Present: Cllrs Paul Arrowsmith, Richard Copus, Michael Maddicks (Chairman), Belinda Owen, Ru Roberts, Gill Simpson
Clerk: Joanna Radford
Members of the public: Mr T Howard, Mr Keith Evans, District Cllr
C Ramsay, Mr M French
Public Forum: Mr Howard asked that the time of the meeting in the
Parish Link be altered to 8 pm. Mr Evans:asked the meeting to take
account of his concerns when discussing the changes to the Affordable Housing Committee.
He was assured that these would be considered and it was agreed to close the meeting
if necessary when discussing the proposal put forward. District Cllr Ramsay's
written report was noted. Cllr Roberts asked a question about rate relief for small
businesses and was referred to name on report. Mr French had attended
meeting of DNPA last week and reported on a planning matter which went to vote.
The Planning workshop in this Village Hall was well received but there was disappointment
that it was not well attended. Cllr Roberts commented on the gap between what planners
say in private and what is in local plan (eg materials, vernacular, etc)
0612.01 Apologies for absence were acceted fom County Cllr T Pennington
at Staverton, Cllr Irish indisposed, Cllr Copus would attend but late. The Clerk
read Cllr Pennington's short report.
0612.02 Minutes of the meeting of 1 November 2006 (NB Request to
discuss article in November issue of Parish Link had been withdrawn) Cllr Roberts
asked for an amendment to 0611.03 to "the applicant's" instead of "Miss Olwen" which
in any case should have read "Miss Thomas". Approved.
0612.03 Declarations of Interest: Cllr Owen declared personal and
prejudicial interest in application 0833/06, signed the register and left the meeting
for the next item.
0612.04 Planning matters: 0833/06 Construction of concrete hardstanding
and alterations to fence at the Brookings, Michelcombe for Mrs M Arden: Cllr Simpson
reported. Cllr Roberts commented that site map out of date. Cllr Simpson proposed
that the Council recommend approval. Agreed Planning permission was reported for
the following applications: 0740/06 Barn for storage plus sand school for Dartmoor
ponies at Michelcombe Farm, 0657/06 Single storey timber shed at Wooton.
0612.05 Accounts for the Month The Following payments were approved:
a) Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal for wreath £16.50
b) Cllr Gsimpson for housing committee £8.20
0612.06 Report from the Finance Committee & budget for 2007/8
The Clerk reported on the Finance Committee’s meeting and figures. Cllr Roberts
asked how much the projected budget would increase this Council’s tax. The answer
was approximately £4 per household. Agreed to precept for £4500 based on the following
budget, with the Clerk's salary increased, until 30 November 2007, to £880 per annum,
and thereafter for a new Clerk, to £1500 per annum. Cllr Copus arrived during discussion
of this item.
(Figures available on Holybrook Exchange - will not reproduce here)
0612.07 Report from the Housing Committee Cllr Simpson reported on
the meeting held on 10 November 2006. On the Housing survey, Buckfastleigh West
need a full questionnaire – Holne need an updated form and drop in session. Gill
Simpson reported on the meeting with Chris France and Phil Markham and confirmed
that they had said that Holne & Scorriton would come under new category of “sustainable
communities”. Responses had been received to letters to housing list and landowners.
The next meeting would be on 14 December which Sanctuary Housing will be attending.
0612.08 Proposal that the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee should become
a Working Party: Discussion emphasised the need for members of the
public to be able to take part but the feeling that a working party would allow
the group to progress the project without needing to come back to the Council for
decisions. It was agreed there was a need to meet in a public place. Views expressed
included the feeling that the Council should be involved in final negotiations/grant
applications, that a working group would allow more flexible working and meeting
places (licensed premises could be used!). The Chairman summed up that the proposal
is that the HAC be closed and a Working Group set up with the criteria set by Council
(meeting closed for Mr K Evans to speak, voicing his concerns. Cllr Copus reminded
the meeting that matters could be raised by the public at a PC meeting.) Cllr Simpson
made the formal proposal that the AHC become the Affordable Housing Working Party.
Cllr Owen proposed an amendment that the proposal should be as stated by Cllr Simpsont
but include also that the group work within the criteria discussed by the Council
tonight, that meetings should be open to the public and held in a public place,
and that the Council should be involved in final negotiations and grant applications
related to the project to provide affordable social housing in Holne: The amendment
was voted upon and carried. Cllr Arrowsmith wished his opposition to the amended
proposal to be minuted.
0612.9 Rural White Paper Cllr Roberts spoke on her reaction to
the White Paper which does not take account of traditional democracy – central government
should not be setting targets for elected bodies such as local authorities. Cllr
Copus agreed that white paper appears to tinker with things without actually changing
anything. Cllr Roberts proposed that this Council respond to the White Paper is
that it is a denigration of local democracy and that a letter should be sent to
the Minister for Community and Local Government. Agreed.
0612.10 Christmas Tree on the Green Cllr Arrowsmith reported that
tree will be purchased by Inn, and electricity will be supplied by Inn. Lights in
existence but need new bulbs. Cllr Arrowsmith had concreted a space, £15 expenses
would be claimed at the next meeting. Date for erection 10 December at 10:30 am.
Cllr Roberts proposed that the Council accept any expenditure necessary. Agreed.
0612.11 Need to flail hedges in Play Park and any other work needed
here: Agreed to discuss at January meeting.
0612.12 Condition of highways Cllr Arrowsmith raised this because
of tarmac placed on track between Greendown/ and main road. Proposed that Council
should ask whether this had been requested, and if so, why. Agreed.
0612.13 Complaints about Sunday deliveries by tanker in the Parish:
Cllr Copus reported that supplier had responded that had had complaints about these.
Cllr Copus proposed that Council should complain about the principle of this: agreed
that Cllr Copus would put article in Parish Link and H Exchange.
0612.14 DNPA Forum 24 November Clerk and Cllr Roberts reported:
Clerk's written report in Circulation File
0612.15 Correspondence S Hams on safety check of Play Park playground;
DNPA on Local Development Framework Consultation; DNPA on survey of listed buildings
in Holne Parish- on next agenda; South Hams Public Space Strategy Consultation –
next agenda. Planning Master Class 30 March – agreed to book 2 places Cllrs Roberts
and Arrowsmith would be attending 12 December Dartmoor Management Plan Workshop.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 10:00 pm. The next meeting
of the Parish Council will be held on Wednesday 4 January 2007