Minutes of Harberton Parish Council meeting held on Tuesday 12 June 2001 at Harbertonford Primary School at 7.30pm.

Present: Cllrs Hockings, Monaghan, Mills, Hoddinott, Fearn, Stubbings, E Janes, S Jane, Christiansen and D Cllr Steer.

Apologies: Cllrs Mason and Preston-Day.

Members of the Public: 3

Speakers: Mr Buxton-Smith and Ms Diane Rotherham

Clerk: Mrs D Crann (not in attendance)

The Chairman opened proceedings by introducing Mr Buxton-Smith from the Environment Agency and Ms Diane Rotherham, who had come to talk about proposals for flood relief in Harbertonford. Mr Buxton-Smith commenced by saying that there was now a very good chance of funding, as Harbertonford had moved to the top of the list in view of the problems it had faced. A start was expected in July 2002, or a little earlier, subject to funding and planning permission. After much consideration of costs and environmental issues, the preferred option is outlined below and there will be a public exhibition in Harbertonford Village Hall for a week from 10/8/01, though it may not be possible to open all day each day.

At this stage Diane Rotherham, representing the consulting engineers, spoke supported by slides. The preferred option for the River Harbourne consisted of three projects:-

1. Construction of one or perhaps two storage areas for excess flow close to Rolster Bridge.
2. Enlargement of Mill Leat Channel to provide extra flood relief. (The enlarged leat to return to the river above Crowdy Mill).
3. To improve and deepen the existing channel under Harbertonford Bridge from the region of the old Glanville’s Mill conversions. In relation to this, Devon CC will carry out the necessary engineering works underneath the bridge to lower the inverts and increase water flow.

With regard to the flow of water through the churchyard, the intention would be to construct another large outflow pipe direct to the river above Harbertonford Bridge.

After a short discussion, the Chairman thanked our speakers and they and the public left.

To commence the Parish Council meeting, the minutes of the previous meeting were considered, agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true record.

1) Flooding in Harberton. This was still ongoing and two village residents had recently received letters about the matter. It was likely that the cost of alleviation would be £80,000-£100,000 and it was thought that some funding might be available from MAFF (or its successor). District Cllr Steer advised that the latest information had not yet been discussed by SHDC.

2) Vehicles in a field near Hazard Cottage, Harberton. It was considered that this had been ongoing for over three months and it was hoped that SHDC would serve an Enforcement Notice on the landowner.

3) Ford Area, Harberton. Parish Councillors met Jim Morrison (DCC Highways) on site and he had agreed to deepen the pit and raise the wall which it is thought will create a pond effect. Thereafter, some landscaping will take place and it is hoped some drawings may be produced before landscaping starts.

4) Grass cutting at the playground behind Harbertonford School. The School Governors had accepted the Parish Council’s offer to pay 50% of the basic cost of this work, the school being responsible for VAT. The school will advise the Clerk when invoices are received. Cllr Monaghan advised the Council that the fence between the playground and his property had collapsed. The responsibility for this fence was not known and Cllr Christiansen agreed to raise the matter at the next Governors’ meeting.

5) Barking dogs in Bow Road, Harbertonford. A further letter had been received from Mrs Pope complaining once more about dogs barking in the garden of a property opposite hers, sometimes until after 10.00pm. Councillors agreed that it was unsatisfactory to have loose dogs roaming in a yard or garden and barking whenever anything came close to the gateway. It was suggested that a solution might be to have a solid gate(s), so that the animals could not see into the roadway. Cllr S Jane agreed that he would talk to the owners about this problem.

6) D&C Police. It was suggested that, as he had recently retired, the Clerk should write to Peter Patrick of Harberton, thanking him for his help to the Parish Council in the past. All in favour.

7) Cockhills, Bow Road, Harbertonford. A further complaint about the state of this land had been received from Peter Greenberry of Beenleigh. The Clerk to write to the nurserymen to ascertain, if possible, what they intend to do with this land.

8) Dog fouling in Harbertonford. This remains a problem. The Clerk to write to the Dog Warden requesting further visits to the village.

9) Church Cottage, Harberton. Sadly the deterioration continues. This is also a problem with some other properties in the area.

23/0752/01/F Prowses, Luscombe, Harbertonford. Conversion and refurbishment of outbuilding for living accommodation. No objections in principle.

23/0754/01/F Mulberry, School Orchard, Harberton. Alterations and ext to dwelling. No objections in principle.

23/0746/01/LB) Fern Cottage, Harberton,

23/0747/01/F ) Alt to outbuilding to provide conservatory, etc. No objections in principle.

23/0834/01/F Lychgate House, Harberton. Alterations and ext to dwelling. No objections in principle.

It was noted that notwithstanding the Parish Council’s comments on two occasions, the recent plans for 1 & 2 Old Hall, Tristford Road, Harberton (23/0500/01/F) had been passed.

1) SHDC Notices of Parliamentary and County Council Elections received and displayed on noticeboards.

2) S Hams Leisure Centres swimming timetables shown to the meeting.

3) S Hams Farmers’ Markets. Notification received of markets in Kingsbridge 2/6/01 and Totnes 30/6/01 (subject to no further outbreaks of foot and mouth).

4) DCC. New details of contacts in respect of various social care services shown to the meeting.

5) Protec Ltd Professional Tree Services. Letter offering services and supporting leaflet shown to the meeting.

6) Age Concern Devon. Information re Healthy Living mobile-based project shown to the meeting.

7) DCC. Re opening rights of way. Details of consultations with landowners and subsequent fifth phase reopening of public rights of way shown to the meeting.

8) The Kickstart Club Torbay. Notification received of the annual Torbay Run on 1/7/01 routed through Harbertonford on A381. Posted on noticeboard.

9) Community Fund, formerly National Lottery Charities Board. Information received from SHDC and shown to the meeting. This fund is available to voluntary organisations, but not town or parish councils.

10) Equipment cabin at NTL transmitter in Moreleigh Road, Harbertonford. The Clerk had received a telephone call on 5/6/01 complaining at the length of time it was taking to have this cabin painted green (as per planning). The Planning Office at SHDC had given the applicant a time frame for compliance with this some time ago, though this may have been affected at one stage by foot and mouth. D Cllr Steer will enquire about the present position.

1) Cllr S Jane raised the following matters:-

1. Under recent Community Action Awards Scheme 2001, he had submitted an application on behalf of Fordstock and they were chosen as winner of the Social Support category for 2001. The winning cheque for £300.00 and commemorative plaque were presented at Follaton House on 10 May last.
2. He had received an enquiry whether it was permissible to spray weedkiller in St Peter’s Church car park. The consensus of opinion was that it would be in order as long as it was not injurious to people and animals.
3. Cllr Jane had been approached by persons wishing to cut and landscape the small grass area behind Harbertonford bus shelter. This was not Parish Council land and permission should be sought from DCC Highways, Jim Morrision.
4. Complaints had again been made to him concerning water flowing from a washing machine on or close to some electric cabling at 1 Moreleigh Road, Harbertonford. D Cllr Steer agreed to look into the Building Regulations aspect of this matter.
5. A pothole was reported at the bottom of Moreleigh Road, Harbertonford.
6. An enquiry had been made about the possibility of continuing the double yellow lines round the corner from Moreleigh Road into Woodcourt Road, Harbertonford. This has, in fact, already been approved and will take place in due course.

2) Cllr Monaghan reported complaints that the new Kings Court replacement garages were too big, as they go too far back. He agreed to endeavour to check against the original plans.

3) Cllr Monaghan reported a child recently knocked down close to the school in Harbertonford. There did not appear to be any "School" warning sign as it is approached from Bow Road junction. The Clerk will look into the signing. As a separate matter, it was noticed that cars are sometimes parked on the area with zig-zag lines. This should be avoided by all motorists.

4) Cllr E Janes mentioned the fact that as heavy lorries were now stopped from using the Dartmouth Ferry, they were no obliged to come back along A381 and this would inevitably increase traffic through Harbertonford village to some extent.

5) Cllr Fearn sought permission for the names of councillors to published on the website operated by John Culf on which the Parish Council minutes are already posted. Those councillors present had no objections.

6) District Councillor Steer expressed concern at young children playing in the road at the bottom of Harberton village from time to time. It was noted that this also happened in the road area close to Harbertonford School. Unsupervised play on the public highway must always be considered dangerous for the children involved and should be avoided.

7) Cllr Stubbings mentioned that a van often parked by Globe House, Harberton, made it dangerous for other drivers. He will speak to the owner.

The Parish Councillors expressed their thanks to Cllr S Jane, who had recently painted the bus shelter in Harbertonford.

As a final matter, the Parish Councillors sent their good wishes to the Clerk for a speedy recovery after her short stay in hospital. The good wishes were accompanied by a beautifully scented potted rose tree.

No 233 – Mrs D Crann - £383.64

The next meeting will be held on 10 July 2001 at Harberton Parish Hall at 7.30pm.

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