Kingsteignton Parish Council s8

KINGSTEIGNTON TOWN COUNCIL FULL COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON WEDNESDAY 2 JULY, 2014

Present: Mayor: Councillor C Meathrel Deputy Mayor: Councillor R Harris Councillors: B Austen, K Jones, J Morris, R Peart, D Rollason, G Wickham District Councillor M Walters Ellen Grindley, Mid Devon Advertiser 7 members of the Public Town Clerk: Mrs C Lakin

Presentation of Past Mayor’s Badge to John Foxwell

John Foxwell was unable to attend the meeting.

Police Report

The following report was received from PCSO T Ballman:

Active Priorities Our top priorities for our neighbourhood are as follows:

 ASB - Parks Kingsteignton

 High Visibility Patrols - Kingsteignton

With the longer and lighter evenings and the school summer holidays approaching we are expecting a minor rise in anti-social behavior in our parks and other hot spots such as the fountain. We will be carrying out more night time patrols in our hotspot areas to combat and reduce this. Upcoming Police Surgery Dates 23 Jul Police Kingsteignton Town Council Offices, Community Hall 2014 Surgery Rydon Road Kingsteignton TQ12 3LP 10.00

11 Aug Police Kingsteignton Town Council Offices, Community Hall 2014 Surgery Rydon Road Kingsteignton TQ12 3LP 14.00

22 Sep Police Kingsteignton Town Council Offices, Community Hall 2014 Surgery Rydon Road Kingsteignton TQ12 3LP 14.00

29 Oct Police Kingsteignton Town Council Offices, Community Hall 2014 Surgery Rydon Road Kingsteignton TQ12 3LP 10.00

1 19 Nov Police Kingsteignton Town Council Offices, Community Hall 2014 Surgery Rydon Road Kingsteignton TQ12 3LP 10.00

1 Dec Police Kingsteignton Town Council Offices, Community Hall 2014 Surgery Rydon Road Kingsteignton TQ12 3LP 10.00

Public Participation

Mr Besant, Kingsteignton Senior Citizen Club had attended the meeting to pass a copy of a letter from Anne Marie Morris MP concerning Oakford Lawn and a postcode for the Senior Citizen Hall. The Clerk will take copies of the letters and return the originals to Mr Besant

County Councillor T Dempster’s Report

The following report was received from Cllr Dempster:

Planning Application DCC3679/2014

1. ECC International Higher Brooks Plantation at Teigngrace Requirement for installation of plant for drying lignite from adjacent ball clay works and imported wood chips for blending into fuel pellets.

2. A30/A303 Improvements The initial plans under consideration between Honiton and Broadway are to be shown at the Beehive, Honiton on Wednesday 9th July 2pm-7pm

3. The People Scrutiny meeting held last week gave no reprieve from the DCC’s decision to close the Care Homes in Devon. Only two will remain.

4. Public Health Devon has a new website Get Active Devon, a tool for use by health professionals to promote physical activity amongst their patients based on their health needs and location

5. Devon Waste Plan the plans were sent to the government for scrutiny and the first examination hearings will start July 15th at County Hall and subsequent meetings will continue through to the 23rd July

District Councillors Reports

Report from Cllr B Austen

It is now possible to register online so that you can vote in elections or referendum on line. Registration is simple and takes about five minutes provided that you are already on the electoral register and can give your National Health Number or, if you live abroad, your passport number. It is intended to bring the electoral system into the 21st Century. There will, of course, still be locally held election facilities for those who prefer the present system, or the postal vote.

2 I spoke to Sam Partridge last week about the decisions for asset management particularly in relation to the British Legion, Cottey Meadow and the Greenhill Industrial site. I was pleased Parishes, Towns and Ward Members have now received the information this week and thought they had been a bit long winded in coming back to us.

Detailed plans have now been submitted for Penns Mount following the approval of outline permission earlier this year. Likewise New Cross, so we could anticipate building commencing later this year, though, of course, there is scope for amendments when the detailed applications are heard. The most effective argument against these applications is the lack of adequate facilities needed to cope with the increased number of population and we should seek conditions to meet those contingencies.

Teignbridge has launched a programme of Great Outdoor Workouts. From the 7th July members may attend free to enjoy exercise sessions out of doors at leisure centres. Full details are on the Website.

Report from Cllr M Walters

Repairs in Hackney Marshes

During June 25-27th TDC Rangers will have undertaken some stream bank repairs at Hackney Marshes close to the racecourse boundary and metal bridge. This is the section of stream which has a sandy base and is very popular with people and their dogs going in to cool off, particularly in warm weather. This is a long established use and is localised and so probably protects disturbance in other parts of the reserve.

CCTV in Newton Abbot

NEWTON Abbot's under-threat CCTV coverage is set to be saved by the community. The keys and management for the system are to be handed to a new organisation which is stepping up to make sure residents and businesses have a safe and secure town centre after Teignbridge Council pulled the plug on funding. The newly-formed, not-for-profit company Newton Abbot Security Trust is ready to take over the running of the service. Tom Hirst, of NAST, said: "We have the keys and David Austin, of department store Austins is the guardian until the trust has been formulated and the lease has been signed.

3 Future ICT

This month the shared ICT service Plan C (now called Strata Service Solutions Ltd) with Exeter and East Devon Councils on the basis of the Plan C business case, is to be presented to the O&S Committee on the 7th July. I attended a meeting on 16th June at Exeter Racecourse where the three councils’ representatives presented a comprehensive progress report. It is anticipated that the plan will then go to the Full Council at the end of July for adoption TDC e-Academy Teignbridge leads the e-Academy consortium which is made up of Dartmoor National Park Authority, East Devon District Council, Mid Devon District Council, South Hams District Council, South Somerset District Council, Teign Housing and West Devon District Council. The e-Academy is an online learning programme of more than 200 courses, covering topics including business skills, customer skills, management skills and information management. The courses give staff the skills they need to provide even higher standards of customer service to residents while remaining cost-effective and efficient. The e-Academy was launched by Teignbridge in October 2011 together with eLearning provider Learning Nexus. As a Portfolio Holder, I am delighted to welcome both Exmoor and Yorkshire Dales on board. The continued development of the e-Academy really helps create a sustainable future particularly in challenging times when resources are increasingly becoming limited. These days, time is money and we all want staff to deliver the best and most professional service possible to customers while providing great value for money frontline services. It’s really positive that TDC can deliver this type of collaborative training model with other councils and public sector organisations.”

Self-Build

TDC has decided to force developers to make land available to people who want to build their own home. The Council has written the policy into its new local plan. .It says that any developer who gets permission for 20 houses or more must make 5% of the land available to self-builders to buy. The Council believes it could result in 400 new self-build homes over the next 20 years.

A land agent told the council more than 3,000 customers had paid subscriptions to search for residential plots in Teignbridge since 2001,

4 indicating a high demand. Planning Minister Nick Boles said: "I'm delighted the policy is in there. It is a first. It is genuinely ground-breaking stuff.

He also said that he hoped other councils would follow the Teignbridge's policy B3193 On 13th June I accompanied the MP Anne Marie Morris on the Schools day on the new B3193 where the schools competed with timed races along a stretch of the new road. Gary Stringer and a representative from Dawnus also attended. The event was run by Vanessa New of Teign School. It is anticipated that the new road will be opened officially in late August all being well. Kingsteignton Library I have contacted Roger Croad of DCC who has agreed to meet with the Friends of the Library to discuss possible developments in the service provided by our library. The date of the meeting is currently being negotiated. Community Infrastructure Levy I requested that the TDC officer with this responsibility should produce a brief for Town and Parish Councillors to explain the workings of CIL. The briefing is attached as an Appendix to my report.

Community Infrastructure Levy for Parish / Town Councils - Key Points CIL

- Levy on new development to support development of the area - With “Sound” Local Plan adopted and “Sound” CIL charging structure, Teignbridge will commence CIL charging on some liable development from mid-October. - CIL charges vary with settlements depending on economic factors and affordable housing requirements. - Charges are based on size of development (square meters of floor area). - CIL payments do not begin until construction commences and the payments are phased over 24 months.

Liable Development

- Market Housing (not affordable housing) - Home Extensions of over 100m2 (which is about the size of a 3 bed detached) - Conversion / Change of Use / redevelopment only NEW area of development will be charged (discount re-developed existing areas)

5 - Retail development outside town centre shopping areas (Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish, Bovey, Chudleigh) - A new home which qualifies as a self-build or custom build will be exempt from paying. To qualify as self-build the applicant must live in the dwelling as their primary residence for three years following completion (no letting or second homes).

Teignbridge CIL Implementation

- CIL may be liable on any development permitted after from mid October 2014 (this applies to when the decision notice is issued; not when applied for or when committee makes recommendation). - When CIL payments are received by the District, they must pass 15% (or 25% when an adopted Neighbourhood Plan is in place prior to permission) to the Parish/Town council. Payments must be made by 28 April for receipts collected from 1st Oct to 31st March, and by 28 October for receipts collected between 1st April and 30th September. - Parish/Town Councils will have to prepare and annual report of all CIL received and spent (as set out in CIL Regulation 62A)

Spending CIL

- Town/Parish councils can spend their CIL on “the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure; or anything else that is concerned with addressing the demands that development places on an area.” - Teignbridge and Devon County have outlined strategic infrastructure requirements in the Infrastructure Delivery Plan. Town/Parish Councils can contribute their CIL toward this infrastructure (e.g. schools and roads, green spaces) or other projects as they consider appropriate. Given that permissions issues in late 2014 will not likely commence before spring 2015, and that CIL is not payable until 6 months after commencement, it is unlikely that any significant CIL funds will be received until 2016 and onward.

MINUTES OF THE FULL COUNCIL MEETING HELD IN THE COMMUNITY HALL, RYDON ROAD, KINGSTEIGNTON ON WEDNESDAY 2 JULY, 2014 AT 7.15 PM

107/14 Apologies

Apologies were received from Cllrs A Lonsdale, M Stevenson and B Thorne.

108/14 Declaration of Interest

There were no declarations of interest.

6 109/14 Mayor’s Report

Wednesday 4th June – Presentation of cheque to Maggie Bonnell of Kingscare, at Full Council meeting. See Minutes for details.

Friday, June 6th - I attended an early morning meeting to discuss the way forward in the wake of Cllr Liz Foxwell resignation with Tony Dolan, Teign School re: Kingsteignton Town Youth Committee. A number of issues were raised by Tony and I assured him and the school that KTC wishes to develop and maintain this newly formed organisation. CBM asked and sought clarification on computer contacts and addresses. KTC contact via Mr Dolan.

Friday, June 6th - I attended the Devon Strategic Partnership meeting in the Coaver Conference Centre, Devon County Hall, Exeter - along with Cllr Graham Wickham and a number of persons representing a wide range of organisations and agencies throughout Devon and beyond. This meeting is arranged to update those present about the events, practices, future development and scope effecting Devon.

Tuesday, 10th June – Meeting of KTYC in Mary Hall Suite. Interesting evenings with many new experiences, for the youth councillors present to absorb. So much to learn and understand, without any real training being given or available. I am grateful for the support from Harry Allen (Youth Mayor) and Tony Dolan (Teign Academy tutor responsible for the group). See Minutes for details.

Thursday 12th June – Invited to attend a Newton Abbot and District Labour Party meeting in the Mary Hall Suite. I was interested to hear the different points of view; inform them of the councillor vacancies and inform the group of the work being done by KTC. One item that strongly came out of this meeting was the fact that four people had difficulties with hearing due to the sound effects and noise from the main hall picked up and amplified by the loop system. KTC clerk asked to check this matter.

Monday 16th June – Joined members of Timeteign and the Devon Archaeological Society on a visit to the Natural History Museum, taking in two main exhibitions entitled BRITAIN: One Million Years of Human History, and MAMMOTHS: Ice Age Giants. Part of the rich human story of Kingsteignton is in the form of the Zitherixon Idol (aka Kingsteignton Idol) which has links to the first exhibit. An interesting day at the NHM, London.

Thursday 19th June – Visited Teign Academy. Held discussion with Tony Dolan about the minutes and agenda for the KTYC and how we proceed with

7 the group and the effect on changes to councillors when the new educational year starts after July-August 2014 holidays.

Monday 23rd June – Attended the Raising of the Armed Forces Flag at Old Ford House, Newton Abbot. This was an opportunity for me to meet many local Mayors from around the district.

Wednesday 25th June – Meeting with Mr Tony Dolan, KTYC tutor at Teign Academy. A discussion on how KTYC are required to approve there Minutes from February, April and June 2014. CBM highlighted the errors and corrections to ensure all youth councillors can understand why and what was being asked.

Wednesday 25th June – Mayor held several meeting in relation to local matters with town councillors around Kingsteignton. Visited TDC offices to seek advice, obtain answers and information; in regard to topical issues.

Thursday 26th June – Met with ex-mayor John Foxwell to invite him to next full council meeting for the Past Mayors Presentation ceremony. He agreed to attend.

Saturday 28th June – Met with residents and examined flash flooding along Newton Road. I inspected the drainage and traffic issues over a 24 hour period at this site.

Monday 30th June – Spoke with Mr Bearne, owner of 14 Pottery Cottages, Newton Road. Inspected the drainage and flooding issues causing concern around the area.

Monday 30th June – Attended the Timeteign “Summer Special” event at Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) along with other members and guests from around Teignbridge. Talk and walk by Bill Horner, DAS/DCC, on the archaeology of Haldon and the lithics in the area. After a steep cliff to the top of Lawrence Castle, we were treated to panoramic views over Devon, followed by history of DHBT and Haldon Belvedere, by Chair Sue Spackman.

110/14 Minutes

The Mayor presented the minutes of the Full Council meeting held on 4 June, 2014.

Cllr Harris raised concerns on item 103/14 and said:

8 I have issues with minute numbered 103/14

I saw this on the agenda before I left for my holiday. The Agenda item reads “Improving Town Centre Plan – KCPIG looking for support and funding to start project – Cllr Peart to report”. No papers were enclosed giving further details.

I see from the minute that the council has agreed to “provide funds to the sum of £4000 to the Town Enhancement Team for further research to be carried out”. No further explanation is given.

I was not at the meeting and so I ‘m thinking as a Kingsteignton resident and community taxpayer, this looks odd.

On what, exactly, is the money to be spent?

How is the amount made up, who is it to be paid to, and is any of the £1500 grant monies previously provided by this Council to the group included in this project expenditure?

Who is to be the project manager and what outcomes are to be expected?

Which Council budget line is it coming from?

I’m thinking that this does not look good from the council’s point of view.

Looking into the detail of what is recorded in the minute I see that it was proposed by the Vice Chair of the Council Finance Committee, who is also the Chair of the Kingsteignton Community Plan Implementation Group, the whimsically named KC PiG, and seconded by the Mayor, who was, I believe, at the time acting Treasurer of the said organisation. Neither of these councillors had declared any interest in the agenda item, and, although they are under no obligation so to do, all councillors are repeatedly reminded of the benefits of doing so.

I’m now thinking that this looks bad from the council’s point of view.

I then remember that last year, this Council gave the treasurer of our swimming pool a hard time when a grant request was made by the committee for a sum of £2000. The council did not show itself in a good light, asking for further information and seeking to delve into the finances of the pool.

This year, the council has voted to review the Bowling Club rent on an annual basis instead of three yearly and to look to obtaining a higher return on the council’s asset.

These actions make the council look very bad

After the bad publicity caused by the public debate on the swimming pool finances and now a similar situation brewing over the Bowling Club, I find it

9 frankly quite unbelievable that the Council should vote away £4000 in this manner, especially when there are other more valid pressures building regarding the Youth Centre and the Library.

Those of us who were involved in the compilation of the original Community Plan will remember that, at the time of the survey, the standing of the local council in the eyes of respondents was as low as it could be. Ranking 11 local services in order of 1 for good to 11 for bad, this council came 11 th. (March 2010 report page 8). It seems that the council has not progressed in the slightest.

So the Clerk has taken advice on this minute as she was not comfortable with the validity of the vote proposed and seconded by members of the beneficiary group and voted by other connected councillors who had not even declared their association on the Members Register held by the District Council. The advice has been circulated and councillors can accept it and re-visit this proposal and address the deficiencies, which I would encourage them to do,

This council can ignore the advice, press on with the resolution, without satisfactory accountability, openness and transparency and suffer the public reaction.

I do not recommend this as I can see the headline now

“KC Piggies Snort Funds from Council Funding Trough”

Discussion took place and Cllr Meathrel proposed that this item should be referred to an Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Full Council which was to be called on 23 July, 2014 to discuss the potential of a Neighbourhood Plan. Seconded by Cllr Jones. Agreed

Cllr Rollason proposed that the Full Council minutes for 4 June, 2014 be adopted excluding item no: 103/14. Seconded by Cllr Austen and agreed.

111/14 Clerk’s Report

10 The Clerk reported that the brick built bus shelter at Five Lanes had been demolished by Dawnus/Sibelco during the road layout works in this area. She had spoken with Keith Lee, Sibelco concerning this and had been informed that the bus shelter where the brick built shelter had been was being relocated nearer to Hele Road and there was not sufficient room for a shelter at this position. Mr Lee also said that the shelter on the opposite side of the road at Five Lanes backing on to the playing field would also be relocated to fit in with the layout of the new road.

The Clerk informed Mr Lee that both of these shelters were owned by the Town Council and they had been unaware of the demolition of the brick shelter and the repositioning of the other. The Council had not been consulted on this at all and Mr Lee said that he would look into this matter and come back to the office. The Clerk will chase this matter regularly until a response is received.

The Clerk reported that a tree had been pushed over at Clifford Park and Mr Turner and Mr Hedges had removed this and made the remaining part of the trunk safe.

Councillors were informed that the Council Office would be closed on Thursday 10 July, 2014 as the Clerk would be attending a Local Council Finance Workshop and Mrs Lowe was on annual leave.

112/14 Committee Reports

Community Hall/The Fountain Committee: Cllr Rollason presented the minutes of the meeting held on 11 June, 2014.

Cllr Rollason said that item 59/14 Building Portfolio Document – he had been asked to prepare this document under item no: 36/14.

Cllr Rollason proposed that the minutes be adopted, seconded by Cllr Wickham and agreed.

11 Recreation/Footpaths Committee: Cllr Meathrel presented the minutes of the meeting held on 11 June, 2014. Cllr Meathrel proposed that the minutes be adopted, seconded by Cllr Morris and agreed.

Finance Committee: Cllr Harris presented the minutes of the meeting held on 18 June, 2014.

Cllr Jones said that he was not very happy with item no: 53/14 Licence for Kingsteignton Bowling Club and would like to propose that this item be referred to the September Full Council meeting for further discussion. Seconded by Cllr Morris and agreed.

Cllr Harris proposed that the minutes be adopted, seconded by Cllr Jones and agreed.

Works, Services & Planning Committee: Cllr Peart presented the minutes of the meetings held on 4 & 18 June, 2014. Cllr Peart proposed that the minutes be adopted. Seconded by Cllr Meathrel and agreed.

Extra-Ordinary Full Council meeting: Cllr Meathrel presented the minutes of the meeting held on 30 April, 2014. Cllr Meathrel proposed that the minutes be adopted, seconded by Cllr Austen.

Working Party for Kingsteignton Youth Centre: Cllr Austen presented the minutes of the meeting held on 11 June, 2014. Cllr Austen proposed that the minutes be adopted, seconded by Cllr Rollason and agreed.

113/14 Setting up of a Staff Committee

This matter was referred from the May Full Council meeting for approval of the chair and members of this Committee. It was agreed that Cllr Rollason

12 would be chair and members would be Cllr Meathrel and the Town Clerk Mrs C Lakin.

114/14 Representative Reports

Teignbridge Neighbourhood Watch – Cllr Meathrel reported on the recent meeting.

Stover Canal Trust – the following report was given by Cllr Wickham:

On the 19 June I attended, as the representative of the Council, a joint meeting of the Trustees and Management Committee at Newton Abbot Town Hall. The following were among topics reported on or discussed.

New Towpath from Jetty March to Old Exeter Road

Following complaints that the new pathway had been used by cyclists and horse riders, notice boards would be erected at both ends of the path reminding users that the path was for pedestrians only.

Actions following recent Flood Damage

Recent work parties had repaired damage to the towpath. A concrete pad is being constructed on the base of the towpath by Old Exeter Road to prevent the base being washed away.

Archaeological dig at Ventiford

This was, as reported in the Mid Devon Advertiser, a great success. A detailed report is awaited.

Teignbridge to Ventiford Cycleway

Detailed plans for this cycleway come trail close to the Canal and “sponsored” by DCC were discussed and agreed. Formal letters of support would be sent by Teignbridge District Council, Newton Abbot Town Council, Teigngrace Village Council and Stover Canal Trust.

Planning of future work between Old Exeter Road and Ventiford

There was detailed discussion as to whether to dredge parts of the Canal before letting water in. On the Wilts and Berks Canal water had been let in first which had attracted water voles and great crested newts. Clearing the affected area of these creatures had been a costly exercise before dredging

13 could start. The trust would need to investigate where the silt from the dredging could be deposited.

Long term plans

The trust would like to acquire the Clay Cellars and “Scrap Yard” by the bridge over the Canal. Both purchases would be expensive. The Clay Cellars were of historical interest but it is likely that the Scrap Yard site would be likely to come on the market first.

Insurances

The trust already had public liability and other insurances. Following recommendation from me (as a Retired Chartered Insurance Practitioner) it was agreed to arrange Trustee liability cover through the present “provider”, the Inland Waterways Association.

I shall be pleased to enlarge on any of the points in this report

Teignbridge Archaeological Society – Cllr Meathrel reported

Teignbridge Archaeological Society Report to the Full Kingsteignton Town Council, meeting held in the Mary Hall Suite, Rydon Road.

 Stover Canal Dig in May 2014 was very successful for the Trust and several TimeTeign members volunteered to assist with the dig. See www.timeteign.org.uk for more details and images of dig.

 Cllr Chris Meathrel – Chair, Timeteign reported that the Society’s website has been updated with a current list of events, reports and activities planned and linked with other Devon based organisations.

 Reported on the successful event held on 16th June, at the Natural History Museum. Exhibitions visited included BRITAIN: One Million Years of the Human Story, plus MAMMOTHS: Ice Age Giants.

 Monday 30th June – TimeTeign held their first “Summer Special” at Haldon Belvedere (Lawrence Castle) with the co-operation of the Devon Archaeological Society, Devon County Council and the Devon Historic Buildings Trust. Bill Horner was the speaker on the archaeology and lithics of Haldon Hill and the site around the Castle.

14 Sue Spackman, chair, DHBT spoke on the history and work undertaken by the Trust. A cheque for £25 was presented to the Haldon Belvedere for help towards the maintenance of the building.

Ball Clay Heritage Society - Cllr Harris reported:

The “Pop-Up Museum” proposal is progressing. An application for £8000 funding to the Heritage Lottery ~Fund (quite a long document) was submitted on behalf of BCHS in May, and Sibelco, Imerys and BCHS have each pledged £500 towards the project whose total cost is budgeted at £9500. HLF are expected to review the application in July, so that if all goes well the project could be up and running from August. Both Teign School and Rydon Primary School in Kingsteignton have agreed to involve their pupils in the project.

115/14 Kingsteignton Youth Centre/Services – Up-date

Cllr Austen said that the minutes from the Working Party had been presented at this meeting together with a copy of the Aims and Objectives and what has happened to date. She said that Cllr Rollason and she were meeting with officers from Devon County council on 17 July, 2014 to discuss the way forward with the management and finances of the Youth Centre and that she had been talking to them today saying that as Freeholders of the property the town council should have keys to the building. Cllr Austen has arranged to borrow a set of keys for a week or so in case the council wish to show anyone around the premises. One member of staff at the Youth Centre will be leaving in three weeks’ time and those keys will then be handed to the Town Council permanently.

116/14 Kingsteignton Library – Up-date

Cllr Peart said that he had attended the last meeting of the Friends of Kingsteignton Library where they discussed where they were at. The Friends have agreed to take the building work forward, which Dawnus have said they would do for them.

15 Cllr Meathrel invited Mrs Thompson to update the council on how things are progressing. Mrs Thompson said that she had attended a big meeting in Exeter with a Librarian a week ago where Cllr Croude had been in attendance. There was a presentation from another authority which gave the benefits of all libraries being run in a voluntary manner. Mrs Thompson said that she had been trying to get Cllr Croude to attend their next meeting to be held on 9 July, 2014 at the Library at 6pm

Mrs Thompson said that at the meeting at Exeter they had been advised that they did not have to present a Business Plan as they had originally thought, however, they have put together a list of opportunities that would enhance the libraries fund raising ability for Devon County Council Library Service. The Library’s aim is to work in partnership with DCC to the benefit of the town. Petitions have been signed. DCC want libraries to continue running but it will not be feasible for Kingsteignton to do that completely voluntarily.

Mrs Thompson invited councillors to attend their meeting on Wednesday 9 July, at 6pm at the Library. Cllr Meathrel said that their meeting coincides with a council meeting on that evening.

117/14 Kingsteignton Town Youth Council – Update

Cllr Meathrel said that he had been in contact with Tony Dolan, Teign School and the Youth Council will be holding a meeting this month to confirm the minutes for the February, April and June meetings. The Youth Council have issued a questionnaire on Clifford Park, Kingsteignton Youth Centre and Kingsteignton Library and Cllr Meathrel expects to receive the results from this shortly.

118/14 KCPIG/KCPIG Town Centre Steering Group – Update

Cllr Rollason said that they were a small group who meet fairly regularly. The council had seen the presentation at the last meeting and the group were trying to progress the plan and troubleshoot along the way. He said that the group had budget issues but were keen to look at the structure of the group to see if it wouldn’t be better aligned within the council. Cllr Rollason said that

16 members were reviewing their role in KCPIG and whether it has a function in the future.

The Group are looking to address financial issues and will be further developing a specification for experts to draw up detailed plans and costings.

119/14 Correspondence

There was no correspondence

120/14 Late Correspondence

An email has been received from Mr S Partridge, TDC concerning their Asset Review of its land and buildings. A final report on these assets is to be considered at the TDC Executive meeting to be held in July and Kingsteignton Town Council were asked for comments on disposal of the following assets:

 Cottey Meadow, Kingsteignton

 Greenhill Industrial Estate, Kingsteignton

 Longford Lane, Kingsteignton. Royal British Legion Car Park.

Councillors had been passed a copy of this information prior to the meeting and discussion took place.

Cottey Meadow: the Town Council had discussed this previously and were not interested in taking on the operation of this parking area. TDC said that there was no viability for any other use and their recommendation was to obtain outline planning consent and dispose

Longford Lane, Royal British Legion Car Park – the Town Council had discussed this previously and wished to see the site continue to be leased to

17 the RBL. Recommendation from TDC to retain asset or offer for sale to the RBL as a special purchaser.

Greenhill Industrial Estate - the Town Council has requested to be kept aware of future proposals for this site. This site had strong residential potential but requires conservation area considerations. TDC’s recommendation was to obtain outline planning consent and dispose.

Cllr Meathrel asked the meeting if they should look at the Greenhill Industrial Estate land and consider whether it was worth purchasing as an asset for Kingsteignton Town Council.

Discussion took place and the following points were raised:

 At the June Full Council meeting Cllr Walters had raised the matter of houses being built on the Bropax Site, Gestridge Road, to which the town council had objected, as this was a potential loss of industrial units. Disposal of Greenhill Industrial Estate by TDC is another loss of industrial units for Kingsteignton. It was felt that the attitude of TDC towards Kingsteignton residents was poor, with no offer of assistance to help sustain our community.

 Kingsteignton Town Council should raise as many objections as possible about the development within the Conservation are.

 This site was an old farmyard and the buildings have historic interest

 Kingsteignton does not have the required amount of industrial sites it needs to provide employment for the population now. The population of Kingsteignton is going to increase and talking about getting rid of our work sites is not agreeable.

 The industrial units are fully let on an “Excluded Tenancy” and it is thought that the leases are time restricted.

 The Council could consider submitting an Expression of Interest which if accepted would provide the council with 6 months to look into the possibilities for this site

18  Originally when this matter was considered the Local Plan had not been actioned and passed. In the Local Plan the proposed industrial site on the other side of the by-pass had been allocated, but the Inspector rejected this, so the site that was going to compensate and provide the residents with work space within Kingsteignton is not happening. Now TDC are taking away the site we do have.

 Kingsteignton is way below the required levels of employment needed and the town council should continue to put in strong objections that this site should not be changed from industrial to residential.

Cllr Austen proposed that a strong letter should be sent to TDC along the above lines. Seconded by Cllr Peart and agreed.

A letter has been received from DCC re the Residential Review that has been carried out and a copy of this will be forwarded to councillors for information.

A thank you letter has been received from Kingsteignton Library for the grant they received from the Town Council.

The meeting closed at 8.45pm

Signed:…………………………………….. Dated:……………………………….