MINUTES OF THE LAST COUNCIL MEETING
SHALDON PARISH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF THE MEETING 27th July 2010 at 7.15pm
IN THE METHODIST CHURCH HALL
Present: Cllr Steve Shelter, Chairman (SS), Cllr Peter Stokes (Vice) (PS), Cllr H Davey (HD), Cllr Ann Storton (AS) Cllr Chris Clarance (CC), Cllr Rick Smith (RS), Cllr Peter Williams (PW)
In attendance: Barbara Coley (Clerk), Andy Hohl (EA), Andy Beech, Graham Wills (Interserve).
Prayers taken by: Jim Milstead
- Apologies: There were none.
2. To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting of 29th June 2010: Prop PS Sec PW Carried
3. Matters Arising from the minutes of the meeting of 29th June 2010:
Item 7: PACT meeting: AS confirmed the 3 priorities remained as – travel and speeding, parking and marine crime.
4. Declaration of Interests: There were none.
5. Interserve Flood Defence Report: Andy Beech (AB) gave an update on the current status of the building of the wall. Andy Hohl (AH) from EA was present at the meeting and introduced himself as newly appointed to this project. Graham Wills (GW) gave an overview of issues arising.
CC questioned Interserve on the scheme for surface water drainage and the sewerage system. He has concerns that the sewerage system may be overloaded. AH explained that the surface water problem was still being investigated. A small pumping station would be provided to solve the Horse Lane problem. A new outfall is being looked at to take the water out to the estuary. The existing sewer is still being considered to see if it is adequate for a surface water outfall alongside the new plans.
HD said that the water run off combined with sewerage and for two years he has pressed this point to the EA. The new flood defence system cannot work until the surface water problem is solved because the village will be flooded with sewerage.
PS questioned the amount of time it had taken to solve this problem especially since there was only six weeks before starting on the Marine Parade area. AH apologised for the length of time as there had been many problems arising. Interserve promised PS the final solution would start by the end of the year.
PW reported his discussions with AH re maintenance of the gates and confirmed that AH is revising the documentation in order to make a new proposal.
RS thanked Interserve for their efficiency in the building of the defence wall on the embankment area.
With regard to Interserve’s options for Marine Parade: PS proposed that the stainless steel railings should be installed rather than raising the wall. Sec HD. Carried.
Shipwrights landscaping proposals from Interserve: all agreed.
With S/Os suspended a number of members of the public expressed their concern regarding the closure of Ringmore Road. Interserve have sent explanatory letters to around 1200 affected residents. AS said that the closure at Riverside worked much better than anticipated. GW agreed to discuss these issues with the residents outside the meeting. S/Os reinstated.
6. Chairman’s Report: I am pleased to report that the first Chairman's Forum meeting was held on Wednesday 30th June, and was attended by representatives from 12 local organizations. The following is an extract of the email which was sent to the representatives following the meeting, which will hopefully give an indication of the discussion.
Thank you all so much for attending the first Chairman's Forum meeting last Wednesday, it was good to meet you all, and to put names to faces. Our Parish Clerk took notes during the meeting, (copy attached) they are not intended to be a full verbatim set of minutes, but may be a useful aide-memoir. I was pleased that the consensus was that the meeting had been worthwhile, and that we should meet again as required, perhaps 2 or 3 times a year. There were some very interesting points made during the evening, but I believe that the real value will come after time for reflection. Certainly the meeting allowed me to clarify my own thinking.
There seemed to be general agreement that we are all concerned in one way or another in maintaining our community as a live, vibrant, interesting and enjoyable place to live in for all residents. This requires that we take a pro-active stance to consciously look after (and improve where possible) our existing Infrastructure, Social groups, Entertainment and sporting organizations, and all our local Services. At the same time every opportunity should be afforded, and encouragement and help offered, to any new or embryonic Event or Group capable of adding to the fabric of our community, and it was very encouraging that everyone at the meeting was happy to assist in this regard.
In conclusion, it is the small army of volunteers and enthusiasts who make it all possible. They do a great job, and most of the time goes un-noticed, so thank you to them all, I wonder what we could now do to encourage more to come forward."
On Friday 2nd July I attended a meeting with Mr. Mark Neason, a representative from the Environment Agency, regarding the implications arising from the cancellation of this year’s Bonfire and Fireworks event. Mark promised to explore the options, and come back with some suggestions before the next SPC monthly meeting. So far we have not heard from him, and I understand he is currently on holiday. Hopefully we should have more information by our next meeting.
On 6th July I attended a presentation at Forde House given by Philip Vogel on "Land in Hand Trusts". This was followed by a meeting on 22nd July in Shaldon with myself, Sue Hitchcock from the Devon Rural Housing Partnership, and Philip Vogel. The discussion focussed on the question of Affordable housing, as a village, do we have a need, are there potential sites available, how could we get the units built, and how could we guarantee that they remain in perpetuity for the purpose they were intended for. Clearly at this stage there are many more questions than answers. However, if it is something we wish to pursue, there is a wealth of information and experience we can draw on, and assistance and funding available for the starting point which would be to carry out a Housing Needs Survey. In the first instance I have requested a small supply of informative booklets published by the Partnership, which explains the process in a clear and concise way. I will make sure each councillor receives a copy, and I hope to have a few spare copies for any members of the public who may be interested in this subject.
Finally, Sue Hitchcock has kindly offered to give us a short presentation, and answer questions, at one of our Council meetings, and if no one has any objections, I would suggest we invite her to our Sept meeting.
. Action: All councilors to look at booklets before deciding on whether to invite Sarah Hitchcock to a meeting. PW asked SS to edit his report before sending to PN for publication so that it is clearer to members of the public.
7. Devon & Cornwall Constabulary: No report
8. Correspondence: Councillor’s Comments
HD: A8: Re: Overhanging foliage at top of Horse lane: This has still not been cut down and is dangerous. Action: Clerk to remind Richard Elliott, DCC
A16: Vehicular access to rear of 5 Marine Parade: It may be that in the future there will be an issue re parking. Action: Clerk to acknowledge letter from Mr K Stoyle.
AS A7: Need for pelican crossing near the bridge: AS sees no possible location for this crossing and it was agreed not to support this idea. Mr Hands was present at the meeting.
A15, A15a Re Mrs Lisa Pash petition: AS has not had sight of this petition and therefore no comment can be made.
PW: A1: Seagulls are listed species and so there is no legal way to get rid of them. We should remain vigilant on this matter.
T1: AS and PW to attend emergency planning meeting in Sept. PW will liaise with Mr Ian Flood-Page at TDC to keep him up to date on this issue.
PS: A1: Wonders whether the aggressive behavior by seagulls is being taken into account.
CC: A15 and A15a: Re Mrs L Pash petition: See his report below.
Clerk: A11: Re grant of permission to Moira Arthur to use the Green in 2010 for theatre production: Action clerk to write: “How much preparation time before 5pm and how much afterwards to clear away. When would she want to arrive and how long is performance?”
9. Devon County Council’s Report: “I am pleased to report that the Conservative Management of Devon County Council is making a difference on the state of the finances of the council. I am assured the balance sheet for the County at the end of the next financial year will show a marked reduction in the amount of debt, being some £613m., when the Conservatives took over the management of the council in June 2009. It remains difficult to know how the Conservative Lib/dem coalition government’s plans will impact on the County’s finances. Difficult decisions are still ahead at cabinet level and I can only watch and influence the management being in the ruling group. Highways issues are always predominant, I know SPC have issues they would like to see done, speeding always coming up as a serious priority. The main Torquay Rd, at the top end of the Hamilton's, Ringmore Road, plus outside the Shaldon Primary School, all areas identified as areas where far too often excess speeds occur. The community speed watch scheme, I am now told by the police has no budget to train volunteers. I am hoping, in view of this, that the police will do some good old fashioned speed checks in the areas I have identified. I am on the case of, where are the old Vehicle Actuated Signs, the old flashing speed signs, however, I am told all the old ones have given up the ghost, why I am not sure, I am currently asking some very awkward questions on this and intend to get an answer”.
10. Teignmouth District Councillor’s report: “I am very concerned about the amount of opposition there is to putting a building on the King George 5 playing field; indeed land under the custody of TDC. Lisa Pash has raised the profile in the village with regard to this matter, already a petition entitled, ‘Hands off the KG5 field’, has in excess of 300 signatures, still gathering pace, which she has drawn to the attention of Shaldon Parish Council in a letter before SPC tonight. I have always felt that it is correct to promote a pavilion like changing facility on this field, sited on the south side of the field, between the trees where there is 22ft of land between the football field touchline and the Mariners Weigh boat park and some 70ft between two trees. Therefore such a changing facility, about 55ft X 15ft,would fit in nicely and I sincerely hope that as the TDC member, Shaldon Parish Council will support this view and that the village hall steering group will reconsider their proposals in view of the mounting opposition which is being brought to their attention.
I am sad to report that the current ferry contractor has not yet been able to bring into operation the big ferry following its repair at Totnes. Since returning to the water here, it has sat proudly on its mooring since the 28th June, it seems to be a slow process in getting an MCA licence to run the vessel, coupled with the fact there are few drivers, holding an MCA Boatmaster Grade 2 Licence who the contractor has to employ to drive the vessel. The sheer length of hours, especially if we are to have an evening service in summer, needs another driver, other than the contractor, and sadly this service isn't forthcoming.
Further to the EA’s flood prevention plans, proposals for draining away the surface water, rather than the possibility of being flooded from rainfall from the hills, I am told by TDC, that the EA are making progress on this with plans for this due to be submitted soon. The old redundant sewer plus pumping facility is·looking favourite still on this.
Qs from Cllrs: PS asked what had happened to the previous ferry operators. RS said these people had found other jobs in the year the ferry was not running. CC said that Teign Marine Services were using a small vessel when Mr Greg Allen was not available to run his ferry. CC confirmed that Mr Allen had not yet signed the lease. AS felt it was very important that TDC got this right so that we do not lose our ferry. The funds to pay for the £42K spent on refurbishment of the ferryboat would be payable should he sign the agreement and commit. AS was very fearful that this service was vulnerable and CC said we must tread carefully so that we do not lose the service entirely. PS felt that we must be able to do something to save the ferry from folding. PW said if TDC was trying to get rid of the ferryboat in an unfit state when he understood it was already part of the deal then TDC should cover this. HD felt that TDC should get this sorted with Mr Allen. Action: Clerk to arrange meeting with Andrew Burrow + SS and PW as soon as possible to sort this problem.
11. Parish Councillors Reports
RS: - There is a continuing problem with young people playing football on the roads outside the houses around the Green. The residents cannot approach these people themselves. Colin Rider has this in hand.
- Lamp No 5 on embankment – is not lit. Clerk to report and get repaired.
HD: - We have no rights or responsibilities to approach members of the public who are behaving badly but we can find out who they are and report it to the Police.
Confirmed that Mrs L Pash’s petition against the new Turner Centre is gaining a lot of ground.
AS: Re: Turner Centre: There is a meeting next week when the sub-groups will report back on progress to date.
Andy Cook and the architect, Rud Sawers, have met with the pre-school to ensure the developing design addresses their requirements; they are very excited about the scheme. The new design will meet the requirements of the 3 user groups (Shaldon Villa, Pre-School and Scouting movement) and address concerns raised at the public consultation.
The size has been reduced. The design clearly shows access from the existing KGV car park. The design is being developed to serve the user groups only and not compete directly with other halls in the village. This new, revised, design will be presented and discussed at next week's meeting.
After the meeting the Group will publicise its progress with details of the latest plans to keep the community informed and allay concerns currently being raised.
Water Carnival Proposal for a Play Boat on the beach
This proposal has now been mothballed and will not go ahead this year. I shall keep my papers detailing requirements, quotes etc. in case it gets picked up in the future.
I had had discussions with the Water Carnival Chairman, Michael Gaye, and come up with a detailed proposal on how such a piece of play equipment could be 'managed' - insurance costs, risk assessment, safety inspections, envisaged annual maintenance and costs. The intention was to present the proposal to SPC and ask if the Council would be prepared to take on responsibility; but SWC have abandoned it before we got to this stage.
The flower bed to the SW corner of the bowling green - owned by TDC - is very disappointing. The plants are a poor show and there are many weeds. This cannot be blamed just on a lack of water. I propose we write to TDC and ask them to reassess this bed's requirements and consider a year-round display of nice shrubs and plants. Sec PS Carried. Action: Clerk to contact TDC
Botanical Gardens Representative
I am giving up my Cllr responsibility for liaison with the Friends of the Botanical Gardens. I am disappointed that there has not been a 2-way relationship and the Chairman prefers to communicate with the PC Chairman and Clerk. I offer the 'role' to fellow Cllrs or we can continue to communicate through the Clerk and Chairman. HD agreed to accept this new responsibility. Action; Clerk to write to Mrs L Pash to inform of change in representation.
PW: Allotment: PW has met with Mr M Fitzmaurice (Treasurer) and Mr K Riley (Chairman). They will look at the lease again and return to him.
Response to Crown Estates re 98A Ringmore Road Slipway: PW has drafted a letter to Crown Estates. This has been approved with some changes by RS and SS. Clerk to prepare letter for SS to sign.
PS: Tracey Higgs from TDC was tasked with putting notices on abandoned boats. She was also asked to arrange for flotsam and jetsam to be removed from the beach. Ms Higgs has assured him that these events will take place. He will keep chasing.
CC: Related story of ‘dog on beach’. Following a discussion re. Dog mess problems AS and PS agreed to meet to discuss finding a solution to these problems.
AS asked whether there was an update on the parking situation in Riverside alongside the Church. No reply had been received from Derek Moss following the meeting. Action: Clerk to follow this up.
12. Ball-stop Netting at KGV Field: AS gave an account of the meeting which was held on the field with all interested parties and there followed a debate regarding the different solutions to this problem. With S/Os suspended: Mr Hands explained that he has been writing to TDC since 2006. TDC will only put the goalposts up but not the netting. The netting was intended to keep stray balls from a league game. Small children want to kick a ball against a vertical surface which will return the ball to them. The clashing of the ball against the netting ‘drives you mad’. The proposal of a soft nylon fence will cut the noise down but the focus is still on the only part of the field where people live and he was in favour of placing the netting in front of the pumping station. Balls go into this area in any case and the fence is damaged in the process of retrieving them. This net will be focus for kids. Mr Hands asked SPC to support the application for planning in favour of the new netting wall. A soft fence against the pumping station would be best solution.
Mr Eddie Holden added his support for the proposal. S/Os reinstated.
SS asked whether SPC supported the request for the extension of the netting. PW prop SPC support Mr Hand’s request to TDC: Sec HD. 5 in favour. 2 abstentions. Carried. Action: Clerk to write letter of support to TDC Officer.
13. Old 1907 Ferry: The current expectation is that the old ferry will end up on the River Dart. In the event that this does not happen, CC believes that SPC should have a back-up plan to adopt the ferry and become responsible for it. Action: Clerk to write to TDC and say if there are no takers SPC would be interested in pursuing this.
14. Teignbridge Life Magazine: CC said that TDC will print a ‘clearing up’ statement in the next edition.
15. Accounts: Taken as read. Prop AS Sec PS. Carried.
- PW proposed raising SPC’s donation by £100 to £350 for next budget year. Sec AS. Carried.
- PW agreed to ask the Museum for a list of any sponsorship suitable for SPC consideration. HD suggested that the Chairman’s Forum might like to sponsor an item.
16. Planning: RS said he is unable to form a quorum for the next meeting and there were two outstanding planning applications which RS will circulate and compile a suitable response. Clerk: Notice to be placed on board that next meeting cancelled.
AS said that 3 lovely trees had been cut down at the school. AS asked if they were in the plans. RS agreed to find the plans and check. Action: RS
16. Date of next meeting: Tuesday 28th September 2010 at 7pm
17. Public Comment:
Mr E Holden: Thanked SPC for the hard work they do. Thanked CC for his views on KGV field and questioned the ownership of the field. SS said that TDC owned it but it was left for the use of Shaldon. He cannot see where the Turner Centre falls into an allowable category on this field. What is being proposed contravenes what has been put in place to protect the field. Mr Hands stated that he believed the building would be in breach of regulations to build on the field.
SS reminded him that this was the parish council and not the steering group. SS said there were no plans yet produced and no site of any petition. SPC would react only when it received a petition or a planning application.
Mr Holden will be happy to help patrol the beach to keep dogs away.
He asked SPC to remind the Ferryboat pub of their responsibilities re excess drinking on the beach. But councillors were not in support of this action at this stage.
Meeting ends 9.45pm
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