COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT
* Denotes Attendance
Cllr. R. Wheeler – Mayor (in the Chair) – *
Cllr R Clark Deputy Mayor – *
Cllr. A. Biggs – *
Cllr Mrs C. Bricknell – *
Cllr H. Taylor – *
Cllr. M. Fice – *
Cllr D. Cohen – *
Cllr T. Lang – *
Cllr Miss J. Clark – *
Cllr Mrs R. King – *
Cllr R. Collings – A
Cllr R. Whitfield – *
Also in attendance:
Dist. Cllr P Coulson – *
Cty. Cllr. R Gilbert – *
Gill Claydon (Clerk) – *
PCSO D. Gibson – A
WPC Jo Pengilly – A
Toby Kingsbridge Gazette – *
242. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members were invited to acknowledge any declarable interests, including the nature and extent of such interests that they may have in any items to be considered at this meeting as follows:
• Cllr Biggs wished it known that by virtue of his professional and development contacts he would leave the meeting at any point he realised planning matters relating to clients came to be discussed. He would however give advanced notice of declarable interests he was aware of prior to discussion.
• Cllr Clark declared an interest in planning applications 0715/14/F and 0779/14/F
• Cllrs Miss Clark and Lang declared an interest in planning application 0715/14/F
• Cllrs Wheeler and Clark declared an interest in Item 249 Open Space Maintenance due to their work commitments with a contractor tendering.
243. OPEN FORUM
Police Report:
Emailed report by WPC Jo Pengilly.
In the past thirty days the following crimes had been reported:
• POSSESSION OF DRUGS WITH INTENT TO SUPPLY – this was a self-generated operation by WPC Jo Pengilly and PCSO Gibson when a large quantity of class B drugs were seized and other enquiries were also continued to be conducted. Once enquiries were complete then a decision would be made with respect to the suspect.
• THEFT FROM A SHOP
• CRIMINAL DAMAGE – This related to the dog access to the field on the A381 past West End Garage by the cycle path. Town Council were asked if this property ie the access fence to the public foot path belonged to them or the farmer. Also whether the access was allowed to be blocked off by the farmer as the officer was currently investigating the removal of the wood which was used to prevent the lambs from getting out. It was noted that this property was in the ownership of the farmer and the public were allowed access, this did not define animals i.e. dogs. Prior to speaking to the possible suspect.
• THEFT FROM BOAT – This crime was probably committed at the beginning of the year and engine parts of an outboard engine had been removed to the value of £4000. This occurred at North Sands.
It was noted that the preparation for the Marine Awareness Day on the 22nd APRIL 2014 was advancing with several agencies agreeing to take part in this day. There would be a press release in the gazette on Friday this week and posters would be displayed soon. The venue was being held at Whitestrands between 0900 – 1600 hours.
Open Forum:
Caroline Salem was in attendance with regard to The Grange application to make representations on behalf of mother in law and family from the Old Coach House. She wished the Town Council to reject the two storey mews property with garage along with a self contained flat roof terrace and independent access. Her concern was that this would overlook neighbouring properties and set a precedent for other garages in this location to become houses and thus impact on the character of the Grange. She felt it was important to safeguard the character of the locality and that such proposed use was a cycle of rating avoidance. Within the curtilage of the Grange itself there were three other garages which could also be requested for change of use to residential property. There could also be further traffic, drainage and sewage issues. This proposed would significantly detract from the current landscaping of The Grange and by its bulk further contributed concern as it was not ‘an infill studio using the void between’ as this was a large area. The context of the application she asserted did not give full details and such new development would dominate the landscape from Cliff Gardens back up the vista from the estuary. A shed recently built by the same owners adjacent to the other side of the wall between Cliff House was a further issue to be highlighted. Privacy was primarily the problem at the Old Coachhouse as the amenity space would be overlooked. The planning application drawings did not show the juxta position and context of the Old Coachhouse to this proposal. There was currently a disabled access leading to a terrace and bedroom which had been used for twenty years but now the proposed distance from the new development was a mere 6 m to its window but even less to the terrace. From the main window it was 12 m. The light to the Old Coachhouse would also suffer and be impacted together with an increase in noise by pushing the terrace out and inviting social gatherings. Ms Salem felt that the application should be withdrawn.
Peter Hughes noted he was speaking in support of his own application at Greylands, Coronation Road which was a resubmission of the application from last year. On reflection he felt they had misinterpreted the pre application advice previously given and perhaps been falsely encouraged by the changes to some properties around the town. He and his wife were grateful to District Council to be able to withdraw their application and have a second chance. They had redrawn the elevations and the revised ones were more sympathetic to the streetscene. This was now a modern interpretation of a terrace style instead of a gable and they had changed from boarded exterior to render and added glazing bars to windows to reflect the streetscene. Following discussion with Matt Jones District Officer and near neighbours they had modified the rear elevations by reducing ridge heights, pitched angles thus reducing the height to the rear of the building. The interior design was for a family house. They were advised externally to build two town houses on this plot but this was never their intention as they wanted to create a family house.
County Councillor – Cty Cllr Gilbert had been at a meeting in County Hall and noted that they had passed a resolution and were going to consultation for further a review on libraries. Salcombe library had over the last 5 years had a 53% drop off in usage and there were further activity figures provided noting also that computer sessions had reduced by 69%. The total direct costs were £15,112 for this library. There was currently no intention to close any library but this did not mean County would not do so however he was confident that Salcombe would not be one of them. However it was proposed to down grade it to a ‘community led library’ model. County needed to reduce running costs and intended sharing space by staff working collaboratively with communities and looking for new and innovative ways to run such. The library could be taken over by a charity of the town council or anybody within the voluntary sector to run the library. There would be 22 libraries across Devon to be sustained i.e. Kingsbridge. The consultation was to run from 10th April to 10th July with an outcome on proposals on 10th September. Cllr Taylor felt this was closure by stealth as if it was community led they had to take over the running of the library so County were not paying for a service any longer. Cty Cllr Gilbert agreed that economically it was a closure of sorts. However the provision of books and such rotation would be retained by County. It was a reduction through labour costs. The Mayor requested the Gazette to assist with an article asking if there was a voluntary body who would like to assist in running such. Cllr Lang noted that Salcombe library location was different to a lot of libraries but one of the major outgoings of the Salcombe library was the rent they had to pay. Also the usage coincided with the hours that were provided and these were cut from fourteen hours to six hours and if Cliff House used the room for a wedding or such like then the library did not open on a Saturday.
With the change of enforcement from District back to County for on street parking how to report any concern was unknown. This was in hand. There was still a question with regard to signage/Chapter 8 training for public events and Cornwall had a different view to Devon but Cornwall was more suited to Salcombe’s perception of need. Feedback from County CEO Phil Norrey was awaited following the Town Clerk’s enquiry.
It was agreed that the Annual Town meeting would be held prior to the Town Council meeting on 14th May and that Cty Cllr Gilbert would be able to attend such.
Cllr Clark advised Cty Cllr Gilbert that at footpath two down the back of Croft Road there had been a landslip just above the District recycling bins. This area needed attention. On the cycle path leaving Salcombe going onto Footpath one which crossed Motherhill Farm the farmer had put a board on the stile to stop people leaving it open. This was to ensure that at this point in the year lambs could not get out. A walker confronted the farmer and the police had asked who owned the stile and gates (as requested in the police report above). Dist. Cllr Coulson noted that County was responsible for stiles and gates as a courtesy but a farmer only had to allow passage for pedestrians over their land.
District Councillor – In attendance but nothing to report. Cllr Taylor questioned the changes with regard to District car parking and the area of off street parking around Island Square where it now stated ‘no waiting at any time’. Cty Cllr Gilbert noted in his District capacity and holding the portfolio for car parks that a Parking Order did not mean it was implemented. An Order was raised so that if a nuisance occurred they could enforce removal or no waiting, if no order was in place then they were unable to do anything on their own land. It was noted that the businesses with leases in this area had a right to park. Cllr Fice noted that the notice that town councillors received and what was posted in the Gazette was unclear.
Cty Cllr Gilbert left the meeting.
244. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting dated 26th March 2014 were approved by council and then duly signed by the Mayor as a true and correct record.
245. PLANNING APPLICATIONS
Councillors considered the following applications and sent such observations to the District as Planning Authority:
Cllrs Clark, Lang and Miss Clark left the meeting whilst the following application was considered.
• 0715/14/F Householder application for alterations and loft conversion to dwelling The Firs, Kingsale Road, Salcombe TQ8 8AS – Applicant Mr N. Spiers – Objection to the dormers on the east elevation due to unneighbourly overlooking of neighbours causing an intrusion into their bedroom and thus a privacy concern.
• 0718/14/F Householder application for side and front extension (resubmission of 41/1276/13/F) 17 Beadon Road, Salcombe TQ8 8LX – Applicant Mr and Mrs Smout – No objection.
• 0719/14/F Householder application for two storey side extension 2 Gould Road, Salcombe TQ8 8DU – Applicant Mr J. Hearth – No objection.
• 0721/14/F Householder application for removal of existing garage and replacement with two-storey side extension (resubmission of 41/0092/14/F) Melbury Cottage, Herbert Road, Salcombe TQ8 8HN – Applicant Mr P. Smith – Objection. The proposed structure protrudes to the extremity of the garage and thus becomes overbearing with overlooking of the neighbouring property with a subsequent loss of their amenity.
• 0752/14/F Demolition of existing dwelling and replacement with detached two-storey dwelling. Relocation of vehicle crossover (resubmission of 41/1329/13/F) Greylands 27 Coronation Road, Salcombe TQ8 8EA – Applicant Mr and Mrs P. Hughes – No objection.
Cllr Clark left the meeting whilst the following application was considered.
• 0779/14/F Householder applicaton for reconstruction of double garage and creation of studio annexe above, with associated landscaping works The Grange, Cliff Road, Salcombe TQ8 8JQ – Applicant Mr A. Nicholls.
Objection. The build style was noted to be different to the existing property which it was felt detracted from the design and there was concern for the effect on the amenity value of the streetscene as it was noted this proposal was within the grounds of a Listed Building and in a Conservation Area. There would be a visual impact when viewed from the estuary with the introduction of glass and bringing the existing structure forward to the edge of the garage. This would also intensify the overlooking of the neighbouring property raising privacy issues and un-neighbourliness as would bringing the terrace forward. There was to be an intensification of traffic due to the increase in residential usage and a concern was that with three further garages in this location there could be future overdevelopment allowed from this increase of use.
• 0785/14/F Householder application for alterations to previous approval (41/2835/13/F) to provide additional glazing Sandhills, Sandhills Road, Salcombe TQ8 8JP – Applicant Mr M. Nathenson – No objection.
• 0789/14/F Householder application for proposed loft conversion Cornerways, Bonaventure Road, Salcombe, TQ8 8BG – Applicant Mr N. Chard – Objection. The squaring of the roof (gabling) to the north side had significant effect on the neighbours as it would completely darken the neighbouring two windows and thereby would be a loss of light and amenity value.
WORK TO TREE PRESERVATION ORDER TREES
• 0725/14/TW (No. 25) Reg. No: 3497 Site Shadycombe Cemetery, Shadycombe Road, Salcombe TQ8 8NL Proposal – Works to trees as detailed within the Devon Tree Services Inspection Schedule dated 26th February 2014. No objection.
TREE PRESERVATION ORDER 2014 – SERVING OF NEW ORDER
• TPO 903 Tree at Sundowners, Herbert Road, Salcombe. Monterey Cypress tree located to the north west of the property. District notification of their reasons for serving the Order requesting comments from Town Council with 28 days from 28th March 2014. No objection.
PLANNING CORRESPONDENCE
• Most already forwarded by email for information.
• Five letters of objection.
246. FAIRWEATHER FOUNTAIN
Tim Pollard District Council open spaces had notified Rob Harkness that their records show that the Fountain memorial was located on land owned and managed by District and indeed it also had a Grounds Maintenance layer showing the area as shrubs. He therefore requested grass cutting to arrange for the area to be cleared back and managed accordingly in the future. Whilst down at North Sands he also asked them to arrange for the board walk leading to the Hangar Marsh hide to have a strim along both sides. It was AGREED that District had acknowledged responsibility for ongoing maintenance of this area.
247. PROPOSED SALCOMBE LIBRARY CLOSURE
It was AGREED for the town council and others to individually respond to the Devon County consultation on proposed closure of rural libraries which included Salcombe Cliff House Library. It needed to be acknowledged that the loss of the facility for a reading club, internet access and general meeting place for information would leave Salcombe residents and visitors marginalised. Also the current rent paid for such room should be discussed and it was noted that recently the library had been closed as Cliff House had held weddings on a Saturday and as this was an important day for the library town council was to enquire how many more dates meant that it would be closed on a Saturday this year. It was noted that Mr McIlwraith had gifted to the town this reading room.
248. PARK AND RIDE
The disabled parking allocation needed one or two spaces at the end of rows for vehicles with side doors for wheelchairs. The pay machine height should also be set for disabled. It was however noted with regard to disabled spaces that the bus company should be asked if the buses were disabled access. It was felt that the parking area should be rollered, the grass cut and lined if possible.
Cllr Coulson, Ms Salem and Mrs Hughes left the meeting.
It was AGREED to DEFER item this pending further costs for the surface and parking meter.
Cllrs Wheeler and Clark left the meeting whilst the following item was discussed.
249. OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE
It was AGREED to appoint Bayleaf Gardening Limited with regard to the annual weeding, planting and maintenance of Jubilee Gardens to include planting of the meadow seed. It was requested that there be a three month review of works with a break clause.
Consideration of quotes for preparing the plant tub around the memorial was DEFERRED to the next meeting.
250. HIGHWAY VERGE MAINTENANCE
It was AGREED to continue to carry out the highway cuts on behalf of County Council by way of a County grant for four cuts a year, cuts increased by local provision, together with the associated terms and conditions so long as the Highways training is agreed.
251. FOOTPATH CLEARANCE
Cllr Lang had purchased a helmet with visor and was advised in training that he also required goggles if he was going to use the brush cutter. Therefore he had yet to obtain goggles and a chest harness. To convert the current machine from a brush cutter to strimmer head it was designed that it could only be used on the thread once. Therefore on purchasing an additional strimmer head he must also obtain a supply of nuts. Cllr Lang advised he attended the training which was interesting and informative. Previously he had advised that the bridlepath from North Sands to Collaton was the main path that needed attention and suggested getting a digger in. Having revisited this path he now felt that town council could probably leave this a couple of weeks until the weather it dried out and do repair works.
Cllr Miss Clark noted that at North Sands just past Cable Cottage there was a track. At this point there was a man working on a boat and standing so she could not get past. It was confirmed that this was a public accessway and she had every right to use it.
It was AGREED that the items purchased and those required to comply with safety regulations be obtained and such voluntary work carried out.
252. MAYOR’S REPORT
The Mayor attended the installation of the new defibrillator adjacent to the Harbour Office which was supplied and donated by the Estuary Lodge. There had also been the Art Club opening that evening at 6p.m which he was in attendance for. There had been discussion with regard to Business Rates and some owners concerns and further information was being obtained.
253. COUNCILLORS REPORTS
Cllr Clark – He had been trying to source information with regard to the designation of The Green at Roundberry Drive as a registered Village Green and to date no documentation had been found. He asked Toby from the Gazette within the meeting to see if he could obtain any information from old issues of the Gazette in about 2002 – 2005 of Salcombe celebrates Village Green Status. It was noted that the application had been made by residents of Roundberry Drive and they could have applied but been refused and it not registered. There had also been an email from the Weymouth family regarding the naming of Motherhill Court at the RA3 land as they were concerned due to the fact that this new area had never been part of the Motherhill Estate. Cllr Clark visited them and apologised but noted that this name had been picked and put forward by the schoolchildren as a local name. Due to the Weymouths concern an approach would be made to District Land Charges but it was felt that this name was now registered. He reminded town council that Hammer Sports would be using the Park & Ride this weekend for those entering the cycle race to park.
Cllr Mrs Clark – Asked if there was any way of slowing traffic travelling through North Sands as she was concerned for users down in that area.
Cllr Fice – Noted the seats/benches by the Creek Car Park which he had report in January was falling apart. Now it was in fact just a pile of wood with grass growing through and the others adjacent look precarious. District had trimmed the grass around it. It was also noted that the bench at the Berry on the football pitch had a slat that kicked up. Someone had mentioned that the new wall at North Sands was a nice pink colour and looked out of keeping but it was felt it would weather in. Cllr Fice noted that all town council had been provided with the accounts that evening and should anyone have any queries they should contact him as he was unable to be at the next meeting. These accounts would now be sent for internal audit so that the accounts and statement for external audit could be placed on the next agenda.
Toby of the Gazette left the meeting.
Cllr Lang – Spion Kop steps had been closed off. He was worried in case this was because of their steepness but in fact a wall had fallen down.
Cllr Whitfield – Noted that the pothole at the bottom of Coronation Road had been filled.
Cllr Mrs King – Pleased that locals had actually acknowledged the town council works on their media website.
Cllr Biggs – Salcombe Swimming Pool was opening on 17th May and he asked for ideas for someone famous to open it.
Cllr Taylor – Noted that the internet had been compromised and urged everyone to change their internet passwords. He also noted that the XP program was embedded in many parking ticket machines.
CLERK’S REPORT.
• Copy email sent by Adam Keay County Highways to ask for clarification as to provision of dispensations for contractors in an area such as Salcombe where there is a lot of building going on. Cty Cllr Gilbert was dealing with this issue.
• A resident was concerned that the area at Batson Cross RA3 now to be named Motherhill had never been included within this estate. However this name was put forward by the school children and had been registered by Land Charges.
• Copy letter received from Devon County with regard to a trailer and boat parked on the public highway and a request for the owner to remove such as this presented an unnecessary obstruction to users of the highway.
• County had provided a contract for 2014/15 Highway Grass cutting which Iain Randall was content to continue with as such payment made. However the issue of Chapter 8 training still needed addressing.
• Cllr Collings and Cllr Taylor had been considering new laptops for the staff in view of the upgrade needed. Should this item be addressed on the next agenda?
• Ann Merritt the editor of the 3 in 1 Parish Magazine had requested that information with regard to town council and any items of merit be provided to the magazine.
• The County Devon Waste Plan was currently out for consultation on their website for anyone who wished to respond.
254. FINANCE
Councillors APPROVED the following cheques for signature:
003139 Cliff House Trust – Shortfall on rent £8.00
003140 Tesco – Office Kettle £7.50
003141 SHDC – Bonfire Hill Bin Rental £14.11
003142 Greenspace – Contract maintenance £446.33
003143 Greenspace – To remove tin roof off structure and also dig hole for tree at Berry £56.00
003144 DALC – Subscription £419.44
003145 IICM Membership and attendance at Compliance course £240.00
003146 Land Registry – First Registration £30.00
255. NEXT MEETING
The next meeting would be held on Wednesday 23rd April 2014 in the Library at Cliff House, Cliff Road, Salcombe at 6.30p.m.
Meeting Closed: 9.00p.m.
………………………………………………….. 23rd April 2014.
Town Mayor.