public are invited to attend a meeting of Bridford Parish Council to be held at Bridford Village Hall on Monday 7th March at 7.00pm
Joan Banks Clerk to Bridford Parish Council
AGENDA
1	Apologies
2	Declarations of Interest – Councillors to declare any personal or prejudicial interest in any item on the agenda
3	Public Discussion – opportunity for member of the public to comment on any items on the agenda or to bring any other matter to the attention of the Parish Council
MATTERS ARISING
4	Minutes – Parish Council to approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting on 1st February 2016
5	Allotments
6	Play Area
7	Gritting of Bridford Hill – reply from Devon County Council
8	Grit/salt Bins
9	Snow Warden
10	Alternative textile recycling arrangements
11	Defibrillator and First Aid Training
12	Devon Air Ambulance Night time landing site
13	HRH Queen Elisabeth’s 90th Birthday Celebrations
14	Many Waters – reply from owners
ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING
15	Meetings attended by Parish Councillors
16	District Councillors Report
PLANNING For Discussion
17	Establishing Bridford Parish Council’s Planning Policy
18	Trusham Quarry Planning Application
19	Any planning items for discussion received since publication of the agenda
For Information
20   21	Longacre, Neadon Lane, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning re erection of shed/wood store (DNPA ref. 0665/15) Birchdown Farm, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning re construction of two bay car port and lean-to log store (DNPA ref. 0664/15)
22	Any planning items for information received since publication of the agenda
FINANCE & ACCOUNTS
23	Additional Hours – the Parish Council is requested to authorise payment to the Clerk of an additional thirteen hours for the month of February 2016
24	Annual Increment re Clerk’s Salary – the Parish Council is requested to authorise the annual increment increase from scale SCP22 £10.527 per hour to SCP23 £10.836 per hour with effect from 1st April 2016
25	The Pension Regulator – Bridford Parish Council has complied with it’s legal duties in connection with the new Pension Rules and Regulations
26	Account balances as at 1st February 2016 Current account Investment account	£4,039.65 £3,340.97 £7,380.62
	(Balance Includes earmarked funds £165 refundable allotment deposits, £623 Play Area and £414.20 textile bank)
27	INCOME Bank interest re January 2016 Teignbridge District Council re Electors Fund Grant to Village Hall	£       0.28 £   460.00 £   460.28
28	EXPENDITURE Clerks salary for February 2016 to include an additional thirteen hours Bridford Village Hall payment of Electors Fund Grant Information Commissioner re annual subscription	£   294.84 £   460.00 £     35.00 £   789.84
29	Account balances as at 7th March 2016 Current account Investment account	£3,709.81 £3,341.25 £7,051.06
ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION
30	Resignation of Councillor James Atkinson – official statement
31	Notice of Casual Vacancy in the office of Councillor at Bridford Parish
32	Flooding on B3193 by Teign Valley Nurseries
33	Growing a Rural Community – completion of questionnaire
34	Healthy People – Success Regime Case for Change becoming public –   does the PC wish to respond?
35	Any items for discussion since publication of the agenda
ITEMS FOR INFORMATION
36	Police Warning Notices
37	Crime Prevention DNA Marking Kits now in stock Devon Neighbourhood Plan Road show 18th March at Hannah’s
38	Notice of Road Closure
39	Any items for information since publication of the agenda
40	Devon Minerals Plan
41	Electoral Review of Devon: Final Recommendations
42	DALC Highways Conference 16th March at Exeter Football Club
43	Date of next meeting Monday 4th April 2016 in the upstairs room at Bridford Village Hall at 7.00pm
	Joan Banks Clerk to Bridford Parish Council
	CORRESPONDENCE FOR CIRCULATION
	Newsletters, Reports and Circulars Dunsford PC January minutes Junk Mail issue 17 Clerks and Councils Direct March 2016
	Miscellaneous Letter from Philip Fowler – Chairman Moretonhampstead District Hospital Amendments of the Electoral Register
	Letters sent Various

==

Minutes of a meeting of Bridford Parish Council held at Bridford Village Hall Monday 7th December 2015 at 7.00pm

Present: Cllrs F Miles (Chairperson), G Hearnden, E Price, T Evans, R Dowding, A Lord, J Atkinson, Mrs J P Banks (Clerk). Cnty Cllr J Brook attended for part of the meeting.

• Apologies: Dst Cllr A Ford
• Declarations of Interest – Cllr Hearnden declared an interest in item 17
• Public Discussion – nothing for discussion

MATTER ARISING

4   Minutes – the Parish Council resolved to approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 2nd November 2015 as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

5   Allotments   – nothing new to report. Half plot 2a still vacant and being advertised.

6   Play Area    – nothing to report

7   Alternative Textile Bank arrangements – Cllr Price has been unable to find a source for the collection of textiles that would generate an income for the Parish Council. Enquiries will be made to various charities, as it is understood that some of them provide textile banks to raise funds for their organisations. An item to be put in Unity requesting ideas.   The Clerk to find out what Christow Parish Council intends to do.

8   Make a Difference Day – a team of Christow School children tidied up the Churchyard and the Village Garden. A Christmas card to be sent to the staff and children thanking them for their efforts.

9   Re-painting of Telephone Kiosk – BT has advised that the Bridford kiosk has been added to the list of repaints to be undertaken by contractors next season.

10 Neighbourhood Watch – no response to the appeal in Unity for volunteers to organise and operate a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Bridford, therefore the idea will be put on hold for the time being.

11             Parish Plan – following the meeting to review the Plan, it has been retyped in a different format and circulated as a draft and as a result a few more minor amendments have been made. It was agreed to defer the publication of the final copy for two weeks to allow Cllr Atkinson further time to look at the Plan and to make any comments.

Future Parish Plans – the Parish Council will discuss over the next few months to decide if a new Plan is required which would involve a Parish questionnaire being sent out. Is the Parish Council already covering what Parishioners want in its Council meetings? The Clerk will seek guidance from DALC and also ask for the view of Parishioners via Unity magazine.

Cnty Cllr J Brook joined the meeting at 7.40pm – the Chairperson welcomed him and invited him to speak Cnty Cllr Brook was asked about Parish Plans. He offered to speak with Tedburn St Mary Parish Council which has recently reviewed its Plan. DCC is in the process of putting together a work programme for 2017 in advance of the budget. The Council has to advertise road all traffic orders and is now trying to include all work plans to be advertised together in advance in an effort to save costs.

A response has been received re the damage to the bridge at Leigh Cross. The area Bridge Inspector with officials from Highways are looking at various solutions to the problem. It is not acceptable to keep repairing without trying to address the problem. Video evidence has shown that 50% of the damage has been caused by light vehicles.

DCC has sold in excess of one hundred properties which have become surplus and that process continues.

Library services are going into a voluntary mutual association.   Youth work is also being slowly handed over to an employer mutual society.

A Parish Councillor asked if salt supplies will be replenished. All salt bins have now been filled.

Cnty Cllr J Brook left the meeting at 7.55pm

12 Defibrillator – only of any use if somebody has had a life threatening heart attack. It is still something that should be considered. The Parish Council will continue to find out more and obtain further views on the subject. What is more important is the ability to carry out CPR.   First aid and defibrillator to be on the agenda for future meetings.          

ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING

13 Meetings Attended by any members of the Parish Council – none

40

 

14 District Councillors Report – in the absence of Dst Cllr Ford, no report was available.

PLANNING

For Discussion

15 Venn Bridge Farm, Bridford – re proposed erection of agricultural building (31.5m x 12m).   (DNPA ref. 0566/15) Details circulated to Parish Councillors and dealt with between meetings due to the short timescales involved for submitting comments. Parish Council has visited previously so a further site visit not considered necessary. “The Parish Council has no objections to the application”

16 Swanaford House, Bridford – re proposed demolition of existing barn and construct barn for winery/tasting room for new business Swanaford Estate Wine (DNPA ref. 0599/15). Application dealt with between meetings due to short timescales for submitting comments.   The Parish Council undertook a site visit, following which its comments were as follows: “The Parish Council supports this application and is pleased to encourage local diversification and use of land for new business in the Park”

17 Carrapitt Plants, Carrapitt Farm, Bridford – notice of application for Prior Notification re proposed erection of timber agricultural building (18m x 9m) (DNPA ref. 0617/15). Discussed by the Parish Councillors who agreed that they had “no objections” to the application.

18  Any items for discussion received since the publication of the agenda – none

For Information – none

19 Any items for information received since the publication of the agenda

Higher Westcott Farm, Moretonhampstead – notification that the application has been withdrawn. The Parish Council has concerns regarding this notice in connection with a retrospective application andwishes to know what the current situation is. To be included on the January agenda.

FINANCE & ACCOUNT

20   Christmas Lights – Parish Council authorised the purchase of new lights for the Christmas tree in the Village Garden.

21    Account balances as at 2nd November 2015

current account £5,839.94 + investment account £3,340.15    =                                           £9,180.09

             (includes earmarked funds: £165 refundable allotment deposits, £623 Play Area

and £414.20 textile bank)

22 Income

Bank interest October                                                                                                            £  0.27

Allotment rents   F Leversedge                                                                                               £ 15.00

R Clark                                                                                              £ 15.00

A Bornemisza                                                                                            £ 30.00

K Jones                                                                                           £ 15.00

S Lawrence                                                                                     £ 15.00

B Curtis                                                                                          £ 15.00                                                                                                                                                                      £105.27  

23   Expenditure

Mrs J P Banks re November salary                                                                                         £185.39

Mrs J P Banks re reimbursement of costs of refreshments for Three Parishes Meeting           £ 10.00

Mr R Clark re reimbursement of cost of new lights for Christmas tree

(Payment authorised under Section137 payments)                                                      £ 20.07

Teignbridge District Council re cost of Parish Election 2015                                      £627.90

Mr G Dicker re verge / allotment maintenance July- December 2015                         £304.98

£1,148.34

24  Balance as at 7th December 2015

current account £5,101.58 + investment account £3,340.42                                        £8,137.02

The Parish Council resolved to approve the accounts and authorise the expenditure.   Cllr Dowding, delegated by the Chairperson, checked the invoices to the cheque book and the reconciliation to the bank statement.

     25  2016/17 Budget – the Parish Council discussed the draft budget prepared by the Clerk to decide the precept

41

 

required for 2016/17. It was suggested that a saving could be made by utilising free antivirus software. The Clerk will refer to Graham Read for his views. A vote by way of a show of hands agreed that there was no requirement to increase the precept required to operate the Parish Council and the amount to be requested from TDC for 2016/17 will remain the same at £6,500.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION – none

26   Any items received for discussion since the publication of the agenda – none

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

27   Dartmoor Access Forum – looking for new members to act in a voluntary capacity. Details to be published in Unity magazine.

28 Devon & Cornwall Police Warnings – details of various notices read out which will be published in Unity magazine.

29   Training – Cllr Miles will attend a Chairmanship course on 28th January at Kingsteignton.

30   Mindline South Devon and Torbay will be manning the phone lines over the Christmas and New Year period

on 0300 3305464 for those wishing to speak with somebody in confidence.

31 Any items for information received since the publication of the agenda

List of waste and recycling Christmas collection dates.

32   Public Discussion

A Parish Councillor asked for any news on Anglers Cottage. TDC will be contacted for an update.

33 Date of next meeting – Monday 4 January 2016 7.00pm in the upstairs room at the

Village Hall

 

Original copy of minutes signed by the Chairperson         1st February 2016

 

CORRESPONDENCE FOR CIRCULATION (Appendix A)

Newsletters, Reports and Circulars

Dunsford Parish Council October 2015 minutes

Parish & Town Council Conferences

TALC minutes for September

Miscellaneous

Teignbridge CSV Funding News

Letters sent

Various

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

42

Minutes of a meeting of Bridford Parish Council held at Bridford Village Hall Monday 7th December 2015 at 7.00pm

Present: Cllrs F Miles (Chairperson), G Hearnden, E Price, T Evans, R Dowding, A Lord, J Atkinson, Mrs J P Banks

(Clerk). Cnty Cllr J Brook attended for part of the meeting.

• Apologies: Dst Cllr A Ford
• Declarations of Interest – Cllr Hearnden declared an interest in item 17
• Public Discussion – nothing for discussion

MATTER ARISING

4   Minutes – the Parish Council resolved to approve the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 2nd

November 2015 as a true and accurate record of the meeting.

5   Allotments   – nothing new to report. Half plot 2a still vacant and being advertised.

6   Play Area    – nothing to report

7   Alternative Textile Bank arrangements – Cllr Price has been unable to find a source for the collection

of textiles that would generate an income for the Parish Council. Enquiries will be made to various charities,

as it is understood that some of them provide textile banks to raise funds for their organisations. An item to be

put in Unity requesting ideas.   The Clerk to find out what Christow Parish Council intends to do.

8   Make a Difference Day – a team of Christow School children tidied up the Churchyard and the Village

Garden. A Christmas card to be sent to the staff and children thanking them for their efforts.

9   Re-painting of Telephone Kiosk – BT has advised that the Bridford kiosk has been added to the list of repaints

to be undertaken by contractors next season.

10 Neighbourhood Watch – no response to the appeal in Unity for volunteers to organise and operate a

Neighbourhood Watch scheme in Bridford, therefore the idea will be put on hold for the time being.

11             Parish Plan – following the meeting to review the Plan, it has been retyped in a different format and circulated

as a draft and as a result a few more minor amendments have been made. It was agreed to defer the

publication of the final copy for two weeks to allow Cllr Atkinson further time to look at the Plan and to make

any comments.

Future Parish Plans – the Parish Council will discuss over the next few months to decide if a new Plan is

required which would involve a Parish questionnaire being sent out. Is the Parish Council already covering

what Parishioners want in its Council meetings? The Clerk will seek guidance from DALC and also ask for

the view of Parishioners via Unity magazine.

Cnty Cllr J Brook joined the meeting at 7.40pm – the Chairperson welcomed him and invited him to speak

Cnty Cllr Brook was asked about Parish Plans. He offered to speak with Tedburn St Mary Parish Council

which has recently reviewed its Plan.

DCC is in the process of putting together a work programme for 2017 in advance of the budget. The Council

has to advertise road all traffic orders and is now trying to include all work plans to be advertised together in

advance in an effort to save costs.

A response has been received re the damage to the bridge at Leigh Cross. The area Bridge Inspector with

officials from Highways are looking at various solutions to the problem. It is not acceptable to keep repairing

without trying to address the problem. Video evidence has shown that 50% of the damage has been caused by

light vehicles.

DCC has sold in excess of one hundred properties which have become surplus and that process continues.

Library services are going into a voluntary mutual association.   Youth work is also being slowly handed over

to an employer mutual society.

A Parish Councillor asked if salt supplies will be replenished. All salt bins have now been filled.

Cnty Cllr J Brook left the meeting at 7.55pm

12 Defibrillator – only of any use if somebody has had a life threatening heart attack. It is still something that

should be considered. The Parish Council will continue to find out more and obtain further views on the

subject. What is more important is the ability to carry out CPR.   First aid and defibrillator to be on the agenda

for future meetings.          

ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING

13 Meetings Attended by any members of the Parish Council – none

40

14 District Councillors Report – in the absence of Dst Cllr Ford, no report was available.

PLANNING

For Discussion

15 Venn Bridge Farm, Bridford – re proposed erection of agricultural building (31.5m x 12m).   (DNPA ref.

0566/15) Details circulated to Parish Councillors and dealt with between meetings due to the short timescales

involved for submitting comments. Parish Council has visited previously so a further site visit not considered

necessary. “The Parish Council has no objections to the application”

16 Swanaford House, Bridford – re proposed demolition of existing barn and construct barn for winery/tasting

room for new business Swanaford Estate Wine (DNPA ref. 0599/15). Application dealt with between meetings

due to short timescales for submitting comments.   The Parish Council undertook a site visit, following which

its comments were as follows: “The Parish Council supports this application and is pleased to encourage local

diversification and use of land for new business in the Park”

17 Carrapitt Plants, Carrapitt Farm, Bridford – notice of application for Prior Notification re proposed erection of

timber agricultural building (18m x 9m) (DNPA ref. 0617/15). Discussed by the Parish Councillors who

agreed that they had “no objections” to the application.

18  Any items for discussion received since the publication of the agenda – none

For Information – none

19 Any items for information received since the publication of the agenda

Higher Westcott Farm, Moretonhampstead – notification that the application has been withdrawn.

The Parish Council has concerns regarding this notice in connection with a retrospective application and

wishes to know what the current situation is. To be included on the January agenda.

FINANCE & ACCOUNT

20   Christmas Lights – Parish Council authorised the purchase of new lights for the Christmas tree in the

Village Garden.

21    Account balances as at 2nd November 2015

current account £5,839.94 + investment account £3,340.15    =                                           £9,180.09

             (includes earmarked funds: £165 refundable allotment deposits, £623 Play Area

and £414.20 textile bank)

22 Income

Bank interest October                                                                                                            £  0.27

Allotment rents   F Leversedge                                                                                               £ 15.00

R Clark                                                                                              £ 15.00

A Bornemisza                                                                                            £ 30.00

K Jones                                                                                           £ 15.00

S Lawrence                                                                                     £ 15.00

B Curtis                                                                                          £ 15.00                                                                                                                                                                      £105.27  

23   Expenditure

Mrs J P Banks re November salary                                                                                         £185.39

Mrs J P Banks re reimbursement of costs of refreshments for Three Parishes Meeting           £ 10.00

Mr R Clark re reimbursement of cost of new lights for Christmas tree

(Payment authorised under Section137 payments)                                                      £ 20.07

Teignbridge District Council re cost of Parish Election 2015                                      £627.90

Mr G Dicker re verge / allotment maintenance July- December 2015                         £304.98

£1,148.34

24  Balance as at 7th December 2015

current account £5,101.58 + investment account £3,340.42                                        £8,137.02

The Parish Council resolved to approve the accounts and authorise the expenditure.   Cllr Dowding,

delegated by the Chairperson, checked the invoices to the cheque book and the reconciliation to the bank

statement.

     25  2016/17 Budget – the Parish Council discussed the draft budget prepared by the Clerk to decide the precept

41

required for 2016/17. It was suggested that a saving could be made by utilising free antivirus software. The

Clerk will refer to Graham Read for his views. A vote by way of a show of hands agreed that there was no

requirement to increase the precept required to operate the Parish Council and the amount to be requested

from TDC for 2016/17 will remain the same at £6,500.

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION – none

26   Any items received for discussion since the publication of the agenda – none

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

27   Dartmoor Access Forum – looking for new members to act in a voluntary capacity. Details to be published

in Unity magazine.

28 Devon & Cornwall Police Warnings – details of various notices read out which will be published in Unity

magazine.

29   Training – Cllr Miles will attend a Chairmanship course on 28th January at Kingsteignton.

30   Mindline South Devon and Torbay will be manning the phone lines over the Christmas and New Year period

on 0300 3305464 for those wishing to speak with somebody in confidence.

31 Any items for information received since the publication of the agenda

List of waste and recycling Christmas collection dates.

32   Public Discussion

A Parish Councillor asked for any news on Anglers Cottage. TDC will be contacted for an update.

33 Date of next meeting – Monday 4 January 2016 7.00pm in the upstairs room at the

Village Hall

 

Original copy of minutes signed by the Chairperson         1st February 2016

CORRESPONDENCE FOR CIRCULATION (Appendix A)

Newsletters, Reports and Circulars

Dunsford Parish Council October 2015 minutes

Parish & Town Council Conferences

TALC minutes for September

Miscellaneous

Teignbridge CSV Funding News

Letters sent

Various

42

BRIDFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Dear Councillors and Members of the Public,

Parish Councillors are summoned and members of the public are invited to attend a meeting of Bridford Parish Council to be held at Bridford Village Hall Monday 1st February 2016 at 7.00pm.

Joan Banks

Clerk to Bridford Parish Council

AGENDA

• Apologies
• Declarations of Interest – Councillors to declare any personal or prejudicial interest in

any item on the agenda.

• Public Discussion – opportunity for members of the public to comment on any item on the

agenda or bring any matter to the attention of the Parish Council

MATTER ARISING

4   Minutes – Parish Council to approve minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 7th December 2015.

5   Allotments   – update

6   Play Area    – update

7   Bridford Hill / Gritting arrangements

8   Alternative Textile Bank arrangements

9   Defibrillator – update on costs, training and safety issues

10 Anglers Cottage          

ANY OTHER MATTERS ARISING

11 Meetings Attended by any members of the Parish Council

12 District Councillors Report

PLANNING

For Discussion

13 Seven Acre Lane, Bridford – re proposed creation of three new field access gateways for Wastenage Farms Ltd

(DNPA ref. 0011/16) Site visit arranged for 30th January.

The following applications have been dealt with between meetings either due to the cancellation of the January

Parish Council meeting or the short timescales for the submission of responses to DNPA

14 West Birch Farm, Bridford – re proposed removal of static home and construction of garage buildings (DNPA

ref. 0633/15). Following a site visit, the Parish Council had no objections to this application

15 Venn Bridge Farm, Bridford – re proposed erection of agricultural storage building (DNPA ref. 0636/15)

The Parish Council had no objections to the application.

16 Longacre, Neadon Lane. Bridford – re proposed erection of a shed/wood store (DNPA ref. 0665/15). The

Parish                                          Council had no objections to the application

17 Birchdown Farm, Bridford – re proposed two-bay car port and lean-to log store (DNPA ref. 0664/15)

Following a site visit, the Parish Council had no objections to the application.

18 West Park Cottage, Bridford full planning permission and listed building consent – re proposed extension and

alterations to dwelling (DNPA ref. 0640/15). Following a site visit, the Parish Council commented that it

admires the determination with which the ground-works have been undertaken to make this property habitable

and strongly supports the application.

19 Rose Cottage, Bridford full planning permission and listed building consent – re proposed internal alterations

(DNPA ref. 0642/15). Following a site visit, the Parish Council strongly supported the application and

commented that it was good to see a small but historic property brought back to life.

20 Cedar House, Bridford – re proposed erection of building (81sqm) for use as stables (DNPA ref. 0019/16)

Following a site visit, the Parish Council had no objections to the application.

21 Parish Council Policy concerning reasons for support / object / no objection when considering applications

22  Any items for discussion received since the publication of the agenda

For Information

23   Higher Westcott Farm, Bridford – reply from DNPA re withdrawal of application (DNPA ref. 0521/15)

24   West Park Cottage, Bridford – application has been withdrawn (DNPA re. 0641/15)

25   Swanaford House, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning Permission re demolition of existing barn and

construction of barn for wine/tasting room for new business, Swanaford Estate Wine (DNPA re. 0559/15)

26   West Birch Farm, Bridford – Grant of Conditional Planning Permission re removal of static home and

construction of garage buildings (DNPA ref. 0633/15)

27   Notification of DNPA Appointed Parish Link Member

28 Any items for information received since the publication of the agenda

FINANCE & ACCOUNT

29    Account balances as at 2nd November 2015

current account £4.796.60 + investment account £3.340.42    =                                           £8,137.02

             (includes earmarked funds: £165 refundable allotment deposits, £623 Play Area

and £414.20 textile bank)

30 Income

Bank interest November                                                                                             £   0.28

Banks interest December                                                                                            £   0.27

31   Expenditure

Mrs J P Banks re December salary                                                                                          £185.19

HMLR Quarter ended 5 January 2016                                                                                    £139.00

Mrs J P Banks re admin expenses 1 Oct – 31 Dec 2015                                                          £143.57

Bridford Village Hall hire of meeting room Oct/Nov/Dec                              £48.00

Bridford Village Hall contribution to Post Office rent 1 Sept – 31 Dec           £56.00             £104.00

Mrs J P Banks re January salary                                                                                             £185.19

32  Balance as at 1st February 2016

current account £4,039.65 + investment account £3,340.97                                        £7,380.62

     33 Annual Internal Audit 2016 – date has been arranged for 26th May

ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION

34   Teign Valley Tennis Trust – AGM invitation.

35   Any items received for discussion since the publication of the agenda

ITEMS FOR INFORMATION

36 Devon & Cornwall Police Warnings

37   Cosy Devon – funds available to assist with costs of installing solid wall insulation.

38   Devon Communities Together Advice and Information Surgeries – 8th February

39   Devon Countryside Access Forum – currently appointing members

40   Devon Emergency Community Flood Resilience Fund

41   Mental Health Awareness Course – 16 February

42   Parish Council Websites must comply with the Transparency Code.

43 Any items for information received since the publication of the agenda

44   Public Discussion

45  Date of next meeting – Monday March 7th 2016 7.00pm in the upstairs room at the

Village Hall

Joan Banks

Clerk to Bridford Parish Council

 

CORRESPONDENCE FOR CIRCULATION (Appendix A)

Newsletters, Reports and Circulars

Healthwatch Voices Winter 2015/16

Councils and Clerks Direct January 2016

Dunsford Parish Council December 2015 minutes

Christow Parish Council December 2015 minutes

TALC draft minutes November meeting

TALC agenda for 28 January

Letters sent

Various

THE MEETING OF BRIDFORD PARISH COUNCIL DUE TO BE HELD TONIGHT 18TH JANUARY, RESCHEDULED FROM 4TH JANUARY HAS BEEN CANCELLED AND THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON THE 1ST FEBRUARY AT 7.00PM IN THE VILLAGE HALL

Joan Banks

Clerk to Bridford Parish Council

Please note that the January Parish Council meeting due to take place on the 4th will now take place at 7.00pm on Monday 18th January.

The agenda will be posted in due course.

Happy New Year to you all!

Joan Banks – Clerk to Bridford Parish Council