March 2005
UPLOWMAN PARISH COUNCIL: MINUTES OF MEETING
Held on 18th March 2005 at the Village Hall, Uplowman, starting at 8pm
Minutes taken by Mr R Hodgson, Clerk. Action points in bold.
2 members of the public were present plus Mr M Aspray, (Clerk, Sampford Peverell PC).
1. MEMBERS PRESENT
1.1 Mr J White (Chair), Mr D Aggett , Mr R Adcock, Mrs L Veen & Mrs S Brown.
2. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2.1 Two apologies for absence had been received: Mr Branton was engaged in essential animal husbandry and Mr Burman was attending to his father who was ill.
3. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING (6th January 2005)
3.1 Minutes of the meeting had been previously circulated. The minutes were approved without amendment and signed by the Chair.
4. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
4.1 It was noted that MDDC had written letters of appreciation for their community service to Mr & Mrs Pinsent and to Mr Jackson, as suggested by UPC.
4.2 Mr White had checked the Whitnage Bridle path which was clear.
5. FINANCES
5.1 Current Balance: £ 971.05
Income since last meeting (Churchyard grant) £ 0.00
5.2 The following payments were approved and cheques signed to effect the disbursements:
Clerk's honorarium expenses (£6.00)
Chairman's expenses, for noticeboard key (£4.00)
UHRA, for hire of Hall (£19.50)
It was agreed that the annual subscription to the Devon Association of Parish Councils (£45.00) would be deducted by MDDC from the Precept.
6. PLANNING/LICENSING APPLICATIONS
6.1 Spalsbury Farm: 04/02123/ LBC Approved by MDDC.
6.2 Sweetfield House: single storey extension, MDDC Approved
6.3 Craigmore House: single storey extension, MDDC approved
6.4 Crosses Fm: Erection of 2 stables. MDDC approved.
6.5 School Extension: Applications withdrawn by DCC
6.6 Marigold Cottage: Alterations to kitchen. To be considered by a planning sub-committee.
6.7 Glebe Cottage: Erection of conservatory. In view of the previous applications considered, it was agreed that no further inspection was needed.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
A list of correspondence received and sent had been circulated. Attention was drawn to the following items of interest that were not covered elsewhere:
7.1 The draft framework for Mid Devon's Housing Strategy had ben received. Anyone wishing to see it should contact the Clerk.
7.2 The ODPM had sent discussion documents: 'Why Neighbourhoods matter', and 'Vibrant local leadership', which could be inspected by anyone wishing so to do.
7.3 The Standards Board were consulting for a review of the Code of Conduct on Standards. Mr White would draft a response.
8. HALL AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION
8.1 Hall bookings were still good. There was discussion of provision of additional parking spaces for the village. Mr White would consider an offer made during Public question time to host a meeting on issues around parking and use of village facilities.
9. EMERGENCY PLANNING AND NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
9.1 The arrangements for the Emergency Plan were reviewed. It was noted that the Hall has an area of 162m2 in its large room. At 20m2 per family, this could provide accommodation for 8 families in an emergency or could seat many more temporarily. The Clerk would explore reciprocal emergency accommodation arrangements with Sampford Peverell.
9.2 The lists of skills, resources and vulnerable people should be updated. Once the Plan were reissued, Councillors should update these lists while delivering the documents.
9.3 The Clerk would investigate a First Aid course for the village.
9.4 The Plan should include reference to Neighbourhood Watch and, where appropriate, email contact details.
10. VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
10.1 Work on the leat improvements was well underway. The Clerk was asked to write to Mr Pike at the Local Services Depot to express the Council's thanks for his help over the imporvements. It was also noted that the contractors, South West Highways, had been very courteous in their work.
10.2 The Clerk would write to DCC Highways to remind them that they had promised to erect a sign advising 'Unsuitable for HGV' relating to the road between the Post Office and Whitnage.
11. CONDITION OF ROAD/TRANSPORT IN THE PARISH
11.1 The Parish Lengthsman's next visit would be 11-15th May. Councillors were asked to list items for his attention before then.
13. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The dates of future meetings were reviewed. The next meeting would be the Annual Meeting at 7.30pm on Friday 27th May, followed by meetings on 15th July, 9th September and 11th November 2005 (all Fridays).
The meeting closed at 9.25pm
Notes on Public Meeting starting at 7.30pm
1. Mr Ede of the Redwoods commented that the new 'No Parking, Please' signs appeared unwelcoming. He considered that they would affect his business adversely, as there was often nowhere else to park. He had been told by DCC that traffic calming might be introduced and he agreed that something needed to be done. The livelihood of the public house depended on customers from outside the village arriving by car. He felt that some coordination between the Hall and the Pub was needed and would be happy to promote a village meeting on the future of the village and its amenities. Mr White thanked Mr Ede for his valuable contribution.