Present: Cllrs Hockings, E Janes, Fearn, Beamish, Patrick, Johnson, Stubbings and D Cllr Steer.
Apologies: Cllrs Williams and G Janes.
Public: 6
Clerk: Mrs D Crann
The Chairman opened the meeting and welcomed everyone. He invited the members of the public to speak. Mr Dance of Harbertonford started by explaining that he and two neighbours had come about the proposed closure of the Community Room in Bow Road, Harbertonford. Nick Cottis valued the room as a community amenity. Cllr E Janes then explained that all 16 residents of the bungalows had to contribute £7.10 each per week towards its upkeep, although its use had diminished greatly in recent years. There had been several meetings between the residents of the bungalow and Mr Jeremy Tudor of Tor Homes. Primarily, the residents were not keen to have to continue the payments, as they were not getting good use from the Community Room. However, the room should not necessarily be closed as it was also used by some of the other village residents. Tor Homes had explained that they were keen to use this room for accommodation if not in use as an amenity. The councillors advised Mr Dance that this matter would be discussed during the meeting and his thoughts and comments would be given due consideration at that time.
Mr Beagley of Harberton then enquired about the progress of the flood scheme in Harberton. D Cllr Steer reported that, at present, there was a large shortfall in funding due to the scheme costing at least one-third more than expected. Bill Lawrence of SHDC had unfortunately not been successful in getting extra funding from DEFRA. D Cllr Steer was at present exerting as much pressure as possible with SHDC and would also be contacting County Councillor Owen Masters to seek his help. He had been very helpful in obtaining funding for the Harbertonford scheme.
The Members of the public then left the meeting.
The minutes of the previous meeting were then considered and, after one amendment, agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
Matters Arising:
1) Flooding in Harberton. This matter had been dealt with at the start of the meeting.
2) P3 Footpath Scheme. The Clerk had contacted Roz Davies of DCC and several of the volunteers and would invite them all to attend at the start of the next Parish Council meeting.
3) Harbertonford Playground Scheme. Still ongoing.
4) 20 mph speed limit in Harbertonford. This was now to be put in hand by DCC. There was also to be a site meeting on 11/11/04 with Mr J Halliday at the pedestrian crossing in Harbertonford at 1.30pm.
Planning: Parish Council recommendations –
Decisions at the meeting
23/2061/04/F Tristford Barns, Harberton. Erection of attached garage. No objections. Proposed by Cllr Stubbings, seconded by Cllr Fearn. 6 in favour. 1 abstention.
23/2062/04/LB) Tristford Farm, Harberton.
23/2063/04/F ) Alterations. No objections. Proposed by Cllr Fearn, seconded by Cllr Patrick. 6 in favour. 1 abstention.
23/2108/04/CLE Gosworthy Cottage, Higher Plymouth Road, Harberton. Certificate of Lawfulness for retention of dwelling. The Parish Council had no comment to make. 6 in favour. 1 abstention.
Correspondence:
1) Proposed closure of Community Room at the centre in Bow Road in Harbertonford. There had been a discussion at the start of the meeting with members of the public. Councillors felt that the Parish Council would not be able to take on the financial responsibility of running the centre, particularly in view of its lack of use. It was felt that, as the use had diminished in recent years, it would be better used for accommodation. Proposed by Cllr Fearn, seconded by Cllr Johnson. 6 in favour. 1 abstention.
2) The Clerk had received a telephone call to advise the Council that Totnes Motorcycle Club was to hold a rally on the morning of 5 December along the Green Lanes in Harberton.
3) Letters had been received from Harberton Playing Field Association and Mrs Whittle of Harberton requesting permission for use of the Harberton Playing Field next May to pitch a marquee for a wedding. Jan Culf detailed the terms and conditions which the hirers would need to agree to, including insurance, siting of the marquee, timetable for erection and taking down, site clearance, management of traffic and parking. Councillors could see no objection. All in favour.
4) A letter had been received from the Environment Agency stating that the Parish Council was responsible for the clearance of the cress at the Ford in Harbertonford. This had already been completed by the kind work of Mr Chattaway of Harbertonford. Many thanks from the Parish Council.
5) A revised date had been notified for the road closure of Tristford Road, Harberton, now to be 8/11/04.
6) DCC. Local Transport Plan passed on to Cllr Fearn.
7) SHDC. Local Development Framework. This survey was considered by the meeting.
8) New Ethical Framework Regulations. Letter shown to the meeting.
9) South Devon Carers’ Consortium. Details shown to the meeting.
10) South Hams Leisure Centres. Open letter shown to the meeting.
11) SHDC. Parking Charges 2005 shown to the meeting.
12) DCC. Structure Plan to 2016 shown to the meeting.
13) SHDC. Parish Remuneration Panel. Letter shown to the meeting.
14) Invoice received from Harbertonford Primary School for 50% share in grass cutting of Harbertonford Playground amounting to £113.16 excluding VAT. This is to be paid. Proposed by Cllr E Janes, seconded by Cllr Beamish. All in favour.
Other Items on the Table:
SHDC: Executive Forward Plan; Minutes of Executive Meeting 4/11/04; Guide to Housing Allocation Scheme; Agenda and Minutes; DCC: Adopted Minerals Local Plan; Monthly Newsletter; Totnes and District Sustainability Group News; Voluntary Vine; Health News; Letter from Green Gardens; DPFA Playing Field magazine; South Hams Society; South Hams Tourism News and Open Door.
Matters at the discretion of the Chairman:
1) Cllr E Janes reported potholes in the road near the Beenleigh junction in Harbertonford.
2) Cllr Fearn reported potholes and uneven road edges in Screws Lane, Harberton, and on the road from the village to the reservoir on the left-hand side where the road is collapsing and continuing on to Blakemore Level, a buddle hole needs attention.
Cheque Signed:
No 325 – DCC - £113.16
The meeting closed at 10.05pm. The next will be held on Tuesday 14 December 2004 at 7.30pm at Harberton Parish Hall.