Present: Cllrs Hockings, E Janes, G Janes, Stubbings, Fearn, Johnson, D Cllr Steer, Williams and Devon County Councillor Date.
Apologies: Cllrs Jeffreys, Beamish and Patrick.
Public: 2
Clerk: Mrs D Crann
The Chairman opened the meeting and invited Cllr Date to speak. He introduced himself as our new County Councillor, as we are now included in the Totnes area, following the election on 5 May. He said he wished to be available to help in any way possible and mentioned the Harberton Flood Scheme in particular. After some general discussion on this subject, and a report from D Cllr Steer on recent events, Cllr Date agreed to contact the Leader of the County Council to see if there might be anything he could do to encourage DCC to contribute further funds towards the scheme. Until any further developments, D Cllr Steer would be working with SHDC to see what best results could be achieved with the monies already in hand (including the £15,000 promised by the Parish) to complete the drainage work still unfinished at the bottom of Harberton. Further decisions on fund-raising by Mr Beagley and his colleagues will be delayed pending developments.
The meeting then proceeded and the Chairman resigned. The Clerk then called for nominations for Chairman. It was proposed by D Cllr Steer, seconded by Cllr G Janes to nominate Cllr Hockings again, to which he agreed. There being no other nominations, voting was all in favour. The Vice Chairman then resigned and the Chairman called for nominations. It was proposed by Cllr Fearn, seconded by Cllr Stubbings, to nominate Cllr E Janes, to which he agreed. There being no other nominations, voting was all in favour.
The minutes of the previous meeting were then considered and, after one amendment, were agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
Matters Arising:
1) Flooding in Harberton. This subject had again been fully discussed at the start of the meeting. The Chairman said we should await any possible development that the new County Councillor might bring to the table. Councillors again agreed unanimously with the £5,000 loan from SHDC making the Parish Council contribution a total of £15,000.
2) P3 Footpath Scheme. The Clerk had received a report from Roz Davies of DCC following the recent meeting in Harberton and was awaiting further developments.
3) Harbertonford Playground Scheme. The Clerk had now received a further letter from Mr G Davies of the Diocese indicating a change of heart; ie proposing a £50 per annum rental, with a possibility of up to £450 per annum should the fencing around the play park need renewing. After some discussion, it was proposed by Cllr Fearn, seconded by Cllr Williams, to accept these new terms and proceed with the lease. All in favour.
4) Parking in the splay at the entrance to Harberton Parish Hall. The Chairman had supervised the delivery of five granite boulders which had now been put in place to deter parking. Thanks were also due to Mr Jim Hoddinott, who had kindly assisted with their placement.
5) Parish Council insurance. This was due for renewal on 1/6/05. The Clerk had now received details of an insurance policy from Zurich Municipal Insurance through Community First at Devizes. The new premium would be £261.60 pa (excess £100) for a parallel policy as opposed to Cornhill Insurance costing £451.91 pa (excess £125). It was proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr E Janes, to pay the premium for the Zurich Municipal policy and cancel the Cornhill policy. All in favour.
Planning: Parish Council Recommendations –
Decisions between meetings
17 & 23/0676/05/F Dattins Farm, Harbertonford. Amendments to 23/0015/05/F. Replace render with timber cladding. No objections.
23/0696/05/F The Old Store, Wesley Place, Harberton. Installation of solar water heating collectors. No objections.
23/0711/05/LB The Millers House, Crowdy Mill, Bow Road, Harbertonford. Replacement conservatory. No objections.
Decision at the meeting
23/0541/05/CLE Certificate of Lawfulness for use of barn as residential unit at Country Gardens, Tristford Reservoir, Copperthorn Cross, Harberton. A full discussion took place and it was felt that, from examination of supporting documents, the applicant may have, perhaps, deceived the District Council and the matter should be examined by the Legal Department.
Correspondence:
1) A letter had been received from St Andrew’s PCC, together with a copy of the accounts requesting an annual grant towards upkeep of the churchyard. It was proposed by D Cllr Steer, seconded by Cllr Johnson, to grant £350 as last year. All in favour.
2) A letter had been received from SHDC regarding the closure of negotiations with CLS. It had been mutually agreed that a beneficial deal over the transfer of the District’s leisure services could not be reached.
3) Various notices had been received and posted on noticeboards for both Parliamentary and County elections.
4) SHDC had sent a letter regarding street sweeping changes – this was read out to the meeting.
5) A letter had been received from DCC Local Services Officer notifying us of a new Road Safety Officer.
6) GLEAM. The annual subscription was now due - £10.00 as usual. It was proposed by Cllr Stubbings, seconded by Cllr E Janes, to pay this again this year. All in favour.
7) An invoice had been received from Messrs Bowden and Sons of Bovey Tracey for an annual service for the mower for Harberton Playing Fields Association, amounting to £319.60. It was proposed by Cllr Hockings, seconded by Cllr Stubbings, that this should be paid. All in favour. The basic cost will be reimbursed by HPFA.
Other Items on the Table:
S Devon Carers Consortium; SHDC Minutes of Executive Meeting 7/4/05; DCC monthly newsletter; The Playing Field newsletter; SHDC Landscape Heritage Scheme; The Voluntary Vine; SHDC Agenda and Minutes; Victim Support; TOR Homes Open Door; Totnes Caring AGM 26/5/05; DAPC newsletter
Matters at the discretion of the Chairman:
No matters raised this month.
Cheques signed:
No 335 – E Bowden & Sons - £319.60
No 336 – GLEAM - £10.00
No 337 – Community First - £261.60
No 338 – St Andrew’s PCC - £350.00
The meeting closed at 9.00pm. The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 14 June 2005 at Harberton Parish Hall at 7.30pm