768

 

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 29^th August  2023

 

 

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman) Mr K Pincombe Mr P Bailey Mrs G Benson Mr A. Bonner Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr P Smale Dr S Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)   

 

In attendance Cllr P Henderson County Councillor Cllr K Davies District Councillor

 

Apologies

 

 

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

 

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

 

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

 

 

Public Participation

 

 

 

1.Minutes i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 25^th July were agreed and signed.  

 

 

 

2. Clerk’s report

 

i. The Wicksteed inspection on the play equipment is due, an email has been received, this was agreed by all to go ahead and book the inspection.

 

ii. There has been a request from Bodgar House, “We have just been given a trailer tent. All we need is somewhere to store it... Would the PC object if we pushed it into our front garden via the double gates by the bus shelter?

 

After discussion it was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Bailey to agree to the request, so long as permission is requested each time.

 

 

 

3. Chairman’s Report  

 

i. The wording on the obelisk will read “To commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III 6^th May 2023”, information has been obtained from Richard Grant Memorials, after discussion it was agreed to have an engraving of one of the clear sides, a quote is to be obtained and the work authorised.

 

ii. The tree on the corner of the Green is getting too big for the situation it is in, so two quotes are to be obtained to look at pruning the tree and lifting the canopy.

 

 

 

4. Highways.

 

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

 

ii. Bouchland Lane, an email has been received from Sargent Robert Brown with an update” I attended the location last week and did a few little trips up and down the road to assess the risk. It is a nasty road and a number of the junctions on that stretch are certainly a cause for concern. When we visited last week, I managed to obtain the registration of the vehicle that was parked behind the gate at the time, checks have revealed it’s not a local keeper so I will have to revisit again to try and speak with them personally to see what is occurring.

 

 I did reattend the other day, there was no vehicle present so therefore that was of little use…but I will keep trying. Once I have managed to speak with them, I will then look to further update you all however I am going onto Rest days/Annual leave over the next week.” The DCC (Road past Bouchland Farm, Burrington) (Prohibition of Motor Vehicles) Order 2012, has been circulated to councillors and Sargent Brown. Discussion took place, regarding the fact that the lane is blocked from the north, the land owner cannot access his field and the that in planning 77348 two parking spaces have been proposed on the lane, when it is still technically open to other forms of transport. Cllr Davies is to look at planning 77348.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                        769

 

There has been a huge number of lorries bringing spoil from the Link Road to Bouchland for a planned menage, it appears there is a CLAR agreement in place for the movements, but the number of lorries, the

 

chaos, the stress these prolonged lorry movements which are in the region of 40 a day on the very narrow roads is causing is significant, there has been numerous complaints. Cllr Davies and Cllr Henderson have been looking at the problem Cllr Davies is to carry out a site visit the day after the meeting.

 

Damage to the roads, verges and hedges by these prolonged lorry movements is the responsibility of highways but they can claim against the contractor so the cost will not come from the public purse.

 

 

 

5. County and District Councillors items

 

Cllr Henderson was enquiring about the strength of Broadband in the parish as the latest government phase is coming to an end, and moving onto the next phase “gigabit”, so Cllr Henderson was asking for residents to contact him to ascertain the broadband connection in the parish, from information received the government will decide on the next step to who is going to get better broadband connection.

 

The consultation on the Mobile Library Service has been called in likewise the Health Centre Links Service, they are also rethinking and reviewing the Homeless grants for the YMCA.

 

Following the latest OFSTED on children’s services, there has been all new heads of departments.

 

Please keep reporting pot holes, to push for more work to be carried out. There has been very little resurfacing undertaken in the Chulmleigh and Lankey District in the last 12 years, so Cllr Henderson has asked for residents to report to him if any stretches of road are really bad, so they can be assessed for work to be carried out on them.

 

Cllr Davies reported.

 

North Devon+ launches Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund support schemes

A new round of business and community support grants has been announced by North Devon+, the region’s economic delivery partner for both North Devon and Torridge District Councils. Grants ranging from £2,000 to £25,000 to support rural jobs and improve local facilities are now available. The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) grants will be funded by both local authorities through central government's wider UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKPSF) as part of the levelling up agenda. New Changing Places toilet opens in Barnstaple town centre   A new toilet for people with complex disabilities has opened in Barnstaple town centre. A new Changing Places toilet has been installed in Green Lanes Shopping Centre near the existing toilet facilities. It is one of three new Changing Places facilities to open across North Devon alongside toilets at Parkdean Resorts and Arlington Court. The Environmental Enhancement Bulletin has been circulated via the parish email. If anyone would like to renew their green bins, please register online. The Review of the Public Spaces Protection Order for Dogs was circulated and commented on, dogs in public areas should now be on a shorter lead, the signage should be red for no dogs, orange for dogs on leads and green for dogs allowed, it was discussed to ask Cllr Davies for a new dog bin with the grant money he has offered this year.

 

 

 

6. Finance,                                                                                                                                                   

 

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                              

 

1566

Clerk’s salary

£450.00

 

i., Investment for the Scottish Widows account, Lloyds Bank does not seem an option, but Cllr Bailey suggested Cambridge and Counties which is offering 5%, this will be looked into.

 

ii. The goal posts on the MUGA need replacing quotes will be obtained.  

                                                                                                                                                                  770

 

 

7. Planning                                                                                                              

 

75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington	Pending
76179 76178	Listed Building Consent for Conversion of existing barn to two habitable holiday let units at Poole Batten	Pending
76399	Erection of a holiday let cabin at Langabridge Farm Burrington	Pending
77348	Prior approval for the change of use of agricultural barn to dwelling at Bouchland Farm Burrington
77562	Retrospective application to regularise the works for the erection of an ancillary unit at Northcote Workshop Burrington	No objections

 

 

 

 9. Parish Hall report. No report.

 

 

 

 

10.Bethesda Graveyard Trust. No report.

 

 

 

11. Correspondence                                                                                                   

 i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

 

ii. The Hedgehog Highways Project information was circulated.

 

 

 

 

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 26^th September 2023 7.30pm

 

 

 

 

 

                                               

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:    Tuesday 31^st October 2023 7.30pm COUNCIL MEETING

 

766

                           BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 25^th July 2023

 

Present Mr K Pincombe (Chairman) Mr P Bailey Mrs G Benson Mr A. Bonner Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr P Smale Dr S Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)    

In attendance

Apologies Mr J Short Cllr P Henderson County Councillor Cllr K Davies District Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

1.Minutes i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th June were agreed and signed.  

 

2. Clerk’s report

i. The public convenience sign has been mended for the final time, it will have to be a new one next time, thank you to Cllr Bailey.

ii. Installing CCTV in the middle of the village has been investigated, the cost would be in the region of £1000 for two cameras, someone would have to be responsible to manage the equipment, it does not work off solar so an electricity supply would be required. After discussion it was concluded there is not a convenient electricity supply to connect into, so at present no further action is to be taken.

                                                                                                                                                           

3. Chairman’s Report  

i. The plaque for the Coronation tree on Bircham hill has been erected. It was agreed the wording on the obelisk will read “To commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III 6^th May 2023”, a quote is to obtained from Richard Grant Memorials.

 

4. Highways.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

ii. Bouchland Lane, letters have been sent to Slanie Saxby MP and the police, Sargent Robert Brown both have acknowledged the letters but no replies as yet.

                                                                                                             5. County and District Councillors items

Cllr Henderson was not in attendance but a report was forwarded to include DCC Budget remained in the black in the last financial year despite rapidly rising demand for its services and soaring inflation, OFSTED inspectors say that there are improvements within children’s services, but there is more to do, free activities and meals available to eligible children over the summer holidays, funding will help many different groups  as cost of living remains high and the mobile library service consultation has ended. The full report has been forwarded on the Parish email.

DCC grants the Parish Council are to express an interest in the defibrillator grant that is to be offered, in the 10 years the Parish defibrillator has been used 7 times over the life of the two defibrillators

 

6. Finance,                                                                                                                                                    767                                                                                                                       

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                              

1570	NDC Dog bins	£78.00
1571	WH Buckingham	£218.62
1572	Burrington Parish Hall	£42.00
1573	AUK Supplies	£78.90
1565	West Aylescott Farming postage	£33.63

i., Investment for the Scottish Widows account as yet no definitive answer has been received from Lloyds as to whether the Parish Council can invest in their bonds as the Parish Council does not bank with Lloyds, further investigation is to be carried out.

ii. Toilet grant, from telephone conversations had this is definitely authorised but as yet is not confirmed to be in the Parish Council account.

iii. A validation form from CAF bank has been received this will be completed and returned.

 

7. Planning                                                                                                               

75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington	Pending
76179 76178	Listed Building Consent for Conversion of existing barn to two habitable holiday let units at Poole Batten	Pending
76399	Erection of a holiday let cabin at Langabridge Farm Burrington	Pending
77117	Erection of agricultural storage building  Land at Burrington Devon E,263124 N,115768	Passed
77348	Prior approval for the change of use of agricultural barn to dwelling at Bouchland Farm Burrington

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

77348 application was discussed regarding the lane, footpath, access to the lane etc it was agreed to reply “the Parish Council has no objections to the application but it should be noted the two appropriated parking spaces are on a designated highway therefore blocking the highway.”

This was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Bailey, all in favour with Cllr Bonner abstaining.

 

9. Parish Hall report. No report.

 

10.Bethesda Graveyard Trust. No report.

 

11. Correspondence                                                                                                                                                    i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

The church clock is scheduled to be serviced in September by the Cumbria Clock Company.

 

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 29^th August 2023 7.30pm

 

 

                                               

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

 

 

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:    Tuesday 26^th September 2023 7.30pm COUNCIL MEETING

 

 

763

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 23^rd May 2023

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman) Mr P Bailey Mrs G Benson Mr K Pincombe Mr P Smale Dr S Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)        

In attendance Cllr P Henderson County Councillor Cllr K Davies District Councillor

Apologies Mr A. Bonner Mr Alan Fraser-Smith and Mr Alan Fraser-Smith

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

1.Minutes i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd May were agreed and signed.  

 

2. Clerk’s report

i. The Annual Report has been complied as many as possible will be distributed to councillors to deliver; the remainder will be posted. All households on the electoral role will receive a copy.

                                                                                                                                 

 

4. Chairman’s Report  

i. The plaque for the Coronation tree on Bircham hill has been purchased it will be put in place in due course. The inscription for the Kings Coronation to be put on the obelisk was discussed it was agreed to source some quotes for the work, before committing to the project.

Cllr Short informed the meeting there is an official Beacon lighting in June 2024 to commemorate 80 years since the D Day landings.

 

5. Highways.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

ii. Bouchland Lane, the discussion has taken place with Richard Sables who declined to go to the site so the meeting was held in the hall carpark. In attendance was Richard Sables, Cllr Short, Cllr Bailey and Cllr Pincombe, the conclusion seemed to be nobody is prepared to do anything, the council has no statutory powers that would make the juncture a police matter. The response letter is to be “this junction has been closed to vehicular access for some years following a court case with Green Lane protesters who lost the case due to the danger of the junction. The junction is on a very fast stretch of road with no visibility, the land off from the junction has been sold the purchaser is now using the junction to access his land, a gate was erected baring access. A meeting after much cajoling was held with Richard Sables the Highway Superintendent for the area but not on site as Mr Sables felt it was too dangerous.  

The gate is set back from the road with a sign saying no vehicular access, it is thought the previous owner situated the gate which is chained and padlocked, Mr. Sables asked if it was situated in the correct place, there is now a gap in the hedge between the road and the gate to access the field, part of a Devon bank has been removed. It was felt following the meeting there are no resources and nobody is prepared to enforce anything. It was noted there needs to be at least two deaths before any action will be taken. It was noted if there was an accident the Parish Council has done its best to get the authorities to examine the situation in an effort to prevent an accident. Photos have been taken of the situation which will be retained. An effort is to be made to identify the owner of the field.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      764

Please can this be looked into before an accident does happen.” As, a conclusion it was agreed to send a letter to Selaine Saxby MP and the Police.

                                                                                                                                           

6. County and District Councillors items

Cllr Henderson was not in attendance and no report was given.

Cllr Davies reported that the Ilfracombe Water Sports Centre is opening in a few weeks, support was given from central Government for the project. Cllr Davies has seen the Parish Council response to planning 77117 and it has been noted. Any cases requiring enforcement he has asked to be forwarded to him, then Cllr Davies will raise with the Leader of the Council and Head of planning, the more complaints to an issue the more likely to get a result.

 

7. Finance,                                                                                                                           

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                       

1561	Clerk’s salary	£486.46
1562	Office expenses	£46.24
1563	BCBT	£300.00
1564	Bethesda Graveyard Trust	£100.00
1565	Old Gospel Hall	£50.00
1566	Rent for MUGA	£350.00
	Transfer to hall lights	£175.00
1567	West of England Fire Protection	£53.40
1568	Defib Sales and Training LTD	£274.79

i., Investment advice from Mr Andrew Coats from South Molton Council has been sought, South Molton town council invest £1.7m in Lloyds bonds at a rate of 4% the council also bank with Lloyds. This is to be looked into, Scottish widows are presently paying 1.09%.

iii. Toilet grant

iv. Agree and sign the Annual Governance Statement

v. Agree and sign the Accounting Statement

vii. Sign the Exemption form, it was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Benson to accept all three, all in favour.

viii. Fixed Asset Report, it was agreed the Beacon was missing this will be added at a cost of £3000 to replace and make the Insurance company aware. A Public convenience sign is to purchased, to replace the old one at the entrance to Twitchen Lane in the village.

 

8. Planning                                                                                            

75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington	Pending
76179 76178	Listed Building Consent for Conversion of existing barn to two habitable holiday let units at Poole Batten	Pending
76399	Erection of a holiday let cabin at Langabridge Farm Burrington	Pending
77117	Erection of agricultural storage building  Land at Burrington Devon E,263124 N,115768	Pending

 

 9. Parish Hall report. No report.

 

10.Bethesda Graveyard Trust. No report                                  765

11. Correspondence                                                                                                                               i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

An email has been received regarding the large lorries visiting Pickard’s and the damage that sometimes occurs, in the email CCTV was highlighted among other things, CCTV will be looked into regarding the legal implications etc. After discussion it was agreed to make the existing signs more prominent in an effort to solve the problem.

Cllr Benson was pleased to inform the meeting that the Church Faculty has approved works for the Church improvements and alterations.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 25^th July 2023 7.30pm

 

 

                                                 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

 

 

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:    Tuesday 29^th August 2023 7.30pm COUNCIL MEETING

 

 

 

 

763

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 23^rd May 2023

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman) Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr P Bailey Mrs G Benson Mr K Pincombe Mr P Smale Dr S Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk) 

In attendance Cllr P Henderson County Councillor Cllr K Davies District Councillor

Apologies Mr A. Bonner

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

The Declaration of Acceptance of Office forms were completed, likewise the Register of Interest forms

 

 

Election of Officers

Election of Officers the clerk asked for nominations for the post of chairman, it was proposed by Cllr Smale to re-elect Cllr Short as Chairman seconded by Cllr Benson, all were unanimously in favour. Cllr John Short was duly elected as chairman.  

The Chairman asked for nominations for the post of vice chairman Cllr Pincombe was proposed as Vice Chairman by Cllr Bailey seconded by Cllr Smale, unanimously all in favour; Cllr K Pincombe was duly re-elected as Vice Chairman.

Representatives from the Parish Council on the Parish Hall committee, Cllr P Bailey and Cllr Wooldridge were appointed as the Parish council’s representatives.

Bethesda Graveyard Trust representative, Cllr John Short and Cllr Bailey were nominated as the representatives.

Snow Warden, Cllr Short accepted the role.

 

1.Minutes i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd April were agreed and signed.  

 

2. Clerk’s report

i. The bus shelter and the Square, the work has commenced with workers from the probation service, the number of workers varying from week to week, the first visit was one worker with a supervisor, but subsequent weeks there has been more, the bus shelter has been power washed and painted the Parish council has to supply all materials, the slates will be replaced in due course. The Square has been weeded and is looking in good order, a thank you will be sent. If there are any other projects to be undertaken a request can be made again.

 

ii. Kings Coronation, 6^th May, the celebrations went very well with good attendance at the coronation lunch and Beacon Lighting, the weather on the Monday meant the tea was in the Church but still very well attended. It was discussed to consider adding an inscription on the Queen Victoria Obelisk this is to be looked into. An Oak tree was planted by Mr Victor Mock, in his 100^th year, to commemorate the occasion and the Coronation, the tree is situated by the seat on Bircham Hill a plaque will be supplied by the Parish Council. Mr Gordon Shorts tree commemorating the Queens Platinum jubilee is well out in leaf and doing well.

.

                                                                                                                                            764

 

4. Chairman’s Report  

 

5. Highways.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

ii. Bouchland Lane, the Parish Council are still wating for a visit, Cllr Henderson spoke to Richard Sables’s superior in an endeavour to get the visit undertaken but there have been issues, but it is hoped to carry out the visit soon.

It was highlighted the number of road closure signs; that are being put up by often by Airband as a utility company they are able to close roads. Cllr Henderson confirmed “It is a universal requirement that a road has to be closed when road works are being carried out if there is not a total road width available of 4.5m for traffic to safely pass around any obstruction.”

 

6. County and District Councillors items

Cllr Henderson reported the new chief Executive Donna Manson, is carrying out   a compete review of all services at DCC, looking at every department to make sure every department is cost effective and undertaking best practice, all are under scrutiny. It is anticipated to have a slimmed down better run council. Donna Manson is very experienced in Childrens services, which takes a very large part of DCC budget.   

Cllr Davies has been elected Chairman of the Planning Committee, the new leader at North Devon Council is Mr Ian Rowe, with Mr David Worden as Deputy Leader, the full committee are on the website. Community Councillor grants are open for applications again. The S106 Recreation element on the Bedport planning is £13,897 this availability to the community is triggered by the occupancy of the second property.

“No Mow May”, comes to an end at the end of May but it was an endeavour to let wild flowers grow, the Parish Council are to consider this on the field for next year. The County Council have been and cut many visibility splays but not all. E scooters are being trailed in Barnstaple through zip mobility, a person has to be 16 with a provisional licence, one has to use your phone to download the app, this only lets the driver go on permitted routes. North Devon and Torridge have produced there 5year housing plan, North Devon has 5.9 year housing supply. There is Code of conduct Training, 5th June 6.00pm via Teams if anyone would like to attend.

 

7. Finance,                                                                                                                           

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                       

1559	Clerk’s salary	£450.00
1560	Community first	£219.81

i.The Skipton Building society withdrew the community account which was going to be applied for, Cllr Henderson suggested asking Mr Andrew Coats from South Molton Council for investment advice.  

 

8. Planning                                                                                            

75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington	Pending
76179 76178	Listed Building Consent for Conversion of existing barn to two habitable holiday let units at Poole Batten	Pending
76399	Erection of a holiday let cabin at Langabridge Farm Burrington	Pending
76585	Erection of agricultural shed, Cross Park Farm, Burrington	Passed
77117	Erection of agricultural storage building  Land at Burrington Devon E,263124 N,115768	Recommend refusal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                                                                                        765

i.                 This application was discussed it was felt is the building required, is there a need, none was shown in the application, the owners live within the parish with land, why not apply close to their home site when security and ease of use would be more advantageous. It was proposed by Cllr Short seconded by Cllr Bailey to respond questioning the need and to comment no need had been demonstrated, the motion was passed with Cllr P Smale abstaining.  

 

 

9. Parish Hall report. The toilet grant from the Parish Council has been authorised.

 

10.Bethesda Graveyard Trust. No report.

 

11. Correspondence                                                                                                                               i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

Items to be added to the Annual Report, the requirement of owners to cut their hedges. As there has been little interest in the allotments, the suggestion was garden share for those people with large gardens to share with someone to work the garden and share the produce. The mobile library is looking at alternatives, but in the church, there is a large selection of books to share.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 27^th June 2023 7.30pm

 

 

                                                 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:    Tuesday 25^th July 2023 7.30pm COUNCIL MEETING

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held  on Tuesday 25th April 2023

at 7.00 p.m.                               

 

Present:      Mr.J Short (in the Chair), Mr A Fraser-Smith, Mr P Bailey, Mr A Bonner Mrs G Benson, : Mr K Pincombe Mr S Smale Mr J Woolridge & Mrs A Snell (clerk)

In Attendance Cllr K Davies (District Councillor) and 5 members of the public

Apologies Mr P Smale and Cllr P Henderson (County Council)

1. The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th April 2022 were agreed and signed.                                          

2. Chairman’s Report

Cllr Short welcomed everyone to the meeting, reporting on the year Simon Smale was welcomed onto the Parish Council in May, we have a full council put up for the nominations for the Parish Council May elections in May which will mean no election. The Platinum Jubilee Celebrations were held in June for Queen Elizabth II a good time was had for the Beacon lighting and tree planting along with the tea in the hall. In relation to the tree planting as the longest serving councillor, the Parish Council would like to pay tribute to Gordon Short who became chairman of the Parish Council in 1973 and continued for over thirty years, Gordon always planned for the future and was determined that Burrington was ahead and well prepared for the future. He was determined to be part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations and will be remembered for providing and planting a copper beech at Forches Cross, just by the Beacon.  As a past Chairman Gordon gave instructions to the current chairman to “make sure the tree is kept watered!”. Also: a joint service was held in the Church. Many thanks to all those who have helped with all the various events that were held. We have had a change in personnel who post on the website, thank you to Tracy Ford for all her past services, it is now the clerk Angela Snell, so if you want anything posted please forward to Angela, likewise the email, thank you again to Tracy, the contacts are now Pauline Down who has helped Tracy in the past and Fiona Coxell, thank you for all their efforts, likewise Carol Poulton as editor of the Parish magazine. Thank you to my fellow councillors for their continued work and the clerk.

3. Financial Report -These were made available to the meeting.

a) It was proposed by Mr G Short, seconded by Mr L Parker and agreed, that the Parish Council grants £60 donation to be made to Church for electricity used by public light.
£175 donation to be made to the Parish Hall for electricity used by lights,

£300 Grant to the Burrington Church Buildings Trust for maintenance of the graveyard

£100 Grant to the Bethesda Graveyard Trust for maintenance of the graveyard

£50 Grant to the Old Gospel Hall for maintenance of the graveyard. All in agreement.

It was commented to raise these figures by a suggested 5%, this will be considered when agreeing the precept.

The NDC toilet grant is no longer being granted by the District Council, the proposal from the previous Parish Council meeting was that the PC would grant the Hall £500 from the precept to cover the lose of grant, it was commented lots of people use the toilets and they are very much appreciated, the hall committee are willing to make up the cost difference, it was agreed by the meeting to put forward this resolution. The toilet sign opposite the hall has deteriorated, it was agreed by all to purchase a new sign.

Mr Les Parker thanked the Parish Council for their continued support of £50 towards the maintenance of the Old Gospel Hall graveyard.

4). Chairman of the Parish Hall Committee

i. The Multi Use Games area agreement was signed, all in agreement. ii. It was agreed for the Parish Council to put aside £1500 for use by the hall if required in this year. I am pleased to report a successful year for the Hall. The Social Fundraising events organised by the Hall, that have taken place this past year, have again been very successful. Thanks to the organisers and helpers of these events. The scheduled repainting of parts of the building have been undertaken, with the Club end, Kitchen and Foyer walls and doors being done this year. Thank you to the Cleaners for keeping the hall in a clean and tidy state ready for bookings to take place. Thank you to all the committee for attending the meetings during the year, I would like to thank all the officers, the Secretary, and the Booking Secretary for all the extra work that they put in over and above attending the meetings. We have a few events planned for the coming months Bingos, Christmas Fayre and on the 7th October another Evening with Johnny Cowling (Comedian). Ticket only more details to follow. The committee are pleased to confirm they will not be requiring any top up from the fund held on their behalf by the Parish Council this year.

5) Report from the Burrington Church Buildings Trust, and Friends of Holy Trinity

The Church Buildings Trust report was given by Stuart Holton he would like to report that Burrington Church Building Trust continue to support the PCC with the upkeep of Holy Trinity Church. The Trust continue to fund the upkeep of the Churchyard at a cost of £1,480 per year and would welcome any support the Parish Council and North Devon District Council are able to provide. The Churchyard is a public place and any person of any religion has a right to be buried there and we would respectfully ask that it be considered along with the other graveyards in the parish for continued support. Gill Benson is currently planning to develop the rear of the Church improving the kitchen area and would like to install a toilet the Trust has agreed to offer financial support to enable the PCC to apply for grants towards the cost of the alterations. We look forward to your continued support. Mr Holton also raised further issues regarding road deterioration in the parish, the proposed Lengthmans scheme that Cllr Henderson has suggested, the continuation of traffic light on the A377 from Kingford to Umberleigh. The District Council policies including the purchasing of Green Lanes shopping centre were highlighted among other things

Report from Burrington church PCC, the PCC continue to offer a warm welcome to everyone at the regular services at Holy Trinity Church. The Church is open most days. The main door from the porch into the Church can be hard to open. If you are unable to access the Church contact numbers for key holders are available in the notice board by the Church Gate. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who support our regular social gatherings, including Coffee Mornings, Soup Lunches and Cream teas. Unless otherwise specified any monies raised is used towards maintaining and running the Church or put aside for the hoped for work to install accessible w.c. at the rear of the Church and improved kitchenette and social facilities. In addition to our regular events we would like to thank Liz and Bryan Griffiths for putting on a brilliant Quiz earlier this year and hope they will be kind enough to do so again next year. We would also like to say thank you to everyone who has provided soup for the soup lunches or put on events such as Bingo in aid of the Church and to Peter for the Easter Egg Hunt at our recent Coffee Morning. Future events - 7th May 10.30am Coronation Commemoration Service, 8th May 3pm Cream Tea in the Church / Churchyard, 21st May 3pm Cream Tea including a plant stall which we are holding for the 2nd time after a very successful event last year. Cream Teas are held every 3rd week during the summer months. 12th August BBQ in the Churchyard, last year’s being cancelled due to the extreme heat. 17th September Parish Church Harvest Festival service and supper, 12th November Parish Remembrance Sunday Service, December Carols around the Oak Tree in the village square. And a possible Burns Night Celebration in 2024.

Plans to install an accessible w.c. in the rear of the Church plus an improved kitchenette and social area. We are pleased to say that we are now one step away from getting approval, and checking daily to see if the ‘Chancellor’ has given his approval. Once received, hopefully some changes will occur fairly quickly, whilst others will take longer. To carry out the planned work we will need to apply for and obtain Grant funding. Finally, we would like to thank Holy Trinity Building Trust whose remit is to assist in maintaining the Church and Friends of Holy Trinity whose remit is to assist with the payment of Insurance costs and Utility bills. Their ongoing support is much appreciated. However, their finances are limited. If anyone would like to get involved with any of our planned events or the work being planned in the Church please contact, Gill Benson or any PCC member or just come along. Everyone is welcome. Report given by Gill Benson.

Report from the Friends of Burrington. The Friends are now in their fifteenth year helping to generate and administer an income stream to supplement the Church expenses which are the responsibility of the Parochial Church Council (PCC). Any funds generated by The Friends are used to support the running costs of the Church itself, thus allowing The Friends to provide support in paying bills such as utilities (electricity, water, heating etc), cleaning and insurance premiums which are necessary for the ongoing operation of the Church. We have had a fairly quiet year but are holding funds to help the PCC with future running costs as and when they are requested by the PCC. We wish the PCC well in their plans to develop the kitchen area at the rear of the Church and we are in strong position to help with running costs during this period. We will be seeking to reinvigorate our small committee during the course of this year as we approach our AGM in the Autumn and would welcome any offers of help to ensure the continued smooth running of the Friends of Holy Trinity. Report given by Alan Fraser-Smith.

6). The Community Shop, September 2022 marked the 7th anniversary of the opening of the Burrington Community Shop. We lost 2 members of the Committee this year but gained 3 new members – Phil Brough who has taken over responsibility for the bread orders from Colin, Barry Page and Sue Bailey. Jack Earnshaw has stood down as Chairman of the Committee and has been replaced by Phil Brough, although Jack remains a committee member. Sue is currently organising a short survey to be sent to all parish households to find out more about how the shop can meet the community’s needs. The shop is being well used. We are pleased to see that the increase in sales which started during the Covid lockdowns has been maintained as new customers stayed with us. Our sales are now averaging over £5000 a month. The cost-of-living crisis is being felt by the shop the same as everywhere else. The cost of our stock is increasing almost weekly. As much as possible we have tried to absorb these increases, but inevitably many prices have had to be increased. Because of the success of the shop over the last three years we are trying to reduce the mark up on many product lines. As a Community Shop we are a “not for profit” company that uses its excess income to support the community. We consider that reducing prices as much as possible is one of the best ways of meeting that obligation. Our treasurer is currently drafting our budget for the forthcoming year and as part of that we will be negotiating the fee that we pay to Pickard’s for hosting the community shop. The finances of the shop are finely balanced and we will endeavour to continue to work to provide an affordable and viable service to the community whilst meeting our financial obligations. I would like to thank all our volunteers, too many to name here, who take a huge load off the committee, and also to thanks the members of the committee for their hard work and support during the year. Without their work there wouldn’t be a shop in the village. Additionally, a huge thank you to Molly and Faye in the shop who provide such a friendly and helpful front for the shop. Report given by Me Phil Brough.

.7. County and District Councillors items, Cllr Henderson reported he has had strong words with Richard Sables about meeting the PC to discuss the outstanding issues, of Bouchland Lane and access onto the A377, he has now agreed that he will come out so expect an email from him shortly with some suggested dates so that anyone who wants to attend can attend. Highways – the news isn’t good I’m afraid. In a nutshell both A and B roads will become the main focus with all other roads including unclassified only receiving minimal attention. There is no budget and the language used for this is ‘managed decline’. Without a significant investment from central government this situation is unlikely to change. I would urge the continued reporting of all potholes/defects though and if there are any really pressing issues that are not being addressed, then please bring them to my attention. Mobile Library Service – with DCC having to identify additional budget savings, the provision of the mobile library service has been under consultation (this is DCC and Libraries Unltd) and is likely to cease owing to the fact that the vehicles used at present are more or less at end of life with no monies available for replacements. Not sure if Burrington is visited but my guess is it probably is. The consultation runs until the end of May so if people wish to comment, they can visit devon.gov.uk

Cllr Davies reported once again it has been a pleasure to act as your District Councillor over the past year and I have continued to attend as many meetings as possible reporting and providing updates on both local and wider issues as well as answering questions as best I can. As I reported last month one of NDCs most recent challenges has been to bridge the £2m budget gap and I am pleased to say this has been achieved without cuts to front line services. The council is working to be become financially sustainable and as part of the commercialisation strategy purchased Green Lanes Shopping Centre in Barnstable. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire this strategic asset and compliments other significant regeneration improvements being delivered within Barnstaple town centre through the Future High Street project. I am pleased to say that there was a positive return for the Council for the four and half month’s ownership in the 2021-22 year of £243,600. Furthermore; the draft budget for the current 2022-23 year shows a net return to NDC of £343,530 and the actual financial performance for the Green Lanes Shopping Centre is in line with the budgeted position. Various repairs and upgrades were known and costed at the time of purchase and are taken into account. The improvements to the Market Quarter, the Panier Market and Queen Street/ Bear Street car park are progressing (approximately £6.5m secured from the Future High Street Fund) with planning/ listed building applications approved and work currently ongoing in the Panier Market. The new Tarka Leisure centre in Barnstaple was completed and officially opened in June 2022 by British Olympics hero Eddie ‘the eagle’ Edwards. The centre is owned by NDC and run by Lex Leisure under a 20-year lease contract. The project was part grant funded, including £1.5m from the Coastal Communities Fund and £1.8m from the National Lottery via the Sport England Strategic Facilities Fund. The Ilfracombe Watersports Centre is due to complete shortly and will include community facilities (including boat storage, slipway and café) and provide new homes for three local watersports clubs, Ilfracombe Pilot Gig Club, Y-Sail and Ilfracombe Canoe Club. There are other positives to note and these include – planting 25,000 trees to enhance the environment at Yeo Valley Woodland in Barnstaple; bringing back empty homes into occupation; the Outreach team making our town streets safer and housing the homeless; assisting refugees from Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine; launching of the ‘Flourishing Culture’ strategy with support from Arts Council England. The council is constrained by a backdrop of reduced funding in real terms but has managed to set balanced budgets each year. We continue to face financial challenges made worse by unfair funding and we will continue to challenge for levelling up funds. I am pleased to say I received only one noise complaint concerning Eaglescott. You will be aware that Section 106 contributions will be due from Cross Park Farm and also Bedport Farm approvals. I have continued to support projects eligible under the Community Councillor Grants scheme.

Regarding the roads especially pot hole problems it was raised could the road up Bircham Hill be reclassified as a B road also highlighted the gritting route into the village which is up Bicham Hill, at present finishing at Pound close there has been a request form the Parish council for the finish to be at Red Post to avoid the problems at Townbridge. There was a suggestion that there should be a well-maintained route to every village. Pot holes are now identified by “what three words”. It was commented that the process of maintaining roads and pot holes needs to be addressed and the work process improved. It was suggested to write to the MP Selaine Saxby regarding the state of the roads highlighting pot holes.

There is money from DCC to train Road Wardens at present with that scheme the PC has to purchase any materials then be reimbursed. The suggestion from the floor was an amount could be set aside from the precept for minor road repairs but this was felt to be very difficult to manage.

8. Allotments, there has been a leaflet drop in the village along with notices on the email and in the Parish magazine, but to date there are only two interested parties this is felt to be insufficient as an Allotment Association needs to be set up by those using it to run the venture, so at present this will not proceed.

It was also raised from the floor regarding individual property owner’s responsibility to cut their hedges and keep trees cut back on road frontages, as many seem to be not carrying out their responsibilities.

A note will be put in the Annual Report to be circulated to every household.

Cllr Henderson commented on the disbanding of the mobile library Cllr Benson said there are lots of books in the church that can be borrowed.

The Phone Box is listed but is still a usable telephone box.

9. The Annual Report will be circulated in June every parish organisation was invited to put forward information for inclusion as the Report will be delivered to every household.

 

 

 

…………………………. Chairman ……………………..……Date     

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BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 25^th April 2023

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman) Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr P Bailey Mrs G Benson Mr K Pincombe Mr A. Bonner Mr S Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk) 

In attendance Cllr K Davies District Councillor

Apologies Mr P Smale Cllr P Henderson County Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

1.Minutes i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 28^th March were agreed and signed.  

 

2. Adopt any resolutions brought forward at the Annual Parish Meeting, it was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Fraser-Smith to adopt all the financial resolutions, included the Parish Council granting the hall £500 for the public toilets, all in favour                                       

 

3. Clerk’s report

i.The bus shelter, the work has commenced with workers from the probation service, it is going to be a slow job as they will only visit on a Friday, with the number of workers varying from week to week, the first visit was one worker with a supervisor, when they swept the Square, the sweepings were put up against the wall where Cllr Short removed them, at present they are scraping the roof. The Parish council has to supply everything, paint will be purchased for the bus shelter

ii.Kings Coronation, 6^th May, it was discussed that councillors would like to light the Beacon so the Bacon is to be lite on Sunday the 7^th please convene at 8.30pm to light at 9 o’clock. There is to be a joint service of the Chapel and Church on Sunday the 7^th, followed by a lunch in the village Hall, catered for by Sarah Bonner and a Church Cream Tea on the Monday.

Please put bunting up around the village to help with the celebrations, an email has been circulated.

 

4. Chairman’s Report  

i. May Elections, there is no Parish Council election as 9 candidates put their names forward, but there is a District Council election with three candidates standing.

 

5. Highways.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

The cutting of road hedges was raised at the Annual Parish meeting, it being the responsibility of the land owner to keep them cut, a note is to be put in the Annual Report highlighting this.

 

6. County and District Councillors items

Cllr Henderson reported he had strong words with Richard Sables about meeting the PC to discuss the outstanding issues. He has now agreed that he will come out so expect an email from him shortly with some suggested dates so that anyone who wants to attend can attend.

Highways – the news isn’t good I’m afraid. In a nutshell both A and B roads will become the main focus with all other roads including unclassified only receiving minimal attention. There is no budget and the language used for this is ‘managed decline’. Without a significant investment from central government this

                                                                                                                                            761

situation is unlikely to change. I would urge the continued reporting of all potholes/defects though and if there are any really pressing issues that are not being addressed, then please bring them to my attention.

Mobile Library Service – with DCC having to identify additional budget savings, the provision of the mobile library service has been under consultation (this is DCC and Libraries Unltd) and is likely to cease owing to the fact that the vehicles used at present are more or less at end of life with no monies available for replacements. Not sure if Burrington is visited but my guess is it probably is. The consultation runs until the end of May so if people wish to comment, they can visit devon.gov.uk. It was commented there are lots of books in Church for people to have.

Cllr Davies reported NDC took delivery of their first fully electric asset being an Eco City Sweeper 2. This will be used to help keep the streets of North Devon tidy and will be put into operation for the first time on Wednesday 26th April as part of the town-centre clean-up in Barnstaple. The decision to invest in the electric sweeper was driven by the council’s desire to reduce its carbon footprint and work towards zero emissions where ever possible. Please note that all waste and recycling collections in the week commencing Monday 1st May and Monday 8th May will take place one day later that week. Normal service will resume on Monday 15th May. Link here for more information: https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/the-coronation-of-his-majesty-the-king/check-your-early-may-bank-holiday-bin-collection-dates/

North Devon’s ‘Right Royal Occasions’ free exhibition will be open at the Museum of Barnstaple from 22nd April to 8th July 2023. It will display documents from the North Devon Record Office alongside museum artefacts relating to coronations since Queen Anne in 1702. Link here for more information: https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/news/community/2023/april/north-devons-right-royal-occasions-exhibition/#:~:text=18%20April%202023,22%20April%20to%208%20Ju

 

7. Finance,                                                                                                                           

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                       

155	DALC affiliation fee	£147.98
155	Parish Hall	£20.00

i.The balance of £8000 held in the Scottish Widows was discussed again, it was suggested to ask the Skipton Building Society for details of investment. Skipton have been asked and they are offering a Fixed Rate bond for 2years at 4%, with no withdrawals, after discussion it was proposed by Cllr Bonner seconded by Cllr Wooldridge to go for this account with the £8000, all in favour. Forms of ID need to be produced by the signatories and a minute reference:

“Permission is given for Burrington Parish Council to invest in the Skipton Building Society in the 2year Fixed Rate bond at an interest rate of 4%” all councillors in agreement.

 

8. Planning                                                                                            

75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington	Pending
76179 76178	Listed Building Consent for Conversion of existing barn to two habitable holiday let units at Poole Batten	Pending
76399	Erection of a holiday let cabin at Langabridge Farm Burrington	Pending
76585	Erection of agricultural shed, Cross Park Farm, Burrington	Pending

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i.Cllr Wooldridge has been contacted by the applicant in relation to 76399 it seems highways have put in an objection; a fire engine would not be able to access the site. The PC are putting no further comments.

ii.The Bedport application for 4 dwellings has passed with an S106 agreement signed on this development, it is to ascertained what the Open Space contribution is to be and an application put forward.

 

 

 

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9. Parish Hall report. Recently there has been a Hall Share meeting held at the hall, with over 20 halls represented, delegates were impressed with Burrington Parish Hall, Cllr Bailey said it was a very worthwhile meeting with a very informed representative form Devon Communities Together in attendance.

 

10.Bethesda Graveyard Trust. No report.

 

11. Correspondence                                                                                                                               i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

The Church clock was discussed, Cllr Bailey has had a call regarding servicing from Smiths of Derby at a cost of £263 two days later he received another call with the quote at £268, Cllr Bailey enquired at Cumbria Clock Company with a quote for £195 plus VAT, the service has not been undertaken in 2 years, so it was proposed by Cllr Fraser-Smith seconded by Cllr Pincombe to accept the Cumbria Clock company quote, all in favour.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 23^rd May 2023 7.30pm

 

ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

                                                 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:    Tuesday 27^th June 2023 7.30pm COUNCIL MEETING

 

Distribution of the Annual Report

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Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held virtually on Tuesday 26th April 2022

at 7.00 p.m.                                725

 

Present:      Mr.J Short (in the Chair), Mr A Fraser-Smith, Mr P Bailey, Mr A Bonner Mrs G Benson, Mr P Smale Mr J Woolridge & Mrs A Snell (clerk)

In Attendance Cllr P Henderson (County Council) Cllr K Davies (District Councillor) and 7 members of the public

Apologies: Mr K Pincombe and Mr L Parker

1. The Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th April 2021 were agreed and signed.                                          

2. Chairman’s Report

Cllr Short welcomed everyone to the meeting, Cllr Steve Aldridge has recently resigned from the Parish Council we thank him for all his work and contribution during his time on the council, there is now a vacancy so a co-option will take place. We started this year with zoom meetings but are now back to normal. In July 2021 the Parish Council finally completed on the purchase of the playing field, the night landing site mast and equipment to operate the light have been installed and are now operational, it is to be requested that anyone using the field to exercise their dogs to please pick up any mess because children will be using the area especially in the summer. The helicopter flying at Eaglescott seems to have subsided. The trailer has finally been removed from the Chapel car park and new rules drawn up to say vehicles must be of a road legal state to park there. The Barnstaple Inn has been sold Cllr Short has spoken to the new owners he has encountered a few problems but is still hoping to open in late autumn as a pub with food. Regarding pot holes the best way to report one seems to be online at devon.cc/report-it 

The development at Cross Park is still ongoing and evolving, the drainage was logged as a problem but now seems to be resolved to most people’s/agency’s satisfaction. The sewage is now to be connected to the mains sewage system; the route however is to be solely determined by SW Water if anyone has issues with this it can be seen on the NDC planning portal no 64051 the contact number to call is 08000831821. The Parish Council has purchased two unknown Tommys these where on display by the Oak tree at the last Remembrance Service.

Many thanks to Carole Poulton for her work with the Parish magazine. Tracy Ford and Pauline Down for the website and Parish email. I must thank my fellow Councillors for their support during the past year with a special mention of thanks to Angela for all the work she puts in as our Parish Clerk. And the County Councillor Paul Henderson and District Councillor Kevin Davies for their help and support.

3. Financial Report -These were made available to the meeting.

a) It was proposed by Mr G Short, seconded by Mr S Holton and agreed, that the Parish Council grants £60 donation to be made to Church for electricity used by public light.
£175 donation to be made to the Parish Hall for electricity used by lights,

£300 Grant to the Burrington Church Buildings Trust for maintenance of the graveyard

£100 Grant to the Bethesda Graveyard Trust for maintenance of the graveyard

£50 Grant to the Old Gospel Hall for maintenance of the graveyard. All in agreement.

With the increasing cost of electricity, the cost burden will be reviewed to ascertain if there are any significant changes for the Hall and Church.

4). Chairman of the Parish Hall Committee

i. The Multi Use Games area agreement was signed, all in agreement. ii. It was agreed for the Parish Council to put aside £1500 for use by the hall if required in this year. Mr G Short The year has nearly resumed to normality. Events in the hall are beginning to return. There have been Weddings, meetings and parties retuning. Fundraising events have taken place, these occasions are as important for the social get together as they are for the funds they raise. The maintenance of the building has been monitored throughout the year and is in good repair. The improvements in the gents’ toilets have been completed. Thank you to all the committee for attending meetings during the year, I would like to thank all the officers the Secretary the Booking Secretary for all the extra work that they put in over and above attending the meetings. Thank you to the Cleaners for keeping the hall in a clean and tidy state ready for bookings to take place. The Hall has been presented by the Gracey family a Portrait of Col. Gracey (which used to hang in the Northcote Manor). The Colonel gave the original Nissan Hut which was used as the hall. We have a few events planned for the coming months Bingos, Christmas Fayre and in August an Evening with

                                                                                                                                       

 

726

Johnny Cowling (Comedian) Ticket only more details to follow. The committee are pleased to confirm they will not be requiring any top up from the fund held on their behalf by the Parish Council this year.

5) Report from the Burrington Church Buildings Trust, and Friends of Holy Trinity

The Church Buildings Trust report was given by Stuart Holton not a lot has changed over the past 12 months there is now a fully functioning PCC, the Trust has given money towards the new boiler and maintaining the grave yard, some storm damage occurred over the winter months.  The BCBT continues to administer the funds       

The Friends of Holy Trinity are in their fourteenth year of helping to generate and administer an income stream to supplement the Church expenses which are the responsibility of the PCC. Any funds generated by the Friends are used to support the running costs of the Church itself, thus allowing the Friends to provide support in paying bills such as utilities cleaning and insurance premiums which are necessary for the ongoing operation of the Church.

Cllr Fraser-Smith (chairman) reported a good level of support from the members       have generated sufficient income through subscriptions and investments to help the PCC with a good proportion of their running costs. In the last financial year £1828 support was given. The Friends only exist because of the membership Cllr Fraser-Smith gave thanks to all those who have generously supported the Friends of Holy Trinity over the last year and hope for continued support in the future.

Reverend Clive Jobbins reported that the Church is now open every Sunday and enjoying slow but consistent growth, the new heating boiler is now installed and functioning thank you to the BCBT, Devon Historic Churches and individual donations. The next project is a WC at the back of the Church. The Monthly Coffee mornings are well attended taking place on the first Saturday of the month. Monthly soup lunches took place during the winter months which were well supported, thank you to Kay Elworthy and Sarah Bonner for providing the soup, it has now been decided to hold cream teas monthly, the next is the 8^th May with a plant stall and raffle, after the great success of last years BBQ another one is planned for July. Thank you to Kay Elworthy and Sue Short for organising a bingo night in aid of the church, and Liz and Bryan Griffiths for the successful quiz night, Rev Clive would like to thank everyone who has been involved and for ongoing support, if anyone would like to be more involved, please contact the PCC or Rev Clive, finally with the closing of so many Churches’ Rev Clive is so glad that Burrington is to stay open.

6). The Community Shop, September 2021 marked the 6th anniversary of the opening of the Burrington Community Shop. There have been many changes over the course of those 6 years, the main ones which come to mind are: The relocation to larger premises; The additional of more chillers & freezers; Changes in counter personnel & volunteers; Most significant event (and indeed challenge) the arrival of Covid and the increase in demand for the Shop. However, what has remained relatively unchanged during this time in number terms is the core committee & volunteers & this has become the biggest challenge. The Shop continues to receive the support of Pickard’s staff & in recent times has benefited from settled continuity in Molly & Faye. Molly now helps out further in the shop as well as taking orders & Faye as well as serving on Molly’s day off is an important Pickard’s management point of contact. In terms of turnover, sales totalled almost £80k for the 2020/21 financial year to May 2021, that’s an increase of 41% on the previous year & Covid continues to be a factor in this rise we believe. The current monthly average of £6,650 compares with £3,900 per month in the last Covid free year, that’s 70% higher & apparently is not uncommon amongst Community Shops countrywide (source The Plunkett Foundation). Sales continue to remain strong in 2021/22, with the first half year showing an increase of 7% compared to 2020/21 at the same point. This continuing increase in sales has brought with it the possibility of a VAT registration requirement in the near future. Because of the increase administrative challenge registration would bring to our already stretched personnel, the Shop committee remain committed to non-registration, if at all possible, which regrettably but unavoidably may result in a reduction in the range of products available for sale. In terms of goods available, we remain committed to using Biodegradable/compostable or at best recyclable materials wherever possible & Colin has been instrumental in managing this. In premises terms we remain grateful to Pickard’s for maintaining their monthly rent charge at a modest level. We particularly acknowledge this financial gesture given the level of back-office support provided by them. With this in mind & with Molly now dedicating additional hours to shop matters we have invited Faye to re-assess Pickard’s charges in recognition. Shop hygiene is another challenge we have to meet & our search for a dedicated cleaner continues. In the meantime, the function is being covered at committee level. Turning to equipment, we added 1 additional upright freezer in 2020/21; replaced the ice cream freezer when the old unit’s repair proved uneconomic; replaced 1 chiller unit, with it’s predecessor relocated to the store for overflow storage. We now have a total of ten units, 5 chillers & 5 freezers. Even this area of operations brings it’s

 

 

 

 

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challenges, particularly in the summer months with temperature issues during particularly hot spells. In terms of PR, there is now a dedicated YOUR COMMUNITY SHOP page in the parish

magazine, Jack is instrumental in managing our website & social media updates. The Parish Contacts List has been updated with our new location & our opening hours etc. We continue to push for more people to get involved with the Shop & maintain the desire to resurrect a public parish meeting on the Shop’s future, which was planned but postponed by the arrival of Covid. Regrettably & again principally as a result of Covid restrictions, we have been unable to hold our annual quiz in support of local charity. However, in 2021/22 we were pleased to donate to Gordon Short’s bowling challenge to raise funds for DAAT & in addition contributed £441 towards the night landing lights for their air ambulance. We continue to source & support local suppliers for our products whenever possible. By value 94% of our purchases are sourced within the county and 75% locally or from Torridge or N Devon, including 4 of the top 5 supplier spends. All initial members’ start up loans have now been repaid & we again express our gratitude for this vital financial support. Some members preferred to convert their loan to a donation to reflect their appreciation of the Shop as a community resource. We currently have 44 shareholdings. The Shop has been able to strengthen its financial reserves, potentially to be available to ensure continuity of operations. In specific terms, these are designated to cover equipment replacement, stock replacement & cost coverage in the event of an interruption of trading. These essential designated funds account for 71% of the Shop’s reserves, with the remainder designed for contingencies & community benefit donations. Last but by no means least, we acknowledge the vital work of our volunteers (Fiona, Tony, Tansy, Pauline, Doreen, Gill, Martha, & some spouses!), to Pickards, in particular Molly & Faye to my fellow committee members both for their hard work on operations as well as committee matters & of course the support of our customers.

7. County and District Councillors items, Cllr Henderson I’m delighted to represent Burrington on Devon County Council following the election in May 2021. Unfortunately, it is nigh on impossible for me to attend every Parish Council meeting as I am also a Town Councillor on South Molton Town Council and hold the role of Chair of Finance meaning that my attendance at the monthly SMTC meeting is required. The SMTC meeting is held on the same evening/time as Burrington. The past year has been particularly trying owing to Covid and a complete change in working practices for the Council as a whole. DCC is facing unprecedented financial challenges as finance from central government continues to decline. Although all of our Council Tax bills are increasing, the perception is that the level of service provided does not move upwards. This to a large extent is due to the money required to service adult and children’s social care. The amount of money required in this area alone accounts for around 70% of the DCC expenditure and is only going to increase as the population across the County continues to age. All services provided by the County are under constant scrutiny and such is the pressure faced that to ensure a balanced budget was achieved for this financial year (22/23), money was drawn down from Council reserves. Highways issues are at the top of the list for most parish councils as the state of our roads continues to decline. One win I had back in 2021 before Christmas was to have the A377 patched between the Portsmouth Arms and Umberleigh. The road was simply too dangerous to allow further stalling of work. The repairs done are temporary as a longer-term solution is being investigated to solve the many issues facing the A377. All of this does not come ‘cheap’ and it may be some time until a more permanent solution is identified. One project I am keen to introduce is the return of a Parish Lengthsman. These individuals were commonplace a couple of decades ago and they knew about the road drainage issues across the Parish and kept the verges, drains and gulleys clear of water (which is causing so many problems today). It is not DCC policy to employ Lengthsmen anymore but I hope to persuade Cabinet that a trial whereby Burrington, Kings Nympton, Chittlehamholt and Atherington could share a resource which would ultimately reduce the number of potholes reported and general deterioration of the road surfaces across the four parishes. This in turn would see DCC save money in the mid to long term. I just now have to win that argument with Cabinet to have the resources released. As we enter a new financial year, I have my community grant available for those who may wish to apply for qualifying initiatives/projects. The amount each DCC Councillor has had been reduced from £10,000 to

 

 

                                                                                                                                        728

£8,000 this year but I would be delighted to hear from any group/individual who’d like to be considered from a grant. All applications have to go through a formal application/scrutiny process but the money is there for me to directly feed into the communities I serve.

Cllr Davies reported it has been a pleasure to act as your District Councillor over the past year and he has endeavoured to attend as many meetings as possible in order to report and provide

updates on both local and wider council issues that affect us as well as answering questions. It would appear that we have adjusted to living and working alongside COVID, this has been challenging for many and continues to affect us in differing ways. NDC has and continues to function well with many staff back in the office or hybrid working and with formal committees being held in person. Training and informal meetings are still conducted virtually and this is largely welcomed, reducing travel, time and cost to the council. Two important projects came forward during the year. Firstly, the purchasing of Green Lanes Shopping Centre in Barnstaple – this is part of the commercial strategy and will generate significant levels of new income for the council working towards the objective of enabling it to become financially sustainable by 2023/24. Secondly, the council secured approximately £6.5m from the Future High Street Fund for improvements to the Market Quarter, the Pannier Market and Queen Street/ Bear Street car park. The Ilfracombe Water Sports Centre is currently under construction and the new Tarka Leisure Centre in Barnstaple is due to open in May 2022. External funding was obtained for both projects. Closer to home it is good to see that the new housing scheme at Cross Park Farm received planning consent. The project will deliver much needed affordable houses and significant Section 106 contributions. I am also pleased not to be inundated with noise complaints from Eaglescott whilst I am continuing to monitor actions taken by NDC enforcement. Lastly, I am happy to support further projects eligible under the Community Councillor Grants scheme, this is now open for applications.

8. Co-option. Due, to the resignation of Steve Aldridge there is now to be a co-option onto the Parish Council, notices will be put up.

9. The Annual Report will be circulated in June every parish organisation was invited to put forward information for inclusion as the Report will be delivered to every household.

 

 

 

…………………………. Chairman ……………………..……Date     

 

 

 

 

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 28^th March 2023

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman) Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr P Bailey Mrs G Benson Mr K Pincombe Mr A. Bonner Mr S Smale Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)       

In attendance

Apologies Cllr K Davies District Councillor Cllr P Henderson County Councillor

 

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

 

1.Minutes i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 28^th February were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

i.                 The bus shelter, Cllr Short and Cllr Bailey have meet with a representative of the probation service, the jobs of cleaning, painting etc are to be undertaken, it was commented the Square has deep mud and debris on it, it was suggested to ask if this could be included in the work schedule.

ii.               Kings Coronation, 6^th May, it was discussed that councillors would like to light the Beacon but officially no Beacons are allowed to be lit, there is to be a joint service of the Chapel and Church on Sunday the 7^th, followed by a lunch in the village Hall, catered for by Sarah Bonner and a Church Cream Tea on the Monday.

 

 

3. Chairman’s Report  

i. May Elections, Nominations papers were competed.

ii. The Annual Parish Meeting is to be held on the25th April 7.00pm, any agenda items were asked for.

 

4. Highways.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

1.  Cllr Henderson reported on the The Chulmleigh Ambulance, Cllr Henderson having made enquiries, has been told that the ambulance is in use but is not at present available for emergency 999 calls.
2. Regarding the Richard Sables meeting at Bouchland Lane. Absolutely no joy in getting a commitment to meet out of him and so far, have also had ongoing trouble getting hold of Steve Short his superior. Cllr Henderson has now got a call in to Tom Vaughan who’s the senior Highways Neighbourhood Officer so one way or the other Cllr Henderson will get there but very, very frustrating.
3. It was reported £9.4 million will come to Devon in the announcement from the Government for highways but the system for highways needs to be improved.

 6. Finance,                                                                                                                           

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                       

1553	Clerk’s salary	£362.60
1554	Office expenses	£48.15

 

i.                 The balance of £8000 held in the Scottish Widows was discussed again, it was suggested to ask the Skipton Building Society for details of investment. DALC were asked but did not give any specific suggestions.

ii.                Toilet grant, it appears the NDC toilet grant will not be available from now on, this was discussed and will be discussed at the APM. The suggestion was just opening the disabled toilet but the extra cost for opening all three is minimal, the question was asked as to the actual cost of opening the three toilets, the annual toilet grant was £500, so the suggestion to be put to the APM are parishioners happy to use £500 of precept money on the public toilets, this was proposed by Cllr Short seconded by Cllr Pincombe all in favour. But if the actual cost is less the grant could be less the actual cost is to be ascertained.

 

7. Planning                                                                                            

75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington		Pending
76179 76178	Listed Building Consent for Conversion of existing barn to two habitable holiday let units at Poole Batten		Pending
76327	Change of use of land to equestrian and construction of horse-riding arena at The Linhay Bouchland Farm Burrington		Pending
76399	Erection of a holiday let cabin at Langabridge Farm Burrington		Pending
76501	Extension to dwelling, Churchlands, Burrington
76585	Erection of agricultural shed, Cross Park Farm, Burrington	Recommend approval, proposed by Cllr Bonner seconded by Cllr Fraser-Smith, all in favour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Parish Hall report. Decorating is being undertaken in the hall.

 

9.Bethesda Graveyard Trust. No report.

 

10. Correspondence                                                                                                                               i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

ii.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 25^th April 2023 7.00pm

 

                                                            ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

                                       

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 23^rd May 2023 7.00pm  ANNUAL PARISH COUNCIL MEETING

  

 

755

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 28^th February 2023

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman) Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr P Bailey Mrs G Benson and Mr A. Bonner Mr S Smale Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)        

In attendance Cllr K Davies District Councillor Cllr P Henderson County Councillor

Apologies Mr K Pincombe

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

1.Minutes i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 17^th January were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

i.                 The bus shelter, Cllr Short and Cllr Bailey are to meet with a representative of the probation service on Friday to discuss the possibility of getting work undertaken.

ii.               Kings Coronation, 6^th May, it was discussed that councillors would like to light the Beacon, there is to be a joint service of the Chapel and Church on Sunday the 7^th , followed by a lunch in the village Hall, catered for by Sarah Bonner and a Church Cream Tea on the Monday, more details closer to the time, Coronation memorabilia ie mugs are to be considered.

3. Chairman’s Report  

i. May Elections, the Parish Council elections are on the 4^th May a notice has been placed in the Parish magazine also on the Parish email. It has been highlighted in the media that photo ID is now required to cast a vote. Nominations papers will be available at the next meeting.

ii. The Annual Parish Meeting is to be held on the25th April 7.00pm, any agenda items were asked for.

 

4. Highways.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

ii. The money has been received from Cllr Henderson for the ploughing out of the verges along Bircham hill, this will be undertaken in due course. Mr Terry and Mr Sam Cole have been doing an excellent job at the top of Bircham Hill, thank you to them. The drains on Bircham Hill and other places have been reported by to no avail the answer received from DCC is that they may be jetted once  a year but if not in  a dangerous place possibility every 2 years, if drains were kept clear it would help the longevity of the roads.

The advice is to keep reporting.

There have been complaints about the dirtiness of the road along Bircham Hill, this has now been resolved. There are 5 grit/salt bins in the Parish, Bircham Hill, Balls Hill, Pound Close, Barton Road and just off from Portsmouth Arms, these are now all on the council website system. Also on the website it states that the secondary gritting route terminates at Pound Corner then returns down Bircham Hill, this year in the bad weather there were numerous cars stuck at Townbrigde,  so it is to be suggested could the termination point be at Red Post which is only  a short distance further on but would be most logical for residents. Also, a further request is to be put in, would it be possible for the Parish Council to erect a convex mirror on the lamp post opposite the junction at the Pickard Village access as visibility is very poor, traffic volume is increasing with the increased usage of the shop and heavier traffic i nto Pickard’s.

It was also noted the bus that is parked at the Balls Corner junction is making traffic cross to the other side of the road to progress, Cllr Short is to speak to the driver.

                                                                                                                                            756

ii. The Green Lane from Bouchland Farm to the A377 was discussed again, a site meeting as yet has not been finalised, Cllr Henderson is working on it. Cllr Henderson is to ask Mr Steve Short a superior to Richard Sables to see if he is willing to visit the site. Also, when visiting it is to be asked if the road at Braggamarsh can have a no access sign onto the A377 as this is such a dangerous junction. This will need the backing of the Local Highways Officer, DCC Highways tend to be reactive not proactive.

Cllr Henderson was thanked for his grant to plough out the verges on Bircham Hill.

5. County and District Councillors items. Cllr Henderson reported on the BUDGET for 23/24. Our council members have agreed a 4.99 per cent increase in council tax for the coming financial year. It comprises 2.99 per cent for general services with an extra two per cent for adult care. It means an extra £1.49 a week for the average Band D householder. There will be increases of 18.4 per cent in spending on children’s services and 8.8 per cent on adult services to keep up with a rocketing rise in demand. And councillors also agreed an extra £2 million for roads and drainage since the target budget was set last month to tackle the increase in potholes caused by this winter’s icy spells and torrential rainfall. Our revenue spending on services will increase from £629 million to £696 million in 2023/24. That’s an overall rise of 10.5 per cent in spending. In addition, councillors approved a capital budget of £172.5 million for investment in infrastructure such as schools and roads. The council tax for an average Band D home will rise by £77.67 to £1,634.13 – an extra £1.49 a week. The budget includes savings, alternative funding and additional income of £47.5 million. The budget was approved by 40 votes to 13. The young, the old and the vulnerable account for some 79 per cent of this budget.

NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE Donna Manson, who joins us as our new permanent Chief Executive. Donna joins the County Council from her role as Chief Executive of The Highland Council, Scotland’s largest rural authority. There since 2018, Donna led the Highland Council in developing an ambitious, sustainable, and connected vision for the Highlands during a time of immense change and challenge. Prior to this, Donna was a Director of Children’s Services and a Head Teacher. Her top priority for Devon is to deliver significant improvement to Devon’s Children’s Services. But more broadly, Donna wants to re-energise Devon as a caring and inclusive place for young people and families, the elderly and vulnerable, and as a forward-looking place to work and do business with opportunities for all to thrive and do well.

Cllr Henderson has resigned from the Conservative Party, he is now an Independent Councillor, his advice is for the Parish council to write to the MP Selaine Saxby regarding the state of the roads.

The co-responder vehicle stationed in Chulmleigh was discussed pressure need to be put on the committee, some journeys are being carried out but only category 2 not blue light cases, Cllr Henderson is to look into this.

Cllr Davies reported on the fact that voters now need photographic ID to vote, the full council moved a motion to reject this as it could potentially preclude a sector of society, so NDC expressed an objection to this. If anyone is not on the Electoral Role, they can still register by going to www.gov/request-to-vote and follow the links. An additional room will be required to check the photo ID. Voters can still register for a postal vote where ID is not required.

Parking charges are to be increased by 20p per hour in the district car parks there is now a 50p for 30minutes option, long stay has increased by £2.50, parking charges have not increased since 2016. Futher income is to come in from Green Lanes shopping centre now owned by NDC and the fact that green waste bins have increased to £55.

 

6. Finance,                                                                                                                           

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                       

1549	Clerk’s salary	£450.00
1550	NDC Dog waste bins	£78.00
1551	DALC councillor training	£36.00
1552	Burrington Parish Hall	£20.00

 

i.                 The balance of £8000 held in the Scottish Widows was discussed it was suggested to investigate the possibility of getting a higher rate of interest. Scottish widows are paying .55% and on

                                    757

investigation have no other options to offer, the Union Bank of India, who will accept clubs and societies are offering 4.25% for 1 year they are covered under the financial regulations, an application is to be requested. It was also suggested to ask DALC if they know of any other banks etc offering a good rate of interest for societies etc.

 

7. Planning                                                                                            

75959	Listed building consent for rebuilding of south western elevation and associated stabilisation works at West Pavington Farm.		Withdrawn
75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington		Pending
76179 76178	Listed Building Consent for Conversion of existing barn to two habitable holiday let units at Poole Batten		Pending
76223	Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) attached to planning permission 73684 (creation of a dwelling and associated works as a replacement for the dwelling approved under Class Q previously) in respect of relocation of the building within the red line of the site, change from 2 story to single storey, reduction of floor area & fenestration amendments at Mully Brook Barn Burrington		Approved
76327	Change of use of land to equestrian and construction of horse-riding arena at The Linhay Bouchland Farm Burrington		Pending
76399	Erection of a holiday let cabin at Langabridge Farm Burrington		Pending
76444 76445	Installation of solar PV array to existing barn roof at Poole Batten Burrington  Listed building		Approved
76577	Variation of condition 3 (occupancy) attached to planning permission 49218 (part rebuild & conversion of barn to form one unit of holiday accommodation (amended plans) to allow unit to be used as ancillary accommodation to the main dwellinghouse Primrose Cottage Burrington		Approved
76501	Extension to dwelling, Churchlands, Burrington
76585	Erection of agricultural shed, Cross Park Farm, Burrington	Recommend approval, proposed by Cllr Bonner seconded by Cllr Fraser-Smith, all in favour.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Parish Hall report. No report.

 

9.Bethesda Graveyard Trust. No report.

 

10. Correspondence                                                                                                                               i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

ii. PCC Survey for re-opening local Police Stations, an email was received saying South Molton was not on the list for consideration of re-opening. A new Sargent has been appointed at the South Molton Station.

It was reported on the numerous abandoned cars at Balls Corner in a field they are an eye sore, the owner is to be tried to be contacted, but it was agreed to write to Enforcement and the Environmental Departments at NDC. Hedges that are not being trimmed in the Parish was also discussed Cllr Henderson is willing to send letters to landowners, Cllr Henderson is to take Mr Steve Short to show him the dangers of this on some of the Parish roads.

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 28^th March 2023 7.30pm

                                       

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 25^th April 2023 7.00pm ANNUAL PARISH MEETING

 

Parish Council meeting 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 17^th January 2023

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman) Mr K Pincombe Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr P Bailey and Mr A. Bonner Mr S Smale Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk) 

In attendance Cllr K Davies District Councillor and one member of the public

Apologies Mrs G Benson Cllr P Henderson County Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

The member of the public informed the meeting regarding his planning at the Linhay, Bouchland.

 

1.Minutes

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 29^th November were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, no update but as reported before it will be highlighted at the Annual Parish meeting and a note put in with the Annual Report which is circulated to every household to ascertain if there is any more take up in having an allotment.

          Ii The bus shelter, Cllr Short and Cllr Bailey are to undertake the repairs, this is ongoing. Cllr Bailey has been in contact with the probation service, they are able to supply labour to carry our minor works, the Parish Council would have to supply any materials or equipment to carry out the repairs, Cllr Bailey is to meet with a representative of the service.

         

3. Chairman’s Report  

i. May Elections, the Parish Council elections are on the 4^th May a notice is to be circulated to encourage anyone interested to come forward. It has been highlighted in the media that photo ID is now required to cast a vote.

 

4. Highways.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

ii. The Green Lane from Bouchland Farm to the A377 was discussed again, a site meeting is looking closer to being arranged but as yet not finalised.

iii. Ploughing out of verges, along Bircham Hill. Cllr Henderson has kindly agreed to give the Parish a grant for this, a quote has been received for £56 per hour for tractor and loader and £56 an hour for tractor and trailer, a second quote has been requested, Cllr Henderson was unable to attend the meeting so the sum of grant is not known, this will be ascertained then the paperwork completed.

 

5. County and District Councillors items. Cllr Henderson reported on the Recruitment of Chief Executive –The new Chief Executive, Donna Manson, will start in mid-February she has found a property to live in.

Budgets  - it looks like a £7m overspend for this year, the member for finance thinks the balance is going in the right direction. The budget target is much better than expected as the Autumn statement and a better government statement than expected so the figures are looking better than first predicted. There is a  

 

                                                                                                                                            753

big increase in children’s services, Special Educational Needs education needs to be addressed, it is early days for the budget.  

DCC are looking for anyone with a room to rent/property that could be made available for Social Workers that are currently being recruited to fill the many vacancies available across the County. If anyone has space, then visit devon.gov.uk & follow the links.

Devon Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy – A public consultation is being held on the draft Devon Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy. This consultation aims to find out your views on the draft strategy and its recommendations. Information about the Strategy can be found online here - Devon Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy - Have Your Say

Cllr Davies reported that last year a motion was put forward to DCC to pass a traffic order to restrict pavement parking, this is a big issue in Chulmleigh but it has not been passed by DCC. The provisional mid term finance prediction from central government is a 3% increase. The cost of Green Bins in NDC district is to increase to £55 per year for one bin collected also the cost of parking is to be increased. There are grants available up to £1000 for warm space provision. There are a range of measures brought in by NDC to address the cost-of-living crisis, visit NDC website. Grit bins were then discussed it was suggested to have one in the centre of the village, the siting of the existing grit bins were discussed it was felt a location plan needs to be drawn up, there are 4 in the parish all are to be checked to ensure they are full. It was suggested to put on the October agenda each year to ensure they are topped up every year, and add to the list of assets.

 

6. Finance,                                                                                                                           

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                       

1542	S W Windows	£984.00
1543	Clerk’s salary	£359.58
1545	Office expenses	£46.60
1545	Website	£120.00
1546	Burrington Parish Hall	£10.00
1557	Defib Sales and Training Ltd	£101.98
1558	WH Buckingham (hall)	£408.31
1558	WH Buckingham (MUGA)	£235.22

i.                 The Precept form has been returned.

ii.                The balance of £8000 held in the Scottish Widows was discussed it was suggested to investigate the possibility of getting a higher rate of interest.

 

7. Planning                                                                                            

75959	Listed building consent for rebuilding of south western elevation and associated stabilisation works at West Pavington Farm.
75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington
75700 75699	Listed building consent for change of use of the public house to public house and one dwelling to include extensions and alterations at Barnstaple Inn		Refused
76233	Erection of agricultural building at Abbotts Marsh Amended plans		Approved
76179 76178	Listed Building Consent for Conversion of existing barn to two habitable holiday let units at Poole Batten		No objections
76223	Variation of condition 2 (approved plans) attached to planning permission 73684 (creation of a dwelling and associated works as a replacement for the dwelling approved under Class Q previously) in respect of relocation of the building within the red line of the site, change from 2 story to single storey, reduction of floor area & fenestration amendments at Mully Brook Barn Burrington			No comment     754
76327	Change of use of land to equestrian and construction of horse-riding arena at The Linhay Bouchland Farm Burrington		Recommend Approval
76399	Erection of a holiday let cabin at Langabridge Farm Burrington	This application was discussed it was felt the access onto the A377 is very poor, the question is to be asked regarding the highways impact in relation to the previous refusals in this area. The applicant has an existing site with better access with services and amenities in place so further development of that site would have less impact on the environment and the countryside.
76444 76445	Installation of solar PV array to existing barn roof at Poole Batten Burrington Listed building		Recommend Approval

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Parish Hall report. The question was asked regarding the S106 money on the 64055 Cross Farm development, it appears the allocation will be for the first third of the money after a third of the houses are inhabited dwellings, subsequently the second third after another third has been inhabited and so on.  

 

9.Bethesda Graveyard Trust.

 

10. Correspondence                                                                                                                               i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

ii. PCC Survey for re-opening local Police Stations, it was suggested to send a letter asking if the South Molton front office could be reopened as the only information desk in North Devon is in Barnstaple.           Iii. There is Code of Conduct training on the 5^th June at 6pm on Teams following the Parish Council elections.

The flooding by the shed between Forches Cross and Red Post is to be reported.

 

 

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 28^th February 2023 7.30pm

                                                           

 

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 28^th March 2023 7.30pm Parish Council meeting

 

 

                                                            

 

  

 

749

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 29^th November 2022

 

Present Mr K Pincombe (Chairman) Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr P Bailey and Mrs G Benson Mr A. Bonner Mr S Smale Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk) 

In attendance Cllr P Henderson County Councillor

Apologies Mr J Short Cllr K Davies District Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

1.Minutes

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 25^th October were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, there has been two residents interested in having an allotment it was felt it would be ideal if there was more interest, so it will be highlighted at the Annual Parish meeting and a note put in with the Annual Report which is circulated to every household to ascertain if there is any more take up. Information has been received in relation to the setting up off allotments

            Ii The bus shelter, the facia work has been completed, but there are slates that have come off and some have lifted, Cllr Short and Cllr Bailey are undertake the repairs.

            iii. The letter to the Earl of Portsmouth sent but no reply received.

            iv. Website, the annual cost is to increase.

 

3. Chairman’s Report  

i. The Wicksteed report has been received, there were reports of two moderate findings, the entrance gate by hall has highlighting as being rusty in places and the stile into the field the spring is a little low. Cllr Short and Cllr Bailey are to look at the details of the report.

 

4. Highways.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

ii. The Green Lane from Bouchland Farm to the A377 was discussed again, emails have been received but as yet no joint visit, Cllr Henderson suggested a joint site visit would be beneficial, a number of issues need to be in the correct place, traffic officers need to be asked for clarification, Mr Stuart Howell the Public Rights of Way Officer, Richard Sables the Highway Superintendent along with Cllr Henderson and Cllr Short and Cllr Pincombe are to try and have a site meeting.

5. County and District Councillors items. Cllr Henderson, this is the DCC report Recruitment of Chief Executive – the Appointments Panel were able to make a unanimous decision in appointing a new Chief Executive, Donna Manson, who is currently the Chief Executive of Highland Council in Scotland – the UK’s largest rural authority. She has a track record of improvement, best value and successful budget delivery, rebuilding substantial reserves and resilience within the Highland Council, while implementing significant investment projects. Her background is in Education and Children’s Services in three Scottish councils, having started her career in teaching where she was also a ‘trouble-shooter’.                                           750

The decision should be ratified by Full Council on the 8^th December, with Donna due to start in mid-February. She has already had meetings with senior directors already, including the Director of Finance, so should be in a position to hit the ground running when she formally joins us next year.

Budgets  - You will probably have seen the media coverage now about this. The projected £40m overspend for this financial year has been brought down to £6m… but that has been achieved through having to make savings on existing budgets this year and postponing long term projects in IT and recruitment etc. However, the Children’s Services Budget continues to overspend and every possible effort is being made to contain and reverse the overspend but it is not easy.

Nonetheless, we should be able to balance the books for this financial year… the challenge is going to be next year. Prior to the Autumn Statement we were looking at a projected budget gap of £60m, which on top of the £15m planned savings identified in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy, means that we are looking at overall projected savings of £75m.

The numbers are still being crunched but it looks as though the Autumn Statement has been favourable to DCC. However, difficult decisions will still need to be taken to deliver a balanced budget. Unlike a lot of central government institutions, local government has to balance our budget every financial year by law. If we do overspend, then that has to be covered from reserves or some other external income stream. If we can’t, we have to issue what is called a Section 114 notice which, in effect, means the local authority becomes bankrupt. Needless to say, a bankrupt council cannot help anyone. The £75m savings can be achieved but it will mean deep and painful cuts as the Council Leader has already outlined.

This is not a problem that is unique to Devon. It is a national issue, from speaking to colleagues across the country their budget problems are similar, and many actually are worse! Cornwall’s budget deficit for next year is £62million (they are smaller than Devon), Plymouth is facing similar problems. Further afield, Norfolk County Council has a £60m budget gap for this year. Kent’s is £70m.

Inflation has been the main driver for a lot of these cost pressures, with some sectors such as Highways actually experiencing hyperinflation.

Non Budget Matters Cost of Living Help – Devon has received a further £5m funding to help households weather the rising costs of living, with help to pay for food, energy and other essential items. More information about this is online here - Councils to receive additional funds to help support households with rising food and energy costs - News (devon.gov.uk)

Support for Children during school holidays – Free holiday activities with hot meals are now available for children during the Christmas 2022 holidays. All children are eligible to register, although priority places will be given to children aged five to 16 years old (or four-year-olds, if in reception), who are eligible for and receiving benefit-related free school meals and their families. More information available online here - HAF providers – Christmas 2022 – Education and Families (devon.gov.uk)

Devon Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy – A public consultation is being held on the draft Devon Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy. This consultation aims to find out your views on the draft strategy and its recommendations. Information about the Strategy can be found online here - Devon Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy - Have Your Say

The issue of hedge ploughing  along Bircham Hill was raised, as this would help the problem of water running across the road in winter as it seems no routes into Burrington are now regularly gritted, Cllr Henderson is willing to help with some of his Locality Budget it was suggested to get quotes for the work, Chittlehamton have employed a private contractor using some grant money, and gave a contribution towards the work, quotes are to be obtained.

DCC ‘s plan is to maintain A roads, but advice is to keep reporting pot holes, an update on the A377 will be given at the next meeting.

The District Council is in a better financial position than DCC, but the car parking charges all over North Devon are to rise by 10p-20p per hour, the situation of the refugees in Ilfracombe has caused some issues due to a lack of communication.

 

 

 

 

6. Finance,                                                                                                                                                    752                                                                                                                                                           

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                              

1539	Clerks Salary	£450.00
1540	Mr R Elworthy	£100.00
1541	Wicksteed	£144.00

i.              Grass cutting tenders, after discussion Mr Bakers tender of £689.00 for the Village Green and seats also the field for £597.50 were proposed by Cllr Bailey seconded by Cllr Smale, likewise Mr R Elworthy’s quote for hedge cutting of £ 100 were all accepted, unanimously.

ii.            The Precept was discussed it was proposed by Cllr Bailey seconded by Cllr Bonner to keep the precept unchanged at £10,000.00 all in favour.

iii.           It was raised regarding assessing the electricity used on the Square and Hall lights to see if the grant contribution is covering the cost.

7. Planning                                                                                                               

75959	Listed building consent for rebuilding of south western elevation and associated stabilisation works at West Pavington Farm.
75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington
75700 75699	Listed building consent for change of use of the public house to public house and one dwelling to include extensions and alterations at Barnstaple Inn			Called in
76233	Erection of agricultural building at Abbotts Marsh	Cllr Pincombe declared a prejudicial interest and did not take part in the discussion, the comments to be put forward are that the council agrees approval on the condition “has the need been demonstrated and justified for this proposal.”
76179 76178	Listed Building Consent for Conversion of existing barn to two habitable holiday let units at Poole Batten		No objections

 

 8. Parish Hall report. No report

 

9.Bethesda Graveyard Trust.

 

10. Correspondence                                                                                                                                                    i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

A reply email has been received from South West Water regarding the smell.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 17^th January 2023 7.30pm

                                                         

 

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 28^th February 2023 7.30pm Parish Council meeting 

745

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 25^th October 2022

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman), Mr P Bailey and Mrs G Benson Mr A. Bonner Mr S Smale Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)   

In attendance

Apologies Mr K Pincombe Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Cllr K Davies District Councillor Cllr P Henderson County Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

1.Minutes

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th September were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, notices regarding allotments have been put on the Parish email and in the Parish Magazine, and just recently there has been a flier drop in the centre of the Village so far there are two interested parties, advice is to be sought from Winkleigh who have established allotments, there is also national guidance for allotments. A map is to be used as guidance as to where to site the allotments if agreed on the field, this will be discussed and decided at the next meeting in November.  

          Ii The bus shelter repairs are in hand, the facias have yet to be replaced. The owners of the old school have communicated with Cllr Short and they are happy for the Parish Council to have access for maintenance, Cllr Short is to ask advice if anything further needs to be undertaken.

          iii. The letter to the Earl of Portsmouth sent but no reply received.

          iv. The uploading onto the website was discussed, the clerk and the Chairman are to be instructed.

          v. The Wicksteed inspection has been undertaken the findings are awaited,

 

3. Chairman’s Report  

i. Alan the postman for some years is leaving the parish round and going to Holsworthy it was felt a thank you letter from the parish and Parish Council should be sent for Alan’s excellent way he has dedicated himself to his job.

 

4. Highways.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.

ii. The continued traffic problems by Kingford on the A377 were highlighted again.

iii. The Green Lane from Bouchland Farm to the A377 was discussed again, Cllr Henderson is aware the visit as yet has not been carried out, but Cllr Henderson has communicated with Richard Sables who he would also like to  look at the site, but having spoken to Mr Sables, Mr Sables didn’t think there was too much of a problem with the vehicle accessing through the now ‘closed’ road. Mr Sam Jeffcoats is the Public Rights of Way Officer he will be contacted as he has not responded to an email regarding the situation.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                            746

5. County and District Councillors items. Cllr Davies reported For more information on the temporary closure of the Barnstaple Pannier Market the statement from the NDC Chief Executive is here: https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/news/community/2022/october/statement-from-council-chief-executive-on-the-barnstaple-pannier-market/ NDC have followed guidance from the HSE and alternative provisions have been offered to all traders (Green Lanes). Barnstaple Inn Burrington. I have been in correspondence with the case officer Roger Bagley and will update further shortly. Clarification is being sort from the applicant as insufficient information/ justification has been submitted. For advice available to cope with the cost of living please see: https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/cost-of-living-help-and-advice/ A new culture strategy 2022-2027 for northern Devon encourages ‘flourishing culture’ across the region. The aim is to deliver increasing economic and wellbeing benefits, as well as contributing to the rejuvenation of town centres and attracting tourism. https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/news/community/2022/september/new-culture-strategy-for-northern-devon-encourages-flourishing-culture-across-region/ The finalised version of the Devon Carbon Plan was launched on the 27th Sept. The plan is the roadmap for how Devon will reach net-zero emissions by 2050 (at the latest). See: https://devonclimateemergency.org.uk/devon-carbon-plan/ Please note although the ‘bathing season’ ended on 30th September the ‘Dogs Public Space Protection Order’ is still in place. See: https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/public-space-protection-orders-in-north-devon/ What’s happening at the Museum of Barnstaple and North Devon? A Treasury of Birds, In a New Light, Mapping Our Town and more… See: https://barnstaplemuseum.org.uk/

Cllr Henderson reported FEASIBILITY STUDY TO USE FARMLAND TO GENERATE RENEWABLE ENERGY We are currently looking into the feasibility of a new scheme that could give community energy groups the chance to use farmland and farm buildings to help them expand Devon’s renewable electricity capacity. It’s part of European Interreg-funded work we are doing to explore the potential for generating renewable energy within the agricultural sector. And if successful it could see renewable energy installations developed on low-grade, agricultural land – other than where this is important for wildlife or other environmental interests – and farm buildings. The rapid expansion of renewable energy production in Devon is expected to be a key requirement of Devon’s Carbon Plan, due to be published this autumn. That plan will outline how Devon can become net-zero by 2050 at the very latest. Nationally, the Climate Change Committee has said that renewable energy production needs to be quadrupled to have any chance of meeting the UK’s net zero targets. This research will see how the agricultural sector in Devon, supported by local community energy groups, could be part of the answer, with farms becoming ‘renewable energy hubs’ alongside their usual business, generating energy from wind, solar, biomass and agricultural waste. But one of the perceived barriers is the large upfront costs of installing renewable technology infrastructure, so this study will need to find a way to incentivise, or stimulate, local investment in renewables. “BARNSTAPLE WITH BIDEFORD AND NORTHAM LOCAL CYCLING AND WALKING INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN” A public consultation has been launched on proposals that aim to close the gaps in the cycling and walking network in the Barnstaple, Bideford and Northam area. We’re seeking views on four walking and six cycling schemes across the area, which are detailed on our Have Your Say webpages. The draft “Barnstaple with Bideford and Northam Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan” (BBN LCWIP) outlines a number of potential walking and cycling schemes for future investment over the next 10-20 years. Proposals include: Development of a 3.5 mile route between Appledore and Bideford via Northam; A new link from west of Bideford and East-the-Water to Bideford town centre to improve access to the Tarka Trail; A new off-road connection between Landkey and Newport to access local schools and Barnstaple town centre; Connections from Whiddon Valley to Barnstaple to link new developments to the east of Barnstaple to the town centre; CARE COSTS BOUNCED BACK TO PM's PROMISE Councils across the UK are calling for central govt to provide more funding for adult social care. Councils face an ‘extremely challenging’ 18 months ahead, as the cost-of-living crisis and inflation adds an additional £3.8bn to the costs of delivering social care. The County Councils Network (CCN), which represents 36 mainly Conservative councils, says that Prime Minister, Liz Truss, must follow through with her commitment. Without it, we in Devon estimate a funding shortfall of between £30m to £40m over the next 10 years. Part of that is down to national reforms in adult social care being introduced next year that will see our costs rising with more people becoming eligible for council-funded social care, more generous

                                                                                                                                            747

financial support for those receiving care, and higher fees most likely, to be paid to care providers. With just £500m announced so far in extra funding, Councils are keeping up the pressure on Westminster. CARBON PLAN REVEALS HOW ALL DEVON CAN ACHIEVE NET-ZERO After hearing from Devon residents young and old, businesses and from across all sectors of our economy through public consultations, workshops and a Citizens’ Assembly, the final version of the Devon Carbon Plan has now been published by the Devon Climate Emergency partnership. Supported by us and the latest scientific evidence, the Plan is our county’s roadmap to becoming net-zero by 2050 at the latest, and it spells out exactly what we all have to do to create a resilient, sustainable county where people and nature can thrive. The Plan sets out a range of detailed, evidence-based solutions and strategic objectives for national and local policy makers in areas such as energy production, transport, and the buildings we live and work in. It has been delivered by Devon Climate Emergency, a partnership of 29 businesses, public bodies, voluntary groups, and Devon’s 11 principal councils, including ourselves. Between now and the New Year each one of those organisations will be called on to endorse and demonstrate how they will use their responsibilities and influence to enact the Plan. Most emissions (68 per cent) in Devon (including Torbay and Plymouth) come from buildings – our homes and workplaces – and on-road transport. Or, sliced another way, 74 per cent of all emissions relate to the energy we use one way or another, from the oil and gas that powers our economy, fuels our cars, and heats our homes. Full plan is available at: devonclimateemergency.org.uk COST OF LIVING RESOURCE PAGE On the DCC public website there is a Cost of Living resource page setting out information for residents and businesses in Devon who are struggling to afford to pay for their energy, water, food or other essential items. A third Household Support Fund announcement is imminent, which will run from October 2022 to 31 March 2023. Once the details are finalised they will be published on this page. ADULT SOCIAL CARE REFORMS Members may have seen the media coverage in recent weeks of the growing calls for the delays to the adult social care charging reforms, a call that DCC has supported. Delaying the charging reforms will however only go so far in helping to support local preparations, as the fundamental challenges of local budgets, workforce recruitment and retention challenges, and market sufficiency are very unlikely to be resolved in twelve months. This week we have completed our nationally mandated Cost of Care exercise and our draft Market Sufficiency Plan, submitting both to the Department of Health and Social Care for its assurance and support process before receiving confirmation on we are able to publish. This has been an incredibly intense period of time for many officers and I want to put on record my thanks for their efforts, as well as those independent care providers who have contributed to the process. HIGH STANDARD OF CARE Devon has consistently had levels of independent care provider quality above all national comparator level as judged by the CQC. This continues, and at the moment there is only a single provider on the DCC footprint that is rated as ‘inadequate’. Work continues to support the provider from the Quality Assurance and Improvement Team (QAIT) to put in place measures that will see improvement.

6. Finance,                                                                                                                                     

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                       

1534	NDC	£78.00
1536	Mr M Baker grass cutting	£1236.50
1537	Magnets Mr P Bailey	£9.98
1538	Red 17 Notice Board	£368.40

i. Thank you to Cllr Davies for the grant towards the cost of the new Notice Board.

7. Planning                                                                                            

75980	Approval of details in respect of discharge of condition 6 (No part of the development to be commenced until a detailed landscape plan is submitted and approved) attached to planning permission 74777 (Conversion of barns and outbuilding to dwelling) Cowlas
75015	Retrospective application - change of use of land for the siting of caravan for use as a rural worker dwelling together with erection of 1 polytunnel, 1 shed & 1 compost toilet, Land to the East of Kingsland Farm	Refused
75959	Listed building consent for rebuilding of south western elevation and associated stabilisation works at West Pavington Farm.	748
75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington
75700 75699	Listed building consent for change of use of the public house to public house and one dwelling to include extensions and alterations at Barnstaple Inn	Called in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Parish Hall report. No report

 

9.Bethesda Graveyard Trust.

 

10. Correspondence                                                                                                                               i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

A resident has sent a further complaint to South West Water regarding the smell situation in the centre of the Village that is still evident. An email will be sent from the Parish Council.

         

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 29^th November, 2022 7.30pm

                                                                      Budget meeting

 

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 17^th/24^th January 2023 7.30pm Parish Council meeting

to be agreed.

 

                                                            

 

 

 

 

 

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 27^th September 2022

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman), Mr K Pincombe Mr P Bailey and Mrs G Benson Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr A. Bonner Mr S Smale Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)            

In attendance Cllr P Henderson County Councillor 

Apologies Cllr K Davies District Councillor

 

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

A minute’s silence was observed for the HM Queen Elizabeth II and Mr Gordon Short past Chairman of the Parish Council who sadly passed away.

 

Public Participation

 

1.Minutes 

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 30^th August were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, residents in the village have been asking about the possibility of allotments on the field, a notice is to be put on the email and in the Parish magazine to gauge the amount of interest. Also, a letter drop of residents in the vicinity of the field is to be undertaken. Advice would be sought if this plan was to go ahead, the siting would have to be considered in relation to the dog walking facility that is planned and planned car parking, the trees were discussed as it is a possibility this could be part of the dog walking area. The field was used as an overflow car park for the recent successful tractor run.

            Ii The bus shelter repairs are in hand. Future maintenance, the owners are to be approached.

            iii. The letter to the Earl of Portsmouth sent but no reply received.

            iv. The uploading onto the website was discussed, the clerk is to upload the Parish Council information with another volunteer undertaking the remaining information.

            v. Wicksteed have been contacted to inspect the play equipment for the annual inspection the cost this year is £120 plus VAT.

 

3. Chairman’s Report  

i. The Emergency Self Help Plan for the parish has been reviewed and updated by Cllr Bailey and Cllr Fraser-Smith. Councillors and the clerk will have a copy for the useful contacts in a time of emergency.

 

4. Highways. 

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting. 

ii. The continued traffic problems by Kingford on the A377 were highlighted again.

iii. The Green Lane from Bouchland Farm to the A377 was discussed, the lane is a footpath and bridleway there is a sign saying no vehicular access, but it seems the land in the vicinity has been sold a portion of which has no access other than this lane. Cllr Henderson was made aware of the situation and along with Cllr Pincombe is going to look at the site. 

The lane seems to have been cleared with vehicles now using it, the danger is the passing vehicles that might be in danger when those accessing from the lane join the road, Cllr Henderson highlighted that if 

                                                                                                                                                                        743

non-agricultural vehicles were using this lane they would not be insured as the prohibitive sign is clear to see. 

 

5. County and District Councillors items. Cllr Hendeson apologised for being out of action for 6 weeks with a bad back. Cllr Henderson reported Jan Shadbolt, former County Solicitor is now the interim Chief Executive of DCC following the retirement of Dr Phil Norrey. Jan will be in place until the end of February to oversee the stabilisation of this year’s budget and setting a budget for the next financial year.

Recruitment of a permanent Chief Executive has now started with advertisements agreed and longlisting due to take place at the end of October, shortlisting early November and a final appointment towards the end of November, with a start date in March/April.

Budget situation – good progress has been made so far on stabilising the budget. The current overspend has been reduced from £40 million to £18 million. More work to be done but at the latest Budget Monitoring meeting this month it was reported for the first time that Children’s Services had started to reduce their overspend and had achieved a £3.5 million saving on Children in Care placements. This and further savings coming through will reduce the £18m down further… this service is in special measures.

The Councils Digital Transformation and Organisational Change Team are going to be embedded alongside Children’s Services and Adult’s Services to look at how we can deliver their services more efficiently and effectively by eliminating unnecessary processes, bureaucracy etc.

DCC have teamed up with 35 other councils to lobby the government for greater financial assistance.

Cllr Henderson is on the appeals panel for Free School Transport, this service is £5m over budget at present. Other projects around the county have either been frozen or postponed in an endeavour to save money.

The A377 was discussed the hillside in some places is slipping down towards the road the section of uneven road further on from Kingford towards Umberleigh is due to tree roots.

 

 

6. Finance,                                                                                                                                                                

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                               

1530	West Aylescott Farming	£38.76
1531	Clerk’s salary	341.46
1532	Office expenses	£51.78
1533	Defib Sales	£101.98

i. 

7. Planning                                                                                                                

74777	Conversion of barns and outbuildings to dwelling at Barns at Cowlas		Passed
75980	Approval of details in respect of discharge of condition 6 (No part of the development to be commenced until a detailed landscape plan is submitted and approved) attached to planning permission 74777 (Conversion of barns and outbuilding to dwelling) Cowlas		Landscaping plan, so no comment from the Parish Council.
75220	Demolition of an existing agricultural building and erection of 4 two story houses with amenity space, car parking and landscaping at Bedport Poultry Farm, Burrington.		Passed but the S106 has to be agreed.
75015	Retrospective application - change of use of land for the siting of caravan for use as a rural worker dwelling together with erection of 1 polytunnel, 1 shed & 1 compost toilet, Land to the East of Kingsland Farm
75959	Listed building consent for rebuilding of south western elevation and associated stabilisation works at West Pavington Farm.		Recommend approval
75847 75846	Listed building, conversion of existing agricultural building to habitable accommodation at Poole Batton Burrington		744 No objections
75700 75699	Listed building consent for change of use of the public house to public house and one dwelling to include extensions and alterations at Barnstaple Inn	This application was discussed, pubs are defined in the Local Plan as a community facility for which there is a clear policy presumption against their loss unless it can be demonstrated they are unviable. In addition, the Spatial Strategy for Burrington identifies the Barnstaple Inn as a local service and seeks to ensure local services are retained in order to serve the existing community and the proposed additional homes allocated for Burrington. So, a clear presumption against loss. The applicant may argue the pub is not being lost just reduced in size fundamentally affecting the viability of the pub and therefore will result in its loss. Alongside that the application is clearly deficient in assessing the impact of the proposals on the pub as a listed building. In the view of the Parish Council there is a very clear policy-based objection to this application, it was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Benson to object to the application and recommend refusal and furthermore to ask Cllr Davies to call the application in, unanimous agreement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. Parish Hall report. No report

 

9.Bethesda Graveyard Trust. There is now a special commissioned area for cremated remains.

 

10. Correspondence                                                                                                                                                     i. DALC newsletter is circulated. The DALC AGM Conference and Exhibition is on Wednesday the 5^th October at Exeter Racecourse.

 

            

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 25^th October, 2022 7.30pm

 

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 29^th November 2022 7.30pm Parish Council meeting

                                                                                    Budget meeting.

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

 Parish Council Meeting held on the 30^th August 2022

 

Present Mr K Pincombe (Chairman), Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr A. Bonner Mr P Smale Mr P Bailey and Mrs G Benson Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)         

In attendance Cllr K Davies District Councillor

Apologies Mr J Short Mr S Smale Cllr P Henderson County Councillor 

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

1.Minutes 

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th July were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, no report at present.

            Ii The bus shelter repairs are in hand. Advice is to be sought on maintenance and upkeep of the bus shelter when the gap is filled in next to the bus shelter by the new owners.

            iii. The letter to the Earl of Portsmouth has been drafted and is due to be sent.

            iv. One of the volunteers who kindly undertakes the uploading onto the website, is leaving the parish so the ongoing situation needs to be clarified. 

            v. Wicksteed will be contacted to inspect the play equipment for the annual inspection. 

 

3. Chairman’s Report  

i. The Emergency Plan for the parish is being reviewed and updated by Cllr Bailey and Cllr Fraser-Smith.

 

4. Highways. 

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting. 

ii. The continued traffic lights by Kingford on the A377 were highlighted again.

iii. The Green Lane from Bouchland Farm to the A377 was discussed, the lane is a footpath and bridleway there is a sign saying no vehicular access, but it seems the land in the vicinity has been sold a portion of which has no access other than this lane.

This lane was the subject of public consultation for the prohibition of vehicles back in 2011 when a motor bikers group tried to allow its use for off road biking, but the council deemed the access onto the A377 much too dangerous due to the total lack of visibility either way, so it was officially closed to vehicles. 

The lane seems to have been cleared with vehicles now using it, the danger is the passing vehicles that might be in danger when those accessing from the lane join the road, Mr Martin Caddy Public rights of Way Officer is to be asked go and look at the situation. Mr Richard Sables Highway superintendent and Cllr Henderson are to be consulted. 

 

5. County and District Councillors items.

Cllr Davies reported Sue Croft was working hard almost to the end for Chulmeigh Volunteers in an organising capacity. Cllr Davies said there is now a webcam in the North Devon Council main room at Brynsworthy, councillors have to attend but now the public can watch live or via U Tube, to make the meetings more accessible, interested person have to notify NDC two days in advance to gain live access. 

 

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NDC budget gap is like DCC but not quite so significant, but councillors are asking what ideas can come forward to help plug the gaps, a public consultation will be circulated regarding any plans, at present no redundancies are planned. The Green Lane project is to give an income to the Council. North Devon Council had representatives at North Devon Show and North Devon Homes Summer Fair to meet the public. The Electoral registration letters are being sent out, to ensure everyone who wants to vote is on the Electoral role. Cllr Davies said he has some of his councillor’ fund available,  which he is able to grant to a parish project, it was suggested by Cllr Bailey the Parish Council Notice Board by Pickard’s office is beginning to rot, Cllr Bailey has been investigating and an aluminium notice board, landscape version is in the region of £307 plus VAT, it was proposed by Cllr Fraser-Smith seconded by Cllr Bonner to ask Cllr Davies for a grant towards this project, all in favour. 

 

6. Finance,                                                                                                                                                                

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                               

1529

Clerk’s salary

£450.00

i. An email has been received from the Chair of the hall committee in regard to the hire charge for the Jubilee celebrations, this was relayed to the meeting, no further action will be taken.

 

7. Planning                                                                                                                

74777	Conversion of barns and outbuildings to dwelling at Barns at Cowlas		Pending
75220	Demolition of an existing agricultural building and erection of 4 two story houses with amenity space, car parking and landscaping at Bedport Poultry Farm, Burrington.		Passed but the S106 has to be agreed.
75015	Retrospective application - change of use of land for the siting of caravan for use as a rural worker dwelling together with erection of 1 polytunnel, 1 shed & 1 compost toilet, Land to the East of Kingsland Farm	This application was discussed at the Parish Council meeting, the questions raised:  1.Is the planning authority satisfied the applicant has a justified need. 2.Has the planning authority looked at the siting of the caravan in relation to the proximity of the horticultural business. Councillors felt the Parish Council must demonstrate due diligence.

i. S106 Priorities; the Parish Council have updated the S106 Priorities list, to include “to enhance the availability of broadband” and improvements to the Viewing Table by the Beacon.

8. Parish Hall report. No report

 

9.Bethesda Graveyard Trust. No report

 

10. Correspondence                                                                                                                                                     i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

 

It was raised again the ongoing issue of caravans popping up all over the parish, it was agreed to compile an up-to-date list and send to North Devon Council Enforcement.     

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 27^th September, 2022 7.30pm

 

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 25^th October 2022 7.30pm Parish Council meeting

732

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Annual Parish Council Meeting held on the 31^st May 2022

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman), Mr P Bailey Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr A. Bonner and Mr K Pincombe Mr P Smale Mrs G Benson Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)         

In attendance Cllr P Henderson County Councillor 

Apologies Cllr K Davies District Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

Co-option, there were two candidates for the Parish Councillor position, Cllr Smale and Cllr Benson, declared an interest and did not vote. After a paper ballot Mr Simon Smale was elected onto the Parish Council. 

Mr Smale was present at the meeting so was welcomed by the Chairman onto the Parish Council. 

 

Election 

Election of Officers the clerk asked for nominations for the post of chairman, it was proposed by Cllr Smale to re-elect Cllr Short as Chairman seconded by Cllr Bonner, all were unanimously in favour. Cllr John Short was duly elected as chairman.  

The Chairman asked for nominations for the post of vice chairman Cllr Pincombe was proposed as Vice Chairman by Cllr Benson seconded by Cllr Wooldridge, unanimously all in favour; Cllr K Pincombe was duly re-elected as Vice Chairman.

Representatives from the Parish Council on the Parish Hall committee, Cllr P Bailey and Cllr Wooldridge were appointed as the Parish council’s representatives.

Bethesda Graveyard Trust representative, Cllr John Short and Cllr Bailey were nominated as the representatives.

 

 

1.Minutes 

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th April were agreed and signed.                                          

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, no report at present.

            Ii Queens Platinum Jubilee, the bunting is to be put up at 7 o’clock on Thursday evening, the planting of the copper beech tree by Mr Gordon Short will take place at around 9.30pm a plaque will be put up in due course, the lighting of the Beacon will take place at 9.45pm. It is hoped to hold the event on Saturday on the Green but will be in the hall if wet, setting up at 2.30pm to commence at 3.00pm.

The joint service will be held in the Church on Sunday.

iii. The Clerk asked for any information that is to be included in the Annual Report to be forwarded, so it can be compiled on one piece of paper, printed with the printing costs shared.  

4. Chairman’s Report  

i. The Toilet grant of £501 has been received, this is to be allocated to the hall account.

ii. The Emergency Plan needs to be updated, Cllr Bailey and Cllr Fraser-Smith agreed to do this.

5. Highways. No report has been received on the drain discharging onto the pavement.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.                        

 

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6. County and District Councillors items.

Cllr Henderson reported that 77% of the DCC budget goes on 3% of the population, this is Adult and Children’s Social Care, so the highways budget is not that great, it has been decided to concentrate on A and B roads, Meg Booth Head of Highways and Cllr Yabsley have been looking at the budget any available cash is going to the Care system so there is a lack of funding for roads, there is also a lack of funding from Central Government letters are to be sent to the MP’s, so there is a fear for minor roads with very little money to fix them. Cllr Henderson is working on the project of the Parish Lengthman with 4 parishes involved, Kings Nympton, Chittlehamholt, Atherington and Burrington, Cllr Henderson is meeting with Meg Booth to discuss the project, Chittlehamholt already employ a contractor, to carry out verge ploughing and cleaning drains, pot holes could be addressed. The correct legal paperwork has to be in place before the project can start. DCC are closing down the Links Services which offers help with mental health, but in Barnstaple the building has been sold but the service has been relocated so is still being offered.

Cllr Henderson reported the Local Citizens Advice Bureaus have had a tremendous amount of enquires, being the 4^th highest, reflecting the current problems. NDC have at present only one Enforcement Officer as the other has been relocated, NDC are trying to identify empty properties to endeavour to bring them back into use to try and solve the housing shortage.

Cllr Davies reported Approximately 70% of eligible households have now received the £150 Council Tax Energy Rebate Payment from NDC. The balance of the direct debit customer payments will be made by the end of May. Manual payers will receive a letter with a bar code to enable them to receive cash from the post office. Just over £5m of funding for a second Household Support Fund (HSF2) has been awarded to DCC by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). The funds are currently with DCC. Further information to follow. NDC is consulting on changes to its Hackney Carriage fare tariff and is inviting the community to have their say. More information can be found here: https://www.northdevon.gov.uk/news/economy/2022/may-2022/have-your-say-on-proposed-taxi-fare-increase/#:~:text=25%20May%202022,not%20been%20raised%20since%202016. Consultation results show community support for the Market Quarter improvements coming to Barnstaple. The project has four strands – Pannier Market upgrades and flexible space, the restoration of 36/ 37 Boutport Street into an exciting mixed-use development, changing the access and redesigning the layout of Queen Street car park and the pedestrianisation of Butchers Row and Cross Street. Celebrate our Queen but keep it Green. North Devon and Torridge Councils have teamed up with local charity Plastic Free North Devon to produce some ‘top tips’ to help event organisers ensure a celebration that doesn’t damage the earth. Link here: https://torridge.gov.uk/article/20950/Celebrate-our-Queen-but-keep-it-Green

 

7. Finance,                                                                                                                                                                

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                               

1508	NDC Dog bins	£78.00
1509	Clerk’s salary	£450.00
1510	Envelopes for Annual Report	£13.19
1511	Burrington Parish Hall	£41.40
1512	Plaque for Commemorative Tree	£30.00
1514	Community First Insurance	£219.81
1515	Defibrillator Pads	£101.98
1516	WH Buckingham	£1457.89

i.               The Insurance was discussed as it was up for renewal, the quotes were compared, and questions asked are volunteers working for the Parish council covered under the policy, and does the preferred option cover everything that was covered before, these questions will be asked of the new company, it was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Fraser-Smith to go with Community First on a three-year long-term agreement, all in favour.

ii.               

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iii.             The Clerks salary review, the clerk left the room after consideration pay scale 11 was offered and accepted, with the clerk’s contract being signed.

iv.            The Fixed Asset Register, Councillors are to assess the assets around the parish. 

v.              A quote has been received for the repair of the bus shelter; further quotes are to be obtained.

 

8. Planning                                                                                                                

64051	Outline application for erection of 16 dwellings (all matters reserved) (amended site area & scheme) at Cross Farm    Burrington	Cllr Davies has forwarded details from Devon County Lead Local Flood Authority in which their objections have been addressed subject to the imposition of conditions to be discharged. A copy of the DCCLLFA response has been received, which also sets out the conditions which would be applied to any decision. The response also sets out how surface water within a detention basin before discharging to a watercourse to the east, which is accepted by DCCLLFA in the observations section.
74093	Erection of new building to accommodate four luxury suites a Northcote Manor		Pending
74777	Conversion of barns and outbuildings to dwelling at Barns at Cowlas		Pending
75032	Application for a non-material amendment to planning permission 71667 (change of use of school to dwelling including demolition of 'temporary' classroom and replacement with attached 'Annex') in respect of the relocation of the solar PV panels and removal of velux rooflight to South East Roof slope, Brodger House Burrington		Passed

 

9. Parish Hall report. The Hall refurbishment of the men’s toilets has been completed.

10.Bethesda Graveyard Trust, there has been a burial this week. 

11. Correspondence                                                                                                                                                     i. DALC newsletter is circulated.

The lack of Enforcement from NDC was discussed Cllr Short is to speak to Cllr Davies regarding the increasing number of caravans in the parish. 

            

                                                                                                                                                                                   

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 28^th June, 2022 7.30pm

for the Parish Council Meeting.

 

 

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 26^th July 2022 7.30pm Parish Council meeting

Minutes of the Annual Parish Meeting held virtually on Tuesday 26th April 2022

at 7.00 p.m.                                       725

 

Present:      Mr.J Short (in the Chair), Mr A Fraser-Smith, Mr P Bailey, Mr A Bonner Mrs G Benson, Mr P Smale Mr J Woolridge & Mrs A Snell (clerk) 

In Attendance Cllr P Henderson (County Council) Cllr K Davies (District Councillor) and 7 members of the public

Apologies: Mr K Pincombe and Mr L Parker

1. The Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th April 2021 were agreed and signed.                                          

2. Chairman’s Report

Cllr Short welcomed everyone to the meeting, Cllr Steve Aldridge has recently resigned from the Parish Council we thank him for all his work and contribution during his time on the council, there is now a vacancy so a co-option will take place. We started this year with zoom meetings but are now back to normal. In July 2021 the Parish Council finally completed on the purchase of the playing field, the night landing site mast and equipment to operate the light have been installed and are now operational, it is to be requested that anyone using the field to exercise their dogs to please pick up any mess because children will be using the area especially in the summer. The helicopter flying at Eaglescott seems to have subsided. The trailer has finally been removed from the Chapel car park and new rules drawn up to say vehicles must be of a road legal state to park there. The Barnstaple Inn has been sold Cllr Short has spoken to the new owners he has encountered a few problems but is still hoping to open in late autumn as a pub with food. Regarding pot holes the best way to report one seems to be online at devon.cc/report-it  

The development at Cross Park is still ongoing and evolving, the drainage was logged as a problem but now seems to be resolved to most people’s/agency’s satisfaction. The sewage is now to be connected to the mains sewage system; the route however is to be solely determined by SW Water if anyone has issues with this it can be seen on the NDC planning portal no 64051 the contact number to call is 08000831821. The Parish Council has purchased two unknown Tommys these where on display by the Oak tree at the last Remembrance Service.

Many thanks to Carole Poulton for her work with the Parish magazine. Tracy Ford and Pauline Down for the website and Parish email. I must thank my fellow Councillors for their support during the past year with a special mention of thanks to Angela for all the work she puts in as our Parish Clerk. And the County Councillor Paul Henderson and District Councillor Kevin Davies for their help and support.

3. Financial Report -These were made available to the meeting.

a) It was proposed by Mr G Short, seconded by Mr S Holton and agreed, that the Parish Council grants £60 donation to be made to Church for electricity used by public light.
£175 donation to be made to the Parish Hall for electricity used by lights, 

£300 Grant to the Burrington Church Buildings Trust for maintenance of the graveyard

£100 Grant to the Bethesda Graveyard Trust for maintenance of the graveyard

£50 Grant to the Old Gospel Hall for maintenance of the graveyard. All in agreement.

With the increasing cost of electricity, the cost burden will be reviewed to ascertain if there are any significant changes for the Hall and Church.

4). Chairman of the Parish Hall Committee 

i. The Multi Use Games area agreement was signed, all in agreement. ii. It was agreed for the Parish Council to put aside £1500 for use by the hall if required in this year. Mr G Short The year has nearly resumed to normality. Events in the hall are beginning to return. There have been Weddings, meetings and parties retuning. Fundraising events have taken place, these occasions are as important for the social get together as they are for the funds they raise. The maintenance of the building has been monitored throughout the year and is in good repair. The improvements in the gents’ toilets have been completed. Thank you to all the committee for attending meetings during the year, I would like to thank all the officers the Secretary the Booking Secretary for all the extra work that they put in over and above attending the meetings. Thank you to the Cleaners for keeping the hall in a clean and tidy state ready for bookings to take place. The Hall has been presented by the Gracey family a Portrait of Col. Gracey (which used to hang in the Northcote Manor). The Colonel gave the original Nissan Hut which was used as the hall. We have a few events planned for the coming months Bingos, Christmas Fayre and in August an Evening with 

                                                                                                                                                                     

 

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Johnny Cowling (Comedian) Ticket only more details to follow. The committee are pleased to confirm they will not be requiring any top up from the fund held on their behalf by the Parish Council this year.

5) Report from the Burrington Church Buildings Trust, and Friends of Holy Trinity

The Church Buildings Trust report was given by Stuart Holton not a lot has changed over the past 12 months there is now a fully functioning PCC, the Trust has given money towards the new boiler and maintaining the grave yard, some storm damage occurred over the winter months.  The BCBT continues to administer the funds       

The Friends of Holy Trinity are in their fourteenth year of helping to generate and administer an income stream to supplement the Church expenses which are the responsibility of the PCC. Any funds generated by the Friends are used to support the running costs of the Church itself, thus allowing the Friends to provide support in paying bills such as utilities cleaning and insurance premiums which are necessary for the ongoing operation of the Church. 

Cllr Fraser-Smith (chairman) reported a good level of support from the members         have generated sufficient income through subscriptions and investments to help the PCC with a good proportion of their running costs. In the last financial year £1828 support was given. The Friends only exist because of the membership Cllr Fraser-Smith gave thanks to all those who have generously supported the Friends of Holy Trinity over the last year and hope for continued support in the future.

Reverend Clive Jobbins reported that the Church is now open every Sunday and enjoying slow but consistent growth, the new heating boiler is now installed and functioning thank you to the BCBT, Devon Historic Churches and individual donations. The next project is a WC at the back of the Church. The Monthly Coffee mornings are well attended taking place on the first Saturday of the month. Monthly soup lunches took place during the winter months which were well supported, thank you to Kay Elworthy and Sarah Bonner for providing the soup, it has now been decided to hold cream teas monthly, the next is the 8^th May with a plant stall and raffle, after the great success of last years BBQ another one is planned for July. Thank you to Kay Elworthy and Sue Short for organising a bingo night in aid of the church, and Liz and Bryan Griffiths for the successful quiz night, Rev Clive would like to thank everyone who has been involved and for ongoing support, if anyone would like to be more involved, please contact the PCC or Rev Clive, finally with the closing of so many Churches’ Rev Clive is so glad that Burrington is to stay open.

6). The Community Shop, September 2021 marked the 6th anniversary of the opening of the Burrington Community Shop. There have been many changes over the course of those 6 years, the main ones which come to mind are: The relocation to larger premises; The additional of more chillers & freezers; Changes in counter personnel & volunteers; Most significant event (and indeed challenge) the arrival of Covid and the increase in demand for the Shop. However, what has remained relatively unchanged during this time in number terms is the core committee & volunteers & this has become the biggest challenge. The Shop continues to receive the support of Pickard’s staff & in recent times has benefited from settled continuity in Molly & Faye. Molly now helps out further in the shop as well as taking orders & Faye as well as serving on Molly’s day off is an important Pickard’s management point of contact. In terms of turnover, sales totalled almost £80k for the 2020/21 financial year to May 2021, that’s an increase of 41% on the previous year & Covid continues to be a factor in this rise we believe. The current monthly average of £6,650 compares with £3,900 per month in the last Covid free year, that’s 70% higher & apparently is not uncommon amongst Community Shops countrywide (source The Plunkett Foundation). Sales continue to remain strong in 2021/22, with the first half year showing an increase of 7% compared to 2020/21 at the same point. This continuing increase in sales has brought with it the possibility of a VAT registration requirement in the near future. Because of the increase administrative challenge registration would bring to our already stretched personnel, the Shop committee remain committed to non-registration, if at all possible, which regrettably but unavoidably may result in a reduction in the range of products available for sale. In terms of goods available, we remain committed to using Biodegradable/compostable or at best recyclable materials wherever possible & Colin has been instrumental in managing this. In premises terms we remain grateful to Pickard’s for maintaining their monthly rent charge at a modest level. We particularly acknowledge this financial gesture given the level of back-office support provided by them. With this in mind & with Molly now dedicating additional hours to shop matters we have invited Faye to re-assess Pickard’s charges in recognition. Shop hygiene is another challenge we have to meet & our search for a dedicated cleaner continues. In the meantime, the function is being covered at committee level. Turning to equipment, we added 1 additional upright freezer in 2020/21; replaced the ice cream freezer when the old unit’s repair proved uneconomic; replaced 1 chiller unit, with it’s predecessor relocated to the store for overflow storage. We now have a total of ten units, 5 chillers & 5 freezers. Even this area of operations brings it’s 

 

 

 

 

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challenges, particularly in the summer months with temperature issues during particularly hot spells. In terms of PR, there is now a dedicated YOUR COMMUNITY SHOP page in the parish 

magazine, Jack is instrumental in managing our website & social media updates. The Parish Contacts List has been updated with our new location & our opening hours etc. We continue to push for more people to get involved with the Shop & maintain the desire to resurrect a public parish meeting on the Shop’s future, which was planned but postponed by the arrival of Covid. Regrettably & again principally as a result of Covid restrictions, we have been unable to hold our annual quiz in support of local charity. However, in 2021/22 we were pleased to donate to Gordon Short’s bowling challenge to raise funds for DAAT & in addition contributed £441 towards the night landing lights for their air ambulance. We continue to source & support local suppliers for our products whenever possible. By value 94% of our purchases are sourced within the county and 75% locally or from Torridge or N Devon, including 4 of the top 5 supplier spends. All initial members’ start up loans have now been repaid & we again express our gratitude for this vital financial support. Some members preferred to convert their loan to a donation to reflect their appreciation of the Shop as a community resource. We currently have 44 shareholdings. The Shop has been able to strengthen its financial reserves, potentially to be available to ensure continuity of operations. In specific terms, these are designated to cover equipment replacement, stock replacement & cost coverage in the event of an interruption of trading. These essential designated funds account for 71% of the Shop’s reserves, with the remainder designed for contingencies & community benefit donations. Last but by no means least, we acknowledge the vital work of our volunteers (Fiona, Tony, Tansy, Pauline, Doreen, Gill, Martha, & some spouses!), to Pickards, in particular Molly & Faye to my fellow committee members both for their hard work on operations as well as committee matters & of course the support of our customers.

7. County and District Councillors items, Cllr Henderson I’m delighted to represent Burrington on Devon County Council following the election in May 2021. Unfortunately, it is nigh on impossible for me to attend every Parish Council meeting as I am also a Town Councillor on South Molton Town Council and hold the role of Chair of Finance meaning that my attendance at the monthly SMTC meeting is required. The SMTC meeting is held on the same evening/time as Burrington. The past year has been particularly trying owing to Covid and a complete change in working practices for the Council as a whole. DCC is facing unprecedented financial challenges as finance from central government continues to decline. Although all of our Council Tax bills are increasing, the perception is that the level of service provided does not move upwards. This to a large extent is due to the money required to service adult and children’s social care. The amount of money required in this area alone accounts for around 70% of the DCC expenditure and is only going to increase as the population across the County continues to age. All services provided by the County are under constant scrutiny and such is the pressure faced that to ensure a balanced budget was achieved for this financial year (22/23), money was drawn down from Council reserves. Highways issues are at the top of the list for most parish councils as the state of our roads continues to decline. One win I had back in 2021 before Christmas was to have the A377 patched between the Portsmouth Arms and Umberleigh. The road was simply too dangerous to allow further stalling of work. The repairs done are temporary as a longer-term solution is being investigated to solve the many issues facing the A377. All of this does not come ‘cheap’ and it may be some time until a more permanent solution is identified. One project I am keen to introduce is the return of a Parish Lengthsman. These individuals were commonplace a couple of decades ago and they knew about the road drainage issues across the Parish and kept the verges, drains and gulleys clear of water (which is causing so many problems today). It is not DCC policy to employ Lengthsmen anymore but I hope to persuade Cabinet that a trial whereby Burrington, Kings Nympton, Chittlehamholt and Atherington could share a resource which would ultimately reduce the number of potholes reported and general deterioration of the road surfaces across the four parishes. This in turn would see DCC save money in the mid to long term. I just now have to win that argument with Cabinet to have the resources released. As we enter a new financial year, I have my community grant available for those who may wish to apply for qualifying initiatives/projects. The amount each DCC Councillor has had been reduced from £10,000 to 

 

 

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£8,000 this year but I would be delighted to hear from any group/individual who’d like to be considered from a grant. All applications have to go through a formal application/scrutiny process but the money is there for me to directly feed into the communities I serve.

Cllr Davies reported it has been a pleasure to act as your District Councillor over the past year and he has endeavoured to attend as many meetings as possible in order to report and provide 

updates on both local and wider council issues that affect us as well as answering questions. It would appear that we have adjusted to living and working alongside COVID, this has been challenging for many and continues to affect us in differing ways. NDC has and continues to function well with many staff back in the office or hybrid working and with formal committees being held in person. Training and informal meetings are still conducted virtually and this is largely welcomed, reducing travel, time and cost to the council. Two important projects came forward during the year. Firstly, the purchasing of Green Lanes Shopping Centre in Barnstaple – this is part of the commercial strategy and will generate significant levels of new income for the council working towards the objective of enabling it to become financially sustainable by 2023/24. Secondly, the council secured approximately £6.5m from the Future High Street Fund for improvements to the Market Quarter, the Pannier Market and Queen Street/ Bear Street car park. The Ilfracombe Water Sports Centre is currently under construction and the new Tarka Leisure Centre in Barnstaple is due to open in May 2022. External funding was obtained for both projects. Closer to home it is good to see that the new housing scheme at Cross Park Farm received planning consent. The project will deliver much needed affordable houses and significant Section 106 contributions. I am also pleased not to be inundated with noise complaints from Eaglescott whilst I am continuing to monitor actions taken by NDC enforcement. Lastly, I am happy to support further projects eligible under the Community Councillor Grants scheme, this is now open for applications.

8. Co-option. Due, to the resignation of Steve Aldridge there is now to be a co-option onto the Parish Council, notices will be put up.

9. The Annual Report will be circulated in June every parish organisation was invited to put forward information for inclusion as the Report will be delivered to every household. 

 

 

…………………………. Chairman ……………………..……Date     

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Meeting held on the 30th November 2021

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman), Mr P Bailey Mr S Aldridge Mr A. Bonner Mrs G Benson Mr K Pincombe Mr Alan Fraser-Smith and Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)        

In attendance Cllr K Davies District Councillor

Apologies Cllr P Henderson County Councillor 

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

The meeting was a hybrid meeting in the Parish Hall with a zoom connection.

1.Minutes 

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th October 2021 were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, no report at present.

            ii. The S106 Priorities list, this has been updated and circulated another addition will be gates for both ends of the Village Green.

            iii. The Wicksteed report has been received (it was noted it was a very long report with a lot of photos) nothing was reported as a high priority, but a few repairs need to be carried out, the seat near the Village Hall needs new slates, Cllr Bailey kindly agreed to carry out the work.

 

4. Chairman’s Report  

i. Helicopter Flying and Eaglescott. The Eaglescott Protest reported “Cllr Davies said he had spoken to Ken Miles at NDC and no communication had taken place recently.

ii. A letter has been sent to the Earl of Portsmouth still no response has been received.

 

5. Highways. Devon Highways Parish & Town Council Conference

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.                        

ii. The street lights have been affected by the recent storm; reports have been submitted.

iii. The drain discharging onto the pavement/highway from the old school, has had the case reopened so we await further information.

A resident has cleared the overhanging trees from Portsmouth Arms sawmills to the layby on the road toward Burrington. Ash trees along the A377 have been identified as having to be removed, landowners have 3 months to comply with the requirement. It was highlighted that some hedges have not been cut, some for some years.

 

6. County and District Councillors items. Cllr Davies reported the NDC have purchased Green Lanes shopping centre for £8.2 million, this will bring in an income for the council, £1.5 million has been secured in grants from Central Government for the refurbishment of the town centre, pedestrianisation of Butchers Row. A Barnstaple shopping app is available “Live, Love, Local”, to encourage people to shop locally. 

Covid numbers are very high in the area, so everyone is encouraged to be covid aware. The question was asked of Cllr Davies why we could not go back to zoom meeting, if not all some to help the covid situation 

 

 

 

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and the carbon footprint to reduce travelling, the MP Selaine Saxby is to be written too.  Forthcoming meetings will be held in the main hall to give greater space.

Cllr Henderson reported SOCIAL CARE Devon County Council wants to help shape a stronger, more resilient, more rewarding social care sector, not just here, but right across the country. That’s the bold ambition and purpose of an Appreciative Inquiry – a conference that will bring together leading national and local figures with care workers and providers – to discuss adult social care, to be hosted by the council on Friday, (3rd December). 30,000 care workers in Devon who support vulnerable people and promote their independence on a daily basis. But also to raise awareness of the acute challenges now faced by the industry, and identify recommendations that will help secure and improve its future, and realise its full potential. Devon currently does not have enough care workers to meet demand, with 2,000 social care job vacancies currently waiting to be filled. WINTER GRITTING The County Council is starting the season with its gritting depots fully stocked with the usual amount of around 24,000 tonnes of salt. Six gritters have been replaced with newer models to continue the ongoing upgrade of the authority’s winter fleet of 37 frontline gritters. To ensure resilience of staffing numbers, three gritter drivers per route will be on standby as per usual. The County Council launched its new Network Operations Control Centre in Sowton, Exeter, last year to improve the monitoring of Devon’s roads 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Last winter, around 18,000 tonnes of salt were used on Devon’s roads – treating more than 136,000 miles of the county - twice the amount used in each of the two previous winters. More than 3,500 grit bins are located across Devon to support community self-help on roads which are not on the gritting network. These supplies must only be used on the public highway. Empty grit bins can be reported via our “Report It” webpages so I ask each parish council to check their own grit bins and then request top up’s as necessary.

Devon’s volunteer snow warden scheme celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this year, and there are currently around 325 volunteer snow wardens in towns and parishes throughout Devon. Snow wardens provide additional support for their communities as part of the Council’s winter self-help scheme, treating their priority routes during spells of prolonged spells of severe weather. Find out more about Devon’s snow warden scheme on the DCC communities webpages or contact Richard Sables, your local Neighbourhood Highway Officer. MEAL VOUCHERS FOR CHRISTMAS Families in Devon on low incomes, whose children receive free school meals, will get extra support this Christmas to help them buy food during the holidays.

Over the past year DCC have provided supermarket vouchers worth £15 per child per week of the school holidays to families who qualify for free school meals, so their children don’t go hungry. DCC are doubling that for Christmas, with an extra one-off £30 supermarket voucher, so families will receive a £60 voucher per child for the two-weeks to help with the additional financial pressure the festive period can bring. 2022 BUDGET Budget planning for 2022 is now well underway. DCC won’t find out until January the figure which will be provided by central government but we are preparing ourselves for a very challenging year ahead during which it’s likely that finances will be extremely tight with little/no spare cash available. The primary pressure facing DCC relate to the ever-increasing cost of social care which as detailed above is facing significant pressures relating to recruitment. CLIMATE CHANGE Devon Climate Emergency - A consortium of the local authorities involved in the Devon Climate Emergency partnership were successful in their funding bid to the South West Energy Hub to deliver nine events across Devon during the COP26 fortnight (which was the first two weeks of November 2021). A total of £18,360 was awarded and was matched by £28,000 of funding from the local authorities Most of the events were community led in partnership with local authorities. Feedback was that these were very well received. DCC Carbon Offsetting – In order to achieve its net zero carbon target by 2030, DCC has committed to carbon offsetting for its residual emissions. The approach agreed through the DCC Carbon Reduction Plan was a ramped approach to this carbon offsetting, to cover 5% of residual emissions in Year 1 (19/20) of the Plan, rising up to 100% by 2030. Initially this was planned to be achieved through the purchase of Woodland Carbon Credits; but by Year 3 (21/22) it was proposed to use land purchase and woodland creation as the offsetting mechanism (i.e. multiple environmental / economic benefits, with DCC investing in an asset). In 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                        714

practice, both the purchase of Woodland Carbon Credits and the acquisition of land for woodland establishment have proved to be far more problematic (and expensive) than originally anticipated. Despite this, we achieved our first success in land acquisition recently through the purchase of 28 acres between Okehampton and Exbourne. Retrofitting DCC Estate - Recently approved at cabinet a £3.3 million scheme that will cut carbon emissions and reduce energy use on our buildings in Exeter, Barnstaple, Tavistock and Honiton. Insulation will be improved and solar panels and air source heat pumps will be installed along with mechanical ventilation that recovers heat and LED lighting. COVID Confirmed cases continue to rise in Devon with the main risings in North Devon and Torridge. The highest figures remain with the 10-16 age group with young people, largely asymptomatic, passing on to parents/carers with the 40- 50 age group the second highest. Hospital admissions also rising albeit at a much lower rate of rise – even so, presently there are 168 patients in our four hospitals with Covid, up from 111 early November. Deaths remain relatively low and flatlining over the past few weeks now. Vaccinations – 94% of Devon’s population have had at least one dose. Booster or 3rd dose – • age 80+ - 81% jabbed • 75-79 – 88% • 70-74 – 71% • 65-69 – 50% • 60-64 – 31% • 55-59 – 25% • 50-55 – 21% HOUSEHOLD SUPPORT FUND Allocated from the Department for Work and Pensions to each upper tier local authority in England. The notional fund for the DCC administrative area equates to £5,064,876. The fund is for households facing financial hardship this winter, helping them to cover the cost of food, energy and water bills and/or any related essential costs. At least 50% of the fund must be used to support households with children. The fund is being allocated across the county through various gateways such as (not exclusively) CAB – Energy Relief Scheme; Devon Food Network; Early Help Locality Teams: Action for Children Centres; Healthy Start Food Boxes and Homeless Support Groups, with £880,000 going to District Councils to provide help and support to those who are struggling financially.

 

7. Finance,                                                                                                                                                                

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                               

1482	Wicksteed	£72.00
1483	Clerk’s salary	£450.00
1484	Tozers	£5.40
1485	KJR	£207.60
1486	Nisbets	£350.36
Transfer	MUGA account	£250.00

i.               Grass cutting tenders, two quotes were received after consideration it was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Bailey to accept Mr M Bakers tender, and Mr Elworthy’s tender for cutting the hedges, all in favour.

ii.              Set the precept, after discussion and consideration it was proposed by Cllr Aldridge seconded by Cllr Smale to keep the precept unchanged at £10,000, all in favour.

iii.             The Millenium Copse trees need thinning out due to some have Ash die back, Cllr Short has accessed, and obtained a quote for cutting and clearing the wood where required, the quote was for £400 it was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Fraser-Smith to accept the quote all in favour. 

                                                                                                                                    

64051	Outline application for erection of 16 dwellings (all matters reserved) (amended site area & scheme) at Cross Farm    Burrington		Further information has been posted on the NDC Planning portal.
73684	Conversion of agricultural building to form a dwelling and associated works The Marshes Road from Mill Moor Cross to Newnham Cross Burrington	Pending
73824	Conversion of agricultural barn to dwelling at    Curzeland Farm Burrington	Pending                                                                                     715
74353	Erection of an Ancillary Unit to Dwelling, Northcote Workshop
73965	Change of use of from agricultural land to extension to domestic curtilages at Bedport Poultry Farm Burrington	No objections
74299	Prior approval for conversion of agricultural building into a dwelling house (Class Q (A&B)) at Golland Farm Burrington	No objections
74093	Erection of new building to accommodate four luxury suites a Northcote Manor	No objections
74436	Single storey ground floor side extension together with small side entrance porch to improve accessibility, Lower Twitchen	Cllr Short and Cllr Davies both declared prejudicial interest and left the room. It was agreed by all to recommend approval.

 

                                                                                                                                                                        

9. Parish Hall report. An actual face to face meeting is scheduled to take place. 

 

10. Bethesda Graveyard Trust, no report

 

11. Correspondence i). DALC Newsletters have been circulated.

A letter has been received from South Molton Community News to assess the requirement of hard copies of there newsletter, the reply is to be sent that some copies are taken from the shop but not all. 

The Barnstaple Records Office have asked the Parish Council to give them a grant, Cllr Davies has asked the Office for a breakdown of how they receive their finances, it was agreed not to financially assist at this time.

Queens Jubilee celebrations were discussed, it was suggested to ask the hall committee to organise an event, it was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Bailey to grant £300 towards the celebrations all in favour. Cllr Davis will also be asked.

A speaker from Airband attended a Parish Council meeting in the spring with a commitment for greater broadband speed as yet no progress seems to have been made in the parish, an email is to be sent. 

.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 18^th January, 2022 7.30pm

 

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 22^nd February 2022 7.30pm. Parish Council meeting.

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Meeting held on the 26^th October 2021

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman), Mr P Bailey Mr S Aldridge Mr A. Bonner Mrs G Benson Mr K Pincombe Mr Alan Fraser-Smith and Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)        

In attendance 

Apologies Cllr P Henderson County Councillor Cllr K Davies District Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

The meeting was a hybrid meeting in the Parish Hall with a zoom connection.

1.Minutes 

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 28^th September 2021 were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, no report at present.

            ii. The S106 Priorities list, this was discussed and will be updated to include the purchase of the filed the priority is now what the Parish Council intend to do with it, suggestions are a fenced dog walking area, to improve the public access to a green space in the centre of the village, possibly electric car charging terminals and other ways to benefit the community with this asset. 

To try to tarmac the Square in partnership with highways, other updates will be made and returned to NDC. 

 

4. Chairman’s Report  

i. Helicopter Flying and Eaglescott. The Eaglescott Protest reported “As most of you will be aware there has been a great deal of publicity of late with articles in the Times newspaper, Devon Live and BBC Spotlight.
At the same time, Chris Hoole has been negotiating with NDDC about how to resolve the outstanding issues. There has been a great deal more contact than usual (by phone and by email) and a meeting has now been agreed between Mr Hoole, the head of Enforcement, a senior planning officer and the legal representative who wrote the legal opinion on behalf of NDDC. The meeting has been arranged for the morning of 11th November.”

ii. A letter has been sent to the Earl of Portsmouth still no response has been received.

 

5. Highways. Devon Highways Parish & Town Council Conference

This event is taking place on 24th & 25th November virtually. Parish Clerks have been given details of how Councillors can attend as well as the agenda for each day.

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.                        

 

6. County and District Councillors items. Cllr Henderson reported Education Funding

Councillor James McInnes, who chairs the national campaign for fair education funding, has written to the new Education Secretary Nadhim Sahawi urging him to fight for greater investment in schools in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                        710

And Mr McInnes has also written to the Prime Minister calling on him and Mr Sahawi to resolve long-standing issues over funding for the nation’s most vulnerable children with special educational needs.

It comes as new figures show every pupil in a Devon school gets £223 less in government funding than the national average. Devon currently receives £5,145 per pupil compared to the England average of £5,368. For a number of years education funding has not kept pace with inflation, while the demands on schools and teachers have grown rapidly. In real terms, school funding is at 2010 levels. Education requires a substantial uplift to ensure schools are able to provide quality teaching for all.

20MPH Limits At long last the consultation has started in Newton Abbott which will determine the potential roll-out of 20mph schemes across the rest of Devon for those communities that would benefit.

Newton Abbot residents, businesses, commuters, and visitors are being asked to give their views on a 20miles-per-hour speed limit. The Newton Abbot 20 informal consultation has been created by a partnership of Newton Abbot Town Council, Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council and will be launched on Monday October 25 and will run until Thursday November 25.

Proud to Care Devon urgently needs around an additional 2,000 care workers so a campaign to help recruitment into the sector is to take place over the autumn/winter. The Find Your Calling campaign is encouraging those who may be looking for work or training opportunities to consider beginning a career in the Care sector. More info is available at: www.proudtocaredevon.org.uk

Cllr Bailey did comment that the Chulmleigh First Responder vehicle is still not in use Cllr Henderson is to be asked for an update. 

Cllr Davies kindly agreed to grant the Parish Council £150 towards the night landing site cost but as that is now a retrospective cost it cannot be claimed, but is still available to the Parish Council for another project the suggestion was a dog bin which will be needed when the dog walking area project is undertaken. 

No report was given on the Parish Forum meeting.

 

7. Finance,                                                                                                                                                                

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                               

1476	Nisbetts	£272.00
1477	AUK Supplies	£81.23
1478	NDC Dog bins	£78.00
1479	Mr M Baker playing field	£525.00
1479	Mr M Baker Village Green and seats	£624.00
1480	Burrington Parish Hall	£
1481	Mr R Elworthy hedge cutting	£80.00

i.               The house at the end of the MUGA has cut some trees down and the wire is not sufficient to keep the footballs out, so repairs or new netting is required. 

ii.              The Millenium Copse trees need thinning out some have Ash die back, Cllr Short is to access, it was also highlighted that the Oak tree by the play equipment needs attention and some of the lower branches removed, this will be looked at.  

8. Planning                                                                                                                                        

64051	Outline application for erection of 16 dwellings (all matters reserved) (amended site area & scheme) at Cross Farm    Burrington	Further information has been posted on the NDC Planning portal.
73767	Conversion of redundant rural building to dwelling and associated works at Bouchland Farm Burrington		Passed
73684	Conversion of agricultural building to form a dwelling and associated works The Marshes Road from Mill Moor Cross to Newnham Cross Burrington		Pending
73824	Conversion of agricultural barn to dwelling at Curzeland Farm Burrington		Pending

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                  

 

711

                                                                                                                                                                        

9. Parish Hall report. Some of the emergency lights have been tested and need to be replaced.

 

10. Bethesda Graveyard Trust, no report

 

11. Correspondence i). DALC Newsletters have been circulated. The DALC Annual meeting is to be held on the 5^th 6^th and 7^th October via zoom.

An email has been circulated regarding Mental Health services in North Devon this was discussed more information is needed to assess the impact on residents of Burrington and to make a response.

A letter has been received from South Molton Community News to assess the requirement of hard copies of there newsletter, the shop is to be asked the extent of interest in the newsletter, also an invitation has been extended to the Community News Christmas Party on the 9th December.

The Barnstaple Records Office have asked the Parish Council to give them a grant, Cllr Davies is to be asked how the Office is funded at present before a decision is made.

Street light timings were also discussed an assessment is to be made after the clocks change next weekend. 

.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 30^th November, 2021 7.30pm

Budge meeting.

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 18^th January 2022 7.30pm. Parish Council meeting to be agreed.

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Meeting held on the 28^th September 2021

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman), Mr P Bailey Mr S Aldridge Mr A. Bonner Mrs G Benson Mr Alan Fraser-Smith and Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)         

In attendance Cllr K Davies District Councillor

Apologies Mr K Pincombe Cllr P Henderson County Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

The meeting was a hybrid meeting in the Parish Hall with a zoom connection.

1.Minutes 

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 31^st August 2021 were agreed and signed.                                          

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, the night landing site mast has been installed the angle of the light needs to be altered.

Following a one-off grant of £1million awarded by the UK Treasury from the Libor banking fines fund, Devon Air Ambulance can provide grants to communities towards the costs of establishing Community Landing Sites. This fund means DAAT can provide strategic financial support to communities to develop an operationally effective network of night landing sites. Devon Air Ambulance Air Operations and Safety Committee is delighted to be able to support the development of a night landing site at Burrington Playing Field and have agreed to award your community a grant of £4,954.40 towards the associated installation costs. This will be applied for. 

ii. CLT, the money is to allocated to the night landing site. 

The cost of the project is £8000 for the cost of the field, solicitor’s fees £4344, installation £9414 both including VAT.

Grants received DAAT £4954, Norman Trust £1000, Cllr Edgell £1200, to be claimed off Cllr Davies £250, a further £150 has been offered from Cllr Davies for which he was thanked. The deficit is £280, the shop has kindly agreed to cover this for which they were thanked.

Cllr Short and Cllr Bailey have drawn up a map of suggestions for the use of the field, a potential dog walking area has been identified, the fences will have to erected and the entrances agreed, dog walkers will not be allowed on the NLS, as requested by the helicopter ambulance crew. More litter bins and dog bins are to be suggested for the field. This will be all be discussed and agreed at future meetings.  

 

4. Chairman’s Report  

i. Helicopter Flying and Eaglescott. The Eaglescott Protest have secured legal advice concluding in a letter sent to NDC Planning, NDC have responded with the legal interpretation in a comprehensive letter to the protest group, a further letter is awaited by the 9^th October with the conclusion of any enforcement action to be taken.

ii. A letter has been sent to the Earl of Portsmouth regarding the proceeds from the sale of the school asking if some of the proceeds could be channelled into parish projects still no response has been received. 

 

                                                                                                                                                            

 

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5. Highways. 

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.                        

6. County and District Councillors items. 

Cllr Davies reported that Arts Council England, have designated North Devon as a focus development area, to highlight the cultural and creative potential, this area is one of 11 in the South West.

NDC is working with the government to resettle two Afghan families, the government is covering the cost.

Consultants have been appointed to be the trustees of the £10.9 million grant funding for the reinvigoration of the Pannier Market, pedestrianisation of Butchers Row and other projects for the enhancement of Barnstaple Town Centre. Cllr Davies said he has another £150 that can be claimed for which he was thanked it will be put towards the cost of the Night landing site. 

7. Finance,                                                                                                                                                                

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                               

1472	Clerk’s salary	£288.60
1473	Office expenses	£22.91
1474	Tozers	£810.80
1475	MAT Electrics	£9414.85

i.               .

8. Planning                                                                                                                                        

64051	Outline application for erection of 16 dwellings (all matters reserved) (amended site area & scheme) at Cross Farm    Burrington
72741	Extension to clubhouse (to provide covid secure space), Eaglescott Airfield		This application has not been validated.
73767	Conversion of redundant rural building to dwelling and associated works at Bouchland Farm Burrington
73684	Conversion of agricultural building to form a dwelling and associated works The Marshes Road from Mill Moor Cross to Newnham Cross Burrington	Alterations have been made to this application, but as to what alterations are not clear on viewing the application, it was suggested alterations should be highlighted for easy of viewing.
73812	Prior approval for change of use of agricultural building to two dwelling houses (Class Q(a)(b)) at Barn at Week Cottage High Bickington		Passed
73824	Conversion of agricultural barn to dwelling at Curzeland Farm Burrington		No objections

i.               It was highlighted that with the potential development at Cross Park the S106 Expression of Interest form needs to be updated, especially now the field has been purchased and ideas for projects on the field being considered.

ii.              Cllr Short has had a response from Jamies Jeyes Service Lead - Housing Market Balance NDC regarding the S106 money from the Bridge Farm development which the Parish Council was unaware off until quite recently it read:

Due to the small amount of money that is available via the Bridge Farm planning application (£11,875 total) it's going to be difficult to use the monies for affordable housing without some other form of grant. Commuted sums would need to be used for new supply so it couldn't be used as part of the planning or feasibility work in my view, it would need to be used as part of the monies to fund the build and I'm just very aware of the deadline of 2025. The scope of this money is very narrow, only Affordable Housing so the Parish Council are having 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                  708

difficulty knowing how to apply for it. The S106 criteria for the Cross Farm development was discussed as to how any S106 will be allocated.

Cllr Davies is to write to Jean Watkins Senior Planning Officer asking if the Parish Council can have any input as to the most advantageous way of using any money for the local community.

                                                                                                                                                                        

9. Parish Hall report. The Parish Hall is now open. 

10. Bethesda Graveyard Trust, no report

 

11. Correspondence i). DALC Newsletters have been circulated. The DALC Annual meeting is to be held on the 5^th 6^th and 7^th October via zoom.

ii. A flag pole has been offered to the Parish Council after discussion it was agreed not to accept the offer as no site was suggested.

It was noted that the odour in the village has returned a request for a contact number has been made. 

It was reported that a pipe from the school was discharging waste water onto the highway near the bus shelter, the water it seems was coming from roof water, a response has been received from NDC saying they will investigate.

The Queens Jubilee in June 2022 was discussed as to what celebrations the parish will undertake, the lighting of the Beacon will definitely be undertaken, other suggestions of commemorative mugs or coins, a picnic in the park, or cream tea where made.

The Who’s who is to be updated. The bus shelter needs cleaning.

 

.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 26^th October, 2021 7.30pm

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 30^th November 2021 7.30pm. Parish Council meeting

Budget meeting

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Meeting held on the 31^st August 2021

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman), Mr P Bailey Mr S Aldridge Mr A. Bonner Mrs G Benson Mr K Pincombe Mr Alan Fraser-Smith and Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)        

In attendance Cllr P Henderson County Councillor Cllr K Davies District Councillor

Apologies

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

 

The meeting was a hybrid meeting in the Parish Hall with a zoom connection.

1.Minutes 

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th July2021 were agreed and signed.                                          With the amendment that the Chulmleigh First Responder ambulance was discussed at the July meeting, it is as present not operating due to difficulties with the Ambulance Service, Cllr Henderson was asked to look into this issue. 

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, the contract has been exchanged so the field in now the property of Burrington Parish Council. The next step is to discuss what to do with the field now. MAT electrics have been contacted regarding the laying of the electricity connection from the hall under the road for the night landing site mast this will take place on the 13^th and 14^th September.

It was suggested to have a dog walking fenced area the cost of this project will be the fencing, it has been asked if children can play on the field, this was agreed by all for children to use the area. It was suggested to make the entrance wider and to have a hard area, the suggestion was ashes from the furnace at Aylescott or road plainings which are £30 per ton, Cllr Henderson suggested to ask for these from the Link Road regeneration work. It was also suggested to have a pedestrian access by the bungalows at Pound Close to take down a section of the fence. The hall over flow car park was also highlighted it could be used on the grass as it is at present. An electricity car charging point on the field was suggested this may qualify for environmental grants also there is S106 money in the region of £13,000 that has not been claimed from development at Bridge Farm but the stipulation for this is very narrow only being for affordable housing, the question was raised could the infrastructure be installed for the affordable housing development that is planned in the future, this is to be looked into, the grant has to be claimed by 2025. An outline application could be submitted for affordable housing.

ii. CLT, the money is 99% certain to be able to allocated to the night landing site. 

 

4. Chairman’s Report  

i. Helicopter Flying and Eaglescott. The Eaglescott Protest have secured legal advice concluding in a letter sent to NDC Enforcement, a response is awaited. 

ii. A letter has been sent to the Earl of Portsmouth regarding the proceeds from the sale of the school asking if some of the proceeds could be channelled into parish projects as yet no response has been received. 

 

                                                                                                                                                            

 

                                                                                                                                                                        704

5. Highways. 

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.                        

Clearing trees along the A377 is being undertaken due to Ash dieback, repairs to the road surface has taken place from Kingford towards Umberleigh but this is not the completed job. The subsidence repairs at the bottom of Kingford Hill are underway. The undermining of the road towards Umberleigh has been assessed and photographically recorded. Cllr Pincombe asked Cllr Henderson regarding the cutting of hedges he reported that highways are going to take back this work, County Councillors are having a meeting with John Hart to voice concerns. Cllr Henderson is to ask at the next Scrutiny committee how contracts for highways works are awarded, as this is not clear and the system needs to be reviewed, Ms Meg Booth the Senior Officer will attend as at present the process does not seem fit for purpose.  

6. County and District Councillors items. Cllr Henderson gave an update on the Coronavirus situation in the area. Cllr Henderson asked if it would be useful if a mobile testing van visited the village, it was agreed to attend once to see the uptake to ascertain if further visits were required, it was suggested to site the van in the Square. A report on the impact on the economy was given. Children’s services had a bad OFSTED report so a new management team have been brought in to act on the report and improve the deliverance.

Regarding the Chulmleigh Responder service they are still waiting for the Ambulance Service to respond, Cllr Henderson is to make further enquires. 

Cllr Davies also gave a report including that all councillors have received an invite to the Parish Forum on the 14^th October it is via zoom, this will cover many topics including, the review of litter bins and dog waste bins, housing, the restructuring of NDC etc.  

7. Finance,                                                                                                                                                                

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                               

1463	Aylescott postage	£25.38
1464	Clerk’s salary	£450.00
1465	J Pickard printing	£30.00
1466	Burrington church buildings Trust	£300.00
1467	Bethesda Graveyard Trust	£100.00
1468	Old Gospel Hall	£50.00
1469	Bethesda rent for MUGA	£350.00
1470	Burrington PCC electricity	£60.00
1471	NDC dog waste	£150.00

i.               .

8. Planning                                                                                                                                        

64051	Outline application for erection of 16 dwellings (all matters reserved) (amended site area & scheme) at Cross Farm    Burrington		This application has been called to committee as highways and drainage have been asked for additional information which has not been received as yet.
73516	Change of use of part of the field from agricultural to equestrian for grazing horses together with erection of a stable block at Land at Meadow View Farm Road from Portsmouth Arms Hotel to Northcote Cross Burrington				Passed
72741	Extension to clubhouse (to provide covid secure space), Eaglescott Airfield	No longer on the NDC planning portal as the information under this number was incorrect, but a response ( if still live) was agreed for the amended larger size of the extension it was proposed by Cllr Pincombe seconded by Cllr Fraser Smith to recommend refusal on the grounds of no need demonstrated and lack of clarification, all in favour.
73767	Conversion of redundant rural building to dwelling and associated works at Bouchland Farm Burrington
73684	Conversion of agricultural building to form a dwelling and associated works The Marshes Road from Mill Moor Cross to Newnham Cross Burrington			No objections
73812	Prior approval for change of use of agricultural building to two dwelling houses (Class Q(a)(b)) at Barn at Week Cottage High Bickington

 

                                                                                                                                                                        705

9. Parish Hall report. The Parish Hall is now open. 

10. Bethesda Graveyard Trust, no report

 

11. Correspondence i). DALC Newsletters have been circulated.

It was noted that a pipe from the school was discharging waste water onto the highway near the bus shelter, the water it seems was coming from roof water, Cllr Short will discuss this with the owners. Likewise, the hedge between the school property and the public footpath is not defined also to be discussed. 

It was highlighted the excessive number of lights that have been installed to illuminate Portsmouth Arms Train station.

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 28^th September, 2021 7.30pm  

 

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 26^th October 2021 7.30pm. Parish Council meeting

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Meeting held on the 28^th July  2021

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman), Mr P Bailey Mr S Aldridge Mr A. Bonner Mr Alan Fraser-Smith and Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)  

In attendance Cllr P Henderson County Councillor plus four members of the public

Apologies Mrs G Benson Mr K Pincombe Cllr K Davies District Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

It was raised from the floor points regarding the Cross Park planning for 16 dwellings, the site is in the Local Plan and affordable housing has been provided, the access was determined from the original plan as it was not a suitable access from the farm side, but the proposed access may cause a pinch point with only a 6-metre gap, highways will be consulted on ways to slow the traffic, the boundary at the access point was discussed.  

The drainage of foul water and storm water were highlighted as a point of concern, professional advise was sought to calculate the run off and quality management of the drainage water. The proposed system of Clijsters is a technical solution to the disposal of foul water as connecting to the mains sewage would cost £260,000. The depth of the ditch for the soak away and the calculation of the volume of water have yet to be agreed, ND planning will it is anticipated contact the Environment Agency and DCC Flood team to look at the technical aspects to ensure no flooding ever occurs as a consequence.

Sumps and the levels of these were discussed, the capacity of the pipes and ditches along with the possibility of storm water were also discussed

There will be a communal maintenance agreement for grounds works etc, the 4 affordable houses will be managed by a housing association. 

Members of the public were thanked for attending. 

 

The meeting was a hybrid meeting in the Parish Hall with a zoom connection.

1.Minutes 

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th May 2021 were agreed and signed.

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, the contract has been witnessed and signed by Cllr Short and returned to the solicitors. The next step is to contact MAT Electricals to obtained a revised quote for the Night landing site mast.

ii. CLT, it is hoped to utilise the money for the costs associated with the night landing site mast, Cllr Henderson kindly said he would grant some money to the project. 

v. Airband Liaison meeting, a response was received asking if all houses would have a fibre connection from the email it was assumed all will not. 

 

4. Chairman’s Report  

i. Helicopter Flying and Eaglescott. A further meeting of the Eaglescott Protest group is to be held on Thursday; a representative will attend from the Parish Council. The hard runway was highlighted, the planning application for the extension it seems there are no reasons to object, but the reasons for requirement are questioned. 

 

                                                                                                                                                                        701

ii. Cars on the pavement outside of Southfield, these have been reported but to no avail.

 iii. Barnstaple Inn, an email was received to confirm that the Barnstaple Inn contracts have been exchanged and completion is Monday 23rd August. The new owners are very experienced in the trade, and hope to open as soon as possible, following some updates on the building. It is believed they want to offer food as well as drink.

 

5. Highways. 

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.                        

 

6. County and District Councillors items. Cllr Henderson reported that Ms Marie Bailey is making a real difference to the running of the council and Mr John Triggs has been appointed as Deputy Chief Executive another layer of management is to be introduced to help make the council run more efficiently.

The A377 is shut at the bottom of Kingford Hill, for subsidence repairs, Cllr Henderson has flagged that the pot holes could be filled at the same time as the road closure. The four conservative councillors have spoken to Cllr John Hart to ask him to help improve the roads in this area, one suggestion was to have the return of the Parish Lengthsman, or to give each Parish £20k per year to use contractors and or farmers to carry out the preventative and clearing work on the roads. Road Wardens were suggested to be implemented.

There are further grants schemes one from England Woodland Creation, Reconnect and rebuild this is up to £1k for small projects to help people to come out off the covid pandemic, Village Halls can apply, and the Community Ownership scheme for larger project to purchase an asset to put into community ownership. 

The mass cutting of trees along the highway was highlighted, these are mainly from Ash dieback, but some are being left if felt there will recover, sections of the Link Road have been left to protect the door mice, hedgehogs and slow worms but when they have migrated from the sites they will be cleared. 

7. Finance,                                                                                                                                                                

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                               

1461	West of England fire Protection
1462	Burrington Parish Hall	£17.20

i.               .

8. Planning                                                                                                                                        

64051	Outline application for erection of four dwellings (all matters reserved) (amended site area & scheme) at Cross Farm    Burrington	Cllr Waldridge and Cllr Bailey declared a prejudicial interest and left the room.  Comments put forward from the Parish Council were approving of the application subject to checks that the drain capacity being sufficient from all sources of waste water including storm water to ensure the area was never subject to flooding. The Parish Council would like assurance that the Environment Agency and the DCC Flood team approved a drainage scheme that alleviated the risk of any future problems regarding the dispersal of waste water.  The other comment was that assurance was needed that the entrance was wide enough to cope with the extra volume of traffic that would be created from this development. Proposed by Cllr Smale seconded by Cllr Aldridge, all in favour.
73516	Change of use of part of the field from agricultural to equestrian for grazing horses together with erection of a stable block at Land at Meadow View Farm Road from Portsmouth Arms Hotel to Northcote Cross Burrington
72741	Extension to clubhouse (to provide covid secure space), Eaglescott Airfield		The comments put forward from the Parish Council were that the reasoning behind the requirement for the extension is very tenuous, the club house has plenty of space with a seemingly low club membership.

 

                                                                                                                                                                        702

9. Parish Hall report. The Parish Hall is now open. It was discussed when the Parish council will move into the Committee room, it was felt September. 

10. Bethesda Graveyard Trust, no report

 

11. Correspondence i). DALC Newsletters have been circulated.

The proceeds from the sale of the school were discussed, the Earl of Portsmouth will be contacted again

 

The next Parish Council Meeting is to be held on Tuesday 31^st August, 2021 7.30pm  

 

 

…………………………Chairman …………………………Date

 

Date of forthcoming meeting:   Tuesday 28^th September 2021 7.30pm. Parish Council meeting

BURRINGTON PARISH COUNCIL

Parish Council Meeting held on the 26^th May 2021

 

Present Mr J Short (Chairman), Mr P Bailey Mr S Aldridge Mrs G Benson Mr A. Bonner Mr Alan Fraser-Smith Mr K Pincombe and Mr P Smale Mr J Wooldridge and Mrs A Snell (Clerk)        

In attendance Cllr P Henderson County Councillor 

Apologies Cllr K Davies District Councillor

 

Declaration of Interests – Councillors are invited to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests,

including the nature and extent of such interests they may have in any items to be 

considered at this meeting. They are also reminded to consider whether in the light of recent

activities any items within their Register of Interests should be updated.

 

Public Participation

The meeting was a hybrid meeting in the Parish Hall with a zoom connection.

1.Minutes 

i. The Minutes of the meeting held on 26^th May 2021 were agreed and signed.

 

2. Clerk’s report

            i. Update on the field, Sarah Bowker, Corporate Estates Manager has received acknowledgement from the Department for Education in response to DCC’s request to dispose of the playing field in accordance with class consent. This effectively allows DCC to dispose of the field to the Parish Council, which is good news.So, both sets of solicitors will be contacted. 

ii. CLT, the situation is still being considered.

iii. The Litter picker has resigned, after discussion it was suggested to ask parishioners to keep the area tidy, there are bins by the MUGA and at the end of the footpath which are regularly full, so a note is to be put on the parish email.

iv. Annual Report, this will be circulated to every household in the Parish, with inclusion from the hall, shop, chapel, church and a flyer regarding the Barnstaple Inn as a community asset.

The flyer regarding the Barnstaple Inn was put on the parish email 4 replies have been received, the level of interest will be gauged but one has come from the owner who is hopeful it has been sold to be used as a public house. 

v. Airband Liaison meeting, after discussion the question was raised will all connections be fibre, or what determines if the connection is cable or wireless? This will be asked. 

 

4. Chairman’s Report  

i. Helicopter Flying and Eaglescott. Cllr Short attended an open meeting in at Roborough, that around 30 people attended it was really a get together. Two days after our last meeting the helicopters did return. Eaglescott have been sent a letter as the first step of enforcement when a reply comes from this after the correct timescale the second step of enforcement can be undertaken. A reply from the first step is expected after the 1^st July. A new head of Planning at NDC has been appointed Ms Marie Bailey, it was felt a letter setting out the issues should be sent and this asked to be a priority.

ii. Cars on the pavement outside of Southfield, these have been reported more than once, it was felt the situation had improved. The trailer in the Chapel car park has had an official notice put on it.

 iii. Barnstaple Inn, covered under the Annual report.

5. Highways. 

i. The DCC website is devon.cc/report-it    Please keep reporting.                        

 

                                                                                                                                                                        699

ii. The A377, Cllr Henderson reported he has had a meeting with Richard Sables the Highway superintendent, the work is scheduled to be undertaken in 2022 it all comes down to funding. Cllr Henderson has spoken to other County Councillors who have similar situations. Cllr Henderson is attending a highway meeting next week. The state of the hedges along the road was also raised Cllr Pincombe will send photographic evidence to show the narrowing of the road, DCC contractors have cut hedges around corners and visibility splays. Highways are not interested in the access along the A377 going down to the marsh, they say it is a planning matter so a letter will be sent to NDC planning. 

It was also highlighted to Cllr Henderson the hedges along the B3226 towards South Molton. 

 

6. County and District Councillors items. The Fire co-responder in Chulmeigh was discussed, this is not being used due to a dispute with the Ambulance service, the project was paid for and run by the Community.

7. Finance,                                                                                                                                                                

Approve and sign the following cheques from main account: -                                               

1450	Ms G Boyd	£32.00
1457	DALC training	£108.00
1458	Clerks’ salary	£377.24
1459	Office expenses	51.95
1460	Burrington Parish Hall	£17.20

i.                  Agree and sign the Annual Governance Statement