Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting  held on Wednesday 5^th March 2008 in Holne Village Hall

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

Clerk : Karen Gilbert

Members of the Public : Mr & Mrs Mudge , Steven Kent , Keith Evans , Ross Gray , Biddy Mayo and Michael French

Public Forum

Rosemary Mudge asked if South Hams Council had advised the Parish Council of the collection dates for domestic refuse over the Easter period & was advised that when this information is received , it will be posted on the Parish notice boards.

Ross Gray requested that any matters regarding trees be sent to him in his capacity as tree warden.

Keith Evans enquired whether the visit by the Parish Council to the DNPA regarding Venford and Hazelwood planning issues had proved beneficial . The Chairman confirmed that the visit had aided their understanding of the planning system and clarified the current situation at Hazelwood

The Holne Conservation Area Appraisal attracted several comments.Keith Evans asked why the Play Park was not included in the area . Cllr Roberts stated that the possible inclusion of the Play Park would be taken into consideration when the Parish Council further review the matter . The question of whether there was any need at all for a Conservation Area within Holne was raised by Ross Gray to which Rosemary Mudge added that there appear to be no advantages to be gained in the creation of a Conservation area as there is limited funding available for grants at present and the additional status brings additional planning constraints .Cllr Robert suggested that it may be useful to ascertain the reasoning behind the creation of the scheme . Cllr Copus advised that any concerns in this matter could be raised at the presentation on 25^th April

08.03.01 Apologies for absence ; Colin Jones , District Councillor

08.03.02 Minutes of the Meetings - The minutes of the meeting of 6^th February 2008 were agreed by the Council and duly signed

08.03.03 Declaration of interest - An personal interest was declared by Cllr Ross with regard to Planning Application 0125/08 - Riding Arena at Littlecombe Farm. The Declaration book was duly signed.

08.03.04 Planning Matters

Application ref 0125/08 Riding arena for private use at Littlecombe Farm , Holne

The site was attended by Cllrs Owen and Simpson who raised concerns over the drainage as the arena was to be sited at the bottom of a hill . It was felt that the proposed surface of sand and rubber may result in a strong smell especially during warm weather and with this in mind , would create an intrusion on the neighbouring dwelling . The siting of the arena further away from the neighbour may alleviate this problem

Cllr Copus expressed a concern that this development may spoil the view of the valley.

Cllr Irish stated that the Littlecombe Farm already appeared to have such a facility . It would also appear that at the time of the meeting (5/3/08) , notification of the application had not been sent to the neighbouring properties

ACTION - It was agreed that the Clerk request the DNPA Planning Dept. that decision be deferred until the following points are addressed;

1. The smell from the rubber surface

2. Siting away from neighbour

3. Applicant already has an arena which does not appear to have Planning Permission.

4. Neighbours receive official notification

5. Planning Notice correctly displayed for the full time period

Other Planning issues

Footpath no.1 - No action required

Leat coverage - Repairs made

Venford Resevoir - Works carried out under permitted development

Church House Inn - Some of the Councillors have entered into discussions with the new licensees with regard to parking issues on the Village Green permitted path.

Church Park House - Clerk to write to DNPA to ascertain whether conversion of the garage into habitable accommodation falls within permitted development rights

Village Farm - Clerk to contact the DNPA to ascertain whether Listed Building consent has been obtained to cover any internal or external alterations

Woodland Grant Scheme at Littlecombe Farm - Clerk to contact DNPA to advise that whilst the Council realises that the trees have already been planted , it wishes the fact noted that the area concerned was a rare example of a strip field system and a unique historical feature.

08.03.05 Finance

The salary and expenses of the Clerk , Mrs Y Fairman were agreed and the sum of £114.00 paid

£10.50 was paid to the Village Hall Management for the February 2008 rent - The sum of £ 7.50 for the December rent was held in abeyance pending clarification

08.03.06 Affordable Housing Group

The affordable housing survey results have now been received and are being considered . Cllrs Owen and Simpson confirmed that the reports state that there is a need for affordable housing in Holne . It was confirmed that a public meeting will be held in Scorriton on 18^th March 2008 at 7.30 pm attended by Sue Hitchcock , Chris France and Liam Reading when the concerns of the public can be addressed.

It was also agreed that the name of the group be changed to the Holne and Scorriton Local Housing Group.

08.03.07 Proposed Conservation Area status

It was agreed that the Clerk contact Keith Mckay at DNPA to arrange an open presentation proposed for 25^th April 2008 between 4pm - 7pm . Confirmation to be posted on the notice boards & Parish Link

08.03.08 Correspondence re Newbridge

The Council considered Mr Fursdon?s letter and attached correspondence and understood his concerns . The Council has yet to receive consultation from Devon County Council but will take Mr Fursdon?s comments into account when any reply is made . The Clerk was asked to thank Mr Fursdon for his letter and confirm the above.

08.03.09 Dartmoor Planning Dept

The letter sent by DNPA to Holne Parish Council concerning the planning issues raised in their meeting of 22^nd February was read out by the Chairman . A letter from Anthony Steen MP who had been informed of the recent Holne planning issues was also read out.

It was noted that investigations into the removal of stone from the permitted works at Venford are being carried out by Dartmoor National Park Authority.

08.03.10 Great Combe Bridleway- Glen Rowan - Bridleway 3

Cllr Ross discussed the condition of the bridleway at Great Combe . It was noted that a gate at the bottom of a narrow section is proving difficult to open by users on horseback . It was also noted that barbed wire has been used in this area making the bridleway not only difficult to negotiate but danger to the horses.It was agreed that the Clerk contact DNPA to investigate the matter.

08.03.11 Councillors? reports

Cllr Copus expressed concern the roof covering on the extension at Brackenwood and would check with the conditions regarding materials attaching to the Planning permission.

08.03.12 Other correspondence

The Chairman read over various correspondence received during the month .

08.03.13 Chairman?s urgent Business

There was no urgent business

There being no further business , the meeting closed at 10.20pm

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