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LAPFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Minutes of Lapford Parish Council Meeting Held on Wednesday 4th March 2015 - 7.30pm At the Orchard Centre

Minutes

Present: Cllr McAreavey (Chair) Cllr Doe, Cllr Hemsworth (Vice Chair) Cllr Briant-Evans, Cllr Clinch, Cllr Heal, Cllr Burrows, Cllr Phillips, Cllr Wensely, Cllr Eginton (Ward Councillor) Cllr Squires (County Councillor) Christopher Voaden (Clerk), 8 Members of the Public

Invited – Cllr John Berry, Chairman of Mid DC

01/03/15 Apologies - None

02/02/15 Declarations of Interest - None

03/03/15 Minutes of the last meeting Ref 02/15 were agreed subject to an amendment to 05/02/15. 'Clarification provided that Cllr Briant-Evans rescinded her offer to take up the interim chair due to circumstances and would review her position following the May elections. She did not resign her position as Vice Chair. She has now agreed to step down to allow Cllr Hemsworth to take up the post.. The minutes would then be signed by the Chair.

04/03/15 Open Forum for members of the public

a. Residents of Westgate attended to hear the Councils view on planning ref 15/00195/OUT | Outline for the erection of 2 dwellings | 10 Westgate Lapford Devon EX17 6QQ http://planning.middevon.gov.uk/online- applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=NJIDPQKS02T00 The residents felt that the application was no appropriate. There would be privacy issues. It was also noted that the entrance to the proposed development was to cut across a footpath. They had prepared a petition against the development and so far had 21 signatures on this. Cllr Eginton stated that a petition would only stand as one objection when the application is considered. The residents were not aware of this. As there were numerous objections, the residents were advised to prepare a standard letter of objection using valid planning grounds to pass to residents to sign which then could be passed to MDDC. The residents were appreciative of this advice.

A resolution was passed following agreement by all present allowing the Parish Council to bring forward agenda item 13 forward in the meeting.

Signed

Chair Clerk: Mr Christopher Voaden. Robin Cottage, 2 Road, Morchard Bishop Devon. EX176NZ Tel: 01363 877807 Email: [email protected] LAPFORD PARISH COUNCIL

The Parish Councillors require a site visit in order to pass comment on the application. It was advised that the site visit would be arranged by the Clerk. The resident would be able to ascertain the Parish Council’s comments on-line.

b. A MOP who resides in Popes Lane reported back on the work undertaken on the road. Further, he noted the discussions that had taken place with the Parish Council and Highways regarding water running onto the A377. After consulting with relevant parties, the work was approved. This was subject to the resident not allowing water from his property to flow onto the A377. His wanted to know why he was subjected to this requirement when others from Popes Lane allow water to flow from their property onto the A377. He wished to know where to report this. Discussion took place on this. Cllr Squires commented on the drainage situation on the A377. The resident was advised to pass any of his comments to Bob King of Highways at .

c. A MOP asked about the Old Malt Scoop Inn. The pub was for sale but recent interested parties had pulled out from the sale. There was a fear that as the tenancy expires in April 2015, the pub would potentially close. Has the Parish Council considered registering the pub as a Community Asset with MDDC Cllr Briant-Evans and Cllr Hemsworth advised the MOP that the Regeneration committee were considering the pubs status at their meetings. Registering the pub as a community asset would be put onto the agenda of the committee when they next meet on the 9th March 2015

d. Cllr John Berry spoke about the work that MDDC were undertaking to benefit the Parish. MOP’s asked specific questions regarding Lapford Railway Station. It was felt that when previous representatives from MDDC spoke to the meeting, their views on the station were not acceptable. It was felt that they are concentrating all of their efforts on the larger towns in the District. It was felt that railway hub was not beneficial as it ignores the situation that rural areas have. It was suggested that the issues at Lapford were being ignored.

05/03/15 Ratification of new Chair and Vice Chair As the Clerk had received comments from Cllr Briant-Evans regarding her status as Vice Chair, the Parish Councillors were given an opportunity to comment on and confirm the election of the Chair and Vice Chair in February. The election of Chair ad Vice Chair was ratified by agreement from all present. The position would be reviewed at the AGM in May (post elections) when a Chair and Vice Chair have to be voted in.

Signed

Chair Clerk: Mr Christopher Voaden. Robin Cottage, 2 Chulmleigh Road, Morchard Bishop Devon. EX176NZ Tel: 01363 877807 Email: [email protected] LAPFORD PARISH COUNCIL

06/03/15 Matters Arising and Outstanding Actions a. The Ride on Mower was with Crediton Tool Hire for investigation

b. Non Slip paint in the Orchard Centre had not been applied. The weather needs to warm up before this is to be undertaken.

c. Keys for the Orchard Centre. Cllr Heal will undertake this in Crediton.

07/03/15 Orchard Centre An email from a resident of Lapford had been received regarding Health and Safety issues within the Archive and Orchard Centre. This correspondence had been passed to all. It was felt that the residents experience was a one off. The Parish Council continuously reviewed Health and Safety issues for all Parish properties.

08/03/15 To receive a report on the recent Creedy LAG meeting. Cllr Briant-Evans had circulated the minutes of this meeting to all prior to the meeting. It was noted that in conjunction to the 101 telephone service, an email 101 system was now in place alongside Twitter / Facebook accounts.

09/03/15 To consider emergency planning issues – Cllr Briant-Evans informed all that an updated Emergency Plan was now in the Orchard Centre for use when needed.

10/03/15 To receive an update from the Regeneration Committee This committee has reached the stage of requiring Parish Council authority to enter into formal consultation with MDDC for plans that had been drawn up by an architect. It was again stated that Planning permission would increase the value of the property and site. IT was also noted that the Parish Council would not pay MDDC fees for the planning application.

It was proposed and agreed by all that authority to proceed with planning applications and consultation under the name of Lapford Parish Council. P- Cllr Burrows S – Cllr Heal

11/03/15 To consider TAP funding support for Coppletone Parish Council

Signed

Chair Clerk: Mr Christopher Voaden. Robin Cottage, 2 Chulmleigh Road, Morchard Bishop Devon. EX176NZ Tel: 01363 877807 Email: [email protected] LAPFORD PARISH COUNCIL

Copplestone Parish Council had asked through the Clerk to provide support for their Tap fund application for finances relating to a traffic order that was to be progressed with the Parish of Copplestone. It was noted that Lapford had received their TAP money already and would not be prejudiced by supporting Copplestone. Clerk to action.

12/03/15 Tender for grass cutting in the village during 2015. It was noted that there was no closing date for the Tender. This would be amended and a new date of the 5th April would be given for reporting back to the Council in May. Cllr Briant-Evans noted the number of cuts that have taken place. The Clerk confirmed that 10 cuts had been undertaken.

13/03/15 Finance Account Balances a. Current account - £3146.04 (including TAP fund payment - £927) b. Savings account - £4,814.28 c. Loan stock - £983.98

Payments to be agreed a. Clerk – 27 hrs @ £9.20 - £248.30 b. Electricity, Moorland View lighting - £75

All payments were agreed P – Cllr Heal S – Cllr Doe

14/03/15 District and County Councillor’s report Cllr Eginton – It his intention to stand again for District Councillor for Taw Vale in the May Elections.

Cllr Eginton also discussed the Local Plan Consultation that expired on 30/3/15. Although there was to be no development for Lapford allocated within the plan, the Parish Council could comment on the general plan if they had any strong views.

Cllr Squires – It was noted that the gritting and replacement of salt in salt bins would now continue through Highways. Budget cuts continue for the next financial year.

Signed

Chair Clerk: Mr Christopher Voaden. Robin Cottage, 2 Chulmleigh Road, Morchard Bishop Devon. EX176NZ Tel: 01363 877807 Email: [email protected] LAPFORD PARISH COUNCIL

15/03/15 Members Statements

Cllr Burrows – Informed the meeting that Lapford Football Club were progressing up the league. They had recently had success against larger teams in the league and will be playing Ashburton in the Semi Final of the Devon Senior Cup on the 6th March.

Cllr Phillips –Raises concerns about the road safety on the road from Barris to the Garage. There is no footpath from the bus stop near Highfield down and pedestrian safety is a concern. She foresees a serious accident happening and asks if any preventative measures can be undertaken? It was felt that nothing could be done as no further footpaths could be built. Sadly, an accident may occur before any action is taken. Budget restraints prevent any work being undertaken at our request.

There were no further issues for discussion and the meeting concluded at 8.55pm Date of the next meeting – Wednesday 1st April 2015

Signed

Chair Clerk: Mr Christopher Voaden. Robin Cottage, 2 Chulmleigh Road, Morchard Bishop Devon. EX176NZ Tel: 01363 877807 Email: [email protected]