MANATON PARISH COUNCIL

Meetings of Manaton Parish Council are held monthly, currently the second Monday of each month.  The Parish Council consists of 7 Councillors and the Parish Clerk.

The Clerk, Mrs Barbara Low, can be contacted on 01626 834057

Date of the Next Meeting

 Monday 8th January 2007 @ 7.30pm in the Parish Hall

Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting held on 13^th November 2006 in the Parish Hall

Present:         Councillors D Mason, D Webster, G Bartlett, D Beaumont, Ms J Kennedy, B Warne &

F Smith

                        District Councillor M Jeffery

                        15 members of the public were also present

Councillor Mason took the Chair

1.      Apologies for Absence

County Councillor Mrs S Morgan

2.      Minutes

It was proposed by Councillor Webster, seconded by Councillor Smith, that the minutes of the Parish Council meeting held on 9^th October 2006 be adopted.

3.      Planning Report

a.      Due to the number of members of the public at the meeting, Councillor Mason proposed that the matter of Planning Application 0773/06 re Swinedown be brought forward on the agenda to item 3.  Councillor Mason introduced members of the Council and reminded those present that the Parish Council is not in a position to pass or decline planning applications, merely to comment upon them.  The application at Swinedown has raised some concerns and Councillor Mason was in possession of 6 letters received to date, two supporting and four against the application.  Councillor Mason suggested that Mr Stacey be invited to make a brief comment, he would then invite questions from Councillors, read out some of the comments received, then open to the floor for comments, asking that all comments be made via the Chair.

b.      Mr Stacey read a statement explaining his position and the reasons for making his application for a further agricultural building on the land at Swinedown.

c.       Councillor Mason raised the following questions which had been received via correspondence:-

·         Was this application the first of several and was Mr Stacey intending to apply for temporary accommodation on the site?  Mr Stacey replied that he was looking for affordable housing in the area and that there may be future applications.

·         Was it true that Mr Stacey did not have enough stock to warrant more accommodation?  Mr Stacey replied that this was not true.

·         There was a concern that the water supply at Moorhayes could become contaminated.  Mr Stacey would take this concern into account.

·         There are concerns that there is an insufficient supply of services, there being currently no electricity or water.  Mr Stacey reported that Southern Power could bring electricity to the site  and a survey suggests there is water to tap into.

·         There are suggestions that the owners plan to enclose more verges around the property which are used by riders and walkers.  Mrs West replied that parts of the fencing may need replacing as it deteriorates, however they could not fence up to the road as the weight of cattle would bring down the bank.  Mrs West invited members of the community to talk directly to them with their concerns.

d.      Councillor Mason invited questions from members of the public present at the meeting:-

·         Mrs Walton pointed out that the new barn will be very near to Moorhayes, close to the road and there will be an increase of noise and smell.

·         Mrs Kapff raised the issue of unsightliness in an outstanding area of natural beauty which used to be common land and had been illegally fenced in.

·         Mrs Keene understood that an area on the opposite side of the road towards Jay’s Grave may also be fenced and queried whether bringing electricity to the site would necessitate further poles.  Mrs West replied that at most this would require two poles, but may be sited underground.

·         Mr White of Moorhayes had no objections to the noise of sheep and cows, however the only water supply at Moorhayes is a well and there would not be enough water for the amount of stock planned.

·         Mr Moore was concerned that if bore holes were drilled the well would dry up.

·         Mrs Webster felt that the farm would involve running an agricultural business which could lead to the necessity for further buildings and machinery.

e.      Councillor Mason thanked everyone for their comments, all members of the public then left the meeting.     

4.      Planning Report

a.      Planning Applications 0766/06 to 0770/06 Re Flats 1,2,3,6 & 7 Amber Tor.  Parish Council response to be no comment.

b.      Planning Application 0603/06 re Two Oaks and 0658/06 re Forestry Track have been granted, however Planning Application 0665/06 re Beckaford has been refused.

c.       Councillor Webster to write to Park again regarding the bunkhouse at Heath Cottage which should have been demolished.

d.      Planning Application 0773/06 re Swinedown.  Parish Council’s response will be to state that considerable concerns have been raised that this is the first of several applications at Swinedown which could eventually lead to gaining permanent residence.  There are also concerns regarding noise and smell together with the provision of water and potential for contamination and reduction of the neighbour’s water supply.

5.      Clerk’s Report

The Clerk had nothing to report.

6.      Other Reports

a.      Councillor Webster has emailed BT regarding the community computer.

7.      Orders for Payment

It was proposed by Councillor Beaumont, seconded by Councillor Bartlett, that the following payment be made:-

            Manaton Parish Hall (Hire of Hall for PC Meetings)                  £  74.00

            Moor Print (Messenger Printing – Paid 17/10/06)                    £140.00

8.      Correspondence

9.      Parish Plan

a.      Councillor Bartlett felt a Parish Plan is a valuable tool, however not necessarily for this parish.

b.      Councillor Mason will write an article in the next Messenger to gain level of interest, as a parish plan could be set up by non-councillors under the umbrella of the Parish Council.

10.  Forthcoming Parish Council Elections

a.      Councillor Mrs Kennedy stated that she would not be standing for re-election.

b.      Councillor Warne may not stand again, however he feels that agricultural representation should be made.

c.       There will be an article in the next Messenger outlining the involvement of Parish Councillors.

11.  Any Other Business

a.      Councillor Smith noted that the fireworks evening has been a great success.

b.      Councillor Smith felt residents should have been advised that Western Power were carrying out works near Oakwood.  Clerk to contact Western Power.

c.       Councillor Smith noted further instances of unlicensed cars and ‘boy racers’ in the village.  Clerk to write once again to the Police asking for a representative to attend the next Parish Council meeting.

12.  Date of Next Meeting

Monday 4^th December 2006 at 7.30pm.