MINUTES OF THE PARISH COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON HELD ON MONDAY 8th OCTOBER 2007

Present: Cllr M Smith (Chairman)

Councillors: Mrs B Powell, P Privett, G Preston, Mrs K Tomkins,

In Attendance: Cllr R Giles (DCC), 6 Members of the Public

Apologies: Cllr M Jolly, PC C Vickery, PCSO P Anning, Cllr G Brown (EDDC)

Public Participation

Mr T Kingdom and Mr N Oakley (both of the Talewater industrial site) were present to raise their objections to the Council’s recent request of DCC to have some restrictions placed on the Talaton Road in the interests of highway safety. Both felt this was an attempt by the Council to put them out of business and felt they should have been consulted prior to any correspondence with DCC. The Chairman stated that the Council’s action arose from the receipt of many complaints from residents and did not only concern Talaton Road, but included complaints received regarding all the through roads in the village, and that the Council was duty bound to act when they considered road safety was involved. The Chairman, in thanking Mr Kingdom and Mr Oakley for their comments, stressed that the Council fully supported the operations at Talewater Works, but had to take action to try and resolve the highway safety concerns of many of the residents.

Mr E Pyle raised his objection to the support of Cllr Giles for the creation of cycle ways on the disused rail tracks in East Devon, but particularly in the Feniton area. He said that the land was now productive agricultural assets and it would be a waste of money to create cycle ways. In response, Cllr Giles stated there was great support for the creation of cycle ways, which were not only an efficient and effective means of creating sustainable transport, but provided large economic, and recreational benefit as well as a safe environment for cyclists.

Mr Partridge raised concerns that his neighbour was carrying out development work without planning permission and had also taken part of his garden. Mr Partridge had contacted the Planning Dept at EDDC but was told that it would be some 4 weeks or more before an officer was able to attend. The Chairman advised Mr Partridge that it was not necessary to first obtain planning consent before commencing the work, but that in doing so, individuals would have to suffer the consequences were permission to be refused. The whole Council sympathised with Mr Partridge, who was advised to complain to Cllr Brown as to the unacceptable delay in EDDC sending out an officer.

Mr Kingdom, Mr Oakley and Mr Pyle then left the meeting.

80. Apologies

Apologies were accepted and approved.

81. Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10th September 2007 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

82. Police Officer’s Report

This was a written report. From 10th September 2007 to date 3 crimes had been reported; 1 assault, 1 non-crime domestic, and 1 internet fraud.

83. County and District Councillor’s Reports

Cllr Giles produced a written report which is attached to these Minutes. Cllr Giles also advised that from 17th October for a period of 11 days, access to Ottery St Mary via North Street will not be possible due to road works.

84. Declarations of Interest from Members and Officers

No declarations were made.

85. To consider an application by Mrs P E Blackmore for co-option onto the Council

The Clerk explained that prior to the meeting he had received a letter from Mr F Pyle expressing his wish to be considered for co-option. The Chairman stated that in the circumstances, this agenda item would not be taken, but action to co-opt would be on the November agenda. In the meantime, it was Resolved not to accept any further applications. The Chairman expressed his apologies to Mrs Blackmore who was present at the meeting.

86. Planning Matters

87. Traffic Talaton Road – to consider the response by DCC

Members took note of the response “we have of course noted your comments, but if any restrictions were to be placed on this road it would have to allow access to the Industrial Estate which is an established site, and it is up to the individual businesses to inform vehicles visiting their premises of the limitations of the network. We have already been in contact with the Nog Inn concerning the tyre bollards, we are working towards their removal but are aware of the need to protect the corner of the pub.”

88. Finance

The following payments were approved:

533 - Clerk - £241.31 - Clerk’s salary/expenses
534 - HMRC - £77.30 - Clerk’s salary
535 - A Spry - £200.75 - Handyman

89. Village Handyman’s Report

Mr Spry reported he had carried out the work to provide an additional bin near the teenage shelter in the QE2 Play area.

90. Correspondence

91. Late Entry Correspondence

92. Parish Council Website

It was agreed that the website was providing a service to users but it now required a major overhaul.

93. Individual Member Responsibilities

Cllr Preston stated he had received 2 complaints connected to the matters raised by Mr Partridge, and he also asked if the Council might seek the “Tool gates” from the site at 2 South View. The Clerk would try to identify the owners.

Cllr Mrs Powell drew attention to the large number of letters in the Village magazine expressing support for the annual Beautiful Days event.

Cllr Mrs Tomkins expressed her pleasure at the new bin provided near the teenage shelter.

The Clerk undertook to write to the new Chair of Governors at the School (Mr D Lanning) regarding the need for the school to produce a travel plan, and to the Vicar regarding the Remembrance Day service details.

94. Date of next meeting – Monday 12th November 2007 at 7.30pm. It was also agreed to hold the next Village Plan meeting in November.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 2057 hrs.

……………………………………………………………..Presiding Chairman
12th November 2007

Last Updated 8th October 2008