MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF DARTINGTON PARISH COUNCIL WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 AT DARTINGTON VILLAGE HALL Present: Cllrs Hopkins (Chair), Chadwick, Lunk, Prout, Tisdall, Walker and White. Apologies: Cllr Hornby Also present: Rachel Avery (Clerk) Rosemary Rowe (Devon County Councillor) Jacqi Hodgson (South Hams District Councillor) (19.09) Simon Cronk/Mary Elkington (DHT) Simon Harrington (Bob the Bus) 2 members of the Public No Subject Comments 1 The Chairman will open the meeting and receive and approve any apologies. Cllr Hopkins opened the meeting at 19.00. It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the apologies of Cllr Hornby. 2 To declare any interests arising at this meeting. There were no interests declared. The Council will adjourn for the following items: 3 To receive a presentation from DHT regarding their proposed self-build scheme. Simon Cronk introduced the Plantation Scheme, on behalf of DHT. Four public meetings have taken place within the community so far; with around 400 people having attended. The view is to submit a hybrid planning application. This site has been studied for 18 months, with detailed ecology, flood risk and ground water information being acquired. If granted, it would be the intention to construct roads, drains and foundations and then sell on as service plots. These plots would partly form a CLT, proposed to be run by Transition Homes Totnes (but nothing has been formally agreed yet). The other affordable housing will be discounted. The remaining 50% will be sold on the open market, where people can buy a plot and build themselves, which must meet the criteria of the design code. The building must also be completed within 18 months. The open market plots are most likely to be custom build, and initial findings suggest that there is high demand for such plots. An estate of this nature proving 42 plots is unusual. It will be impossible for all homes to build at the same time, but it is suspected that most plots will be custom built by contractors. After consultation, it appears that people are keen that there should be a range of community facilities. The approach to this scheme is placemaking led. DHT are working with Bob Tomlinson and Ash Sakula Architects. The latest plans are by no means the final version, but they address the frontage to Dartington Lane and shows the creation of a series of green open space. There will be parking courts, and parking spaces will not necessarily be provided outside each house. There will be shared growing space, and upon completion, the rest of the estate will be sold to residents. The green space will be a management opportunity and challenge for those living there. This will include the roads, which will not be adopted by the Highway Authority. However, DCC and DHT are still in conversation about this but negotiations are moving forwards. Dartington has evolved and these plans are following much community engagement on this project. Cllr Lunk asked if the only housing with private garden space are the sites on the Totnes side. It was NOTED that some of the houses have CHAIR: DATE:. 68
4 To receive a presentation from Bob the Bus regarding premises. very little external space. This is a criticism of the plans, but will fundamentally work towards creating a community. It was NOTED that whilst the planning application is moving forwards, flexibility will be ensured to continue dialogue with the community Cllr Tisdall asked about the costs of the affordable plots. It was NOTED that the land will effectively be free but purchasers must pay for infrastructure. For a three-bedroom house, the completed cost will be around 10-20% less than the market price. The affordable houses will be 35-40% less. It was also NOTED that affordable plots will only ever be sold to someone who meets the required criteria and the home will hold the reduced cost. It was asked whether the local connection criteria will be split between Dartington and Totnes. This is still to be decided and SHDC will probably make this decision. The CLT will have its own allocation process. The discount sale plots would be suitable for people who are not able to buy a home, but may rent or still live with family. It was NOTED that the original number of deliverable units was allocated alongside the Bloor Homes project, but they have pressed ahead with 50 units. Cllr Chadwick raised concerns over light pollution and requested that this be considered. This was agreed. There are bat-foraging areas close by and light should be minimised. The aspiration is to keep the lighting as low as possible within the realms of safety. It was NOTED that the wall on the Bloor Homes site is an outstanding enforcement issue, but the plans don t show the wall but does show trees. It was suggested that the trees are existing and the wall does not belong to DHT. Cllr White had been surprised by the plans to alleviate future flooding in Totnes and asked if there were any concerns for flooding on this site. It was NOTED that the site is well above the 1 in 100 years occurrence statistics and complies with predictions for the area. District Cllr Hodgson asked about access through the Bloor Homes site, which is not shown on the plans. It was NOTED that there is a ravine between the two sites and access is not a viable proposition. Also, a cycle path on the north side had been planned so that residents could access a link to the main road. The area around the ravine is dark and the cycle path proposals had not been thought through. Simon Cronk and Mary Elkington were thanked for their attendance. Simon Harrington (Chair of Totnes and Rural Community Bus Association) provided a summary of the charity. Four years ago, Totnes and Rural Community Bus Association had one bus and 20 drivers, with limited resources and the bus serviced two routes. Now, there are 4 buses serving 7 parishes and there are 50 volunteer drivers. Whilst the work load has increased, the infrastructure has not expanded. They are currently searching for premises, and hope that spreading the word will help to find somewhere. The charity has future plans in the form of other transport and are looking at getting people from A to B in the best way possible. This could be on a bicycle, or through a shared car scheme. This is large project where these options will be explored. Totnes has issues with access, pollution and parking and there are solutions to these problems which need to be explored. Next month, he will meet with Dartington Hall Trust to look whether they can help. He asked that if anyone has any suggestions to get in contact. CHAIR: DATE:. 69
5 Public Question Time: A period of 15 minutes will be allowed for members of the public to ask questions or make comment regarding the work of the Council or other items that affect Dartington. County and District Councillors' Reports It was suggested that the ideal site is on the Totnes Industrial Estate. Its location would help with changes half way through the day for bus drivers. Some of the Parishes, such as Rattery or Stoke Gabriel would not be suitable as a base. SHDC have premises on the industrial estate, but communication has not proven to be positive, as they are looking to maximise income. Cllr Hopkins was surprised at how the organisation has grown, which is a remarkable achievement. Cllr Chadwick expressed surprised that S106 money couldn t be used for buses, when the Neighbourhood Plan is looking at transport and community services. Thanks were extended the Simon Harrington for his attendance. A member of the Public was in attendance to discuss item 11. She expressed concerns over the A385 to Origins, where the roundabout is lethal. She has nearly been taken out three times in a car by people not stopping. The parking along the road is a constant worry. People drive so fast, which is mirrored on the road near Dartington Primary School. A pedestrian crossing is needed. This was NOTED. Trudy Turrell expressed concerns that she had heard nothing from the Planning Officer in regards to a site meeting at Brimhay. Cllr Tisdall asked why Trudy was asking for a meeting, considering she was not the applicant and the Parish Council had not requested one. Trudy Turrell explained that the Officer would make a site visit as part of the report given to Development Management Committee for consideration. She explained that it was the Officer who approached her about a meeting and she was now concerned that the application been put on the back burner. It was NOTED that the footpath through Brimhay has been designated. Whilst the site owners were not happy, the officers approved of the application and it was unanimously supported with no debate. Trudy Turrell had been contacted by Connie Willcocks, owner of Humpty Dumpty Nursery. It was NOTED that this conversation had taken place after she had sent her letter to the Parish Council. It was suggested that a stakeholder meeting to find a way forward would be beneficial, which Ms Willcocks had agreed with. Trudy Turrell suggested that such a meeting should be facilitated by the Parish Council. County and District Councillor reports form part of the minutes. Cllr Lunk was pleased to see that DCC had voted against health cuts and had pointed out that a lot is expected by local authorities without the funds to provide services. District Cllr Hodgson wished to provide further information on the TRAYE project. Kerry McCabe had applied for funding from Devon Youth Network for a film project. There are currently 110 young people registered with the Youth Clubs and it is doing well. Dartington is currently the most successful parish. Kerry McCabe has suggested that a paid assistant should be funded on some nights to ensure that the group is not vulnerable. It would be asked that the three parishes provide a further 800 for another employed person. It was requested that this be considered in January. District Cllr Hodgson also expressed concerns about the current planning situation and housing allocation. 20% of housing numbers for the whole of the South Hams are sited in Totnes and Dartington. Three sites have been treated unfairly- Brimhay, Transition Homes Totnes (Clay Lane) and Bloor Homes. She suggested that a lot of money is being spent on the Neighbourhood Plan process, and SHDC are not providing an acceptable service. CHAIR: DATE:. 70
The Council will convene to conduct the following business: 6 Approval to consider, amend as agreed by the Council and approve the minutes of the following meeting: 09 November 2016 7 Planning: To consider the following planning application: 3732/16/PHH Notification for Prior Approval for proposed larger home extension (34 Gidleys Meadow, Dartington) To note the following application: 14/0142/15/F Readvertisement (additional information received) Redevelopment of existing Brimhay Bungalows to provide 32 new dwellings and associated highway (Brimhay Bungalows, Dartington) 8 To consider the application for Brimhay Valley to become an asset of community value. 9 Brimhay planning application 0612/16/OPA: Meeting with SDRHA and SHDC 10 Dartington Neighbourhood Plan: Update Bus stop at Beacon Park Locality Grant To consider a response to the consultation on including Beacon Park and Woodland Yard as employment sites in the Joint Local Plan The wall at the Bloor Homes site is still an ongoing enforcement issue. It was RESOLVED to APPROVE the minutes, subject to the wording in item 12 being changed. It was NOTED that a regular distributor is required for some areas of the Parish, but these routes are still having magazines delivered to them. No comment. The Clerk had sought advice on this application from DALC, and she recommended that the Parish Council should not comment on the application, due to the submission of the application on behalf of the community. Cllr Lunk PROPOSED that the Council should declare that there is an interest, however the comments previously made about the initial application still stand. This was SECONDED by Cllr Chadwick and (2:1:4 abstentions). Cllr Lunk PROPOSED that in line with the Parish Council s application, this application is supported. This was SECONDED by Cllr White and APPROVED. An email from Connie Willcocks was read out. Cllr Lunk PROPOSED that an informal meeting where her needs and the community s aspirations can be dealt with. Her frustrations must be dealt with and understood, and the nursery school must be supported. Cllr Lunk suggested that this meeting should be held between Ms Willcocks, the Parish Council, a resident from Gidleys Meadow and DBDUC. Cllr Tisdall PROPOSED that the Parish Council should write to thank her for her letter and ask if she would like to meet with the Parish Council in the first instance. This was SECONDED by Cllr Prout and APPROVED. Action: Clerk to contact Connie Willcocks. Cllr Hopkins recommended that Ms Willcocks speak to SHDC regarding where the line of the footpath is. Another recommendation was to contact DHT regarding parking at Lescaze. It was AGREED that a meeting should be held on Tuesday 3 Janaury 2016. The time would be set by SDRHA. Kate Wilson s report forms part of the minutes. It was NOTED that traffic surveys have taken place. An assessment of residential sites, ranging from environmental data to views from and of the sites would be moved forwards in January. There was nothing further to report. It was NOTED that the locality grant has been approved and Kate Wilson would start undertaking the projects that this funds. Cllr Lunk explained that the Economics Group would like the Parish Council s permission to provide the response. A meeting is taking place tomorrow. The response will be formulated and sent out to Parish Councillors for approval. Consideration was given to the two sites. It was AGREED that responses would be circulated to Parish Councillors before it is sent to SHDC. CHAIR: DATE:. 71
11 Highways: Roundabout at A385 (Origins) Parking on Plymouth Road (between Shinners Bridge and Origins roundabout) The Clerk read a recent email from Richard Jackson. It was AGREED that a meeting should take place with him and other interested parties within the affected area. Action: Clerk to formally request a meeting. Cllr White expressed concerns over the safety of the roundabout. It was NOTED that DCC have confirmed that the site does conform to safety regulations. County Cllr Rose recommended that a meeting be held on site at its busiest time. It was NOTED that the initial planning application from Cavanna Homes included a crossing. Cllr Walker explained that there are several issues. Delivery lorries at the shop cause hold ups, crossing the road is dangerous, and the parked cars cause traffic to stop if a large lorry is passing. It was AGREED that these concerns would be itemised so that DCC are aware of all the issues. The points that should be listed to DCC are: Roundabout is dangerous, particularly for Origins residents and lack of signage The parked cars and lack of a pedestrian crossing A 20mph speed limit is being pursued through the Neighbourhood Plan between both roundabouts The safety of lollipop man is questionable due to the speed and volume of traffic The area is now a mix of commercial and residential properties. Action: Clerk to contact DCC. 12 Our Dartington. Cllr Walker has started to distribute in the Origins development. However, he raised a concern that there is not a complete list of Councillors and their contact details. This would be rectified in the next edition. Cllr Prout explained that collating and organising the magazine for distributors was a harder job. Action: agenda item for January. 13 To receive an update on the status of the TAP Fund for the TRAYE project. It was NOTED that the remaining funds should be transferred at the beginning of next week. 14 Finance: To agree accounts for payment Precept 2017/18 Amend and approve grant application form To consider applications to the Reinvestment Fund 2017/18 It was RESOLVED to APPROVE accounts for payment. Cllr Lunk asked why the precept had not increased due to the amount of additional housing. It was NOTED that the Parish Council can choose to increase the precept, but was not put up automatically to allow for new housing. This would be discussed in January. Cllrs were reminded to inform any community groups who may wish to apply to this fund. 15 Councillors Reports: to hear reports from Councillors on highways or other matters where action can be authorised by the Council without prior notice through the next Agenda. It was requested that the Clerk contact SHDC about the status of any outstanding developments eligible to pay S106 money. Action: Clerk to contact SHDC. It was NOTED that there is an abandoned vehicle on the A385, near the bottom gate of playing field. Action: Clerk to contact SHDC. It was NOTED that the quarterly meeting with DHT had good attendance of Parish Councillors and was useful. The plans for a lay area and camp site are moving forwards. Deer have been received from Powderham for Deer Park Walk. The community open space at Fishtek is currently being used as a car park. Cllr Chadwick would be meeting with Cavanna Homes in the New CHAIR: DATE:. 72
Year and would bring this up for discussion. The area should be shielded from the road. Cllr White expressed concerns over the amount of road pollution. He was not sure it Dartington is affected, but there are potential areas of concern. It was NOTED that the buildings at the Primary School are almost demolished. Contractors appear to be on schedule and idea to start construction of new building in January. 16 Correspondence received. The Clerk had spoken to KOR Communications, on behalf of Cavanna Homes, in regards to the open space outside Fisktek. Action: Cllr Chadwick to provide information at the Janueary meeting. 17 To note the date of the next meeting: Wednesday 11 January 2017 at 19.00 at Dartington Village Hall. This was NOTED. The meeting was closed at 21.30. CHAIR: DATE:. 73