HOLNE PARISH COUNCIL
Draft Minutes of Annual Parish Meeting
on 23rd March 2011
in Holne Village Hall at 7.30pm
IN ATTENDANCE: 28 members of the public including councillors and guest speaker.
APM230311.01 APOLOGIES
- Kay Howard
- Rosemary Bonney
- Gill Gray
APM230311.02 MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL PARISH MEETING 2010
The minutes of the meeting held on 28th April 2010 were approved by all present and duly signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record.
APM230311.03 GUEST SPEAKER
The Chairman welcomed and introduced Steve Belli, Director of Planning (DNPA) as the guest speaker:
Steve Belli, DNPA
Thank you for inviting me – good to see so many in attendance.
Background: He has spoken to around 12 parish/town councils since his appointment on 21st September 2010. Born and brought up in Wales, he has been involved in planning since 1978. Originally, he trained as a cartographer in Gwent but since then has gathered considerable experience in National Park planning. He has 30 years experience mostly in development control.
Priorities: (1) Conservation of the landscape, (2) Trying to ensure that planning can aid development, (3) How planning can help farming to sustain itself, (4) Affordable housing.
Aims and Objectives for planning service:
(1) Having a service fit for purpose
(2) Saying yes when we can
(3) Looking at planning as part of the bigger National Park picture
(4) Having a service that is responsive to the demands placed on it. There will be 28-30% budget cuts over the next 3-4 year and 20 staff will be lost. A key objective is therefore learning to cope with budget cuts whilst maintaining and delivering service.
(5) Reviewing the planning service and relationships with parish councils. How best can thy
help people to get the best out of the planning service.
(6) Looking at how we deal with planning decisions. Sometimes there are grey areas and we don’t always get it right.
(7) Looking at how we can get the best out of the electronic systems to improve the delivery of planning applications and access to information.
(8) Helping Parish Councils appreciate the reasons why we make the decision we do and reducing misunderstanding.
(9) Looking at the quality of the decisions, revisiting things that they have agreed to and assessing those decisions – a design review.
(10) Concentrating on how they can improve enforcement services.
(11) Promoting opportunities for affordable housing.
(12) Planning Policy and planning for the future. It is essential to have a clear policy framework.
Parish Planning Survey – will be reported on in a meeting in April. A representative from the Parish Council is welcome to attend.
A Parish Planning Workshop is going to be held after the elections in July. Again, parish councils are welcome and encouraged to attend.
DNPA has recently been found at fault by the Ombudsman for approving an application following the misinterpretation of Parish Council’s comments which were ambiguous. He is therefore keen that Parish Council is clear with their views.
DNPA has recently published a Design Guide. He asked that the Parish Council looks at this and feeds back their comments. It sets out the principles of good design.
There is a letter coming out about how Parish Councillors can nominate themselves onto the DNPA . 4 members are appointed by Parish Councils.
The DNPA are offering an Ordnance Survey mapping service – a way of getting a free
ordnance maps.
- In these days of high energy costs – what is the DNPA’s view on solar energy?
- There are 2 types. Firstly, the micro-solar energy to help with domestic energy. There are also solar farms where farmers are filling fields with solar panels. The government did not intend to encourage solar farms. DNPA has policies in place which encourage micro-solar energy. If it is adjacent to a listed building, however, they will look carefully at the position etc. If not listed, solar energy is encouraged provided it is not intrusive. DNPA has a free service whereby they will tell you whether an application is likely to be successful or not before the application is submitted. There is also a role for community schemes – Jo Rumble may be able to help.
- In respect of wooden double glazing in listed buildings – should DNPA not be looking at this more favourably given the improvements that have been made to the design of wooden double glazing units?
- Agrees that improvements have been made to wooden double glazing. Some conservation
officers have a purist view. However, he agrees that each case should be taken on its merits. If, for example they were part of a modern extension on a listed building, they may look at it more favourably than if they were to be installed into an old building. He would personally prefer a more pragmatic approach.
- Happy to hear that the correspondence and reports etc are going on line. When is this likely to happen?
- In about a month, every item of correspondence will be published.
- There seems to be a move from the government to make development much easier and objections less likely to be heard.
- Thinks that the legislation for protected areas will stay as it is.
Q. Are you saying that there will be special exceptions and exemptions for the DNPA and
protected landscapes.
- That is his gut feeling. Sustainability is still a priority for the government. This is what dictates whether development is in the right areas. Feels that they will have to conform to the adopted core strategy and policy documents.
- Is it necessary to obtain planning permission to change land into allotments?
- It is likely.
Q. Expressed concern about the large number of conditions placed on permissions being granted.
A. Takes the point that the Park should be pragmatic in its approach.
APM230311.04 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
Cllr Simpson reported as follows:
Welcome to everyone. Once again it has been a busy year and I would like to thank Suzanna for keeping me sane throughout.
The issue of Highway problems never goes away, does it? The snows and freezing conditions of December last year were challenging for everyone. During difficult times it was heartening to see villagers helping each other and good does often result from bad-we now have a trained Snow Warden, Paul Arrowsmith and are asking locals to help him. We are buying a store of grit for the next bad weather, so that we can do our own grit spreading, new grit bins are being provided (thanks to Cllrs Jones and Pennington for providing funds). I know many of you think we don’t do anything about the roads, but hardly a month goes by when we aren’t contacting highways about potholes, changing gritting routes etc.
In June last year we heard that the new Coalition Government had thrown out the idea of Exeter as a Unitary Authority.
The future of Playpark continues to cause us concern and a Friends of Playpark Charity (non-registered) is about to be set up to keep our park going – Fleur Powell will give a report.
The Housing Group has continued their work to secure affordable housing for Holne and Scoriton, Gill Gray will update you in her report.
At the end of October our village shop and tearoom closed. A steering group was formed in February, following the results from a questionnaire indicating that 98% of respondents wanted to see the shop and tearoom continue. Although not a committee of the Council, this is a very important issue for our community - John Flint will give report.
Other topics on our agenda have included replacement and renovation of benches, leat maintenance, planning applications, appeals against the closure of Buckfast Tip and the cutting of our twice weekly bus service to one day. Unfortunately these cuts are going ahead, but at least in the process some people in our community are now famous by getting onto National TV.
My thanks to our Councillors for their continual support and especially to our Clerk, Suzanna, who works so hard on our behalf, always seems to know the answers and has a brilliant way with words when it comes to the continual letters we ask her to write. Thanks also to our Cllrs Colin Jones and Trevor Pennington who support us so regularly and even help us with funding, despite stretched budgets.
Finally, it is election year. All Councillors stand down and re-apply to become Cllrs again if they wish. We would have a stronger Council if we could get an election. For this we need people in our Parish to put themselves forward to work for our community through the Parish Council. Please-we need you. Come and talk to me or Suzanna if you are interested.
APM230311.05 FINANCIAL REPORT
The clerk presented the financial position of the council:
Balances held March 2011
Current Account £ 1,345
Savings Account £ 3,613
Total £ 4,958
Balances held at:
March 2010 £ 4,306
2009 £ 3,162
2008 £ 2,152
2007 ?
2006 £ 884
2005 £ 1,082
…………………………………………………………………………
Grants Donated 2010/11
St Mary’s Churchyard £ 400
Parish Link £ 60
___________ £ 460
………………………………………………………………………..
Major Sources of Income 2010/11
Precept £ 5,280
Grants £ 550
___________ £ 5,830
……………………………………………………………………….
The Parish Council has once again managed its finances prudently this year ending the financial year with an overall balance of £4,958. A further £230 should be deducted from this as unspent money which has been granted for new benches which has only partially been spent as yet.
This still leaves us £400 better off than we were at the same point last year and a comfortable yet essential contingency fund.
The Parish Council reclaimed just over £71 in VAT which together with a total of £1.80 interest this year boosted our savings account by £73.
The Parish Council has no major sources of income other than the precept (£5,280). However, a total of £500 has been granted by our District and County Councillors for the purchase of replacement benches at Bearwood and Greendown and hopefully a new bench at Langaford. A contribution of £50 was also made towards the Christmas tree lights – a lovely feature during the festive season.
The Parish Council has made two grants this year – a grant of £400 towards the maintenance of St Mary’s Churchyard and a contribution of £60 to the Parish Link
Finally, the Parish Council continues with its annual repayments of almost £1,149 to the Public Works Loan Board with the amount outstanding currently at around £4,425. We have investigated and exhausted alternative methods of paying this off but the outcome is that the Parish Council will be responsible for its entire repayment which will take around another 4 years.
APM230311.06 REPORTS FROM PARISH ORGANISATIONS
County Cllr Trevor Pennington – Devon County Council
Serves on various committees – including the Children and Young Persons Scrutiny Committee, the School Transport Appeals Committee, the County Audit Committee, the Policy & Resources Committee and the South Hams and Highways and Transport Order Committee (HATOC).
The County Council is undergoing severe financial pressures at the moment due to the current economic situation and has had to make extensive savings in expenditure. For the forthcoming year this equates to savings of £55 million – an 11% reduction. There will be a 28% reduction over the next 4 years equating to £130 million. All government grants have been reduced (by £40 million) which has resulted in a reduction in a number of services such as the subsidized rural bus services. Further cuts include a £250 million reduction in the capital programme which will affect the new school buildings and highway improvement schemes.
There is a £5 million shortfall in concessionary bus fares which is now administered by DCC.
There has been no increase in council tax – the government will grant DCC £8.5 million in return.
From April, the County Councillors members’ locality budgets will be increased to £15,000. On top of that there will be £25,000 available for capital schemes.
- Where do the Highways Agency fit in?
A. They are independent of DCC and funded by government.
Q. Has anyone thought that it would be better to resurface the roads rather than fill in countless
potholes?
- Cllr Pennginton acknowledged the comment.
- A parishioner commented that in Newport a report was published following a full programme of
resurfacing work which demonstrated that this was more effective than filling potholes.
- Comment about cuts to rural bus service where it would seem more appropriate to cut town services where people can walk etc.
A. Rural bus services are subsidised – towns are not.
District Cllr Colin Jones – South Hams District Council
Sits on the Licensing Committee and Sub-Committees and the Environment Policy Development Group as well as Full Council of course and attending and speaking at several meetings of the Council’s ruling Executive.
2010/11 has been another busy year for SHDC- just like the last two or three. And a year of change too…
- As well as a new Chairman, John Baverstock, taking over in May, as new shared Chief Executive (with West Devon Borough Council) arrived in November – Richard Sheard, who replaced the retiring David Incoll. Richard was previously Deputy Chief Executive of the Government Office for the South West, but prior to that had served as Chief Executive of Salisbury District Council. His experience is considerable.
- Since his arrival his new vision for ‘Shared Services and Beyond’ has been agreed. This will consolidate and complete the progress towards shared services with West Devon and will explore convergence of any area of work but will not push for a merger of the two councils. The need is recognised for the Council to work more closely and effectively with parish and town councils, the business sector, and local voluntary and community organisations – and to find ways to encourage ‘the Big Society’ and respond wholeheartedly to the Localism Bill.
- The financial climate has become much tougher with the coalition government forcing Councils like South Hams to reduce their spending by up to 30% in only 2/3 years. Through shared services and other economies, the Council has managed to balance its budget for 2011/12 without the need for serious cuts in services but further spending reductions will be needed next year. With this in mind, the Council has approved a radical change in its senior management structure involving a reduction of 50% in senior managers (Strategic Directors and Heads of Service) this year as the process of sharing services reaches completion. The Chief Executive and the Council’s ruling Executive are confident that this new structure will work – other like me just hope they’re right.
- Not everything in the garden is rosy. Progress on providing more affordable housing has remained slow – and will not be helped by the new government moving the goalposts and greatly reducing public subsidy for affordable housing. But I will continue to push the case for SHDC supporting – financially as well as in principle – a small development of affordable homes in Holne.
- My biggest challenge generally as a District Councillor is to get my fellow councillors to recognise the particular needs of small rural parishes such as Holne. Such areas already suffer disadvantage due to rural isolation and distances to services such as shops, school, workplaces, leisure facilities etc as well as from generally less well insulted but more expensive housing etc and incomes for most locals are lower than in urban areas. SHDC currently allocates far more of its capital and revenue money and its staff resources to the 40% of the District population that live in the four main towns (Totnes, Ivybridge, Kingsbridge and Dartmouth) than in the 60% of the population who live in smaller settlements. This needs to change – and when I saw reference in a recent committee report to the concept of ‘rural-proofing’ SHDC policies I felt that maybe someone had started to listen.
- On the very local issue of my small sustainable community locality grant I have given money this year to this parish for a new bench (£200) and the community shop and tearoom steering group (£200).
- There of course elections again this year – for parish and town councils and for all 40 seats on SHDC. I have decided to stand for re-election, though I believe that ‘other candidates are available’. However, if I am re-elected, I will continue to work hard to put Holne on the map and try to get a fair proportion of SHDC’
- Has heard rumours that the Chief Exec earns more that the PM…
A. He earns £115,000 and the cost is shared equally between the two councils.
- Every time SHDC cut budgets, the first things to go are the arts and schemes such as villages in actions etc. Considers they are vital for a civilised society. Would like to see a push to avoid this.
A. Has done so. The Villages in Actions grant has been retained.
APM230311.07 POLICE REPORT
None.
APM230311.08 REPORTS FROM PARISH ORGANISATIONS
Gill Gray - Holne & Scoriton Local Housing Group
Background
1. The Local Housing Group was set up by Holne Parish Council in April 2005 following a Housing Needs Survey for Holne which was carried out by the Devon Rural Housing Enabler in November of 2004, which had demonstrated that there was a definable need for affordable housing for local people. Because of the proximity of Scoriton and the close community ties between the two parishes, it was agreed to include Buckfastleigh West parish in our work.
2. The members of the group are: Gilly Simpson, Paul Arrowsmith, Belinda Owen and Liz Ross all Holne Parish councillors and Sue Colwill representing Buckfastleigh West Parish Council – other members of the group who have been co-opted are: Colin Jones, our District Councillor, Mike Bonney and Gill Gray.
3. A second Housing Needs Survey was undertaking in the autumn of 2007 which again proved the need for housing for local people. Since then we have been indebted to the Devon Rural Housing Enabler Sue Hitchcock, Phil Markham and Chris France and other officers of the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) and the District Council’s Housing department. Councillor Mike Saltern the District Council’s Lead on Housing has also been very helpful.
2010/11
4. At the Annual Parish Meeting held in April last year, we reported that we had reached the final stage of the work and were ready to hand over to a Housing Association to take the project forward. At its April meeting the parish council considered the recommendations of the housing group and agreed that the Hastoe Housing Association was the appropriate body to do this.
5. During this year the group has had a number of meetings with Hastoe, the district council and our advisers concerning issues on which we needed clarification regarding the tenure of the houses. We have been reassured that any development would have to adhere to a Section 106 agreement with the DNPA which sets out the criteria that those people who would wish to be considered for occupation of the houses, would have to adhere to. So any concern that anyone might have had that people from outside the area/county etc, could move into one of our houses has been allayed.
6. We have discussed what sort of mix of houses would be built i.e. two or three bedroom units, and we have been advised that this would depend on the need at the time of build.
7. The biggest hurdle to get over with regard to affordable housing is finance – both nationally and locally. At the start of our work the group sent a letter to every district councillor, all Members of the DNPA and to a number of other organisations such as the National Farmers Union. In July, the Parish Council decided that it was time to write again to the District Councillors updating them on our work and asking for their support both in principle and financially. We had a very encouraging response from a number of district councillors culminating in a meeting with Cllr Mike Saltern and his senior officers – we were advised at this meeting that the Council wanted our project to happen and that they would endeavour to make funds available but did stress that monies would also have to come from the Homes and Communities Agency and Hastoe in order for the sums to add up.
8. In October two of the group attended the Community Council of Devon’s Annual Conference held near Bideford where the subject for discussion was affordable housing in rural areas. Princess Anne opened the event and one of the main speakers was Dr Stuart Burgess the Chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities. All the speakers supported the need for local housing but we came away with the feeling that they were ‘preaching to the converted’ without any real message of how to achieve our goal.
9. Our meetings during the year with Vaughan Lake, the Hastoe Housing Association representative have centred around the delivery of our project. Site acquisition, planning, design of the housing and of course funding - all of our advisers have been involved in these discussions.
10. So where are we now? We had planned to meet with Hastoe at the end of January when the state of play nationally regarding funding from the HCA would be known. Following this there would have been a public meeting where all aspects of our scheme would have been discussed. However our meeting was postponed by Hastoe because the decision on HCA funding has been delayed (considerably) – due to significant changes being made by the Coalition Government in the processes for the delivery and funding of affordable homes.
11. Our latest missive from Vaughan Lake advises: ‘Our scheme is within Hastoe’s programme and is being progressed and discussions are taking place with the DNPA and SHDC. The Housing Association has to formulate a financial package for all the schemes in its programme and submit it to the HCA by the 3rd May. This is expected to be agreed in July.’ Until then there is little any of us can do except wait. We are expecting to meet with Vaughan Lake at some stage to discuss the feasibility plan proposal and timescales for a planning submission but we do not know yet when that meeting will take place. We will continue to keep the parishioners informed through the Link and the Holybrook Exchange.
- Will there be a consultation process with parishioners prior to planning consent being obtained.
- Yes, parishioners will get their say before the final planning application goes in. Although
finance and planning runs sided by side. There will be a public meeting.
Bill Allen, DNPA Ranger
Has been a Ranger for DNPA for 22 years. Have recently changed areas and he now covers Holne. His main responsibility is the public rights of way. With the visitor season about to start – Newbridge and Spitchwick will be key areas for him. As part of the 60th anniversary of the DNPA – he has arranged a Teddy Bear’s Picnic on 11th June at Vennford Reservoir and encourages as many people as possible to attend.
- How much help do you have?
- Used to work with Assistant Rangers but not any more. Covers around 40 sq miles and is helped by volunteer wardens.
Q. Problems with leat issues were raised.
A. Is aware of these.
Q. Mike Cunniam – has been digging out the leat near his property at Hill Top. However, has met
with DCC Highways Superintendent, Ian Sampson, who has agreed to dig the leat out with a digger.
Rev’d Corynne Cooper, Church of St Mary the Virgin
The church is the major facility of the community. It is always open for the whole community to enjoy. She is the vicar for Holne and team vicar for 7 other parishes. She regrets that she has not been around so much over the last 12 months due to her commitment to other parishes but active congregations and church wardens have been doing a magnificent job keeping active in the community. She thanked the Parish Council for the grant and hopes that it will consider making a grant again in the forthcoming year. Many events are planned including concerts and parishioners should look out for these being advertised.
Fleur Powell – Playpark Working Group
Following on-going funding reductions, SHDC is for a second financial year, continuing its maintenance and inspection service for the Playpark. A contribution of £100 is made by HPC.
The future after the year 2011-2012 remains uncertain. A charity is currently being set up in order to safeguard the future of the play area and to improve the appearance and equipment generally.
As well as hopefully securing funding for improvements, the aim is for the park to be self-maintaining and not rely on HPC and its parishioners to fund the Park’s upkeep directly.
The new charity which is not officially named or set up yet, wishes to confirm to Parishioners that the intension is that the Park be an inviting public space for the whole community and as such welcomes anyone interested and any ideas they wish to contribute.
John Flint – Chairman of Holne Community Shop and Tea Rooms Steering Group
It needs to be stressed that this is not ‘a them and us’ situation.
The shop is not for the benefit of the committee, other than that they are members of the community, the shop is for the benefit of the community at large. The shop serves many functions beyond the purely mundane provision of groceries, it is a meeting point, and it adds heart to the village. Together with the, Church, Pub and Village hall the shop defines the village as being a community, that it is self sufficient in mind and body united as a whole community.
We are in that stage in the development of any new business when to the outsider it may appear that nothing is happening. Nothing could be further from the truth.
On the strength of a 98% positive response from the respondents to the questionnaire sent out earlier in the year a committee of 10 has been formed, which is currently meeting fortnightly pursuing every avenue which may lead to the reopening of the shop. In this we have been advised by the Plunkett Foundation, which has advised 280 Community shops and The Community Council of Devon.
All hinges on an agreeable arrangement being made with the owner of the premises. Currently we are actively negotiating to rent the shop, so as to give us time to raise funds to buy the property at a later date, say in a year’s time. This means that by being able to trade in the meantime we can maintain good will, gain experience, profit from the Summer trading season and maintain continuity and above all convince everyone that this can be done.
Administratively, we are formalising our structure, have drawn up a Constitution, we are opening a bank account and have agreed to the form of organisation we will adopt. This is that of an Industrial Provident Society. This format enables us to raise money by selling shares which have the basis of one vote per member, however much is invested to a limit of £20,000, these shares are withdrawable, within certain limitations.
This last is the stage we have now reached and we will in the very near future be seeking from the community Pledges to buy shares and subscribe to the opening of the shop and the purchase of the premises, obviously subject to agreement with the owner. The actual share offer will then follow in a matter of weeks.
Practically, we are individually and as groups visiting other similar shops to gain advice, we are in contact with shop fitters, have formed sub groups to investigate the detailed requirements for the opening and running of both the shop and the café, while all the time actively investigating the source of grants.
As a measure of our commitment at Easter we are providing Cream Teas for three days during the book fair in the village hall. We expect everyone to be there! This is practical experience with a vengeance.
From this it will be seen that we have not been idle.
As chairman I am proud to present this report of our activities, which does credit to the commitment and enthusiasm and hard work of all members of that committee. I am confident that we will succeed.
We now look for the support from the villagers and ask them all to confirm there support by pledging their financial support to confirm and justify the commitment shown by the Holne Community Shop and Tea Room Committee, it is now in your hands.
Q. What is the annual rent?
A . It is currently being negotiated.
- Who will pay the annual rent?
A. Money is available from pledges already received to rent the shop for a year.
Peter Bellamy, Chairman, Village Hall Management Committee
There are 10 on the committee meeting every 2 months. The public are invited to attend at the start of those meetings. Two main fundraising events during the year – Plant Sale in May (profits to Village Hall) and Christmas Fair (profits split 50/50 with church). Responsible for upkeep, maintenance etc of the hall. Facilitates other groups using the hall – coffee group, whist, garden club, parish council etc. In the last year, they have purchased new double glazed windows, new curtains and a gas cylinder enclosure. Also in the process of purchasing and having fitted a new front door.
Peter advised that he is also a member of the fete committee which is planned to go ahead on 13th August.
Ross Gray – Tree Warden
Holne Moor - Protected areas of scrub regeneration (by the Sandy Way). The surviving plots of land have now been included in Holne Commoners new Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement so hopefully the surviving trees and shrubs will be able to grow on and be monitored well into the future.
Sad to report the death, n the prime of life, of the magnificent blue/green Atlantic Cedar in the churchyard which was planted by Holne Women’s Institute in 1974. This was due to Honey Fungus spotted first in June. By August the tree had completely died.
The wild central hedge between the old and new churchyards was coppiced last December in its usual 10 year cycle. This included trees dangerously overhanging Forge Cottage and Fairhaven.
The Garden Club took a coach load of us to see the magnificent tree collection at the peak of their Autumn glory which was breathtaking.
If anyone needs any help or advice relating to trees please contact Ross Gray or Ru Roberts.
APM230311.07 PUBLIC FORUM
The Holne Garden Group is continuing – a programme of events is planned and will be published. Everyone is welcome to come along to their events.
Over Easter, a 3 day book sale is planned. This will take place in the Village Hall.
Hewitt’s bench seat – why is it behind the shop and why did the Parish Council decide to relocate it into playpark?
The Chairman explained that the Parish Council is unsure how it found itself at the shop but made a decision to relocate it to Playpark at their last meeting. However, if there is a more suitable place for it, then the Parish Council would be happy to reconsider its location.
APM230311.08 CLOSE
The meeting closed at 10.00pm.
………………………………………………….. ................................................................
Cllr Gill Simpson Suzanna Hughes
Chairman Clerk
[ Back ]