DARTMOOR FOREST PARISH COUNCIL. Minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 6 th June 2005 in the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown

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1 DARTMOOR FOREST PARISH COUNCIL 89 Minutes of the Council meeting held on Monday 6 th June 2005 in the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown 1. The meeting opened at 7.30 pm. The Chairman welcomed all present. Present Princetown Postbridge Hexworthy/Huccaby Mrs Wendy Stones (Vice Chair) Mr Dave Fisher (Chair) Mrs Rosemary Mudge Mr Gary Easton Mr Dave Adaway Mr Simon Loveless Mr Paul Turnbull Mr Malcolm Waite Mrs Helen Ward Mr Bob Williamson WDBC Mr Alan Hosking DCC PC Steve Bradfield 5 members of the Public 2. Police PC Bradfield attended the meeting and reported that 2.1 There had been 50 reported crimes over the last 3 months. Of these; 8 had been prison related 10 related to one incident, for which a suspect had been detained 9 had resulted in detections 2.2 Cherrybrook Bridge the Parish Council s comments had been noted 2.3 There had been a recent incident in Postbridge between 0800 and 0900 where a Parishioner had been hit on the arm by a passing vehicle on a stretch of road with regular excess speeding, especially during the rush hour. Action: Clerk to write letter of complaint to Highways to get the matter recorded and to press for speed monitoring to be set up 2.4 Lack of visible policing this continued to be a matter of concern within the Parish. Action: PC Bradfield recommended that a letter be written to the Chief Constable for the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary to highlight the Parish s concern regarding the level of local policing especially during holiday periods and as a result of postings, for example to the G8 Summit. 3. Minutes of the Previous Meeting Five corrections were made to the minutes of the meeting held on 9 th May 2005;

2 90 1. Simon Loveless and Dave Adaway were shown as both present and absent from the meeting. They were both absent. 2. In paragraph 4, Appointment of Committees, Gary Easton, Playground should have read Gary Easton & Princetown Councillors, Playground and Dave Fisher, Burial Ground should have read Dave Fisher & Dave Adaway, Burial Ground 3. In paragraph 9.3, Annual Inspection (of the playground), Gary Easton was twice referred to as Gary Weston 4. In paragraph 9.7, the Southern Parishes Link Committee should have been the Community Forum 5. Paragraph 13.1, concerning repairs to Oakery Bridge: the first sentence should have read A letter had been written to the Highways Agency.. The corrected minutes were approved and signed by the Chairman. 4. Matters Arising 4.1 Replacement for Princetown Councillor the Electoral Officer had confirmed that no applications had been received by the 16 th May deadline. The co-option notice had been posted and this had resulted in one application from Mr Cliff Palmer of Plymouth Hill. Mr Palmer was duly co-opted to the Parish council. 4.2 Aftermath of Brewery Construction a letter of complaint had been sent to the Brewery and a reply had been received from one of its Directors explaining the action to be taken to resolve the problems highlighted at the Parish Council s previous meeting. Action: Copies of all correspondence to be sent to the two Parishioners who had highlighted the problems at the previous meeting 4.3 Playground Insurance A double check had been made with Allianz Cornhill who confirmed that the equipment in the playground had never been insured. The equipment installed last year is under warranty until December Action: Valuation and a safety certificate are being obtained and a quote will be sought from Allianz for insurance of all the equipment. 4.4 Oakery Bridge Repair the land belongs to the Prison. Contact with their Estates Manager is being sought. 4.5 Highway matter; post-contractor pavement problems in Woodville Avenue a member of the public explained that the path in question had been sold to Jarman construction, who currently carried the responsibility to maintain it to a reasonable standard. Action: Clerk to write to Jarman to request action to restore the path to a usable condition 4.6 Former Council Yard at Moorland View Malcolm Waite had provided a quote to DNPA for clearance of the rubbish and a response was awaited. 4.7 Diversion of Planning Gain Money to Princetown Bob Williamson explained that the normal practise was for builders to return value in the form of an Object. In this particular case it had been agreed that this would take the form of an education contribution to the value of 8,750, covering Woodville Road, Station Road, Heather Terrace and Tavistock Road. The primary school at Princetown was already under utilised, so would not receive any benefit. However, investigation had shown that 90% of the children in the designated roads would attend Tavistock College for their secondary education. It had, therefore, been decided that the College would receive the agreed benefit. 4.8 DEFRA, Quality Parishes and Parish Planning: funding appears to be available for local projects to those parishes achieving Quality status. The Clerk had made enquiries and been told that the pre-requisite for gaining Quality Council status is that all Councillors must be elected, not co-opted. This appears to rule out DFPC.

3 4.9 Wall Repair at Postbridge; a reply was still awaited from DNPA to confirm the current situation on funding for the repair Plymouth Hill Cattle Grid - The cattle grid on the B3212 at the top of Plymouth Hill has been replaced, as requested. A higher than normal noise level is to be expected for the first few weeks until the new grid has bedded in Top bus shelter security and repair. Still awaiting response from Resettlement Unit on request for repairing the roof and providing a seat inside. It was reported that the Resettlement Unit was now operational again Bottom bus shelter. Awaiting fitting of brackets and drainpipe by Resettlement Unit. See 4.11 above 4.13 Playground Collapsed seat on roundabout. Still awaiting removal Reports from Committees Princetown Primary School 5.1 Completion of the roof replacement was provisionally scheduled for the end of July, after which the playground would be re-surfaced. 5.2 Children from Year 4 had enjoyed an adventure week-end at Heatree House. Playground 5.3 There appears to be a commitment of 254 for annual maintenance on the new equipment to be carried out by Play Quest. The maintenance is due annually in December. Action: Clerk to obtain paperwork to support this commitment 5.4 Update on Actions from Annual Inspection; Item Priority Action Ropes on net climber and log slope. High These were part of the new equipment installed late last year. Action: Clerk to write to Play Quest to request correction of the problem. Concrete security fence bases in play area. Lack of signs warning that dogs must be kept on a lead On the slide; loose supports, some sharp wood, bolts standing proud Some seat damage and worn chain on swings. Unacceptable Medium Medium Medium These were not, in fact, concrete, but rubber. They have been removed. Action: Complete Action: Gary Weston reported that new signs are on order. Gary Weston had rechecked the points made by the Inspector and reported that the equipment was safe. Action: Gary will monitor the situation as part of his regular checks. Gary Weston regularly monitors the situation. Action Ongoing monitoring

4 Cemetery A letter had been received from Mr John Warne, currently living in Tavistock, requesting permission to purchase a burial plot for himself. Several members of his family are buried in the cemetery and he also asked if he might affect repairs to the damaged headstones on their graves. It was agreed that Mr Warne could purchase the plot, and that the headstone repairs would be most welcome. 5.6 The rhododendrons near the Henley Graves need to be cut back. Action: Dave Fisher 5.7 Southern Parishes LinkCommittee No meetings to be reported 5.8 Community Forum No meetings to be reported Wendy Stones reported on; 5.9 Princetown Partnership Board Meeting the first meeting was held on 10 th May. The main areas for discussion were transport, youth work and health. Nothing further to report at this early stage Partnership Access Group this is one of the working groups set up by the Partnership. Jenny Coleman is to be the Chair. It has been agreed that the first Responder (defibrillator) is to stay. The Wheels Project/Youth Wise initiative has lost 50% of its funding and now operates on a part-time basis HMCA Karen Green had resigned. Wendy had attended a one day course on The Effective Trustee. It had been agreed that meetings would be held alternately in afternoons and evenings to ease problems for attendees Village Hall No meetings to report 5.13 Duchy Square No meetings to report 6. Correspondence 6.1 BT payphones consultation with Councils was taking place again regarding non-viable payphones. Recommendations are with OFCOM for cashless phones in appropriate circumstances. This would enable emergency, operator controlled, reverse charge, credit card and cash card calls to be made. It would remove the major cost of cash collection as well as the vandalism/theft risk. Two phones in our Parish are at risk: Postbridge (PL20 6TH) and Rundlestone (PL20 6SS). We have until the end of July to lodge our objections, giving good reasons. Action: Information to be published on noticeboards and in the Parish Link 6.2 Station Road Junction Improvement a letter had been received from the Duchy with regard to this work. The land over which the works are proposed is owned by the Duchy and is currently included in the Parish Council s small land agreement. It is suggested that the land in question is excluded from the Council s tenancy, thereby making it easier for the Duchy to dedicate the land with the County Council for Highway purposes.

5 Action: negotiate a reduction in the Council s rent with the Duchy in due course Mobile Lengthsman he will be in the area on Friday 24 th June. No additional jobs were identified for his attention. There was some discussion regarding the Lengthsman s practice of placing ditch spoil on the edge of the verge where it simply gets washed back into the ditch. Action: Clerk to bring this to the Lengthsman s attention 6.4 Princetown/Britain in Bloom a letter of request had been received from a Director at the Plume of Feathers asking for this to be considered. It being too late for action this year, this is to be tabled for more detailed discussion later in the year. 6.5 Dolphin Morris Men Visit the team would like to come to Princetown on Saturday 24 th September to do a demonstration outside the HMVC from 3 o clock to 3.30pm. They would arrive in a coach at about 2.30 pm. They also want to put posters in various places. The Council had no objection to this. Action: Clerk to send confirmatory letter, including a request that additional permission is gained from DNPA, who own the pavement outside the Visitor Centre. The organisers of the Princetown Carnival, present as members of the public, will also contact the Morris Men team leader with a view to asking the team to perform at the carnival. 6.6 Co-Opted School Governor a letter confirming Helen Ward s co-option had been received. 6.7 DNPA Appointments Nigel Hoskin is to be the new chairman (member of DNPA since 2003). Maurice Retallick is the new deputy chairman (member of DNPA since 1997) 6.8 Victim Support Devon - are seeking a donation and are looking to raise the organisation s profile with a speaking programme. It was agreed that nothing should be done. 6.9 DNPA Local Development Framework; It was agreed, when asked, that the Parish Council should respond to the opportunity to make comments and observations on the Authority s Statement of Community Involvement Beating the Bounds, Throwleigh Parish notification had been received that this is scheduled to take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 th August. Contact is Mrs Angela Annaly on for anyone interested Ring & Ride Contribution a letter of thanks for the Parish s donation had been received Disabled Bay in Burrator Avenue, Princetown notification had been received that this would be put in place the next time the road line painters were in the area. Action: - Clerk to inform Mr Phillips, for whose use the bay is intended DNPA Planning Committee Calling Papers for June to Rosemary Mudge 7. Accounts 7.1 Summary for May Payments made Tavistock & District Local Transport Partnership Tony Mogford Associates, playground inspection Joe Young, 2 nd half year clerk s pay Receipts Nil 0.00 Balance in bank 31 May 6,397.23

6 To pay Allianz Cornhill, annual insurance Parish Link, annual subscription The annual insurance excess is subject to an increase of 25 for property damage, up from 100 to 125 (25%). Last year it was increased from 75 to 100 (33%). The premium itself increases from 445 to 522 (17.3%). Last year it increased from 406 to 445 (9.6%). Notes received from the insurers, Aon, state that the increase in the excess is to bring it into line with current market practice. They also state that the increase in the premium is caused by the rising cost of damages awarded by the courts, as well as the continued increase in legal costs. 8. Planning Applications The following planning application correspondence has been received: DNPA Description Ref. 0184/05 Erection of utility shed with timber decking area at rear 0356/05 Single storey rear garden room/conservatory 0372/05 Erection of a timber framed garage Location Cumberlands, Two Bridges, Princetown 0384/05 Erection of a timber framed store Pixies Holt Residential Centre, Dartmeet ENF/0039/04 Enforcement Notice alleging change of use from moorland to residential holiday accommodation without appropriate planning permission 0210/05 Removal of balcony from previously notified plans Conditional permission granted subject to: Private/domestic storage only Slate grey coloured roofing material, subject to separate approval by the local planning authority All external timberwork to be stained dark brown or black unless otherwise agreed with the local planning authority Site to be suitably screened to the north and east boundaries in accordance with agreement to be obtained from the local planning authority 5 Plymouth Hill, Princetown Full planning permission sought. No objections raised Tor Royal Cottage, Princetown Initial consultation Malcolm Waite declared an interest and took no part in the discussion. No objections raised The Hut, Furziemead, Postbridge Wyldemeet, Hexworthy Full planning permission sought Rosemary Mudge declared an interest and took no part in the discussion. Malcolm Waite to inspect the site and report back Inquiry to be held in the High Moorland Business Centre at Princetown on Tuesday 18 th October at am. Arrangements for disabled attendees via Pauline Wills at DNPA For information only 9. Such Urgent Business as the Council may Approve 9.1 Councillor Resignation Dave Adaway tendered his resignation as he is moving out of the Parish. The Chairman wished him well and thanked him for his contribution on the Council. 9.2 Litter Bin Damage, Princetown a litter bin outside the Post Office and Stores had been pulled out of its concrete foundation.

7 Action: Clerk to write to WDBC Old Telephone Exchange at Postbridge there was some concern being expressed by local residents that the Exchange was up for sale and might be subject to inappropriate alteration. They asked if the Parish Council could offer assistance in obtaining listed status for the building. After investigation it was found that the Council had no responsibilities in such matters. It was up to interested parties to assemble the evidence and to make their case to English Heritage who advised the Government on the suitability of individual applications. 9.4 Highways Items the reflective warning signs on the approach to Stats Bridge are being snapped off. There is also some fencing down on the road past Hillside on the way to Merrivale. 10. Public Session 10.1 War Memorial, Princetown Some of the lettering on the memorial was missing and there was discussion on the best way to get advice on its repair. Action: Clerk to write to DNPA. David Swales also offered to contact an expert that he knew in this field Posters for Princetown Carnival the organisers of the carnival asked if permission could be sought to put up posters in Burrator Parish. Action: Clerk to write to Burrator PC s clerk 11. Next Meeting There being no further business, the meeting closed at 9.10 pm. The next Parish Council meeting will be at 7.30 pm on Monday 4th July in the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown Signed.(Chairman) Date 4th July 2005