Present: Cllrs Hockings, E Janes, Evans, Fearn, Stubbings, Patrick, Jeffreys, Beamish and D Cllr Steer
Apologies: Cllrs G Janes and Williams
Public: 3
Clerk: Mrs D Crann
The Chairman opened the meeting, welcoming everyone and inviting the members of the public to speak. They all came from the lower part of Harberton and wished to discuss the proposed flood works, which had just been approved (on 8/1/04) by SHDC. There was a full general discussion and the Chairman explained that the Parish Council had been exceptionally fortunate to achieve the funding for this scheme and it was sensible to see the scheme through. The Chairman stressed that, if there were to be any comparatively minor adjustments, the Highways engineers should be approached after the commencement of the work, but not under any circumstances to jeopardise the start of the scheme as, officially, the funding is for the current financial year only. The members of the public then left and the meeting continued.
The minutes of the previous meeting were considered, agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
Matters Arising:
1) Flooding in Harberton. This subject had been well covered at the start of the meeting. It had also been proposed that the Clerk should write a letter of thanks to the Chief Executive of SHDC, Ms Ruth Bagley.
2) P3 Footpath Scheme. Still ongoing.
3) Harbertonford Playing Field. The reimbursement cheque had now been received from the Diocese for £156.27. Mr A Steen MP had been in touch with Cllr Jeffreys and was hoping to help progress the issue of the licence to the Parish Council for the use of the field.
4) Luscombe Cross. Still ongoing.
5) Harbertonford car park wall. Still ongoing.
6) Street light at the corner of Mill Meadow Harbertonford. Still ongoing.
7) 20mph speed limit through Harberton. The Clerk had now received a map from John Halliday of DCC and will indicate the area to be covered by a 20mph limit. DCC will then undertake speed measurements before agreeing to install any new speed limits.
Planning: Parish Council Recommendations –
Decisions at the meeting
23/2424/03/F Gosworthy Cottage, Harberton. Extension and alterations.
No objections. Proposed by Cllr E Janes, seconded by Cllr Evans. 8 in favour, 1 abstention.
23/2447/03/F Belsford Farm, Harberton. Conversion of barn for holiday accommodation and extension to garage.
No objections. Proposed by Cllr Beamish, seconded by Cllr Stubbings. 8 in favour, 1 abstention.
23/2491/03/F ) Meadowfield, Keys
23/2492/03/LB) Englebourne, Harberton. Two storey extension. No objections. Proposed by Cllr Fearn, seconded by Cllr E Janes. 8 in favour, 1 abstention.
Correspondence:
1) Annual Precept application is now due. Last year’s Precept was £9,300.00 (£5,000.00 of this sum had been towards the flood prevention scheme in Harberton). After some discussion, it was proposed by D Cllr Steer, seconded by Cllr Fearn, to increase the base amount by £200.00 making £4,500.00 for this coming Financial Year. All in favour.
2) Letter from DEFRA received. Equine issues. This contained information re horse passports, etc. Anyone wishing to have a copy should apply to the Clerk.
3) Tor Homes News Release and Annual Report 2003 received and shown to the meeting.
4) SHDC. Parking Charges 2004 shown to the meeting.
5) DCC. Temporary road closure. Tristford Road, Harberton, 19/1/04 for five days.
6) SHDC. Notice of election costs in respect of May 2003 totalling £133.12 to be paid 1/5/04.
7) A letter had been received from Mr Lund, Secretary to the Feoffees, notifying the Parish Council that D Cllr Steer’s appointment had expired. It was unanimously agreed that she be re-appointed, to which she agreed.
8) Devon and Cornwall Police Liaison Meeting to be held on 27/1/04 at Ivybridge College at 7.30pm.
Other items on the table:
SHDC Local Authorities Members’ Allowances; SHDC Executive Forward Plan and Minutes of SHDC Executive Meeting held on 8/1/04; SHDC Agenda and Minutes; NHS Health News; Town and Parish Website Design; Recycling at Christmas.
Matters at the discretion of the Chairman:
1) Cllr E Janes reported children aged 9-11 years riding their bicycles without lights and skateboards in the middle of A381 road in Harbertonford some evenings after school 5-6pm. Also down Bow Road and Old Road.
2) Cllr E Janes also reported on the accident on the pedestrian crossing across the A381 in Harbertonford last Tuesday, 6/1/04. A young person had had an amazing escape, having been caught by the wing mirror of a car travelling from Totnes. The vehicle did not stop.
3) Cllr Patrick reported the bollards by the dam down Woodland Road, Harbertonford were damaged. Additionally, on Blakemore Level, Harberton, there had been damage to verges by a new blue tractor parking and tearing them up.
4) Cllr Fearn reported a pothole down Screws Lane, Harberton.
5) There had been some inconsiderate parking in front of St Clements Terrace, Harberton, by Wesley House, but it was also noted by councillors that several residents were now parking more considerately.
6) The sign at Fork Cross, Harberton, was reported missing by D Cllr Steer.
7) Cllr Beamish reported that a resident of Harbertonford had complained of loud drumming. Environmental Health should be contacted in this case by the complainant.
Cheque paid into bank:
Refund from the Diocese - £156.27
The meeting closed at 10.10pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 10 February 2004 at 7.30pm at Harbertonford Primary School.