WIDECOMBE PARISH COUNCIL
Minutes of a meeting of the Parish Council held on Thursday 3 September 2015 in Church House, Widecombe
Present: Councillor Newbolt-Young (Chairman), Booty, Fenton, Morley, Routley and Tempest
In attendance: County Cllr Gribble
Members of the Public: Four
Clerk: Suzanna Hughes
Before the start of the meeting, the Chairman asked those present to observe a minute’s silence following the death of Cllr Michael Nosworthy who sadly passed away on 14 August.
OPEN FORUM
Anthony Beard informed members that the History Group had considered a letter from the Parish Council seeking its views on a proposed new village hall about which the Group was supportive. He advised, however, that concerns had been raised about running costs and it was believed that some new halls are having to charge a high hourly rate to keep on top of expenses. Some members of the Group thought that the Church House would make an ideal museum/exhibition/craft centre. Mr Beard personally wondered if the National Trust would create a cafe like they have at most of their centres. Finally, he suggested that a public meeting should be called to see if parishioners were in favour of the idea.
The Chairman of the Widecombe & District Sports Group wished to find out about the renewal of the lease of North Hall Field. She also informed members that a recent ROSPA report had thrown up some issues which need looking at and the Sports Group also had to repair the hole in the tennis court.
3883 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
• Cllr R Whale
• District Cllr Jeffery
3884 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were reminded of their responsibility to update their Notice of Registerable Interests and
were invited to state whether they have any interests in the items to be discussed during this meeting
in accordance with the council’s Code of Conduct.
• Cllr Tempest declared an interest in item 3891 (c)
3885 REQUESTS FOR DISPENSATIONS
No requests were received.
3886 RATIFICATION OF MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council on 2 July 2015 were approved and signed by the
Chairman as a true and correct record.
3887 POLICE REPORT
No report.
3888 COUNTY COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
Cllr Gribble informed members that he had spoken to the Highways Officer, Scott Riddell, about the roads
being acceptable ahead of Widecombe Fair. With regard to Newbridge, the intention is to fit CCTV so that
vehicles that damage the bridge can be monitored. Cllr Gribble advised members that he would like to
engage local people in discussions about the future management of Newbridge. Finally, he commented that the double yellow lines at Spitchwick seem to be doing their job.
3889 DISTRICT COUNCILLOR’S REPORT
No report.
3890 DELEGATE REPORTS
No reports.
3891 MATTERS ARISING
(a) Widecombe Fair
The clerk informed members that DNPA had requested a copy of the Council’s insurance and risk assessment relating to the section of North Hall field to be used for traders’ parking on Fair Day. After a discussion, members were unclear why this was required as the land belongs to DNPA. It was agreed that the clerk would confirm what exactly was required and would provide what was necessary.
(b) Housing Needs Survey
Cllr Fenton reported that following the advertising of one of the Church cottages for rent, twelve applications had been received showing a need 2-3 family homes and 5-6 single occupancy homes. It was agreed that this should be reported to Devon Communities Together as this information might be sufficient to negate the need for a Housing Needs Survey. The clerk advised that Teign Housing have agreed to fund the cost of the survey, if necessary, and it was therefore agreed that if the information provided by Cllr Fenton was insufficient evidence of need, the survey should go ahead.
(c) Lease of North Hall Field
The clerk advised that DNPA Directors would be discussing the renewal of the lease at their next leadership team meeting. Members agreed that this was a straightforward renewal and therefore the lease should be based on the same terms as before. One of the options going forward might be to transfer ownership to the Parish Council. Members indicated that they would be willing to pursue this as an option.
(d) Annual Walkabout
The clerk advised that following District Cllr Jeffery’s offer to help with the problems being caused by the poorly maintained boundary hedges at the property known as Coombe, he had not yet made any progress but still intended to pursue this as far as he could.
(e) Defibrillator
Members were informed that an application for part-funding could be made to the British Heart Foundation, with the support of the Ambulance Service. However, various conditions would need to be met including a commitment to training including CPR (even tough training is not required to use the device). A group of people is also needed to share the responsibility of, amongst other things, ensuring that the device is regularly checked and appropriately maintained, to record and monitor use of the device and to be responsible for making sure that the memory card in the defibrillator is analysed by the ambulance service etc. After a discussion, it was agreed to place an article in the Parish Link asking for volunteers.
(f) ‘Connecting Dartmoor & Exmoor’
Members noted receipt of an invitation to attend a presentation on 16 September about the ‘Connecting Dartmoor and Exmoor’ superfast broadband project which forms part of phase 2 of the Connecting Devon and Somerset programme.
(g) New Village Hall
Members were informed that current users of the hall were generally supportive of exploring the development of a new village hall. After a discussion, it was agreed to ask the Church House Committee to call a public meeting to discuss how to take the project forward.
(h) Rural Skip Service
Members noted the date of the Rural Skip Service which would be sited in the coach park on Saturday 10th October.
(i) TDC Consultation – Draft Review of the Statement of Licencing Policy (as required under the Licencing Act 2003)
Members had no comments.
(j) DCC Consultation - Devon Minerals Plan
Members had no comments.
3892 FINANCE
(a) The following payments were approved:
Cheque no 000893 - Clerk’s salary and disbursements - £234.07 (September)
Cheque no 000894 - TDC (Expenses incurred for uncontested Parish Council elections) - £163.70
Cheque no 000895 - G Partridge (strimming of the village) - £300
Cheque no 000896 - ICO (Renewal of data protection licence) - £35.
3893 PLANNING
(a) New applications/appeals
(i) 0409/15 – Refurbishment and extension at Woodcott (formerly Spitchwick Bungalow), Spitchwick, Poundsgate
Members were advised that this application has been withdrawn.
(ii) 0415/15 – Increase height of existing chimney at Honeysucle Cottage, Ponsworthy
Members agreed to support this application.
(iii) 0394/15 – Trenching works for underground electricity cables at Dunstone Manor, Widecombe-in-the-Moor
Members had no objections to this application.
(b) Decisions
(i) 0295/15 – Single storey garden room extension and two-storey extension for kitchen and bedroom, Drywell Farm, Wideceombe-in-the-Moor
Members noted that DNPA has refused to grant planning permission.
(ii) 0330/15 – Demolition of existing structure and replacement with new bungalow and parking, Lower Aish, Poundsgate
Members noted that DNPA has granted conditional planning consent.
3894 HIGHWAYS
(a) There were no issues to report to DCC.
To report a pothole:
Telephone: 0345 155 1004
Email: customer@devon.gov.uk
Online: www.devon.gov.uk/road_maintenance.htm
3895 CORRESPONDENCE
(a) Members were advised of a meeting of the Ashburton Engagement Group on 9th September. Cllr Tempest offered to attend on behalf of the Council.
Other items for information only were placed in the circulation folder or emailed direct to members.
3896 MATTERS OF INFORMATION AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CHAIRMAN
None.
There being no further business, the Chairman closed the meeting at 9.15pm.
Signed ………………………………………….. Dated ……………………………………….
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE PARISH COUNCIL WILL BE HELD ON
THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER 2015 AT 7.30pm
Members of the public and press are welcome to attend any Parish Council Meeting
and make comment before the start of the meeting.