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Parish Council Draft Minutes
Full details of parish council minutes are published on the parish notice boards, located at the church in Horwood, the school in Lovacott and the church in Newton Tracey.
Old copies of the parish council draft minutes can be found at Minutes for Dec 05
Minutes of a meeting of Horwood, Lovacott & Newton Tracey Parish Council held in Horwood and Newton Tracey Primary School, Lovacott, on Wednesday 11 January 2006 beginning at 7.30pm.
1 Acceptance of apologies for absence
All councillors were present, plus County Councillor Cann, District Councillor Mrs Brown, Ms Jo Cox (Rural Housing Enabler) and ten members of the public.
2 To consider co-option of a candidate to fill the vacancy for a Parish Councillor for Lovacott ward
Chairman reported that he received one letter of application for the vacancy by 31 December, from Mr T Barwise. His co-option was proposed by Cllr Ford and seconded by Cllr Williams, and approved. Clerk will invite him to attend the next meeting.
3 Declarations of interest
Cllr Mrs Burton declared an interest (pe+pr) in items 7.1 and 7.2.2.
Cllr Ford declared an interest (pe+pr) in items 7.1 and 7.2.2.
4 Approval of minutes of the meeting of 6 December 2005
The minutes were approved.
5 Matters arising from the minutes of previous meetings (for information only)
(Item 9, 12 Oct 2005): Clerk reported that a resident had complained about various problems with the 71/72 bus service. He had referred the matter to County Cllr Cann who had contacted DCC Transport Co-ordination Service. Their reply, which offers no help, came too late to add to the agenda for this meeting. It will be put on the agenda for the next meeting.
6 Reports on Devon County Council and North Devon District Council business relevant to the Parish
6.1 District Cllr Mrs Brown reported:
6.1.1 On NDDC initiatives in 2005 and likely changes in 2006.
6.1.2 A Smartcard has been introduced for use in NDDC car parks.
6.2 County Cllr Cann reported:
6.2.1 The Audit Commission has given DCC a four star ranking, the highest possible, and says the Council is improving well.
6.2.2 He described the procedure for salting the 20% of the Devon road network which is treated when there is a risk of ice.
6.2.3 He described the procedure for removing litter etc from public footpaths. Problems are investigated by the Footpath Warden and he will pick up small amounts of litter. More serious littering or fly tipping is dealt with by NDDC, and dumping by the Environment Agency.
6.2.4 Complaints have been received about fires at the Holmacott tip and the operator has been told to stop.
7 Parish planning matters:
7.1 To receive a report from Jo Cox, Rural Housing Enabler, on the Parish Housing Needs Survey and to consider what action to take
Cllrs Mrs Burton and Ford left the meeting for this item. Ms Cox reported the results of the Parish Survey (your Parish Councillor has a copy of the preliminary report) and suggested that she should now organise a meeting between herself, an affordable housing provider such as North Devon Homes, NDDC planners, and the Parish Council, and this was agreed. It was agreed that one councillor from each ward should represent the Parish Council. Ms Cox emphasised the need for people interested in affordable housing to be on the Housing Register. District Cllr Mrs Brown wondered if there are other residents who might wish to offer land for affordable housing.
7.2 To consider the following applications:
7.2.1 Application 41481: extension to dwelling; Crossroads, Newton Tracey
Cllr Ford left the meeting for this item. The application was approved.
7.2.2 Application 41405: outline application for erection of one dwelling; land to rear of Lethbridge Cottages, Lovacott
Cllr Mrs Burton left the meeting for this item. One letter opposing the application (on traffic grounds) had been received and was read to the meeting. The application was approved with three councillors in support and the rest abstaining.
7.3 To note any recent NDDC planning decisions
Application 41181: extension to agricultural buildings used to house sheep, Holmacott Farm, Instow. Approved.
8 Financial matters:
8.1 To accept the parish grant and precept for 2006/7
8.2 Clerk reported that a parish grant of £818 and a precept of £1882 has been offered and this was accepted.
9 Parish highway matters:
9.1 To review progress on previous requests for work and to note any work to be requested (next Lengthmen visit 2 and 6 February 2006)
The following previous requests were reviewed:
9.1.1 Clear drains through Newton Tracey: not done
9.1.2 Potholes on the B3232 on Belladown Hill: done but lots of potholes elsewhere on B3232
9.1.3 Flooding between Lovacott and Lovacott Green: done
9.1.4 Gutters in Marsh Lane, Lovacott, blocked with leaves: not done
9.1.5 Missing traffic signs on B3232 just south of Rooty Cross: not thought to be replaced yet
9.1.6 Missing ‘beware of horses’ sign near Horwood; not replaced yet.
Clerk will report these items. A discussion then ensued about the narrow parts of the B3232 near Stoneylands where two serious accidents have occurred in the last few days. Strong views were expressed about the danger of this piece of road. It was felt that the white lines at the edge of the road cause vehicles to drive further from the edge, thereby increasing the danger. It was felt that some minor works could improve safety at modest expense. Clerk was asked to write to DCC accordingly, copy to County Cllr Cann. District Cllr Mrs Brown advised that anyone who has a near-miss should report it to the police so that they build up a record of particularly hazardous parts of the road.
10 To consider whether new councillors should attend a one day course at Blue Coat Centre, Torrington, on 27 February 2006
It was agreed that the Parish Council would pay the £25 course fee for recently appointed councillors who wish to attend; Clerk will ask Mr Barwise if he wishes to attend.
11 Opportunity for the public to raise matters not on the agenda appropriate to the Parish Council
A resident drew attention to the large amount of rubbish, including fly tipping, on the verges between Lovacott and Rooty Cross. Clerk will report, copy to District Cllr Mrs Brown.
12 To agree date of next meeting (presently scheduled for 8 February)
The date was agreed. The meeting closed at 8.50pm.
J Page
Clerk to the Council
17 February 2006
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