Parish Council Minutes: September 2019
Minutes of the Meeting of Oakford Parish Council, held on Monday 9th September in the Village Hall at 7.30pm
Members present
Chairman Cllr J Phillips Vice Chair Cllr J Mayer Cllr G Baylis Cllr R Linton Cllr S Otton Cllr R Stevens Cllr V Stevens
Apologies
these were received from Cllr Brain
Declarations of Interest
none declared
The Public
there were 7 members present who wished to comment on a variety of topics largely centred on the situation at Spurway Barton. Theresa Linton was pleased to comment on the reduction in dog fouling in the village and suggested that the improvement be acknowledged on the noticeboard and in the parish magazine. Ian Vigus reported that the restoration work at Spurway Barton would be a 5 year project and the appropriate planning permission would be sought but at present he considered the repairs to date were like for like, merely securing the barn as a tool and equipment store. The entrance lane is classified as Grade 12A and wholly unsuitable for lorries. Tony Northcott has suggested that the footpath which currently goes through Sue Tinsley’s garden should be rerouted. Tina Davey was concerned that the disposal of rubbish on site should be done more responsibly and not just via a bonfire. Sheila Morgan enquired whether Natural England had been consulted as from personal experience she has had to comply with in depth wildlife surveys before commencing building work. She also had concerns on the shoot firing across the footpath running alongside the road from Spurway Mill. Elaine Morgan had noticed that one cob wall housed a number of bees.
Minutes of the Meeting held July 8th
these were approved and signed as a true record
Reports
County Council
attention was drawn to the Safer Together Campaign and the chance to comment on the proposed changes to the Fire Service although Tiverton is not drastically affected. The dates for the Highways Conference 2019 have been released and attendance is encouraged. DCC and MDDC have both signed up to Climate Change and with Exeter University having a significant number of environmental scientists, guidance is always at hand. A council tax reduction scheme might benefit some.
District Council
Andrew Moore introduced Polly Colthorpe and himself explaining the difference in involvement and responsibilities whether at County or District level. Since the May Election there has been major change at MDDC – now changed from Conservative to Liberal Democrat and Independent authority. The boundary review has decided to keep the number of councillors at 42. MDDC finances are forecasting a shortfall of £427K by March, which is a significant in percentage terms.
The Playing Field
The funding for the Basket Swing looks to be going through. Further ideas for improvements or additions are still wanted, preferably to encourage more use by the older youngsters but also taking Health & Safety into account. There are new informative signs for the entrance. Cllrs Phillips and Linton will paint the swings now that the children have gone back to school and it has opportunity to dry.
There are plenty of doggie bags left in the dispenser. A flier to acknowledge the effort made by everyone to clean up the village and hopefully maintain this will be distributed.
Tourism Promotion by MDDC
Cllr Brain wrote a very comprehensive article and Cllr Baylis came up with a number of photographs, 3 of which have been submitted so far.
Highways and Footpaths
the footpath discrepancies highlighted by the Definitive Review are being corrected. Footpath 6 will stop at the road in future, below Upcott Farm. No start as yet on the 100 Steps. The “20 is Plenty” signs are ready for collection.
There are 2 blocked drains which Polly will report to Steve Leigh, outside the Police House and outside the Old School House. Cllr V Stevens felt that the surface on a stretch of road on the B3227 between Newhouse Farm and Staples Cottages should be looked at urgently before the winter- 6 cars have been written off there in the last 2 years.
Notice Boards
a check is to be made whether planning permission is required to site a new board next to the telephone box. The actual design is not yet decided. Cllr Otton has volunteered to consult the residents at Oakford Bridge if they would like a notice board and if so to suggest a site. Response to the Clerk at oakfordpc@hotmail.com. The flower tubs need replacing and the Chairman will get some prices.
Whats App
15 people have joined the group and the idea seems to be well received and working well. Cllr Baylis will issue periodic reminders on the website for others who may wish to join at a later date.
Local Boundary Commission Review
this subject had already been aired under Para 5a and is left open for the council to consider making a response if wished.
Planning
18/01565/FULL 3 Houses at Townmead. The application has been withdrawn, exact reason unknown.
Spurway Barton – it is believed that the Planning Authorities are now involved. The representative attending was advised that contraventions can be costly and it is better to check all potential issues in advance. There are strict restrictions when developing/altering countryside properties. Restrictions may be imposed on access and working hours to placate the neighbours. A request has been made to the Highways Authority to at least look at the DCC lane, which is the main entrance but with the realisation that the budget is likely to preclude any improvement. Unauthorised disposal of rubbish, such as burning as most products may well have Environmental Health implications. Assurance was given that all legal stipulations are met to protect the public when shooting takes place on the estate.
Finance
Current Nat West balance as at 5th September £10,343.39 Payments were approved to K White £126 DALC training £66 Admin expenses £95.74 Clerk 6 months salary £720 HMRC £180 P Noble £50 donation (paid in August)
The saga of adding another councillor as signatory continues!