Minutes of a meeting of the Town Council to consider planning applications and allied matters held in the Council Chamber, Windmill Lane, Northam on Wednesday 15th October 2003.
PRESENT: Chairman - Town Mayor - Cllr A Barnes
Members - Cllrs Mrs M M Cox, Mrs S A Mounce, J A Bell,
E J Davies, A Eastman, L Ford, K A Lane, Dr P Tamplin,
P Waters
together with 2 Parishioners
Apologies were recorded on behalf of Cllr A Eastwood OBE.
1. Minutes
The minutes of the meeting of the Town Council to consider planning applications and allied matters held 9th September 2003 were approved and signed.
2. Matters arising
(a) Min 3(b) – Heywood Road Roundabout – Cllr Mrs Mounce advised that it was the Rotary’s 100th Anniversary.
(b) Min 7 – Public Entertainment Licences - Members were advised that from June of next year all licences will be processed by the District Council. There was concern that Parish Councils would not be consulted. Cllrs Davies, Eastman and Ford were shortly to attend a seminar on the new proposals and they undertook to report back.
3. Planning applications
1729/03 Proposed erection of a conservatory - River View, Bidna Lane, Northam – RESOLVED – Recommend approval.
1767/03 Proposed conversion of existing redundant barn/stable to holiday home - Land opposite main dwelling, 6 Eastbourne Terrace, Westward Ho! –
RESOLVED – Recommend approval subject to traffic increase not causing a problem.
1768/03 Proposed dwelling in garden - land adjacent to West Wind, Hilltop Road, Raleigh – RESOLVED - Recommend approval. Council concerned that removal of trees not indicated and are of the view that applicants need to make more effort when making applications to identify trees and state the species involved
1771/03 Proposed re-location of 2 no detached double garages - Land adjacent to 85 Bay View Road (High Barn) – RESOLVED – Recommend approval.
1778/03 Proposed redevelopment 14 flats, restaurant/bar, retail unit and car park - Buccaneer site, Westward Ho! – RESOLVED - Recommend approval but prefer to see a lower building.
1800/03 Proposed outline application for 1 dwelling in garden - 1 Kimberley Terrace, Northam – RESOLVED – Recommend approval.
1805/03 Revised application - Proposed loft conversion to form additional bedroom and en-suite – 30 Meeting Street, Appledore – RESOLVED – Recommend approval.
1807/03 Proposed listed building application to change sash cord window in rear bedroom to French doors - Flat 6 Kipling Court, Atlantic Way, Westward Ho! – RESOLVED - Recommend approval subject to use of wooden frames for the doors and adequate safety provision.
1822/03 Proposed side extension garage with bedroom above - 3 Richmond Park, Northam – RESOLVED - There were no elevation drawings of the proposals. The Council requests these be provided and they need to show the adjoining property.
1854/03 Listed Building - Proposed rebuilding of 1 storey kitchen extension to
1859/03 rear of property - Captains Cottage, 20 Bude Street, Appledore – RESOLVED – Recommend approval
1858/03 Proposed pitch and putt short golf course - Pimpley Ground, Royal North Devon Golf Club – RESOLVED - Recommend approval.
Cllr Barnes and Cllr Tamplin declared a personal interest and did not take part in the debate or vote.
4. Sewerage at Westward Ho!
Members considered a letter from South West Water regarding discharges. It was RESOLVED to write back to the company asking them to clarify what are the required standards and to set out how many storm overflows exist and identify their locations. Details are also to be requested on how often the Rocks Nose and Goosey Pool overflows have been used. It was further RESOLVED to write to the Environment Agency requesting details of outfalls not under the control of South West Water which are still discharging to the estuary and sea.
5. Planning application – Topsails, The Quay, Appledore
Members considered a letter from the Principal Planning Officer in charge of development control in respect of this application which was considered by the District Council’s committee prior to the end of the consultation period. Members were concerned that this action put people off from objecting as the District Council would be seen not to have proper regard to the consultation process. It was RESOLVED to write again to the District Council advising them that in the view of the Town Council, and as a general principle, it is totally unsatisfactory to consider planning applications prior to the end of the consultation period. In this particular case, which was a controversial application where many people wished to express their views, the District Council’s action was most unfortunate. Further, the reliance on an Officer’s decision to decide whether objections received after the Committee’s consideration would necessitate a referral back was not considered adequate
6. Employment Law – One day seminar
It was RESOLVED to authorise the attendance of the Town Clerk at this seminar.
7. Justices’ Licences
New Justices’ Licence – Westward Ho! Village Stores, 23-25 Nelson Road, Westward Ho! – RESOLVED – No objection.
8. Matters brought forward at Chairman’s discretion
(a) Remembrance Day Parade – Concern was expressed that the Irsha Street route may not be available and it was RESOLVED to check with the Appledore Branch to find out what was planned.
(b) Cllr Bell reported on the Taw/Torridge Estuary Forum meeting and advised on the difficulties in getting the jet ski and power boat problems resolved. The Town Clerk advised that he had some correspondence on this matter and this would be on the agenda for the Council meeting at the end of October.
(c) Cllr Lane reported that he had complaints from a resident in Bay View Road regarding removal of the dog bin which had been situated near the reservoir. Various Members expressed concern that the bins were not being emptied often enough. It was RESOLVED to write to the District Council requesting that a bin be provided in Bay View Road situated on the Cornborough side of the reservoir and requesting details of how often the contractor was obliged to empty the bins.