-71-

Minutes of the Meeting of the Ottery St Mary Town Council held on Monday 7th December 2015 in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Ottery St Mary at 7pm

PRESENT Mayor Councillor Dobson (Town Ward). Councillors Holmes, Carter, Faithfull, Giles, Pang, (Town Ward), L Harding (Tipton St John). Mitchell, Talbot, Bailey and Hall (West Hill Ward). Bartlett, Gori (North Ward) together with the Town Clerk

OTHERS PRESENT:- PCSO Maria Clapp, DCC Cllr Wright, five members of the public and two local newspaper reporters

The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting

Prayer The Clerk read the Council prayer

15/12/01 To receive Apologies for absence Apologies were received from Councillors Pratt and Edwards and EDDC Cllr Coppell

15/12/02 To receive Declarations of interest for items on the Agenda and receipt of requests for new Disclosable Pecuniary Interests (DPIs) dispensations for items on the Agenda. Cllrs Bailey and Talbot declared personal interests in respect of Item 15 (Consideration of West Hill` application to become an independent Parish Council and the Town Council`s proposed submission statement to return to East Devon District Council) Cllr Giles declared a DPI in respect of item 20 (Ottery Hospital) as he was involved with persons seeking a judicial review. He left the room whilst the item was being discussed

15/12/03 In consideration of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960 (publicity would be prejudicial to the public interest by reason of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted): to agree any items to be dealt with after the public and press have been excluded.

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-72-

It was RESOLVED that item 27 be taken in CONFIDENTIAL SESSION owing to its commercial sensitivity

15/12/04 To receive the Minutes of the Full Council Meeting of 2nd November 2015 (minute refs 15/11/01-15/11/28) and of the Extraordinary Meeting of 23rd November 2015 (minute refs 15/11/29-15/11/39) Both sets of minutes were presented, approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record

15/12/05 To receive the Minutes of the Planning Committee Meetings of 3rd November 2015 (minute ref P/15/11/01 – P/15/11/09) 16th November 2015 (minute ref P/15/11/10 – P/15/11/19) 30th November 2015 (minute ref P/15/11/20 – P/15/11/30) The three sets of minutes were presented, approved and signed by the Mayor as a correct record

Cllr Giles raised concerns regarding the Council`s comments submitted to EDDC appertaining to a number of recent planning applications and the manner in which they had been formulated. He was of the opinion that planning training was required by the Council`s Planning Committee to ensure future decisions were formulated in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework as he was of the view that this was not being properly implemented presently. The Deputy Mayor agreed that it was extremely important that the Committee did receive planning training which he had endeavoured to obtain for several years but to no avail. He welcomed any training if and when it was available and requested Cllr Giles` assistance in procuring it

15/12/06 To receive a Police Report OTTERY ST MARY POLICE REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2015

Recorded crimes for November 2015 stands at 26, this compares to 20 for the same month last year. Cumulative crime stands at 142. These incidents include..... 11 Assaults. Theft from a motor vehicle, where the number plate was stolen. Vehicle on driveway. Burglary from a building site. Entered over boundary fence, keys taken, to open containers & tools stolen. 2 incidents of threatening behaviour. Entry gained to the Salston Hotel. Smashed boarded entrance & interior doors. Nothing stolen. Unauthorised taking of a vehicle. Later found in Rockbeare. Graffiti on properties & van. Also vehicle with scratches on bonnet. Theft, where daughter had friends into the house whilst parents were away. Wardrobes were searched & Items stolen.

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-73-

Vehicle had rear windscreen smashed. Parked in disabled bay. Truck windscreens smashed, witnessed by security guard. Improper use of mobile phone.

MARIA CLAPP

Cllr Harding raised the issue of cyclists who were obstructing the pavements for pedestrians walking to church on a Sunday. PCSO Clapp would investigate the matter. It was understood that the proposed police cuts would not be as severe as first suggested which hopefully should ensure the retentions of PCSOs

15/12/07 To allow members of the public present to submit questions for consideration (Individual contributions will be limited to 3 minutes) i. Philip Algar was concerned as to the lack of entries submitted for the John Gaffney Writing Award. However with the support of Sainsburys, publicity from local radio etc he was hopeful that more entries would be generated. The closing date for entries had been extended to 31st January 2016. He also expressed concern as to the lack of information available regarding the proposed separate parish council for West Hill ii. Philip Lewis from the Ottery Refugee Response Group advised that the group had been set up to provide practical help for refugees. A `Tent` event was taking place on 12th December outside 3 Hind Street, in support of the Red Cross Emergency Refugee Crisis Appeal. There was a central distribution centre in Exeter but the Group required premises locally for the storage of clothing, bedding etc. He was seeking the help and support of the Council to try and address the problem. The Mayor advised that the Group had previously enquired about the porta cabins situated at the Station. However these were in the ownership of Devon County Council. The Mayor advised that there was a large container situated at the Station and he would investigate as to whether this could be made available for the purposes of the Group. The matter to be further discussed later in the meeting

15/12/08 To receive Reports from East Devon District Councillors and Devon County Councillor i.Cllr Giles reported that EDDC`s Overview and Scrutiny Committee had met on the 2nd December regarding the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and a possible devolution bid. (Leaders of the various authorities in the geographical area known as the Heart of the South West had been debating a possible devolution bid to Government. Administration of the draft bid is being undertaken by officers at Somerset County Council). Cllr Giles reported that EDDC had given its support in principal. However he was of the view that there should be much greater involvement by councillors of other councils in relation to the Bid and he was also of the view that the

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-74-

Heart of the SW meetings were undemocratic and that the situation needed to be urgently addressed

Cllr Giles proposed that a cycleway following the old railway track starting at Feniton, through Ottery and Tipton St John and finishing at Sidmouth (`the Otter Trail`) would be of substantial benefit. The matter had been considered previously. However funding would be required to progress this. The Mayor suggested that Cllr Giles draft a form of words to be passed to the Clerk to progress the matter ii.Cllr Faithfull attended the Town and Parish Councils meeting on 1st December at EDDC where a presentation was given by Tony Hogg. The meeting concentrated on policing and devolution iii.Cllr Carter was also present at the meeting on 1st December and commented that he was pleased that the proposed police cuts would not now be so severe iv.Cllr Wright advised that:- i. at the next full meeting of Devon County Council on 10th December, consideration would be given to delegated authority being given to the Leader (John Hart), in consultation with the Chief Executive (Phil Norrey) and Leaders of the Opposition Groups, to endorse the final submission to Government of the detailed proposition for a devolution deal in January 2016 ii. the request for the Otter Trail Cycleway to be progressed, appeared less likely now due to government cuts. However it was still on DCC`s list as a future project. iii. she would be talking to Scrutiny Chairs at DCC regarding her concerns as to the lack of time available for public speaking opportunities

15/12/09 Allotments – general update and to agree further amendments to allotment agreement The Mayor displayed photographs on screen showing the progress of the new allotments. The Allotments Management Committee had held a meeting on 25th November and two issues had been raised – the provision of sheds and poly tunnels. It was agreed that any sheds erected must be on a solid base and securely anchored down and must be of a size not exceeding 6`x 4`x6` and be kept in good condition. It was suggested they could be wood stained with dark green felt roofs. On the termination of the allotment agreement, the allotment holder must either remove the shed or pass the ownership of it to the new allotment holder. It was agreed that there should be no poly tunnels sited on the allotments. However standard size cloches would be permitted. The Management Committee would ensure that vacant plots were kept weed free by laying down a specific type of covering. It was also agreed that the Council erect a shed on one of the vacant plots in order to store tools and equipment. Cllr Faithfull advised that the tool boxes which had been provided were too small to keep large tools in. Cllr Giles suggested that the Management Committee could perhaps negotiate with a local supplier for the provision of sheds at a competitive price. The transfer of the land to the Council had not yet been completed but once the few remaining snagging works had been addressed then the transfer would be progressed

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-75-

15/12/10 Consideration of use of Porta Cabins by refugee volunteer group Cllr Giles was of the view that the Council should assist the Ottery Refugee Response Group with their storage request. Angela O`Reilly and Peter Lewis made further representations to the Council for practical help with storage provision for clothing, bedding and other items which were required for the refugees. Ms O`Reilly advised that as the Group was not formally recognised it was unable to obtain insurance provision. The Mayor advised that the Council`s insurers had expressed concern that if it was to take on the responsibility for the porta cabins (which were in the ownership of Devon County Council) on behalf of the Group then this could leave the Council open to claims which in turn could affect the Council`s premiums in the long term. It was requested that Cllr Wright approach DCC to ascertain as to whether they would be prepared to take on the insurance liability. Other locations for storage were considered – the basement of the Council Offices and the former Nat West Bank. However these were dismissed as being unsuitable. The Mayor again suggested the storage container at the Station which he was happy to investigate further on behalf of the Group. Cllr Pang would liaise with Ms O`Reilly to progress the matter. It was RESOLVED that the Council support the Refuge Group and offer any help and assistance as required.

15/12/11 Footpath 46 – Consideration for a request to be submitted to Devon County Council for its re-opening Cllr Giles provided background information about Footpath 46. The footpath ran north – south on the east bank of the River Otter in the vicinity of Lancercombe. It had been closed because of erosion for several years and was previously very popular, allowing people to walk between Ottery and Tipton, on one side of the river and return on the other. Cllr Giles considered that this was an important footpath and its loss was a blow for Ottery. He was of the opinion that an approach be made to DCC to ascertain as to what efforts were being made to re-open it. Cllr Harding advised that she understood the erosion to be so severe that a bridge was now required in order for the route to be accessible. However this would have cost implications for DCC and in view of on-going cuts it may be a problem for the necessary finance to be provided. The Clerk would make representations to DCC and would copy in Cllr Wright to her communication

15/12/12 Neighbourhood Plan – Update and consideration of further financial requirements, staffing and other matters Cllr Talbot advised that the consultants - LDA were collating all their `findings`. On 30th January 2016 another event would take place to consider the findings. She concluded that there had been a lot of enthusiasm generated for the Neighbourhood Plan, at the Christmas event in the town last week. She advised that the cost of the Plan would be in the region of £40,000. £20,000 had been precepted, £10,000 had been acquired through grants obtained, however a further £10,000 would be required, which

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-76- it was hoped could be obtained through further grants. She advised that a volunteer had now offered his services to minute the meetings but help and support would still be required from the Clerk`s office for website updates and general admin support. Cllr Harding thanked Cllr Talbot and her group for the extensive work they had carried out on the Plan

15/12/13 Nat West Bank - Update A Planning application had now been submitted to EDDC. Cllr Harding enquired whether the building would have a change of name. The Mayor was of the view that this would be something to consider in the future. He also advised that a further e-mail had arrived today from DCC requiring a further on-site meeting to progress the transfer of the library into the building

15/12/14 Verge Cutting, grounds maintenance & Devon County Council`s requirements The Deputy Mayor advised that due to minimal information received from DCC to date, he was unable to progress the matter further or obtain quotes for grass cutting. He was hopeful that he would have information available for the January meeting

15/12/15 Update on West Hill` application to become an independent Parish Council and the Town Council`s decision as to agree or oppose the application prior to it submitting a formal response There was considerable discussion about this item. The Mayor read out a statement from Cllr Pang together with e-mails he had received from absent councillors - Pratt and Edwards. In addition, he advised of the benefits and disadvantages of West Hill forming their own parish council as perceived by various members of the Council. One of the main concerns expressed was the financial implications, to the Council if West Hill was to form its own parish council . The Council would lose approximately 25% of its precept unless it increased its precept by 53%. Other concerns expressed, were centred around the financial viability of West Hill going alone and the lack of an office for a clerk etc. However Cllr Talbot advised that West Hill was a large parish and other smaller parishes managed with their precepts and most clerks of small parishes worked from home in any event. She considered the comments to have no merit. Other issues raised included the possibility of an amendment to the Ward boundary and it was agreed that this was an important consideration. Cllr Giles raised concern as to the lack of notes of meetings held by the West Hill UDI Working Party. However notes had been taken by Cllr Gori. The Deputy Mayor raised the possibility of there being a conflict of interest in the case of Cllr Giles as he was a Town Councillor and also Chairman of the Scrutiny Committee at EDDC. However Cllr Giles did not consider there was a conflict. There were extensive deliberations. The Mayor was of the view that the parish had to be considered as a whole and the advantages and disadvantages of West Hill remaining or going must be taken into account. One of the main concerns of a number of persons present, was the perceived lack of information

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-77- available to the public. There was a proposal by Cllr Giles that the item be placed on the January 2016 agenda based on the information received from the Working Party in order for the Council to make a decision as to whether to agree or oppose West Hill`s requirement to form it`s own parish council. A vote was taken but as there was equality of votes for and against the proposal, the Mayor had the casting vote in which he advised he was opposed to the proposal. The Deputy Mayor then made a proposal which was seconded and carried. It was RESOLVED that the Working Party take the following action:- i. to further publicise and fully inform parishioners as to the implications of West Hill forming its own parish council (and no longer being part of the parish of Ottery) and the importance of parishioners (who had not already done so) completing the EDDC questionnaire and returning it to EDDC by 12th January 2016 in order to express their views and ii. that the Working Party (following meeting(s)) bring their findings to the January Full Council Meeting in order that the Council could then make a decision as to whether it was for or against West Hill having its own parish council, and its reasons for reaching the decision

15/12/16 Consideration of downgrading of road from The Orchard to Otter Close Tipton St John It was understood that Cllr Pratt had been liaising with Cllr Wright about the matter. Cllr Harding advised that she had canvassed local opinion about the suggested closure of the road. According to Cllr Harding the majority of parishioners in the vicinity were in favour of its closure. It was suggested that the road should be closed to motor vehicles but access permitted to pedestrians and horse riders. It was believed there would be cost implications as a traffic order would be required (likely to be in the region of £5,000). Cllr Carter was of the view that there should be wider consultation before the Council made a decision and it was agreed that Cllr Harding would raise the matter at the next meeting of the Tipton St John Residents Association.

15/12/17 Consideration of Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan All members of the Council had received an email providing details of the proposed Development Plan. The Mayor was of the view that it was a matter for each individual member to submit any comments they had on-line. The cut-off date was 4th January. It was understood that EDDC had recommended a number of sites in Cranbrook for this purpose which Cranbrook Town Council appeared to be unhappy about. They in turn had suggested land at Daisy Mount be considered as a potential site

15/12/18 Consideration of obtaining the views of public re the setting of the 2016/17 Precept Cllr Pang referred to a paper submitted by Cllrs Harding and Thurgood at the April 2015 Council Meeting (in the light of the issues highlighted in the audit report of the Beehive Project at Honiton) which proposed more transparency by the Council in respect of major projects and budgets. She suggested that there should be public engagement and information available when the Council came to setting its budget. Cllr Talbot was of the

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-78-

view that the Council was transparent in all its financial matters and that the Council did its best with the monies it had available to it

15/12/19 The Town Council Ball 16th January 2016 The Mayor advised that 60 Tickets @ £25 each were available of which 40 had been sold. He explained the mechanics of collecting money in and paying it out in order that the Council would not contravene any financial regulations but would merely be acting as `banker`

15/12/20 Ottery Hospital Update Concern was expressed by Cllr Faithfull that the temporary closure of the three remaining hospital beds could become a permanent situation. It was understood that the Clinical Commissioning Group had set up a Strategic Estates Group the core purpose of this group was to consider and make recommendations on the optimal use of the NHS estate across North East and West Devon. Cllr Pang advised that the real fight may be to save the hospital building itself as the government looked to sell off NHS assets in the future, should the worst possible scenario occur at Ottery

15/12/21 To approve the November 2015 Council schedules of payments as tabled Councillor Talbot presented the November 2015 Schedules of payment showing £8709.43. (excluding VAT) for the Town Council and 1484.40 (excluding VAT) for the Tourist Information Centre. Each Schedule was AGREED and these were signed by the Mayor

15/12/22 Any matters of urgency brought forward by the Mayor (for information only) i. The Mayor reported that the sublease dated 7th February 2013 granted by the Council to the Ottery and District Skate and BMX required to be re-drafted as it was not correctly drawn. The Council was in the process of addressing this issue. It was understood that the agreed contributions payable by the Kings School towards the running costs of the skateboard park had not come to fruition after an initial payment of £1000 had been received from the school in the first year. This was due to the school ceasing to be a sports college and lack of funding ii. The Mayor announced that Su Graham would be leaving on the 23rd December. He was hoping to have an informal gathering either on or before the 23rd to bid Su farewell for her long service to Council and welcomed contributions towards a suitable gift

15/12/23 To receive Reports from the Mayor and Clerk i. The Mayor announced that the new play equipment sited on the Land of Canaan appeared to be well used

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-79-

ii.An invitation to the Kings School Carol Service had been issued for Monday 14th December at 7.00pm in Ottery St Mary Parish Church

15/12/24 To receive Correspondence for information and any late correspondence These items were available for viewing in the Council Offices in advance of the Meeting on 7th December 2015 and were also tabled at the Meeting. They were noted. i. Notification from EDDC that the Ottery Valley Rotary would be using the Canaan Way Car Park on 24th April 2016 for a charity cycle ride ii. Notification from DCC regarding school crossing review iii. Notification from EDDC re licencing application from the Volunteer Inn and Rusty Pig iv. Acknowledgement from DCC re the Council`s comments relating to the Devon Minerals Plan Consultation v. Response from EDDC re the Council`s concerns re the further amendments to the Local Plan vi. Request by parishioner to become involved with the Neighbourhood Plan Working Group vii. Letter sent by parishioner as to the lack of a regular taxi service in the OSM viii. Letter of thanks from Rob Wickham for the use of the council offices for the tar barrel event ix. Correspondence relating to the change of signage in Sainsburys car park providing parking for customers only x. Letter from Philip Algar re the John Gaffney Award xi. Notification from DCC that three flat topped raised tables were going to be constructed on West Hill Road, West Hill xii. Letter from Trowers and Hamlins enclosing title documentation re the former Nat West Bank

Also forwarded previously by email:

DATE FROM WHOM SUBJECT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Dec 7 Clerk Code of Conduct re declaration of interests HONITON AND OTTERY ST Advising as to cut off date for grant applications MARY BRANCH OF READ for the organisation EASY Public Sector Executive Update on local government matters Clerk Advising of new procedures concerning correspondence and e-mails Jamie Buckley EDDC Announcement about the new play eqt at Land of Caanaan Rural services Update Information regarding rural communities update Mike Brown DCC Grass Cutting maps Dec 4 DCC FW: Temporary Traffic Notice - Road past Metcombe Cottage, Ottery St Mary (TTRO1513261) EDDC The Knowledge Claire Wright School Crossing – potential cuts Kerri Ross NHS FW: Procurement of community services in Eastern Devon Be Involved Devon FW: BID e-bulletin 03 December 2015 Dec 3 Public Sector Executive Update on local government matters

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-80- Rural services Update Information regarding rural communities update Jamie Buckley Photographs of new play eqt land of Canaan Rural Opportunities Bulletin Dec 2 EDDC Report of meeting which took place at EDDC on 8th Dec Allen Katherine Press Release (NORTHERN DEVON HEALTHCARE NHS TRUST) Dec 1 Devon Communities Village Green DALC Update EDDC Papers for next week`s Sidmouth and Ottery st Mary Local Action Group meeting Nov 30th Public Sector Executive Update on local government matters EDDC Exeter International Airport Consultative Committee Wednesday 9 December 2015 30th Nov Government News Update NALC Details of Workshop Nat Allotments Society Update EDDC The Knowledge Rural services Network Update 26th Nov Public Sector Executive Update on local government matters DCC Community News Update 25th Nov DCC Devon Funding News Public Sector Executive Update on local government matters 24th Nov Elli Pang Future of Community Hospitals 24th Nov Local Govt News 23rd Nov Devon Youth Services Training Opportunities 23rd Public Sector Executive Update on local government matters Rural Services Network Update on rural matters 23rd Nov Clerk Info about proposed new photo-copier Roger Hendy Orchestral Concert for Hospiscare* in Sidmouth Parish Church on Saturday 28 November 20th Nov EDDC Invitation to meeting on 8th Dec Government News Update EDDC The Knowledge

17th Nov DCC Temporary Traffic Notice - Lane past Claypitts Farm, Ottery St Mary (TTRO1513093) Elli Pang FW: remaining OSM community beds closed by NDHT Nov 15 Government News Update DCC Temporary Traffic Notice - Millcroft, Ottery St Mary (TTRO1513301) 16th Nov Public Sector Executive Update on Local Government news DCC FW: East Devon Parish Paths Partnership 'Drop In' Session Rural Services Network Rural news update Sustainable Ottery : Environmental news 13th Nov DCC FW: Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document (DPD) - UNCLASSIFIE 13th Nov EDDC The Knowledge DALC FW: DALC mid month update (Nov '15) 11th Nov DCC FW: Temporary Traffic Notice - Fire Beacon Lane, Sidmouth (TTRO1513100) 11th Dec DCC FW: Parish Paths Partnership Autumn/ Winter Newsletter 2015 Rural Services Network FW: Rural Vulnerability Service - Rural Transport - November 2015 10th Dec Police FW: Ringmaster - Heavitree - ^PHONE SCAMMING of the Elderly/Vulnerable-2 DCC FW: Road Closure: Lane past Claypitts Farm, Tipton St John Claire Wright FW: Cabinet Member Decision re school crossing patrol 9th Dec Rural Services Network FW: Weekly Email News Digest - Monday, 9 November, 2015 DCC FW: Road Closure: White Cross to Beacon Goyle, Tipton St John

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-81-

Government News EDDC FW: The Knowledge 6 November 2015 - UNCLASSIFIED: 5th Nov DCC FW: Blackdown Hills AONB news Public Sector Executive Local Government News EDDC FW: Further consultation on proposed changes to the East Devon Local Plan - UNCLASSIFIED: EDDC FW: Minutes of the recent Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary Local Action Group Meeting 4th Nov Rural Services Network FW: Weekly Email News Digest - Monday, 2 November, 2015 NHS FW: Agency cap stakeholder letter DCC FW: REMINDER: Devon Minerals Plan Consultation Rural Services Network FW: Rural Opportunities Bulletin Clerk REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY reminder about arrangements DCC FW: Devon Funding News (updates 4 November 2015) DCC FW: West Hill Road, Ottery St Mary - Section 90A Highways Act 1980 DCC FW: Parish & Town Council Conferences - October 2015 REgen SW FW: Up to £4,500 Funding for Community Energy Projects

15/12/25 To receive Reports by Councillors of Meetings attended as Council Representatives The Mayor’s Meetings/engagements since the November meeting had been tabled and were noted:

List of Mayors Meetings/Engagements for November 3rd Nov 10.00am Lawrence Graves at The Station 4th Nov 10.00am Phil Palfrey & 2pm Human Resources Meeting 5th Nov 10.00am Meeting Rachel Bolton re Bank 9th Nov 8.30am Otter Windows at The Station 10.30pm HR Meeting with Cllr Mitchell 11.00am Finance Cllrs Bartlett and Talbot 10th Nov 11.00am Meeting with Concorde 23rd Nov 10.30am West Hill UDI Working party 3.30pm Shed Help Scheme 24th Nov 7.30pm Rotary – Regional Draw 27th Nov 10.30am Tumbling Weir arrange Council Ball 30th Nov 10.30am Review of Clerk with Cllr Mitchell 11.45am Meeting Tom Vaughan/Cllr Wright re Yellow Lines

i. Cllr Bartlett attended the Institute`s AGM ii. Cllr Gori had attended the Ottery and District Skate and BMX Park AGM on 26th November. Cllr Gori had kindly circulated a report of the meeting which highlighted specific matters iii. Cllr Giles had attended the Thomas Axe Charity Meeting

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

-82-

iv. Cllr Bailey had attended a meeting with the Chairman of the Federation of Schools to progress work on the Education Chapter of the NHP v. Cllr Pang had attended a meeting of the NHP, the Institute`s AGM, a meeting with Mark Williams at EDDC re West Hill UDI

15/12/26 To receive Councillors’ Questions i. Cllr Pang advised that since Barclays Bank had closed, the PO was handling cheque payments free of charge for which the community should be most grateful ii. Cllr Talbot queried three items on the Schedules of Payments . The Deputy Mayor confirmed that they related to the two phone lines in the Council offices and the phone line in the Tourist Information Centre iii. After some discussion and following a specific request, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor agreed that they would attend the Planning Committee Meeting at EDDC the following day to make representations on the Gerway Nurseries application

This part of the Meeting was in Closed session

15/12/27 Strawberry Lane - Update and approval of lease terms for Petanque Club and approval to sign grant funding application for provision of Petanque court and lease in accordance with Standing Orders It was RESOLVED that the terms of the lease be agreed and the authorised signatories of the Council sign the lease and a grant application for S106 funding accordingly. The Council was satisfied that the lease would meet the object of promoting the social well- being of the area in order to comply with Local Government Acts. The contractor proposed for the work was approved

The meeting closed at 9.35pm

Mayor’s signature: …………………………………… Date:……………………………..

Date of next Meeting: Monday 4th January 2016 at 7.00pm at the Council Chamber, The Old Convent, 8 Broad Street, Ottery St Mary Members of the public and press are welcome to attend this meeting as observers

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..

Mayor’s initials: ……………………………..