Present: Cllrs E Janes, G Janes, Stubbings, Beamish, Fearn, Johnson, Williams and D Cllr Steer.
Apologies: Cllrs Hockings, Patrick & Jeffreys. Also, County Cllr Date & PC Miskin.
Public: 6
Clerk: Mrs D Crann.
The Vice Chairman opened the meeting. He was taking the meeting due to the indisposition of the Chairman. He welcomed everyone and the minutes of the previous meeting were considered, agreed and signed by him as a true record. He then invited the members of the public to speak.
Mr Bowden then spoke about his planning application which was on the agenda and answered several questions from councillors who had attended a site meeting the previous evening.
Mr Beagley of Harberton then spoke, regarding the Harberton flood prevention scheme. It had been announced that the extra money needed to complete this scheme had been agreed by DCC. D Cllr Steer then reported on the meetings which had taken place this summer between the Leaders of DCC and SHDC. It was hoped that this remaining work would be started in early October, to complete this scheme by the winter.
Mr Whittle of Harberton then spoke. He had come with Mrs B Ganter to discuss the deteriorating state of Church Cottage in Harberton. They presented a petition signed by 85 residents of Harberton, requesting that something be done to improve the condition of this property. It had remained empty for approximately 30 years and was now very unsightly in the centre of the village. D Cllr Steer also had a report from SHDC Environmental Health who, having examined this property, were, at this time, unable to recommend any action to be taken under present legislation. She explained that there was a possibility that grant might be available to upgrade it if the owners were agreeable under a leasing scheme.
Mr J Hoddinott of Harberton then spoke regarding his planning application, which was before the council, and answered several questions. One councillor raised concern at the extra volume of traffic that would be generated.
Matters Arising:
1) Flooding in Harberton. This subject had already been discussed at the beginning of the meeting. The Clerk had received a letter from Bill Lawrence of SHDC, which all councillors had now seen. The intimated that the increased money was now available from DCC. It was proposed by D Cllr Steer, seconded by Cllr Williams, to confirm to SHDC that the £15,000 promised to this scheme was still available. All in favour. This money is to be made up as follows:- £10,000 already in the Parish Council bank account raised by precept and £5,000 to be raised by a loan in the year 2006/7.
2) P3 Footpath Scheme. Ongoing.
3) Harbertonford Playground Scheme. The Clerk reported that the lease of the playground with the Exeter diocese was now completed and the leases had been exchanged. A £50.00 had been signed between meetings and duly received by the Exeter Diocesan Board of Finance Ltd.
4) Re Church Cottage, Harberton. The Clerk had received two letters, one from Mr Barkas and one from Mrs Ganter, both of Harberton, together with the above-mentioned petition and photographs. There had already been a full discussion of the subject and the Clerk will follow this up with a letter to SHDC.
5) It was reported that the bus shelter had now been repaired – an invoice was awaited.
6) The DCC speed check on traffic along the A381 at Harbertonford was due to take place during the week ending 17/09/05.
Planning: Parish Council Recommendations - Decision between meetings.
23/1432/05/F 24/25 Bow Road, Harbertonford. Conversion from sheltered housing to one-bed accommodation. No objections.
Decisions at the meeting.
23/1485/05/F 2 Dorsley Cottages, Harberton. Replacement of single storey extension by a two storey extension with solar space. Following a site meeting, there were no objections, but councillors would be guided by SHDC decision. Proposed by Cllr Stubbings, seconded by Cllr Fearn. 7 in favour, 1 abstention.
23/1570/05/F Sandwell Farm, Harberton. Change of use of barn to swimming pool. No objections. Proposed by Cllr Fearn, seconded by Cllr Stubbings. 6 in favour, 2 abstentions.
23/1579/05/F Little Grove Farm, Tigley, Harberton. Change of use of agricultural buildings to workshops. No objections. Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Beamish. 7 in favour, 1 abstention.
23/1591/05/CU Bridge Farm, Harberton. Change of use of agricultural buildings to workshops/offices (Class B1). D Cllr Steer declared an interest and took no part in discussions. Following a site meeting, there were no objections, but concern at the extra volume of traffic. Proposed by Cllr G Janes, seconded by Cllr Fearn. 7 in favour, 1 abstention.
23/1343/05/F Hayes Barn, Harberton. Conversion of barn to ancillary accommodation. The Parish Council had been unable to respond due to the plans no being returned to the Clerk in time.
The Clerk then gave a short report from PC Julie Miskin who had sent apologies. There had been six minor crimes in the parish since her last report.
Correspondence:
1) SHDC. Development Control and Conservation User Group meeting is to be held on 19/09/05 at Follaton House 2-5pm.
2) Devon & Cornwall Police Authority liaison meeting to be held on 19/09/05 at Rest Centre, The Quay, Kingsbridge at 7.30pm.
3) SHDC. Building Repairs & Maintenance Service is now available to the public. Telephone: 01803 868017.
4) A letter had been received from a resident of Harbertonford regarding illegal parking at the bus stop in Harbertonford by the A381 bridge going towards Kingsbridge. The Clerk will consult with Highways re any possible action.
5) South Hams CAB are running a course “Training in Welfare Benefits” - £10 per day – information from 01392 431616.
6) A letter had been received from Mr J Halliday of DCC re signs on the highway for village fetes, etc. This letter is to remind local people that these signs are legal for 3 days before and two days after such events and should then be removed.
7) A letter had been received by the Chairman requesting the Parish Council to appoint a councillor to sit on the Harberton Parish Hall Committee as a PC representative as Cllr Stubbings did not wish to be re-elected. It was proposed by Cllr G Janes, seconded by D Cllr Steer to appoint Cllr Johnson, to which she agreed. All in favour. This appointment will also include the Harberton Playing Fields Association.
8) The Clerk had received a letter from Mr Owen Masters, our former County Councillor, explaining his sadness at not being able to represent our council due to boundary changes. He also detailed his current work with the Council of Europe and his frequent visits to Europe on their behalf.
9) A letter had been received from Mr J Holloway of Ogwell, explaining the “2005 Nine Days of Art Open Studios” in Devon 10-18/09/05. This was shown to the meeting.
10) SHDC. Register of Electors 2006. The qualifying date is 15/10/05.
11) The Local Channel information re setting up of websites shown to the meeting.
12) Details of an abandoned vehicle in the parish car park were shown to the meeting.
13) SHDC. Notice of official street naming and numbering at Tristford Barns, Harberton, shown to the meeting.
14) Two letters received from Highways Agency re work commencing along A38 Peartree to Drybridge shown to the meeting.
15) A letter had been received from Ros Davies, DCC P3 Scheme, informing us of her temporary absence on maternity leave.
16) DAPC. Various items received, including Village Green magazine, Annual Report 2004/5, details of AGM 01/10/05 and Agenda. Also, Business Plan 2005/6. Request for nominations for county committee members for S Hams and newsletters also received.
17) A new mobile lengthsman has been appointed upon the retirement of Maurice. The new lengthsman is Mr David Brown – telephone: 07971 985708 if you have any problems.
18) DCC. Waste Local Plan – re Deposit Version comments deadline is 26/09/05.
19) S Hams and W Devon Health Fair will be held at Civic Hall, Totnes, on 29/0905.
20) A letter had been received from Mrs Ganter of Harberton, together with photographs of more problems down Parish Road, Harberton, with vehicles which are too wide going down past the Church House Inn and the wall by the church. The Clerk will again contact Highways on this subject and suggest some white lining at the top of Parish Road, directing traffic down through the village, past the playground.
Other Items on the Table: Open Door magazine; DCC Newsletters; DCC Minerals & Waste Development Framework & Waste Strategy; SHDC Minutes of Executive Meeting 28/07/05, Executive Forward Plan, Safer South Hams, Agenda & Minutes; DPFA magazine; Devon & Cornwall Police Stop & Search publicity material; Devon Wildlife Trust newsletter; DCC Improving Devon Environment.
Matters at the discretion of the Chairman:
1) Cllrs Fearn and Williams reported potholes along Screws Lane, along the road up to Coppithorne Reservoir and at the Triangle along the road to Belsford.
2) It was noted that bad parking by the Lych Gate, also by St Clements Terrace and St Andrews Cottages in Harberton was blocking the roads, stopping vehicles driving through.
3) It was hoped that at St Clements Terrace the railings and wall would be reinstated soon, as the present appearance did not do justice to the village.
4) It was proposed by D Cllr Steer, seconded by Cllr Fearn, that James Miller be approached for a quote to remove the watercress along the leat at the Ford in Harbertonford. Cllr Williams agreed to contact him.
Cheques signed:
Between meetings
No 343 – Exeter Diocesan Board Of Finance Ltd - £50.00
No 344 – Mrs D Crann - £405.14
The meeting closed at 10.00pm. The next meeting will be held at Harbertonford Primary School on Tuesday 11 October 2005 at 7.30pm.