Present: Cllrs Fearn, G Janes, Stubbings, Williams, Knight, Johnson, D Cllr Steer and Devon County Cllr Date.
Apologies: Cllrs Hockings, E Janes, Beamish and Jeffreys. Also, PC Dunn.
Speaker: Mr J Halliday of DCC Highways.
Public: 7
Clerk: Mrs D Crann.
The Clerk opened the meeting and called for a proposal for Chairman for the meeting. Cllr G Janes proposed Cllr Fearn, seconded by Cllr Stubbings, to which he agreed. There being no other nominations, voting was all in favour.
The Chairman then commenced by welcoming everyone and introduced Mr J Halliday, who was already known to most present. Mr Halliday started by referring to his last visit three months ago when he had promised to reassess the position of the pedestrian crossing across the A381 in Harbertonford. He passed around the meeting various plans and photos of the site, explaining the difficulties with traffic on the bridge and visibility for traffic going in both directions. There was, however, some possibility of a future Pelican Crossing and three-way lights at the Old Road junction, depending on future funding. DCC would be trying out interactive signs in Dartington this year, also their pedestrian crossing would be light-controlled. County Cllr Date then spoke in support of Mr Halliday. Funding was the major issue. There was hope of extra monies for the South Hams area, details yet to be released.
Cllr Knight showed Mr Halliday photos taken from a car approaching the crossing from both directions, indicating cluttered signing and blind spots, of which he took note. Mr Halliday also mentioned the alternative that the pedestrian crossing could be removed. A full discussion followed, with Parish Councillors and members of the public taking part. Various other items were mentioned and this discussion came to a conclusion at 8.35pm.
This was followed by D Cllr Steer reporting on the problems at Fork Cross, Harberton. Mr Anning, the landowner, had kindly agreed to help with the works, together with a contribution from the Parish Council. DCC agreed to provide the traffic control. This work to be carried out at an appropriate time for wildlife.
County Cllr Date then gave a short report from County Hall and said that Harberton Flood Relief Scheme had been completed.
It was proposed by D Cllr Steer that the Clerk should write to SW Highways Roads Ltd (the contractor) to thank them for their prompt completion and also their help and thoughtfulness towards the residents.
Mr Halliday, Cllr Date and members of the public then left the meeting.
The minutes of the previous meeting were then considered, agreed and signed by the Chairman as a true record.
Matters Arising:
1) Re the harassment by youngsters in Harbertonford of residents in Marl Park / Bow Road area. The Clerk will write to Inspector Jackson yet again as a follow-up.
2) Poor visibility at Fork Cross, Harberton. This had already been discussed and reported.
3) Flood Prevention Scheme in Harberton. Now almost completed. Loan documents have now been signed and exchanged with SHDC.
4) P3 Footpath. Ongoing.
5) Reports on the condition of Cllr Hockings were encouraging. He was at Mount Gould Hospital, Plymouth. The Vice Chairman, Cllr E Janes was now back at RD&E Hospital, Exeter, for dialysis.
Planning: Parish Council recommendations –
Decision between meetings.
23/0434/06/F Barns at Tristford Farm, Harberton. Reinstate barn to lean-to. No objections.
Decisions at the meeting.
23/0623/06/LB Virginia Cottage, Harberton. Internal alterations. No objections. Proposed by Cllr Williams, seconded by Cllr Johnson. 6 in favour, 1 abstention.
23/0665/06/F Harbourne Garage, Harbertonford. Extend sales, office and domestic garages. No objections, but car wash bays to be set further back for more turning space on forecourt. Also, operate one-way in and out. Proposed by Cllr Stubbings, seconded by Cllr G Janes. 6 in favour, 1 abstention.
23/0659/06/O Up Yonder, 1 Mill Meadow, Harbertonford. Outline for bungalow. Decision deferred for site meeting.
Correspondence:
1) DEFRA Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005. Letter was shown to the meeting referring to new dog control and graffiti offences.
2) Harbertonford Primary School. Invoice received for grass cutting expenses April 04 to March 05 - £118.03. Also, April 05 to December 05 - £90.18. Total £208.21 to be paid. Proposed by D Cllr Steer, seconded by Cllr Knight. All in favour.
3) The Clerk reported that the request had been received for the annual audit to 31/03/06.
4) DAPC annual subscription now due - £193.00. To be paid. Also, DPFA subscription now due - £15.00. To be paid. Proposed by Cllr G Janes, seconded by D Cllr Steer. All in favour.
Also on the table:
SHDC Local Development Framework – Erratum; SHDC Executive Forward Plan; SHDC Agenda & Minutes; DCC Newsletter; SHDC magazines; Devon Wildlife Trust magazine; Devon Carers Consortium; SHDC Minutes of Executive Meeting 06/04/06.
Matters at the discretion of the Chairman:
1) D Cllr Steer reported that a decision had finally been made by SHDC about the new operators of the leisure centres – details to follow.
2) Cllr Johnson reported that the Harberton Parish Hall Committee had given permission for overflow parking from the Church House Inn to be accommodated in the upper car park at Harberton Parish Hall. The Parish Council would reiterate that the upper car park is for use by any Harberton residents.
3) The Chairman reported he had been informed that we should advise the Mobile Lengthsman to examine under all manhole covers when visiting Harberton to make sure they were not blocked. This was after the completion of the flood prevention works in Harberton.
Cheques signed:
No 355 – Devon County Council - £208.21
No 356 – DAPC - £193.00
No 357 – DPFA - £15.00
The meeting closed at 10.10pm. The next will be the Annual Parish Meeting to be held on Tuesday 09 May 2006 at 7.30pm, to be followed by the monthly Parish Council meeting at Harberton Parish Hall.