Minutes of a meeting of the Town Council to consider planning applications and allied matters held in the Council Chamber, Windmill Lane, Northam on Tuesday 10^th June 2003.

PRESENT:     Chairman   -     Town Mayor - Cllr A Barnes

Members - Cllrs Mrs M M Cox, Mrs S A Mounce,

J A Bell, R D Bradford MBE, E J Davies, A Eastman,

A Eastwood OBE, L Ford, P Tamplin, P Waters,

T J Williams

                                                together with 1 Parishioner

1.         Minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Town Council to consider planning applications and allied matters held 14^th May 2003 were approved and signed.

2.         Planning applications

            0863/03           Proposed Front garden to become access and driveway. Hilltop,

Sandymere Road, Northam – RESOLVED - Recommend Refusal – This property is situated near a poor junction with inadequate visibility.  The proposal would add to the dangers, particularly children going to both schools.  The Council RESOLVED to write to the Highway Authority asking them to investigate this area with a view to solving the problems.

            0864/03           Proposed extension and conversion of part of existing

garage to provide conservatory, 36 Dudley Way, Cornborough Road –

                                    RESOLVED – Recommend approval.

            0879/03           Proposed Extension to existing dwelling to provide first

floor lounge, 2 ground floor bedrooms and double garage, Kennett, Venton Drive, Westward Ho! -  RESOLVED  - Recommend Refusal – Council is in agreement with the reasons for refusal given last year by the District Council for planning application number 1674/02.

            0883/03           Proposed bathroom extension and alterations. Northam Lodge,

Heywood Road, Northam – RESOLVED – Recommend approval.

            0906/03           Plot 50 J H Taylor Drive, Northam – Double Garage – RESOLVED -

                                    Recommend approval.

            0914/03           Proposed remove and replace existing conservatory - 43 Irsha Street,

Appledore – RESOLVED - Recommend approval if the conservatory is the same size.

            0916/03           Proposed re-roof half existing lean-to with flat roof terrace and

remaining slope with slates The Mews Studio, 3A Fore Street, Northam – RESOLVED - Recommend approval subject to there being no overlooking.

            0918/03           Proposed erection of conservatory. 2 Admirals Court, Northam –

                                    RESOLVED – Recommend approval.

            0923/03           Proposed extension to dwelling to provide new lounge and

extended garage/workshop, en-suite bathroom and w.c. 27 College Close, Westward Ho! – RESOLVED – Recommend approval.

0925/03           Proposed alterations and extension and incorporating 2 no additional

self-contained flats. Mrs Bees Amusements and Fairway Public House, Westward Ho! – RESOLVED - Recommend approval.  The Council sees this as a great improvement.

0928/03           Proposed erection of a dwelling. Land at Raleigh Hill – RESOLVED – Recommend approval.

0929/03           Proposed building plot for 1 bungalow and garage. Greenbanks, 21

Chanters Road – RESOLVED – Recommend approval.

3.         Matters brought forward at Chairman’s discretion

(a) Cllr Tamplin reported that the footway between Atlantic Way and Kingsley Road, known as May Hilder Way had become dangerous due to the mulch from the shrub beds being blown and washed onto the surface.  This had resulted in a number of people falling down.  It was RESOLVED to write to the District and County Councils advising them of this problem and requesting urgent action to deal with it and maintain it in a safe condition.  It was also RESOLVED to ask the Councils to ensure that the dead shrubs were replaced. 

(b) Cllr Bell reported on a meeting that he and other Councillors had attended in connection with jet skis using the estuary.  It now appeared that the jet skiers were prepared to form themselves into a club, be licensed by the District Council and generally organise themselves in a proper manner.  This would then mean that the District Council would permit the launching of jet skis from Churchfields car park but only to those who were licensed to do so.  The result of the meeting was to the effect that the jet skiers would come back to the District Council with their proposals.  It was RESOLVED to advise the District Council that this Council welcomes the moves being made by the jet skiers and hopes that a satisfactory solution can be arrived at.  If jet skiers are to be allowed to launch in Churchfields car park it is essential that they are licensed by the District Council with the identity of the owner and the craft being easily accessible in Appledore at all reasonable times.  There should be no relaxation of the current situation for this year with the arrangements for next season depending on the proposed Club being formed and properly organised.  Any licensing should ensure that craft owners are fully insured for third party liability.

(c) The Town Mayor, Cllr Barnes, advised Members that he would like to make some efforts to resolve the Northam Community Centre problems.  In order to do this it was essential that everybody concerned was aware of the current situation and he proposed calling a meeting with the three trustees and others with an interest in the centre so that the matter could be progressed.  The Council RESOLVED to support the Town Mayor in this initiative.