Colaton Raleigh Parish Council Minutes of the meeting of the Parish Council held in the Village Hall at 7.30pm on Monday 11 th September 2017. Draft Minutes the minutes will be signed as an accurate record at the next Parish Council Meeting. Present Cllr Simon Bramble (SB) Chair Cllr Chris Silverthorne (CS) Cllr Janice Papworth (JP) Cllr David Smith (DS) Cllr David Forward (DF) Cllr Paul Slade (PS) Cllr Christopher Pound (CP) In attendance Apologies for absence Clerk Susan Tyrrell Members of public 7 Claire Wright (CW) DCC Geoff Jung (GJ) DC Allan Farwell (AF) 17.ix.1 17.ix.2 Declaration of interest none declared Minutes of previous meeting. Minutes approved and signed. Progress Reports 17.ix.3 Bus shelter CP reported that a letter had been received from Clinton Devon confirming the land owner s agreement to transfer the site of the bus shelter to the Parish Council, inclusive of fees. There was no mention of the area of land in front of the shelter or the condition of the roof. Action - CP to write to thank Clinton Devon, and ask that they instruct Everys to proceed with the transfer of the site, including the area of land in front. All agreed. 17.ix.4 Emergency Plan DS reported that the shed was up and running, together with cones, sand, shovels etc. Keys have been given to the shop and adjacent left-hand property, but additional key-holders need to be identified. The weir in the stream behind Woods shop is disintegrating, leading to concern that debris could move further down-stream and cause a blockage or flood. The owner of the land is keen to repair it, and is seeking advice from the relevant authorities. Action - DS to continue regular updates and obtain clarification of work required to weir. Page 1 of 8
17.ix.5 Cleaning of Gullies CS has not yet completed list of all gullies in the village. CP stated that he had a master plan of the gullies, and had made enquiries about gully sucker hire, however, the company concerned was unwilling to work on public highways. In the event that individual householders did not take responsibility for cleaning the gully in front of their property, it was noted that cleaning the whole length of the gully would be a big undertaking. CP reported that the catch pit at the bottom of Pound Lane had now been dug out. Action carried forward - CS to continue with identification of all gullies in village and report at next meeting 17.ix.6 Village Defibrillator - CS reported that this was now set up in the housing unit, in front of the shop. Training for the use of the defibrillator had been discussed and agreed with a local doctor. Agreed to put a poster in the Parish magazine regarding training and location of defibrillator, and to put posters on the various village notice boards. Action CS to arrange dates for training in the village hall, to formulate a notice for the Parish magazine, and look into signage for the notice boards. 17.ix.7 17.ix.8 Village Bench JP reported that this was now an issue between the Church and Jubilee committee. Transparency SB reported that two additional documents had now been put on the website. Notice of Conclusion of 2018 Audit Recycling information Matters Requiring Discussion 17.ix.9 Co-option vacancy SB reported that there had been no response to the advertisement in the Parish magazine. 17.ix.10 Neighbourhood Plan The voting form is out for consideration and a small number of voting slips have been returned. Action In order to allow more time for response, this will be discussed at the next meeting. Page 2 of 8
17.ix.11 Health and Safety Policy DF had circulated a draft policy document for comment prior to the meeting. It was agreed for the need of a common look and feel for the publication of notices. Action: All to look at draft policy in terms of style and content for formal agreement at the next meeting (Councillors requested to respond prior to meeting with any comment) 17.ix.12 Future of Church Road Brook Agreed that whilst decorative and part of the village history, in times of flood it was another source to channel water away. It would cause concern to some householders should it disappear. The issue of an emergency clean and future maintenance (addition to annual precept) was discussed. CP stated that it was unlikely to be self scouring until the weir is repaired and a full flow of water recommences. Action Agenda item for next meeting. 17.ix.13 Other Policies Complaints CS suggested changing paragraph 5, by omitting the name and address of the Chairman. Action Take further for next meeting, with a view to adopting policy. 17.ix.14 Dogs running loose JP reported that this continued to be a problem in Church Road (and Shepherds Lane), and that it was now an offence under the new Byelaws for a dog to be on the highway without a lead, but that members of the public might not be aware of this. CP suggested an article in the Parish magazine alerting people to this new Byelaw. A discussion followed about additional road signage. The legal situation regarding dogs on a public footpath is dealt with in the CW s report at 17.ix.19 Action JP to put an article in the Parish magazine utilizing information from the EDDC website regarding the new Byelaw. JP to speak to EDCC about official signage, and take forward to next meeting s Agenda. Request from member of public for dog waste bins in Church Road. SB replied that this had been discussed extensively at many previous meetings, but agreed to look at it again at the next meeting. Action Agenda item for next meeting. Page 3 of 8
Correspondence for information 17.ix.15 Clerk read out anything which had not already been circulated. Email from David Merrifield regarding the condition of the permissive footpath from the Otter Inn past Drupe Farm. Notice regarding the meeting of the Otter to Exe Group to be held on the 17 th October. Clerk s Report on Urgent Decisions since the last meeting 17.ix.16 Reports 17.ix.17 None County Councillor Claire Wright DCC reported on her meeting with the Highways Officer (also attended by JP) regarding the speed of traffic and safety of pedestrians using Exmouth Road. A number of options were discussed, however, very few were acceptable to the Highways Officer. The possibility of a crossing was discussed, and taken up with County Hall, but the response was not favourable due to the road condition being unsuitable. Some low cost options of warning lines on the road, and additional signage were put forward. CW has also asked for a report to come before the next Highways and Traffic committee on the 30 th of November, to try and progress some of the more minor issues. Clarity of the legal position regarding dogs on a public path had been sought from the Public rights of Way Officer. There is no requirement that on a public path a dog should be on a lead but it should be under control. Dogs are a usual accompaniment of people using a public path. But the entitlement to take a dog on public path is confined to the path, while accompanying its keeper. Thus if a dog is allowed off the path trespass is committed against the holder of that land. There is no law requiring that on a public path a dog should be on a lead, but it is expected sic that it should be under close control. The Protection of Livestock Act 1953 does make it offence for a dog to be at large in an enclosure or field where there are sheep. At large is defined as not on a lead or otherwise under close control. Richard Spurway Public Rights of Way Warden Page 4 of 8
17.ix.18 District Councillor - SB read out report on behalf of GJ Reminder to apply for any grant funding through Parishes Together by 10 th November. Blackhill Quarry is now closed, clearance is in hand, and it will then be handed over to the RSPB. It is expected to take 10 years to get back to nature. There may be additional traffic generated around the Halfway House. Action SB to send an email to CW and GJ for clarification as quarry is still mentioned in the Mineral Extraction Report. 17.ix.19 Police PCSO Chantelle Major did not attend but sent a report. This is the Colaton Raleigh Parish crime report for the period from 10 th July - 11 th September 2017. During this time 2 crimes were recorded which were both public order offences which occurred along by the River Otter. During the same period 2 Incident logs were recorded and were both Highways issues. Action Clerk to thank Chantelle for report. 17.ix.20 Footpaths - SB reported as AF did not attend. Following a complaint, Toby Taylor has been asked to clear the permissive footpath which passes Drupe Farm. SB reported that Allan Farwell has put forward notice to resign from his footpaths role. Action JP will deliver a notice to OVA magazine subscribers asking for a volunteer. 17.ix.21 17.ix.22 Village Hall CS reported that the committee hoped to organise further social events. Playing Field SB is awaiting clarification of the quote from the contractor. Funding was discussed, and SB reported that CRCAG seemed amenable to making a donation towards the work. Action SB will continue to chase contractor. Page 5 of 8
It was agreed to update the registered address on the Title Deeds of the play park to that of the Clerk. Action Clerk will prepare a letter of authorisation to act on behalf of the Council, for signature by the Chair, and submit relevant documents to the Land Registry. 17.ix.23 Highways Discussed at 17.ix.17. JP is awaiting response from CW who is pushing Highways. Action report any incidents to JP as this will reinforce arguments. JP reported that Church Road was swept on the 27 th July. Financial Matters 17.ix.24 Payments Out all agreed North Devon Council Payroll 590.22 Clerks Expenses 31.70 GM Dabrowiecki 348.00 (Cleaning & staining village benches) A.Pring 100.00 (Cleaning out Catch Pit) CS requested authorisation of a payment for a spare set of pads for the defibrillator SB agreed. 17.ix.25 Payments In: none to 25.8.2017 17.ix.26 Bank Balance: current balance as at 25.8.17. = 10,532.54 17.ix.27 P3 Balance: 1169 minus 100 = 1069 17.ix.28 Emergency Plan Balance: 1224.52 Planning Matters. 17.ix.29 DS reported a noise issue coming from Woodbury Park Police and EDDC cannot do anything about it, as it is a licensing issue. Action discuss at next meeting. Page 6 of 8
17/1983/FUL Otter Farm, Church Road, Colaton Raleigh Council had a number of concerns, and agreed to submit these requesting a satisfactory response before unqualified support of the application could be given. Action SB and Clerk to make submissions to EDDC. 17/2068/FUL Stoneyford Farm Query regarding any changes to the existing soakaway arrangements. Action Clerk to submit response to EDCC accordingly. 17.ix.30 Public Questions. One member of the public commented on the planning application for Otter Farm his comments have been included in the Parish Council s submission to EDDC. Several people raised the question of speeding traffic from the farm along Church Road, and that this was also a problem during the night. SB replied that the new farm road was only intended for the tractors and milk tankers, and not for all farm traffic, and that there was a 30mph restriction. Following on from his recent meeting with the farm manager, there was not a lot that could be done without evidence i.e. times, dates, photographs, etc. relating to offending vehicles. Action SB to contact Farm Manager informing him that there are still continuing concerns and complaints from many people in the village about the speed of farm traffic and machinery on Church Road. Any further reports from councillors 17.ix.31 DS reported that Hawkerland Common perimeter was going to be fenced in with cattle grids, within the next 12 to 18 months. These will be placed at the top of the hill (above Moorish Cotley) where the wood starts, and on the B3052 just before the car park. This is the final stage of fencing the Commons initiated a few years ago and advised to all at that time. CP asked for an update of Section 106 monies. Action Clerk to make enquiries with EDCC. Page 7 of 8
17.ix.32 Date of Next Meeting Unanimous agreement to change date of next meeting from November 13 th to Monday 30 TH October 7.30 p.m. Dates for 2018 meetings agreed as follows: Monday 6 th January 2018 Monday 12 th March 2018 Monday 14 th May 2018 Monday 9 th July 2018 Monday 10 th September 2018 Monday 12 th November 2018 APM date to be advised 9 th or 23 rd April 2018 Action Clerk to put notice in Parish magazine with notification of Charities meeting on 30 th October, and book village hall. Meeting closed at 9.30 pm Susan Tyrrell, Parish Clerk, can be contacted by telephone on 01395 568166 or by email at colatonraleighpc@gmail.com website colatonraleighparishcouncil.weebly.com Page 8 of 8