HOLNE PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday 6th February 2008 in Holne Village Hall.

Present : Cllrs Paul Arrowsmith (Chairman), Belinda Owen, Ru Roberts, Liz Ross, Gill Simpson, Cynthia Irish

Clerk : Yvonne Fairman

Members of the Public : Karen Gilbert, Ross Gray, Michael French, Mr and Mrs Mudge

 Public Forum : Jonathan Stones (DNP Ranger) reported on rights of way and in particular the byway 13 from Combestone Tor. Work had been done on this byway due to the heavy usage which had eroded the surface. New way signs were now in place. Cllr Roberts raised the issue of the permissive right of way in front of the Church House Inn which led to discussion about footpath number 1. Jonathan showed the Chairman the ordnance survey map which shows that the right of way does not extend to the main road thus the road at the back of the Church House Inn is a private road. This brought into question the leat coverage which has bollards surrounding the missing slabs. Jonathan was asked to make enquiries not only as to the leat coverage but also in relation to the footpath number 1 as to its full impact. Jonathan wanted to take the opportunity to remind people of the importance of keeping the buddle holes clear.
Ross Gray brought to the attention of the Councillors that the felling of trees was taking place at Venford Reservoir. Major works were taking place without notification or consultation with the Holne Parish Council. There appeared to be a lot of work being carried out from the dam down to the quarry which was disrespectful of planning control. No planning application from South West Water had been received. Councillors asked Jonathan Stones if he could make enquiries especially as to whether the commoners had been informed. South West Water are now going to close the road in September.

08.02.01 Apologies for absence : Richard Copus

08.02.02 Minutes of the meetings of 17th December and 2nd January were signed. Minutes of the 23rd January were slightly amended and then signed.

08.02.03 Declaration of Interest : None

08.02.04 Planning matters : Although no planning matters had been received the Councillors felt this was a good opportunity to discuss planning concerns. It was felt that Chris France should be chased for a response in relation to the building at Hazelwood, especially in light of plans sailing through despite comments of the Council. People were in a muddle as to what planning had gone in and when. It was felt that a private 1 to 1 meeting with the planners and council should take place as soon as possible and that Councillors should write a list of all concerns. If the Enforcement Officer could not stop the building was it possible that a Stop Order could be put on. It was proposed a meeting take place on either the 20th or 21st February at Park with Chris France. Invitations to the meeting should be given to Trevor Pennington, Bill Hitchins, Maurice Retallick and Anthony Steen. Jo Burgess should also be at the meeting. There was a statutory obligation to consult with the Parish Council and the Parish Council has a duty to consider. It was also brought to the attention of the Councillors that conversion of a garage to a room had taken place at Church Park House, and internal/external alterations were being made to Village Farm which is a partial listed farmbuilding in the centre of the village.

08.02.05 Clerk’s financial report : All expenses were agreed.

08.02.06 Affordable Housing Working Group : There was to be an open meeting at Scorriton on the 18th March 2008 at 7.30pm.

08.02.07 Press Protocol : The Clerk had made enquiries of the Rural Community Council if there was a specific protocol to be used when dealing with the press. The response was that a “post card” could be used which would contain a clear statement. This clear statement would be agreed between the Councillors. Discussion then ensued. It was felt that it should be made clear to the press that there are 2 differences – one commenting as an individual and one commenting as a councilors. No decision was taken; the Councillors did not want to be “stifled”. 08.02.08 Conservation Plan for Holne : The working party had met and a summary sent round to the Councillors. They felt it was an accurate reflection of what was discussed. Comments should be made to the DNP with an addendum to the plan. This was to be taken forward and an invitation sent to Suzanne Goodfellow of the DNP for a meeting. Mr McKay would like an open meeting in April in the Village Hall and an invite should be sent to him to attend the Annual Parish Meeting in April.

08.02.09 DNP Management Plan : This was agreed as read.

08.02.10 Clerk’s Resignation : It was agreed that the Clerk’s position had been difficult since commencing on the 1st December. The position of Clerk was offered to Karen Gilbert who has accepted the position. She will take up the post on the 1st March 2008. It was felt that the Councillors should support the new Clerk during the handover period until the Clerk has settled into the position. The Councillors will meet with the new Clerk prior to her taking up the post.

08.02.11 Clerk’s or Councillors’ reports : No reports were received.

08.01.12 Other Correspondence : The Chairman read over various correspondence which had been received during the month. One item was in relating to proposed new planning procedures.

08.01.13 Chairman’s Urgent B:usiness  There was no urgent business.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9.55pm.